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persephone-plasmids · 3 years

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The Third Rail

Deacon X Sole fanfic

[AO3]

(Part 1 can be found here)

Deacon was sitting on a padded bar stool in The Third Rail, his fingers gingerly wrapped around a cold drink. He’d never really been a fan of tuxedos. He normally called them penguin suits, but he had to admit, he looked good in his current disguise.

His dark hair was slicked back and his trademark sunglasses protected him from any intimate interaction with the other bar patrons.

Even though Deacon kept his eyes trained on his drink, his ears were working overtime. Dez seemed positive that information about a kidnapped Synth would be discussed at the bar that night and she’d sent Deacon undercover to get as much intel as possible.

The tux had been his idea. He told Dez that his character was a wealthy trader who came to the Third Rail to unwind after a long day trading in chems and fancy hats. When Dez had pointed out that she just needed him to sit at a bar and listen for a few hours, he’d shushed her, insisting that his character was a vital part of the mission.

Sole had been sitting nearby in the Railroad HQ, her legs draped over the arms of a chair as she read an old tattered copy of Time Regained that Deacon had loaned her. She’d laughed at his insistence and when Dez had rolled her eyes and stomped away, Sole winked at Deacon.

The memory of this short interaction was enough to make his heart rate pick up a few paces. Not because it had been particularly special, but because it only reminded him that he and Sole shared something now. A special closeness. She’d kissed him, however briefly, one night after she single handedly killed a Deathclaw. Of course they hadn’t acknowledged it since then, which was just fine with Deacon. His feelings for Sole were already complicated enough. His best course of action would be to bury those feelings deep down and never examine them again.

He could do that… right?

Deacon tapped his thumb lightly against his glass, sighing deeply.

He didn’t want to bury the feelings down. He wanted to crush his lips against Sole’s and tell her how much he loved the way she laughed at his dumb jokes. He wanted her to know how much he loved the little dimples she got in her cheeks when she smiled. And he wanted her to know that he loved the way she believed almost any lie he told her and then got mad when she found out the truth.

He loved all of it.

But he couldn’t say that. So he took another drink and continued to bury those feelings deep down.

When Deacon felt two hands rest on his shoulders before sliding down the front of his chest, he jumped.

It wasn’t until a pair of lips brushed his ear lobe and a familiar voice said, “Fancy meeting you here,” that an involuntary smile broke across his face.

“What are you doing here, Charmer?” Deacon asked, tilting his head to face Sole with the ridiculous smile still in place.

He couldn’t help it. This was just the way his face looked around her.

“I’ve been looking for you all night, Darlin,” Sole said loudly with an exaggerated fake southern accent. “I trust your long hard day of selling chems and fancy hats hasn’t made you too tired for our date?”

Deacon couldn’t stop the smile from spreading even further across his cheeks. “I’m never too tired for you… Peaches.” Deacon had tried to think of the most ridiculous pet name he could think of. The fact that Sole almost broke character when she heard the name he’d come up with, told him he’d done a good job.

Swivelling around in his bar stool, Deacon finally got a proper look at Sole and had to work hard to keep his jaw from dropping. She wore a form-fitting red sequin dress that seemed to hug every curve of her body in a way that made his mouth go dry. She also wore a pair of sunglasses identical to Deacon’s, her crimson lips quirked up into a smile.

The last thing Deacon wanted to do was let Sole know just how incredible he thought she looked. He needed to maintain some semblance of dignity. Instead, he patted the bar stool beside him, and when Sole sat down, leaned over and said in an exaggerated whisper, “You’re wearing the same dress as Magnolia. That’s just embarrassing. One of you will have to change.”

“It’ll have to be her, Sugar. I’m having a drink with my man.” Sole kept the awful southern accent going and Deacon broke down in a fit of laughter that he stifled with his hand.

Sole was notoriously bad at accents. When she’d tried to do the Silver Shroud voice for him a few weeks back, he’d almost passed out from laughing so hard. She knew her bad accents were his weakness. She was doing this on purpose.

Another thing for him to add to the checklist of things he loved about her.

The checklist was quickly becoming its own novel.

“And remind me where you’ve been all day?” Deacon asked. He wanted to see just how much thought Sole had really put into this little ruse of hers.

“Why I’ve been off at the old Cabot place, basking in the refinement, of course,” Sole said.

Deacon shook his head before lowering his voice so that the other bar patrons wouldn’t over hear him. “Seriously though, what are you doing here?”

Sole leaned in conspiratorially, her grin full of mischief. “Dez didn’t trust that you were taking the job seriously after you came up with your whole… character.”

“So she sent you to babysit?” Deacon guessed. It wouldn’t be the first time.

At his question Sole looked down at Deacon’s drink and blushed. “I volunteered. Told her you might need some looking after.”

Sole had asked to come keep Deacon company? They hadn’t really been alone since she’d kissed him and he liked it that way. He didn’t need any more reasons to be head-over-heels for this girl. He was supposed to be past those kinds of attachments.

“And Dez didn’t think your character idea was childish?”

At this, Sole’s grin returned. “She didn’t know I was coming in costume.”

Deacon let a sly smile that matched Sole’s cross his lips. “So that’s the trick, is it? Be childish, but only when Dez isn’t looking?”

“It’s been working pretty well for me so far.”

“You just out-Deaconed me,” Deacon said. “I’m impressed, Charmer. You’ve even got the shades.”

At his words, Sole removed the sunglasses and sat them down on the bar in front of her. She rubbed the bridge of her nose gingerly.

“I know you swear by those things, but I just can’t get the hang of them. I don’t like that they add a barrier between me and the person I’m talking to,” Sole said. “It’s weird.”

“That’s exactly why I like them,” Deacon admitted, his sideways smile back.

Sole watched him with her lips pressed together in a hard line. Her eyes roamed across his face in a way that made him feel oddly vulnerable; even with the sunglasses on.

“You trying to use your x-ray vision over there?” Deacon joked. It was his default and the only way he knew to deal with an uncomfortable situation.

“Just trying to remember if I’ve ever actually seen you without the sunglasses on.”

“That’s a privilege you have to earn,” Deacon said.

At this, Sole perked up, her eyes alight with the challenge. “And how do I go about doing that?”

Deacon thought about this for a moment. What could ever make him feel comfortable taking his sunglasses off in front of Sole? Nothing came to mind. Because if she did see him, really see him, she might not like what she saw. That thought alone nearly killed Deacon. He wasn’t even sure he liked what he saw on the rare moments he allowed himself some brief introspection. But he was stuck with himself. Sole wasn’t. She could leave. And that was something he didn’t think he could bear.

It seemed better to keep her at arms length so he could continue to enjoy her company. He didn’t want to risk disappointing her. He didn’t think he could live with that.

“Don’t blow this mission for me and I’ll start to consider possibly thinking about maybe letting you see what’s behind the sunglasses,” Deacon said with a vague wave of his hand.

“Oh my! You’ll actually start to consider possibly maybe hypothetically letting me see you?” Sole repeated in an exaggerated tone. “How could I ever turn down a rock solid offer like that?”

“I don’t make the rules, sister. I just enforce them,” Deacon laughed, taking a long drink. “But if you could help me get some intel on this possible Synth kidnapping, Dez might actually respect me.”

“She respects you as an agent already. You know that,” Sole said, before grinning. “She just thinks you’re a hopeless man-child.”

“That’s Professor Hopeless Man-Child, thank you very much. I didn’t go to years of Peter Pan school to not be addressed by my full title.”

“Noted,” Sole said with a little salute in Deacon’s direction. “So, do we know who might have this possible intel?”

Deacon turned slightly in his chair and let his eyes roam over the patrons of The Third Rail. There were the regulars on the couch, holding their drinks while listening to Magnolia’s sultry voice with rapt attention. He gave a sidelong glance to the VIP room where he knew MacCready would be making deals with shady characters for caps. And then there were a few strangers he didn’t recognize sitting at the bar a few stools away from him and Sole. Those were the most likely sources of intel.

“I’d say we keep an eye on old no-nose and Danse over there,” Deacon said, nodding subtly in the direction of a ghoul and an uptight looking perfectly-groomed man.

Sole let a little giggle escape her lips as she turned away from the pair. “He totally does look like Danse,” she said, her eyes crinkling in the corners as she laughed.

Deacon tried not to notice.

He failed.

“Ad Victorium,” Sole mocked in her best Paladin Danse impression. It was just as awful as her southern accent.

“That old tin can is such a boy scout,” Deacon said, wanting nothing more than to make Sole laugh again. The sound made him happy. “But he’s good in a fire fight.”

“He’s actually really sweet,” Sole said. “And super helpful out in the field.”

Hearing Sole say nice things about Danse should have warmed Deacon’s heart. But instead he felt something ugly and unfamiliar spring up inside of him. Was it jealousy?

“Yeah, he’s great. If you get over the fact that he’s a raging bigot who hates synths,” Deacon said. His words sounded harsher than he’d meant for them to. He actually liked Danse a lot. But for some reason, he didn’t want Sole liking him too much.

“Hey, he’s still coming to terms with a lot right now,” Sole said. “Give him time. He’s a good person.”

Deacon nodded but didn’t answer. He didn’t like how much this conversation was bugging him. He wanted to pretend it was because of Danse’s less-than-stellar opinion of synths. But he knew the truth. Bigotry aside, Danse was a good guy. A wholesome guy. The kind of guy that probably reminded Sole of her late husband.

What was Deacon?

A liar. A man-child. Someone who couldn’t get close to people without devolving into a stand-up comedian for fear he might expose too much of himself.

Why would Sole want that when she could have the muscled boy scout with the badass scar over his eyebrow?

“Hey, are you okay?” Sole asked, placing her hand on Deacon’s arm and looking at him with a furrowed brow. “You kind of disappeared for a second.”

Deacon cleared his throat and adopted the fake smile that served as his everyday mask. “I’m good, boss. I was just listening for any intel we might hear.”

It wasn’t a great lie, but he hoped it was good enough to get Sole’s hand off of his arm. He couldn’t handle it when she touched him. Even like this. It gave him hope. And hope was dangerous.

The two sat in silence for a long time and when Sole did eventually move her hand away from Deacon’s arm, he hated its absence.

They watched the ghoul and the pretty boy drink their drinks in silence and Deacon began to wonder if they weren’t actually the people they’d been looking for. But when Deacon saw MacCready leave the red VIP room and walk up their stairs towards Goodneighbor, the ghoul and the pretty boy instantly stood up in unison and headed over to the now empty room.

“Bingo,” Deacon whispered. “They were waiting for somewhere more private.”

“This is so exciting,” Sole said, bouncing in her seat a little.

It was quite possibly the most adorable thing Deacon had ever seen in his entire life.

And that was including the time he’d seen a mutated bunny with four soft fuzzy ears hopping around the Wasteland.

“We need to get in that room,” Deacon whispered, standing from the bar stool and heading over to the VIP room.

He and Sole entered, but made sure to stand around the corner where the two conspirators wouldn’t be able to see them.

The ghoul and the pretty boy spoke in hushed tones, but Deacon was still able to make out the key points.

“Nuka World,” Sole whispered, looking up at Deacon who nodded.

That was it. That was where the Synth was being held. Dez would be over-the-moon with this intel.

Deacon only had a moment to revel in their victory, because without warning, he could hear the footsteps of the ghoul and the pretty boy heading towards them. They would have maybe two seconds before they saw Deacon and Sole standing there. And then what? They’d probably try to kill them without a second thought.

Deacon opened his mouth to try to tell Sole to run, but before he could, she pushed him up against the wall and crushed her lips against his.

The forcefulness of the kiss caught Deacon off guard, but it only took him a moment to understand her strategy. Just be a couple of Third Rail occupants looking for some privacy for a good time and no one would suspect they’d been spying on the conspirators.

Sole pressed her body against Deacon’s, her hands sliding inside of his tux jacket and around to his back. Her lips were soft, even as they moved forcefully against his. And even though he was tempted to close his eyes and give into the kiss, he kept one eye open to make sure they hadn’t drawn any suspicion from the pair they’d just been spying on.

Deacon watched as the two men eyeballed them for a moment before shaking their heads and leaving the VIP room without another thought.

They’d done it. They’d fooled them. And now they could stop kissing. But Sole didn’t seem keen on slowing down. That meant it would be Deacon’s responsibility to stop the kiss.

But did he really want to? Now that he had a good reason to kiss Sole that wouldn’t make him have an existential crisis?

Instead, Deacon placed his hands on Sole’s waist, squeezing her sides and pulling her against him. He could feel her smile under his lips and the expression only encouraged him. He ran one hand up her back, keeping the other low on her waist as he kissed her back passionately.

He never wanted this to stop.

The heat from Sole’s body mixed deliciously with his own and with every kiss, he felt himself fall for her even more.

After a moment, Sole finally slowed down their moment of passion and broke the kiss. Her lips were swollen and her cheeks were flushed, but her eyes were bright and full of life.

“Our targets left,” Deacon finally said after a moment, because he wasn’t sure what else to say. “I don’t think they suspected us… good thinking, boss.”

He knew he sounded breathless and frazzled and he hated himself for it.

Sole didn’t step back away from him. Instead she stayed leaned up against him with her hands resting on his back.

“Mission accomplished,” she whispered. He could feel her breath against his lips and it made him shiver. Being this close to Sole was like drinking clean cold water after wandering the Wasteland for days with no rest.

Deacon and Sole stared at each other for another moment, neither one willing to break contact. Deacon still had his hand low on Sole’s waist, and he moved his thumb over the bumpy sequins there.

“We should probably report back to Dez,” Deacon said after a minute. Something that looked like disappointment passed behind Sole’s eyes and he wondered briefly if she had wanted him to say something else. Something unrelated to the mission.

Had he wanted to say something else too?

“Good teamwork,” Sole said, standing up on her tiptoes and placing one last long, slow, soft kiss against Deacon’s lips.

The motion gave Deacon chills all over his body.

When she pulled away, she gave him a meaningful look. “I guess we should be getting back.”

Deacon nodded dumbly, unable to speak for a moment.

When Sole pulled away from Deacon, he felt her absence like a punch to the gut.

“Right behind you, boss,” Deacon said, watching as Sole headed towards the stairs that would lead to Goodneighbor.

He let her climb a few before he started to follow her. The truth was, he wasn’t sure he trusted himself to be too close to her right now. Not after the kiss they’d just shared. Because he knew he wanted more. And he knew he’d always want more.

But the worst part of it was, he almost thought that maybe Sole wanted more too. The look she’d given him had held some kind of meaning. But there was no way he was going to pursue that. If he was wrong, and Sole wasn’t sending him signals, he’d be devastated.

No. It was better to live a life wondering, than to throw away a good thing on a small possibility that his feelings were reciprocated. Sole was too good for him and he knew it. She probably knew it too.

But maybe she didn’t care. And maybe he shouldn’t either.

[Part 3]

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Based on this pic of my OC and Deacon being dorks together.

#fallout #fallout 4 #deacon #fallout deacon #deacon x sole survivor #deacon x sole #fallout fanfic #fallout 4 fanfic #deacon fanfic #deacon x sole fanfic #fo4 #fo4 fanfic

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ikindamissbeingphysical · 3 years

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5 Times Musa wore Riven’s clothes

Read here or on ao3 here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/29376804

The Alfea Games is a bullshit annual tradition. It's an exam masquerading as a tournament, just a way for the teachers and high rankers of the Kingdom to see who they want to pluck out of the Academy and take for their army, or task force, or some other random position Riven could really not care less about.

Still, he's competitive, and if there's one thing he likes doing, it's beating Sky.

He slashes, a dagger in each fist, at the Burned One projection and it falls to its knees shrieking.

The stands are full of students cheering, and Riven gets a rush at their applause.

"Show off." Sky pants from beside him, as Riven's tally flicks up to 7, and Sky's stays stubbornly at 4.

"Jealous, much?" Riven grins; relieved when the half-time bell chimes because his legs are sore, and the late afternoon sun still burns as it begins to dip out of the sky. He and the other Specialists head over to the shade and he rifles through his rucksack for some water as Sky goes to kiss Bloom, who's leaning over the rail; red tresses swaying in the breeze.

"You were amazing!" Bloom gushes, and Sky beams at her, and Riven mimes throwing up.

Someone laughs.

He turns to see Musa, headphones around her neck, hair in pigtails, and-and-

In his jacket.

She's wearing his jacket. His leather jacket. It's draped over her shoulders. Her bare shoulders, because she's wearing some strapless, form-fitting purple dress, and Riven's coat, she's wearing Riven's-

"You okay, man?" Sky asks, and Riven realises they're all looking at him, and he's still looking at Musa, and her big, brown eyes are lit up a sort of hazel in the red setting sun.

He nods, waving them off, and chugs more of his water, trying to temper his heartbeat.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Musa asks, more quietly, her irises flaring purple. Her eyebrows stitch together worriedly. "You're like- really anxious. It's just a game."

"Stay out of my head." He hisses furiously, petrified that she might be able to see, might be able to tell-

She leans away from him, scowling. "Fine. Whatever."

He's grateful when the bell rings again, but his winning streak is gone. As the flood-lights turn on and the sun disappears, he misses target after target. He keeps getting pinned by fucking rookies and everyone else's tally continues to jump up as his dies on a plateau.

He can see her, in his peripheral, wearing his jacket and she probably doesn't even know it's his. She probably doesn't know how she looks in that leather swamping her frame, the collar resting at her neck, where the skin looks so soft that-

"Fuck, dude," Sky curses, hauling Riven off his ass. "Pull yourself together."

"She's wearing my jacket." He snaps, and Sky looks at him blankly for a moment, before he groans.

"Dude, I know you're like, against sharing, but she was freezing and it was just lying there. I'd have given her mine, but Bloom had already-"

"It's fine, just-" Riven tries to shake it off, "I'm focused."

He can't help a final glance over his shoulder, to see Musa leaning sleepily against the railings, headphones now secured over her ears, resting her chin on her arms. On his jacket sleeves. She's lit by the silver floodlights, and her eyes are half-closed, and he wonders what she's listening to. He wonders-

The Burned One knocks him to the ground, and the buzzer blares.

The next day, traces of her perfume linger on his jacket, swirling around him the way she does, always, in his thoughts.

It's sweet, like honey and vanilla, like home-spun sugar and toffee.

He'd found his jacket right on the bench where he'd left it after the game: the stands empty, the game over. It had been folded neatly and left just beside his things and he'd slid it on and tried not to replay their interaction in his head.

Today's a new day.

As part of Sky's new scheme to become the best boyfriend in the history of boyfriends, they've been sitting with the Winx Suite most lunch times. It's not exactly Riven's idea of a good time. He feels some horrid mix of guilt and irritation whenever he looks at Terra, and Aisha glowers at him like his very proximity will end in her getting a suspension. He spends most of the time arguing with Stella, and trying (failing) not to look at Musa while Sky and Bloom stray the line between PDA and go get a room.

When he gets to the cafeteria and heads for the table, he's surprised, and maybe a little thrilled, to see that it's just Musa at the table.

She stands up as soon as she seems him.

"Good, the others just left. They wanted to have lunch out by the lake. Bloom has apparently ‘found a place’. C'mon, we can catch up."

He has no option but to follow her, and sure enough, half-way across the field is the whole merry-fucking-gang. Riven doesn't know how to feel. Sky could've texted, if his brain was capable of fathoming anything other than Bloom when she was nearby. Were they even going to invite him? Was he going to get to the cafeteria to see an empty table? They probably wouldn't have missed him anyway, he thinks bitterly.

And yet- Musa was there. Waiting.

He looks at her thoughtfully, and her eyes flash purple when she catches him. She winces. "It wasn't like that." She says, "they were caught up in the idea of going there. They weren't purposely trying to leave you behind."

Jesus Christ, can't she just-

"I'm sorry," she barrels on, as they fall into the same steps, almost caught up to the others. "I'm trying to respect your privacy and everything, I'm working on it- my control isn't great at the moment."

"You should work on that." He mutters.

Her shoulders slump dejectedly. "I know."

Well, fuck, he didn't mean to- he swallows hard. "I'm tanking my field training." He says, trying to ignore her look of surprise at this freely-offered information. "Great at everything else, but camouflage? The element of surprise? I'm struggling. It's hard. I also fucking hate it, so there's that."

She huffs out a small laugh. "I bet you just like the thrill of attacking someone face to face. None of that 'sneaking up on you' bullshit."

He grins before he can check himself, and she catches it, and smiles too.

"There you are!" Bloom calls excitedly, "c'mon, we're gonna use Stella's ring."

Riven hates to give Bloom props for anything- and it isn't because he doesn't like her, or anything like that- he's just reluctant to acknowledge anybody's good traits since they all seem so loathe to see any in him- but the lake is nice.

Large and leafy green, surrounded by trees and over-hung by the clear blue sky. There's a sunbeaten deck strutting proudly into the middle, and Aisha strips out of her clothes to reveal a swim suit, and in three great strides, dives in like a dolphin.

The rest of them stare after her in awe.

"Are you always wearing that under your clothes?" Riven asks, toeing off his shoes, watching as Aisha tumble turns and glides through the water like a dolphin. She smiles at him from the water, and he's surprised by the look of it on her face. For the first time, she looks relaxed. Stress-free. Content.

Bloom and Stella change into their swim suits, as he and Sky just strip down to their boxers. Bloom wolf-whistles, and Sky blushes.

Riven puffs his chest out, winking at Stella who scoffs at him. He turns to find Musa. She's shrugged off her coat and shoes, and is rifling through her bag in confusion. She's too pre-occupied to notice his abs. Riven tries not to take offence.

"I can't find my- oh shit." Musa groans, thumping her head. "I left it back in the fire circle."

"Oh! Don't worry, Musa," Terra says brightly, as she sits, fully-dressed, on the mossy bank, with a stack of books beside her. "You can sit this one out with me!"

Musa turns to her with a smile (that to Riven, looks fucking forced) just as Bloom and Sky jump in. They scream, splashing Stella who cannon-balls in after them. Riven watches Musa's face, can see the hidden longing in her eyes.

A part of him wants to tease her, entice her in by saying how much he wouldn't mind if they decided to go skinny-dipping instead, but he knows it ultimately wouldn't work. Instead, he reaches for his discarded black tee, and tosses it to her.

"Should be long enough to preserve your modesty," he says, going for casual and heading for the dock. "Considering you're such a short-arse."

Musa sticks her tongue out at him, but she eagerly turns to get changed and Riven plunges into the lake to resist the urge to watch.

