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delicateflowerss · 1 year

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Scary Love (Tyler Galpin x Reader)

Tyler Galpin is a nice guy, always remembering your coffee order, and making sure to ask how your day is. So, when he asks you out, you don't have a reason to say no. Right?

Warnings: 18+, DUB-CON, slight violence, mentions of murder, blood, manipulation, obsession, pain kink, blood kink, dacryphilia

Word Count: 4.5k

Another person dead.

A bear attack, or that’s what they’re calling it.

It’s hard to fathom a bear did that, tore that man from limb to limb. But you’re not one to look under your bed for monsters before you go to sleep.

So, if the police are saying a bear did it, you have no reason to doubt them.

Even if it leaves a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach.

At least no one else is that worried, the people of Jericho going about their everyday lives like people aren’t being slaughtered in the woods.

You tuck your hands in the pockets of your jacket, shielding them from the cold weather.

You set your eyes on the building in front of you, stepping into much warmer air. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills your nose, and a slight smile forms on your lips.

The Weathervane is your sacred place. Any worries instantly leave your mind when you walk through those doors. You can just sit in your favorite booth, sip on something hot, and not have to think about anything that is bothering you outside these walls.

“The usual?”

You’re met with a familiar voice. The same pair of bright eyes peeking under brown curls that you see almost every day.

“Yeah. Thanks, Tyler.”

You flash him an appreciative smile as he starts making your latte.

You can’t say you know Tyler Galpin that well. You went to school with him, always knew of him, but never really ran in the same circles. It wasn’t until he started working at the Weathervane that you two really spoke, usually just small talk. But it didn’t take long for him to start remembering your order.

“What are you up to today?” He asks as he sets down your cup on the counter.

A small sigh leaves your lips. “I wish I could hang around here today, but my mom really wants me to run some errands for her.”

“Bummer,” he says, laced with sarcasm. A smile traces his lips.

“I guess my life could be worse.” The smile on your face says you’re joking, but your voice is sucked dry of any humor.

He doesn’t seem to notice, and if he does, he pretends not to. You hand him the money for the drink, fingers brushing against his.

You don’t think too much of it, grabbing your cup. “Thanks again, Tyler.”

“See you later, Y/N,” he calls after you. You’re already walking out the door.

Cluelessly, you walk across the street, not noticing how he watches you through the window.

There’s an uneasiness that has settled over the town, even if no one wants to acknowledge it. Whispers are starting, quiet gossip wondering if it’s really a bear that’s responsible for these attacks. People want to point fingers, blaming Nevermore, the school for Outcasts that lies on the outskirts of town.

You’re not sure what to think, grouping yourself with the people who don’t want to speak or think about it at all.

So, you keep your eyes on the pages in front of you. The sun has gone down, the red neon sign in the window now illuminating the words you’ve been reading all afternoon.

You don’t realize how late it is, or how you’re the only person left at the Weathervane. Besides Tyler.

You don’t know it until a mug being set down in front of you makes your head snap up.

“Thought you might need a refill.” Tyler looks down at you and the empty cup on the table. “I made it decaf,” he adds.

Your hand inches towards your wallet.

“Don’t worry, it’s on the house,” he assures as he sits in the booth across from you.

You move your hand away, relaxing. “Giving me freebies now?” An amused smile on your lips. “Thanks.”

“Don’t get used to it.” The tone in his voice matching yours.

Your smile doesn’t leave your face even as you sip your latte.

“Is it good?” He asks, motioning in your direction.

“The coffee or the book?”

“The book.” Before you can respond, he continues, “I mean it must be, you haven’t been able to stop reading it since you got here.”

You laugh but end up narrowing your eyes at him. “Does that mean you’ve been watching me?” Humor still seeps into your words.

He blinks, sighing, almost taken aback.

“I guess you caught me.” He straightens back up, his eyes on you as a smirk slowly spreads across his face. “But how could I not?”

Now it’s your turn to be taken aback. Any hints of a joke, gone. Your smile falls a little, realization creeping in.

He notices, concern creasing his face. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No!” You’re quick to remedy the situation. “It just… caught me off guard,” you finish.

“That I like you?”

You don’t expect him to be so forward with you.

“We just don’t know each other that well.”

“That’s true,” he says, furrowing his brow like he’s deep in thought about something.

A few moments pass before he says anything else. “We could fix that.” He searches your face for any sign of hesitance. “You could go to the Harvest Festival with me tomorrow night?”

You inhale, looking over his face, finding how hopeful he is. There’s nothing wrong with Tyler. There’s no reason for you not to go out with him. He’s attractive, nice, and now gives you free coffee. You’re just surprised that he likes you.

“Okay.”

You see him relax, like he just let out the breath he was holding. A grin is back on his face.

“Great. Pick you up at eight.”

You smooth out the wrinkles in your shirt, pulling a jacket over it. You’ve been thinking about your date with Tyler all day, nervously waiting for it. You check the time, noting that he’ll be here any minute.

You head downstairs, finding your mom on the couch, watching some stupid reality TV show.

“I didn’t know you were going out.” Her voice rings out over the TV.

“I thought I told you I was going to the Harvest Festival.”

She turns down the volume, her attention more focused on you now.

“You’re going alone? Are you sure that’s a good idea? With everything that’s been happening-.”

“I’m not going alone,” you cut off her rambling. You continue at the sign of confusion on her face, “I’m going with Tyler, he’ll be here soon.”

“The sheriff’s son?”

You nod yes.

You can see her visibly relax. The worry being replaced with joy.

“Oh, that’s great, honey.”

The doorbell ringing saves you from anymore explanations.

“That’s him. Bye mom!” You call out, opening the door to your date.

“Have fun!” You hear before shutting the door, stepping outside to greet Tyler.

You don’t think you’re ready for any awkward introductions just yet.

The air around you is buzzing with excitement. People around you jump from ride to ride, from food stands to carnival games.

You didn’t expect Tyler to be such a gentleman. Out of all the dates you’ve been on, you’ve never had a guy open the car door for you, but Tyler did.

Once you two got to the festival, you’ve been on almost every ride. He made sure to buy you cotton candy, which you offered to pay for, but he insisted.

You two ended up playing some game where you try to pop balloons with a dart. Tyler was determined to win you a stuffed animal. After a few tries, he finally did. Or maybe the guy working the game just felt bad for him. You’re not exactly sure.

You cradle the teddy bear in your arms as you wait in line for the Ferris wheel. It’s been nice to get to know him more and for him to know more about you than just your coffee order.

Your eyes roam over him as he looks off into the trees ahead, where the festival stops, and the woods start. You wonder what he’s thinking about.

He must feel the weight of your stare because he catches your eye, face brightening. Your cheeks get warm at getting caught.

“Next!” The man working the ride, yells out.

You sit close to him as the ride starts to move, your thigh touching his. You try to ignore how warm he feels next to you.

“This has been really fun. Thanks for taking me,” you say, trying to slice through the silence.

“Yeah. Thanks for coming with me.” He has that boyish smile again. “I was worried you were going to say no.”

You shrug, a little unsure of how to respond. “I’m glad I didn’t.” You tighten your hold on your teddy bear. “No guy has ever won me a stuffed animal before,” you laugh.

“It took a while, but I got it eventually,” he says, chuckling.

“I’ll cherish it forever.”

His green eyes soften at your words. He looks at you like he’s trying to memorize you, like you’re the only thing of importance, not bothering with anything that’s happening around you.

Something flutters in your stomach as you feel almost embarrassed to hold his gaze. The moonlight shines off his curls and you can feel him lean into you.

Your eyelids flutter as his lips ghost over yours. His fingers find the back of your neck, and his lips finally capture yours. You match his movements, his thumb reaching up to your cheek to slightly caress it.

The kiss starts slow and gentle. But his fingertips press harder into your skin as he deepens it, licking inside your mouth.

It surprises you a little, the kiss beginning to feel hungry.

Teeth sinking into your bottom lip knocks you of your daze. You pull back from Tyler, your finger wiping the part of your lip that hurts, only to look down and see a bit of blood.

You don’t notice how he already licked away the taste of your blood on his own lip.

“Sorry, Y/N. It was an accident.”

You hear him apologizing, sincerity in his voice, but you catch a glint in his eye.

You decide to brush it off. He was just caught in the moment.

You reach over to press a chaste kiss to his lips. “It’s okay.” Your smile causing the guilt to leave his face.

A loud boom moves your attention to the night sky, colors dancing on the black canvas. His hand reaches for yours, squeezing it as you both watch the fireworks.

Tyler lied.

Ever since your date with him, you’ve gone to the Weathervane every day. He’s made it a habit to give you your coffee for free, pretending he never said he wouldn’t.

You and Tyler have wordlessly decided to take things slow. There’s hasn’t been any real conversation about it, but you can tell that he respects your boundaries.

When you went over to his house for a movie night while his dad was at work, Tyler didn’t try anything. The closest he got to you was him wrapping his arm around your shoulders.

It’s not like you don’t want him, but you feel like you moved too fast with your other relationships, and they didn’t turn out so great. So, you want to prevent anything souring between you two. Tyler’s a good guy, something that’s pretty rare to find.

You mostly enjoy talking to Tyler when the Weathervane empties. The only people there are you two, occupying a booth and feeling like you are the only ones that matter.

He’s told you all of the stuff you wouldn’t tell someone on a first date, like that he goes to therapy, and how he wishes his dad talked to him more, or more about one thing in specific.

The death of his mom weighs heavy on him. You can tell it’s a touchy subject for him. He stops himself from talking too much about her, an emotion passing through his eyes that you can’t name.

The only thing you can do is tell him you’re there to listen when he’s ready to talk about it, comforting him with a squeeze of your hand.

Whatever darkness that rolled over him, is now gone, returning to the Tyler you know and see every day.

You’ve wanted to ignore it, pretend that everything is fine in Jericho, believe that the police had everything under control.

But when another person is killed, it’s hard to ignore the danger that surrounds the town.

“Everything okay?” A deep voice takes you out of your thoughts. “You’re letting your coffee get cold.” You look down at your untouched drink.

“Just thinking.” You don’t hide the uncertainty in your voice.

Tyler doesn’t hesitate to sit down across from you, his elbows resting on the table.

“About?” He asks.

You shift, trying to figure out how you’re going to articulate your thoughts to him.

“It’s sad.” You look up, meeting his eyes. “The people dying,” you explain.

He waits for you to continue.

“I guess I’m just scared. I haven’t really wanted to think about it… but now I am.”

He considers your words, sympathy written on his face.

“It is… scary.” He pauses. “But it is only happening in the woods. Since it’s a bear-.”

“Some people are saying it’s a monster or something,” you interrupt him.

“Do you believe that?”

“I don’t know. That’s just what people are saying,” you say defensively. “I mean you should know.”

His eyes narrow, confusion on his face, and before he can say anything, you clarify.

“Your dad. Hasn’t he told you anything?”

“I told you. My dad tells me nothing.”

You lean back in the booth, sighing.

“I don’t like being in the dark either, but you’ll be okay.” You feel his thumb rub circles on the back of your hand. “Just stay away from the woods.”

Tyler’s warning echoes in your head as you drive down the empty road. Tall trees surround you, the headlights on your car illuminating the darkness in front of you.

You silently curse at your mom for making you go to the next town over, just because the store in Jericho was out of something she so desperately needed.

It was daytime when you left, hoping you’d be back before it got dark. But dread filled you as you watched the sun sink past the horizon.

What’s worse, is your car had trouble starting before you began your drive home. The grinding noise making you cringe. It finally worked and now all you can do is clutch your steering wheel and hope for the best.

You’ll be home soon, the outskirts of town starting to look familiar to you.

But is familiarity comforting in this case, or the opposite?

You keep your eyes on the road, but your brows furrow when your music turns off. Your headlights next. Finally, your car stopping in the middle of the road.

You step on the gas, nothing happening. You try turning your car on again. Still nothing.

“Shit,” you mutter.

Your worst fear has happened. Now you can only hear the sound of your breathing as you look around in the darkness.

You turn your phone on, the screen lighting up the car. Before you can call your mom, you find the sealing of your fate in the corner of your phone screen. “No Service”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

You throw your phone down onto the seat next to you, your jaw clenching.

You consider your options, either stay in your car and risk freezing to death or try to walk back to town and risk getting brutally murdered.

You know there’s something lurking in these woods but freezing to death feels more likely right now.

You make sure to grab your phone before stepping into the chilly, night air. You wrap your arms around yourself as you look around, beginning your trek to town.

You stay on the side of the road, the rustling of the trees in the wind makes you feel uneasy. You don’t see any sign of anyone or anything.

You used to not believe in scary stories. You never had a problem with any of the Outcasts you met, never thinking of them as “monsters.”

But now you’re not sure. You feel like you have to keep looking over your shoulder. Now you think any of those stories you heard as a kid could be true.

A loud scream stops you in your tracks, your blood turning to ice.

You look in the direction of where you think the scream came from, only seeing the rough outlines of the trees.

You check your phone again, grimacing at the fact you still don’t have service.

You want to run away as fast as you can, but guilt washes over you, unsure if you should leave someone to die with no one around to help.

Taking a deep breath, you step further into the trees. Out of all the dumb decisions you’ve made, this will probably be your dumbest, or your last.

But you can’t help but put yourself in that situation. You would want someone to come to your aid.

You try to keep your footsteps quiet, but they crunch down on the fallen leaves. You wince at the noise.

You try to find where the scream could have come from, but you don’t see anyone.

Until you hear something coming toward you, something loud and big. You stop and listen, eyes widening when you see the silhouette of something you could only see in your nightmares.

Before it gets too close, you hide behind the tree closest to you. You try to steady your harsh breathing, but as you hear it start to go past the other side of the tree, a loud breath escapes you.

You slam your hand against your lips, trying to quiet yourself. But it’s too late, the monster stops, almost like it’s anticipating your next mistake.

You squeeze your eyes shut, waiting for this moment to pass. Hoping that it won’t hear you and leave.

After what feels like an eternity, you hear it continue its path, away from you. When you know it’s gone, you put your hand down, almost sighing with relief. You gather yourself, processing your brush with death, and look at your surroundings.

You must’ve gotten turned around because now you can’t remember which way goes back to the road. You also have no idea where that scream came from. But after what you just saw, you can only think the worst.

You pick a path that you think will take you closer to Jericho and is away from the monster. You’re on high alert, eyes moving all around you. You don’t think you’ll ever be able to sleep again.

You slow down when you see a figure ahead of you. It’s a person, which automatically makes you feel better.

As you get closer, you make out the familiar face.

“Tyler?”

Your eyes rake over him, taking in the fact he’s only wearing a tattered T-shirt and pants that are unbuttoned, hanging low on his hips.

The blood is what makes your jaw drop. It’s all over him, like he got into a fight, or… was attacked.

You don’t hesitate to step up to him, taking a closer look.

“Tyler, are you okay? Did the monster-.”

You stop yourself, your arms falling to your sides. You instinctively step back, realizing he has no wounds for the blood to be coming from.

You finally look into his eyes, and you feel like you’re looking at a stranger. He doesn’t look at you with the affection he usually has, that gentle emotion, like you’re something that could slip away from him so easily.

Now all you see is darkness and hunger, like he could devour you. Instead of keeping his distance so he won’t lose you, he’ll take you anyway, holding you tight so you have no choice but to stay.

You swallow, your throat starting to feel tight, your eyes getting glassy.

You don’t understand exactly what’s going on, if he’s the monster or not. All you know is he’s scaring you and you need to get away from him.

He calls out your name just as you turn around, running away.

The adrenaline pumping through your veins forces you to move faster. You can hear his footsteps behind you.

But your adrenaline only takes you so far. You don’t realize how close he is to you when you slow down a bit.

All of a sudden, you feel your arm being tugged back. He uses the leverage to wrap his arms around you, his body pressed against yours.

You try to struggle out of his hold, but his arms are strong. He presses his lips to your ear, his breathing unsteady.

“Caught you,” he rasps.

That’s enough for a sob to erupt from you, pleading with him. “Let me go, Tyler.”

You think he listens to you, loosening his arms. But his hand goes to your waist instead, turning you around to face him.

He keeps his hand on you, his grip firm enough to remind you that it’s there but not tight enough to hurt.

You look up at him, the moonlight shining through the trees casts shadows on to his face, making him look sinister. You can’t see all of him, even if you tried, part of his face always in the dark.

You try to blink away the tears, but they run down your face. You’re nervous to say anything to him, but you’re scared. You want to know what he’s going to do to you.

“Are you going to hurt me?” Your voice cracks around the question, almost regretting the words once they’re out of your mouth.

He doesn’t react the way you feared he would.

Instead, he just furrows his brow and brings his finger to your cheek. You flinch a little at the sudden touch. But as he delicately wipes your tear away, you end up leaning into his caress.

He reaches down to your other cheek, his lips meeting your skin instead. A ragged sigh leaves your lips as he tastes your tears. Licking away your fear, despair, and heartbreak all at once.

He moves his lips to yours, the kiss almost painful. But you don’t stop him, letting him take the breath right out of you.

He pulls away, warm breath fanning over you as he whispers, “Only if you want me to.”

His lips are on you again, and he pushes you until your back hits one of the trees.

You’re sure your mind isn’t in the right place because somehow your fear has turned into desire. Or maybe the fear hasn’t left, instead fueling this fire in the pit of your stomach.

His teeth nip at the sensitive skin of your neck, and you can’t stop the whimpers that come from your throat. He soothes the stinging with his tongue while he peels back the layers of your clothes.

Goosebumps prick at your skin, but the freezing air doesn’t bother you, feeling so warm from everything he’s doing to you.

He keeps his rough hands on you, grabbing at your bare skin. He acts like a man starved, and you never thought Tyler had this side to him. But it’s obvious you knew way less about him than you thought.

You stand completely naked in front of him, and you don’t miss the way he drags his eyes over your body.

He moves his hand lower, fingers slipping inside of you. He rubs your bundle of nerves with his thumb, pushing his fingers deeper as your arousal coats your inner thighs. He could come right then and there from the sweet moans you’re making.

He doesn’t want to tell you how all he could think about was you, after a kill. He wished he could call you in the middle of the night or sneak in through your bedroom window. All he wanted was to bend you over and fuck you until your throat hurt from screaming his name.

But now he doesn’t have to chase you anymore, he’s finally caught you.

He takes his hand away from you, taking off his shirt, revealing his toned chest. You watch him, drinking in every detail of him.

He steps closer to you, pinning you against the tree. The cold touch of his hand on your waist makes your lips part as he turns you around.

You hear him pull down his pants and a shiver runs through you, waiting for him to finally be inside you, the ache in you getting worse.

The palm of your hand uses the tree for support as his large hands grab your hips. The tip of his cock pokes at you before he slowly thrusts inside you.

You gasp at the feeling, your walls stretching around him. His lips graze your ear, and you can hear the groans that fall from him as he starts to set a pace.

“Tyler,” you whine out.

One of his hands moves to your breast, cupping it, fingers playing with your already hardened nipple. The hand that stays on your hip, grips it harshly, and you know you’ll have finger shaped bruises in the morning.

“You feel so good.” His voice is low in your ear. He continues to rut into you, focusing on how tight and wet you are around him.

This is way better than stroking himself to the thought of you.

More moans leave you as your fingers claw the bark of the tree. You don’t think you’ve ever felt this good in your life.

His thrusts have become brutal and merciless, and all you can think about is the feeling of him inside you, how full you feel, and how he continues to hit a spot that has you seeing stars.

You feel him cover your hand with his, fingers intertwining. His breath is hot as his lips are on yours again, your head turning to meet his. The kiss is sloppy, but he swallows each and every one of your moans.

Your eyelids flutter at the way he pounds into you, and he moves his lips away from you.

You can feel yourself getting closer to your release.

“Tell me you’re mine.”

His breathing is shallow, and his pace is getting sloppier.

When you don’t answer right away, his fingers move to your throat, not squeezing but the hold rough enough to make your breathing ragged.

He repeats himself, this time, with a little more aggression.

“I’m yours. I’m yours,” you say over and over again, feeling the waves of pleasure wash over you, clenching around his cock.

He comes at the same time you do, his mouth on your shoulder, teeth sinking in. But you don’t pay any mind to the pain, just feeling pleasure.

When he’s done fucking you through your releases, he pulls out, his cum spilling out of you.

You take a moment to gather yourself, before turning around to face him. Both of you coming down from your highs.

“I knew it was you who was hiding behind that tree.” His voice startles you. “I can smell people’s fear.”

Your jaw goes slack as you take in what he’s saying.

“I can taste it.” He brings his fingers to your inner thigh.

“I’ve tasted yours…” He begins to push the stickiness on your thighs back inside you.

“…and yours was the most delicious of them all.”

#tyler galpin #tyler galpin x reader #wednesday #tyler galpin x you #tyler galpin fanfic

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greynatomy · 1 year

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Out of Love

Elizabeth Olsen x Fem!Reader

another angsty fic. idk why but i’m always emotional on my bday and it’s my bday so you guys should be emotional with me.

idk where this came from but happy reading and lmk what y’all think

-grey

———

Lizzie and Yn have been together for three years. Best three and a half years of Yn’s life. She’s with the girl of her dreams, what more could she ask for?

For the past six months, she’s been planning something for Lizzie. Talking to many jewelers to get opinions on what ring designs. Even talked about it to your closest friend, basically a sister to you, Scarlett Johansson. In those six months, Lizzie noticed how secretive her girlfriend has been. She didn’t think anything of it at first, but every time she asks, she gets no explanation.

One day, walking to her usual coffee shop. Grabbing her coffee, she turns around, only to be hit by a force, spilling her hot coffee on them.

“Oh, shit! I’m so sorry.”

“You’re fine. I wasn’t paying atten— Lizzie?”

Elizabeth looks up.

“Robbie! Hey. How are you?”

“Soaked as of this moment.”

“I am so sorry about that.”

“It’s totally fine. It’s my fault anyway. How ‘bout I buy you another cup while we catch up?”

“I would love that.”

After that moment, they started to hang out more often. They didn’t end their relationship on bad terms years ago, so she thought, why not befriend him?

She would go over to his place, have movie nights, cook dinner and he would come over to her place whenever you were out doing whatever that Lizzie stopped questioning.

It was surprising that the paparazzi hadn’t caught them hanging out together out of the comfort and privacy of their homes.

You were out running some errands one afternoon, when you decided to get something to eat. Walking to yours and Lizzie’s favorite coffee shop, you see her sitting at a table through the window. You pull out your phone and decide to give her a call.

Lizzie hears her phone ring, seeing your name on the screen, she silences it and out it away just in time for Robbie to come back from the restroom, not knowing you were outside watching the scene play out.

“Who was that?” He asked her.

“No one important.” She replied.

You don’t think much of it, just thought that she was catching up with someone, not being able to clearly see who she was with, you went home instead.

Some time has passed. You have three weeks until your four year anniversary, meaning three weeks until you propose. You’ve picked up the ring from the jewelers and it looked even better as you hold the finished product in your hand. You’re excited and can’t wait to spend the rest of you life with Lizzie.

Going home earlier than you told Lizzie, you picked up both of your favorite takeout to surprise her with. Not seeing her as you walk in, you set up all the food at the bar, going up the stairs to cal her down. Nearing your shared bedroom, you hear an unfamiliar voice.

“Give me another chance, please.” It was a man’s voice.

“Robbie.” Isn’t that Lizzie’s ex? You ask yourself.

“I like you, hell I still love you and these past couple of months prove that you have feelings for me too. Meet me at our favorite restaurant tomorrow at six pm if you feel the same way I feel towards you.”

There’s a small pause.

“Okay.”

You couldn’t listen to anymore of the conversation. You quietly hurry down the stairs write a note and grab your keys and wallet and drive off, not having a destination in mind, just wanting to be as far away as possible.

Lizzie walks downstairs shortly after, hearing a car outside thinking it might be you. Once she gets down, she sees the table set up with food. Getting closer to the table, she sees a note.

Will be gone for a while. Don’t know how long. Don’t call.

-Yn

She throws the note away and reheat the food to eat for dinner.

Three Weeks Later

In those three weeks, Lizzie did meet up with Robbie at their favorite restaurant. They’ve been seeing each other regularly without Yn being in the way, even forgetting about her existence.

They decided to go for a long scenic drive, turning the radio on high at a popular station.

“We have some new stuff that we’re gonna be playing in a bit. One song is from an artist that has not released a song in a long time. So, without further ado this is Out of Love by Yn Yln.” Lizzie’s breath hitches and her body tenses. She hasn’t heard about her for a while.

I won't tell you I'm lonely

'Cause it may be selfish

I won't ask you to hold me

'Cause that won't mend what's helpless

There's not a thing I could say

Not a song I could sing

For your mind to change

Nothing can fill up the space

Won't ask you to stay

But let me ask you one thing

Oh, when did you fall out of love, out of love?

Oh, when did you fall out of love with me?

Did you find out about her and Robbie? How did you find out? When did you find out? When did she fall out of love with you? Did she actually fall out of love with you or just filling a missing void while you were gone?

I can't float in an ocean

That's already been drained

I won't cry at your feet now

I know my tears will fall in vain

There's not a thing I could say

Not a song I could sing

For your mind to change

Nothing can fill up the space

Won't ask you to stay

But let me ask you one thing

Robbie hasn’t said a word. He knew what they were doing was wrong, but he was too caught up in finally having the girl back that he didn’t care for the consequences.

Oh, when did you fall out of love, out of love?

Oh, when did you fall out of love with me?

No use wondering

Why your change in heart has wandered

So I'll ask you this question

'Cause it might help me sleep longer

Oh, when did you fall out of love, out of love?

Oh, when did you run out of love for me?

Out of love (out of love)

Out of love with me

Lizzie was now full on sobbing. It made her remember all of the times she was with you, all the times she listened to your music and made being away from you hurt a little less. How did cheating on you suddenly become something she resorted to?

“That was Out of Love by Yn Yln. Wait, what?” The radio host mutes himself for a bit. “We’ve just received some very horrible news. Music sensation Yn Yln just passed away a couple hours ago.” Elizabeth’s world just came crashing down. She just froze, not knowing how to react to this news. “Her representatives have spoken and released a statement. Stress Cardiomyopathy or Broken Heart Syndrome, is what they said. Wow, she was so young too. That’s just crazy. Rest in peace to such a young and talented musician. She’s touched our hearts with her music. Thank you for blessing us with one last song.”

One. Last. Song.

Those words struck something in her. The song that just played was the very last one you released before you died. And it was you questioning her love for you, or lack there of. She felt guilty. You died from a broken heart. A heart that Elizabeth broke.

She never got a call about you when you passed. It seemed as though you removed her as your emergency contact. She stopped spending time with Robbie. He tried comforting her, but she didn’t want to be anywhere near her living and breathing guilt. She told him to stop contacting him and to lose all contact with her.

Leading up to the day of your funeral, dressed in all black and made her way to where you friends and family were gathered. Scarlett, seeing her come closer, stepped away from her husband.

“You have some nerve showing your fucking face here!”

Lizzie froze in her spot. All the attention was on her now.

“You don’t deserve to be here. I don’t give a fuck if you’ve been together for years because YOU are the REASON she’s GONE! GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM HERE! FUCK YOU!” Scarlett was getting pulled away by Colin. “LET GO OF ME!”

Lizzie breaks down, crying of guilt. Scarlett breaks down, crying of anger.

Lizzie eventually decides to leave, not wanting to upset Scarlett more. She knew how close the two of you were, how you passing is harder for her.

“Wait!” She turns back around seeing Scarlett walk to her with a box. “These are go you. You don’t deserve any of it, but she wanted me to give this to you. I don’t know if she knew of her dying, but she knew she wasn’t gonna see you anymore.”

With that, she drives back to you shared home with all the horrible memories with Robbie and the fainted ones with you.

Opening the box she notices three things. A letter, a flash drive and a small velvet box. Opening the velvet box, she sees a beautiful emerald ring. Knowing instantly the meaning of this ring, tears flood out of her eyes. Unfolding the paper it reads…

Lizzie,

If you’re reading this, then Scarlett thought that it was a good time to give it to you. I don’t even know where to start.

Well, I found out. I came home early to surprise you with our favorite takeout and went upstairs to call you down for dinner and overheard your conversation with Robbie. I wanted to know if you went through with his deal and you did so I am writing this as a goodbye to our relationship or not a relationship anymore I guess and to you.

In the flash drive, there’s a song I wrote—

Putting the letter down, Lizzie quickly grabs her laptop and plugs in the dive. She sees one file. She clicks on it and a song plays.

(it’s Emerald Eyes by Anson Seabra you don’t have to play it, just the song I had in mind)

—and it was supposed to be played right before I got on one knee and asked you to spend the rest of our lives together.

(You know how much I love your eyes, so I decided to write a whole song about how they make me feel.)

But, that won’t be happening anymore. After four years of us being together, you still weren’t over Robbie. I just wish that you broke it off with me before getting back together with him. Make it hurt a little bit less.

The ring is something I’ve been working on or working with people on. Took six months. It’s why I was always gone and secretive, which ultimately made you go to another so this whole thing is actually my fault. I drove you away and I’m sorry for me, but glad that you found your way back to the person you love even if that’s not me.

Im just rambling on paper now. I won’t be coming back for any of my clothes or anything. Only took the essentials so you can throw everything out. This is goodbye, I guess. I love you. I always will even if you don’t love me back.

Forever yours,

How can you blame yourself for her infidelity, she asks herself. You loved her so much that you couldn’t even point the blame at her.

She wishes there was a way to apologize to you. To tell her everything she did was a mistake. Most importantly, she never fell out of love with you. You understood and loved her like no other. She’ll never find anyone to love her like how you loved her, not even Robbie could love her like you did.

She was too late. She can never gain back the time to be with you again, not even for a minute. You were gone, believing she fell out of love.

Lizzie took the ring out of the box and slid it on her finger.

“I do.”

But it’s too late.

#elizabeth olsen x reader #elizabeth olsen imagines #elizabeth olsen imagine #elizabeth olsen #scarlett johansson imagine #wanda maximoff imagines #wanda maximoff x reader #wanda maximoff #wanda x reader #elizabeth olsen oneshot #scarlet witch

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biancadjarin · 1 year

Text

Thinking about being

Bully!Eddie’s passenger princess

18+

(Bully!Eddie drives a black Camaro in my mind)

Eddie found you where he usually finds you after school. In the library. Books and papers spread all around you, pencil being chewed nervously in your mouth.

You feel a finger drape around your neck softly, pulling the curtain of your hair over your shoulder and exposing your ear for his lips to whisper into. “Don’t study too hard y/n.” You shiver at his warm breath against your ear. He knows that’s your weakness. He plants a wet kiss on your cheek with an exaggerated “muah!” for everyone to hear.

“Well thanks to you, I have to do extra credit in biology because my grades are slipping.” You say bitterly. “Thanks to me?” He asks, clearly flattered. “Because you just can’t focus when you’re near me huh?” He asks, sitting on the table in front of you, his lap directly in your face.

“Don’t flatter yourself.” You smile back at him sarcastically. You hate that it’s true. You sigh deeply and close the textbook you’ve been reading, eyes too tired to keep studying the tiny print.

“Well if you’re done studying I wanna take you somewhere.” Eddie says abruptly. “Uh while that’s a tempting, extremely vague offer, I’ll have to pass.” “Oh come on my pretty little thing.” He pleads as he starts to put all your things in your backpack. “Come with me to run an errand and then I’ll drive you home. Promise.”

You’ve been driving for almost an hour when you pull into a high end community full of big houses. The whole ride was filled with playful flirting, Eddie even asking you some actual questions to get to know you more. He wouldn’t let you pick any music, saying your taste in music is “absolute shit.” but his metal rock was actually pretty good. He told you about his band, his uncle, his friends. He held your hand the whole way, bringing it to his lips to kiss your fingers occasionally, then letting it rest in your lap. His bulky rings are fun to spin around his thick fingers, you feeling the shapes and ridges in them, commiting them to memory. It was nice. Oh no, it was nice.

“If I’m here to help you commit a crime, I’m out, Eddie.” He laughs at you, fingers squeezing your cheeks together as he looks in your eyes, car slowing down at the end of the street. “What crime would I possibly be committing, sweet angel?” You shrug, lips smooshed together by his strong fingers. “Breaking and entering? Grand theft auto?” He lets go of your face to turn the wheel into a long driveway, stopping in front of one of the biggest houses on the block. “I have hot wired a few cars before but that’s not what we’re doing, don’t worry.” He winks at you.

Eddie puts the car in park and presses his back into his seat as he lifts his hips and spreads his thighs. He’s getting comfortable. “Now what?” You ask. “Patience, sweet thing. Rick will come out soon.”

You see a tall man in a button up shirt and khakis emerge from the front door. Down the winding driveway, holding a small black duffel bag. He wears sunglasses and his hair is a little disheveled but he’s not bad looking. Kinda handsome. Probably in his late 30’s or early 40’s.

Eddie reaches into the back seat and grabs an empty paper bag. Then his hand reaches across your lap, the pads of his fingertips brushing against your upper thighs purposefully. He unlatches the glovebox and pulls out a fat wad of cash. Your eyes go wide as he tries to fold it and put it into the bag.

He notices a little gasp that leaves your mouth. “You like that huh?” He asks. “Y’know… I can buy you things baby. Take you places. There’s a lot of world outside Hawkins.” His voice is low and husky, like the whispered promise of a devil. It makes your stomach clench. You’ve never seen that much money in person and Eddie was acting like this is a usual occurrence for him.

Rick taps on the tinted driver side window of Eddie’s Camaro. He smiles at you as he rolls down the window, “sup man?” “Eddiiiiiie my boy-” Rick’s cut off when his eyes land on you. He raises his brows and looks back at Eddie.

“She’s cool man. She’s with me.” He tell Rick. “Alright. What’s your name beautiful?” Your jaw hangs open but nothing comes out, too nervous too speak. Eddie laughs and pinches your chin in his hand with his thumb and first finger. “She’s a little shy.” He says over his shoulder to Rick. “You got that new stuff you were telling me about?” Eddie asks him, returning his attention back to Rick but keeping his hand firmly on your thigh. His fingers squeeze the plush flesh there and it makes your nerves fizzle away.

“Hell yeah man. Shit’s crazy strong. Flown in from Hawaii. Can you believe that?” “Shit man, Hawaii’s pretty cool.” Eddie says, voice flat and bored, wanting to get this exchange over with so he can be alone with you again.

He passes Rick the paper bag and takes the duffel in return. He places it gently on your lap, winking at you as he does. “Got the usual shit in there Eddie but I included some crazy powder that my guy got his hands on last time he was in Miami. I put a few small baggies in there. Do ‘em for $50 each.” Eddie nods, eyes peeking at you and the bag in your lap.

“But don’t you touch that stuff.” Rick says pointing to you with a laugh. “My girl’s taking bumps of the shit all the time. Costing me a fortune.” He says as he looks back at his mansion. “Alright well as always,” he reaches in to shake Eddie’s hand, “Always a pleasure doing business.” Eddie finishes. Rick says it was nice to meet you and heads back inside.

“You didn’t tell me you were taking me on a drug deal, Eddie!” You say as soon as his window is rolled up. “Of course I didn’t. Didn’t want you to overreact. Like you’re doing right now.” You scoff and push the bag off your lap onto the floor. “I don’t want to be an accomplice to your crimes.”

He laughs at that, hand coming back to slide into your lap. His fingers curl softly around yours, bringing them to his lips for a soft kiss before placing your hand in his lap to hold. “S’too late princess. You’re just as guilty as me now.” You scoff, heart starting to race at the thought of getting in trouble. “I know I said I’d take you home but I think I’d rather try some of this Hawaiian strain back at my place? That ok angel?” You sigh deeply, knowing coming home late will worry your parents. But when Eddie looks at you like he’d crumble into a million pieces if you say no, how can you turn him down?

“Okay.”

bully!eddie masterlist here

my full masterlist here

#eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson fanfic #eddie munson x y/n #eddie stranger things #eddie x reader #eddie x y/n #bully!eddie x reader #bully!eddie munson #bully!eddie #bully!eddie x y/n #mean!eddie munson

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satninroses · 10 months

Note

Your neighbor/friend elvis is fixing/working on something that requires him to be laying on the ground. You are sitting watching him just hanging out. He asks if you can give him a hand and hold up a part of the thing he is fixing (maybe motorcycle, a car or something like that idk lol). The thing is heavy so to get a solid grip you have to stand up your with legs on either side of his body that is laying on the ground on his back. You have a bend in your knees slightly squatting over him honestly struggling to hold said item up. He happens to glance up and you are standing right over his line of sight (in a dress). But for some reason reader doesn’t have any panties on today. So here we have the reader is squatting legs spread directly above elvis. He definitely slows down fixing this on purpose to have you hold it longer. You finally say you can’t hold it any longer. Maybe he says something like “don’t you feel a breeze darlin” and reader instantly realizes. Screaming but she can’t go anywhere because she is still holding item up. Elvis chuckles at her squirming around before he tells her she can let go. She instantly moves away and is humiliated. Elvis definitely didn’t mind tho

Breeze

(A/N): I’m trying out new formatting! I might tweak it a little bit over the next few posts! Please let me know what you all like!

Pairing: Mechanic! Elvis Presley x Reader

Word Count: 2,068

Warnings: SMUT! MINORS DNI! Swearing, Reader is NOT wearing undies, teasing, embarrassment, Elvis being an ass, Implied smut

June in Tennessee was absolutely ridiculous. Unless you were wearing next to nothing, there was a good chance that you overheated. Unluckily for you, your car had decided to take a different route and bust up on you while you were trying to leave your house. It was hot. You were frustrated. There was absolutely nothing that could have made the day better.

Except for you sexy mechanic boyfriend.

You met Elvis almost 2 years ago when the same thing happened to you. The only difference is that it was August and you were on the freeway. You walked almost a mile towards the outskirts of Memphis in search of a little body shop you spotted on your way out of town. Things with Elvis just clicked instantly and you were happy to call him your own.

You slammed your hand against the steering wheel and got out of the car. You stomped back inside your house and slammed the door. “Stupid car. It’s so hot WHY IS IT SO HOT!” You couldn’t tell if you were more mad at the heat or the car.

You pulled the phone off the receiver and dialed the body shop Elvis worked at. It rung a few times before Elvis’ deep sultry voice answered.

“Presley Body Shop. This is Elvis speaking how can I help you?”

“Hi baby!” He perked up at the sound of your voice. His heart was pounding in his chest like a fool while he smiled boyishly from the other end.

“Hey Doll. Whatsa’ matter? Care givin’ you trouble again?”

“You know it. I tried to run some errands but the universe had other plans. Can you come pick it up?” You smiled as you spoke. Knowing Elvis and his talent with cars, it would be a quick in-n-out.

“Well, I’m about to go on break. Why don’t I just come there? I’ll take the truck and bring some tools.”

“Oh, but it’s your break! I wouldn’t wanna bother you!” You pleaded.

“Baby, trust me. Any time away from here is a good time. I’m on my way girlie. Sit tight.” You two exchanged goodbyes and you hung the phone back up. You slipped off your shoes and ran down to your room to change. It was miserable out and you were sweating. You could at least make yourself look a little more presentable for him.

You peeled off the shorts and shirt you had been wearing in exchange for a little white satin slip dress. You knew it was a little risqué to be wearing it outside but it was only gonna be in front of your boyfriend. You also decided to forgo underwear as you deemed it way too hot outside to be trapped under so many layers. You teased your hair a little bit and applied a layer of some pink lipstick. You rushed downstairs and slipped on a pair of white heels.

Right as you were getting ready to go out and wait for him, there was a fast knock at your door. You opened it to reveal Elvis. He had one one of those mechanic jumpsuits and a pair of boots. He was covered in grease and sweat.

‘God I want him to fuck me right now!’ You clenched your thighs together slightly and smiled at him. “Hi baby! I missed you!” You gave him a little kiss on the cheek and he smiled back at you. “Missed you too yittle. Now, what’s the issue with ya car?” You giggled at his sudden nonchalantness but nonetheless, told him what was up.

“Well, I was trying to go to the store and when I started my car, the engine popped! The A/C when out too. I’m not sure what’s wrong with it.” You spoke to him. He nodded along with what you were saying to show he understood and he was listening.

You grabbed your keys and walked out to the garage with him. “Let me show you what I mean.” You turned on the ignition. For a moment, it almost sounded like it was gonna start. However, it sputtered a few times and the headlights went off again. “See! I dunno why it’s doin’ that!”

Elvis looked at the car perplexed. He knew that you had just ran around town a few days ago with him and it sounded just fine. What was so wrong with it now? He walked towards the hood of the car and popped it open. He took a long time examining it before sighing and closing the hood.

“Baby, I think Imma need to look under your car. I got a tool box in my truck, can you go grab it doll?” You nodded and sent him a sweet smile before skipping off to the truck. Meanwhile, he stationed himself under your car and began to skim around to find the issue.

You had returned with the tool box barley in your hand. It was hot and it was also heavy. The swear forming in your hands caused it to keep slipping out of your hands. You rushed your way through your garage and dropped it in front of him.

“Woah! Coulda’ hit me there doll! Whatsa’ matter?”

“It’s so heavy! And it was slipping out of my hands.”

He chuckles while you purse your lips. “You better not be laughing at me E!” He lets out a hearty laugh and smiles at you. “Never baby!”

You roll your eyes and pull of a folding chair to sit on. Elvis had returned back to the underside of the car to look for the culprit to your issues. “Baby, can you hand me the flashlight to your left?” You nodded and bent down to give it to him.

For a while, this cycle of sitting down, getting up to hand him things, and sitting backdown continued. Elvis was obviously working hard while you just sat there and looked pretty. You were no car mechanic, sure, but you still wanted to be of some help to him.

“Elvis, is there anything I can do to help? I just don’t wanna sit here and do nothin’.” You rose from the chair and stood over him. He pushes himself out from under your car to answer. As soon as he’s fully out from under, he looks directly up at you. However, instead of your face, he’s met with your pussy.

His eyes widen and he opens his mouth, only to close it right after. His pupils are blown wide and a blush is evident on his face. “W-what did ya s-say? I ain’t hear you is all.” He stumbles pitifully over his words.

You cock an eyebrow up and look down. “I asked if you needed any help. Are you ok?” You asked. Your lips pursed as you studied the look on his face. He looked like he didn’t understand what you asked and just kept staring at you.

“Uhh… Earth to Elvis? What’s wrong?”

At your question, he finally snaps out of his trance and looks you in the eyes. A grin that slowly turns into one of his lopsided grins is evident.

“Nothin’ baby. If you want, you can hold my tool box for me so I don’t have to keep getting up to grab tools.” You says in his sweet molasses accent. You smile and nodded.

You bend down to pick up the tool box and hold it in your hands while still standing him. It was heavy - ridiculously so - but you wanted to help out seeing as you were the one who got yourself into this mess.

For close to 10 minutes, Elvis would emerge and re-emerge from the underside of your car with a bolt or a wrench. He would swap them out for a different tool. However, before he would go back under, he would look up at you and stare into space for a while. At first, you smiled at him under the false pretense that he was looking at you and not your cunt but, after the first 5 times of doing that, you began to get skeptical.

“Elvis, you keep looking at me with that look. Is there something on me?” You spoke anxiously. What if you had bug on you or a stain on your dress?

“Eh.. lack-there-of baby.” He spoke smugly. You turned your head to the side and stared down at him, confused.

“What?”

He got a big dopey smile and pushed himself back under the car too continue working again. There was a deep rumble coming from his chest that sounded a lot like him laughing. An pang in your chest rang out through your whole body as you watched his lower body vibrate with a laugh. You felt tears well up in your eyes and you sniffled- rather loudly.

Sensing some kind of distress, he quickly pushed himself out and again and stared into your eyes. “Baby what’s wrong?” He looked at you with sad eyes.

“You keep staring and laughing at me! Is there something wrong with me? And what does ‘Lack-there-of’ even mean!”

You looked at him through damp eyelashes while sporting an irritated face. He smiled again and let out another hearty laugh.

Anger bubbled in your stomach like boiling water, just ready to spill over the edge. Before you had the chance to set the tool box down on the ground, he sat up and gripped your thigh.

“Don’t you feel a breeze?”

You stood for a second, very confused, as you looked at him. “Elvis, what do you mean?”

“You ain’t go panties on baby.”

Your eyes widen and your heart sinks. You thought back to that morning when you had decided against panties because of the heat. If you thought it was hot before, it was whole hell of a lot hotter now.

You gasped and stared right down into his pretty blues. A smirk was trained in his face while he let out a low snicker. Your mouth hung open, almost detached from your jaw.

“I-… Elvis… I-I can’t-“ You stumbled out. Your cheeks turned a bright shade of red and the horrifying reality finally set in. ‘That’s why he kept looking at me. That’s what he was looking at.’

Your grip on the toolbox almost loosened completely and fell on Elvis’ stomach. His snicker turned into a full on laugh. You closed your jaw and gave him an almost murderous look.

“Stop looking you pervert! Why didn’t you tell me what you saw!” Your normally soft temper was amplified tenfold. How could he just sit there while you embarrassed yourself? How were you getting so turned on from this?

“Elvis! Please let me go put some panties on!”

“No baby, I’m almost done. Just stay like that for a few more minutes and afterwards, I’ll show you how sorry I am.”

At the sound of this deep sultry voice commanding you, the wetness that had slicked up your thighs had dripped down your legs. The cocky look on his face only grew once he had seen what he was doing to you.

“Well. Ain’t that a sight.” Your red face turned even MORE red at his smug and mocking tone. You whimpered and attempted to close your legs a little bit. His hand shot up and held your mid thigh.

“No. Keep ‘em open. Wanna see my pretty girl.” You gulped heavily and nodded. You spread your legs open a little bit and continued to hold the toolbox.

The next 5 minutes continued in a sort of system. He would emerge, and stare right up at your pussy for a moment whispering sweet nothings up at you. He would lazily look for his next tool and slid back under the car. Finally, he had finished and came out from under the car fully.

You stepped back and set the tool box down on the ground, pouncing on him and holding him on the ground. You gave him an annoyed glance and squinted your eyes.

“You’re an asshole Elvis.”

“I know. But I’m your asshole, ain’t that right doll?”

You huffed out and picked yourself back up and off of him. You stood and offered a hand to him on the ground. He pulled himself up and smirked down at you. He pressed his lips against yours and held your waist in his big mitts. He released you from the kiss and took on a seductive look.

“Baby, let me treat you to an apology, please?”

(Faves!!: @gracerose68 @presleyenterprise @elvisalltheway101 @austinsmutler @ccab @18lkpeters @myradiaz )

#satninroses #elvis presley #reader insert #x reader #elvis 2022 #elvis presley x reader #50s elvis #60s elvis #70s elvis #elvis x reader #elvis x reader smut #elvis presley x reader smut #austin!elvis x reader #austin!elvis x reader smut #x reader smut #reader insert smut

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tip-top-cloud-surfer · 10 months

Text

The Benjamin Effect (Part 2) - Rooster

Pairing: Rooster / Fem!OC (Kate Benjamin-Mitchell)

Length: 2.5k

Warnings: (Childhood) Enemies to Lovers; Angst; Tension; Strained Relationships; Referenced Past Infidelity (Not Mains); Referenced Past Breakups; Age-Gap (about 8 years), but Everyone is Very Much Adult; Female OC with Physical Description

This work, all of my other works, and my entire blog are 18+ Only.

Summary: Rooster and Kate are forced to work together for some wedding errands to chaotic results.

Note: Amelia is Maverick's biological daughter in this too. Kate is in her late 20s and Rooster is in his mid/late 30s.

Part 1

Master List

Wedding planning was, in fact, not fun. At least not when Kate Benjamin was involved.

Rooster tried. He really tried to get along with Kate, to play nice with Kate, to get Kate to like him. He took the sharp comebacks with a forced smile and a concealed glare, but he was quickly reaching his limit with Kate Benjamin. Even if he was just a little attracted to her.

“She is the most aggravating woman on the face of the planet!” Rooster complained to Phoenix over the phone as he paced around his living room.

It was Saturday and Kate and Rooster were supposed to run errands together for the wedding. Rooster was not looking forward to it. And he doubted that Kate was either. But they were the only ones available with Amelia’s volleyball tournament and Maverick in Nevada for some meeting.

So, they had to suck it up.

“She hates me for no reason! She hates Maverick! She probably hates every living and breathing creature besides her mom, her sister, and her grandparents! I don’t think that she’s physically capable of not throwing some comment in my direction when I say something even slightly stupid! And she always throws me the most aggravating smirk afterwards!”

“Have you considered not saying anything stupid?” Phoenix joked, sounding amused.

“This isn’t funny, Nat! She is absolutely infuriating every time that I’m forced to interact with her!”

“Is she hot?” came Hangman’s grating question.

“Does it matter!?”

“Yes, it matters,” Hangman scoffed, as if it were obvious.

“Are you attracted to her?” Phoenix asked, being less aggravating with her phrasing.

“She’s Maverick’s daughter! I can’t be attracted to her!”

“So, you’re attracted to her,” Phoenix filled in the blank, probably sharing a look with Hangman.

“No, I’m not because she is the most annoying individual that I’ve ever met in my life! So, even if I was attracted to her—which I’m not—that wouldn’t matter, because—”

“—You’re attracted to her,” Hangman and Phoenix voiced at the same time.

“No, I’m not!” Rooster insisted harshly. But he paused when he spotted Kate’s car pulling up into his driveway. “She’s here. I have to go.”

“Play nice.”

“And use protection,” Hangman added, earning a scowl from Rooster.

He hung up the phone and headed outside. Kate shot him a tired glare as she rolled down the window.

“Are you ready to go?” Kate asked him bluntly.

“Don’t sound so excited. We only get to spend the whole day together,” Rooster replied sarcastically, walking around her car.

"Lucky me,” Kate returned, shooting him a look.

Rooster tugged on the handle of the passenger side door only to find that it was locked. He passive aggressively tugged on the handle until Kate finally unlocked the door for him.

“And we’re off to a great start,” Rooster scoffed, sliding inside.

“Put your seatbelt on and let’s go,” Kate sighed, already backing out of the driveway.

The first stop on the list was to pick up the wedding bands. They were going to store the rings at Kate’s apartment until the wedding, since both Maverick and Penny added a secret inscription to the inside of the other’s ring. And so, Kate and Rooster had to pick up the rings.

“Let’s get this over with,” Rooster huffed, getting out of the car. They walked up to the store and Rooster opened the door for Kate.

“Such a gentleman,” Kate mocked him, walking inside the store.

They made their way over to a salesperson behind the many glass cases. The salesperson, a man probably around Maverick’s age, greeted them both with a kind smile.

“Hi, how can I help the two of you?”

“We’re here to pick up a set of wedding bands. The Benjamin-Mitchell wedding,” Kate stated, handing over the receipt to the salesperson.

“Yes, of course. Just a moment.”

The salesperson walked off, leaving Kate and Rooster by themselves. Rooster studied some of the engagement rings while Kate kept her gaze level, not even slightly interested.

“Looking at your options?” Kate asked dryly.

“Just curious,” Rooster defended himself. He looked over at Kate before turning back to the glass case. “Let me guess, you’d want something like that.”

Rooster pointed at a ring and Kate immediately frowned when she spotted it. The diamond was probably three carats or maybe even more. It was huge, gaudy, and all too much like the one that she received in the past for Kate to have the stomach to even look at it.

“Actually,” she stressed, turning away, “I think that if you need a ring that big to want to marry someone, you’re compensating for something in your relationship or . . . elsewhere.” Kate shot Rooster a sarcastic smile before leaning over. “In which case, you should go with that one.” Kate pointed at the largest diamond in the case, earning an annoyed glare from Rooster. “Just to be safe.”

“Benjamin-Mitchell,” the salesperson called, walking back towards them. Rooster and Kate straightened up, their squabble was forgotten with the salesperson present. “Here you are.”

“Thank you,” Kate replied, holding out her hand for the rings.

“Did you want to try them on? To make sure that they fit?” the salesperson asked, smiling as he looked between them. Rooster and Kate shared a horrified look.

“We’re not together,” Rooster blurted out first, a little louder than he needed to speak.

“We’re just picking up the rings. My parents are the ones getting married,” Kate explained, with more composure. “I’m the maid of honor and he’s the best man.”

“Oh, my mistake,” the salesperson laughed off. “You two just reminded me so much of me and my wife when we were your age.”

“We’re not together,” Rooster repeated, just as loudly as before.

“I think that he heard you the first time,” Kate told Rooster, her forced smile fading quickly. A little frazzled and more embarrassed, Kate picked up the bag. “But I am the same ring size as my mom, so I can try hers on.”

With slightly shaking hands, Kate pulled the smaller ring out of the bag. But it slipped straight through her butter fingers and clattered to the ground.

“I’ll grab it,” Rooster offered, bending down to pick it up.

Looking around, Rooster got onto his knees to grab the ring out from below the display case. He turned back to Kate and offered her the ring. While he was down on one knee. Holding out a wedding ring. To a woman that he just said he wasn’t with.

“Get up!” Kate urged, trying to yank Rooster up to his feet.

“What?” Rooster asked, clearly confused.

Up until he saw the look on the salesperson’s face and put the pieces together himself. Kate snatched the ring from Rooster’s hand and Rooster went pink at the realization. He fumbled for an explanation.

“We’re not together,” he added lamely again.

“Do you take checks?” Kate asked, trying to change the subject.

“Yes, we do,” the salesperson agreed, leading Kate towards the register.

Rooster stayed put where he was, worried that if he moved from his spot then he would implicate the two of them even more. He looked around the store and paused when he saw another salesperson, an older woman, watching him curiously.

“We’re not together,” Rooster replied awkwardly once again.

“Of course,” the woman returned, offering Rooster a small smile. “But her ring size is a six. Just in case you need it later.”