The water is warm and licks at his skin as the sun beats down onto his shoulders. It's deep and he can't quite graze the bottom, and he's suddenly, a little stupidly, grateful for knowing Sky. Grateful that he gets to be here. He floats on his back, staring up at the sky and letting himself just bask in the moment. As the water laps in his ears, he can hear the others laughing, Aisha swimming, Stella screaming, and the sun warms red spots onto his eye lids, marvellous colours in the dark- so he opens them.

Just in time to see Musa standing on the dock.

Suddenly, all his attention is on her. Her long, tan legs on display, his tee, his t-shirt, tickling down past her hips, and she jumps.

Okay. Turns out it's not a leather jacket thing. Anything that's his looks good on her. He could look good on her.

He watches for her when she re-surfaces, as she joins in splashing Stella, and he waits, waits, waits, until- victory.

She swims over to him. A little way away from the group, to where he's treading water alone. The t-shirt clings to her and he wants to touch her and-

"Hey," she says, with wet hair and water droplets on her eyelashes. "Thanks for the tee."

He shrugs. "I'd rather you'd jumped in without anything on."

She hits him, but finally, finally, he gets her eyes on him. They linger, as the water rivets roll down the breadth of his shoulders, his chest, down to- her eyes flicker away, cheeks red.

"Don't be shy," he purrs, "I'm hot. It's not a sin to look. You're hot too. Dancer’s body. Bet you're flexible."

"Wouldn't you like to know?" She murmurs, before her eyes flash purple. He tries not to let it irritate him. He hates the violation of his privacy, but he knows she can't control it- but she turns away from him, and he follows her gaze to Terra, sitting balefully alone. "If I do what I'm gonna do," she whispers, and his heart trips up a little, at her whispering to him over the water, pulling him in closer. A secret just for the two of them. "Promise you won't tell anyone."

Riven grins. "I'm great with secrets."

Musa takes a breath, before she stares at Terra, face tense with concentration, eyes shimmering purple.

Riven turns to look at Terra expectantly. "You're mind-controlling her?"

"No." Musa mutters, still focused, "I'm just trying to increase her confidence, trying to-"

Terra looks up suddenly, and Musa hurriedly grabs Riven's arm to move behind him.

"The water does look good!" Terra calls, "is it warm?"

"Oh, it's lovely, Terra!" Musa hollers back, "you should come in!"

"Yes! Join us!" Bloom sings, from her position perched on Sky's shoulders.

Terra wavers. Riven can feel Musa's hand curled around his arm, her body against his back. "I don't have my costume!" She yells.

"You're wearing like five layers," Stella calls, "you can spare one."

Terra chews on her bottom lip, and Riven turns his head to whisper: "can't you boost it anymore?"

"I'm trying." Musa insists quietly, "I can't manufacture it. I can only enhance what's already there."

"Terra," Riven yells, startling her, "if you come in, I'll let you dunk me."

Sky bursts out laughing, and Terra giggles.

"Well, I can't resist that!" She says, getting to her feet. Riven turns away, looking down at Musa who's beaming up at him.

"Wow." She says, pressing her lips together to hide the glee in her tone. "That was very sweet."

"Fuck off." Riven mutters, but his eyes are on the collar of his wet tee as it clings to her skin. "I only did it because that was bloody painful to watch. By the way, is there anything else you can do with your powers that I should watch out for?"

Musa tips her head contemplatively. "Actually, yes." She lifts her hands and cups his face. He startles a little, at her fingertips against his jaw, before he sees her eyes purple and shimmer, and then suddenly, a weird emotion clouds into his head. It's familiar yet foreign, it's-

gratitude?

"It's meant to be gratitude." Musa says, when her eyes are back to normal and she's panting a little, "I'm not great at-"

"I got it." He reassures her, “I felt it."

She smiles, pleased, pushing away from him to swim further to the centre of the lake.

He watches her go, mind reeling. More powerful than he thought, though he's not sure why he's surprised. He can still feel her hands on his face. He wants to swim after her, but Terra and Sky corner him, eager to see him dunked.

It marks a turning point for the group as a whole.

The afternoon at the lake has softened grudges, strengthened bonds, and Terra talks to him more over lunch. Aisha doesn't bore him so much, not now he can see her for more than a stuck-up rule-follower. He and Stella get along as well as they usually do, but their barbs seem less sharp than before. Bloom has always been pretty accepting, and Musa-

Well, she's Musa.

She's making him lose all sense of normalcy, of sanity, because that's the only reason he'd agree to this fucking slumber party.

"No, I think it was better over there." Sky says, changing his mind for the fourth time, as Riven struggles under the weight of the mattress. The entire floor is covered with pillows and cushions and Sky needs to make up his mind before Riven kills him. "No, no, you were right- put it back."

"Jesus," Riven groans, setting it down and spotting the stack of Disney Princess movies. "We're two guys about to sleep with five girls, and you're suggesting we watch Pocahontas?"

"They won the coin toss," Sky shrugs, "besides, I always liked the little hummingbird."

The girls arrive after Laurie, the RI for the floor, has done her final rounds. They shuffle into the room on tiptoes, and Riven closes it behind them, meeting Musa's eyes. Her hair's down and loose around her shoulders, and he's never seen it like that before. In her soft looking, cotton pyjamas, some rainbow sweater, she's more enticing than usual so he busies himself with the popcorn as Sky sets out the rest of the snacks.

"This is a nice set-up, guys," Bloom grins, getting comfy right in the middle. Sky joins her, and soon, the lights are off- bar Stella's glowing little ball- and everyone's shuffling into place.

Bloom and Sky are cosied up to one another, and Aisha and Terra are tucked neatly into one corner. Stella fancies herself above the ground, and lies on Sky's bed, half her attention on her phone.

Musa settles in the other corner, leaning against a mountain of cushions, and Riven debates for about half a second before he joins her.

"Hi," she whispers, sounding pleased, "wanna hear a sad story?"

Their thighs are touching. Her fleece pants are warm against his bare leg, and the cushions are ridiculously comfortable, and she looks so different with her hair down, her face almost obscured from him. "Sure," he whispers back.

She points are her bare feet. "I forgot my socks."

He snorts. "If that's your idea of a sad story-" he breaks off into a hiss when she cruelly presses her toes onto his shin. "Jesus, they're fucking ice." He complains, and she laughs, tossing a kernel of popcorn into the air and catching it perfectly between her teeth.

He reaches over her, feels her entire body stiffen and does his best to ignore it, opening one of his drawers and pulling out a pair of mis-matched socks.

She takes them gleefully, leaning down to pull them on. Her shirt rides up and he catches a glimpse of her lower back, and when she sits up- she catches him. Their eyes dart away from each other, and the first hour of Pocahontas is a stiff, awkward affair. The darkness seems to electrify the space between them and Riven's too afraid to move. Musa seems to be feeling the same way, but then Terra starts singing along with the song, and the the air relaxes a little.

Then, somehow, in Little Mermaid 2, Riven's oddly invested in Melody and her pull to the sea, when Musa sighs, sinking back further into the cushions, resting her body weight on Riven, looking completely content.

"You comfortable?" He teases, and she smiles lazily up at him, wiggling her toes in his socks.

"Very comfortable." She says, and he isn't thinking when he says:

"You're insufferably cute, you know that?"

He regrets it immediately, but it's slipped out, and Musa barely seems to notice his panic. She just yawns, and then she- she- rests her head on his shoulder, and her hair fans down over him, and tickles his arm.

He feels, suddenly, the rather vicious urge to protect her. He's on high-alert, for some reason, for any intruder, because she's here, half-asleep, resting against him. So trusting. So vulnerable, and-

The DVD menu chimes on repeat, and when Riven looks up he realises that everyone else is asleep, and Stella's orb of light has vanished into darkness, and that it's well past midnight.

Slowly, gently, he rests his cheek on Musa's head, feels the way they're tucked in together, and he closes his eyes.

He's not sure how it happened.

How they can go one minute from a group of friends binging Disney movies, to out here, in the woods, watching Bloom's fucking fire wings and surrounded on all sides by Burned Ones. Real ones. Not projections.

The girls are all glowing, eyes burning, and there's splashes of water, tangling ivy, shooting flames, blinding light and Musa: shouting locations as she tracks them.

"Try to project lethargy!" Aisha screams, clutching one arm, as Sky slashes a Burned One along the chest.

Riven jams two sharp jabs into the torso of another, and growls over his shoulder. "She's already fucking tracking them, Aisha! Why don't you just water-board them some more?"

Musa doesn't mediate their bickering, just whirls and points and says "Another three over there, I can sense them. They want Bloom!"

Sky and Terra immediately run over to Bloom, who has fire burning along her shoulders, and it's so arresting a sight that Riven doesn't even notice when the Burned One crumbles into ash beneath him.

He doesn't notice when another hisses just to his left. He can't get his blade out in time, and it has one deformed hand around his throat, claws pricking into his skin when Musa's suddenly shoving him away, taking his place, and he just has time to notice, to scream- when she lunges forward, and stabs the monster in the chest. It howls, and she yells out in unison, her voice shaking with agony, a sound that'll haunt him.

The Burned One crumples, and Musa with it.

"Musa!" Stella cries, racing over, trying to get closer, but Riven blocks her, taking Musa's chin in his hands, tilting her face up. There are tears stained along her cheeks, and her eyes are still rimmed purple.

"I felt it," she gasps, clutching Riven's arms, still shaking, "I felt it die, I felt it-"

"It's okay." Stella insists, voice shaky, rubbing Musa's back. "You did amazing, you did so great."

Musa clenches her eyes shut. "I've gotta- I can feel more of them."

"Take a minute." Riven pleads, trying to catch his breath, feeling blood move sluggishly down his own neck. "Take a minute, you just fucking saved my life, you're allowed a goddamn minute."

His entire being seems to light up at the small, strained smile she gives him. Stella sees the smile too, so she shoots Riven a look that says keep going, moron.

He doesn't need her prompting. "And what a sexy knife move. Where'd you get that blade?"

This earns more of a laugh from her. Relieved and a little hysterical sounding, but a laugh nonetheless. She holds the blade up, and its blue handle glints in the moonlight. "Stole it from you." She says, and he wants to tell her it isn't the only thing she's stolen from him. She has everything he is in the palm of her hand, and she saved his life. She hands the dagger back to him, and he shakes his head.

"Keep it. You look hot with a knife in your hand."

Musa laughs again, still a little choked up, and the two of them help her to her feet. He doesn't want to let go for her, but she sniffles, nodding, so Riven just sticks close by the rest of the night.

They defeat the burned ones with minimal injuries. Aisha's leg is broken, and Terra's bandaged it as best she can, as they limp back to the school. Dowling and Silva meet them half way, overflowing with worry and gratitude, and at their insistence, Riven collapses into a bed in the infirmary as they tend to his neck.

They put Musa in the bed beside him, and he sees claw marks on her ribs, and it's a good thing the Burned Ones are dead, because it's the only thing stopping him from marching right out into that forest to have their heads.

He's on his way back from the drinks table, two glasses in his hands, when he notices that Musa isn't there anymore.

Terra points to the back door. "She needed to step out. Mind fairy thing."

Riven nods, setting down the drinks and heading for the exit.

It's a warm summer night, and the air is humid, and Musa's standing out on the grass, gazing up at the stars.

She must feel his mental presence, because she turns and smiles.

He heads over to her, and she steps easily into the circle of his arms, and he holds her tightly.

Here they are. At the Alfea Ball, dating. Their three month anniversary is coming up soon, and Riven has something in mind. He's excited to see her reaction. But right now, he just basks in having her in his arms. She's a vision, in a lace-sleeved, indigo dress, her hair up the way he likes, and heels that mean she doesn't need to tiptoe to kiss him.

"Sorry," she murmurs, "got a little loud in there."

"I don't mind," he reassures, dropping a kiss onto her head. He feels her shiver, so he shrugs out of his tux jacket and drapes it over her shoulders. As pulls it around her, she looks up at him, soft and smiling, and his throat goes a little dry. "What?"

"Nothing," she shrugs, "you just look very dapper in your tux. I'm feeling it." Her hands slide up onto the plane of his chest, and he grins, nipping at her nose.

"Shall we get out of here, then?"

She hums in agreement, but tangles her fingers into his hair to pull him down for a kiss. As usual, the heat flares down to his stomach, and he pulls her tighter to his body.

"We should get out of here," he insists, kissing at her jaw, "or we'll definitely get suspended."

Musa laughs, and she leads the way back to the dorms.

Once there, he whispers, low and greedy into her ear, to take off everything but his jacket.

"Is this some sort of kink?" She asks delightedly, once his tux suit is the only thing on her gorgeous body, and she's straddling him, thighs spread over his, her fingers dragging through his hair.

"I don't know," he admits, even though he knows it's only a thing for him when she's involved. "I think I just look really good on you."

She bites his neck and scratches his down his back, and it hurts and he loves it, and she looks down at the marks like a satisfied kitten with tiger claws. "I look good on you too." She whispers, and he kisses her again.

And again.

#rivusa #riven x musa #fate: the winx saga #mutual pining #fic

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thatshithurted8 · 4 years

Text

Marigold (2)

Summary: Getting to know JJ Maybank is something you hoped for, but a jealous Rafe makes it his mission to put a stop to your developing feelings.

Pairing: JJ Maybank x Fem!Reader, Fem!Reader x Platonic Rafe, JJ Maybank x Introverted!Reader

Word Count: 3.8k (I went off I guess)

Marigold Masterlist

Currently you sat in the passenger seat of Sarah Cameron’s car as she drove through figure 8 and into the cut. The blonde girl beside you kept going on about some guy named John B and how much she likes him. As you listened you couldn’t help, but wonder what you guys were doing in the cut. You had nothing against anyone or anything in the lower class part of town, but every time you’ve hung out with the Cameron siblings you’ve never seen any of them step foot into the cut willingly.

Sarah invited you to have a sleep over for the weekend and you were going to politely decline considering you weren’t close with her and socializing with people you don’t know well was draining, but your parents caught wind of the invitation and made you go. However, little did you know it wasn’t Sarah’s idea to invite you. Yes, she wished you two were closer, but JJ was the one that ultimately came up with the idea.

A few days after Midsummers the blonde boy brought up you and how you still haven’t contacted him yet. That was when Kie mentioned how JJ said that you and Rafe seemed to know each other so Sarah must know you as well. Sarah wasn’t surprised when JJ asked her about you. You were a beautiful girl after all, but you barely even spoke, how’d he manage to have a conversation with you?

Seeing how smitten JJ was for you warmed Sarah’s heart and of course she obliged by inviting you to visit for the upcoming weekend. And when you agreed JJ asked Sarah hundreds of questions about you and what you were like.

About ten minutes later of Sarah continuing to talk about John B you notice the blonde become quiet while driving down a dirt road before ending up outside of a shack like house.

“We’re here.” She says turning off the car and smiling over at you. You simply respond back with a smile and follow Sarah out of the car, making sure you grabbed your bag and then walk into the chateau.

As soon as you stepped foot into the chateau your whole energy changed. You just got comfortable with being alone with Sarah, a girl you’ve known basically your whole life and now you were greeted with a room of fellow teenagers. You could feel yourself retreating back into your shell even though you didn’t want to.

“Hey I’m Kiara, but you can call me Kie.” A familiar girl says standing up and walking over to you as Sarah passes her to greet another familiar boy which you assumed was the infamous John B.

“Hi I’m Y/N.” You say timidly before following Kiara over to the couch and sitting down. You felt extremely awkward as you weren’t in your typical surroundings so you didn’t even notice how rigid and uncomfortable you looked sitting pin straight on the couch beside the brown haired girl.

“That’s Pope.” Kiara says pointing over to the boy leaning against the kitchen counter that was eating cereal. He nods over in your direction, acknowledging you and you smile back.

“And that’s John B.” She says pointing to the boy holding Sarah in his arms. You simply nod, making a mental note to remember everyone’s names. Just as Kie opens her mouth to talk about the pogue that was missing your direction is turned to the hallway when you hear heavy boots make their way down it.

“Hey, John B I think I clogged your toilet agai-” JJ says, but instantly stops when he sees you sitting on the couch beside Kie. His cheeks turn a shade of red at his embarrassing statement, but you try your best to bite your tongue to stop yourself from laughing. After seeing JJ you were finally able to connect the dots as to why everyone in the chateau looked so familiar.

“Hey Marigold.” JJ says, regaining his confidence when he sees how flustered you got at the nickname.

“Hi.” You softly say back with heated cheeks.

As the room full of teens becomes engulfed in conversation you don’t notice JJ practically begging Kiara to move from where he stood leaning against a door frame. Finally giving in Kie rolls her eyes and gets up, joining Pope on the floor. Without a moment to spare JJ quickly walks over to the now free spot beside you and plops himself down.

When he does this you can feel your heart beat increase and nerves started to wash over you. You were worried that he was going to ask you why you didn’t text or call him and he did exactly that.

“You know I’ve been sitting beside my phone for the last week waiting for a call or text from this really pretty girl that I gave my number to.” JJ says for only you to hear.

Still sitting up straight you look over at the boy beside you who was sitting comfortably against the couch. His gaze on you was intense and felt hot. You couldn’t bring yourself to make eye contact with him as he made you too nervous.

“I-I wanted to text you, but I lost the napkin.” You softly say telling the truth. When you were chasing after Rafe who was chasing after JJ you dropped the napkin JJ gave you and didn’t notice until it was too late.

“Well I can give you my number again, but this time I’ll write it down in your phone so you don’t lose it.” JJ says winking at you when you finally make eye contact, but you instantly look away blushing when he does so.

Looking up at the teens in front of you who were laughing at something Pope just said you pull your phone out of your shorts pocket and unlock it before handing it over to JJ.

JJ watches you as you do this and he truly enjoyed how flustered you got because of him. As cliche as it sounded though when both of your hands touched when exchanging your phone he could’ve sworn he felt electricity.

For the first time since you got to the Chateau you looked at JJ and admired him without being too scared or nervous to do so. The blue eyed boy typed his name into your phone and then his number and then decided to put a emoji beside his name. As you watch him search for the perfect emoji to use you can’t stop yourself from starring at his large hands and ring clad fingers. He really couldn’t get anymore perfect could he?

It didn’t take long for JJ to find the emoji of his choice which ultimately was a flower that resembled the marigold flowers that were in your hair when you two first met. Satisfied with his choice JJ hands his phone back over to you and admires your frame while you put it back into your pocket.

To both yours and Sarah’s surprise after a few hours of hanging out with the pogues you started to open up and leave your shell. You found it extremely easy to talk and open up to the blonde haired and blue eyed boy that remained by your side your whole visit the day before. You’ve never opened up to someone this fast and you started to realize that there was nothing to be anxious or worried about when it came to JJ and the pogues.

It was now day two into your weekend sleep over at the Cameron household and you were actually quite glad your parents made you go. Currently you were laying down in the hammock while JJ and Pope tried to start a fire.

Sarah and John B left to find more fire wood which was taking them quite awhile, but you didn’t mind. You were too busy admiring JJ who was crouched down trying to get the wood to ignite with his silver lighter.

Just as the two boys finally get the fire started Kiara opens the chateau’s door and comes outside. “Hey Y/N can you help me with the smores stuff?”

Shifting your attention from JJ who’s face was now illuminated by the fire to Kiara, you nod your head and get up. Without realizing, as you walk over to the wavy haired girl JJ’s head follows every step you take, admiring how adorable you looked in one of his sweatshirts.

“Is JJ Maybank debating on settling down?” Pope jokes once you were out of ear shot.

“If I do that means the only two people that won’t be dating are you and Kie.” The blonde responds back with a wink, instantly wiping Pope’s smug smirk off of his face.

The truth is that JJ didn’t date. Everyone knew that even tourons that return every summer, but when JJ first saw you it was like a scene straight out of a disney movie. Although you guys haven’t known each other for long JJ somehow knew deep down in his heart that you were going to be very important in his life. He just knew.

“So Y/N are you warming up to us?” Kie asks, letting the door close behind them as they walk inside the dimly lit chateau.

“Yes, I hope we can hang out more this summer.” You say truthfully.

Over the last 48 hours you have grown close to the small group of teens, even Sarah, a girl you’ve barely made a connection with before. It was like the pogues brought something out of you which made you feel carefree and to let your wall of shyness down. Of course you were still shy, but you could feel yourself leaving your shell more and more just with every conversation you had with them.

“I do too. And I know JJ does too.”

“What do you mean?” You ask while Kiara opens the fridge and grabs a few cans of beers.

She turns and looks at you funny before looking through the fridge again to find the chocolate, after all John B didn’t have air conditioning and it wouldn’t be useful if it melted. “You don’t see the way he looks at you?”

“No?” You ask. She was acting as if JJ looked at you 24/7 and with the same love and desire as Stanley did with Rosalie, the main protagonists in your newest romance novel.

Kie scoffs and closes the fridge, not believing anything you said. She was honestly dumbfounded on how you didn’t see the way JJ looked at you. It was so obvious that JJ liked you.

“Oh come on girl he looks at you the way John B looks at Sarah.” The brown eyed girl says bringing a finger up to her mouth and pretending to gag, causing you to laugh. “It’s so obvious that JJ likes you that even a blind man can see that.”

Kie always respected the pogue rule where you don’t tell anyone each other’s business, but from her experience when JJ had a crush on a girl, which was rare he never made a move despite being the playboy of the island.

You blush at Kie’s kind words and look down at your feet. “JJ told me how they left you and Sarah on Pope’s dads boat.” You say giggling, while trying to change the topic at the same time.

“Sarah and I have to get them back for that still. You and JJ should pretend to hate each other so we can do something similar.” She says grabbing the smores ingredients while wiggling her eyebrows at you.

You simply laugh and grab the cold beers off of the counter. “I wouldn’t mind that.” You say truthfully causing Kie to hype you up as you two walked out of the chateau and down the porch steps.

By the time you guys got back Sarah and John B were also back and were sitting side by side in lawn chairs. Pope was also sitting down, leaving one lawn chair left and the hammock, but Kiara quickly sets everything down away from the fire before plopping down in the last chair. JJ remained standing, looking down at the fire like a proud father who just witnessed their child take their first steps.

As you hand the beer around, giving one to everyone except for Sarah as she was driving JJ looks up and his heart beat increases once he realizes he’s in your vicinity again.

“Here you go.” You softly say, handing the last can of cold beer to the blonde while the rest of the group were engulfed in a conversation about what was the best surfboard wax.

“Thank you.” He responds back with the same tone of voice before nodding over to the hammock. You nod your head and follow the blue eyed boy over to the white and navy blue fabric hanging between two trees.

JJ holds it while you get on, making sure you don’t flip or fall off. Once you were on he hands his unopened beer to you and joins you, moving around a bit at first before finally getting comfortable.

If your friends at home heard that you made five new friends over the weekend and cuddled with one, and that one being a boy they wouldn’t believe you even if you had picture proof. It wasn’t like you to make connections with guys and when you did you usually got heartbroken from having too high standards from your novels. But as the minutes and hours went by you realized you liked who you were when you were around the pogues and Sarah. After having a taste of letting go you were dreading going back home.

JJ opens his beer and takes a big gulp before wrapping his arm around you as you two spooned. Because you were so introverted and shy you’ve never been this close to a guy physically other than Rafe, but this was different. With Rafe he was a brother to you, but with JJ you felt something and you can only describe it the way your favourite authors do when their characters begin to like each other.

“Do you want some?” JJ asks lifting up the can closer to your face.

You shake your head, “No I’m okay. Thank you though” You say nestling your head into JJ’s chest.

As you do this you can hear his heart beat and how fast it was beating. Maybe Kie was right? But wasn’t it way too soon for that? After all you’ve only known of each other for a week, and two of those days you’ve actually gotten to know each other.

JJ’s thoughts of how content and happy he was in that moment were interrupted when John B throws a marshmallow at the blonde. “We’ve been playing truth or dare it’s your turn.”

“Oh uh truth.” He says, picking the choice he didn’t pick often. JJ loved doing dares, but he didn’t want to get up and leave the position he was in.

“What’s your love language?” Kie asks wiggling her eyebrows at JJ like she did to you earlier. Considering JJ, Pope, Kie and John B have been friends for so long they knew practically everything about each other, but they wanted you to know the answer for the future they hoped you two had.

“What the hell is that?” JJ asks confused, never hearing of the concept before.

“How you express your love.” You say softly turning to look up at him.

He looks down at you and smiles while a blush covers his face, but luckily the darkness of the night prevented you from seeing your effects on him. “Uhh I guess I express my love by doing things for people I care about no matter the risk.” He says shrugging his shoulders and pulling you closer to him.

Content with his answer JJ asks John B truth or dare and the brunette responds back with dare.

“I dare you to stuff as many marshmallows in your mouth as you can then french kiss Sarah.”

“No way in hell.” Sarah says shooting a disgusted look at JJ causing everyone to laugh.

“Oh come on I think it would be hot!” John B exclaims intertwining his hands with his girlfriends.

“I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that and I’m gonna make a smore.” She says rolling her eyes playfully while getting up to make her treat. Pope and Kie follow suit, but Kie sits back down when Pope says he will make her one.

“Do you want one?” JJ asks looking down at you in his arms.

“I’m okay.” You softly say as a yawn takes over your face before your roll over so you were facing JJ. You snuggle into the blondes chest once again and let your eyes flutter closed. It was understandable why you were tired, after all you were socializing all day while being out in the hot sun and JJ taught you how to surf when you all went to the beach.

JJ brings the can of beer to his lips and gulps down the rest of it’s contents before throwing it at Pope’s butt and wrapping his arms around you. Even though you two were the farthest away from the fire JJ felt warm and fuzzy, a feeling he hasn’t felt before.

Rolling over you check the time on the analogue clock beside the guest bed you were sleeping in. 3:27am.

You look around the dark room in the Cameron household, searching for your glass of water, but you couldn’t find it. With an annoyed groan you kick the blankets off of you and step out of bed, realizing you didn’t bring one with you. Normally this wouldn’t be a problem, but you were supposed to wake up early with Sarah to meet the pogues at The Wreck for breakfast before you went home.

As you tiptoe down the winding staircase and into the kitchen you secretly hope that Rafe was sound asleep in bed like everyone else in his family. You loved Rafe, but you were still quite upset at him for what he pulled at Midsummers and on top of that you didn’t want him to find out you were hanging out with the boy he was ganging up on at Midsummers. So avoiding the oldest Cameron sibling was your plan until you felt like there was no longer any tension.

Quietly you open a cabinet and reach inside for a glass. You didn’t bother to turn on the light since the moon was shinning in through the windows. Just as you bring the glass to the large stainless steal fridge the kitchen light turns on, causing you to jump and almost drop the glass in your hands.

“What the hell Rafe?” You ask, slightly laughing with the glass close to your chest while you slow down your frightened breaths.

“So you have been hanging out with my sister and the pogues?” He says getting straight to the point while leaning over the island with crossed arms.

“Yea.” You simply say, turning back to the fridge to get your water.

“Is that why you’ve been ignoring me?”

You raise your eyebrows while taking a sip of your cold water. “No, I’m still upset about what happened at Midsummers.” You say truthfully.

Rafe scoffs and pushes himself off of the cold marble before walking around the island to stand closer to you. “Is that what they told you to say? I bet they also told you how much of a dick I am. Especially that Maybank kid, he is a sly motherfucker.”

“If you’re going to talk shit about my friends I’m going to go to bed. I have to get up early to see them before I leave anyways.” You say drinking the last bit of water then putting the glass in the sink before walking past the brunette.

“Y/N wait.” He says grabbing a hold of your wrist and softly pulls you towards him.

“I need to tell you something?”

You look up at the boy in front of you expectantly, you could feel the bags growing under your eyes and you just wanted to go back to bed.

“My dad and I have been trying to tell Sarah this for a while. Those pogues aren’t good people. First John B stole our scuba diving equipment and sold it for quick cash.” Rafe lies, causing you to furrow your eyebrows in confusion. The John B you know wouldn’t do that.

“They’re all bad, but JJ is the worst. You know my friend Topper?” He asks keeping eye contact with you.

You nod your head still confused as to what Rafe was getting at. “Well, JJ pulled a gun to his head.”

You simply snort at Rafe’s statement while rolling your eyes playfully. “You don’t believe me?” He asks pulling his phone out of his pocket before pulling up a video.

Intrigued you look over at the screen as he turns it for you to see and your curiosity turned into horror as you watch John B and Topper wrestle around in the sand and water. Clearly there was a party that went wrong and someone took a video of the fight instead of helping out the boy that was currently being drowned.

Suddenly you see a mop of blonde hair rush over to the two boys and a black object is pointed against Toppers head. ‘Yea you know what that is!’ JJ yells in the video before party goers start to scream and yell because the Maybank boy raises the gun into the air, firing multiple shots.

The video ends and Rafe puts his phone back into his pocket. You look over at him confused, shocked and at a lack of words. Some may argue that you couldn’t tell that was JJ in the video and that’s probably why the police didn’t do anything, but you knew it was him. You recognized his hair and voice and he was even wearing the same shirt yesterday after you guys went surfing.

“And that’s not the only thing Y/N.” He says with a sad sigh even though he knew his plan was working.

“What?” You ask even more worried while your heart seemed to beat a mile a minute.

“JJ made a bet with John B to see how many girls he can sleep with over the summer. And I’m afraid Y/N that you’re just a quick fuck to raise his score.”

“Hey guys.” Sarah says with a bright smile, getting into the van after coming out of her house. “You guys ready for breakfast?” She asks looking around at her friends in the back seat.

JJ instantly ignores the blondes question and looks out the window at her large house. “Where’s Y/N?” He asks, hoping that you were just going to the washroom quickly or something.

Sarah’s excited smile for breakfast quickly turns into a scowl. “I don’t know she was gone when I woke up. I think my dad said Rafe was driving her home?”

@write-from-the-heart @collecting-stories-main @mk15x @joshy-obx

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jawabear · 3 years

Note

Hey can I request a fic for Agent Whiskey where the reader saves him from the meat grinder, but gets injured in the process (not that heavily). Some angst, some fluff maybe?

Moving on (Agent Whiskey x Reader)

Not my GIF

A/N: Hi! I’m sorry this took so long Anon! But I told you that you’re request still stands :). But I think I went a little off what you wanted? For which I am sorry. But I hope you still enjoy it anyway. Sorry for any mistakes. Stay safe.

Genre: Angst

Warnings: Fem!reader, mentions of injury, a lot of angst, I don’t think there’s anything else

Summary: After getting saved, Whiskey really thinks about what he’s doing

Sure, he got shot in the face.

But even before that, Jack had been acting strangely. To anyone else, he probably seemed like himself. His usual cocky and flirtatious self. But (Y/N) could see through it. She could tell there was something different about him. But what that was, she couldn’t figure out just yet.

It was her burden to bear that she loved him. She didn’t know how, or why, or when she loved him but she did. But she didn’t really want to. She didn’t want to love someone who was like him. To anyone else, he would be an absolute catch. What’s not to love about him anyway? He’s funny, attractive, strong and dedicated. But she didn’t want to love someone who didn’t love her back.

(Y/N) happened to round the corner into the infirmary as Ginger held up the one picture Jack had left of his past love. The picture that would bring everything back to him. The picture that proved he wouldn’t ever love (Y/N) back. His heart belonged to her, his past love. Even in death he was devoted to her. At least he was loyal. Sort of.

He almost missed her as he ran out of the infirmary, he would’ve ignored her completely had it not be for her calling out to him.

He turned on his heel and gave her a brief smile “what is it sweetheart? I gotta go”

“I’ll come with you” she said.

“What?” He sounded almost scared at that “n-no. No, you can’t”

“Why not?”

“Because...” her flat expression didn’t falter at the panicked look on his face. “Look, just stay here okay? It’s going to be dangerous. I want to know you’re safe”

“Dangerous?” She mumbled more to herself then to him “fine...just...be careful okay?”

He winked at her “always” he said proudly before running off again towards the runway.

She scoffed and followed after him “as if I’m going to stay here” she told herself.

She didn’t know when to act. When to jump into the fray. More importantly, she didn’t know who to fight with.

She came to looked after Jack. To keep and eye on him. But seeing what he had done, or what he wanted to do by letting millions die, she didn’t know if she could stand by him, she didn’t know if she could fight for a man who had betray not only her, but everyone. She didn’t know if she could stand by a man who unknowingly broke her heart into a million pieces by saying he was happy to let those millions die in revenge for the death of his past love and unborn child.

Hearing the way he spoke so sadly about her cemented the idea more in her head that loving him was futile. He was never going through love her back. She needed to accept that. But it hurt her to accept it. She didn’t want to accept it. She wanted him to love her the same way she loved him.

So she hung back. Watching from outside the diner as he, Harry and Eggsy fought. She had to admit, she was very impressed by the moves that all three of them pulled out. Even against two highly trained agents, Jack still managed to put up a good fight.

But it wasn’t good enough.

Harry back him further and further towards the silver meat grinder. Seeing what was to come, her brain kicked into the motion. Her legs seemed to move on their own as she sprinted into the diner.

Grabbing hold of his ankle she yanked him away from the roaring meat grinder. She flung him across the checkered floor of the diner, his back slamming into a wall. Harry and Eggsy looked on in shock and confusion.

She kicked the red case over to them and walked over to Whiskey who groaned in pain. His eyes scanned up her body until they met with hers “(Y-Y/N)?” He mumbled. She let out a sharp breath and delivered a hard punch to the side of his head, knocking him out and sending him to the floor.

(Y/N) turned to the two other agents behind her who had single handedly saved the world, again it would seem.

“What are you doing here?” Eggsy asked standing in a defensive stance. Clearly he was under the impression that she too was against them, a natural thought but untrue.

“Relax, Eggsy, please” she said quietly as she held her hands in front of her. “I’m not here against you. If you have the code, hurry up and put it in” (Y/N) pointed to the case that was sat at Harry’s feet.

“I’m sorry I didn’t-“

“Don’t bother (Y/N)” Eggsy smiled “no need to apologise. You got here just in time. You get him out of here. We can finish up here”

(Y/N) nodded and looked back at Jack who was lying flat on the floor, out cold. She huffed and lifted his limp body off the floor and flung his arm over her shoulders before dragging him out of the diner.

It was a day later when he decided to wake up. His head hurt like a bitch but he remembered everything that happened.

Her beautiful but angry face being the last thing he remember before blacking out. Well, that along with the pain that came with getting punched in the head at full force by a woman who could effortlessly win in every fight she took part in.

Jack knew (Y/N) was strong but damn, he didn’t know she was that strong.

He groaned as he sat up, lifting his hand to his head he felt a bandaged wrapped around it. But there was no one around him in the infirmary. But it seemed he woke up just in time because outside the see through doors, (Y/N) happened to walk past but gave no indication or care that she was coming to see him.

That’s because she wasn’t coming to see him. So she just kept on walking. But Jack felt he had a lot of explaining to do. To everyone.

He jumped out of bed, ignoring the sudden dizziness that washed over him and ran out of the room after her.

“(Y/N)!” He called. She came to a sudden stop but that was about it. She didn’t attempt to look at him or even speak. She barely acknowledged him to be honest.

“Darlin’ listen I-“ he tried but his words were cut short.

“You what Jack?” She hisses turning sharply to look at him “your sorry? Is that what you’re going to say?”

“W-Well...y-yeah but more than that. There’s something I need to tell you. Something I’ve needed to tell you for a while now but I...I don’t know how to say it...”

She didn’t answer but just folded her arms over her chest and awaited him to continue. “For a while now I’ve...I’ve admired you. Looked up to you because you’re something else entirely. You’re amazing and...well I thought I was going to die if it weren’t for you. But I realised something then. That I love you (Y/N)”

She took a step back from him and laughed. She laughed even though her chest hurt. Even through her heart was pounding and shattering in her chest.

“Jack” she said “you expect me to believe that? You expect me to buy that after what you pulled?”

“You think I’m lying?” He asked sounding hurt.

“Seriously?” She whispered sharply “of course you’re lying. If you weren’t then...then you wouldn’t have fucking wanted millions of people dead over one person”

“Do you think I’m an idiot Jack? I get it okay. I get that it hurts to have someone taken from you. Someone you love. You know that I’ve had everyone I’ve ever loved taken from me. But the life of one person can never be paid for. They won’t come back. Not even if you wipe out the entire world, so what’s the point? Just because you lost your love and your child doesn’t give you the right to deny others that opportunity. You don’t have the right to let millions of people die even if they do make the wrong decisions”

“You haven’t lost everyone you love (Y/N)” he said taking a step towards her and taking her face in his large hands “I’m still here”

“Who said I love you?” She answered quickly looking at him with angry eyes. She lifted her hands to his wrists and pulled his hands from her face and pushed him away “maybe I did once. But how can I be in love with someone who doesn’t love me back? Someone who was more than happy to let millions die because of one person... Do you have any idea how fucked up that is Jack?”

“What? What I did? Or loving me?”

“Both! Any of it! It’s wrong! It’s all wrong!” She yelled. Her eyes filled with tears as her hands flew to her hair, pulling at the stands in frustration “how can I be in love with you? Why am I in love with you?”

“So you do love me?”

“Yes...but I don’t want too” she sobbed.

“Why?” He returned to his earlier position of being in front of her, his hands on her cheeks looking into her teary eyes “why not?”

“Because it hurts. It hurts so much to know you won’t love me back. I don’t want to be in pain anymore more”

“Did you not hear what I said? I do love you! I love you so much. And I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I’m sorry for hurting you. I’m sorry for being so fucking stupid and selfish. I’m so sorry (Y/N)”

“What do you expect me to say to that? That I forgive you?”

“No. I don’t want your forgiveness. I don’t deserve it. But please...at least believe me”

“Why did you do it? Why were you so willing to let them all die because of her?” She asked sadly.

“Because I’m a fucking idiot and no matter how hard I try, I can’t move on. But when I’m with you...all I love is you. All I want is you. I want you to help me move on. I just want to be with you. I just want to love you. I want you to help me (Y/N). Please...please help me” he raised his hands back to her cheeks and wiped away her tears.

Really it was his tears he should’ve been wiping away, but he hadn’t realised he was crying. (Y/N) just looked at him. She looked into his eyes looking for any hint of a lie.

But she couldn’t see one.

“I’ll help you...because...whether I want to or not...I love you Jack”

17/02/21

Taglist: @linkpk88 @phoenixhalliwell @lunaserenade @harrys-stan (let me know if you want to be added to or removed from the list)

#agent whiskey #agent whiskey x reader #agent whiskey fanfic #jack daniels #jack daniels x reader #jack daniels fanfic #kingsman: the golden circle #pedro pascal #angst #fanfic

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dovveling · 3 years

Text

Lucio/Iolas - Wedding Proposal

(I really liked my long ass answer to the love ask about their proposal so i wanted to make it it’s own post that way y’all can ready it easier--)

The sun hung low in the sky as Lucio makes his way to the palace gardens. He has asked Iolas to meet him out by their favorite spot in the garden maze. the blonde smiles remembering how the two of them had found the hidden spot while goofing around and shoving each other into the hedges. It wasn't until one hard push sent Lucio through the hedge that he had found it. He fully expected to land on his ass but instead he found himself on the other side of a portal with Iolas calling for him from the other side.

Quickly Lucio ushered the other man through the portal and the two looked over a hidden meadow that seemed to be somewhere close to the center of the maze. Lucio could picture it perfectly; the stark white gazebo in the center, the perfect sun rays that sprinkled the fluffy grass and the willow tree with its small leaves that dripped and trickled. He fondly reminisced when the wind would blow and the tendrils of the willow would tickle up the wooden beams of the gazebo and scare Iolas into laughter every time the leaves would brush against his lover.

As Lucio draws closer to the portal he stops right before he enters and stares at the ring he had spent hours picking out. He had never fussed so much over a gift for someone. It was a first for him to worry about gift-giving, because anything he picked out was glamorous and simply perfect. This however wasn't just a gift.

It was a question.

Which meant it had to be perfect. Every time he would think he was close to choosing a ring he would look and see a flaw. A flaw that Iolas had the potential see. Which if he did meant the possibility of Lucio never getting to hear the answer he so desperately wants to the question He’s so nervous to ask.

So many times Lucio doubled back on himself about the proposal. Is this just too much? His mind would race. Could he see himself getting married again when his last marriage was such a failure? Then he would hear it. Iolas' laugh. Followed by the heart warming memories of the sunlight hitting the coffee skin of his lover. Afterwards every reservation burned away and was replaced with a deep desire to make this person his and only his.

Clinging to his new found confidence Lucio steels himself as he pockets the ring, almost dropping the bottle of champagne he forgets he was holding. As he pushes through the portal the blonde's heart skips a little at the sight of his lover resting on the side of the white gazebo. He’s wearing a white robe that Lucio had gotten commissioned to match his iconic white suit. The sight of it sets his heart running, he now knows the other dressed up just for him. As Lucio walks closer he can tell his lover seems to be lost in thought. He watched the other man’s crimson eyes gaze over the tree line, transfixed on something invisible as their thoughts dictate their face. It isn’t until Lucio steps closer and knocks on the wood with a playful tune that his lover acknowledges that the count has walked into the meadow. Lucio’s wolfish smile triggers a similar grin on his lover’s face.

"Hi, my Darling--" Iolas starts before pulling Lucio over by his collar to meet their lips together. With a giggle Iolas watches Lucio hop over the median of the gazebo instead of using the very close opening that's just a little be over to the side of them. Lucio tries to steady his face, but he can’t help that he’s excited. He doesn't want to come off too eager or nervous, but Lucio can tell his poker face failed as Iolas gives him a curious look. "What are you planning? I know that look."

Lucio however holds his hands up in defense after he places the bottle of champagne down on the railing in front of them. "Why do I always have to be up to something huh? Can't a man just meet his lover in a secret hole in the woods for some late-night drinking and maybe a little late-night macking?" the blonde throws the magician a wink, which is met with a playful smack that Lucio is all too found of.

"Did you bring glasses, Oh Count of Macking?" Iolas teases with a click of his tongue and to that Lucio's face freezes for a second. The easily distracted count did not think about the glass part of drinking, but his shock lasts for a split second before he nudges his lover with an elbow and a cheeky grin. "Can't you just magic something up for us--" Before Lucio can even finish Iolas throws his head back, his whole body shakes with a genuine laugh. One that Lucio only sees when Iolas reacts to his particular stupidity. "Absolutely not. I cannot manifest glassware, but fret not Lulu I prepared for this." The silver-haired man stands on the railing of the gazebo and reaches up behind one of the posts and brings down two champagne glasses. Lucio amused at this helps the shorter man down before taking both glasses and leaning down to give his lover a short kiss on the head.

Snickering to himself Lucio places the glasses down and pops open the champagne. "See? Who needs magic when you have a lover who has the spirit of a squirrel. Why are those even up there?" Iolas can't seem to hold back his laugher and starts into a long dialogue about how the last party they hosted he was tasked with disposing of all the drinks Lucio downed after getting into a drinking match with Julian. At some point he got too fed up hauling all the empty glass wear to and fro so he eventually gave up and used the portal which was much closer than the garbage. Soon as he finishes that story Lucio makes note that not only does he not remember this drinking contest at all, but he also notices that the whole upper layer of the Gazebo is littered with small drinking glasses of all shapes and sizes.

After the two of them laugh at the absurdity of the situation the couple dive into a comfortable speed of talking. Slowly they unravel the days events to each other, to which Lucio adds more flavor by introducing the drinks. The sun finally settles and the garden lights flicker on and thanks to all the glass wear in the gazebo small reflected lights scattered within their own space. Slowly the stories of their day dwindle and eventually, they huddle close to each other so they can look under the top of their gazebo and point out stars. Lucio watches the small warm lights bounce off his lover's face and his heart races. He can't chicken out now.

"Iolas." Lucio stops the silver-haired man mid-sentence as the other was going on about his zodiac sign and how it will be visible in the sky soon until he hears his name.

Iolas pauses fully, not use to hearing his full name exit his lover's lips unless it was during a more intimate and scandalous situation. So he hides his hesitation with a smile and he answers the blonde with the same tone he just used but exaggerated with a deeper tone to lighten the mood. "Lucio." The count starts to fidget but just laughs when Iolas mocks his serious tone. "No really, uh... Listen for a second." Iolas' face now turns from curious to worried. " Uh oh. that's a real serious tone. What did you do?" Lucio brushes him off, biting his lip and rubs the back of his neck. He feels so lame doing this, but that's the point.

Lucio stands up straight taking Iolas' hands, looking directly into those red eyes. For a second Lucio’s mind feels erased. It was as if looking into his lovers eyes reset every word he had planned out, but the ring sits heavy in his pocket. So he tried and opens his mouth only to close it so he can bring Iolas' cold fingers to his lips, unable to find his words just yet.

Iolas' however is completely taken aback. His lover has been romantic before but he was much more used to their back a forth of one-upping each other and superficial compliments they would glob onto each other. Their usual dynamic coupled with nightly flings where he ended up in the blonde's bed, made the sudden tenderness unsettling.