“Thank you,” Rooster grunted out with a wince.

~~~~~

“Alright, we’re getting in and then we’re getting out,” Kate sighed, leading the way up to the flower shop. “No more of whatever that was back there.”

“I agree,” Rooster replied, shaking his head.

“Good. I need you to find these flowers,” Kate stated, handing Rooster a list. “Just write down the prices marked on the boxes and make sure that it’s available in some kind of pastel blue. There are paint swatches on the back for reference. Take pictures if you’re not sure and I’ll figure it out later with my mom.”

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re too organized?” Rooster asked, turning the list over. “Or really into planning weddings?”

“Come find me when you’re done,” Kate replied instead.

They split off and started searching for the different flowers on the list. Kate took up the bulk of the work with the flowers for the bouquets and the reception centerpieces. Quickly moving down her list, Kate turned the corner and froze when she spotted a couple.

A very unwelcome, familiar couple.

Her ex-fiancé and his new fiancée to be more specific.

Kate hoped to stay out of their sight until she was sure that they left the store, but luck was not on her side. Not today. And certainly not when her ex was involved.

“Kate?” Kyle called, causing Kate to freeze. She turned to see Kyle and Eliza staring at her. Pursing her lips together, Kate straightened up. “Kate, is that you?”

“Unfortunately,” Kate replied stiffly with a false sense of calm.

“It’s good to see you,” Kyle spoke as he and Eliza walked over to Kate.

“I wish that I could say the same,” Kate returned, her tone strained and clipped.

Kyle sighed dramatically, causing Kate’s glare to sharpen and her cheeks to flame red with anger. Clenching her hands into fists, Kate looked between Kyle and Eliza.

“Let’s not do this here, Kate,” Kyle stated softly. “Don’t make another scene, please.”

“Another scene?” she repeated back, scoffing at the end.

“Like you did when you two broke up,” Eliza explained, like she was talking to a child.

“Right,” Kate held out, narrowing her eyes further. “Are you referring to the time when I caught the two of you in bed? Or some other time? Just to be sure that we’re all on the same page here.”

Eliza let out an indignant noise and Kyle had the audacity to look away from Kate’s glare like he was surprised that she was bringing that incident up. But before either Eliza or Kyle could respond to Kate’s reminder of the past, Rooster walked around the corner.

“I found everything on the list and took pictures,” Rooster replied, holding out the list to Kate. She took it without a glance.

“Who’s this?” Kyle asked, glancing at Rooster, who had a good five inches on him.

“I feel like I should be saying that to you,” Rooster stated, not liking Kyle’s tone.

“Let me make some introductions,” Kate cut in with teetering emotional stability. Rooster raised an eyebrow, hearing the surprising amount of emotion in Kate’s voice. “Rooster, this is Kyle, my ex-fiancé, and his new fiancée Eliza. She was already married to someone else, but that didn’t stop her or Kyle from starting an affair. Oh, and then she got pregnant with Kyle’s baby and then I found them in bed together.”

Kate forced a smile, holding back the tears at those horrible memories. Straightening up and brushing her hands down her shirt to steady herself, Kate turned back to Kyle and Eliza.

“Did I forget anything?” Kate questioned, with a mockingly kind smile.

Rooster’s gaze instantly hardened as he turned to glare at Kyle and Eliza, who seemed sheepish now that they couldn’t gaslight Kate without outside witnesses. Eliza looked away, fiddling with her engagement ring—which Rooster noticed was exceedingly large. But Kyle seemed to straighten up at the accusations, eyeing Rooster suspiciously.

“Rooster? What kind of name is Rooster?”

“It’s a callsign,” Kate snapped back at Kyle. “He’s a naval aviator.”

“I thought that you hated naval aviators.”

“No, just cheaters,” Kate replied simply without missing a beat.

“So, what? He’s like your boyfriend or something?” Kyle asked, glancing between Kate and Rooster.

Kate scoffed and rolled her eyes, which gave Rooster the opportunity to put his foot in his mouth. And least, probably in Kate’s opinion. But Rooster had met a thousand Kyle’s before, though perhaps not ones with quite this much audacity, but he certainly knew the type. And he certainly knew what would piss off douche bags like Kyle the most.

“Yeah, for a couple months now. Why? Were you hoping that she’d give you another chance?” Rooster asked, earning a surprised look from Kate. “Because I have to tell you, Caleb, I don’t think your chances are good.”

“It’s Kyle.”

“It’s irrelevant,” Rooster replied calmly with a condescending smirk. “Just like you.”

“This is my replacement?” Kyle scoffed, turning back to Kate, who slowly turned back to him.

“No, he’s not your replacement,” Kate stated, causing Rooster to briefly wonder if she was going to kick his ass for lying about their relationship. Or lack thereof. “He’s an upgrade. A big upgrade.”

Kyle scoffed and shook his head, sharing a look of disbelief with Eliza. But Kate didn’t miss the way that Eliza looked Rooster up and down. Threading her arm through Rooster’s, Kate leaned against him with a wide, fake smile thrown in Kyle’s direction.

“Well, we don’t want to take up your time bragging about our relationship. I’m sure that the two of you are super busy picking out some gaudy and overly expensive flowers to distract your guests from the fact that you’re both cheaters and that your relationship started as an affair.”

“Yes, congratulations,” Rooster added, sharing a smile with Kate. “It sounds like you two really deserve each other.” He turned to shoot Kyle a look in particular. “And thanks.”

“For what?”

“Well, if you didn’t fuck up with Kate, then I probably wouldn’t be in the best relationship of my life right now. But I also really hope that your karma bites you in the ass one day,” Rooster replied calmly. “How you ever thought that cheating on a woman, especially one as loyal, smart, and beautiful as Kate was okay, I’ll never understand. But I know that you’ll live to regret it one day.”

Rooster was too focused on watching Kyle’s indignant expression crumble that he missed Kate’s look of surprise at his words. Even Eliza and Kyle, for their part, looked shocked.

“You ready to go?” Rooster asked Kate, turning back to her.

“Yeah,” Kate replied quietly, a bit breathlessly, “I’m ready.”

She kept her arm looped through Rooster’s, and he didn’t move to remove it. But she shot one last look back at Kyle and Eliza and gave them a sarcastic wave in goodbye.

“Hope to never see you again,” Kate called, before turning towards the exit with Rooster.

A.N. This story is inspired in part by the Wedding Planner with Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey, which is where the ending scene here was directly inspired by.

Tags: @xoxabs88xox @indiestrashfire @avengersfan25

#top gun fanfiction #top gun maverick #top gun: maverick #top gun #tgm #tgm fanfiction #bradley rooster bradshaw #rooster fanfic #bradley bradshaw #bradley rooster x oc #bradley rooster bradshaw x oc #rooster top gun #rooster #rooster x oc #rooster bradshaw #top gun rooster #bradley bradshaw x oc #rooster bradshaw x oc

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sun-havenn · 10 months

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Summer headcanons (but you’re dating)

it’s been very hot here so the inspiration for this is obvious. i still have to add kai and wesley, but i’m not far enough into my friendship with them to confidently write this for them yet. will come soon!

Claude

Summer’s too hot for him, he is not a fan. The heat smothers his creativity, he says.

Claude can’t handle heat very well. He gets unwell easy and sweats a lot. Still, he likes to keep to a routine and doesn’t change his afternoon errand run to fit the warm weather. He often ends up dehydrated or almost fainting when the day is especially hot.

The result is that you have to look after him a bit more than usual. You like o deliver fresh crops and meals, just so you know he has something to eat in case he can’t finish his errands because of the heat. It is a labor you do out of love.

(And it’s a labor he loves you even more for.)

While he’s constantly hot and has little to do, you won’t find Claude at the beach often. He doesn’t like the sand and he doesn’t like swimming. If you do, it will take some convincing to get him to join you. You’ll have a great time if he does, though. He’ll walk along the shore with you, and keep the shells you give him forever.

Darius

Seasons in Withergate aren’t as obvious as in Sun Haven. Besides, the darkness prevents most heat from settling. Summer is not really a big change for Darius.

It is for you, though. Coming and going from Sun Haven and Nel’Vari the difference in temperature is quite a shock. The cool air is usually more than welcome, and Darius is more than happy to see you come more often.

Withergate doesn’t have any special summer activities, snacks, or even a nice beach . Since Darius comes to Sun Haven’s celebrations, he wants to make something special about Withergate, too. So, Sporadically, he lets people organize small themed parties. Not obvious summer parties, but there will be bright decorations.

He’s spent a lot of his time trying to keep you out, trying to make you feel like an outsider. Now, he’s accommodating his city to your seasons to make you feel more at home.

Donovan

Would absolutely love to spend a day at the beach. Since he talks about the beach any day it’s warm, you decide to invite him to your farm, where you have your own strip of land.

He’s very excited. He missed the warmth, and just look at that clear water! Try getting anything done with an excited Donovan running around your farm, probably dripping wet.

You love seeing him happy, and you love making him happy. If he’s comfortable, you’d invite him over more and more. He’d go into Sun Haven, too. Explore the city and it’s people. Donovan in the summer is another kind of happy.

Just be prepared for the smell of wet dog to linger!

Jun

Is maybe the most easy person to ever exist, he has no complaints at all. In fact, he has nothing but good things to say about any season.

Likes that it’s warm, even if the kids sometimes get cranky because of the heat. He knows just how to bribe them: a cookie each and a cold, fresh piece of fruit.

Jun is a big fan of doing fun things in the summer. He lies to use every minute he has, and spends his evenings or mornings painting or journaling. He also likes to sit near his pond during sunset, preferably with you by his side.

Likes to spend nights at your farm. He claims the farmhouse of much cooler than his home. If he stays the night, he’ll get up with you at six in the morning and go for a swim while you take care of your farm (but only if you insist you don’t need his help).

Just try focusing on your work when he walks back from the sea, hair dripping and skin cool and wet and shiny. He likes it when you stare, though. He still loves seeing you blush.

Liam

Still has to work super hard. You don’t know how he doesn’t end up having a heatstroke every other day. All he does is be inside his hot bakery or be under the scorching sun.

Is too busy for a full day of relaxation, but will regularly make time to spend a couple of hours on the beach with his sisters. Since the girls like you so much, you’re often invited.

Just don’t think it will be romantic, you’ll spend hours building sandcastles or plotting with the girls to splatter Liam with seawater.

As his partner, you have to remind him to drink enough. He simply forgets.

Liam is very busy, but one evening a week is dedicated to you, as long as you don’t want to travel too far from his home every week. It’s a sweet sentiment, and those days you’re usually treated to some kind of summer-fruit pastry made just for you.

Nathaniel

His armor is so warm. He doesn’t like to complain, but on an especially hot day, something might slip. Only to you, though.

He’s always grateful when he can get out of his armor. As much as you love him, he will need a shower before you can get all close and comfortable.

Nathaniel’s favorite spot to guard during summer is the docks. The sea breeze is always cool, and he likes looking over the sea. It’s even better if you join him for some afternoon fishing, but if not, Peter, Rupert, or Kai are near to have a chat with him.

Most evenings are spent with his men and women. They usually hoist the tables outside when the sun begins to set. Located near the forest, the barracks are usually not too hot.

He also likes calm evenings with you a lot. Some days he just needs a break from all the noise. Those days, he likes going down the beach again, or being on your farm.

When you bring him down to your farm, he’ll always try to help you with something. Have you been crafting? He can help you finish! Forgot to water some plants? You already did so many, he’ll take care of them for tonight! He claims he finds helping you relaxing, so you allow him to help in small ways.

Vaan

It’s cooler in Nel’Vari, because the trees offer shade from the hot sun. It’s still warm, something that can mostly be felt through the warm breeze.

It’s a different wind from other seasons, something he feels more than others. He likes to experiment with his magic and the summer breeze a lot. Little people complain about the extra wind.

Vaan likes lounging around even more during summer. He spends a lot of time with Nel’Vari’s people, talking and laughing while taking little serious. He still likes being alone, and lounges near your farm when he doesn’t want to be around others. He always hopes you walk past.

He really loves your farm. During the summer, he doesn’t visit Sun Haven as much. Instead, he’ll come to your Nel’Vari farm. He prefers it if you’re there, of course, but is also content to be alone among your hard work.

If he invites you to do something, it’s most likely very laid back. Just being in his house or your farm sounds perfect to him. He’s convinced you work too hard and need to relax more, anytime he can convince you to stop working for an hour or two is a win for him.

Wornhardt

He doesn’t like summer very much. It’s too hot, he still has a lot of work to do, and his doctors coat is simply too warm.

He’d like to just take the whole summer off, but he can’t, and since he does like being a doctor, he fights through it.

Since Sun Haven is so warm, he has to treat a lot of heat strokes, and it can get frustrating, seeing the same person come in with the same issues weeks in a row.

Of course he’s talking about you. As Wornhardt puts it, you should relax more and stop running around when it’s boiling hot. Being a farmer and all, you can’t just drop all your work. As doctor, he’s taken to surveilling you from one to three in the afternoon, forcing you out of the sun. As your boyfriend, he just wants to spend a few hours a day with you.

You’ll still work a little, even with him near you. You might teach him how to fish from the shade of a tree (he’s very proud when he catches the tiniest fish on his first try) or take him for a walk in the forest to gather some fruit (since he’s surveilling you, he can carry them).

It’s a bit annoying at first, but you like spending time with him and it’s undeniable that you feel better out of the hot sun.

#sun haven #sun haven imagine #sun haven claude #sun haven darius #sun haven donovan #sun haven jun #sun haven liam #sun haven nathaniel #sun haven vaan #sun haven wornhardt

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ctitan98official · 3 months

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Anonymous: Hi! I enjoy your stories so much (esp the house Dimistrescu ones). Can I request a Bela breeding kink story? I think it would be totally hot if she would be able to let everything go and act on instinct, because I imagine her to be generally more closed off. Ofc in this case she feels 100% comfortable and would love to have a little baby to take care of. (Oof, I'm so weak for this chick)

18+ Minors DNI

Hell yeah! I love Bela. Reader, as usual, is gender neutral (No genitalia is described, so hc whatever you want as the reason why Y/N can breed Bela 😁) Let’s get into it!

You and Bela went for a walk in the village. It was a pretty day and lots of people were out running errands or working. The cutest toddler was holding their parent’s hand as they walked by you both through the hustle and bustle. The little one smiled at Bela and waved their little hand in greeting. Bela’s pretty sure her heart just melted. She smiled and waved back which made the toddler squeal in delight.

You saw the toddler too and waved happily as you said hello.

As Bela processes how cute you just were, something… Shifts in her mind. Something instinctual, something primal. She… Wants a little one of her own. But more importantly… Seeing you interact with the toddler was absolutely adorable. She knows you would be a great parent and would take excellent care of her if she became… Pregnant. Holy shit, where are these feelings coming from?! It’s true, Bela has thought about having children with you before, but she was too nervous to bring it up. But the way she feels right now is… Overwhelming. She needs to do something about this. Bela stops dead in her tracks.

You look at her in confusion. “What’s wrong, babe? Everything okay?” You ask, concerned.

Bela’s face is burning. She leans over to whisper in your ear. “Please, Y/N… Let’s go back to the castle. I need you.” She pleads.

Your eyes widen at this. “O-oh okay.” You say eagerly. You’ve never seen Bela so lustful outside of her bedroom. She must really need to get off.

You two quickly hurry back and Bela drags you to her room and quickly closes the door. She kisses you roughly and cups your jaw to hold you close.

You put your hands on her waist and lift her up into your arms. You bring her over to her bed and lay her down.

Bela whines softly and presents her neck to you, showing you complete trust.

You eagerly kiss her neck, placing bite marks as you go.

Bela moans. She doesn’t care if you leave a mark. She wants you to completely take her however you want to.

“Where is all this need coming from, babe? I love the idea that I can turn you on without even trying.” You smirk evilly as you take her dress off.

Bela’s cheeks turn bright red as you begin to undo her bra. “I just… I want you to… Breed me, Y/N.” She pants out.

Now your face flushes. Damn, that sounds hot as fuck. Where did this come from? … Strike that. You don’t really care. You roughly grab her wrists and hold them down. “You want me to make you all mine, huh? I can do that. But, you’re going to have to be a good girl. Understand?” You ask, looking directly into her shining golden eyes.

Bela gasps in arousal. Yes… This is exactly what she wants. You’re so strong and loving. You’ll give her what she needs. “Yes, baby. I’ll be good, I promise.” She tells you eagerly.

“Good girl.” You repeat. You know how that absolutely turns Bela on. You entangle your fingers in her golden hair and start to make out with her. You completely dominate the kiss and you shove your tongue in her mouth.

Bela groans and wraps her arms around your neck.

You eventually break the kiss and begin taking your clothes off.

Bela’s mouth waters as she watches. She reaches out to grab you by the arms and pull you closer, but you hold a finger up, reprimanding her. “Ah ah, you just lie there like a good girl. I’m in charge. Punishment will be given if you don’t listen.” You warn in a husky voice.

Bela gulps and can’t find her words so she just nods quickly.

You smile. She’s so obedient. You have to reward her. You lean forward and start slowly licking at her sex.

Bela feels lightning shoot through her entire body at your actions. You’re giving her just what she needs. She loves you so much.

You start eating her out and she mewls as you pleasure her. Her walls start tightening and you thrust your tongue roughly in and out of her entrance.

Bela moans repeatedly, her pitch increasing as she finally hits her climax. She tenses and you can feel her body practically vibrate as she comes.

You chuckle. “So good, doll baby. So good.” You praise. You kiss her on the head before grinning wickedly. “But we’re not done here, babe. Let’s put a baby in you.”

The choked and excited gasp Bela lets out makes your grin widen. “Would you like that, doll baby? Carrying my child? Knowing I did this to you?” You tease.

Your words alone are making Bela want to come again. She whines desperately. “Yes, yes!” She hisses in pleasure.

You’re a bit shocked at how much Bela’s begging for this. It… Makes it even hotter. You quickly rub circles with your thumb on Bela’s clit which makes her squirm in ecstasy. You eventually slip your fingers into her awaiting entrance and start pumping in and out. You’re seeing stars not too long after you start. Bela’s so amazing. You can’t believe she’s all yours to love. You look at her and her gaze… Is unfocused, raw. She looks back at you and you can see just how far gone her instincts have made her. She’s completely let go.

You start feeling white hot pleasure burn in your lower stomach. You’re about to come too. “Bela, do you want this?” You say, breathing heavily.

Bela whines as she looks at you. “Yes, baby! Breed me! Give me your child!” She begs.

At hearing this, you completely climax.

Bela does too, not long after. She manages to keep eye contact with you as she experiences her second orgasm of the day. Damn, she’s just fallen in love with you even more.

You both breathe heavily as you calm down from your highs.

You softly kiss your way up Bela’s body before pecking her on the lips gently. “I love you, Bela.” You tell her with an adoring smile.

Bela beams back at you. “I love you too, baby. You take such good care of me.” She says and cups your cheek.

You can’t help but blush at Bela’s words. “Hey, umm… Can I ask… Umm, just… Were you serious about having a baby?” You try to say.

Bela can’t help but giggle at your embarrassment. “Now is a good time to ask since we just finished.” She teases you.

You groan bashfully and nuzzle your face into her neck.

Bela laughs and rubs your head as she holds you to her. She carefully pulls you back to look at you. “Y/N, I… Actually really do want to have a baby.” She admits.

Your eyes grow wide. She wants a family with you. She loves you enough to want to take that step.

“Whenever I see a baby in the village… I don’t know, it just makes me feel all warm and tingly. Having your baby would be… A dream come true, actually.” She says, now unable to look you in the eye. “Umm… Sorry for not telling you sooner.” She apologizes.

You are honored. You gently tilt her face back to look at you. “So… Should we start trying? For real?” You ask.

Bela gasps at the the hopeful tone in your question. She smiles brilliantly. “Yes, baby. Please.” She says and wraps her arms around your neck. She can’t help the tears that fall. She’s so happy. You make every day better. She can’t wait to see you as a parent.

Obviously, the next few hours are spent completely on baby-making. What a way to spend an afternoon, you know?

Masterlist

#re8 #re8 village #bela dimitrescu #bela dimitrescu x reader #bela dimitrescu x y/n #y/n is stupid #resident evil imagines #resident evil village #resident evil 8 #resident evil #re8 bela dimitrescu #resident evil smut

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mp100fanworkstranslation · 2 years

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Purely a matter of chance: Part 1

Reigen: So.... uh... I think I might have contracted some kind of pigeon curse or something. Ekubo: What did fight with some pigeons for breadcrumbs or something? Reigen: What?! No! Ekubo: So then, what’s going on? Reigen: I have no idea. That’s the problem Ekubo: Are you sure this is some supernatrual thing?.... as opposed to say, some weird genetic problem that you have? Reigen: None of my relatives are birds. Reigen: .....and I hate birds. Can you just shut up and cut the sass?! Ekubo: What? You dont like my Reigen-impression? I thought it was spot on! Reigen: Shut the fuck up.

Ekubo grabs the blanket. Reigen: Hey! Reigen tries the pull the blanket over his head: Fuck off! Ekubo: Yeah, yeah, whatever, just let me take a look. Ekubo looking at Reigen’s wings: You know.... I think this suits you, Reigen.

Reigen: Stop talking about it like it’s not your problem! Ekubo: Well.... this really ISNT my problem is it? Reigen: If Mob sees me like this, he’s going ask “Shishou, are you really an angel?” Ekubo: Stop flattering yourself, he’s going to be like “Is this a cosplay?” Ekubo: It’s so strongly manifested it looks solid and real. Something like this looks like it’s going to be very challenging to remove. Are you sure you have no idea how youbrought this upon yourself? Reigen: None at all. I’ve always been kind to animals.

Ekubo: So then... Why did you specifically ask me to come with a body? Reigen: Um...yeah about that. Reigen: I can’t go out like this right now, so I wanted you to go and get groceries for me. Ekubo: YOU CALLED ME HERE TO RUN YOUR GODDAMN ERRANDS?! Ekubo: WHY DONT YOU ASK SERIZAWA?! Reigen: Well, asking an employee to come and take care of the boss outside of work, would be a abuse of power of the employer employee relationship, wouldnt it? Ekubo: OKAY BUT WHY AREN’T YOU EXTENDING THE SAME SORT OF COURTESY TO ME?! Ekubo: You....Goddamit....You really.... (Hahaha I love this part. Seri is am employee. Becasue the the hierarchy between Reigen and Seri, Seri can’t refuse. Ekubo is just his friend, so it’s okay to ask him.)

Ekubo angrily shops for groceries Ekubo angrily walks back with groceries Ekubo: YOU ARE GOING TO DIE HORRIBLY SOMEDAY

Reigen: Yeah, I’m sure you’re going to heaven or something too.

Ekubo thinks: Birds, huh...They can be surprisingly aggressive creatures. But... it is merely the spirit of a normal animal? Doesnt seem like it. Not when it’s so strongly manifested. Wait.... why am I dwelling on this? He’s even not making a big deal of it himself, so why should I be so fixated on this?

Ekubo floats into the office and stares at the empty desk.Then he sighs and leaves. Some time later, he rings Reigen’s doorbell

Ekubo: Hey! Reigen! I’m here to see you! Open up! He starts kicking the door. It’s very quiet and he starts getting bad vibes. Ekubo: Hey! Reigen! Reigen: What do you want? It’s open. Ekubo: Eh?!

Reigen: Wh..at....do..you....want.....

Ekubo: Hey! Reigen! Wake up! Are you still alive? Goddammit. All of your goddamn feathers in the way. He grabs and lifts one of the wings. Reigen is struggling to breathe: Ekubo....shut up... Ekubo: What the hell! Stop scaring me! Are you okay? Reigen: I guess.... It’s so hot..... everything hurts......I’m sorry Ekubo.....Just.... let me rest for a bit.... Ekubo: .................. Forgive me......

Reigen: ....ugh..... Ekubo: Hey... you awake? Reigen: Ekubo...... Ekubo: Reigen. How much do you weigh? Reigen: Huh? Around 66kg (145 lbs) i think.... Ekubo: Your weight right now is not even 50kg (110lbs).

Ekubo: Those wings are using your body as a source of energy. The act of them manifesting themselves, is causing changes to your body. When I possessed you to get you into bed just now, your body felt hollow and empty, it felt like if I exerted any effort something would break. And on top of that, you have a fever. I’m just speculating, but I think your bones are hollowing out. Birds have hollow bones with internal struts, so that would cause your body to become lighter. Should have taken those wings off by force from the very beginning. You could probably fly with those now.

Ekubo: There’s something else Reigen: There’s more? Ekubo: Yeah... just a bit... listen. Ekubo: They’re not pigeon, i dont think.... they’re crow. Reigen: Why? Ekubo: You want an explanation?

Ekubo goes into a lenghty explanation: Well, pigeons and crows are both medium sized birds, but they have different wing structures. In crows the 10th primary is very short. The feather arrangement in pigeons have an internal gap, crows have this too, but they’re~ He gets cut off. Reigen: THIS IS SO UNNECESSARY!! ARE YOU SOME KIND OF PROFESSOR, YOU EVIL SPIRIT.... Ekubo: Hey, I just looked this up while you were out. You dont even know what you are possessed with. You are so much trouble. Reigen: Oh....um.... thank you so much for putting in all of this effort. Reigen: Actually.... now that you mention it, if it’s crow, I think I might have some ideas on how this started. Ekubo: Huh? What did you do?

Reigen: Well, nothing really. I just greet them every morning. There’s a saying that if you greet a crow, then it won’t do bad things, like go through the trash and such. Ekubo: Why? Reigen: I’d just say hello to them and stuff. Ekubo: So they probably regarded you as one of their own. And if they did, it’d baffle them why you didnt have wings.

Ekubo: You wanna see if you can fly? This isnt a curse, or a hex or somethiing like that. It’s more like a very strong wish. They want you to fly too.

Reigen: I feel like if I flap my wings, I’ll die.

Ekubo: That makes sense. You probably dont have the muscles necessary to use the wings. Even if you jumped off of a high place, you’d only beable to flutter while falling.

Reigen: Yeah

Mob: I heard master was in trouble so I came as fast as I could.

Read the rest in part 2

#Ekubo #Reigen #mp100 #ekurei

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softtcurse · 2 years

Note

ca you write a fic based off of Glimpse of Us by Joji. I just read run and it was so good and I was wondering if you could do another fic based off of one of his songs with Urban pls.

Glimpse of Us

This is probably one of the best angst pieces I’ve ever written xx

She'd take the world off my shoulders

If it was ever hard to move

She'd turn the rain to a rainbow

When I was living in the blue

Why then, if she is so perfect

Do I still wish that it was you?

Perfect don't mean that it's working

So what can I do? (Ooh)

“What’s wrong baby? You know you can talk to me right?” You asked quietly. Your hand shakily going up to rub your boyfriend’s hair. It was soft to the touch just like it always was. You had just gotten back from running a few errands with your mom. You had been texting him through the day trying to see if he was feeling any better than the morning where he had been hunched over the bathroom toilet throwing up the remains of last nights dinner. Urban had assured you that everything was fine and with a press of your lips to his forehead off you went.

“I’m fine YN” He plainly said to you. Wincing as you touched his forehead.

“Clearly not Urb. You look like you’ve seen a god damn ghost and you’re telling me you’re fine? Fine would be you not sweating and shaking. Come on get up” You sighed heavily. Trying to help him left himself off the floor. His back had been pressed against your bedroom wall near the window, and by the looks of the cracked window and the pulled back curtains you knew he had been trying to give himself some type of air without going outside.

Urban let you wrap your arm around his side. Your delicacy with the way you touched him didn’t go unnoticed by him. Everytime he was feeling sick you were extra gently. And he hated that about you.

He hated how hard you made it for him. He hated how he couldn’t help but not to hate you.

She was never that gentle like you.

The walk to the bathroom wasn’t too long or awkward. Of course you had seen the man you’ve been with for 2 years now naked plenty of times. But something about the way his eyes shifted away from you as he rid his boxers made you feel uneasy.

Urban offered you a soft smile. Then that uneasiness was quickly shaken off just as fast as it came.

You reached down and plugged the drain of the tub. Quickly letting it fill with hot water. The steak filled the bathroom, the window came first, and then the mirror, soon your body was wrapped with the steam.

“I bought some new bath salts, the ones that smell like apple cinnamon”

Urban hummed softly. Lowering himself down, the hit water wasn’t too much. It relieved his muscles of a lot of weight. The man quickly managed to tie his hair back from his eyes. Relaxing against the tub. The smell of the familiar bath salts filled his nostrils. The smell that once used to bring him peace now for some reason made him sick. But he held back and looked at you.