The magician could feel that dark feeling creep to his shoulders. The one that would say he shouldn't get his hopes up, that he's happy filling the count's time till he finds a real suitor. Even if Lucio was a temporary General at the palace he was still a completely different status then Iolas and Royals don't have court magician as suitors. So his hopes remained low but he was happy to bide his time with Lucio. However little it would be. Iolas had to admit even with the teasing and snarky remarks that sometimes get out of hand he loved and even craved the other man's company. Sadly, love doesn't change status. Love doesn't guarantee a happy ending. His a master when it comes to disappointment and had learned his lesson the hard way.

So It was the last thing Iolas' expected when the taller man pulls out the biggest ring the magician has ever seen and gets down on one knee. Iolas' first thought is to pinch himself so he can wake up. Then when air fills his lungs he realizes he’s awake and this is happening. More than happening, he's been silent for far too long. All he can hear is the stinging sound of his building anxiety attack banging around in his head. The buzz is deafening and He can see that Lucio is speaking but he can't hear him.

You will just disappoint him. Iolas' thoughts curse. Better yet he'll disappoint you. A shaky breath leaves him and all he can do is blink and look at Lucio with watery eyes. "I-- I'm sorry please can you say that again." Iolas stops and closes his eyes just so he doesn't have to look at the ring that's almost blinding with its meaning.

Lucio's normal wolfish grin falters but only returns once he hears Iolas speak. "I said. We should get hitched, ya know?" Lucio sputters, shit. "Look. Like I was saying we're surrounded by losers, Pet. Who else am I gonna get to match me other than you huh? come on, look at me—“ he gestures to his hair and outfit before continuing “Then look at you! we're perfect for each other.. ya know?" Lucio now looks nervous as he speaks. Unable to keep eye contact. “..and.. I love your laugh."

This seems to pull Iolas' from his anxiety a little even enough to get him to let out a weak laugh. "What? what does that have to do with anything?" Lucio pouts and glares at his lover just a tiny bit. "I love your laugh! and I don't want anyone else to have it. I deserve it, I get you to do it most and I think you owe me. So like.." Lucio ushers Iolas' to the ring, his legs are starting to buckle. "I wouldn't admit this to anyone else but my knees aren't what they use to be so can we--" Iolas stops him with a curt turn, his shoulders shaking.

The blonde stands at his lovers reaction his whole body rigid. This was it. The rejection he warned himself about. He's ruined everything, his heart screams to take it all back. Iolas is probably laughing at the proposal and Lucio's tacky way of offering himself. It isn't until the sound of a stuffy nose echo through the silent night that Lucio realizes his lover is crying and instantly he steps forward a different kind of fear gripping his heart. " W-wait-- wait, why are you crying? You never cry--" He falters and fidgets his hands around his lover unsure if he wants to be held or not.

Iolas turns finally, his red puffy eyes are turned down in a grimace as they glisten in the dim light. "Yeah, you idiot I never cry and look at what you made me do." His tone is harsh but it's followed by a sad shake that ruins any intention of anger. "Lucio I... I don't know how to do this." Lucio's heart slows but he's thrown for a loop and Iolas can sense his confusion and clears his throat as he wipes his leaking eyes. "No one has ever, wanted me like this before. I don't know if I can-- How do you know you want this? What if I disappoint you? What if you get tired of me and regret ever meeting me? At least if we keep things like before you can just get rid of me if I'm too much and I won't have to--" Lucio stops Iolas this time as he brings his lover close by pulling on his crossed arms.

"You won't have to worry about falling in love?" The blonde answers with his own sense of sadness, his eyes looking down at their feet before meeting with Iolas' who only nods in response. Lucio is a bit thankful that his lover didn't outright say no and is at least contemplating the idea of things. "I had the same thoughts and honestly I don't know how I'm sure. I just... am." Lucio's normal bravado comes back now that he feels more secure in the conversation. "I know that I love seeing you every day. I know that I love sleeping with you every night. I know that I don't want anyone else to hold you the way I hold you and I know that you feel the same way about me." At that the blonde swallows hoping he isn't wrong. "But mostly I know I don't ever want you to leave. If you were to go, do you know how fucking boring this place would be? I would set the parlor on fire within minutes of you being gone." The cheeky grin is back and Iolas snorts at the idea and manages a smile as he is now fully embraced by his lover.

Lucio rests his head on top the shorter man’s and hums, kissing the top of it. Slowly he pulls Iolas back so he can look down at him. "But it's not just about what I want... you kinda need to want those things too." Now it's Iolas turn to nervously look away and slowly as the shorter man's courage builds he tightens his grip on Lucio's jacket and more tears roll down his face as the realization comes crashing onto him that he'd do anything to be with the man in front of him. Before He can answer he shoves his face into Lucio's jacket rubbing his head back and forth on the soft fabric. "You moron-- Of course I want all that."

The blonde can't resist the urge to tease the other man however and laughs to himself. "I'm sorry, could you say that again I couldn't hear you from inside my jacket." Iolas hits the taller man's chest with a laugh before he goes to wipe his damp eyes yet again. "You know for a fact that I said YES-- urgh, gods look at what you did to my make up how the hell am I going to fix this now--" Iolas' whining is stopped short by his lover picking him up in a searing kiss that continues as the blonde twirls them both. With a firm grip on Iolas' waist Lucio looks up at the magician with a smile that could blind the gods. "I wanna hear you say it." Iolas rolls his eyes at that. With most of his face red as a beet, a large pout crosses the silver-haired man's lips. He kicks his legs from his newfound lifted position.

"I have zero idea what you're talking about--" Iolas protests but Lucio shakes his head. "Say it or you are never leaving this gazebo." Iolas is about to rebuttal but the look in Lucio's eyes is that yes he is serious. Iolas' expression softens, even if it's despite himself. "Of course I'll marry you, LuLu." Lucio whispers a soft ‘yes!’ Before he bounces in his spot and spins the both of them once again but this time continues to spin around the whole gazebo. The blonde’s laughing slowly raises to excited cackling as they spin. Iolas can only laugh back and struggle against the crazy man holding him. "Stop--! Lulu Stop! we're gonna--" but it's too late. Lucio's legs trip over themselves and with zero grace they both tumble onto the hardwood floor.

Iolas rolls onto his back and groans, dizzy and sore his eyes dart over to the man beside him who is just as dazed. Slowly Iolas entwines their hands with a smile and Lucio is about to kiss his lover's fingers before he remembers the ring. The blonde springs forward, getting up like the fall meant absolutely nothing. Iolas however takes his time sitting up as his lover fumbles to find the ring he dropped.

Soon as it's found Lucio slides over, the scraping sound of the taller man's pants on the hardwood makes the magician giggle. Iolas has to give the other man sheer points for his enthusiasm. Pompously Iolas sticks his left hand out, to which Lucio plays along and kisses the other man's ring finger dramatically before slipping the large ring onto Iolas' hand.

Carefully Iolas' holds his hand out to the light and observes the sheer size of the ring and can't help but grin. Lucio practically radiates waves of anticipation. His cheeks flushed from their recent spinning but his eyes sparkle and scream that they crave his lovers attention.

"Was this the biggest ring they had?" Iolas wiggles his fingers, acting as if he's unimpressed. Lucio simply feeds back into him. "How dare you." He sneers, pulling Iolas into his lap as he sits, unable to be on his knees any longer. "I had this one custom ordered. Not only is it the biggest ring in stores, but it's also the biggest wedding ring, period." He speaks into the shorter man's neck before he kisses it, The count's tone never faltering. The very idea of that sends Iolas into a giggle fit. He knows for a fact that this ring physically cannot be the biggest ring ever but another part of him can see Lucio putting up a fight with store owners about the pitiful size of their rings to the point where he just orders them to make him a whole new size.

"Of course, I knew my Lulu would only get me the best. He’s not capable of anything less." Lucio preens in the praise and Iolas strokes the back of his fingers against his lover's face. For a moment they stay like that, both of them processing what exactly just happened and what this means for their future. Iolas is the first to break the silence with a soft hum as he presses against Lucio's chest. "Thank you... Lucio." the taller man responds by nuzzling his nose into the shorter man's hair with a confused hum. "I never thought I could do this...” Iolas voice wavers but only slightly as he takes Lucios hand in his. The weight of the ring feels odd but strangely comforting. “... but for the first time, I'm not scared." Lucio smiles at that. and squeezes his lover in his arms.

"Good. We can be fearless together."

#lucio x mc #lucio x apprentice #count lucio #lucio the arcana #oc talk #Iolas Leolynn #my writing #if you got the time please lemme know how I did-- I'm not the best at editing so please excuse my errors!!#i'm dying to know what my other oc moots think tho pls lemme know

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angelbabyszn · 4 years

Note

Hi I would like to ask if it is not uncomfortable an imagine of sad eyes on my block and theme may be of your preference

Smitten (Sad Eyes X Reader)

Gif by @merakiaes

Requested twice!

OMB Masterlist

smitten

/ˈsmitn/

adjective

deeply affected with or struck by strong feelings of attraction, affection, or infatuation

"Monse! The chips go in front of the soda. Not before it!" said Ruby and he quickly went to her side and fixed the chips and soda at the food table.

"Ruby. We have been working on this party for hours now. I'm getting tired of doing these parties." said Monse annoyed.

"We don't need your negativity, Monse. If you want to leave, just gladly leave." said Jasmine as she quickly went next to Ruby and crossed her arms against her chest at her.

"Gladly." said Monse and started to walk out of Oscar and Cesar's backyard.

"There goes Monse leaving mad again and Cesar chasing after her." you said as you sit with your friend you have known forever, Sad Eyes on one of the outside couches in Oscar and Cesar's backyard while drinking sodas.

Every few months, the Santos hold their salsa dance night that was happening tonight. Oh course, Ruby planning everything out and his girlfriend, Jasmine helping him out.

"Yo, why did it take them so long to get together?" asked Sad Eyes looking at you.

"It just did. I'm not 100% satisfied with Ruby's feelings. I feel they're not completely there like Jasmine's." you said as you see Ruby and Jasmine taking a break from planning the party and sitting together in two fold chairs while drinking lemonade.

"You got a good point. I think he has feelings for her the whole time but never acknowledges it." said Sad Eyes and took a sip of his soda.

You like having these talks with him. Sad Eyes was always so understanding and supportive of you. He's honestly a really sweet and loyal guy when he wants to.

Ever since Sad Eyes protected you from the Prophet$ one night when both of you were young, the friendship bloomed.

"Sad Eyes! Y/N!" shouted Oscar a.k.a. Spooky, the leader of the Santos walking towards you and Sad Eyes.

"What is it Spooky?" asked Sad Eyes as he got up and stood straight with his hand on his gun that was right behind him in his right hand.

"Both of you need to do some work around the block and make sure nobody ruins tonight. I don't want no shootings tonight." said Spooky

"We're on it." said Sad Eyes. Spooky turned to you and smirked at you while wink before walking away.

"Ugh, why couldn't he ask the others to do it? I'm sick and tired of doing this. I know I joined the gang for you but these tasks are just boring." you said as you and Sad Eyes were walking out of the backyard to in front of the house on the sidewalk.

"Y/N, I know but this gang protects us, especially you. You should be lucky because he didn't ask a lot out of you because he knows what happened to your parents and you're raising your sister by yourself." said Sad Eyes.

"You're taking care of my sister too. Honestly, you're the only guy who stayed in my life. Usually, other guys would've left me by now but you stayed. Whatever the reason is...I'm grateful for you." you said and Sad Eyes smiled and gave you a side hug.

The other Santos that was sitting out in the front lawn started to chuckle a bit as you two hugged.

Sad Eyes didn't care what people think when he's around women. He would always treat a woman with his whole heart and with respect.

Sad Eyes was also grateful that you were in his life. He really likes you a lot and you could tell but you don't really know for sure.

Sad Eyes hopes you would become your girlfriend soon. And by soon, he means before Spooky takes you away for himself and he doesn't want that to happen.

"Sad Eyes, you smitten about Y/N, are you?" asked Joker, one of the Santos and the others started to laugh with him.

Sad Eyes slowly stopped hugging you because he didn't want to and quickly went up to Joker and looked straight into his eyes mad.

"You wanna play games huh? Remember, I'm the co-leader of this gang and I can give you orders too you know? Well it's your lucky day. Cause I got a job for you since you want to joke around, Joker. Are you listening? said Sad Eyes aggressively making Joker surprised and stop laughing.

"Now, go around the block and make sure nothing happens tonight. Got it?" said Sad Eyes still up in Joker's face aggressively. Joker quickly nodded and then he and his friends quickly got up and left.

Sad Eyes took a deep breath in and walked back up to you like nothing happened.

"Sad Eyes, did you just-"

"Y/N, don't worry about it. Spooky won't notice. What do you want to do now since we are now free until the party?" asked Sad Eyes as he looks at you with a smile.

You smiled back at him in happiness until it turned into a smirk a moment later. He widened his eyes because he knew what that face meant.

"You're lucky I'm in a good mood for this." said Sad Eyes, making you giggle as you finished putting on a face mask on his face in your bathroom.

Sad Eyes got up from sitting on the toilet seat and got in front of the mirror to see himself.

You started to laugh as you were recording a video of himself seeing himself in the mirror with the bright gold face mask on his face on your Snapchat.

Sad Eyes turned to you and his lips got big and wide on your camera by the filter on Snapchat making you laugh.

"Turn that off!" said Sad Eyes. He tried to get you but you ran away out of the bathroom in laughter.

Sad Eyes starts to chase after you around the house as you laugh. Sad Eyes finally got you, picked you up, and put you over his shoulder.

"Dude! Put me down! My face mask is going to fall off!" you said as you start to kick him and bang on his back with your hands but Sad Eyes continues to walk. He softly puts you down on the couch.

After Sad Eyes removes you from himself, you sit up and Sad Eyes sit right next to you while grabbing the TV remote.

Sad Eyes puts on a zombie-apocalypse movie on Netflix and both of you start to get comfortable.

Two hours later, you arrive back at Oscar and Cesar's backyard in a maroon short dress with cute high heels that you're able to dance in, your hair down straight, and silver jewelry.

You see people dancing, drinking, chatting, all of the usual stuff you see at a party. It seems like they haven't started the competition yet.

You keep walking until you see Sad Eyes again sitting with Spooky in a red blouse with half of it open on top, nice black pants and shoes. Spooky was wearing a white shirt on with no buttons attached showing his abs, jeans, and his regular shoes.

"Hey boys." you said as you walked up to them. They turned and both Santos quickly went up to you with no hesitation making you stop walking and smiled shyly at them.

"Y/N, you look..." started Spooky but didn't finish as he looked up and down repeatedly at your outfit trying to figure out what to say.

"Beautiful." said Sad Eyes, finishing Oscar's sentence, making you look down and gaining a red blush.

Sad Eyes started to feel heat on his face he saw you blushing making Spooky look annoyed and full of jealousy.

"Santos! It's time for the competition!" shouted Ruby through the microphone, making everybody start to cheer.

"Let's get started! Hey! Don't touch that!" shouted Ruby annoyed at the last part and the music started.

Everybody started to grab partners and start to dance. Ruby and his friends were judging the competition. Whoever stops dancing or loses the beat will be kicked and whoever is left standing wins and wins a month off of doing tasks.

"Sad Eyes, you want to be my-" you start to say as you turn around but you don't see him there.

You turned back around to see Sad Eyes dancing with another hyna.

"Come on Y/N! Let's dance!" said Spooky with a grin. Right before you could respond, he took your hand and started to dance with you.

Sad Eyes looked to the side of his dancer to see you and Spooky dancing together and having fun. He was not happy about it. This random hyna took him away before he could ask you.

An hour later, over half of the gang was out of the competition. There were only four couples left including you, Oscar, the Santos hyna, and Sad Eyes.

You notice that Sad Eyes was taking glances at you while he was dancing with the other hyna.

"SEÑORITA! Get out! You have been tagged out already!" shouted Jasmine at another Santos hyna with one of the guys that was still in after she swapped herself with the girl that he was still in with to stay in the competition.

"Stop being a little puta and let me dance!" shouted the Santo hyna.

"WHAT DID THIS PUTA JUST CALLED ME?!" shouted Jasmine as she quickly took a puff from her inhaler and started to walk over furiously.

She was about to fight her but was having trouble from Ruby and Cesar pulling her back.

Jamal and Monse continued on and took out another couple signaling they were out of the competition. There was only you, Oscar, Sad Eyes and the Santos hyna left.

"Whoo! Go Y/N!" shouted Jamal with a happy face, making you smile. Even though you didn't dance with Sad Eyes all night, you actually have fun dancing with Spooky.

Another song plays and at the same time without you knowing, Spooky and Sad Eyes spin both you and the Santos hyna. A moment later, you were dancing with Sad Eyes.

"So, you gonna tell me why you were dancing with that hyna all night?" you asked, trying to act normal.

"I'm sorry Y/N. She grabbed me first before I could ask you. Also, I didn't know you could dance." said Sad Eyes as he looked at you.

Due to this dance competition, Sad Eyes fell for you more because the whole time, he had his eyes on you as you were moving with Spooky that he didn't think you could do.

"Believe it. I saw you checking me out all night. Why is that?" you asked with a grin on your face.

"Nothing."

"Dude, yes it was. I never see you looked at me like that at all. You're looking at me like that now!" you said and Sad Eyes spun you around, ending you with your back against his chest.

Sad Eyes grabs your hips and swung it left and right and you two moved your feet to the music.

"You're so full of yourself." whispered Sad Eyes in your ear and you giggled.

"You're gonna tell me why you were dancing with Spooky all night?" asked Sad Eyes and he spun you around again with your left hand interacting with his right and his left hand on your hip.

"Why are you asking? Are you jealous?" you asked with a grin.

"Should I be asking the same question?" said Sad Eyes with a grin, making you look down at your feet.

"Shut up." you said and you slapped his face softly after you looked at him again.

"So what happens now?" you asked. Sad Eyes grinned and dipped you. He kissed you right there on beat when the music ended which made everybody stopped and started to cheer.

A few moments later, Sad Eyes stopped kissing you and you opened your eyes at him and smiled as a red blush came on your face.

"Y/N & Sad Eyes won!" shouted Ruby through the microphone, making everybody cheer for both of you.

Sad Eyes lifted you back up and grabbed your waist to pull you closer to him and you wrapped your arms around his neck.

"I'm falling for you. I hope you'll stay in my life forever." said Sad Eyes while looking into your eyes.

"I hope so too. I'm falling hard for you and I can't wait for what happens next." you said looking back into his eyes. Both of you pressed your lips together at the same time making everybody cheered again.

#sad eyes omb #sad eyes #sad eyes imagine #onmyblock #onmyblockimagines #on my block x reader #on my block imagine #oscar spooky diaz #oscar diaz imagine #oscardiaz #oscar diaz x reader #spooky omb #omb season 3 #omb imagine #joker omb #cesar diaz imagine #cesardiaz

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lavendertwilight89 · 4 years

Text

Shelter

Part 2

Just a tad shorter than the first part but there is A LOT of needed dialogue. Enjoy!

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Also posted here in my AO3

There was a strange ringing in her ears. Maybe it was in her head. Either way, she honestly thought someone was screaming at her. She heard muffled versions of it.

Crap. She wanted to respond. But she felt so heavy. Her mind and body were weighed down by an invisible force. Well maybe it was visible. She just couldn’t open her eyes. Her mouth was so dry. She needed water. A whimper of desperation escaped her mouth, or at least she thought that was the sound she made before it all went silent again.

When she came to again, it was oddly quiet. Too silent to be with Inuyasha. Did he leave her? Did she stop him? It was so fuzzy in her head. She couldn’t remember all the details–she assumed it was because her head still weighed at least a thousand pounds.

She was able to sit up–barely. Her head pounded fiercely. She almost threw up but her stomach was completely empty. How long had she been out?

Opening her eyes, she was in… a room. It was still light out. There was a large open screen with a balcony overlooking the clouds. How’d she get there? Panic began to swell within her. Where was she? Where was… Inuyasha?

She quickly tried to take in her surroundings which had proved difficult because of her aching head. It seemed like she was in a palace or something. The room was large, well furnished and decorated. The futon she laid upon had many pillows and she was in--WHO CHANGED HER CLOTHES?!!?

Instinctively she grabbed her chest and lightly twisted the silk fabric of the yukata she was wearing between her fingers. It was brightly colored-- a bright sky blue and hughes of yellow. This was… different. Different from the last time she was taken and woke up alone. That didn’t mean she should trust it. She couldn’t trust anyone--anything. Well… not just anyone. Just Inuyasha. But he was nowhere to be seen. Maybe she was wrong.

Standing uneasily, she found her way to the door and clung onto the wall. Panting she gathered her energy and opened the door. The hallway appeared empty as she glanced both ways. Her spiritual power was weakened, just like the last time she was drained. Like someone devoured it. She couldn't sense anyone--or anything. She felt blind like a mole crawling around in the dirt looking for food. It was uncomfortable--it made her vulnerable. She almost missed the dark because then it gave her more of an excuse to be more powerless.

Taking a couple of steps out of the room she had been lying in, she realized she was quickly mistaken by the action. She heard gasps and murmurs that she was awake before she ran as fast as she was able to in her condition. Running down the hall, she heard them swiftly move after her, calling for assistance. She almost bumped into one of the guards; he tried to grab her but she swiftly erected her barrier and enlisted a cry from the demon.

"Fall back! She's scared! Her power will harm you, let me try to calm her," a young woman's voice reasoned from behind the demons.

As she stepped forward Kagome maintained her shield, curling her legs up underneath her, bringing her hands to her chest. She would not be fooled. She needed to be on guard. Not again. She wouldn’t be touched, or grasped, or trapped ever again. She would rather die before that happened. Correction, she would die before it could happen.

"Hi, my name is Lady Rin of the Western Lands. You do not need to be afraid, Lady Kagome. Lord Inuyasha has brought you here to us," the woman with long dark brown hair soothed. But Kagome didn't move. Well, not intentionally. She couldn't stop the tremors of fear shaking her body mercilessly. The liquid adrenaline that pumped through her veins was the only thing keeping her from passing out from being so afraid.

"St-stay away from me," Kagome tried to say strongly but it came out as frightened as a hare staring down a drooling wolf.

"It is alright, Lady Kagome. You are safe," the woman tried to convey again, reaching her hand to her barrier. The girl was foolish to think she wouldn't try to zap her to protect herself--to ensure she wasn't a demon in disguise. As she charged up her power the woman dressed in the rich navy and golden laced kimono was swept up by a flash of silver.

Kagome squeezed her eyes shut to the growl she heard and slowly lifted her hands to cover her ears. She was going mad. Crazy. Something was wrong with her. She was either dreaming, delusional, or in a trap. Either scenario, she was losing. The growl was too familiar but not the same. It wasn’t his. Naraku was copying it. Playing her. All she wanted was--

“Kagome!!! It’s okay--I’m right here. Let down the barrier,” she heard the voice she wanted to hear plea to her to lower her defenses. It was too good to be true. It had to be. No. He wasn’t there. He wasn’t in the same room as when she awoke. It was a lie. A trick. Naraku was good. Really good. But she guaranteed if she opened her eyes, this Inuyasha would have black hair. He had no idea he was actually a half-demon. Naraku commented that she downgraded to a ‘human’.

They weren’t in the hut anymore. He likely left her--figuring she was a waste of time. Her mate left her. How could he not? All she did was drag him down and endanger him… She was pathetic. And Naraku came back. He took her. He had her once again.

Regardless, she couldn’t bring herself to open her eyes. She almost wanted to stay in the dream. Tears were streaming down her face as she wept in fear. She was trapped. She was fucked. Her powers were weak, she was drained--it took everything in her to not let go of the only shield between her and the monster.

“Kagome, please, open your eyes; I’m right here. Come on!”

“Go away!!!” She screamed trying to extend her power, she heard him groan in pain but then growl.

“Damnit Kagome!! That fucking hurt!! Open your fucking eyes you crazy wench!!! It’s me!! What the fuck is your problem?!!” Her eyes flew open at the insult. Naraku wouldn’t have likely known that Inuyasha was so crass with her. As if he would know her wanna-be mate would cuss her out; he would try to sweet talk her. Woo her. It really was Inuyasha!

She was so relieved when she saw his silver hair and his beautiful fluffy ears atop his head. Standing shakily, the barrier shattered as she leapt to close the distance to embrace him; he caught her with ease and she felt his nose bury itself in her hair. He began shushing her worries, rumbling from deep within his chest to soothe her anxieties. That was new. But not unwanted or unwelcomed. It was so… him.

“I-I--I was so scared,” she wailed into his crimson kimono clutching the back of it, not even caring in the slightest they weren’t alone. She didn’t even care if he was upset by their show of affections. She just needed him.

“I’m sorry--I was speaking with Sesshomaru and the monk he summoned… I was only gone for a minute. Then the guards told us you were awake and panicking--I fucked up,” he spoke softly to her. It was literally magic in her ears--magic in her soul.

“I’m sorry--I didn’t want to hurt anyone. I just--”

“Shut up; it’s my fault. Don’t be fucking sorry. If the asshat wants anyone to pay for what happened, he should punish me.”

“No!!” She looked up at him tearfully. “No! Lord Sesshomaru,” she turned to the great daiyoukai as she still clung to Inuyasha. “Punish me! I am at fault!! Not Inuyasha!”

“Enough,” Sesshomaru said evenly.

“Lady Kagome,” Rin spoke calmly from the arms of her mate. “It is alright. No harm done. We understand… somewhat. We actually don’t know the full story, but we know enough that we acknowledge you were merely defending yourself. No need to apologize or ask to be chastised for the misunderstanding. Right, my lord?”

“Hn.”

“See? That’s the way my lord says he forgives you,” she said as she wiggled out of his arms and clapped her hands. “Now, let’s get you some lunch, hm? I am sure you are hungry! Lord Inuyasha, would you like to see her back to your room? I will have Akami bring in some light stew and some bread in a moment. After she has eaten, will you both join us back in the study so we may discuss our… uhm--predicament further?”

“Sounds like a plan. Uhm, thank you Lady Rin,” Inuyasha nodded in the form of a bow as he still held onto Kagome. She sank further into his chest thanking every kami listening he hadn’t left and was obviously not embarrassed by their display.

“Please,” she giggled merrily. “Just Rin, Lord Inuyasha. You’re being too formal. Though, I’m sure you are only doing it for you mate’s honor,” she winked mischievously. “Come, my lord. Let us rejoin the monk and slayer, hm?”

“Keep watch over her, brother. No more situations like these or--”

“My lord!” Rin clipped.

“Yes, Rin,” Sesshomaru acknowledged as he turned around to follow his headstrong outspoken mate.

Inuyasha exhaled; she was unsure it was from relief or exhaustion from dealing with his brother and his mate. He lifted Kagome into his arms and proceeded to walk back down the hallway she had just run through. She looked around, as much as she could without leaving the safety of his chest. She tried not to be obvious as she inhaled his scent--musk and pine trees. But she couldn’t help but want to be comforted by it. By him. Her… well, her nothing. Her wished mate. Maybe she should just tell him--just be upfront. It might help their relationship in the long run? She still didn’t remember much from after healing Inuyasha to waking up.

Just bits and pieces of them yelling at each other. Him saying nasty things, trying to leave… Obviously he either came back or she had convinced him to stay. Either way, she counted her blessing he was, in fact, there. With her. Holding her. In his arms.

He opened the shoji door and stepped through then proceeded to close it. A couple more steps were taken as he dipped down and began to try and release her back onto the bed. Nope. Nope. NOPE. She clung onto him, whimpering, and refused the loss of contact.

Sighing, he readjusted some of the pillows and then sat down on the futon. She recurled herself up in his lap and he lightly wrapped his arms around her.

“I’m not good at this--but I’m here. I’m not going anywhere,” he whispered into her ear.

“Please--just don’t leave me,” her voice cracked as she cried the words.

“I’m not--I know I fucked up losing my temper the last time we talked but…. Shit. Kagome, it’s hard to understand and be okay with the fact you are keeping so many secrets. I didn’t even know how to explain to my asshole brother what was going on other than Naraku was hunting you. Not to mention one minute you’re telling me to go, the next you’re wrapped around me so tight. Fuck.”

“Why didn’t you just wake me up?” She muttered softly, still unwilling to let him go. She didn’t care if she seemed desperate or insane--she needed to be in his arms to affirm everything was real. The comfort and security she could only receive from him, she demanded fully.

“Kagome,” he pulled back to look into her eyes. There was a weird light of disbelief and concern. “You--you wouldn’t wake up. I tried everything. You’ve been unconscious for over a week… Sesshomaru ended up calling in a monk to try and figure out what happened.”

Gasping, she tried to control her utter shock. She knew that wasn’t good. She drained herself in healing Inuyasha that last round so much so she… Did he know? Were all her secrets exposed? She messed up--badly. She should have been upfront. He was going to leave her after all. This embrace wouldn’t last. All her hard work, all her concerns, and all her fears were rushing to the surface. She needed to figure out what he knew--what he had actually learned about her.

“Wh-what… uhm… What have you learned since I’ve been asleep?”

“Don’t sound so nervous. I haven’t learned anything honestly. Nothing you haven’t said. Besides that, nothing is going to take me from your side... All we learned was that Naraku hasn’t made his mission a total secret to humans or demons. As for your health, the monk wasn’t helpful at all. I don’t actually believe he’s as powerful as he led Sesshomaru to believe. ”

“What does your brother know about Naraku?”

It took Inuyasha a moment to gather his wandering thoughts, or at least that what it had seemed like. Sighing, he laid her down forcefully, but she clutched onto his haori so he reluctantly followed, scoffing at her neediness. Even though he had sighed defeatedly, his arms remained around her. She also swore she could feel him twirl her hair through his fingers. That had to mean something right?

“We have other things to discuss, Kagome. Like this… behavior,” he added blushing looking at her tight fists on his shirt.

“Inuyasha--please--”

“No. Why are you acting like this? Understand I’m not angry, I’m just kinda confused. You’re shooting me some serious mixed signals. No evading or I am out that damn door and down the hall.”

Shaking, she finally looked up at him. His resolve was fierce, his eyes hard, but nurturing. She exhaled shakily and buried her face back into his chest, desperate to hear his soft rumble he had exuded earlier. When he did it again, she was pleased and began her story.

“I… told you Naraku was hunting me. I left out the part where he had caught me.”

“He what?!!?” She felt his youki grow but tried to use her own depleted reiki to soothe him.

“He… I don’t know how long he had me, or even actually where. But he held me for at least a few weeks. It was dark, cold, wet… It was hard to tell time. When I noticed he was gone for a while, I finally escaped and that's when the demons came. I ran as fast as I could and then I found you--or rather you found me. You tried to lead me out of the forest but I tripped and you protected me. I was able to blast the others before they attacked again and then got us to the hut. I’m so sorry… I--I didn’t know how to tell you it was all my fault you became seriously wounded the first time.” She opted to not include the fact she was naked and touched by the sick demon in her time of imprisonment. He already seemed like he was hanging on to his sanity by a thread.

“Goddamnit!!! What did he do to you?! You're not being very specific! Obviously you're still holding back,” he snarled as his eyes glowed red.

Kagome gasped and took his face into her hands, "Shhhh. I'm right here. I'm fine. I-I’m safe. I’m with you, remember?"

"That's putting it loosely… you're acting odd. Clingy. Open. I should almost ask you if you're real."

"I…" How should she put it? Should she tell him everything? Maybe one day. Just not today. Not yet. Little by little. "I was afraid. That you had actually left after Naraku’s attack and that I caused it. You're right. I need to try and--and not hide so much from you. You stayed with me. You protected me in your human form; twice now. I should put some trust in you. I mean, afterall you're…" She caught herself about to confess too much and swallowed hard. He might not even know that he was her mate. Maybe she wasn't. Maybe it was just hopeful thinking--but he hadn't pulled away yet. He was still next to her; that soft rumble still echoed through his chest. His claws were still caressing through her hair. His arms still wrapped around her.

"I'm what?" He asked leadingly. Crap.

"Important to me," she finished lamely. It was better than nothing.

He seemed to ponder over her words but didn't push further. "So… what else you feel like sharing? Or is that it?"

"You don't want to know what the sick bastard did. I honestly don't know either. I'd rather not think about it…" she murmured softly.

"D-did he…?" He couldn't even finish the thought. But she knew what he was implying. He wanted to know if he tainted her. If he defiled her with his disgusting body.

"No, thank the Gods. But he…" She tensed and shook, having flashbacks of the revolting wet musky hands caressing her thighs, brushing her hair from her face, and the sick twisted laughter that haunted her dreams. "He did… other things. But not that. He didn’t touch me there, "she finished with a deep lump in her throat.

She felt his arms grip around her tightly. Truthfully, she never felt so safe. So secure. So… loved.

Inuyasha traveled with Kagome for a full day before finally arriving at Sesshomaru’s castle. He stood with the young in his arms and he was utterly exhausted. Not only had he been awake his entire human night, but he'd been fatally wounded. As he had run to the fortress, he thought about theory after theory of how he had awoken whole. None of which really added up.

The only one that was possible, but seemed just as far-fetched as others, was that she healed him. This was the second time she'd likely done something like it too. Did mikos of stronger spiritual power have the ability to heal wounds? It wouldn't have shocked him in all reality. There was some strange shit out there he'd seen the past couple centuries he'd been alive. It just seemed so unreal; the idea that such a beautiful woman and soul would help him in such a way that it would drain her to the point of unconsciousness.

Standing in front of the castle, he noticed the guards hadn't moved. Likely his brother had told them to stand down so he could deal with him himself. He made it to the doors when they were opened and there stood the ‘great and mighty’ Inu no Taisho, Sesshomaru. Stoic as ever. Jackass.

“And to what do I owe the pleasure, little brother,” he said snarkily. Well, it was actually as emotionless as ever, but Inuyasha thought it came off as condescending as usual.

“Sesshomaru…” Inuyasha wasn’t sure where to begin. How could he swallow his pride and ask for his help? Looking down at the young maiden in his arms, he knew where he needed to draw the strength from; he just needed to say the words.

“I… Sesshomaru… We--”

“You bring a miko into the house of a daiyoukai? Are you foolish?” Sesshomaru glared briefly before the guards finally appeared. Welp. So much for coming back to the castle asking for help. Kagome was wrong. Honestly he couldn’t wait to tell her he told her so… Kinda. Not really. He actually didn’t want to see the sympathetic look on her face and the reassurance that she cared about him even if no one else did. He didn’t want to see the look that she would shoulder the pain and burden of his rotten life…

“My Lord! That is no way to treat your brother or his guest!” Inuyasha turned back to see the short woman emerge from behind his brother. She was dressed in a fine purple and orange kimono fit for a hime. Which she honestly was-- she was the Lady of the West. Wife and mate to the Inu no Taisho. Rin.

“Rin…” he said in warning.

“Don’t you ‘Rin’ me! Welcome back home, Lord Inuyasha,” she said cheerfully after she warned her mate to back off. She proceeded to step forward in front of Sesshomaru and glide gracefully to Inuyasha. “Who is your friend? Is she alright?”

“I-I don’t know,” he said meekly.

“Rin, she is a--”

“I’m aware of what she is, my lord. That does not mean we turn her or your brother away. She is obviously someone who is important to Lord Inuyasha as he brought her here, to us, his family,” she said pointedly.

“Who is she, brother?” Sesshomaru asked, losing patience.

“Sesshomaru… she’s--she’s my mate,” Inuyasha finally admitted out loud. To someone. While he hadn’t admitted it to Kagome yet, it felt good to finally say it to another person. Even if that other person was his asshole jackass of a brother. The acknowledgement made it seem real; it wasn’t a made up idea in his head. That the desire could actually become a reality.

“Oh my! You found your mate, Lord Inuyasha? How exciting!! We must hear the whole story--”

“Rin, there’s something wrong with her. Her aura is weak--I think she used her powers to heal me. Is that possible?”

Sesshomaru watched on and signaled for the guards to disperse. “Spiritual powers are different from youki. We would need to invoke another spiritualist… The scrolls also may hold this information. Allow this one to research while Rin assists with getting your mate to your quarters. I will send for Jaken to seek a traveling monk who is rumored to know more than most.”

“Sesshomaru, she doesn’t know she’s my mate. We should put her in a different room--”

“It does not matter, little brother. She will remain in your room as we do not know the miko or her intentions. She will be allowed into our home but that does not mean she is trusted at this time,” Sesshomaru growled as he turned back into the castle, as he likely headed to the study of the castle. Or to find Jaken to take his frustrations out on.

“Follow me, Lord Inuyasha. Let’s get her settled. I will provide her with a sleeping yukata and change her clothing. We can also give her a quick bath before we have the healers come in and examine her before the monk.”

Inuyasha nodded nervously. He was usually brash, full of bravado, and ready to run sword raised into a dragon’s nest. But at that moment he felt like the smallest ant; he had to be humble, sincere, and somewhat appreciative they were willing to give him-- give them a chance to prove themselves.

Without Rin, he would have likely been shit out of luck. They would have had to find another hut for shelter and pray to whatever kami that was listening that Naraku wouldn’t find them again until she was healed. He knew he owed Sesshomaru too. Sesshomaru was technically the alpha, but he really did roll over for Rin. It was funny to watch the more than a head shorter woman boss around an eight-hundred year old demon like he was a newborn puppy.

Once they got to his old room Rin had made Sesshomaru set up for him to stay in here and there, she stepped out briefly and returned with a spare robe of hers and a bucket of water with a cloth.

“Are you comfortable staying or would you prefer I do this alone?”

“She doesn’t know she’s my mate… but I have seen her, uhm, bare,” he said somewhat bashfully, blushing.

“It’s up to you, Lord Inuyasha. I’m sure she would be more comfortable with you being here.”

“Wh-why do you say that??!?” He sputtered flushing even more.

“Well, I know that before Lord Sesshomaru and I mated when he brought me here to tend to my wounds after he saved me from the bandits that I wanted him in the room even though he hadn’t confessed to me yet who I was to him.”

“What??”

“Has he honestly never told you that story??? He is so funny,” she laughed as she undid Kagome’s haori and hakama. “Well, he wanted the healers to take a look at me but I refused to let him leave even though he was trying to ‘preserve my modesty’. Pft. My village and family had just been raided by bandits. Not much left of that.”

“Were you…Did he save you in time?” Inuyasha wasn’t sure if that was too personal ask his sister-in-law. Or if Sesshomaru would just kill him for thinking his mate was defiled.

“Yes, Sesshomaru saved me just in time. Ahhhh, my big strong samurai inuyokai…” she gazed dreamily down at Kagome as she washed her body of the grime, sweat, and dirt. “I don’t ever wonder what my life would have been like if I hadn’t met him. He is everything I have ever dreamed of and more. It was so weird… when I first laid eyes on him, even though he had just cut a man in half and the blood had splattered on me and the other women--it was like I knew. Like he was the thing that was missing in my life. The missing puzzle piece.”

“You sound like a child.”

“Hmmm, have you ever been in love, Lord Inuyasha?”

“Wh-what?!?”

“Well, when you are in love, nothing seems embarrassing or childish. Your life becomes someone else's.”

Inuyasha remained silent then proceeded to help Rin remove Kagome’s garments from her and then helped get her into the robe. Rin patted her shoulder softly, happy with her work. He covered Kagome with a blanket and then wasn’t sure if he should leave or not.

“Lord Inuyasha, let me be honest; I can tell you are in love with this woman. You shouldn’t hide your feelings from her. Tell her. Be open with her.”

“Rin…” he growled.

“It’s obvious; you came here to help her. I’m proud of you for coming home. You’re both welcome to stay as long as you’d like. I’ll send in Akami to bring you dinner. If your intended awakens, just poke your head out and send Shizo to the kitchen to have Akami get more for her.” She patted his shoulder gently before standing and making her way out of his room.

“Rin?” He called, still facing Kagome.

“Yes, Lord Inuyasha?”

“Th-thank you, s-sister…”

“You’re welcome, elder brother.”

Inuyasha gazed down at his mate lovingly. Fuck. He hated being wrong. But, in a way, he also was relieved he was. And of all people to be wrong to, he was thankful it was Kagome. He laid down next to her and couldn’t help himself as he pulled himself close to her body and just held her close. He heard Akami enter and leave his meal, but he kept his eyes closed and his face buried in Kagome’s hair.

He honestly didn’t care if he was caught by her. His new resolution was to try and trust her for keeping things from him. The secrets she carried must’ve been taking a toll on her… He needed to cut her some slack. Maybe if he opened up, she would too.

Days passed and Kagome remained in her deep uninterruptible slumber. Inuyasha refused to leave her side. Each day made him more and more agitated; agitation caused by fear, loathing, and the unknown. Rin often came in to check on her and clean her face then would take her leave. She tried not to linger too long; she respected they needed their alone time even if Kagome was not awake. Rin spoke with Inuyasha about why aside from his mate being unconscious, they came to seek refuge with them.

Inuyasha reluctantly revealed to Rin the nature of how he and Kagome had met. He also told her while he was fairly in the dark about Kagome’s past, he knew at least one thing was true: Naraku was after her and wanted her as his mate. The information had been unsettling for Rin. She said she would speak with his brother and see if he knew anything more of Naraku than what they had already heard in passing.

It wasn’t until the fifth day Sesshomaru emerged from his study to speak with him. Rin, of course, accompanied her mate. Sesshomaru had informed him after researching the archives he had received from their father and even some of the more current ones, there were only a couple of mikos or monks who were even capable of such power. The monk he invited would hopefully give additional information. Jaken had informed him earlier that morning that he had been and had agreed to journey into their territory.

He had also dug as much as he could to try and find out more about Naraku. There wasn't too much more to tell. Just the twisted fuck traveled around in the cloak of an animal--a baboon Inuyasha had informed, and that he had begun spreading rumors of Kagome being his mate. He apparently also made it clear his intentions were less than noble--he tricked and clearly had smeared Kagome’s name as a priestess in the mud. The only other piece of knowledge that Inuyasha had not heard was where Naraku had been seen the most--likely where Kagome’s village had been.

Near the wolf dens. She likely knew Koga and Ayame. It made him question why she hadn’t asked them for help. Koga was the Lord of the Eastern lands. He hadn’t met Koga himself, but he knew Sesshomaru kept strict treaties with the other lands to maintain peace. That was why Naraku was so concerning because he threatened the balance between the demons and humans.

"Brother, the miko must reveal Naraku’s hidden intentions. Without that knowledge, we will not know how to assist her or put an end to the inconvenience."

"Don't gotta tell me that, " Inuyasha muttered.

"My lord, Lord Inuyasha told me that right before he brought Kagome here they were fighting about everything."

"Then your presence here will be conditional depending upon her cooperation," Sesshomaru admonished.

"But my lord--"

"If we do not know why the demon is hunting her, nor what he is capable of, then the priestess could be endangering everyone. I will not allow her to put you in harm's way because of her pride," he said evenly.

Rin sighed her compliance and shot Inuyasha a look of apology. He merely nodded, conceding as well. He knew full well the lengths Sesshomaru would go for his mate. They were brothers after all and they both came from the great Touga who sacrificed his own life for Inuyasha’s human mother. Their loyalties went far for their beloveds.

The monk arrived the following day with his wife. Inuyasha scoffed at the idea, but then again, his own mate was a priestess. He needed to have some faith she would accept him as more even though she was one of the God’s children.

“Monk. Slayer,” Sesshomaru greeted.

“Welcome to our home!” Rin cheerfully called from Sesshomaru’s side.

“Thank you for having us. We are more than happy to serve the Lord and Lady of the West,” the monk said with a bow. “I am Miroku and this is my wife, Sango. We also have a neko-youkai named Kirara.”

“A pleasure to meet you my lord and lady,” the woman called Sango said as she bowed and the cat demon on her shoulder mewed.

“Please, come in; allow me to show you to your room during your stay,” Rin said, taking Sango’s hand. Typical Rin. It took all Inuyasha had not to roll his eyes. But it was well worth seeing Sesshomaru’s tired expression.

After Rin showed them to their quarters, she escorted them back to Inuyasha’s room where he and Sesshomaru waited outside the door.

“This is my younger brother, Inuyasha.”

“The Lord of the West has a brother?” Sango questioned.

“No, I’m a fucking puppet.”

“Language,” Sesshomaru hissed.

“Forgive him, he’s been under a lot of stress. His mate has fallen ill,” Rin said apologetically as she returned to Sesshomaru’s side.

“In the letter you sent, you stated it was a priestess in your care that was ill, did you not?” Miroku asked.

“That is correct,” Sesshomaru said.

“We uh… never heard of a priestess being the mate of a--” Sango started.

“Yea yea, whatever, can you help her or not?” Inuyasha was losing his patience. Quickly. He also didn’t care for their tone of judgement towards Kagome. She would always be the purest soul even if they did complete the mating bond. This monk and slayer were judging her? He hadn’t realized he was growling before Rin placed a comforting arm on his bicep.