You were watching him. Your hands under your chin.

“You want to tell me why you’ve been acting so weird these past two days?”

“I haven’t been acting weird, I’ve just been sick” He didn’t mean to snap at you. But he did.

“You don’t have to get so loud with me” You raised an eyebrow at him. “I can’t ask why my boyfriends been having panic attacks for the past two fucking days?”

“It has nothing to do with you so why would I tell you? So you can give me a headache?“ Urban sourly laughed. The look of hurt that enveloped your features made him feel a little guilty of the way he was talking to you, but if you wanted to question him so hard then he really felt like he didn’t have a choice.

“You’ve been shutting me out so much Urban! I want to know what’s going on so I can help you”

“You can’t help me, because I’m fine. Please just leave me alone YN”

“Fine”

You swiftly made your way up from your knees. Urban’s eyes had now closed and his lead was once again leaning against the tiles of the bathroom wall.

The sound of his phone blaring was muffled by the sounds of your heart beating, your ears numb, and the tears that were currently violently sliding down your face.

///

When you're out of sight

In my mind

“You okay?“ The woman across from Urban asked. The blunt he had rolled and had lit up just a few minutes prior was tucked in his plump lips. A relaxed smile on his features. The smoke coating his lungs before he released it and watched as it faded with the bouncing lights of the club.

“I’m okay ma, you okay?” He asked, motioning for her to come closer, his arm was outstretched on the cushioning of the booth he was currently sitting on. The woman grinned at him and made her way over to him. Her hand relaxing on his chest, something she had grown accustomed to from the two months she’d known him.

“I’m good! I missed you, haven’t seen you in ages!” She giggled, her lips finding his. Urban’s other hand holding the blunt as he kissed her back. She tasted like cherry lipstick. Something you would never wear, you always told him the taste of artificial cherry made you want to throw up in your mouth.

“I know, I’m sorry. I’ve just been so busy y’know? Just got back from touring with Jack a few days ago and I just needed to get some downtime. Plus-” He paused and gulped. Your naming making his mouth twitch, and he had convinced himself it wasn’t because of guilt.

He didn’t love you anymore.

“You know I have to see YN or else she’ll start asking me all these types of questions” Urban didn’t even bother to mention the night before and the argument you two had. If you could even call it that, you really didn’t even argue back with him.

The woman rolled her eyes. She wasn’t too fond of you.

“ She’s always doing too fucking much”

No matter how hard Urban tried he couldn’t find the voice in him to defend you. He wanted to, he really did. But he knew he couldn’t do that to himself tonight. He would find himself like the previous night, the home you two loved in made him feel gross. When he was alone it was always easier to beat himself up over what he was doing to you. Then once he was back in Heidi’s arms the doubt went away. Almost like a few hours of euphoria before it all came crashing down and he finally felt like the piece of shit you would probably tell him he was if you ever found out.

If he even ever told you.

“I don’t want to talk about her right now” Urban told Heidi. Offering her the blunt in his hand which she grinned again and shook her head.

Urban didn’t notice he had been avoiding looking at the red head beside him in the eyes. His vision trailed off to the lights, or the dj booth that wasn’t too far from his distance.

The green eyes that peered at him from the side finally locked with his blue ones.

Why the fuck was his throat closing, why was his face turning red?

And why was he comparing her to you all of a sudden?

Her hand, pressed up on him felt awkward. If she was any closer Urban was sure he would projectile all over the carpeted floor.

'Cause sometimes I look in her eyes

And that's where I find a glimpse of us

And I try to fall for her touch

But I'm thinking of the way it was

Said I'm fine and said I moved on

I'm only here passing time in her arms

Hoping I'll find

A glimpse of us

“Baby? Urban!?” Hiedi was now sitting fully up, her hands on his cheek and directed his head to look at her.

“What?”

“What happened? You looked like you were about to be sick”

“I’m fine”

“Don’t lie to me, I’m not YN” Hiedi snapped snarkily with her arms now crossed.

“What’s your problem? We were having a good time”

“We we’re having a good time, but you’re not going to close me out Urban”

“So what? Youre just gonna leave, for what? Stop throwing a tantrum and sit down” Urban rolled his eyes. Her face crumbled and he immediately felt bad.

“Baby I-“

“If that’s how you feel then I’ll just take MY company somewhere else” The red haired woman hissed swaying her hips as she walked away from him.

Urban’s fists met the table, the blunt now discarded somewhere next to the leather booth dress. His hands started to hurt from how hard he was hitting but he really didn’t care.

Knowing that he would have to run after Hiedi before she got even more upset with him.

Offering his comfort and reassurance to another woman that wasn’t you.

'Cause sometimes I look in her eyes

And that's where I find a glimpse of us

And I try to fall for her touch

But I'm thinking of the way it was

Said I'm fine and said I moved on

I'm only here passing time in her arms

Hoping I'll find

A glimpse of us

///

“Daddy! Daddy wake up!” Urban groaned. Moving to his side. His arm finding the little body that was attacking his chest. The sweet giggles filled his ears. Cracking an eye open he was met with the sight of a little girl. Her smile made his heart warm, she looked like like the perfect mix of you and him.

“Why is this little monster up at this time YN?” His eyes scanned you. Smiling and as gorgeous as ever. You were glowing. God he loved you.

“Hmmm maybe because you promised that little monster a stack of chocolate chip pancakes if she slept on her big girl bed last night?”

“Yeah daddy! Come on” She grunted, trying to lift herself off from underneath his strong arm. Her pig tails had become undone and her pajamas were all messy and twisted to the side from all the tossing she had done throughout the night. As well as jumping on Urban’s chest to get him to wake up.

“Okay Im up!”

“Finally!”

“Fuck” Urban cursed. Quickly trying to pick up the strap that held his camera around his neck, it had came undone and he only hoped it didn’t crack.

Jack about to go onstage for his show in East LA. The airplane there had been smoothe. Nothing too crazy had really happened, other than Jack and them getting mobbed. Other than that it was a fairly normal show.

Urban had no idea you would be there, until 2fo had let it slip up. Earning a slap to his arm by Neelam, who only could offer him a lopsided smile of pity. Urban was getting tired of those looks.

Shortly after the club agrumen with Hiedi, Urban had gone home to you. Being as cold as he could be to you. Letting you know that he no longer had feelings for you. He remembers the look on your face even to the day. You were crumbling on the inside, your tears felt heavy even to him. Of course you’d cried around him before, but the things you’d said to him had hit him hard. Refusing to even tell you about Hiedi because that would only add salt to the already open wound. It had been a long time coming.

You weren’t about to beg someone who didn’t want to be with you to stay, and he knew that. It didn’t mean it didn’t hurt you any less.

That all had been 4 months ago. Urban no longer talked to Hiedi. Cleaning he was in no head space to be in a relationship. Only he meant in a relationship with her.

The grapevine had been saying that you were back in the dating game. Apparently seeing some big shot producer. The whole thing was never really confirmed to him. You had blocked him on all your socials. Privated your instagram and other social medias as well to give yourself some privacy from Urban Wyatt. You were doing good for yourself, even happier with the man he had managed to get a look at at the shoe Jack was performing at.

Regardless of what you and Urban’s relationship fall out, Jack was still your friend.

Urban’s mouth went dry. Your smile could lit up a whole fucking city and you wouldn’t even know it. The guy with his arm around you was grinning equally as happy to you.

Maybe it was selfish of him to think that maybe that guy knew about him. Knew about how you touched him and he touched you. If he ever thought about the fact that you and Urban had discussed kids together, a life together.

Sundown blasted through the speakers as Jack began the show.

Urban swore he saw you look at him, but gave him no expression as the tall man beside you whispered something in your ear. A kiss to your lips following.

Urban Wyatt was now an outsider to your life. Just like you had been to his for a long time.

Tell me he savors your glory

Does he laugh the way I did?

Is this a part of your story?

One that I had never lived

Maybe one day you'll feel lonely

And in his eyes, you'll get a glimpse

Maybe you'll start slipping slowly

And find me again

When you're out of sight

In my mind

'Cause sometimes I look in her eyes

And that's where I find a glimpse of us

And I try to fall for her touch

But I'm thinking of the way it was

Said I'm fine and said I moved on

I'm only here passing time in her arms

Hoping I'll find

A glimpse of us

Ooh, ooh-ooh

Ooh, ooh, ooh

'Cause sometimes I look in her eyes

And that's where I find a glimpse of us

And I try to fall for her touch

But I'm thinking of the way it was

Said I'm fine and said I moved on

I'm only here passing time in her arms

Hoping I'll find

A glimpse of us

#jack harlow fic #jack harlow imagine #urban wyatt #jack harlow x reader #jack harlow x y/n #jack harlow x you #jack harlow #jackman thomas harlow #jack harlow fanfic #jack harlow drabble #urban wyatt blurb #urban wyatt insta au #urban wyatt x you #urban wyatt imagine #urban wyatt concept #urban wyatt fic #urban wyatt x reader

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secretswiftymarvelfan · 1 year

Text

The Demigod From Asgard - Steve Rogers x Reader (Part 60)

A/N: Oh look at that new moodboard! Don’t worry we won’t be dealing with Infinity war for a while! However following this part we’ll be going on a break as next weekend is Christmas and the following one is New Years and I’ll be taking that time off to enjoy the holidays and spend time with family!

Summary: After leaving Wakanda Ross is hot on your heels, deciding to split up there was only one logical place for you and Steve to go

Word Count: 2.9k

Warnings: Fluff! Tiny bit of angst!

Dividers by @firefly-graphics

Series Masterlist / Masterlist

Chapter 60: Welcome to Asgard

In the weeks after leaving Wakanda, you dropped Clint and Scott off so they could fulfil their half of the plea deal. The remaining 5 of you the jumped from old SHIELD safe house to another.

You had all hoped your time in Wakanda would have eased the pressure on you from the authorities. You were all wrong though. Usually being photographed by a local who was a fan or wanted to cash in.

You all started to alter your appearance. Both Sam and Steve grew beards, Steve letting his hair grow longer. Nat had helped both you and Wanda dye your hair. Wanda going for a natural shade of red, and you opting for a couple of shades lighter of your natural shade.

You were currently staying in a small town in Austria. It was a small enough town that the chance of someone recognising them was less, but big enough that it wasn’t strange that a group of 5 had randomly rocked up.

“Do we need butter?” You ask Steve as you walked through the small shop.

“Uh no, we do need sugar though,” Steve says shaking his head.

The two of you walk around to where the sugar was in the store. Passing the clerk who was sitting watching the small TV he had behind the till. The two of you stood not too far away when you heard the TV say Steve’s name.

You and Steve exchange a glance continuing to shop so as to not arouse suspicions. While you hadn’t understood exactly what the TV had said, just the mention of Steve’s name could jog someone’s memory.

“I’ll pay, you head outside” you whisper to Steve.

Steve nods keeping his head down while he made his way out pretending to take a call. Speaking in a different language for good measure.

You grabbed the last couple of things you needed and made your way to the clerk. You acted as normally as you could while also trying to keep your head down. You didn’t miss the slight furrow in his brows and the glimmer of recognition in his eyes.

Once you paid you quickly made your way out of the shop spotting Steve a block away. As you approach, he slides his phone away and matches your pace once you were level with him.

“Did he recognise you?” Steve asks quietly.

“I don’t know, maybe, enough that we probably should move on again” you sigh glancing over your shoulder.

“Fuck sake” Steve mutters under his breath shaking his head.

The two of you quickly jump into the jeep you’d been using driving straight back to the safe house, forgoing the other errands you were meant to run.

“Start packing we need to move on,” Steve said once you stepped inside the house.

“You were recognised?” Wanda asks as she stands from the couch.

“Potentially, maybe not, but we can’t risk it,” you tell her.

“We don’t want to wait until Ross is on top of us, leaving now gives us a better chance to get out undetected” Sam agrees looking over at Nat who nods her head.

“I’ll get the jet ready,” Nat says shrugging on her jacket.

The rest of you start packing up the little possessions you had. Clearing the house so it looked untouched, taking enough supplies to keep you going if you had to rough it.

Once a bag was packed Steve and Sam carried it out to the jet, so you and Wanda could continue packing. As Steve dropped off a bag, he turned to head back to the house, but he was stopped when Nat put a hand on his elbow.

“Steve we need to rethink our plan,” she tells him.

He furrows his brows as he looks back at her “in what way?” He questions.

“I don’t know exactly but this game of cat and mouse needs to come to an end soon,” she says shaking her head.

“It will, but right now let’s focus on getting out of here,” Steve tells her heading back out of the jet.

As soon as the last pack was on the jet the door was shut and the jet took off before everyone even had a chance to sit down.

“So where too?” Sam asks Nat sitting down in the co-pilot seat.

“Ukraine, they don’t extradite to the US so there’s an added level of protection” Nat explains as she inputs the coordinates.

You were sat down beside Steve who was sat running his hands through his beard as he thought. Even though he still looked calm and collected you could tell he was unsettled and stressed.

You rested your head against his shoulder, hand moving to intertwine your fingers with his. He let out a deep sigh before moving to kiss the top of your head.

“I’m okay just-“ Steve sighs quietly.

“Just tired” you finish moving so you could look at him.

He gives you a small smile and nod before glancing around the jet. Sam and Nat were talking in hushed tones. Wanda rested her eyes in the corner of the jet, not fully asleep flickers of red flowing around her fingers.

When you looked over at Nat and Sam you caught the two of them glancing over at you and Steve. But as quickly as they did, they adverted their gaze back to the skies.

“I feel like they’re plotting something,” you tell Steve.

“I wouldn’t be surprised” Steve chuckles.

About an hour later the jet was put on autopilot, Nat and Sam walking over to join the rest of you.

“I know what we need to do to get Ross off our trail,” Nat says glancing around at everyone.

“What is it?” You ask crossing your arms over your chest.

“We need to split up, we’re too obvious as a group,” Sam says looking over at Steve.

“No, no way are we splitting up” Steve states shaking his head “it’ll make us vulnerable”

“Not if we make it appear that we’ve disappeared off the face of the planet” Nat explains looking over at you and you instantly understand what she meant.

“How would we go that? Our stay in Wakanda didn’t help” Wanda questions.

“We go to Asgard” you sigh glancing around at everyone.

“Exactly, let’s be honest here, you and Steve are who Ross wants most” Nat explains nodding over to you and Steve “so if you guys go to Asgard, we can go underground and monitor the situation and let you know when it’s safe to return”

“How would we do that if they’re off planet” Wanda questions.

“Heimdall, he sees all he can pass on the message,” you tell her.

“Hold on” Steve interrupts holding his hand out to pause everyone.

“If we’re going to Asgard, why can’t we all go?” Steve asks.

“Because if there isn’t someone here on earth who’s to say Ross won’t just start up again when we come back, by us staying here we can tire him out” Sam explains.

“It’s the best plan we have Steve, we can’t keep hoping around, this is our 5th safe house in the same amount of weeks,” Nat tells him.

Steve glances down at you, clearly unsure about the plan they’d come up with. You knew it was risky, but they were right it was the best plan.

“I think it’ll work, and hey I’ve always talked about taking you to Asgard,” you say shrugging your shoulders as you looked up at Steve.

“Yeah it will only be a month at least and you guys will be there for your first anniversary” Sam offers.

“Okay fine, but I want Heimdall to keep an eye on you and if it gets too dangerous I want him pulling you guys out” Steve states.

“Deal, Y/N can you sort that?” Nat agrees looking over at you.

“Yeah, Heimdall is probably listening in now,” you say nodding your head.

“Great, what we’ll do is drop you off somewhere populated, we want them to know you’re definitely gone” Nat instructs walking to the front of the jet to change to coordinates.

“You sure about this?” Steve asks turning to face you.

“No but it’s worth a shot, and we’ll get to live somewhat normally for a bit,” You say running your hands up and down his arms to soothe him.

He sighs nodding his head, he goes to apologise but you put your hand over his mouth to stop him.

“Don’t you dare tell me you’re sorry” you tell him with a knowing smile.

He rolls his eyes and when you move your hand to cup his cheek you see him smile back at you. Your thumb gently stroked his beard, one of the things you loved in this post-Avenger’s life.

A short while later you had been dropped into a nearby city. You and Steve carrying your packs as you walked into the city centre. You had already seen people stopping and pointing in your direction. You weren’t exactly hiding.

“I feel like we’ve got enough attention,” Steve says glancing around.

“Yeah let’s not tempt fate, ready?” You ask holding out your hand, Steve nods taking your hand in his.

“Heimdall we’re ready,” you say glancing up at the sky.

Nothing happened.

“Heimdall?” You say a little louder.

“What’s going on?” Steve asks glancing down at you.

“I don’t know,” you say shaking your head, the sounds of sirens in the distance.

“Shit, we need to go,” Steve says going to pull you, but you don’t move.

“No it's fine, Heimdall take us to Asgard,” you say looking up at the sky.

The sounds of sirens grew ever closer, a crowd beginning to grow compromising your escape route.

“Y/N now” Steve orders trying to pull you away again but you refuse.

“Heimdall! Now please!” You shout when you spot the first police car arriving.

“We need to go now” Steve argues.

“Heimdall!” You yell.

Finally, you felt the Bifrost appear and you and Steve were pulled up and away from the police. Steve couldn’t quite believe what he was seeing, the bright blue tunnel of light surrounding him. He faintly heard you shout to get ready and then suddenly the light was gone and he was stumbling into a golden room.

“You okay?” You ask once Steve had found his footing.

“Think so,” Steve says glancing around before looking back down at you.

You smiled over at him before turning to face Heimdall only to find someone you didn’t recognise in his place. The man looking at you with a mixture of surprise and fear.

“Who are you?” You ask him pointing at him.

“Skurge” he answers quickly.

“Where’s Heimdall?” You ask furrowing your brows.

“Um, Odin sent him on a mission, very important,” Skruge says scratching the back of his head.

“Right okay, guess that explains the delay” you sigh shaking your head.

“Come on Steve,” you say pulling him towards the rainbow bridge.

Once you step outside onto the bridge you hear Steve let out a small sound of wonder. You look back up at him smiling when you saw the look of amazement on his face.

“Welcome to Asgard” you smile squeezing his hand.

Walking into the city you were amazed at home much had changed. More had changed in the last 3 years since your last visit than in the many years you’d grown up here.

As you walked through the streets towards the palace you spotted something that made both of you stop in your tracks.

“Is that a statue of Loki?” Steve asks pointing up at it.

“That wasn’t there before,” you tell him before glancing around.

“Something doesn’t seem right, hopefully father can explain,” you say starting towards the palace but you quickly notice Steve wasn’t following.

When you turn back to him you see the slight look of concern on his face as he looked ahead at the palace.

“What is it?” You ask walking back over to him.

“I’m really about to meet your father, the literal god, the king of this place,” Steve says gesturing around.

A small smile grows on his face when you realise he was nervous to meet your father.

“He’s not as scary as he seems I promise, plus there’s nothing he can do to stop me from being with you,” you say wrapping your arms around his shoulders.

“So he’s not gonna blow me to smithereens?” Steve asks raising a brow.

“Not without having to go through me first” you smile reaching up to kiss him.

“C’mon” you smile taking his hand and leading him towards the palace.

You didn’t find Odin in the throne rooms like you expected, nor looking over the training guards. Instead, you found him on one of the balconies overlooking the city a bunch of grapes in hand.

“Father,” you say grabbing his attention.

Odin turned around to face you, a blink and you’ll miss it surprised look on his face when he saw you and Steve. He almost looked hesitantly over at Steve making you furrow your brows. However, he quickly recovered his expression turning much more recognisable.

“Daughter I was not expecting you, is Thor with you?” Odin asks glancing over your shoulder.

“No, last I heard he was searching for answers about the infinity stones,” you tell him.

“Is he still with that mortal girl?” Odin asks raising a brow.

“Her name is Jane, but no they broke up, apparently he’s living with someone called Daryl” you explain shaking your head.

“Well I see you’re still with your mortal, without my blessing too,” Odin says sending a cold look Steve’s way.

“Father!” You complain scowling at him.

“I jest, I know Thor gave you his blessing on my behalf, having found a righteous man” Odin smiles patting Steve on the shoulders

You glance up at Steve seeing the look of relief on his face. The breath he’d been holding finally escaped his body.

“So how long do you plan on staying?” Odin asks clasping his hands together.

“Hopefully just a month, we’re just waiting for things to die down on earth,” you tell him.

“Oh, are you causing trouble for your people,” Odin asks raising a brow.

“No, just politics is messy” Steve explains shaking his head.

“Hm yes a world run by many can be difficult, sometimes one leader overall is better” Odin sighs shrugging his shoulders gently.

“Careful father, you’re starting to sound like Loki” you smirk making your father smile warmly.

“Well, he was misguided but that doesn’t mean he was always wrong” Odin nods.

“Is that why there’s a statue of him?” Steve asks.

“When the people of Asgard heard of his sacrifice to save the nine realms they felt the need to honour him and who am I to argue against the will of my people” your father smiles.

“Well, it is what he wanted” you chuckle looking out at the city.

“Yes, well I have duties to attend to so apologies if you don’t see me often but enjoy your time here,” Odin says taking a step forward and kissing the top of your head before walking away.

Your brows furrow slightly as you watched him go.

“You okay?” Steve asks putting a hand on your shoulder.

“Yeah, it's just-“ you say before sighing and turning back to Steve “that’s the most affectionate he’s ever been”

“Really?” Steve asks slightly surprised.

“Yeah, my mother was always the affectionate one, he was always a bit cold and distant, I knew as I got older that it was because of the responsibilities of being king” you explain as you wrap your arms around yourself almost protectively as you spoke about your childhood.

“I guess with Mother gone, me and Thor on different planets, it’s changed him” you sigh “at least he seems happy though, could be worse”

“And I bet he loves having you back for a little bit” Steve smiles taking your arms and pulling them away from you and around him instead.

“And he didn’t kill you, which is good because there was a pretty good chance he would,” you say as you move closer into Steve’s embrace, feeling his chest shake as he laughed.

“That’s reassuring” he chuckled.

“I mean can you blame him?” You ask looking up at him “I’m his only daughter so he’s naturally gonna be protective, you will be too if we have a daughter, and she gets her first boyfriend” you point out.

Steve shakes his head “no, but our daughter won’t be allowed to date so it wouldn’t be a problem” Steve states making you laugh, slapping him on the chest making him laugh and smile down at you.

“I can’t wait to have children with you” Steve sighs with a twinge of sadness.

“Me neither, but we will one day, even if we have to hit pause for now” you sigh one of your hands moving to the nape of his neck, fingers running up into his long hair.

“Yeah, I want to give them everything, the best life possible, a steady home, something I don’t think we can do right now” Steve admits quietly as he looked down.

“And that’s okay, there’s no rush, and we can start our family when we’re ready and just enjoy it being the two of us for now,” you say cupping his cheek and getting him to look at you.

“I love you,” Steve says looking down at you with a relieved smile.

“I love you more” you smile pulling his lips down to yours.

“Impossible” Steve murmurs against your lips

Remember The Demigod from Asgard is going on a break over the Christmas period but it will be returning on the 7th of January 2023!

Sharing is caring so please reblog if you enjoyed this and maybe even leave a comment to make my day!

Series Masterlist / Masterlist

I don’t have a tag list so follow @secretswiftymarvelfanlibrary and turn on post notifications for updates!

#NiamhWrites #the demigod from asgard series #Steve Rogers #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers x y/n #steve rogers x you #captainamerica #captain america x reader #captain america x y/n #captain america x you #marvel #mcu #chris evans

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whumpwriterforlife · 2 years

Note

So speaking of the prisoner exchange fic, any chance you might be interested in doing “blindfolded” for Nyx? I would understand if you’re not taking any more prompts; you already have quite a lot on your plate!

I don't even want to think about how long this ask has been sitting in my inbox, I'm sorry 😅 But it's finally here! Blindfolded, featuring one young Nyx Ulric!

BLINDFOLDED

Summary:

Nyx wasn’t a child anymore, and he was tired of being treated like one. He was fifteen. He could do everything that the adults did, he could be useful and help the resistance – but no, they still treated him as if he was some boy and had him run stupid errands for them. He had killed a coeurl when he had been twelve, for Six’s sake! That alone should prove he was more than capable of handling himself.

After tonight they would all know it.

AKA in which Nyx sneaks out to prove himself and things don't go as planned.

Fandom: Final Fantasy XV

Characters: Nyx Ulric, Libertus Ostium, Mama Ulric and some OG characters

Whumpee: Nyx Ulric

Word Count: 13.1k

Warnings: Blood and violence, some of it towards a minor (Nyx is 15 in this fic)

Can be read below or on AO3

After tonight they would all know it.

“Nyx, you can’t be serious!” Libertus hissed, throwing his hands up in frustration. “This is ridiculous!”

“I’m not asking for your opinion,” Nyx said pointedly as he stuffed a jacket into his backpack. It was still warm, downright hot outside, but he knew it would get cold quickly once the sun went down and he wasn’t going to let that slow him down. “I just need to know if you can cover my shift at the restaurant tonight.”

“Nyx –”

“Libs,” Nyx shot back pointedly, cutting his friend off as he turned around and walked to his wardrobe. He pulled out a wooden box that had his initials engraved on the lid and laid it on his bed, opening it to reveal his kukri. “Aren’t you tired of being treated like a kid all the time?”

Libertus groaned and flopped down on the bed. “They’re just trying to keep us safe! I don’t understand why you want to go on more dangerous missions, you’d think after what happened to your father –”

“I don’t wanna hear it!” Nyx snapped, and slid his kukri into its sheath at his hip with more force than necessary as anger flooded his veins. He walked back to his backpack and flung it over his shoulder. He didn’t want to talk about it. “This has nothing to do with my dad!”

“Shit,” Libertus swore, but Nyx didn’t look at him as he left his room and headed for the kitchen. It didn’t take long for the sound of footsteps to follow him. At least no one else was home so Nyx didn’t have to worry about his mother or Selena hearing anything they weren’t supposed to.

“You know I didn’t mean anything by that, right?” Libertus asked, a hint of guilt in his voice. “It just slipped. I’m sorry.”

“Right,” Nyx muttered as he grabbed his water bottle from a shelf and went to fill it. He knew it was stupid to be angry at Libertus, he was only trying to help him, but his dad was still a sore subject to him. He took a deep breath. “Yeah, sorry. So can you cover for me tonight, or should I go ask Pelna?”

Libertus sighed. “I’ll cover for you.”

“Thanks,” Nyx gave Libertus a smile as he screwed the cap back on the water bottle.

“But, Nyx,” Libertus continued after a moment. “Just, please be careful.. Don’t do anything too stupid.”

“I’ll be fine,” Nyx told him. He slid the water bottle into the mesh pocket of his backpack and glanced at Libertus over his shoulder. “You know me, I’m always careful.”

Libertus scoffed. “Riiight. Careful isn’t exactly the word I would use to describe Nyx Ulric.”

“Oh shut up,” Nyx huffed with a smile. He grabbed a few fruits and a pack of nuts into his backpack, too, to make sure he had something to snack on if he ended up being outside longer than he had planned. Not that he wouldn’t be able to find something edible in nature if it came down to that, the berries you could find in the jungle were perfectly ripe at this time of year, but it was good to be prepared in case there was a sudden storm that would force him to take cover somewhere. No matter what some people liked to say, Nyx wasn’t stupid. He knew his stuff.

Soon he was standing at the door, ready to go.

“Are you sure this is a good idea, Nyx? What if something happens? Maybe you should tell someone where you’re going,” Libertus asked him, shifting his weight from one foot to the other uneasily.

“No! No one can know, Libs. They’ll just lose their shit and arrange some stupid search party with half of the village involved when I’m fine,” Nyx told him, his eyes narrowing as he pointed a finger at Libertus. “I’m doing this to show them I can be a valuable asset, and that’s not going to work out if I can’t even sneak out before everyone and their grandma are out there looking for me.”

“But what if something does happen?” Libertus challenged him, his stubborn streak showing in the harshness of his expression. “Who’s going to help you then?”

“Nothing is going to happen.” Nyx shook his head as he grabbed his flashlight and attached it to one of his belt loops. “You’re worrying way too much, Libs. Just chill.”