“Please, she is to be my sister-in-law. Can you please just examine her? We think she healed Lord Inuyasha and it caused some sort of backfire with her reiki.”

“Of course, our apologies. It is just something new we have come across. No offense was meant, Lord Inuyasha,” Miroku bowed in apology. Sango bit her lip at her question and also bowed as she muttered her own apology.

Rin lightly pushed him and gained his attention. He stepped aside and she opened the door to his room and they filed inside. Inuyasha took residence next to Kagome, eyeing the monk and slayer skeptically. He narrowed his eyes as he saw their faces twist. The slayer looked angry and the monk looked confused. Both not good signs.

Snarling, he leaned over Kagome to block her from view of their pointed stares, “What the fuck is your problem??”

“Is there an issue?” Rin asked quickly, trying to dispel the clear tension that had arisen.

“Explain your concerns, monk and slayer,” Sesshomaru ordered.

“She is the mate of Naraku! They killed some of our best slayers--my family!! You expect us to help her?! And how can you claim she is your mate?!?! She is mated to that--that--that monster!!!”

“My wife, while upset, speaks the truth. She also entered my old monastery and helped destroy the temples… The miko also did claim her love for the demon Naraku. She professed they had mated and she would help him oversee his ultimate desires.”

Rin looked to Sesshomaru and then Inuyasha for clarification. Inuyasha couldn’t stop his demonic half from rising even if he wanted to. He knew his eyes were glowing, he felt his claws slicing through Kagome’s blanket, and his fangs were sinking into his bottom lip.

Sesshomaru had risen and stood to block Inuyasha’s view of them--but he heard the slayer stand in front of the monk in defensiveness when Sesshomaru spoke.

"The miko's virtue is intact. You were likely deceived like the demon planned. It seems his goal was to completely isolate her from any possible ally. To what end, it is unclear."

Rin scooted closer to Inuyasha and enlisted a warning growl from him. Sesshomaru turned and pinned him with a challenging stare to which Inuyasha initially refused to secede. He kept his ears high, snarl low and fierce. Honestly he wanted a fight. He needed to beat the shit outta someone-- while it should be the humans, they were the only ones who likely could tell what was wrong with his mate.

"Back down brother,"Sesshomaru spoke in inuyoukai. Rin stayed near but did not touch Inuyasha.

"They insulted my mate," he barked back.

"We need them to examine the girl first. Then we will spar. Control your temper like you were taught, " Sesshomaru replied shortly.

Inuyasha scoffed but tried to tap down his anger at the insult towards Kagome. It just--enraged him. To hear someone speak so ill of her. She had saved him. Twice. Almost died once in the process because she was so weak… The idea that they would say such dark things about her made him furious.

“Brother?” Rin asked quietly.

“I’m… fine,” he finally relented fully. Rin finally wrapped her arms around him from behind and pulled him back to sit beside Kagome. Sesshomaru took his place by Rin, but remained standing. He was pushing forth his aura to make sure the mortals knew their place on the chain of command. It made Inuyasha feel maybe a millimeter better.

The monk bowed and then knelt across from Inuyasha to be beside Kagome. Sango stood closely to his back and narrowed her stare at the daiyoukai; he had to give it to her. She was ballsy as hell.

Miroku closed his eyes and waved a hand over her form and he clenched them briefly when he reached her heart. Opening his eyes, he looked fairly concerned and distressed.

“Well?” Inuyasha snapped.

“There isn’t much I can tell you aside from the fact she did in fact heal you. It is what drained her aura…” Inuyasha could tell he was holding back. What he was holding back and why, he wasn’t sure. Was it spiritualists in general that were so fucking secretive???

“And??” he growled in return.

“And until she awakens that’s all I can say unfortunately. Her aura is very weak to be able to discern more than what I have already told you.”

“You heard him,” the slayer defended.

“Let us give Lord Inuyasha and my mate some time. Come, I will get you food since you traveled so far and tended to our priestess first,” Rin said, releasing Inuyasha and gracefully brushing her hand against Sesshomaru before leading them out the door.

“What are your thoughts, little brother?” Sesshomaru asked once they were gone.

“Fuck if I knew. She was just as forthcoming about shit as the monk…”

“Likely it had to do with their reiki. An unspoken alliance. It has been confirmed she is able to use her power to heal others. We at least have one answer. Rest for now with your mate. I will call upon you if I learn anything else from the mortals,” Sesshomaru said as he began to leave the room.

“Sess?”

“Hn?”

“Thank you… for this…”

“Thanks is not necessary. You are my brother,” he informed as he left the room. Inuyasha supposed that was his way of off-handedly apologizing for being a total dick until he met Rin. He’d take it. They weren't a very wordy family. They were men of action. The fact Sesshomaru summoned a monk, researched for five days straight, and even allowed them entry into his home… That was more than enough.

He had been talking with his jackass brother and fake-ass monk about Kagome’s condition two days later when they heard the guards shouting. All he could do was berate himself for the one time he left Kagome’s side that she had woken up. Typical ass Kagome. Stubborn as all damn hell.

When he finally came upon her, she was even further from the girl he had first met. The strong, sassy, hand-licking, weird, beautiful, kind, priestess. She was drenched in sweat, paler than a ghost, shaking, trembling, saturated in fear and anxiety. Those beautiful sapphire eyes were hidden from him. It was crazy to see that change in her that had taken place within a month of them meeting. It killed him inside she was that afraid and had taken to hiding within her weak little barrier than barely covered her body that was folded in on itself.

He called to her--the only way he knew how. He had never spoken to her so gently before--anyone that kindly before. When she finally let down her barrier after burning the fuck out of his hand and he held her as close as he could to his body it finally clicked. What Rin had said about being in love--how literally nothing else mattered, no else in the room was of concern… It was just them.

Finally having her back in the room, it was weird how… intimate they had gotten since she awoke from when she had fallen asleep. It wasn’t like they hadn’t touched before. There were always small carasses from her, a slight lean of her on his shoulder, a hug or two, but this--this was so different. It made him feel powerful. That she put so much faith and trust in him to hold her like this. That she wanted him to protect her and hold her…

Obviously she had counter offers. The Hojo guy from her village and that sick and twisted fuck Naraku. But she wanted his no good half-breed self to hold on to.

When she finally confided in him about being captured and touched in ways that made his blood boil and his desire to kill Naraku only increased ten-fold, did he begin to understand why she wasn’t as forthcoming about Naraku.

“Inuyasha?” Her voice was barely a whisper when she finally spoke again disrupting him from his thoughts. His very graphic thoughts of torturing and killing Naraku. Over. And over. And over again.

“What?” He said more gruffly than he meant. Honestly.

“I--” There was a knock at the door that made her jump and bury herself into him further making him growl.

“Damnit. It’s your food; let me grab it.”

“Wait--”

“I’m just going to the door,” he said as he finally was able to detangle himself from her. She simply scurried and sat up quickly. Even with his back turned, he could feel her big ocean eyes locked on him.

Opening the door, he saw Akami and took the bowl from her. “Let Sesshomaru know we’ll be down shortly.” She bowed and left.

Turning back, he didn’t even notice Kagome was directly behind him and almost dropped her bowl of food, “Fuck!!!”

“Sorry,” she said disparagingly.

“You just scared me. Come on,” he said, taking her hand and leading her to the small table in the corner of the room near the open door to the balcony. He set the bowl down and waited for her pointedly.

She looked unamused. Unmoved by his basic direction of thought. Groaning, he sat down at the table then glared at her. She slightly hesitated but sat as close as she could to him without being on his lap and slowly began eating.

"So… you healed me?" Probably shouldn't have said that while she was eating. Her soup was likely spat outside off the balcony. Gross. He noted to himself to make sure to have Akami clean up after they left. He didn't want his room smelling like sick-people broth.

"How did--"

"I may be a little slow and you can even say I'm an idiot sometimes but I don't just magically heal like that. Especially with something as serious as someone running me through my gut on the night I’m human before the sun even peers over the horizon. Is that why you were so drained?” He knew the answer. But he wanted to test her to see if she’d hide it or lie.

“Yes…” she said defeatedly.

“Why?”

“What?”

“Why did you heal me? If it was gonna do that to you, why did you do that?”

“I--Inuyasha! You can’t expect I would have just let you die!! How can you even think that?!?” There was that fire he was missing. The spunk and resistance.

“When it basically killed you--yea! You have to pick yourself over me!! Fuck Kagome, what would I have done if it had been you?!?!”

“It wasn’t so--”

“It could have very well been!! A week, Kagome! A full fucking week of you unconscious, not moving and me freaking the fuck out not knowing if you were EVER going to wake up!!”

She swallowed and averted her eyes, “ I’m sorry. But I don’t regret my choice and I would do it again.”

“Of course you would,” he said exasperated.

“Look, you took the hit for me, didn’t you? To try and protect me? You did the same thing the first night of the new moon. Obviously it’s ingrained in us at this point we will protect each other.”

“Don’t mean I’m happy about it,” he sulked. It hurt his pride in all actuality of the situation. That she had to help him because he had failed in protecting her.

"I'm not your responsibility, you know. I've been taking care of myself for a while now."

"Fine job you've been doing," he added sarcastically.

"Look, I was doing just fine before Naraku thought I'd make a nice mate, or whatever."

"What is his other reason for hunting you down? Typically demons don't just pursue a mate who wants nothing to do with them," Inuyasha stated.

Kagome bit her lip. Her silence seemed like it was in contemplation of what to say or how much to reveal.

"Look, if it makes you feel any better, I know he's not your mate." Uh oh. He was digging his own grave. Saying too much. Even though he… he kinda wanted her to know. He wanted to continue holding her. He wanted to be able to do more.

"You do?"

"W-Well yea," he stammered.

Man up, dumbass.

No one asked you.

I'll tell our mate she is ours.

The fuck you will--

Then grow some fucking balls, hanyou.

Why you--

Did your conversation with our brother's mate just go over your head? Did you lie to yourself about fucking talking her?

N-no, I… Damnit, just shut the fuck up.

“Inuyasha?” Kagome asked, concerned as she was grasping his arm gently.

“Sorry, I got distracted,” he muttered embarrassed as he turned away from her.

“Th-thank you for still believing in me. In that at least. I… I promise he isn’t my mate…” she looked like she wanted to say more but at the same time, fear soaked through her.

“Can a priestess sense that tie between two people?”

Her blush was likely an answer if any… Did she know?

“Kago--”

“Inu--”

“Yo-you first,” she stammered.

“What do you know about mates?” There. That was a clear question.

Coward.

Shut it.

“Just what one of my demon friends has told me. Just the pull between mates is undeniable. It’s like--indescribable, he said. I believed him of course.”

“Your friend has a mate I gather?”

“Yes, he found her last year. They are expecting twins, or rather were. I’m sure she had them by now…” She said, reminiscing her old life. She gazed out the window as if looking at her family. Her friends. Anyone but him. It hurt honestly.

“Do you… miss them?”

“Yes. But…” she said as she turned back towards him and that radiant soft smile on her face. “I don’t regret meeting you. This may sound crazy but--” she leaned forward slowly. Like she was testing to see if he’d pull away. There was a second he slightly panicked but his inner instincts held him firm. If she was going to give him a taste of her sweet mouth, he was going to take it. It made him consider she did know--that she felt the pull herself.

“‘But?’” he repeated looking down at her parted lips. Her breath slightly hitched.

“Do you--”

“Kagome,” he said softly but also gruffly as he was losing patience with the song and dance she was doing. To be fair, he wasn’t being as helpful either.

“I really care about you; more than I think you know. I’m scared I’m pushing you away. Well, I was terrified you had gone… It broke me when I woke up and didn’t see you at my side. The thought you had gone--”

“I get it. Just so we’re clear, I won’t leave you. I can’t,” he admitted.

“You ‘can’t’?”

“Not if I don’t want to die…”

“What does that--” she snapped.

“Can you just shut up??” He finally closed the distance for them and pressed his hungry lips to hers. The sigh she made might as well have been an oasis in the desert. Fuck. Why didn’t they start their relationship like this?? Oh yea. Because he was a dumbass.

Finally-- you admit it.

Do you ever go the fuck away?!

He broke off the kiss at the thought as he looked down into her slowly opening sapphire eyes. She looked as disheveled as he felt.

“You… know?” she asked quietly.

“You mean you knew?” He replied irritated.

“I mean--I was pretty sure--”

“Oh for fucks sake--” he growled.

“This is why you can never get anything done…” Sesshomaru said boredly from the door.

“Eep!!!” Kagome yelped, jumping away from him. If Inuyasha could kill someone with a stare alone, his brother would have been burned into a giant pile of ash. Son of a bitch. Literally.

“Are you fucking kidding me?! How long have you been standing there you fucking perv?!!”

“Long enough to see the pitiful show of affection; Akami said you would be joining us a while ago. Are you done discovering you both knew you were each other’s mate? Or should I come back?”

Kagome reeked of embarrassment and found the wall of his room fairly fascinating while Inuyasha could only snarl at his brother.

“Then you both shall join us,” Sesshomaru ordered as he left the room.

“Damn him to the seventh hell!!”

“It’s fine,” she said farrrrrrrrrr too quickly. She stood and brushed off her kimono and started walking to the door.

Oh fuck no, he thought as he jumped to his feet and was suddenly between her and the door.

“We’re not done yet,” he said stepping towards her.

Swallowing she averted her gaze. “I--”

“What else have you been hiding?”

“Inuyasha--”

“They can wait.” He grabbed her arms and made her look directly at him. “What. Else?”

“Inuyasha please--” She was panicking. “I--I shouldn’t--”

“I’m your mate. You belong to me. Our lives and souls are bound together. Just fucking tell me Kagome. As much as I’d love to get the fuck outta here, I think we need my asshole brother to try and take down Naraku. And his conditions were pretty fucking clear when I brought you here-- either we tell him why Naraku is really after you, or we’re out. While I have confidence in my skills and I am the last to admit this, we may need some help. So will you just tell me?! What are you so goddamn afraid of?!?”

“I’m scared of losing you!!!! Before I had nothing!! NOTHING! I had family, an arranged marriage, and friends, but that was easy to walk away from, Inuyasha!! They were safer if I was away from them! I didn’t want to marry Hojo! But you--I’m afraid of letting you in!! That you’ll realize how much trouble I actually am and decide to run for the freaking hills! I don’t want you to look at me differently! I want your scowl, that hardened face that turns soft when you think I’m not looking, I don’t want you pity or you just be nice because you think I’m a freak! I want you to treat me exactly as I am!! Who I am!! Not what I am or who I was!”

“At least we’re finally getting somewhere,” he smirked down at her.

Kagome’s head was spinning when Inuyasha kissed her. She had been too nervous to close the final distance between them and thank all the Gods he did it for her. It was a key opening a lock. So freeing. She wondered if he felt the same.

When he began to question her, curse, she was so lost in him. Their old way of communication; their own song and dance. Then Sesshomaru spoke. And she had never been so embarrassed.

She wanted the ground to swallow her whole. Then he used the actual words she and Inuyasha were skating around: mates. What was crazier was Inuyasha didn’t deny it. So obviously, he did know. Maybe his fears were just as justified as hers. Or maybe he had doubts. About them. About her.

Once Sesshomaru stepped out, she stood as gracefully as she could and tried to follow but, of course, Inuyasha decided then he wanted to continue their chat. Typical. Not.

Then she word vomited everything she had been thinking. Even better!! Be vulnerable and chase the only guy she had ever been attracted to, pulled to, wanted to be drawn to, away!! She was an idiot if she ever met one.

But his smirk was so alleviating. It was like all the weight she had placed on herself was suddenly lifted.

“Inuyasha…”

“Do I literally have to drag everything out of you until we’re yelling at each other??”

“You’re one to talk, dog-boy,” she sneered.

“There’s my girl. Now spill. Why would I look at you differently??”

“Inuyasha… I’m--I--” How does someone just tell someone else who they really are? What they are guarding??

“Spit it out!!! I’d prefer I know what the fuck I’m walking into before my asshat of a brother!! Kagome, don’t you trust me at all?!?”

“Of course I do!!”

“Obviously you don't!! Kagome,” his hands tightened on her arms. She shivered at her thoughts of being held close by him again. The feel of his lips on hers-- “You don’t look at me any differently for being the freak that I am. You treat me just like a normal person. Don’t you think I’d extend the same courtesy to you? You’re my mate.”

He kept saying that now that it was out in the open--but did that even mean he cared though?? He hadn’t said that yet. Did he even love her? Or was all of this just because she was his mate?

“That doesn’t mean you care or anything. It just means you know that--”

“Kagome will you just stop the fucking excuses and just fucking tell me?!? Don’t feed me that shit that I don’t fucking care about you! You know damn well and good I do otherwise I would have taken off and decided you weren’t worth all this drama. I wouldn’t have begged my fucking asshole of a brother for shelter let alone asked for his help! You can sit there all you want in fucking denail but pull your head out of your ass and stop stalling!!”

She wasn’t sure what she was most shocked about; was it the fact he admitted he did care about her? Or was it the fact he did it in such a roundabout jackass way?

“This isn’t--damnit! Inuyasha this isn’t a conversation that I can just rush!! There’s so much that goes into it--”

“Give me the short version otherwise that dick is gonna come back,” he growled, releasing her arms. Something she didn’t want to happen. The contact they shared made it easier to unintentionally spill her beans but… obviously she didn’t have much choice.

“You’re not going to understand--”

“Probably not--but I wanna be the first one to know.”

“UGH! Why are you so---”

“--Impossible?? Yea; you are too, sunshine.”

“Ughhhhhh!!!” She groaned. “Fine!!! I’m the reincarnation of a priestess named Kikyo who had to guard the Sacred Jewel of the Four Souls; she was killed by her fiance and had the jewel burned with her body because she claimed it was cursed!!! We know I’m the reincarnation because the stupid thing is inside of me!!! That’s what Naraku wants!!

“I still don’t know why he claims I’m his mate. I still don’t really know what he wanted with me when he caught me because all he did was keep me in the fucking dark cave naked and touch me like a made of stupid glass--like he couldn’t actually bring himself to do anything further!!! That’s it! That’s everything!!!” Okay--that was a lie. But it was a little white lie. She wasn’t about to say she gave him her life force while healing him.

He just looked at her. Blankly… well, incorrect phrasing--more like his usual scowl and he was just… staring at it. To be honest, she would have preferred some form of shift in his stare. Confusion? Anger? Relief? Something?

“Uhm… Inuyasha?”

He still didn’t respond. Did she break him?

“Uh--hello?” She waved a hand in front of his face to which he caught and growled.

“I’m just--fuck--ok--come on,” he pulled and led her through the door and down the hall. She thought he was being a little rough, but she relished the re-established contact between them.

“O-ok,” she whispered as he dragged her down the hall.

He stopped right in front of the opening to what she could only assume was where they were meeting his brother and turned back to her. He finally held a different look--one she hadn’t quite seen before. Disbelief maybe? Regret…?

“We’ll get through this, alright?”

“Inuyasha…” His name floated from her lips like the air they breathed.

“I’m not going anywhere. I may not totally understand--but we’re gonna defeat that bastard together.”

She smiled at his words and squeezed his hand that was gripping hers.

They entered the room and she froze. She knew her face showed her emotions and heard Inuyasha growl in displeasure. The monk and slayer she had met before… the ones that claimed she was mated to that thing.

She felt herself shrink behind Inuyasha as if by instinct. Embracing his full protection and support.

“Stand down Inuyasha, they mean no harm,” Sesshomaru admonished.

“They are making her uncomfortable with their fucking stares,” Inuyasha snarled as his hand brushed against her hip in a soothing gesture.

“Lord Inuyasha, it was a misunderstanding--one of which we do owe an apology to your mate for,” the monk spoke first. Kagome kept her face in Inuyasha’s haori though. He could apologize to her from her current position.

“Priestess, we do--uhm--apologize for our rash behavior when we first met…” the woman slayer began. She sounded uncomfortable with the idea of apologizing. Either she felt she was still in the right or had never had to apologize before in her life.

“It-it’s fine,” she finally spoke but still refused to leave the comfort of Inuyasha’s person. This was a little much. All a little too new. She hadn’t been around people in a long time. And here she was, with four new ones, none of her old friends she had even trusted. The only thing she could do was latch onto something familiar. Someone who would understand. That person who meant more to her than anyone.

“It’s actually not fine, but don’t worry. It will be later,” Inuyasha sneered.

“Is that a challenge?” She heard the slayer say in a deadly voice.

“Take it however you want, bitch. Just know this little chat isn’t over,” he said, guiding Kagome to sit on the other side of him away from them.

When he got her to sit down a hand touched her shoulder and she about jumped out her skin. She saw a very pleasant looking woman. Oh---the Lady of the West!

“Hello, I am so sorry about our original meeting. I’m Rin, your--well--have you and Inuyasha--”

“Your asshole mate told her,” Inuyasha scoffed.

Rin laughed merrily as if nothing the past hour had happened. Kagome couldn’t but be in awe of her joy. “Of course he did--he had not tact at all. Well then, I am to be your sister in law--should you accept Inuyasha as your mate that is. It is nice to make your acquaintance. I’ve heard a little about you from Lord Inuyasha when I would bathe you.”

“O-Oh,” Kagome blushed. “Y-yes, it’s nice to meet you as well, Lady Rin.” She began to bow before the hand on her shoulder tightened, stopping her movements to look back into Rin’s glowing face.

“Just ‘Rin’, sister…?” she asked leadingly with a twinkle in her eyes. Oh Gods. She was going to be trouble.

“U-uhhh, y-yes. Sister is fine,” Kagome admitted, sinking into Inuyasha’s side asking silent permission. His arm wrapping around her waist was relieving to say the least. It meant he felt the same. But they clearly had much more to discuss.

“If you are done,” Sesshomaru finally spoke.

“Yes, my lord! I will go grab fresh tea since Lord Inuyasha took forever and a dayyyyyy,” Rin chided teasingly.

“See what I mean?” he whispered into her ear.

“Talkative. I got it,” Kagome agreed with what she thought would be a permanent blush on her face.

Once Rin returned, Sesshomaru turned to Kagome. Silently. She was a little uncomfortable with such a stoic look and was confused about what he wanted.

“Well?” he prompted.

“The bastard wants you to tell us your story,” Inuyasha finally spoke, looking annoyed at his brother.

“Oh… right. My apologies. I’m sure it has been quite the topic of discussion since our arrival.”

“And then some,” the slayer added.

“I guess I should start at… the beginning. First, what do you know of the Shikon no Tama?”

The monk made a face of wonder while everyone else remained silent except for Sesshomaru. “This one knows of its existence until about fifty years ago when the priestess who guarded it took it with her to the underworld.”

“Yes. That is correct.”

“How do you know of the jewel?” the monk asked.

“My family was the line of Shrine maidens that was charged with the jewel’s protection from demons. Only close monks and priestesses were let in on that knowledge in case something happened to one of us. I… assume you are one of those branches of monks?”

“Yes, my grandfather was told of Kikyo’s death. He went about trying to figure out if the jewel could somehow make its way back into the world but--” he paused and it was if understanding dawned on him. “You--”

“Yes,” Kagome said sullenly. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before continuing. “The jewel was reborn in me--the reincarnation of Kikyo. We decided not to tell anyone in hopes we could find out a way to purify the jewel like Kikyo had wanted. She had claimed the jewel was cursed as most if not all the priestesses who were charged with protecting the jewel met an unfortunate end.

“Our explorations didn’t really reveal much so… We gave up. Hoping the secret that it was inside me would be enough to keep it dormant. But we were sadly mistaken.

“On the eve of my eighteenth birthday, Naraku appeared and propositioned me when I was alone by our village's lake. He wanted me to join him. I told him no because I could sense the underlying evil within him. He only laughed at the rejection and said I would grow to regret that decision. That I would ultimately change my mind…

“The villagers started giving me weird looks and then it erupted into an almost controlled chaos. They were claiming I was stealing things, tipping carts, causing damage, and that I had even gone so far as to hurt someone. My family of course stood by me… But I was concerned. So I ventured into the wolves territory to speak to my friends.

“Shippo is a fox demon they adopted when I had found him in a trap outside our village. The villagers were wary of demons, so I figured they would be okay helping him out. Koga was alright with it. So I asked Shippo if he had been pulling pranks on the villagers which he had sworn he hadn’t. Koga also validated his story. He mentioned there had been a demon trespassing around their lands, but their scent shifted and changed which made him harder to track. It was then it dawned on me what Naraku had meant; that he would give me no other choice than to choose him.

“That night, I packed a few things and left without a word to anyone. I initially tried to take refuge with the slayers…”

The woman slayer met Kagome’s glance and still looked somewhat upset. Not in a bashful sense. In an angry sense. As if she didn't necessarily believe her story. Inuyasha’s arm tightening around her waist made her relax knowing she was just being paranoid.

“Monk, keep your woman under control before I take her outside and teach her some manners,” Inuyasha growled.

“Sango is her own person and I cannot blame her for her skepticism after what happened at her village,” the monk defended, placing a calming hand on his wife’s arm.

“I’m not saying she aint her own person, but I am saying she needs to back the fuck down because if I smell my mate’s discomfort again--”

“Enough,” Sesshomaru ordered. “Continue your story priestess. Judgement shall be held off until after she has finished her story.”

“They turned me away saying I had aided Naraku in killing some of their best slayers… then I tried different montasaries, even different shrines, I even went to some villages and all had the same story. That I helped Naraku kill people, harm others, whatever the offense, I was guilty. It was long after that he had captured me and kept me locked up for a couple weeks.

“I was able to escape and that’s when I found Inuyasha, or rather he found me…” She turned back to gaze into his eyes. That rich pool of honey was hard to look away from. Her lip somehow became embedded between her teeth and it was all she could to not kiss him.

“And you just expect us to believe you??! I saw you there!” The slayer definitely killed the mood. Her hand had slammed down on the table they were sitting at stirring the cups of tea. She was standing and leaning over the table as if expecting her stance and infuriated face pointed towards Kagome to change her mind.

“What you saw was an illusion,” Sesshomaru stated as calmly as ever. Kagome shot a look at him and saw Rin was looking at him adoration.

“Her scent remained neutral throughout the whole story. There was no presence of lies and she is the mate to my brother. A human is not given the option of having more than one mate if they are linked to a demon. She still is scented of purity and holds no outlying scent of Naraku. Even if she was still plotting with him, she would have some sort of scent marker on her; but neither I nor my younger brother have scented it.”

“That’s a bunch of bullshit Lord Sesshomaru! You were not there!!!” Sango’s voice broke in suppressed grief that she masked with a look of rage.

“Enough of your ignorance, slayer. Naraku indeed succeeded in his plans to drag you away from the actual pressing issue. His goal was to make the priestess feel alone enough to accept him. However even then, she made her escape. While you may not trust her, she is a part of the court of the West. You will hold your tongue while you reside in our home.”

“Sango, I know you are upset. It is not that I do not believe you, but it is likely plausible… Naraku seems to be a shapeshifter of some sorts.” The monk tried to reason with his wife.

“That does not explain how both he and she were standing before us!!!!”

“He uses demon puppetry,” Inuyasha finally said. “He likely was using a puppet in the baboon suit and assumed the form of Kagome.”

“You’re giving a woman you’ve only known for a month a lot of credit,” the monk added as if goading the half-demon.

“She has been nothing but kind to me. She healed me not once, but twice, and kept the barrier up around us for over a month without complaint. She originally sent me away but I stayed. If she really had it out for me, she would have just killed me.”

“And you’re not just blinded by the fact a half-demon found its mate and you’d do anything to protect her since she’d be the only person to accept you?” the slayer pointed out.

It was Kagome’s turn to stand slamming her hand against the table. “How dare you say such things about Inuyasha!!!” She knew her power was flaring but couldn’t help it; Inuyasha called her name but she ignored as she stepped around the table to finally face the woman head on. The monk stood and glanced nervously between his wife and her.

“Inuyasha is the kindest man I have ever met!!! He saved me and almost gave his life for me without even a second thought!! Just because he is a half-demon doesn’t make him any less worthy of love or care!!! Even if he was a full demon or human I would still love him!! But he’s perfect just the way he is! He has the strength and instincts of a demon and the loving heart of a human! Apologize to him this minute for saying he was only standing up for me because he only wants to be with someone even if they are tainted!!! You can talk about how poor and dirty and even low I am but you will not include or slander Inuyasha!!”

The room was eerily quiet. She finally noticed Sesshomaru and Rin were on the other side of the room by the door. It made her question why Sesshomaru kept pulling Rin away from reiki attacks. She was human--mated to a demon sure--but it shouldn’t hurt--

She finally turned her full gaze upon Rin and couldn’t stop the realization in her stare. Sesshmaru glared but Rin smiled softly and nodded. They obviously knew exactly what she was thinking; Rin was pregnant.

“Oh my gosh--Rin--I’m so--”

“It is alright, Lady Kagome. Lord Sesshomaru would never allow harm to come to me,” she replied, cutting Kagome’s apology short.

“However, refrain from showing that kind of display again. This is a castle full of demons,” Sesshomaru reasoned.

Inuyasha finally was at her side again and she grimaced seeing she also burned him, “Inu--”

“It’s fine. Come on; I’m not gonna let this bitch keep pushing your buttons when you were barely able to stand earlier,” he sighed as he took her arm and led her from the room.

“Lord Inuyasha--”Rin started before Sesshomaru stepped in front of her to stand before Inuyasha.

“I will speak with our guests. We will see you at dinner.”

“Thank you Sesshomaru,” Inuyasha said with a nod as he pulled Kagome along.

“Just a moment Lord Inuyasha!” The monk called after them. Inuyasha initially growled then realized he was alone. “Might I speak to your mate alone for just a moment? I promise I mean no harm. There is just something I’d like to ask her about regarding her spiritual powers.”

Kagome turned back to Inuyasha and nodded it would be ok. Inuyasha glared but sighed. He released her arm and walked down the end of the hall slowly so that she would know which way to get back to his room.

“What is it?” she said quietly hoping he didn’t over hear their conversation.

“Lady Kagome… you, I think you know what this is about. The reason I had been summoned was to see why you would not wake from your slumber due to your depleted aura.”

“A-ah...” she acknowledged and swallowed.

“Do you know what healing someone does to our power? To our bodies and souls?”

“Yes, Miroku. I am not a child. I went through all the training.”

“Then you know you are killing yourself healing a half-demon! Why-- he would have healed!!”

“You don’t know that!” She snapped back angrily. She wouldn’t reveal Inuyasha’s secret but she also was not going to listen to this monk’s outlandish claims.

“Lady Kagome--do you know how depleted your life force actually is?!? You have maybe a couple of weeks left! If you’re lucky!!”

“I know!!” She yelled. Then realized Inuyasha had turned their way and repeated softer, “I-I know…”

“Are you going to tell him?”

“I don’t think it’s really his business at the moment,” she replied back harshly.

“You realize when demons mate you end up sharing life-spans, correct? What happens if you completely deplete his??”

She gasped not realizing that could have been a possible outcome. Then it dawned on her--of course that would be the outcome. The jewel was cursed. It cursed her and everyone it came in contact with. She was so ignorant to think anything differently. That Inuyasha and her could have lived happily ever after in the shelter they had once shared… Of course… that would never happen. No matter where she went, no matter how far she traveled, she would never find an actual safe haven. She would only have shelter….

#inuyasha fanfiction #inuyasha au #shelter #inuyasha x kagome #inukag #inu x kag

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openheartchoices · 4 years

Text

Mistletoe Kisses (Ethan Ramsey x MC)

Mistletoe Kisses

Open Heart: Ethan Ramsey x f!MC (Olivia Summers)

Words: 2.9k

Warnings: none

Summary: It’s the very first annual Edenbrook Christmas party, and Olivia can’t help but spend her night filled with jealousy and mistletoe.

A/N: just a cheesy little mistletoe fic because I’m a sucker for them. lots of love and happy reading! <3

“A certain doctor is going to fall over in shock when he sees you,” Sienna said with a wink as her and Olivia walked up to the hotel.

It was the first annual Edenbrook Christmas party. When the hospital ran into some extra money, Olivia had suggested throwing a “fancy” Christmas party to relax from all the pressure the staff had been put under recently. However, she didn’t think her idea would actually be taken seriously, but now she was currently walking up the steps to the hotel where the party was being held at.

The entire hospital wouldn’t be at the party since there was always sick people that needed care, and a hospital couldn’t just shut down for the night, obviously, but Olivia knew that Ethan had the night off (she may or may not have asked Naveen and made him pinky promise to not tell Ethan she asked) and was hoping he’d show up.

Before entering, Olivia turned to Sienna. “Are you sure I look okay? I feel like I did too much.”

Sienna rolled her eyes. “You can never do too much. You look incredible! It’s just a party. Don’t let it freak you out.”

Olivia nodded to her best friend as they entered the luxurious hotel ballroom to see it lavishly decorated. Soft music played while everyone mingled, a glass of something in their hand whether it was champagne, scotch, eggnog, or some fancy drink that Olivia really didn’t recognize. She soon realized that she wasn’t overdressed at all once she saw a lady walk by her in a full ballgown.

“Edenbrook can really throw a party,” Sienna muttered, her shawl wrapped tightly around her, eyes wide as she glanced around the place.

“Yeah, you’re telling me. I don’t even know half of these people,” Olivia replied as she was equally just as starstruck.

Across the room, Ethan, who was chatting to a colleague he really didn’t like, looked around in boredom. He hated dressing up and coming to formal events like this. His eyes darted across the ballroom in hopes to find someone he could strike a conversation up with to get out of the awful one he was in.

And he did.

He swore he stopped breathing when his eyes landed on Olivia who stood near the entrance with Dr. Trinh. She wore a long, red dress that was tight from her chest to her abdomen and then was flared out to the floor from there with a modest slit up her right leg. The dress had lace sleeves down the arms, and Ethan didn’t care that his staring was probably very obvious.

Her blonde hair was delicately braided into a low, messy bun that sat on the right side of her neck, a few pieces of curled hair framed her face that was just as stunning. Ethan couldn’t tell much about her makeup from where he was standing, but he definitely noticed the red lipstick that coated the lips he had kissed many times.

Dr. Trinh must have said something funny because Olivia let into laughing. Ethan felt his heart stop when Olivia’s face lit up. Her nose scrunched up, her head went back, and her mouth morphed into the smile that always left him speechless.

“Excuse me,” Ethan said to the colleague who would not shut up about his achievements before he made his way over to Olivia, his eyes never leaving her.

“Did it work?” Olivia muttered under her breath.

Sienna grinned. “Don’t look to your left, but he’s on his way over right now. I’m going off to mingle. Have fun!”

“Sienna!” It was too late as Sienna had already disappeared into a crowd of people when Ethan finally stood in front her.

Olivia took a look up at him. He was wearing a simple, yet expensive, black tuxedo with a black bowtie and his hair was neatly styled. Even with as simple as he dressed, Olivia still felt her heart race.

She smiled at him, making a mental note to not embarrass herself or be awkward. “Enjoying yourself or are you just being moody as usual?”

He rolled his eyes, opting to ignoring her comment.. “You look… nice, Rookie.”

“Just nice?” Olivia joked, earning a laugh from Ethan.

“Sorry. You look stunning, Olivia.”

Her eyelashes fluttered at the compliment as her cheeks turned a crimson red that was noticeable even under all the makeup. “You look nice, too, Ethan.”

Ethan raised his eyebrows. “Just nice?”

It was Olivia’s turn to laugh this time. She was too busy laughing to notice the way Ethan was looking at her as if she was the only girl in the room.

“Okay, fine. You look very nice. I’d say handsome, but saying that word makes me feel as old as you.”

“I’m only thirty-seven, Olivia, not eighty-seven,” he dejectedly said. “So, what are-“

“If it isn’t Dr. Ethan Ramsey!” A voice from behind Olivia interrupted. “I haven’t seen you in what feels like ages!”

Olivia watched as a woman, whose face she couldn’t see, stood right in front of her, throwing her arms around Ethan’s neck. She furrowed her brow as she tried to figure out why this mysterious lady was hugging the man she was talking to before they were rudely interrupted.

As the woman turned around to face Olivia, she moved her arm to snake around Ethan’s waist while Olivia attempted to not glare at it. Ethan looked a little shocked, but he loosely put his hand on her waist just to look nice.

He cleared his throat, sensing the obvious tension. “Olivia, this is Dr. Katherine Greene. She’s the Department Head of Cardiology at Mass Kenmore, and we went to Johns Hopkins together. Katherine, this is Dr. Olivia Summers who is a junior fellow on my team.”

There was no denying that Katherine was extremely pretty. With her long, dark hair that was down to her waist, chocolate brown eyes, and perfect complexion, Olivia felt a little insecure. Katherine wore a long, silver dress with a low neckline that clashed perfectly with her tanned skin.

“Hello,” Katherine cooly said as Olivia forced a smile back in acknowledgement. “When Harper invited me, I was a little reluctant to accept considering the little rivalry we have with Edenbrook, but when I thought I’d get the chance to reconnect with Ethan,” she put her free hand on his arm, “I jumped to tell Harper that I would come.”

Olivia raised her eyebrows as she crossed her arms. “Glad you could make it.”

Katherine shot her a sickly sweet smile. “I am, too. It’s been so long since Ethan and I have seen each other. We haven’t been in touch since, what, our last date?”

Ethan dated her? As in a romantic relationship? Olivia couldn’t hide the look of genuine surprise on her face. Ethan sensed her surprise and was quick to say something. “I wouldn’t call that a date.”

Before Katherine could say anything else, Olivia had decided she was getting sick just looking at the intelligently graceful woman. Although she was extremely flirty and obviously was rubbing whatever relationship they’d had, platonic or romantic, in Olivia’s face, she still had a beautiful elegance about her. “I’m going to grab a drink.”

As she moved around Ethan, he gently grabbed her arm. “Wait, Olivia-“

“No, it’s fine. You two obviously have some catching up to do. I’ll see you later.” Olivia gave him the best smile she could, but the two of them knew it was fake. Ethan went to walk after her, but Katherine grabbed him again, forcing him into a flirtatious conversation he was not in the slightest bit interested in.

“Katherine, you know that wasn’t a date. We got lunch at the same place during the convention in New York, and you sat down at my table.”

Katherine laughed. “Lighten up, Ethan. That little girl is crushing on you and, by the way, it’s painfully obvious. Just letting her know that it won’t happen just so you won’t have to tell her.”

Ethan glared. “Olivia is anything except a little girl. She’s an exceptional doctor and, just like I told the governor, she’s the bright future of Edenbrook. She’s incredibly smart, mature, and can hold her own. I suggest for you to not make comments like that around me about members of my team, Dr. Greene. Especially Olivia Summers.”

—

“And she just put her arm around him. Openly flirting, Dr. Banerji!” Olivia exasperated. “I was standing right there!”

Naveen chuckled. “Sounds like Katherine. She’s always been like that.”

“You know her well?” Olivia asked, taking another sip of champagne.

She stood against the railing outside. The party was still going on inside, but Olivia needed a moment to herself. However, she didn’t decline Dr. Banerji’s company when he asked if he could join her. She liked him quite a bit and always enjoyed his company.

“I wouldn’t say I know her extremely well, but I do know her,” he said. “Ethan said she always tried to get him to go out with her when they were in school, but he was never interested. He finally decided to have dinner with her about two or three years ago, but he wasn’t feeling anything for her. She’s always liked him and always had that flirty attitude.”

“Do you think he’d… go out with her again?” Olivia asked as she fiddled with the lace sleeve of her dress, trying to not look Dr. Banerji in the eye.

Ethan was a grown man. He could date whoever he wanted, but Olivia hoped and wished that it wasn’t Katherine in her stupidly gorgeous silver gown and her long, goddess-looking hair. Deep down, she knew she wished it was her.

As unrealistic as it was considering how Ethan wanted to keep their relationship strictly professional, she did dream of a day when they could walk into a Christmas party hand-in-hand. When Ethan wouldn’t push her away, and when he wouldn’t remind her that their relationship wasn’t a good idea.

With a laugh, Naveen turned to face the younger doctor. “I’ve known Ethan for a long time. I consider him family. In all this time, I’ve never seen him look at someone the way he looks at you. You have nothing to worry about, Olivia. It’ll always be you. Even if he’s too stubborn to admit it.”

“Thank you, Dr. Banerji.” And she really did mean that.

The older man smiled kindly when he patted her shoulder as he walked by her on his way back inside after letting her know he had business to attend to. “It’s Naveen, Olivia.”

Olivia clutched her empty champagne glass after she took the last sip. The party had been in full swing for close to two hours now. She had spent more than half of the time hiding outside, a quarter of it looking for Sienna who was her ride home, and the other quarter hoping that she wouldn’t bump into Ethan and Katherine.

Her luck proved to not be in her favor when she felt a presence next to her. She didn’t even have to look to see who it was because she could smell the expensive cologne in the air that had been trapped on the pillow he slept on when he stayed at her apartment before he went to the Amazon.

“So this is where you’ve been hiding from me at.” Ethan turned to look at Olivia whose red lipstick had rubbed off on the empty glass she held. The moon illuminated her face, lighting it up in ways that made her look even more beautiful.

She turned to him, her perfectly styled hair starting to fall down even through all the hairspray Sienna sprayed on her. She laughed. “Guilty as charged.”

“I never dated Katherine,” Ethan told her. “It was one date, and I knew I wasn’t interested in her that way five minutes in. And the date she was talking about wasn’t even a date.”

“It’s okay. You don’t have to explain your love life to me. It’s not like we’re together or anything.” Olivia hoped she was hiding the sad tone to her voice, but felt like she let it slip. She felt like she let a lot of things slip around Ethan.

Ethan looked down and bit his lip. Olivia was right. They weren’t together, so why did he feel so extremely guilty? “We should head back inside. Lace sleeves aren’t made for December weather. I don’t want you getting cold.”

Olivia nodded, a chill coming over her as if the wind had been waiting for Ethan to say that. She sat the empty glass on a tray sitting on a table outside as she crossed her arms trying to get some warmth flowing through her body.

Ethan had discarded his tuxedo jacket on the hanger near the entrance or else he would’ve given it to Olivia who was obviously cold. His fingers lingered on her lower back as he guided her back inside, leaving Olivia’s heart to skip a beat.

“Was that there before?” Olivia asked, pointing up to the doorway.

Ethan followed her gaze to see a mistletoe hanging right above them. He frowned. That most definitely had not been there before when he came out to see her after Naveen had told him that Olivia was…

Realization hit Ethan like a truck as he let out a groan. “Naveen. It was Naveen.”

Olivia had to bite her lip to keep from laughing, but she failed to do so and burst out. She brought her hand up to her mouth to try and quiet herself, but she found the whole situation too hilarious. “Where did he get a mistletoe? And how did we not see him put it there behind our backs?”

“It’s Naveen, Olivia. He may be old, but he’s capable of more than you think.”

Now came the awkward part.

Olivia and Ethan refused to meet each others’ eyes. They really didn’t know how they were going to get out of this. Yes, they could just walk away, but they were both lingering for the same reason. There was no “walking away” and they both knew it.

“Well,” Olivia drawled. She cleared her throat. “It is a, uh, Christmas tradition.”

Ethan paused for a moment before regaining his composure. “Rookie, I don’t know-“

“Kiss on the cheek and we call it a night?” Olivia asked, looking straight into his eyes.

He thought about it for a moment. It was just a kiss on the cheek. That was all he was going to do. Pre-teens in middle school gave kisses on the cheeks. Surely he, at age thirty-seven, could kiss a girl on the cheek. In the back of his mind though, he knew it was because this wasn’t just some girl. It was Olivia.

Ethan grabbed the girl’s chin, moving her head to the side to gain access to her cheek. He leaned down and kissed her cheek slowly, letting his lips linger as Olivia slowly moved back to face him, Ethan’s hand still on her chin.

“Olivia-“

She put her index finger to his lips and stopped him before he could say anything else. Olivia trailed her finger to his shoulder where she gripped it with her hand. At last, she finally whispered, “Kiss me, Ethan.”

He was drawn to her and absolutely smitten to the blonde standing in front of him that he did exactly that. Ethan softly pressed their lips together in a sweet, yet passionate kiss that Olivia couldn’t help but smile in the middle of.

“What’re you smiling at?” He whispered, their faces still extremely close.

“Thinking about how Katherine wishes she was doing what I’m doing right now.” She let out a laugh that fanned across Ethan’s face, and he couldn’t help but laugh right along with her.

Once the laughter had stopped, Olivia wrapped both arms around his neck as his hands went around her waist. She laid her head on his shoulder, thankful they were having this private moment that no one else saw. The soft music playing from inside made everything even more like a daydream.

“Liv, you know that if things were different-“

“I know.”

The two relished in the moment because they knew that it was going to have to end soon. They had to go back to reality. For a moment, they could feel like a normal couple in love. They could pretend they had what they wanted. But only for a short amount of time.