“How am I supposed to chill when your mother and mine will murder me if they find out I knew about this and still let you go?!”

Nyx rolled his eyes and stepped outside. The street was nearly empty, as most people, including his mother, were gathered at the school for some meeting about the village’s status. “They don’t have to find out. You just need to shut up and tell them I’m out running errands or something if someone asks.

“Trust me Libs, it’ll be fine,” he added with a clap on his friend’s shoulder. “After tonight no one is going to treat me like some kid anymore.”

Libertus sighed, his shoulders slumping, and Nyx knew he had won the argument. “Yeah, alright. Just don’t get yourself killed, or I’ll bring you back only to kill you myself.”

Nyx grinned and hopped down from the porch. “I won’t.”

After that, they both went their separate ways, though Nyx still felt Libertus’ stare boring holes in the back of his skull up until he turned off the main street onto one of the lesser used paths. He rolled his back, taking in a few deep breaths as he let the smell of nature, the sounds of birds singing and of leaves swaying in the wind wash over him. He felt lighter, more excited than he had felt in a long time. He was buzzing with barely contained energy.

“This is going to be so much fun,” he murmured to himself as he took off down the path, dodging and hopping over thick roots and spider webs as he made his way away from the village and into the wild jungle.

There was still approximately an hour of daylight left, but it didn’t take long for the trees to start filtering out most of the remaining rays of sunshine. Fortunately Nyx knew the path like the back of his hand so he could spare his flashlight batteries for a while longer. He could remember spending days roaming around in the bushes, climbing the trees and exploring – and of course scaring the hell out of Pelna by finding the creepiest bugs and spiders possible. It was hilarious how his friend, who had been hunting with his older relatives for years now, was afraid of something so small. Sure, he could understand being hesitant of the more venomous species, but even those were rarely aggressive when handled correctly.

Those had been the best days. They didn’t have as much time to run around anymore, and with the Empire lurking around their parents were hesitant to let them wander too far in case the situation changed for the worse. It was an overreaction in his opinion, since no troops had been seen within a few hour’s journey from their village, but he could kind of understand it, especially when it came to the younger kids. He just wished he and his friends had more freedom. They had been taught to use weapons from a young age, and most of them were involved in hunting and the resistance movement. They could take care of themselves without any adult supervision, and Nyx missed going out on their adventures. Hopefully tonight would convince the adults of their – or at least his – capabilities.

The first hour passed quickly, and most of the animals fell quiet as the night approached. Nyx had to turn on his flashlight to see in front of him properly, and pay more attention to where he was going in general since he was no longer on the path he had started on. His excitement was still strong, not ebbing even when the first thoughts of daemons lurking around popped into his mind. It was a stupid fear, he knew, just something the village elders liked to tell the children to scare them into not wandering around after dark.

There were actual daemons, both in Lucis and Niflheim, maybe even in Accordo, but very few had been seen in Galahd. Nyx wasn’t sure why that was, but he was glad. He had asked his dad once when he had been younger, and he had told him something about some ancient magic – more ancient than the Lucis Caelum magic – that was one with their land and kept the daemons away. He wasn’t sure how much of it was true, or how there could be magic different from the Lucis Caelum magic, but it sounded cool and he had accepted it. There was nothing to disprove his claim, after all. Maybe one of the village elders knew more, but Nyx had never gotten around to asking, mostly because he knew the tale that would result from his question would last for hours and include a bunch of metaphors he would have no hope of understanding. He was happy with just the knowledge that only a handful of damons had been spotted in Galahd since the protective Wall had been pulled back. If only the same principle applied to the Empire…

By the time the second hour was nearly over, Nyx made a quick stop to drink some water and pull out his jacket. He didn’t put it on yet, but wrapped it around his waist in advance, considering he could feel the air cooling. The sun had gone fully down at this point, but in its stead the moon provided a tiny bit of glow through the gaps in the foliage. The flashlight was a must, but it was nice to have small flecks of natural light around, too. It helped him navigate the unfamiliar territory towards the supposed enemy camp.

It had only been a handful of days since the first reports of enemy movement had been spotted in the area, and Nyx knew the resistance had taken interest in it. The sightings had been closer to their village than they usually were, although still not dangerously so, and as such had gained the most attention. There were a few scouting missions planned to the area by them, but Nyx had thought it would be a great opportunity for him to prove himself if he got there first and gathered all the information they would need. It would spare them the extra work, and Nyx would gain their respect. It was a win-win situation for both sides.

As he advanced in the dark jungle, a nervous edge mixed with the excitement. He had seen and done a lot of things, most of which reckless with some level of danger, but he hadn’t actually come across people that were outright dangerous and hostile – not to mention heavily armed. The nervousness wasn’t enough to make him back down, though, but it did make him a bit more cautious. He was good at being sneaky, and at using his surroundings to his advantage which would work in his favor on this adventure, but these guys would be well trained, too. It would be for the best if he found a vantage point at a safe distance from the camp – as long as he first found the damn camp.

It took him longer than he wanted, and included one more break, but eventually Nyx saw the lights of the camp ahead of him. He pressed himself against a large tree, peering off the side towards the camp, and turned off his flashlight. It was unlikely that they had seen him yet, but it didn’t hurt to approach with care. He took off his backpack and dropped it against the tree trunk. He didn’t want to drag it closer with him since it made it slightly harder to hide, and he would also be faster if didn’t have it weighing him down in case he was spotted.

The camp seemed to be mostly void of activity. It wasn’t a total surprise, considering it was the middle of the night, but Nyx would have assumed there would be at least one person on the lookout, although it was possible the angle made it so that Nyx couldn’t see the person. Taking a moment to breathe and prepare for his task. Nyx crept out from his hiding spot and quickly made his way to the next tree. He continued the tactic for a while, staying down in a crouch as he snuck closer and closer to the camp. His heartbeat picked up as he grew nearer, thrumming in his chest as adrenaline flooded his veins.

It was exciting.

Eventually Nyx got into a spot where he could see the camp better, including the person he assumed was the lookout, sleeping in a foldable chair by the slowly dying fire. He smirked. He would’ve loved to see the guy’s face when he woke up and realized he had fallen asleep right in the middle of his shift, but at least this way there was one less thing for him to worry about, as he was the only person Nyx could see outside the tents.

“You guys are making this way too easy for me,” Nyx muttered under his breath as he crouched down and pulled a pen and a small notepad from his pocket. He didn’t dare to turn on his flashlight this close to the camp, sleepy guard or not, but he tried his best to make sure his handwriting would be legible later. He took some basic notes about the location and [construction] of the camp. The tents were large enough to fit multiple people, and since he couldn’t actually see inside them it was hard to estimate how many there exactly were, but his careful estimation was that there were around ten people in there if not more. He couldn’t see any mounts by the camp so it seemed like the group was moving on foot. It was a good sign and meant they wouldn’t be able to cover all that much ground fast, especially with no knowledge of the area.

He took a few more additional notes that he thought could help the resistance form a battle plan, but then he slipped the notepad back into his pocket. A giddy feeling washed over him then, and he grinned. He had done it! He had actually done it, all on his own! He had found the enemy camp and got close enough to take notes without being detected! He couldn’t wait to see what everyone’s reaction would be when he got back home. It was going to be awesome!

The grin remained on his face as he started creeping back towards the spot where he had left his backpack. It would be a long hike back home, but he figured he could find a place to rest maybe an hour away from the camp, just to make sure there wouldn’t be any danger of him being seen. After that he could take it easy again, but it would be stupid to drop his guard at this point.

A few minutes later he was back at the tree where he had left his backpack, and he released a relieved sigh, rounding the thick trunk to get a drink. He reached for it blindly, not seeing much in the pitch black, but his hand came up empty. He frowned and dropped down on his knees, patting the ground around the trunk to see if he had accidentally messed up the direction a bit, but the backpack wasn’t there.

A sliver of panic formed in Nyx’s chest.

“Nononono,” Nyx hissed under his breath, growing tense as he did another sweep before glancing towards the camp. He was sure it had been this tree! It had the same exact view, too!

So where was his backpack?

Nyx’s breath shuddered, an icy shiver of pure dread trailing up his spine as he stood up. He needed to run. Now! Nyx spun on his heels, his panic growing stronger by the second, but he couldn’t make it one step before he was slammed back against the tree. A startled cry left his lips.

“Looking for this?” a heavily accented voice asked, so incredibly loud in Nyx’s ears after being in the silence for so long. In the darkness, mere inches away was the shadow of a man twice as large as him, dangling his backpack from one finger while his other hand pinned Nyx against the tree.

“Nnh, no!” Nyx gasped, his voice cracking with fear. He was frozen, staring at his assailant, each of his limbs heavy and unresponsive. He needed to run, he knew it. He needed to kick and punch and bite and scratch and run as fast as he could, but he couldn’t move. “Please let me go.”

The man chuckled, and even that sounded foreign in Nyx’s ears. There was a heavy thud as his backpack was dropped, and Nyx’s gaze followed the move even when he couldn’t see it, but then the man grabbed Nyx’s jaw, his ice cold fingers digging into Nyx’s delicate skin, eliciting a fearful shout from the teen.

“Now, what is a boy like you doing here in the middle of the night, huh?” the man asked, tilting Nyx’s head back and pressing him against the rough bark of the tree even harder. “You should know it’s not safe to go snooping around after dark, especially not around strangers’ camps. Anything could happen.”

The last sentence kickstarted something in Nyx’s brain, and suddenly he could move again. He wrenched his face free from the grasp, wincing when it hurt, and followed it by kneeing the man in the groin as hard as he could. With that he shoved past the man and ran as fast as he could. He couldn’t hear anything over the sound of blood rushing in his ears, and he didn’t dare to look over his shoulder to see if he was being chased, he just fled. Libertus had been right, it had been so stupid to come out here all alone. He should’ve never done this! Now he was so far from home with no one to help him in case the man was still after him.

“Please, Ramuh, guide me back home safely,” he gasped fearfully under his breath, hoping that the old god would take pity on him. “Please.”

A split second later a heavy weight landed on his back and tackled him to the ground. Nyx screamed, kicking and squirming under the weight, even as it squeezed the air out of his lungs, but he couldn’t get free.

“Did you think you were going to get away that easily?” the man hissed into his ear, close enough that his lips brushed against Nyx’s skin, making him whine in terror.

“L–let me go!” Nyx gasped, his chest heaving to get in air that wasn’t reaching his lungs. “I– I can’t brea–”

The man twisted them around, somehow getting onto his knees with Nyx pinned against his chest. He had both of Nyx’s wrists in vice-like grips, crossed across his chest with barely any wiggle room, making sure it wouldn’t be easy for him to fight him.

Nyx sucked in air greedily, no longer crushed under the man’s weight, his head resting against the man’s shoulder, too weak to struggle. “Pl–please, let me go!”

“I don’t think I will,” the man replied and leveraged himself back to his feet with Nyx still pinned. “Don’t fight me, and I won’t have to hurt you again.”

“N-no!” Nyx gasped, shaking his head as the man started carrying him back towards the camp. He was going to die. If the man got him into the camp, he would die and no one would know what happened to him! He couldn’t do that to his mother and Selena, they had already lost dad! Nyx started squirming and writhing in the man’s arms, struggling as hard as he could. “No! Let me go, you creep!”

The man ignored him, only tightening his hold to the point where it was once again harder to breathe. Nyx whimpered and slammed his head back against the man’s shoulder in desperation. He didn’t care if he woke up anyone in that stupid camp at this point, he was scared and he wanted to go home!

“Get your hands off of me! Let me go! Help! Someone help me!”

He knew it was pointless, that there was no way there was anyone around that would willingly help him out of this mess. His village was the closest to the camp and even that was hours away, there was no reason for anyone to be that deep into the jungle unless they had something to hide, too. He kept screaming anyway, and tried to kick the man, but it was all useless. His only hope was to get his hands free so he could reach for his kukri, but the man was so strong, while Nyx was left gasping for breath with tears threatening to spill as the panic fully wrapped him in its clutches. “Help!”

The man dragged him into the middle of the camp and shoved him down a few feet away from the fire. Nyx gasped, instinctively covering his head but no one touched him. There were footsteps and a murmur of words that grew louder into near shouting, some of it curious but most annoyed and irritated – the only thing Nyx could tell as the words themselves were completely foreign to him.

Slowly, shakily, Nyx placed his palms against the dirt and sat up, drawing his feet beneath him as he raised his head to look up. He flinched the moment he made eye contact with one of the soldiers, the man’s expression dark and terrifying. He was holding a gun, a rifle of some sort, and so were the others that surrounded him.

Nyx didn’t dare to breathe. His kukri burned at his hip and he itched to reach for it, but he had a feeling he would be dead before he could pull it out of its sheath. He stood up, hands held slightly away at his sides as he trembled violently.

“Please,” Nyx pleaded, his voice airy and barely a whisper.

A voice at his side barked something, sharp and commanding, and Nyx jumped, a whimper escaping his lips as he turned towards it. The man looked fierce, decidedly more authoritative than the others, but his eyes weren’t on Nyx, but instead on the man that had brought him to the camp. The words were weird, nothing like Galahdan, and it made the situation all the more terrifying as Nyx tried to desperately understand what was happening. Nifltunga wasn’t a language that was taught in Galahd, or at least not at their village. It had never been a necessary language for them, but there was nothing Nyx hoped more than to know what was being said.

The man glanced at Nyx, his eyes narrowing with something akin to disgust, and then murmured something more, inclining his head towards him sharply.

A hand clamped over Nyx’s shoulder. He went rigid, his mind going blank, but instead of giving up he went into survival mode.

He couldn’t let himself die here.

He turned on his heels and yanked the kukri from its sheath, driving it straight into his attacker’s thigh. The resulting cry rang in his ears, but he let it wash over him as he yanked it out and slashed at the group of soldiers that tried to advance on him. He ducked past the injured man and made a mad dash towards the tree line, slipping into the narrow gap between two tents. He hopped over the ropes and pegs as the shouts behind him grew louder and more aggressive.

If he could get to the treeline – and if the soldiers didn’t use their guns – Nyx was convinced he could lose them from his tail. He was smaller, more agile. He could do it. He refused to accept the alternative.

He was grabbed the moment he broke away from the tents. Strong arms wrapped around him and threw him down into the dirt, his shoulder taking the brunt of the fall. Searing pain shot through his shoulder and down his arm, eliciting a strangled scream from him. His lungs ached and heaved, struggling to get in air that just wasn’t there. He tried to get up, but then there were multiple hands pinning him down and something larger and more painful digging into his lower back. It prompted another cry from his lips, his eyes fluttering as the kukri was wrenched from his grasp.

Black spots flitted across his vision as his arms were wrenched behind his back and secured there with something cold and unyielding. He didn’t even have the air to scream this time, no energy to fight, not even when he was pulled back to his feet and manhandled back to the camp. Tears pricked at his eyes and he had to bite his lip to distract himself. He didn’t want to cry in front of these people.

They brought him to a stop in front of the authoritative man. Nyx held his breath, trembling, but forced him to meet the man’s gaze.

The man backhanded him.

Nyx winced, his breath hitching as he squeezed his eyes shut against the stinging pain. A tear slid down his cheek, but he stubbornly bit his lip to keep himself from making any sound.

“What is a rat like you doing sneaking around?" the man asked in a snarl.

Nyx didn’t say anything, his eyes tightly shut as if that somehow changed the situation, as if the man wasn’t there if he couldn’t see him. He twitched, a tiny gasp breaking through as his head was tilted back by a finger under his chin.

“I –” Nyx stuttered, but made no further as the finger on his chin changed to a hand, the fingers digging into his skin harshly.

The man said something in Nifltunga and the soldiers holding him tightened their grips. Nyx’s eyes fluttered open, a sinking feeling forming in his chest. Suddenly there were more hands on him, patting him down and emptying his pockets. He went rigid, a protest forming on his lips, but the authoritative man squeezed his chin harder, to the point of it hurting, in a silent warning.

One of the soldiers pulled out the notepad and took one look at it before handing it over to the authoritative man. He let go of Nyx in favor of looking through it, and Nyx once more found himself unable to breathe. They would see all the notes he had taken and then they would know he hadn’t just accidentally come across the camp! Nyx didn’t want to die!

The man’s next words went over Nyx’s head, but the soldiers laughed. Nyx could only watch with wide, fearful eyes as the man tossed the notepad into the fire.

“I don’t believe you are a spy,” the man told him, folding his arms across his chest. “I can see you’re scared, no formal training – Galahd doesn’t have its own military force, does it? You’re only a little rat, in way over your head. Tell me who sent you, and I may even consider releasing you.”

“No one sent me,” Nyx shook his head, his voice on the verge of breaking.

“Am I supposed to believe that someone like you found our camp by chance and got the bright idea to play spy?”

Nyx flinched at the tone. “I– y-yes. I found– I heard people talking– !”

“What people?” the man raised his eyebrow, although this time there was a curious edge to his voice.

“N–no,” Nyx whispered as his blood turned cold. He shouldn’t have said anything, he shouldn’t have! He couldn’t tell them about the resistance, it would put so many people in danger, including his friends. He shook his head frantically. “I don’t know!

“Please don’t kill me!”

“Kill you? Oh no,” the man smiled, all dark and predatory.

"I'm not sure a runt like you is worth a proper execution. Maybe we can find some use for you after all.”

A sense of confusion washed over Nyx, pushing his fear aside for a second. “W–what?”

But the man was no longer paying any attention to him. He shifted back to Nifltunga and nodded towards one of the tents, and without another word Nyx was being dragged away.

“Wh–what’s happening?” Nyx gasped, stumbling along. “Where are you taking me?”

“Shut up!” one of the men dragging him hissed with a broken accent.

Nyx whined, weakly squirming in the men’s grip, but he couldn’t free himself no matter what he tried. They took him into the tent and shoved him down in the back corner of it. Nyx managed to catch sight of a few wooden crates on the opposite side of the tent with a small lamp of some sort on top of one, but then the men covered his view. One of them had found a few cloth strips from somewhere and crouched down before Nyx.

“Please, don’t –” Nyx whispered. He didn’t know what the men were planning but whatever it was, he didn’t want it. He shook his head and kicked his feet to get further away from them, but then the other man stepped to his side and seized him by the shoulders. “N-no, don’t touch me!”

The first man used the opportunity to shove one of the cloths into his mouth and wrap it around his head to silence him. Nyx screamed into the gag, shook his head frantically to dislodge it, but it was tied too tight. He cursed and swore, yelled at them to take it off, but all that came out was muffled noises that made the men laugh. The other they tied over his eyes.

Nyx shrunk in on himself, his fear growing exponentially as the world went dark. His incoherent pleading was ignored, and his ears rang with the men’s laughter as they poked and prodded at him, enjoying the way he jumped at the unexpected contact. Tears welled in his eyes, and this time there was no keeping them back. He wanted to go home. He didn’t care if his mother, or even the whole village, shouted at him for being a stupid fucking idiot, he just wanted to go home and hug her and Selena, maybe even apologize to Libertus for making him lie for him.

His last muffled please got him another round of laughter and a pat on the head, but then the men finally stopped. They made sure to tie his feet before leaving though, as if Nyx somehow would be able to run with the way he was already restrained and blindfolded. The rope was too tight, digging and chafing his bare ankles, just like the metal cuffs were biting into his wrists. In a way the uncomfortable sensation provided a distraction from the terror and fear, but it wasn’t nearly enough, and he still flinched at even the smallest of sounds.

The tears soaked through the blindfold within minutes, and Nyx’s breath hitched as he tried his best to not draw any attention to himself even as he sobbed. He was almost certain that he was alone in the tent, but there was no way it was anywhere near soundproof and he didn’t want someone to come in to– to shut him up or something.

Eventually the campsite grew silent once again as the soldiers settled back to sleep in their tents. Nyx barely relaxed. Even after his tears dried, he could barely relax. He kept expecting for someone to burst in to hurt him, or finish him once and for all. He had heard enough of the Niffs to know that they didn’t show mercy, and that very few survived in their hands. He was just a stupid kid, there was nothing he could offer them.

He hoped his mother and Selena would be taken care of after his death.

Nyx’s breath shuddered and he closed his eyes behind the blindfold as he curled into himself. He was going to miss them so much, his friends too. Hopefully they would be able to forgive him.

All the anxiety and fear took its toll on him, too, and despite the tension lingering around Nyx’s eyes started drooping. He hadn’t slept since the previous night - and even then the sleep had been spotty at best with all the excitement – and he was starting to feel it, so it wasn’t a surprise when he nodded off.

He jerked awake at the first tiny noise, his head snapping up and fear surging through him as he panicked. His lashes scraped against the blindfold, but it still took him a moment to realize he wasn’t going to see anything no matter how he turned his head. He strained his hearing, curling further in on himself, but the noise didn’t repeat itself, whatever it had been.

The tension still remained, and Nyx tried his hardest to stay awake. He couldn’t believe he had fallen asleep, it was such a stupid thing to do! He needed to stay awake and be prepared for anything, just in case an opportunity to escape presented itself. He didn’t want to be caught by surprise.

There was only so long his body could last without rest, though, and no matter how hard Nyx tried, his head tipped towards his chest, his eyes fluttering shut as he was pulled back under.

It kept happening throughout the night. Nyx kept startling awake, disoriented and in panic at each noise, but it wouldn’t take him long to nod off again. It only made Nyx feel more and more exhausted.

In the morning it was the unmistakable sound of footsteps that woke him up. He raised his head, tilting it back in an attempt to see the person from through the bottom of the blindfold, but he saw nothing but the tiniest sliver of light. He hated feeling and being so vulnerable. He couldn’t see, couldn’t speak, couldn’t move. He could only freeze and hold his breath when the footsteps came to a stop right in front of him.

Please leave me alone, he wanted to say, but all that came out was a miserable whimper.

“Ah, so you’re awake already, rat,” a male voice laughed, and what felt like the tip of a boot nudged Nyx’s side. “It’s time for you to be useful and earn your keep.”

Nyx’s response was muffled by the gag. He tried to squirm away, but he couldn’t even make it an inch before his head was wrenched back by the hair. A sharp cry left his lips, and then the gag was yanked down, falling around his neck.

“Something you want to say, rat?” the man growled, his breath hot against Nyx’s cheek.

Nyx’s breath shuddered. His mouth was dry and he nearly broke down into a coughing fit as the air got caught in his throat. “Leave– leave me alone.”

There was scoff and Nyx’s head was shoved back roughly as the grip released. “How desperate must your people be, sending children against us. Pathetic.”

“They – they’re not!” Nyx gasped before he realized how bad an idea it was. He shook his head. “They’ve kicked your asses so far!”

A kick to the ribs tore a startled cry from Nyx.

“Why did they send you then, huh? A scared, useless child that spent half the night crying for mummy?”

“I did not!” Nyx’s chest tightened with humiliation and fear. “I’m not!”

The hand was back in his hair, the grip so tight that it was bound to tear out at least a few strands. Nyx winced, his lungs seizing as his head was forced back at an awkward angle that made him feel like he couldn’t breathe.

“Tell me about the resistance,” the man demanded, the amusement gone from his voice. “If you’re not so useless, you must know something.”

Nyx opened and closed his mouth, like a fish on land, still unable to draw air back into his lungs. The chains rattled behind his back as he tried to work his hands through the cuffs, but there was no change from the last time he had tried. He knew, of course he knew, their village wasn’t large and most of the adult population had some part in the resistance, but he couldn’t tell the man that. He couldn’t endanger them like that!

“I– I don’t – I can’t!”

The grip in his hair tightened, making his eyes flutter behind the blindfold. “You see, I think you’re lying. Obviously you know something to have made it this far, so tell me. Names, boy, I want names.”

“I can’t!” Nyx cried out. “Let go of me!”

His head was wrenched to the side, and the momentum caused him to fall down on his side. A whimper broke through his lips, a shiver raking through him as the man growled above him. There was a shuffling noise, followed by the tell-tale sound of a blade being freed from its sheath. Nyx tensed and tried to curl in on himself in a futile attempt to protect himself from what was to come.

A cool blade rested against his cheek, not hard enough to break the skin but just so to make Nyx all too aware of how sharp it was.

“Your survival is at my gracious mercy right now, rat,” the man told him. “I would suggest you tell me what I want if you wish to live to see another sunrise.”

“I can’t!” Nyx exclaimed, desperation seeping into his voice. “I don’t know anything! Don’t hurt me!”

“How did you find us if you don’t know anything? And what about the notes?”

A long, drawn-out whine left Nyx as the knife dug into his skin. A droplet of blood trickled down his face and onto the floor. “I– I snuck out! I didn’t – no one knows!”

“You told the sergeant you heard people talk,” the man said, completely ignoring the way Nyx was growing more and more desperate and panicked. “Your village isn’t large, everyone knows everyone there. Who did you overhear?”

“I can’t –” Nyx’s breath hitched. He didn’t want to cry again, not in front of this person. “I can’t tell you that! I won’t!”

"Aww, look at this sudden burst of bravery!" There was an evil chuckle. "Let's see how long that lasts when the pain kicks in."

Nyx’s breathing came into a stuttering halt, his eyes widening behind the blindfold. The blade was removed from his skin, and Nyx shook his head with a desperate noise. “N-no, don’t hurt me! Pl–”

“You should’ve thought of that first, huh, rat?” The man tugged the gag back into place, muffling the rest of Nyx’s words. He patted Nyx’s cheek mockingly. “I’m going to enjoy this.”

Nyx kicked out, but he wasn’t in the right angle to hit anything. The man only laughed more. The sound rang in Nyx’s ears, too loud and almost sickening, and he shouted into the gag as he tried to squirm away, onto his knees, but he was knocked down before he could get anywhere. The hit, more a shove really, didn’t hurt but it still made him cry out in terror.

“It would be terribly easy to end it here, just slice through an artery and leave you to bleed out,” the man told him, his tone almost absentminded as he pressed the blade against Nyx’s neck. “There’s nothing you could do – you’re nothing but a powerless, helpless brat.”

Nyx let out a high-pitched, keening whine and tried to turn his head away. His breath came in short, shallow bursts, something ice cold and paralyzing spreading inside his chest as the blade drew across his skin. It didn’t break skin, but it didn’t make it any less terrifying. He pleaded, the blindfold growing damp with his tears, his muffled cries slipping through the gag.

“But it would be a shame to put a stop to the fun so early.”

The blade trailed down his neck and to the collar of his shirt. Nyx shivered, a sob escaping him as it cut through it, all the way and left him even more vulnerable. He couldn’t even form words at this point, panicked and frozen in fear. It didn’t matter what he did, the man wouldn’t stop. There was nothing to stop the man from hurting or killing him – and he was enjoying it, enjoying the fear and pain he was causing Nyx.

Suddenly someone shouted something in Nifltunga, something that made the man jump and curse, pull the blade away. Nyx twitched and squeezed his eyes shut even tighter.

“Looks like your punishment is going to have to wait.” The man huffed and nudged Nyx’s leg roughly. “Maybe in the meantime you can reconsider your situation – that bravado of yours isn’t going to help you survive here.”

Nyx curled further into himself in response. He was trembling, the chains clinking together behind his back, but the man said no more as he walked away and left him alone.

The silence felt unnerving, nearly overwhelming, and Nyx’s shaky breaths were too loud in his ears. It felt like the blade was still on his skin, cold and sharp as it traveled across his neck and chest. He cried. He was trapped. Trapped, held captive by enemy soldiers that would most likely kill him sooner than later. All because he had been stupid amd snuck out.

And it wasn’t only his life on the line. If the soldier came back and continued to question him further and – and threatened to hurt him again, Nyx didn’t know if he could take it. The man had been terrifying, and Nyx didn’t want to know what would have happened if the man hadn’t been called away. He didn’t want it to happen again. He didn’t want to put other people in danger. He didn’t want anyone else to get hurt because of him.

At some point he ran out of tears. It felt almost as if he had run out of emotions to feel, exhausted and numb as he lay on the ground. He hiccuped softly, his hands clenching and unclenching behind his back. The camp was full of sounds as people moved around, but he didn’t even have the energy to flinch anymore. He just wanted to be home, hug his mom and Selena, and fall asleep in his own bed.

It just wasn’t possible. He was most likely never going to see his home or be able to hug his family and friends again. Nyx pulled his knees closer to his chest and closed his eyes. Eventually he fell asleep.

The sleep wasn’t peaceful, he still kept startling awake at times, but it was sleep. It was better than being awake the whole time, twitching at everything and fearing they would come to kill him at any moment.

At one point his sleep was disturbed by a soldier shaking him awake. Nyx screamed, crying incoherently into his gag at the rough awakening, but the soldier didn’t hurt him. He told him to breathe, to calm down, removing the gag in the process. Nyx didn’t want to, he didn’t trust the soldier not to hurt him, but it hadn’t taken more than a few minutes for him to run out of energy. He took a deep breath after deep breath and whined softly.

The soldier cut the rope around his feet without a word and took him outside. Nyx was unsteady on his feet, dizzy and weak from the lack of food and water, but the soldier was strong enough to support his weight on his own as he led him to some bushes a little ways from the camp so that he could do his business. It was humiliating, but at least the soldier didn’t make fun of him. Afterwards he was taken back into the tent, where the soldier offered him water and food. It wasn’t much, and the food tasted awful, but it did make him feel better. A short while later he fell back asleep.

He woke up to shouts and screams. He gasped, making himself as small as he could on the corner of the tent, flinching when he heard a scream get cut short somewhere closeby. All he heard was Nifltunga, words he couldn’t understand, loud and commanding. Footsteps pounded the ground around the tent and gunshots echoed in the jungle.

The camp was under attack.

Nyx’s breath caught in his throat as a tiny sliver of hope bloomed in his chest. Could someone have come for him? Maybe Libertus had told them and they had managed to track him down? Even if not, surely these people would find him and set him free?

“Time to be useful, brat!” a voice snarled. A heavy set of footsteps thundered over to him, and Nyx’s protest turned into a sharp whine as he was tugged up harshly. He faltered, unable to see where they were headed, and the grip on the side of his neck was painfully tight.

“Wh- what is happening?” Nyx asked shakily.

The soldier wrenched him hard to the side, and then there was an arm around his throat, dangerously close to cutting his airway off. A panicked cry slipped from Nyx’s lips. He dug his feet down, squirming in the hold.

“Let me go!” he gasped. “Hands off!”

The soldier was much stronger than him, taller too, and easily dragged his body up by the neck. Nyx made a strangled noise, his hands twitching and writhing behind his back helplessly, unable to reach up to ease the pressure. He was forced to stand on tiptoes, and combined with the fast pace he stumbled, barely able to keep upright. He was distantly aware of them leaving the tent, a faint breeze brushing over his skin.

The soldier jerked him to a stop only a couple of steps later and jabbed something cool and metallic against his neck.

“Surrender or I will kill the boy!” the soldier shouted, followed by a click near Nyx’s ear.

Gun.

It was a gun against his neck.

A terrified whine burst from Nyx’s lips before he could stop it. “D–don’t kill me! I– I– please –”

“Shut the fuck up!” the soldier hissed and tightened the arm around Nyx’s neck.

Nyx gagged and choked, his eyes fluttering. He couldn’t breathe! His hearing was filled with static, the sound of blood rushing in his ears as he gasped for air that didn’t come. He was going to die. He didn’t want to die. Nyx let out a distressed noise.

Silence followed, the kind that felt heavy and oppressing, setting Nyx’s panic off even further as he fought to breathe, but then a familiar voice rang through the air.

“Alright. We’re surrendering, there’s no need to hurt the boy.”

Uncle Feles? That was uncle Feles, Libertus’ uncle!

“No!” Nyx wheezed, struggling desperately to get free. His lungs burned with the lack of oxygen, his limbs growing more and more heavy, but he couldn’t give in to the darkness. They shouldn’t surrender, not because of him! They would get hurt! Tears pricked the corners of his eyes. He didn’t want anyone else to get hurt.

“Who knew you’d be useful after all,” the soldier huffed into his ear in amusement, but then the breath was no longer hot against his skin and the man was shouting again. “Drop your weapons and kick them over!”

“Nnh, n-no!” Nyx could feel himself grow faint. “Please…”

Suddenly the soldier jerked, followed by a choking, gurgling sound. The arm around Nyx’s neck grew lax. Then they were both falling.

Someone caught Nyx before he could hit the ground, an arm circling his waist and hoisting him up against a firm, warm chest. Nyx’s instinct was to fight it, even as he struggled to draw in a breath, squirming and writhing, his lips parting to scream.

“Shh, you’re safe now, I’ve got you, you’re safe,” a familiar voice murmured into his ear, all the while tugging Nyx with him. The familiar accent felt like a stab straight into the heart. Pelna’s dad. Galen. Nyx’s breath hitched with fresh tears.

“I’m sorry, I– I–” A sob tore its way up from Nyx’s throat. “I didn’t – I’m sorry!”

“Breathe, Nyx, it’s okay, you’re okay,” Galen told him in a hushed tone. “You’re going to have a lot of explaining to do later, kiddo, but let’s just worry about getting you to safety now, alright?”

Nyx whined, unable to form a single word, but let Galen lead him away from the camp and into the trees. He was barely aware of any of it, sobbing from both fear and relief, his whole body trembling. He wanted to throw his arms around Galen and hug him, not caring a single bit if it made him seem weak. He had been so sure he was going to die in that camp, but he had been rescued, he was safe now.

“Let’s sit down here,” Galen said quietly, his voice soft and incredibly gentle. “Then we can take off that blindfold and see about freeing your arms.”

Nyx nodded shakily, nearly collapsing as Galen helped him sit down at the base of some tree. He flinched involuntarily as Galen’s fingers brushed against his scalp as they trailed along the blindfold to the knot on the back of his head.

“S–sorry.”

“Shh, it’s okay. I should’ve warned you,” Galen told him as he started working on opening the knot. “Can you tell me if you’re hurt?”

“No, not really,” Nyx whispered. “They didn’t really– they didn’t really have a chance to.”

“Are you sure? Galen asked. He let the blindfold fall to the ground when he got it loose and cupped the side of Nyx’s face with one hand. Nyx instinctively leaned into the touch, blinking rapidly as his vision adjusted. He had left on the adventure to prove himself, to make others realize he could do adult things just as well as everyone else, but now he didn’t care if he got treated like a kid. He was tired and terrified, and so incredibly relieved to be in safe hands – even if that meant he would get yelled at once they got back home.

“Just bruised,” he mumbled. He swallowed thickly, looking at Galen as he tried to get his breathing under control. His throat hurt with each breath, but at least he could breathe. “Can you– can you get the handcuffs off?”

Galen gave him a soft smile and nodded. “I’ll have them off in a minute. You’re doing great, kiddo, just keep breathing.”

Nyx instantly missed the touch as Galen removed his hand from his face to get behind him, but he didn’t mention it. He could hug Galen when his hands were free, and apologize again. It would be okay.

“These look like they’ve been put on tight,” Galen told him with a hint of anger in his voice. Nyx ducked his head even though he was almost sure the anger wasn’t directed at him. Galen gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “This might hurt a bit, but I’ll be as fast as possible, okay? Just close your eyes and think of something nice.”

“Something nice,” Nyx repeated quietly and closed his eyes. Home, home was nice. His friends and family, too. He could think of those. There was a twinge of pain as Galen adjusted his hands into a better position, but Nyx only squeezed his eyes shut tighter. “Nice things.”

“Yeah. I bet your mom’s worried. She and Selena will be happy to see you again.”

Nyx drew in a shuddering breath. “I’m sorry, it was stupid to sneak out.”

“It’s okay, Nyx. It was stupid, yes, but you’ve been really brave. We can talk about it later when we’re back home,” Galen told him firmly, but not unkindly. “I think you found out how dangerous it can be out here, and I think you’re not going to make the same mistake again.”

“I won’t,” Nyx agreed quickly and shook his head as his chest tightened uncomfortably. He didn’t want to go through that again. With his voice barely a whisper, he added, “I thought– I thought they were going to kill me.”

Galen paused, and there was a heavy sigh. “It’s possible, I’m not going to lie to you. These aren’t nice people. But you’re safe now, okay? They can’t hurt you anymore.”

Fighting tears again, Nyx could only nod. He had been so stupid and he deserved to get yelled at, but he was glad Galen wasn’t. He wasn’t sure he could handle the anger no, with his emotions all over the place.

The silence gave Galen time to work on the handcuffs, and soon the first cuff clicked open. Galen pulled Nyx’s hand free of the cuff carefully and moved it to Nyx’s lap. It hurt, his whole arm was stiff and achy from the position, and there was a red circle around his wrist from how tight the cuff had been. The pins and needles struck him only a couple of seconds later, eliciting a small whimper from Nyx.

“It should feel better soon. I’ll have your other hand free in a moment, too, okay? Then you can try to massage them a bit, I’ve heard that can help,” Galen suggested as he started working on the remaining cuff.

“Okay,” Nyx mumbled. The adrenaline was starting to fade and leave him exhausted once again, but this time he didn’t fight it. He was safe now. Galen and the others would keep him safe. “Thank you.”

“Anytime, kiddo, anytime.”

Nyx turned to give Galen a tired smile over his shoulder, but it vanished from his lips the moment he saw a dark figure standing behind them.

“Galen! Look out!” Nyx shouted, twisting around to scramble to his feet.

The figure surged ahead, hitting Galen over the head before he could even begin to stand up, and Nyx screamed as he went down. The figure gave Nyx no time to react, unceremoniously stepping over Galen’s still form to grab him by the neck and slamming him against the tree.

Nyx cried out, his hands clutching at the arm that had him pinned. His feet couldn’t touch the ground and the pressure on his neck made it almost impossible for him to breathe. He bared his teeth and squirmed.

“L–let me go!” he gasped. He recognized the uniform with Niflheim’s emblem on it, but he had spent so much of the time blindfolded he had no idea who the person was. “Galen!”

“Shut the fuck up, brat!” the figure snarled and leaned so close that their noses were almost touching. “I should’ve killed you when I had a chance, but we still have time. It’ll just have to be quick.”

Nyx’s breath hitched, his chest tightening with a surge of anxiety as he recognized the voice. It was the man that had threatened to hurt him at the camp. The one that had asked him all those questions. Nyx whined, but squashed down the fear that threatened to overwhelm him. The man had hurt Galen! It was all his fault and he couldn’t let the man get away with it!

“No!” Nyx kicked out at the man, catching him in the midsection hard enough to make him stumble back with a strained curse.

“Oh you little äpärä!” the man hissed and pulled a large dagger from his belt. “I’ll make you regret that.”

Nyx swallowed thickly, quickly glancing towards the camp. No one had seemed to notice what was going on with them yet. His lips trembled as he realized he would have to fight the man on his own without a weapon. He couldn’t let the situation escalate any further and let Galen get hurt. Pelna and his family needed him, his mom and Selena did too.

“I’d like to see you try,” Nyx said, trying to gather his usual confident bravado. He spread his legs slightly and brought his hands in front of him as he assumed a fighting stance. It was meant for defense against wild animals more than this, but it would have to be enough.

“Well, well, looks like the boy’s got some balls after all,” the man smirked. “Let’s see how long you can last.”

Then he rushed at Nyx.

Nyx gasped, bringing his hands up just in time to catch the knifehand. The man pressed on, using his larger frame to his advantage and pushed Nyx backwards, making him stumble. Nyx gritted his teeth and dug his heels into the dirt. Pain shot through his shoulder and he nearly faltered, but by some miracle he managed to hold his ground.

“I’m going to enjoy carving you up,” the man told him with a predatory grin. “Maybe I’ll do the old guy next, leave his body next to yours for people to find.”

“No!” Nyx exclaimed, straining to keep the knife back. “You can’t!”

“And who’s going to stop me? You?” the man shot back. He tried to twist the knife, aim the tip of it at Nyx’s chest while leaning over him. Nyx gasped and whimpered, forced to bend backwards as he fought to keep the knife away. It hurt. His muscles were trembling under the pressure, his hands shaking, but he couldn’t give in. He didn’t want to die. He couldn’t let the man hurt Galen.

“Y–yeah,” Nyx responded, hissing through gritted teeth even as his eyes fluttered. He wished he had the breath to shout for help. “I am.”

“That’s cute,” the man scoffed as he took a quick step to the side to throw Nyx off. Nyx yelped, falling down on one knee at the sudden change. The knife nicked his collarbone before he could direct it away to his side. The man cursed and stumbled as Nyx released the knife and rolled away from him.

“I won’t let you hurt anyone else!” Nyx told him, staggering back onto his feet. His chest heaved with sharp, uneven breaths as his panic tried to crawl its way to the surface, but he squashed it down forcefully. It wouldn’t help. “I won’t!”

“You know that means you’ll have to kill me, right?” The man took a leisurely step towards him. “Think you’ve got it in you to go through with that?”

Nyx felt as if he had been punched to the gut. He glanced at Galen’s unconscious body, his breath catching in his throat. He had never killed a person before, hadn’t even come close to needing to do so. It was a frightening thought, but he would do it. He would do it if he had to. He would. To save Galen.

“Yes.”

The man’s lips twitched into a dark smile, and he slashed at him with the knife. Nyx flinched, barely dodging the attack, but then the man was right on him again. He grabbed the wrist holding the knife in an attempt to pry it from the man’s grasp. He tried to secure his footing, but the man wasn’t giving him a break and kept pushing on.

“Galen! Nyx!”

“ Feles?” Nyx faltered at the shout, his gaze darting in the direction of the camp. “Feles! Help!”

“He’s not going to get here in time to save you,” the man whispered to him with a laugh.

“No!” Nyx shouted, and hooked his leg behind the man’s, tackling him. The man swore but used their combined momentum to wrench Nyx under him. They hit the ground hard, both fighting over the knife. Nyx’s head struck the ground, sparking pain in his skull. His grip on the knife loosened, and the next few seconds were a terrifying blur as he expected to be stabbed, flailing blindly as he tried to reach the knife again. He shoved at the man’s hands and suddenly there was a strangled noise. Something warm spilled over his hands, onto his skin.

The man collapsed on top of him.

Nyx froze, his breath catching in his throat, his eyes wide and unseeing as he stared at the sky. The man’s weight was crushing him and he couldn’t breathe! The smell of copper, of blood, was overwhelming, and tears welled in Nyx’s eyes as he squirmed to get free with faint, panicked gasps.

The man was dead. He wasn’t breathing or moving. He was dead, bleeding all over Nyx.

“Nyx?”

That was Galen, his voice low and pained. A whine bubbled up from Nyx’s throat. He wanted to turn and look at him, but he couldn’t move, it felt impossible. He could barely breathe.

“Ga–Galen?” Nyx whimpered.

“Nyx?” Galen repeated, stronger this time. Nyx could hear him shift, maybe move to get up, but then the man’s weight on top of him slid slightly to the side, smearing more blood over him and he squeezed his eyes tightly shut as panic induced nausea hit him. Oh gods.

“Galen! Nyx!” Feles shouted, this time nearly on top of them. Nyx couldn’t answer, he couldn’t even get a breath out, all too aware of the dead weight over him, of the blood trickling down his skin. He was going to throw up. Another panicked whine escaped his lips.

Suddenly the shouting took a more frantic turn, multiple voices joining in. Nyx couldn’t understand any of it, his own gasps overwhelmingly loud in his ears, but then the weight was hauled off of him and hands were grabbing him, pulling him up and away from the man. Tears slid down his cheeks, panic fully overtaking him and causing him to hyperventilate, his eyes fixated on the body with a knife sticking out of the chest.

“Nyx!” There were hands on his face, some patting down his body.

It was all too much.

“I– I’m gonna –” Nyx gasped, pushing the hands away as he staggered away and fell to his knees, emptying the contents of his stomach into the bushes. A loud sob tore its way out of his throat and he went to bury his face into his hands, only to freeze when he realized they were covered in blood.

A pair of arms wrapped around him, pulling him into an embrace. “You’re okay, kiddo, I got you. You did good.”

“He– he’s dead!” Nyx cried. “I killed– I killed –!”

“Shh, breathe, Nyx,” Galen murmured into his scalp, one of his hands carding comfortingly through his hair. “You did what you had to, you did good. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you.”

“I killed him,” Nyx repeated, his voice cracking under a new onslaught of sobs.

“It was going to be either you or him,” Feles told him sternly, crouching down in front of him. “And that piece of scum deserved it for what he’s done. Would’ve done it myself if I’d had the chance.

“You alright, Galen?” Feles inclined his head, his eyes moving to assess his friend’s condition then. Nyx’s gaze flicked up, guilt crashing into him like a behemoth and tearing more sobs out of him. He had messed up so badly.

“I’m fine,” Galen replied with a chuckle. He ruffled Nyx’s hair gently. “I’ve got a hard head, you know. One little punk isn’t going to stop me.”

Nyx sagged against Galen’s chest, unable to even form a simple apology. He wasn’t sure it would even be enough. He could have gotten all of them killed.

“We should get going, get Nyx out of here in case there’s more of those bastards lurking around,” Feles said after a moment, standing back up. “I’ll round up the rest of the guys and give you two a minute to get ready. Let me know if you need anything.”

Galen nodded in response. “Nyx and I will be there in a moment.”

Nyx wasn’t sure he could face everyone that had come. They would be disappointed and angry, and while entirely deserved after everything, Nyx didn’t know if he could survive that. He drew in a shaky breath, trying to copy Galen’s breathing. It was going to be a long walk home – a walk he wasn’t even sure he had the energy to make.

“Do you think you’re ready to stand up?” Galen asked quietly, brushing his hand up and down Nyx’s arm. The warm hand against his skin made him acutely aware of how cold he felt. He shivered.

“We need to find you something to wear, you’re going to freeze out here without a shirt,” Galen added with a concerned frown. “I can give you my jacket.”

Nyx shook his head. “I’ll just get blood over it. I don’t wanna ruin it.”

“I can always get a new one,” Galen reminded him. “But we definitely need to stop somewhere to get you cleaned up before we get you home. Your mom would kick our asses if we got you back looking like a murder scene.”

Nyx flinched at the mention of his mom and hung his head low. He was going to be in so much trouble for worrying her and everyone else.

“I’m sorry.”

“No, Nyx, you don’t need to keep apologizing,” Galen told him and tucked Nyx’s head under his chin as Nyx’s breath started to get dangerously close to hyperventilating again. “Let’s worry about getting you home now, alright? Everything else can wait.”

Nyx closed his eyes and took as deep a breath as he could. His voice was merely a whisper as he responded, “Alright.”

“Yeah, that’s it. Just keep taking deep breaths and it’ll be okay,” Galen encouraged him, taking a few exaggerated breaths to guide Nyx. It took a minute, but Nyx managed to calm down, no longer on the verge of a panic attack. That’s when Galen gave him a small smile.

“Think you’re ready to stand up now?”

Nyx nodded. “Yeah.”

Galen helped him up and made sure he was steady on his feet before shrugging off his own jacket and draping it over Nyx’s shoulders. Nyx couldn’t resist tucking it as tightly around himself as he could, basking in its warmth while Galen guided him towards the others with a hand on his back. He was still unsure and slightly scared to face the others, but Galen’s hand grounded him and made it feel less like the end of the world.

Fortunately none of the guys dwelled on it for long. They checked up on him, made a few quips and looked him over, but no one got angry and soon they were on their way away from the camp. Galen and Feles stayed by his side while a couple of the resistance members scouted ahead and the rest brought up the rear. Nyx was embarrassed to realize it was because of him, that they were most likely being more careful because he was there, but he didn’t have the energy to be awkward over it for long. In fact, he didn’t have the energy for much else either. Within the first thirty minutes, he was stumbling over roots and rocks more often than not, too tired to keep track of his feet.

At one point Feles sighed and put a hand on Nyx’s shoulder to steady him after yet another stumble.

“Alright, kid, you’re clearly not in any shape to be walking,” he said as Nyx tensed beneath his touch. “Get on my back.”

Nyx blinked up at him. “Your back?”

“Yeah, my back,” Feles huffed. “Just don’t think I’ll make it a habit. You and your friends are getting too heavy for this shit.”

“Language,” Galen admonished him from the side, and Nyx snorted as Feles glared at him.

“I don’t think a few swears can make the situation any worse,” Feles told him with a pointed shake of a head. “And if you think Nyx and his friends - Pelna included - don’t swear when you’re not around, you’re not as smart as I thought you were.”

“Nyx, get on his back and let’s get moving again.” Galen glanced at Nyx instead of responding to Feles.

Nyx stifled a smile, and hopped on Feles’ back when the man crouched low. It was only after a few minutes that he narrowed his eyes, wondering if that banter had been purposeful to distract him and keep him from declining the offer. He exhaled through his nose and leaned his head against Feles’ shoulder. He had to admit it was nicer this way, and gave his exhausted limbs a moment of rest.

Nyx lost track of time after that, the steady sway of Feles’ footsteps lulling him into light sleep. He didn’t even notice until he startled awake, a scream dying on his lips as he pushed away from Feles with his hands. It was only because of the man’s strong grip that he didn’t fall off.

A hand cupped the side of his face, the thumb brushing over his cheek. “Nyx, kiddo, take a deep breath. It was a dream, you fell asleep.”

Nyx whined as he looked Galen in the eyes. “It’s– it wasn’t! I saw it again and– you could’ve died! I– he was going to kill you!”

“Hey, it’s okay. We talked about this, you don’t need to apologize for that,” Galen told him gently. “And I’m still here, you are too. It was a dream, we’re no longer back there.”

Nyx took a deep breath and nodded, although he wasn’t convinced.

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled. “I know it was stupid.”

“This is exactly why we don’t let you help us,” Feles told him, stern but not as harsh as he could have been. “The Niffs don’t play around, they could’ve easily killed you – killed us all. What if they’d used you to attack the village? It wouldn’t have been only your life at risk!”

Nyx sniffled. His chest felt hollow. It was more than he could take. He had spent his day scared and terrified and guilty and in pain. He was exhausted but the tears just kept coming even though it felt physically impossible at this point. He closed his eyes and drew in a shuddering breath as he leaned his head against Feles’ shoulder.

“I’m sorry,” Nyx whispered. “I thought– I didn’t know. I just wanted to help.”

“Now you know better. You paid the price for your stupidity, but got away with your life intact.”

“You were, helping us, by running errands for us,” Galen piped in, stepping to Feles’ side. “Learn from this, Nyx. Maybe one day you’ll be ready to join us, but for now you’re still too young. Enjoy it, the responsibilities will eventually start piling up and then there won’t be as much time for you to go out with your friends and have fun.”

Nyx nodded mutely.

“There should be a haven a closeby,” Galen said after a minute. “We should head there and rest for a few hours, see if Nyx could clean up in the stream near it.

“We could all use a break,” he added when Feles made a thoughtful noise.

Nyx closed his eyes, hoping Feles would allow it. He was so tired and would without a doubt fall asleep again soon. He didn’t want to freak out and accidentally hurt Feles if he had another nightmare. The dried blood was starting to make him uncomfortably itchy too, and he most definitely didn’t want to go home and for his mom to see him covered in it.

“Alright, let’s head there, then. We can rest until sunrise,” Feles replied with a sigh, and hoisted Nyx slightly higher on his back to get him in a more comfortable position to carry. “Tell the others and lead the way.”

Galen didn’t answer, but Nyx heard him take off in a jog.

They arrived at the haven some time later. Nyx wasn’t really awake enough to tell how much time had passed, all he was aware of was Feles – who had been acting as his personal heater so far – laying him down by the fire inside the haven. He didn’t know where the sleeping bag came from but he definitely didn’t have the energy to ask, and so he drifted off.

The morning came all too fast, Galen shaking Nyx awake as the first rays of sunlight started filtering through the trees. Nyx guessed it was only a good thing he hadn’t woken up screaming from nightmares, but it felt like no time had passed at all. He groaned and whined, tempted to plead for a few more minutes, but he had already pushed back the schedule by simply being there, so he kept his complaints in and sat up.

“Morning, kiddo,” Galen smiled. “I have a granola bar for breakfast, if you feel up for it?”

Nyx’s stomach responded for him by letting out a loud growl. He ducked his head in embarrassment, a slight blush creeping up his neck, but accepted the offered granola bar with a muttered thanks. Galen chuckled and ruffled his hair.

“Eat up, I’ll get a water bottle from one of the guys, you must be thirsty. Maybe after that we can see about cleaning you up a bit by the stream.”

Nyx gave a small nod as he unwrapped the bar. “Thanks.”

“Sit tight, I’ll be right back.”

Nyx watched Galen get up and walk away, nibbling on the granola bar absentmindedly. He was looking forward to going home, but his mom’s reaction worried him. He had no idea if she would be mad or not – although he wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up grounded for an entire month after this. He just hoped she would be able to forgive him.

He finished his breakfast while deep in thought, almost drinking the whole bottle Galen came to offer him a few minutes later. He hadn’t felt hungry, but he felt loads better after eating. Galen then took him down to the stream. The water was freezing, flowing down from the mountains, but it was well worth it when Nyx was able to wash off all the blood. The day was already downright hot despite the early hour, so it didn’t take him all that long to warm up afterwards either.

Then they were on their way back to the village. There wasn’t much talking, but Nyx was too busy overthinking to participate anyway, so he didn’t mind. Galen and Feles let him walk too which helped manage his nerves the closer they got.

“It’ll be fine, kiddo,” Galen told him, giving his shoulder a comforting squeeze. “Your mom’ll just be happy to have you home in one piece.”

“Yeah, the telling off will come later when things have settled down,” Feles huffed a laugh.

“Feles,” Galen said, a warning undertone to his voice, before tugging Nyx closer to his side. “He’s right, Nyx, but it’ll be fine. It’s not going to be the end of the world, she’s just worried.”

Nyx sighed. “Yeah, I guess.”

His mom was already out, sitting on the porch when they got there. It was only because of Galen’s hand on his shoulder that Nyx didn’t stop dead in his tracks. He swallowed thickly, his chest tightening with a weird mix of anxiety and overwhelming relief.

“Mom,” he whispered, tears welling in his eyes.

It was as if she heard him, her head turning in their direction. The moment their eyes met, Nyx knew he wouldn’t be able to keep it together, a sob building in his chest. He took a shaky step forward as she stood up. Galen and Feles stopped behind him.

“Nyx!” his mom shouted. She started running in his direction, and Nyx found himself picking up his pace as well, tears streaming down his face. “Oh, Nyx, you’re alright!”

Nyx ran straight into her arms, burying his face into her shoulder as the first sob broke free. “Mom!”

“Oh, my sweet boy, I love you,” she told him, her own voice wet with tears as she kissed the crown of his head. “I was so worried! Don’t ever do that again!”

“I’m sorry,” Nyx gasped between sobs. He felt safe, so secure in her arms. He wanted to stay like that forever. “I’m so sorry!”

“Shh, it’s okay, it’ll be fine. You’re back and that’s all that matters.”

“Nyx!” Selena shouted from the house, excitement clear in her voice. “Nyx, you’re home!”

Nyx couldn’t help but let out a wet laugh. He had missed Selena, had missed everyone. Selena’s weight slammed into them from the side, and Nyx disentangled one arm from the hug to wrap it around her, too.

“Hey, ‘Lena,” he whispered quietly, the loudest he could without his voice breaking on him. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too! I have stuff to show you! Pelna and his sisters came over yesterday and we did arts!” Selena explained to him, oblivious to the tears. “I wish you had been there, too!”

“Honey, Nyx might need a moment before he’s ready to play with you, okay? He’s had an exciting night,” their mother told her, hugging them both tightly. “But what do you say about baking for Nyx while he rests a little?”

“No, it’s fine, I can–” Nyx tried to tell her, but she shushed him softly.

“A little nap will do you good. I don’t know what happened, but it looks like you haven’t been sleeping well.” She brushed her thumb over his cheek, wiping his tears away. “Then there’ll be food ready when you wake up.”

Nyx let his eyes fall shut as he melted into the embrace. He was home, back with his family. It would be okay, just like Galen had said.

#badthingshappenbingo #whump #ffxv #nyx ulric #kingsglaive #captivity #threats #violence #libertus ostium #mama ulric #selena ulric

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wakeup-awg · 3 months

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Will you marry me… now? | Jan 25th

[Sophie | Alex]

It was one of those days out in London where Alex was just running out for some errands and ending up strolling around a bit. He found a record store he couldn't pass by and Sansa, who had taken to make sure she got a decent idea of how to behave in more public places with occasional crowds of people, was doing so well too. He was almost ready to head back home when he ran into Brittany who he went to school with way back as a wee little boy still living just outside the city of London. He knew there was no rush to head back, Sophie was out, busy with some work stuff and the kids were with her parents, so he agreed to grab a cup of coffee to catch up some. What he didn't realize was that one of Sophie's friends was around and snapped a picture of the old friends catching up. "Alright, I gotta head back. Think I'll surprise Soph with some take away so we don't have to cook," he said with a chuckle as he gave Brittany a brief hug and then headed back home. On the way, he stopped at a place he knew Sophie would like to bring some pasta dishes home for dinner. "You were such a good girl," Alex cooed as he finally returned to the house and let Sansa off to run into the house. "Babe?" He called for Sophie. "Soph, I'm back and I brought food!"

As of late Sophie had feel unsteady in things again. Prickling jealousy, seeing the things pop up about the boys upcoming year of more things that would be busy and women commenting how hot he was and how he was never spotted with Sophie anymore. It came on the cusp of seeing her ex now with a model, back to his old habits and comparisons of what he really wanted compared to his ex and the doubt it brought to her of what she could give Alex. Of course she tried not to show Alex this because she didn’t want him to think she was so insecure but the thing was it felt like she was getting worse. Today wasn’t the worst he had gone out but one of her friends texted her photos of Alex hugging a woman, sitting out getting food, his hand on her arm at one point asking what the hell was going on? It was just like what happened in the past. She broke down into tears it was a full repeat of what had happened to her with her ex and in the same time just about four years. That was all she was good for before she was boring. Sniffling she packed a bag planning to go to her parents when he got home. When he got home, she stormed down the stairs. “You know you have some nerve if you didn’t want to get married then you shouldn’t have asked me.” She said. “If you wanted to end this I said to tell me but instead you go out and cheat.” She said hands shaking and it obvious she had been crying. Taking the ring off she pressed it into his hand with the bags of food. “I’m going to my parents. I can’t do this again. I… I can’t do this again.”

When he got home, Alex figured Sophie would be happy he brought food and they didn't have to stand in the kitchen and cook but could just dive into take out and relax. What he didn't expect was her storming down the stairs, practically yelling at him and before he knew it, she was pressing the ring he got her about a year ago into his hand. "What? What are you talking about, Soph.." he started. He put the bags of food down on a shelf where they usually put their keys and turned his full attention on Sophie. He reached for her hand to give the ring back and stop her from going off. "What the hell are you talking about? I'm not cheating. And I don't want you just storming off to your parents either."

When he reached for his hand, she pulled her hand back from him. “I can’t do this again. It’s the same thing all over again.” She said. “It started with working more and then sneaking around with other women.” She said shaking her head not taking the ring back. “I can’t go through that again. I won’t survive it again.” In fact this would be worse what she felt for Alex was so much more than her ex. “I just… if you wanted something else you just had to tell me Alex. If I don’t deserve that much our kids at least do. Our /three/ kids deserve better.” She said as she took out her phone with the photos. “It’s fine. Do what you have to do. But I want to go to my parents.”

Alex raised his brows when she told him about sneaking around with other women. He definitely wasn't doing that and the woman he just met, he didn't even have a chance to tell Sophie about yet, he just got back home after all. How would she know anyway? "Sophie, I don't know why you keep thinking that I don't want you because I do, and I-" it wasn't until she held her phone out to show the pictures that he realised someone must've told her before he could. "Oh, so you see pictures now and believe people telling you whatever?" he asked with a sigh. "That's an old friend from way back when I was going to school here and I literally ran into her when I was out. If you could let me come inside and not immediately yell at me, I could have told you about all of that," he told her. Sansa was whining at his feet, but he ignored her to focus on whatever this fight with Sophie was." I am not interested in being with anyone but you and I don't know why you just won't believe me on that. I only want you and you are more than enough for me. I'm not bored with you, and I'm not getting tired of you. I want you. For the rest of my life I do."

Her emotions were getting the best of her. Things with her anxiety were getting worse and she realized that when it came to her relationship with Alex. Which wasn’t even his fault. There were new posts online comparing her exes new model girlfriends to her and why they should have seen why they’d never work. Why it should have never worked out… and it just rang in her mind that it was telling her she was the problem. She was never going to be good enough. Not a good enough partner, not a good enough mother. Her insecurities had all but tripled since all of this. “You were running errands but those errands suddenly involved meeting up with an old friend.” she spat back at him. “No text to say oh hey I ran into an old friend going to be out a bit longer, but someone spots you and suddenly I just believe pictures. Seems pretty damn bloody cozy to me.” she said as her phone fell out of her hands and it bumped her fingers causing the articles that had been sent to her about her ex, all the comparisons to pop open on her phone. “You say that.” Her voice deadpanned. “They all say that.” she murmured shaking her head tears slipping down her cheeks. “You’ll get bored of me, I won’t be enough in the end.” she shifted awkwardly before turning back away from him and slowly walking into the living room to grab whatever she had put in there.

"I ran into her Sophie! I knew you were busy and was ready to tell you all about it once we were sitting down eating the food I brought us," he tried to explain but it didn't really seem like she was listening. She wouldn't take back the ring and he felt it heavy in his hand, like that just wasn't right, wasn't where it was supposed to be at all. "I mean that," he corrected her before reaching down to pick up her phone while she was walking off to the living room. He only got a glimpse of what was on there to realize how that must've been messing with her head. Sansa nudged him and he patted her head briefly before starting to follow. "I want you to take this ring back, what am I supposed to do with it? I gave it to you because I want to marry you, nothing has changed about that at all. There's only you and I only want there to be you. How many times do you need me to say it because I'll repeat it over and over again for you."

Her emotions felt all kinds of out of sorts, and she knew part of her needed to maybe go back into a more extensive therapy. She didn’t expect comparisons to her ex’s new woman to hurt her as much as it did. Then comments of her not being seen with Alex as much, or only him being seen with the kids meant this or that. That Sophie only had a ‘four year’ term on her was one of the articles. Moving through the living room she shook her head. “I can’t go through this in six months or a year or whenever you decide your life is too suffocating and you need to just be the rockstar life.” she said trying to push him away. Though it was like everything gave out as her legs gave out and she crumpled to the floor in a ball of tears her hands holding her face as she finally let herself cry out the emotions, there was no doubt there was some depression seeping into her even being happy to be back in England, Alex knew she was prone to it and all her mind could think was he’d regret it now.

"I can be a rockstar on tour and still have you and our family," Alex said before she was on the floor crying and he rushed to her side. "No. No, okay. Get back up." He pulled her up as best as he could to pull her into his arms. "I'm not going to get bored of or with you. I'm not gonna change my mind about our family and all that we have," he started and let out a soft sigh. "Sophie, I've never been more sure about anything in my entire life, okay? I want you to marry me. I don't need years to know I want you to be my wife. I know this right now and I know that's not going to change either."

Once she was on the floor crying it was like the flood gates had opened and every thing she held in was pouring out as she sobbed heavily to the point of heavy heaving gasps. His arms pulled around her limp body pulling her back up onto her feet her body just falling into his as she cried into him. Even if she was hearing it she didn’t know how to believe it. “I’m only good for four years.” she said. “I’m only good enough for four years and we’ll be together four years this May. Then things will change just watch.” her words hiccupped still crying into his shirt making it damp with her heavy tears.

"That's not true," he said softly as he held her, swallowing hard at how heavy her tears came and he let out a quiet sigh. "I want you for way more than four years okay? And I don't care who tries to tell you any different. I want you. And I'll keep telling you that whenever you need me to." He rubbed her back with one hand, the other wrapped tight around the ring so it was more like a fist pressing into her back. "I want you to believe me, baby."

Sophie didn’t know how to feel settled in this, and it wasn’t Alex’s fault, he had always been supportive, he had always been there, but she was pushing him away so she wouldn’t get her heart broken again later in life. So all she did was let herself cry her body hanging against his which was obvious she needed to sit down or lay down whether on the floor or the couch. She wanted to believe him she did, she wanted nothing more than to be with Alex but her mind was screaming so loudly at her.

For a moment, Alex just held her. Unsure if she had even been listening to him because she didn't say a word. He had to hold her up mostly with how she just slumped against him, but he wasn't going to let her go. "Soph," he said softly after a moment. "Will you please just marry me?" he said, as he looked at her. He wasn't sure he meant right now, right away, no more waiting or at least only as much as it needed to get an appointment. He was so sure of wanting her that he would marry her on the spot.

She sniffled when he said would she marry him and she looked up at him. “I already said I would marry you when you proposed to me almost a year ago.” she said, that hadn’t changed and she wasn’t expecting some proposal all over again if that was what he thought he had to do or anything. “I know someday that’s what you want I just… I don’t feel.. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m sorry.” Not realizing what he was really asking.

Their eyes locked for a moment and he brought his hand with the ring up to use his thumb to wipe away some of her tears. "No," he said and shook his head slightly. "I know you said yes but I didn't mean someday. I want to marry you now. So will you marry me?" he asked and shifted the ring in his hand so he could hold it up in front of her face for a moment.

When he clarified that he wasn’t talking about someday but instead he wanted to get married now she looked at him holding up the ring in front of her. “Alex… I…” she was completely confused. “I don’t want you to feel like you have to marry me to make me feel better.” Thinking maybe that was the reason he had never given any kind of timing for when they might even think about marriage. “I.. I want to be married of course I do but I don’t want you to do it because you feel like you have to.”

"No, no. I don't feel like I have to do anything," he said with another shake of his head. "But I've never been more sure of anything in my entire life, I've been trying to tell you that. I don't want you just taking this ring off because something got in your head and I want you to know I'm right here and not leaving, no matter how much you think I am going to. I'm not. You're stuck with me and I want to be stuck with you, okay? So please," he said, holding the ring out again, "will you marry me?"

He clarified this wasn’t just to make her feel better or because he felt like he had to do anything. That he felt so sure about this which was so calming to hear that he for once felt calm about it, that he was the one so sure about things when normally it was the reverse way. Holding the ring out he asked again and she felt more tears as she nodded. “Yes.” she said. “Yes, I’ll marry you.” she murmured.

"Stop crying," Alex chuckled softly but it was more of a tease as he took her hand to put the ring back on. "I love you, Sophie," he murmured and reached up to cup her face, then leaned in to kiss her softly, a salty kiss with the stains of her tears on her lips. He placed a few kisses on her cheeks, as if trying to kiss away the tears before returning to kiss her lips. "The food is gonna be so cold right now," he chuckled softly, but he wasn't ready to let go of her just yet.

He slipped the ring back on her finger where it belonged. “I love you Alex.” She said. “I’m sorry I am not handling things better.” She admitted that she wasn’t talking to him more instead of letting it blow up. His lips pressed to hers in a kiss and she leaned into him. His lips starting to kiss away the tears and she knew deep down Alex was the only one for her. “We can rewarm it.” She said. “Can we just… sit on the couch together.” She murmured. “I mean we’re not going to go out and get married right this second right I look awful.”

"It's okay," he said softly and honestly he meant that. Did he think that maybe she needed a way to keep more focused despite shit thrown her way? Yes. Therapy was probably a good idea, it was working for him too in a way, but that didn't make anything less okay. He gave a nod and then started to move to the couch with her, pulling her down with him to sit. "You look like you've been crying but that doesn't make you less beautiful," he offered with a smile. "I'd marry you no matter how much you would've been crying."

She gave a small, tiny chuckle when he said he’d marry her no matter how much crying she had been doing. “Well I’d still like to look a little more put together.” she admitted. They got over to the couch and she curled up into him. “My parents wanted to keep the kids tonight maybe that’s a good thing.” given how emotional things had been and she never wanted to bring their kids into something like that. “So when do you want to get married then?” she asked more just curious.

"Alright, I want you to feel good too, so I'll take that," Alex said with a small grin. They settled on the couch and it didn't take very long until the dogs came to curl up with them. "Any time that works for you. I wasn't kidding when I said I'd marry you right now. Though this isn't Vegas and we have to probably make an appointment at the register office, so we can see when there's open spots?"

A smile appeared on her lips when he said he was serious that he’d marry her right now. Though he was right this wasn’t Vegas and that they couldn’t just get married like that. Not here they could probably in the very near future though. “We could call in the morning, make an appointment for the soonest one.” she said, “I don’t think I want to wait if you’re ready I’m ready.” she said and she meant it. Even if she had been ready to walk out the door minutes before because she was scared to lose everything. “Are we going to tell anyone? Have anyone there. I mean we’ll basically be eloping.”

"Yeah, we can pick the soonest one," he agreed. It was probably good to just give the office a call in the morning, see what their options were and how soon that would all go. "Do you want anyone there? We could just do it with our parents, even though I know mine were just here a month ago. Or we could ask our closest friends to come?" He thought out loud.

“I don’t really care what we choose, parents, no parents, friends, no friends. So long as we’re getting married and you don’t change your mind between then and now.” she said looking up at him. “I mean I’m sure the boys might be a little hurt if you didn’t at least ask them to come though. I know I would like to throw a wedding someday… at the farm. Make the perfect big wedding for the whole team you work with, that I work with, our friends, families, and extended families but right now as long as I get to become a Gaskarth I think I can figure anything else out.”

He raised his brows slightly as he reached for her hand to play with the ring on her finger. "Hey, you were the one giving me back the ring when I came back in here," he reminded her, but quickly leaned in to press a kiss to her temple. "I'm not gonna change my mind," he promised. Of course the boys were gonna be hurt if he didn't say anything, so he nodded. "Yeah, I can talk to them, ask them if they want to come. So close friends now," he said, including whoever Sophie would want of her friends to be there, "and then big wedding on the farm? I still don't have the full schedule for the year yet, but maybe there's time in the summer."

“I thought you were cheating on me.” she said, “I wasn’t going to be with someone that might cheat.” Though she was embarrassed to think that he would ever do that to her, the mother of his children. “They don’t have to I know Annie will want to be here which means Zack will be here at the very least, and she knew that Jack would show up so Rian would probably be the only one she didn’t know depending on his plans that he currently had. “Big wedding on the farm would be beautiful, and private.” she said. “Summer sounds good, and you know what that means? Two honeymoons.”

"How about next time you get this crazy idea I might be cheating on you, you talk to me before giving me your ring back?" He suggested. "Plus, I'm not gonna cheat on you." He knew that if Annie was coming, Zack was going to be there too and neither Jack nor Rian would miss it. "Two honeymoons?" He asked, smirking slightly. "Do we have time for that? Who's gonna take the kids?" He chuckled softly. Sansa shifted besides them, resting her head against his leg now and on their other side little Penny June was curled up.

“I’m sorry I just lost it when I got the pictures and you looked so touchy with her.” she admitted. “I didn’t want to think you were capable of being like him.” Which she knew deep down he wasn’t but didn’t mean she wasn’t struggling. “I’m struggling with things again the comments since he started dating someone and the comments and comparisons that the press is making like I’ve moved on with someone else, I’m a mom to three kids why do they have to bring me up?” she asked curling more into him. “I mean a short honeymoon after this one my parents, my brothers, they would all help out, and then after the big wedding well.. we will just have to figure it out.” she said as they were surrounded by two of their youngest pups.

"I'm not like him, Soph. Because he's an idiot for letting you go and I refuse to do that same mistake, alright?" His arm wrapped around her a little tighter when she curled more into him, his other hand reaching out for the dog to pet her gently. "Have you thought about talking about that more?" Alex asked, "therapy can help you with struggling. I don't think people are gonna stop comparing you, because that's just what some people do with their lives but I'd like to see you being less affected by it."

“I know you’re not and I need to stop but I get to this point I don’t know..” she admitted. His arms tightened around her and she appreciated that he was trying to make her feel as secure as possible. “I need to, I’ll call my therapist and tell her I need to start having more sessions… would you be open to going to some sessions with me maybe we can find a way to communicate together or that we can be aware of each other if I’m spiralling or if you’re struggling even?” she asked. “I know I just wish they didn’t… I don’t want to be brought into that anymore.” she said because that was her past. “So… we’re really gonna get married? Like I’m going to be Sophie Belinda Gaskarth soon?”

"Of course. If that helps any, I'll come with when you need me to," Alex said with a nod. "And I know, people suck but you can't let that get to you so much again, okay? He's out there doing whatever shit he thinks he needs to do and people are always gonna come back to how you dated. But what's important is what we've got right now, yeah?" He leaned back a little and chuckled softly. "As long as you didn't change your mind about last names, yeah that's gonna happen. Mrs. Gaskarth," he hummed softly.

“Yeah I would like that. Sometimes I’m bad at opening up.” Which he knew well, “And maybe if you can see some of the signs too we can avoid it before it happens.” He was right at the end of the day all that matters was them right then and there. “I mean I’ll keep Turner for my stage name, but I legally want to be Gaskarth.” She said nodding and smiling when he said that. “I love you.”

"Yeah, it's definitely worth a try. Whenever you want me to be there, I'll be there." Of course he hadn't expected her to change her stage name, but it was a nice thought to have them all have the same last name, the kids, him and Sophie. "I love you too," he said with a smile. "Now can we please heat up the food because I'm absolutely starving.."

“You’re the best.” she murmured softly knowing that he’d do anything to try and help and she really was a lucky person to have a partner who was willing to be involved. A laugh left her lips when he said he was starving “Normally it’s me who’s starving but yeah come on, what did you get to eat we’ll heat it up and sit maybe by the fire. Have a romantic night since we’re getting married officially.”

"I barely had anything to eat today!" He argued with a chuckle. "I had a bit of breakfast and then I really only stopped for coffee, so food is much, much needed." He smiled and pressed a kiss to her head again before starting to shift so they could get up. "I brought pasta dishes; I knew you'd like at least one of them but there's a few different ones so we have options. And there's surely gonna be leftovers too." Alex slipped off the couch, leaving the dogs confused, and hurried back to the hallway to grab the bag of food he had left there. He carried it into the kitchen to finally unpack the boxes of take-out food and spread them on the counter. "How about you share us plates of pasta and heat them up and I'll go set up the fireplace so we can get cozy?"

“You didn’t eat while out with your mistress?” she grinned a little bit trying to make light of how she had been earlier. “I mean you could have at least fed her.” When he mentioned he had bought pasta dishes, “Why didn’t you start with that?! You know I love pasta.” she scoffed as if he should have known better as she headed out to the kitchen and started getting stuff to warm up the food he had brought home originally as a surprise. “That would be great I can do that.” she said as she pecked his lips and got to warming up the food making sure their plates had a little bit of everything topped off each with a piece of garlic bread before coming back into the room a good fifteen minutes later. “Food is ready and smells absolutely divine.”

He playfully rolled his eyes. "No. I didn't even pay for her coffee," he told her with a grin before they were up and moving to get the food ready. "I tried to tell you there was food but there were things we had to figure out first. So yeah I know you love pasta that's why I tried to surprise you with it," he chuckled softly as he watched her for a moment as she pulled out dishes she needed to heat the pasta up. Alex was then off to the living room to start a fire in the fireplace and by the time Sophie brought in the food, the fire was crackling away nicely. "Does smell really good. God and I'm so hungry," he chuckled. "Wanna watch a movie while we eat?"

“Pasta is always a way to my heart but when I’m that upset nothing will really fix that.” she admitted. She was beyond emotional. When everything was ready and the fireplace was going she was so thrilled to sit down and eat because she was now quite hungry. “I’m starving.” she murmured too nodding, “I was thinking what if we dug out a board game and played a game while we eat we can hold the plates in our lap if we need to.”

Alex considered her suggestion. He loved lazy nights just watching tv but game night was a great alternative. So he nodded as they settled their plates on the coffee table in the living room. "Yeah, I actually like that. Any game you do want to play? Something easy or one of those strategical games?" he asked, raising his brows questioningly. "I did get this one the other day because it looked fun, hold on," he said and was up and off to find the game 'Dorfromantik' he had bought a little while ago, figuring there'd be a time they could try it out. "Should we give this a try?" Alex asked as he returned. "I do think we're gonna need a lot of space on the table though."

She was happy when he seemed into the idea of a game night. Not everyone would have been or would have thought it was silly and to just put a movie on to cuddle up with. She was more glad that he was willing to do things like this every so often. When he brought out the game she looked up. “That looks cute. I think we should try it.” she said nodding moving her plate more onto her lap as she sat cross legged. “We can bring the table closer to us and that way it’ll make it easier while we eat.”

"So I don't exactly know how to play but there's a video you can watch to learn the rules. Should I just put that on?" He questioned as he settled across from her, grabbing his plate of pasta and taking a bite. He really was hungry, and this pasta was absolutely delicious. They watched the little explanation video on his phone and then set up the game, all while devouring the pasta. It was easy to get into how the game worked and since it was a building game with each game going differently the more things you got, they ended up playing for several hours. Eventually, Alex had to stifle a yawn and stretched a little bit. The dogs were passed out all over the living room, scattered around them, the fire in the fireplace was slowly dying and it was getting really late.

“A video is a good place to start, figure that will give us what we need to know.” Sophie reasoned giving a nod as she opened the box and continued to eat their food in between setting things up. Whatever pasta place he had gone to, or whatever food place he had gone to they were going to have to consider going again because she was enjoying it. After a few hours of playing she looked up to see Alex yawn and the dogs asleep as she shifted. “Mm I think we should probably go to bed.” she said. “we can clean this all up tomorrow.” she offered knowing that they’d probably regret that in the morning but honestly laying down sounded like a good idea for her back and neck.

Alex nodded tiredly when Sophie suggested they go to bed and then took in the game that was spread out on the table. "Would be so much easier, but I think we might have to put it away. Don't wanna risk one of the dogs chewing on any of this," he murmured and started to put things back into the box. He didn't so much as organize it but rather just threw everything in so he could put the box away and when they were done, he got up and groaned a little bit. "Oh laying down is gonna be so good," he chuckled softly, rubbing his neck and shoulders a little bit as the dogs too started to rise from their spots.

He made a good point if the dogs ate something from knocking it over they would be taking them to the vet and that would have traumatized Sophie so they cleaned up everything and got everything set away before heading upstairs. “I’ll go get the bed ready if you want to take the dogs for one last potty run.” She said before pecking his lips. “I know we sat up and half hunched over for way too long.” She laughed softly before heading upstairs and changing into a nightgown and pulling the bedding down and getting the bed ready for bed and nice and comfy and cozy.

As sleepy as the dogs were they were better off with one more potty run so there weren't going to be any accidents at night. "Alright, come you rascals, let's get you out in the cold before we all go to bed," Alex called for the pups and headed for the back door. Sansa was the one who stayed out the longest, she really didn't mind the cold as much, but eventually she too came back inside. Alex shivered a little and shook himself before hurrying upstairs to find Sophie in their bedroom. "I'm way too old to sit hunched on the floor all night," he chuckled as he walked up behind her, hands coming to rest on her hips and him leaning in to press a kiss to her shoulder. He smiled as he stepped back again to walk around the bed, stripping his hoodie off and starting to change into his pjs before climbing into bed.

Alex was gone for a bit and she figured one or more of the dogs were enjoying being outside in the cold and snow. She’d find it amusing if it was Sansa given her character was Queen of the North where it was so bitter cold in the show. The irony in letting her finally name a pet Sansa. When he came back up she was just putting a few things on the nightside table. “Well you’re not old, my shoulders and neck hurt too it’s not good for our bones to sit like that.” she said honestly. When his arms wrapped around her she smiled feeling his cold arms and lips on her skin. “Oh you’re cold.” she giggled. Once she climbed into bed she snuggled under the blankets. “So… tomorrow..” she licked her lips, “You’re sure, calling to make an appointment, get our marriage license, set a date with the courts…”

"It's freezing outside," he commented when she said he was cold, a soft chuckle leaving his lips as he watched her crawl into bed and then moved around to change and get in as well. "Yes," Alex said simply as he slipped under the blankets and shifted down until he could rest his head on the pillow and hum softly at finally laying comfortably. "How many times are you going to question me?" He asked, a small grin curled onto his lips as he turned his head to look at her, his eyebrows raised. "I told you I'm sure about this, I'm not gonna change my mind over the span of playing a board game," he teased.

“Enough to be absolutely sure you don’t wake up in the middle of the night in a panic saying what did I just do and make me all panicked myself.” she said. She didn’t want him to change his mind and she knew marriage had always been a hot button topic with him. “You went from it’ll happen someday to let’s get married now and you know that’s just … I wasn’t expecting it.” she murmured. She snuggled over to him. “No going back once we have the license and date. You have to tell the boys and then in a few short days or weeks I’m gonna be your wife.” she murmured. “And we need a little honeymoon.”

"Yes, sure enough," Alex laughed as she shifted towards him and he wrapped his arm around her. "Four years into this, I thought you knew I'm more about impulsive things than planning anything long term," he murmured, which really was true. A year ago, he had gone from not sure if he wanted to get married again to finding himself in a store getting a ring to propose and he had never once regretted that since. "Are we going to tell anyone else? I mean Annie, obviously, whoever you want to tell of your close friends?" He said, his hand resting against her arm and running up and down the length of it mindlessly. "Do we tell our families right away?" He questioned, eyes lingering on her and offering a smile when she mentioned a little honeymoon. "Where do we wanna go?"

“I know you’re impulsive I just don’t want you regret this later one because you know we’ll be married by then.” But he seemed so damn confident in everything which was a surprise. “I mean we can’t not tell our parents we got married.” she said their parents were going to be heartbroken if they didn’t find out. “Do you mean beforehand or after?” she asked. “Part of me wonders like do we make this just for a few friends so it’s more like eloping or do we see if your parents can come in. I do want the big wedding later on like we said and feel like they will be there it’s just will they be upset?” she asked. When he asked, “I… somewhere close but not England.” she shrugged. “What about… Paris?”

"I won't regret this. Stop questioning me so much," Alex murmured, tugging her in a little more. "Yeah, do we tell them before or after? Do we want them there too because I feel like if we tell them but don't ask them to come with, they're not gonna be so happy with that," he said. He knew his parents would want to be there. "So if we tell them before, we're gonna have to make sure my parents get to be around. We could also just ask them to stay at the house with the kids while we're off on a trip," he said, a grin spreading on his lips, "to Paris apparently." He was teasing of course, he'd go just about anywhere with her and if she wanted to go to Paris who was he to say no to that?

“I’m sorry I mean you can see how I was earlier I can’t help that I’m nervous because I’m also excited.” she said but she knew he wasn’t the type to say something to take it back to hurt her. “Think that his something we definitely have to go and consider because just telling them oh by the way we’re married might upset them. We could tell them we’re getting married legally.” she said “and that we plan to have a big wedding this summer.” she offered but she was still unsure she never wanted to hurt their parents but she was sure her parents would understand. “Isn’t Paris like the most romantic place we could possibly go for a mini honeymoon.” she quipped. “We can’t go too far given you are going to make this year super busy.”

"I think maybe we should call in the morning, see what day is possible first and then figure out how much time we have until then and if it is possible to get my parents here in time. We can say we just want closest friends there but then have a celebratory dinner with the parents?" He suggested with a small shrug, turning his head a bit so he could look at her better with how they lay curled up. "Hey," he chuckled softly. "You don't get to celebrate being in a band with your best friends for 20 years all that often. Yeah it's gonna be a busy year." Though he knew she really didn't mind, or at least he was sure she wouldn't blame him anyway.

“That sounds like a good idea.” she said get the dates first before they went telling everyone and having everyone all riled up. Celebrate with the friends at the wedding and a dinner with the parents sounded nice. “Well I mean our friends might want to celebrate too so if we got married early enough in the day we could have a nice early dinner with our parents and party with our friends at night?” she suggested. “You don’t get to celebrate getting married all the time either.” she teased, “and I don’t know about you but I don’t plan on getting married again after this.” she was really teasing him. She was excited for him and the band as she snuggled into him.

"That doesn't sound so bad, does it?" He nodded slowly. That actually did sound like a good way to spend the day, get a little celebration in, maybe have their parents take the kids so they could leave for that little honeymoon the day after. When she said she didn't plan on getting married again after this, he playfully rolled his eyes. "Except for a big party in the summer." He chuckled and shifted to lay more comfortably in the bed. "Plus, it was a long time coming, this 20 year anniversary. Marrying you the same year is an added bonus," he smirked slightly before he leaned in to kiss her cheek and then rest back and let out a content sigh.

“No it doesn’t.” she said it all sounded wonderful to celebrate with their friends and their family. Then one of their parents could take the kids while they went on their little honeymoon. “This is our smaller honeymoon. So plan that in the summer we’re going to have a longer honeymoon. A lot of not leaving the room.” she grinned. “Oh I’m just the bonus. Not the best thing this year?” she giggled softly. When he sighed out contently she laid her head on his shoulder. “Babe? We’re getting married.” she said before unable to stop a happy squeal.

"A longer honeymoon? Where are we going? Somewhere where it's warmer than Paris in the winter?" He asked, a grin spreading on his lips before she giggled. "You're the cherry on top," he said and honestly, he really meant that. His life currently really was great, and getting to marry her was definitely topping it all off. "I know," he let out a laugh at her happy squeal. "And we'll be able to know a date in the morning, but we should probably sleep soon to get to that, yes?" Alex smiled as he glanced at her, snuggled into him and really this was so much more comfortable than sitting crouched on the floor.

“Fair point but we don’t really have the time to go somewhere warm for our shorter honeymoon before needing to get back for your stuff so I thought Paris would be the best cause scenario.” Given how busy they’d be. “I mean I figure are we going to want to go somewhere hot in the summer?” she asked. When he said to find a date they would need to actually sleep she chuckled. “Okay, okay.” she said snuggling down. “I love you.

"I did mean for a summer honeymoon," Alex said amusedly, though he knew they had time to figure that out. Between all that was coming up workwise, they'd be busy after all and needed to find and make time for that anyway. "I'd like to actually do a summer vacation. I suppose we can be doing touristy stuff, but I don't mind laying around on the beach or by the pool with you," he said with a grin tugging on his lips. He brought his one hand up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear when she snuggled down a little more. "I love you too. I can't wait to marry you," Alex murmured softly before closing his eyes.

“A summer honeymoon in the summer. I mean if you don’t like Paris we could see what the weather in Greece is gonna be like?” She offered give them some more Mediterranean type weather. “As long as one of these places I can go topless by the beach or pool. Without you freaking out.” She said grinning before snuggling down and closing his eyes.

"I never said I didn't like Paris," he laughed softly. "We can go there," Alex then added to make sure she knew he was perfectly happy with that. "You know I will regardless," he chuckled. With how comfortably they lay curled up, it was easy to fall asleep and Alex happily dozed off into a very peaceful slumber. They did shift some time during the night, like they did most nights and when he woke up, Alex found himself sprawled out beside Sophie, arm lazily draped over her. He stifled a yawn and rolled over, away from her before starting to wake more and reaching for his phone to check the time. It was early, but well enough into the morning that offices were open, so he glanced back at Sophie, smiling as he saw her sleeping still and then he peeled himself out of bed, taking his phone and padding out of the room and downstairs to start some coffee while getting on the phone.

They had been up late the night before so once she fell asleep, she was exhausted. She slept and like always they moved around a bit and she turned to lay on her stomach sleeping happily. It was the first night in a long time that she slept peacefully. She didn’t even notice when Alex got out of bed. It was probably another 90 minutes before she woke to find the bed empty and got up stretching and sliding off the bed and pulling a robe over her and heading downstairs. “Babe?” She called heading into the living room.

Once he was downstairs and started the coffee, Alex let the dogs out and gave them their food before he started to get on the phone. He was just in the kitchen filling up his mug with more coffee while talking to someone on the phone when he heard Sophie's voice. He moved his phone away from his mouth for a moment to call back to her, "in the kitchen!" and take a sip of his coffee. "Yes, thank you," he said back on the phone and waited another moment, nodding his head and glancing up when Sophie came into the room. "The 15th? Yeah, I think that should work, hold on one second," he said and once again moved his phone away from his face a little bit to turn his attention on Sophie. "How's February 15th sound to you?" Alex asked and then, as he realized that could be a little confusing, he added, "as a date to get married."

She heard him yell he was in the kitchen and followed his voice out there and the smell of coffee. When she saw him on the phone, she tilted her head before hearing him ask about February 15th. “What about..” before he clarified, “Yes. Yes. That would be perfect for us.” She said nodding because at least it wasn’t Valentine’s Day. “Gives us enough time.”

Alex nodded again when she said that would be perfect for them and got back on the phone. "So yes, that works for us… yes. Thank you so much. Have a good day," he ended the call and then grinned at Sophie. Moving around the island counter, he grabbed a cup of coffee from the cabinet and poured Sophie some coffee as well before moving towards her and holding the mug out. "Good morning," he chuckled before leaning in to peck her lips. "We're gonna get married February 15th," he announced like she hadn't just heard him on the phone at all. "How'd you sleep, baby?"

When he got off the phone she smiled as he held out a coffee for her. “Morning babe.” as he pecked her lips. “We’re getting married on February 15th.” she said. “That’s right before my birthday, talk about one hell of a birthday present.” she grinned. “We have to get wedding rings… or well… you don’t like wedding rings. At least for yourself.” she said as she took a sip of her drink. “I slept really well actually, best in a long time if I’m being honest for you.” Licking her lips, “Do we start to tell our friends so they can make plans?”

"How about we don't consider that your birthday present?" He chuckled softly before taking a sip of his own coffee and leaning back against the kitchen island counter. "I say we give it another couple hours before we tell them. With the time difference, they're probably all sleeping right now." He bit the inside of his cheek briefly before adding, "as for wedding rings. I told you I'd get one as long as there's no obligation to wear it all the time." He swallowed and busied himself with another sip of his coffee. He had a wedding band before and it felt impractical to him. He was always worried about losing it somehow, he did live through a moment where it slipped off on stage and he almost did lose it. He wasn't a fan of that whole concept but he knew it was important to Sophie so he would not refuse to get one.

“Alright, not my birthday present but can the honeymoon be it or no… the shopping on the honeymoon that can be my birthday present.” she said grinning from ear to ear. “That makes sense.” It was early there so all those in the US were definitely still asleep. “What about my mum and dad?” looking up “Do you want to wait and tell them until we can kind of call everyone at once?” She was just kind of floating on happiness in the moment. “No I know.” she said softly, “It’s not like we could wear them for long after the wedding anyway.” she shrugged. Wedding bands had always been important to her but she understood he didn’t feel the same way. “Well we don’t have to look at them right now we would have to go online anyway. We have time.” she said before taking a sip of her coffee. “You know how about something good for breakfast? Pancakes? French toast?”

Alex laughed softly. He adored Sophie, especially in moments of pure happiness like she was oozing right now and he couldn't help but put his cup of coffee down on the counter so he could move over, cup her face and press a kiss to her lips. "Anything you want to get while we're out shopping in Paris can be your birthday present." He grinned at her before moving back to lean against the island counter and pick his coffee back up. "We can tell your parents, I don't think we have to tell them all together. My parents should be up early so we can call them in a couple hours, then see if we get the boys all together on a video call," he said. "We can go online, or we head out to where I got you the engagement ring," he suggested. Maybe they could find something to go perfectly with the ring she did have on her finger. If they were getting rings, and there really was no doubt they would, he wanted them to be perfect for her. Finishing his coffee, he moved to head for the fridge. "What are your thoughts on a full English breakfast?" He suggested instead, raising his brows questioningly before opening the fridge and pulling out what they'd need for that.

“Then that can be a great, wonderful shopping in Paris? Hopefully you don’t come to regret that later.” she teased before chuckling softly. She nodded when he said they could tell her parents. “Think that would be best, you realize when we Facetime all the boys again they’re gonna think you’re about to tell them I’m pregnant again just like we did the very first time.” she laughed. “Yeah we can go out to the little store to look for a wedding ring for me.” she said it made since they would probably have something that would work perfectly with the ring he had gotten her. When he said full English breakfast she raised a brow. “Oh a full English breakfast. That include beans on toast too?”

"I'll tell them right away you're not pregnant," he chuckled softly. "We will have breakfast before telling your parents though, right? Or do you want me to make breakfast and you can give them a call?" He asked, already pulling things from the fridge. "Is it a full English breakfast without beans on toast?" Alex laughed softly. He filled his cup with more coffee before getting pans and plates and anything he needed to get started making a big, full breakfast for them. "Maybe we can head out to the store today before we head to your parents to pick the kids up?"

“You better start with that before even saying hi because they’re gonna come up with that right away.” she giggled softly shaking her head. “No we can have breakfast first and then call them. They’re probably having breakfast themselves and I really rather us both tell them than just me.” she said because she would. “That sounds good going there picking something out we can always say we need it if it doesn’t fit properly sooner because we want it before we go back to the US.” it made a reason in case any information got out.

"Did we every decide on a time we were picking the kids up anyway?" They easily fell into a routine making breakfast together. Alex liked cooking but he enjoyed it even more if it was something they both did together. They could talk while moving around each other, working hand in hand and he made a mental note to make something like this a date night sometime soon. Maybe they could make pasta from scratch or something that would keep them busy for a while but was totally going to be worth the work.

“No my parents don’t mind when we come to get them but I did say we would pick them up today.” Which she was excited to get some snuggles from all of them. “Are we going to tell the babies, that we’re getting married? I mean will they even understand.” Willa might but kids could sometimes blurt things out and they didn’t want that either. They continued to focus and work on their breakfast while chatting before it was finally done and she set the table and made sure their plates were full. “This looks so good.” and it really did, not to mention everything smelled delicious at least to her.

"Well we can talk to them about it once we've called them. Or did you want to tell them in person later?" He questioned because that was an option too, right? They moved about the kitchen, making their breakfast that started to smell really good as things started to pile up. Eventually the table was set and Alex brought coffee and tea to the table before sitting down. "Well dig in," he chuckled softly. "So what's the plan, we get ready after breakfast, call our parents and then head out to the store?" he asked curiously after taking a bite of his food, humming at how good it tasted.

#{pgraphs}#para;xsophsturns #{will you marry me...now}

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stcrfeesh · 1 year

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off the precipice (懸崖勒馬)

2: A Shift Unfulfilled

READER DISCRETION IS STRONLGLY ADVISED; Please read the masterlist first before proceeding.

The Northland Palace was surprisingly still roaring with life when Lumine returned.

Both hands of the lamppost clock were already pointing past midnight. From outside, Lumine could still hear the music booming lively. Though the nightlife in Liyue had always been known to be bustling, it wasn’t often that the Northland Palace would still be hosting its patrons at this hour, let alone hold performances.

She hands the rickshaw puller a pouch of mora and thanks him before she pushes the double doors of the club open. She enters unnoticed by the patrons, probably too drunk to have given her a glance anyway. Up front, Ektarina—one of her direct subordinates—and a couple of other girls she did not know the names of were on the stage performing a familiar routine. Lumine watches them for a short while, leaning on a pillar to allow her feet to rest for a moment. She had been in heels the entire night while running her errands, and it had been absolute torture.

She fishes something out of the pockets of her coat, discreetly pulling out a diamond necklace. She had found it tucked deep within Mr Alexeev’s pockets, and decided to take it for herself. As Lumine inspects the necklace in her hand, it was only then she realised that it wasn’t just any diamond necklace—it was one of the missing prized possessions of Tsaritsa Anastasia. She scoffs at her revelation. Unbelievable. The asshole even had the gall to steal from his empress.

Lumine pushes herself off the pillar, placing a hand on her neck before attempting a stretch. She sighs and begins walking away from the foyer. Her heels make soft thuds against the carpeted floor as she makes her way towards the bar. Manning the bar was a young man with ginger hair. At the sight of her, the young man beams.

“Oh, Dorogaya, you’re back,”1 He greets her as he wipes a cocktail glass dry. “You look like you’re about to pass out—rough night, huh? How about a Cicin Shot to liven you up?”

Lumine settles down in front of him, resting her head against her arms. She glances at the young man and then rolls her eyes. He was speaking to her in code: Update on mission status? Status on intelligence retrieval requested by headquarters.

She groans at him in annoyance but ultimately decides to indulge him and his antics. “Oh I had a so-so night, but I’d take that Cicin Shot with lime.” Mission completed. Intelligence retrieval was successful.

The young man grins at her and nods. He turns away for a moment and Lumine did not have the energy to ponder on what he was up to this time. However, it does take her by surprise when he turns to look back at her with a cup of something still steaming in his hand. He carefully slides the cup to her—the cheeky grin still on his face.

“What’s this now?” She raises a sceptical brow, looking at her cup. “I’m too tired to fuck around with you tonight, Childe.”

The young man—Childe, places a hand on his chest, feigning hurt. “What? Can’t I just give my best girl a nice cup of hot chocolate after a long day at work, out of the kindness of my big heart? You wound me so, Dorogaya.”

She narrows her eyes at him, “Oh for Archon’s sake—just spit it out, Childe. What do you need from me?”

Childe smiles, leaning towards her. His voice drops to a whisper. “The hot chocolate is really out of the goodness of my heart! But also, do you know Mr Zhongli? The consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?��

“Why? Are you planning for your funeral already? Well, that’s really nice.”

“Ugh—Rude.” Childe huffs at her the same way a child whose candy had been jokingly stolen by their parent would. Such a man-child, she thought. “Anyways,” Childe continues. “I’m going on a date with Mr Zhongli tomorrow…”

Lumine does not let him finish, “Nope. I’m not doing it.”

“Oh, come on, Dorogaya! I haven’t even gotten to my request part! At least hear me out. Please? Pretty please? For the sake of my Mamochka? Don’t you love Mamochka too? You wouldn’t deprive her of the joy to see her son finally going on dates, would you?”

She stares at him for a moment. Well, aren’t you one manipulative bastard? She sighs, “Fine. Don’t think it’s because I have a soft spot for you, got it? I’m doing this for me. Mamochka always calls me at least thrice a week to ask if your love life is finally beginning to bloom. I can’t keep breaking her heart every time she calls, you know.”

“Dorogaya, you are so so mean to me,” Childe whines, but perks up immediately after his dramatics, “Anyways! I’ve got a date with Mr Zhongli, right? So, could you cover my shift then? I mean—not this shift. I’ve got my day off tomorrow, I mean the other shift.”

“Huh… how about no?”

“Why not?”

“Because it’s not that easy?”

“But you’re Aster!” Childe says the last word in a whisper, “Of course, it’s gonna be easy for you. You can just tell higher-ups that you wanna switch with me, and they’ll immediately say yes because—You. Are. Aster.”

“What do you mean because I’m Aster?” She whisper-yells. “Last I checked I wasn’t the harbinger between the two of us. You blockhead, you literally get to call the shots as a harbinger?”

Childe hums in thought, pausing to look at her. He stares at her, well, he stares through her, as if he was having a mental conversation with himself—as if he was contemplating the newly discovered idea she had given him. Then, as quickly as she had gotten him to shut his mouth, he opens it up to speak again.

“Okay, wonderful idea, really, but I already thought of that.” Childe had been leaning against the countertops, arms propped up to support his weight. Before he continues, he clasps his hands together. “So here’s the thing,” He takes a deep breath, “I may or may not have upset both Rosalyne… and Yelan the other day. And now I don’t think any of my harbinger privileges—or my dashing charms can get me out of that one.”

Lumine looks at Childe incredulously, her eyes wide. She pinches the bridge of her nose, letting out an exasperated sigh in the process; trying to wrap her head around his very out-of-context anecdote. In truth, she was curious, to say the least, about what shit the ginger had gotten himself into this time around. However, Lumine decides against her curiosity and holds her tongue off from asking him any more questions.

Instead of getting answers to the questions in her mind, she says, “All you’re missing is a pissed off Beidou and you’d successfully hit the trifecta.”

“And thank all the Archons I didn’t,” Childe replies as a matter of factly. “Had I pissed Beidou off too, then I wouldn’t be standing in front of you now, would I? I’d been long fed to the vishaps if that was the case. Actually—why do we even have pet vishaps? Isn’t that… illegal?”

Lumine shrugs her shoulders at his question. She didn’t know why the Northland Rings owned vishaps either, and just learned how to live with it as if it was a normal occurrence in the daily Liyuen lifestyle. She didn’t need to know either. It wasn’t like she’d ever be on the receiving end of Beidou’s ire.

She swirls the now-cold liquid in her cup, before taking one big gulp. She slides the cup back to him, “Since when did we ever care if something was legal or not? C’est la vie, Childe.” 2 She stands from her seat, stretching her arms. “Now if you’ll excuse me—I have to get going. I still need to drop by the office before I can finally retire for the night.”

Childe follows her behind the counter as Lumine prepared to leave, “Huh? Hey, wait up! How about that shift? Dorogaya—”

“I’ll think about it after you talk it out with Tomo!” Lumine calls back before she disappears into a hallway.

The moment the lift doors closed, Lumine leans onto a wall, helping her balance herself as she took her heels off. She then lets out a tired sigh before pulling out the folder from her coat. At that moment, she silently, albeit begrudgingly thanked the Glazed Moons for designing versatile clothing that was now used for all of their operations.

Beneath the Snezhnayan coat of arms stamped on the folder were words written in red ink and capitalised letters: ЗАСЕКРЕЧЕНО. Classified.

Lumine frowns, flipping through the pages of the folder. Everything was written in Snezhnayan—from summaries of pages from ledgers to handwritten correspondence. And each page was officially sealed. It was a dirty move on Mr Alexeev’s—and whoever else was in on his corrupt endeavours—part. Should he be caught red-handed by any other foreign authority for his crimes, he could always pin the blame on the Snezhnayan government and say he was made to do it.

If Konstantin Alexeev wasn’t already lying dead on the floors of a private room in The Abyssosque, he could have singlehandedly started an entire world war. Teyvat has not had any wars for decades since the second fall of Khaenri’ah. Or, if Lumine wanted to be optimistic, it could get Snezhnaya sanctioned. So much for swearing loyalty to the Tsaritsa.

When the lift makes a ding sound, signalling her arrival at the basement, she puts her shoes back on and shuts the folder closed. Like routine, she walks out of the elevator and walks into the boiler room. At the very back of the room, there was a metal door. A hazard plaque had been drilled into it to avoid anyone who shouldn’t be entering. She reaches the door and pushes it open.

“Oh, so you do know your way back.”

A short man was sitting on a leather couch, legs crossed as he read the previous day’s issue of the Teyvat Times. Typical Kunikuzushi whom she would very much like to smack. Unfortunately for Lumine, however, he also happened to be her current handler.

He continues to speak, not even raising his head to glance at Lumine, “Took you long enough to get that done.”

“No shit. I had to stand out in the cold for an entire hour just to hail a rickshaw.” Was all she replies as she drops the folder onto the coffee table in front of him. “Here. There’s nothing important on it. I’ve already checked.”

Kunikuzushi sets his book down and inspects the folder himself. He only hums as he flips through the file, not even bothering to say a single word to Lumine. There were times when she wondered why she was willingly working under him, but then immediately remembers the answer to it. Sure, he was mean for all the wrong reasons, and on occasion, his unnecessary sarcasm manages to sour her entire day, but she can never deny the fact that Kunikuzushi was the most efficient operative there was. That, and the fact that she basically had no choice.

“You can’t find jackshit because you were most likely looking in the wrong places,” Kunikuzushi says, finally breaking the silence. He places the folder back onto the coffee table, turning the file upside down for Lumine to see. He points to the page featuring a list of names. Lumine recognised most of them to be influential Snezhnayan, Fontainiene, and Inazuman individuals.

“What am I even supposed to be looking at?” Lumine asks him.

“The file,” Kunikuzushi deadpans. Then, he points at the top of the page. The Abyssosque. “Archons, Viatrovna—they’re the list of investors.”

Ah. She must have skipped the page.

Lumine pulls a chair towards the coffee table, settling on it. She furrows her brows in thought as she bends down to get a better look at the page. As she scanned the page again and again, nothing seemed to be making sense in her brain—why would a list of investors be relevant to the new case they were putting together? All they needed to know was how The Abysossque was… then it clicked. Like puzzle pieces finally forming a whole picture.

She sees the date of the correspondence. January 13th, an entire year before The Abyssosque opened its doors to the Liyuen public.

“Dermo,” Lumine mutters to herself before she looks back up at Kunikuzushi—who had apparently been expecting her to put the pieces together, “Do you think they’re—the investors are connected to the murders?

Kunikuzushi shrugs, “We can’t be too certain, but it’s a great possibility that they are.”

Lumine taps her fingers against the coffee table, deep in thought. A few weeks after the opening of The Abysossque, a disturbing murder case made headlines in the Liyue Daily for the very first time. Then it became prevalent throughout the city of Liyue. A pattern. All the deaths were the same—headless bodies left in dark alleys with no other feasible leads but three words written in Old Khaenri’ahn.

Which lead to Lumine’s most recent operation. The Liyue Qixing were given reason to suspect that The Abysossque had something to do with all the deaths. If the timing of the club’s opening and the first case wasn’t anything to already be suspicious of, then it was the origins of the club itself. Owned by a Khaenri’ahn descendant, and the messages left with the dead bodies were written in Old Khaenri’ahn. Lumine knew it wasn’t much of a lead, but it was better than nothing.

“The investors were already involved with The Abysossque when it was only being built…” Lumine says, “And the deaths only began to happen after the club was opened.”

Kunikuzushi remains silent, seemingly lost in his own thoughts. He has a hand on his chin, eyes narrowing every so often at the file before them. Nothing made much sense, and at the very same time, there was only one explanation for everything.

“We’re spies, Viatrovna,” He finally says. “We can’t just believe and assume that everything is as it seems. There’s always bound to be something more. Besides, this information alone isn’t enough evidence to pin them as suspects.”

Lumine opens her mouth as if to say something, but her thoughts were cut off by the door slamming open. She turns her head to see Kazuha, a fellow operative, covered in blood. What the hell?

Kunikuzushi stands from his place, rushing towards the other man, “What the fuck happened? Are you hurt?”

Lumine follows closely behind her handler, and from where she stood, she could see the frenzy in Kazuha’s eyes. The blood was not on the end of Kazuha’s sleeves. That was a clear sign that it wasn’t him who went out to slaughter someone, but… where the hell did the blood come from?

“Tomo—” He tries to say before his footing falters, and Kunikuzushi had to help him stay standing on his feet. “I found him…”

Just like the case she had been discussing with Kunikuzushi, the sight before her made no sense either. So she asks, “What about Tomo?”

“Dead…” Kazuha says quietly, his figure trembling. Lumine gapes at his next words, “I found Tomo fucking dead.”

No one speaks again after that.

Heh.

Dorogaya is a Romanised word that means Dearest in Russian.

C'est la vie is a French phrase that means This is life. However, a friend once told me that it can be used to say It is what it is.

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