But as Ethan held the girl in his arms that made him feel things he’d never felt in his entire life, he realized that he didn’t want this to just be a dream. He wanted this to be the real thing.

“We’ll talk, okay?” Ethan said after a moment of silence, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “We’ll figure something out.”

He felt her smile and nuzzle deeper into him, and, for the moment, he couldn’t help but smile, too. She had that effect on him. The one that made him feel dizzy and out of breath, but in a good way. Olivia was everything good wrapped up into an incredible person.

From inside the hotel, unbeknownst to Olivia and Ethan, Naveen and Sienna high-fived each other.

“You think it worked for sure?”

“Absolutely, Dr. Banerji. Nice work. I think we just pushed them in the right direction."

#ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #ethan ramsey fic #ethan ramsey x olivia summers #open heart #open heart 2 #choices #choices app #choices stories you play

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wordsablaze · 4 years

Text

3~ i can’t explain this

tell me your problems (i’ll chase them away) Internal scars can be difficult to deal with but Eskel vows to heal any that Jaskier is weighed down by if it’s the last thing he does…

A/N: this chapter is a peculiar embodiment of eskel going "i've only had jaskier for one day but if anything happened to him, i would kill everyone on the continent (especially geralt) and then myself. but i don't understand why."

@random-nerd-3 @betaray-jones @w-s-kibela @cloudspeck @in-love-with-writing002 <3

previous chapter

Jaskier starts walking before Eskel can ask him where he’s headed.

He’s confused, of course, but he pulls himself up onto Scorpion and follows, assuming that the bard wants to keep his distance for now.

And they fall into a steady silence broken only ever so often by Jaskier starting to hum something before seemingly changing his mind and lapsing back into the quiet.

Eskel doesn’t question it at first but when he hears Jaskier start and stop humming familiar tunes, not just something new he might be composing, he decides to intervene. “You can, um, hum if you want. Or sing, if you prefer… You don’t have to stay quiet.”

Jaskier stops walking.

He turns to look at Eskel with confusion in his eyes.

“Are you sure?” he asks eventually, his fingers twisting over one another as he waits for Eskel’s reply.

Once Eskel stops trying to figure out why Jaskier could be nervous , he nods. “Of course. You have a good voice.”

At that, Jaskier beams, his eyes shining suspiciously bright as he clears his throat and winks. “Oh fishmonger, oh fishmonger…”

Eskel splutters slightly as the song progresses but doesn’t complain, laughing as Jaskier keeps going, his voice becoming louder and brighter with every chorus he sings, the sweet scent of confidence getting stronger and stronger.

“So, darling, a review?” Jaskier asks breathlessly once he’s stopped singing.

Eskel starts, having been more focused on Jaskier’s voice as opposed to the actual lyrics. “I like your voice,” he mumbles.

Jaskier raises an eyebrow. “Well, that’s new.”

“It is? Don’t you have taverns full of people admiring your voice?” Eskel points out.

There’s a long moment of silence before Jaskier shakes his head. “Yes, I suppose I can, but people usually have something to say about the daughter’s hunger before they even think about giving their opinions on my voice,” he admits, somehow sounding both proud and mournful at the same time.

Eskel hums in response, not quite sure what he’s meant to say since he can’t tell if Jaskier is happy with his feedback or not.

But Jaskier doesn’t seem to mind, reaching for his lute before pausing. “Do you mind if I play?”

Strangely, it rather hurts to imagine that someone had made Jaskier think listening to him playing the lute would be annoying.

“As long it’s not more about this fishmonger,” Eskel ends up saying, hoping that he doesn’t offend his new favourite bard.

He doesn’t.

Jaskier grins at him as if he’d just showered him in coin and does some complicated manoeuvre in which he very impressively removes his lute from its case without taking the strap off his shoulder.

Eskel whistles. “Nice lute you have there.”

“She’s a beauty,” Jaskier agrees, “and I am, of course, ever grateful to Filavandrel.”

It’s as if he doesn’t even realise how casual he’s being about having been bestowed a gift by the leader of the elves. But Eskel chooses not to point that out because everyone knows that’s a story from Posoda and he doesn’t want Jaskier to run away again.

So he just says, “Prove it.”

Jaskier gasps in mock horror. “You dare question the beauty of my lute and the skills of my craft? I’ll show you proof!”

His proof involves singing practically non-stop for the next three hours.

Eskel has never heard so many metaphors in his life and although they all merge together in his head, he does appreciate the way they fill the silence - even Scorpion had sometimes changed her pace to match Jaskier’s music.

But when Jaskier stumbles over a chord and slows down, Eskel stops, jumping down from Scorpion. “Lunch break?”

Jaskier blinks, frowning. “A break? Why?”

“Because you’re tired?” Eskel replies, already leading Scorpion into the nearest clearing off the main path.

“I am?” Jaskier asks as he follows Eskel.

Eskel turns to him and nods slowly. “You’ve been playing for hours and I might not have a coin to toss at you but give me ten minutes and I’ll find us a rabbit.”

“What?”

Although he’d been about to leave to find said rabbit, he turns back to Jaskier as the scent of confusion increases to an almost unbearable amount. “What’s wrong?”

Jaskier’s fingers fiddle with the lute strings as he shakes his head. “You’re stopping… because I’m tired?”

Oh.

Eskel makes a mental note to punch Geralt twice when they meet again.

“No. We’re stopping because I don’t want you to collapse somewhere,” he corrects, leaving out the part where he feels bad for being atop a horse when he’s better built for walking.

Jaskier scoffs. “I have never been so undignified as to collapse anywhere! Well, okay, maybe a few times… But I’m really not that tired, we don’t have to-”

“Jaskier,” Eskel interrupts, “I want to. Okay?”

A small pause and soft smile later, Jaskier nods. “Okay.”

Eskel shakes his head, leaving the bard to go find them lunch, which takes him just a little over his prediction of ten minutes because he’s still busy thinking about how idiotic his brother seems to have been.

He doesn’t expect to find Jaskier kindling a small fire by the time he gets back.

“Oh,” escapes him before he can stop it.

Unfortunately, Jaskier hadn’t seen or heard him coming and jumps so sharply he wobbles where he’s perched and almost falls right into the flames. “Sweet Meletite-”

“I’m sorry!” Eskel exclaims, dropping the rabbit as he steadies Jaskier and nudges him away from the possibility of getting burned.

Jaskier exhales slowly. “It’s fine, I just- You scared me, that’s all. I forgot how quiet witchers can be.”

“I’ll step on a twig next time,” Eskel promises, not even sure if he’s being serious or not.

Either way, it’s a downright relief when Jaskier laughs.

And it’s not long before they’re done with cooking and eating, both of them falling back into a comfortable silence as the time passes and their stomachs are filled, Eskel then putting out the fire.

“Do you still want to walk?” he asks as Jaskier picks up his lute case.

Jaskier chuckles as if he’s said something stupid. “What other option do I have, darling? It’s not like I’m about to grow wings, is it?”

And abruptly, Eskel realises he needs to punch Geralt thrice.

With a small sigh, he gestures to Scorpion. “You could ride with me?”

Jaskier blinks.

He glances between Eskel and Scorpion with an oddly intense frown before opening his mouth only to close it again, his fingers starting to fidget again.

“She’s a strong horse and she’s more than capable of carrying two riders,” he adds before letting Jaskier take as long as he needs to consider the offer, which ends up being a very, very long two and a half minutes.

“I’d like that,” Jaskier admits eventually, a hesitant smile on his face.

“As would I,” Eskel says a little too quickly for his own liking; he’s known the bard for less than a full day and he’s already bordering on admitting he has what humans like to call feelings.

“Can I strap my lute next to your bags?” Jaskier asks, pulling Eskel out of his musings.

He nods quickly. “Yes, of course. Wouldn’t be very practical to have you holding onto it.”

“Oh, you are such a darling,” Jaskier declares as the two of them mount Scorpion, Eskel in front.

He doesn’t know how to reply to that so he just starts moving, slightly surprised when he doesn’t feel Jaskier’s arms around him - it hadn’t seemed likely that Jaskier would be good at holding himself upright if he’d never ridden Roach.

But Jaskier holds on just fine, staying quiet and all but invisible until the road forks into two.

“Go left,” Jaskier blurts before Eskel can even think about choosing.

“Why?”

He feels Jaskier shift awkwardly. “I mean, you can go right if you have a contract that way but you’ll have to drop me off here because I cannot go that away.”

“What?”

Eskel is dimly aware that monosyllabic questions are not the best form of conversation but Jaskier just shrugs, seemingly unbothered by his lack of eloquence.

“I might have made a few enemies there? Just a few, mind you, most of them loved my performances. But it just so happens that the few who didn’t like it have very sharp swords that I really don’t want to meet again…”

Eskel laughs.

He can’t help it.

He’s still laughing as he guides Scorpion to take the path on the left and he’s still laughing when Jaskier pointedly nudges him. “Exactly what are you finding so amusing?”

“You’re quite the mystery, bardling,” he chuckles.

Jaskier just hums in acknowledgement, but that seems to give him some kind of idea and he then starts humming tunes that Eskel can feel just as well as he can hear, even if he doesn’t recognise them in the slightest.

As they continue travelling, Eskel wonders how Jaskier’s lungs and vocal chords can possibly function so well for such long periods of time.

“Bardling?”

Eskel is most definitely not startled by Jaskier finally talking rather than humming. He coughs to cover up his surprise and shrugs, knowing the bard can see him do so. “I just…”

“I’ll have you know that I am one of the most esteemed bards in the continent and most definitely not new to my profession.”

A little intimidated by the serious edge to Jaskier’s voice, Eskel doesn’t offer up a reply, hoping once again that he hasn’t seriously insulted his favourite bard. He hadn’t even paid the term much attention if he’s honest, it’d just slipped out.

“But if this is one of those witcher things where you mean to express affection without wanting to admit you’re capable of it, well, I can appreciate that,” he continues, switching between threatening and compassionate as easily as Eskel switches between steel and silver.

“Witchers don’t feel,” Eskel offers.

Jaskier scoffs. “Says the witcher who just used a term of endearment.”

“I did what?” Eskel asks, seriously regretting the life choices that led him here.

“Well, maybe not quite, but it was close enough…” Jaskier trails off and without warning, the air around them is tainted with worry.

Eskel shakes his head, trying to physically clear it away. “I know you’re a professional,” he says slowly, wishing he knew how to convey that he doesn’t want Jaskier to be sad or worried.

Somehow, that seems to work and the tension around Jaskier dissolves as he laughs, curling his arms around Eskel and squeezing ever so gently. “Thank you, Eskel.”

He doesn’t understand how Jaskier’s touch can be so warm when witchers are biologically warmer than most species but he isn’t going to complain. After all, it means Jaskier isn’t afraid of him and that’s a marvel in itself.

“You’re welcome, bardling.”

i’m having fun with these two !! ik it’s a little chaotic but i hope it was enjoyable reagrdless <3

thanks for reading! masterlist | witcher blog: @itsjaskier | next chapter

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writemoment · 4 years

Text

A Pick Me Up Pt.3 {Ending}

Writer: Ellie-Mae (Pen Name)

Part: 3/3

Previous Parts: 1 - 2

Summary: {Request @incorrect-artist} “I was wondering if you could do (maybe a series) about the reader moving to a new town and almost getting mugged but newt saves her and becomes her bodyguard but falls for her or something like that.”

Pairing: TMR Newt x Fem!Reader

Warnings/Rated: Nothing but fluff

Word Count: 2.8k

( Reader ) P.O.V.

“No.”

“Yes-”

“No!” I laugh as Thomas gives me a pitiful look. Finally giving in, I hand over the last slice of pizza with a roll of my eyes. He looks as if I’ve handed him the world on a silver platter.

Newt walks in from the kitchen, glancing between us with a smirk playing on his lips. “I told you she likes me!” Thomas says with cheek before chomping a crescent into his slice.

“She’s inclined to be nice to you, Tommy. I wouldn’t get too excited- Y/n is awfully cunning.” He teases me with a playful wink and I wrinkle my nose in faux disgust.

Thomas shrugs and continues to eat. It’s been almost two weeks since our “dinner date”. Newt and I have gotten a lot closer- as well as me and Thomas. It’s been refreshing to have the chance to redeem myself from my first encounter with Thomas. He was completely understanding. But I didn’t start feeling better until we started hanging out.

Newt sits beside us and he’s smiling at me- a real smile. I admire the way his lips pull up to reveal his teeth. The freckles on his nose run into each other as they fight to accommodate for the bright expression. It swells my chest and brings an involuntary heat to my skin.

He reaches over to scoop my hand into his. This is new. All of it but especially the affection. I told Newt this and he let me set the pace of whatever’s between us. Even so, the action itself is comforting and I tighten my fingers in a light squeeze to acknowledge it.

I look over to Thomas and he’s watching us with a smirk on his face, some pizza sauce having left a residue on his lips. “What?” I ask, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear with my other hand.

He shakes his head, “Nothing. Don’t mind me.” The wink is an obvious sign of his teasing and a shiver runs through me. My eyes roll in his direction but I continue to lean into Newt. I know that Thomas doesn’t mind, so why bother hiding?

Thomas stands abruptly, excusing himself as he waltzes away. My eyes travel back to Newt. He lifts our intertwined hands, giving it a pointed look before asking, “Is this alright?” I smile softly and offer a reassuring nod.

His thumb skims back and forth over my knuckles and I stare, transfixed, at the motion. These knuckles- the very same that were once bruised and bloodied. I continue to think about the timeline of events as we sit there in peaceful quiet.

“What’s going on in that head of yours?”

I snort, “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Very much,” He counters, relaxing into the cushions. “I want to know everything about you.”

When I look up, I study the sincerity in his beautiful eyes. My gaze trickles over to his blonde lashes. I admire the way they flutter ever-so gently against his cheeks as he looks at me doe-eyed. “So much has changed since I met you that night in the city.”

He continues to give his comforting touch but he’s focused on my mouth- the words falling from my lips. “When I came to Glade, I was looking for a way out. A way to be something greater than I was back home. It was terrifying to think that I would never amount to some remarkable thing.

“Then I was bobbing my way through this new life and I was struggling to keep afloat. I didn’t want anyone to know how terrified I was. And then you showed up.” I smile as I remember the relief I felt at the sight of him and how I continue to feel that when I see him. “I didn’t know it then, but somehow you felt important. I didn’t realize how much you’d come to mean to me. And It's like whenever I am getting tossed about, you’re there. You’re my pick me up.”

Newt’s quiet as he digests everything I said, as if committing this moment to memory. I watch his face change and he leans into me a fraction more. I lick my lips, my heart beating against my chest. He stops halfway to me, then whispers, “Can I kiss you?”

I breathe, “Yes.”

His lips brush against mine, our breaths intermingling.

He tests the waters, pulling the soft warmth away just as fast they were there. He watches me, making sure I am okay. I lean into him this time, pressing my skin against his. And in that instant, I couldn't imagine anything more remarkable than this feeling. It's thrumming through my veins and I relish the soft grip of his hand against my cheek.

When I pull back, he doesn’t argue. He watches me with half-lidded eyes and I rake my fingers through his fringe. It’s so soft and golden between my fingers and I admire how he looks breathless.

We watch each other for a moment. Right now, this moment, everything feels right. It's as if these scattered pieces have momentarily fallen into place. Newt opens his mouth, a curve to his lips, “You were completely unexpected. Something I never could have seen coming.”

He chuckles at the thought, “You were quite literally a smack to the face. But I want you to know that you aren’t alone. I felt, to use your metaphor, like I was floating but in stagnant water. Stuck, almost. And now....” He brings my hand up to his lips, pressing a chaste kiss there, “you’ve caused a ripple.”

Newt’s words strike a chord inside me and my chest tightens. I notice a sting of wetness behind my eyes and I want to tell him how much this, how much he means to me.

But the moment is shattered by Thomas clutching his chest dramatically. “I never knew you were so poetic, man.”

As much as I love the warm cocoon that we had built on the couch, I howl in laughter. Newt starts throwing random objects at Thomas but he just chuckles. “You dumb shank!” Newt hollers right after he runs out of items within reaching proximity.

Even though Newt seems irritated, his eyes gleam with laughter. Thomas holds his aching side as he calms his breathing down. A few giggles bubble forth from my throat despite my best efforts. Newt watches me with a grin and the softest expression washes over the rest of his features.

“As much as I love this, I have to get going before my boss calls wondering where I am.” I announce, peeling myself reluctantly from the couch. My hands run over Thomas’s dark hair, dislodging the strands in a tangle of messes as a goodbye. I sneak another soft, chaste kiss on Newt’s lips on the way out.

“What? No kiss for moi?” Thomas teases. Newt whacks him on the back of the head before tacking on an ‘I’ll call you later’ at the end. Looking at them one more time before leaving, I find my heart swelling at the sight of these two. Who knew they would be so important to my life.

****

There’s a knock on my front door and I make haste to open it up for Newt. Movie night is at my place this time because we wanted more privacy. The commentary from Tommy will not be missed tonight.

Newt, despite us hanging out more and more, looks nervous and shy as he stands at the threshold. His hair is disheveled and his worn, brown leather jacket is baggy on his lanky figure.

I make a casual gesture, ushering him inside with a coy smile. There’s a slight fluttering inside my stomach. Newt has only been inside my home twice, surprisingly. It feels intimate.

His gaze sweeps across the space, taking it in with brand new eyes. To calm myself, I step back into the kitchen to prepare snacks for our date. My ears are filled with the distracting sound of crumpling chip bags and popping kernels. I jump when Newt winds his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder.

“Okay?”

“Mhm,” I nod, relaxing a bit into his touch.

He exhales and I can hear the smile, “You’re a bit jumpy. Anything I can do to help, love?” His breath tickles my skin, causing me to erupt into a plethora of goosebumps.

“Not really,” There’s a slight catch in my voice that I’m quick to correct, “Make yourself at home.” I grasp his wrist at my waist and give it a light squeeze for emphasis. Newt responds with a chaste kiss to the back of my head before releasing me from his warmth.

With his touch no longer lingering, I take a few calming breaths. It’s odd how flustered I get around Newt. He uncovers all these varying reactions from me that I am not accustomed to. It both invigorates and baffles me.

As I’m bringing an overflowing arm-full of snacks back to the couch, I find Newt standing and staring at my wall. I dump the food onto the coffee table before calling his name softly.

His eyebrows are furrowed and he’s wearing his signature frown, “Why are all your frames empty?” Newt’s looking at me now, something curiously sad swimming in his eyes.

But he’s right.

There isn’t a single frame hung up on my wall that is occupied by a photo or a memory. They’re all bare. A colorful array of empty borders nailed upon my wall. “I just,” I walk toward him while clearing my throat, “I don’t have any memories worth hanging up- yet.”

I release an uneasy smile. Newt looks perplexed. “We’re going to make memories. I promise. You will fill these frames and have an abundance of overflow, too. You’re going to live and it’s going to be beautiful.”

The way Newt says it, as if it’s written in the stars... He gives me strength to believe in my own capabilities. He gives me courage and it means the world to me. My body moves on it’s own accord and I crash myself against his in an embrace.

I hold him to me, feeling flesh and warmth exude life beneath my fingertips. It’s somehow enough on it’s own. There’s no room for empty promises in his beating heart and I badly want it to be true. “I hope so.”

****

Brenda clutches her side as she rolls on the floor. My laugh bellows, overpowering the joining laughter. Minho and Thomas decided that it was their turn to cook for our little friend group and, not so surprisingly, burned the simplest of dishes.

Brenda holds up what was supposed to be grilled chicken but it more resembles a chunk of coal. Minho had tried to make a side salad for us but bought cabbage instead of lettuce. The poor guys tried their best before settling on just ordering takeout.

“Wait! Hold on,” I call as I wipe a tear from my eye. “Can I take a picture of you guys with your meal?” Thankfully they’re good sports and even pose with their uneatable food.

Thomas takes a very loud crunch out of his chicken and winces. “You know, once you get past the charcoal, you can really taste the Hawaiian seasoning.” This causes Brenda and Teresa to throw themselves into another fit of laughter.

I throw a look at Newt and he’s laughing just as loudly. I love seeing him so relaxed and full of joy. It’s the purest form of my boyfriend. He catches me staring and winks at me. My face flushes and I have to look away to quell the continual butterflies he gives me.

****

It’s a snowy day in Glade and we’re all acting like children. Teresa is building a snowman as Thomas, Minho and Newt are in an all-out snowball war. Brenda and I settle for laying in the fluffy snow, making snow angles as we fight against the cold seeping in.

“There was never snow this pure back home,” I comment.

Brenda hums, “You seem so different here. In a good way- don’t worry. Back then, you just seemed so unsure of yourself. We all were trying to figure out what to do with ourselves but it was as if you didn’t know who ‘yourself’ was.”

I turn my head towards her, listening. “Back home, everything seemed so polluted. You were so uncomfortable. But now- I’ve never seen you so happy. You’re as pure as the snow.”

Laughing, I roll over to hug her. “Thank you. I really couldn’t be where I am today without you, Brenda.” We sit up together, smiling.

That’s when a snowball hits the side of my neck, scattering in chunks all over the two of us. I search the location and find my boyfriend looking innocent. Too innocent. “Oh, you’ve started it now!”

His face breaks out into mischievous excitement and I holler for Teresa to join our team. Three versus three. We each claim an opponent as we zero in on them. Newt’s mine.

I chase him down in a glorious hail of snow and ice. He’s being pelted with no delay. I see him scuffle to his feet as I’m readying my next blow but he tackles me to the ground. I groan in between my laughter, his warm breath fanning my face.

“You’re a bit of a maniac, you know that?” He says breathlessly. The reddening of his cheeks and nose make his freckles stand out. There’s little droplets of snow layering his eyelashes and he looks beautiful.

I shrug the best I can underneath his weight. “Takes one to know one.”

He laughs, his eyes never leaving me. “You’re so beautiful, Y/n.” He leans down, capturing my lips between his. Suddenly my body is very warm against the cold. My chest tightens at this feeling coursing through me and when he pulls back, he puts that feeling into words.

“I love you.”

My heart is racing as I realize... “I love you, Newt.” We both grin likes fools as we shower each other in mutual love. His cold fingertips are biting against my nape as he holds me but I don’t mind.

We realize we’re still in the middle of the park with our friends in a frenzy of snowballs. He sits up and gathers snow in his palm before chucking it straight at an unknowing Minho. “What was that for, shank? Friendly fire!”

“I was converted!” Newt calls, looking down at me playfully. His lips peck mine again before pulling me up to run with him.

****

The fabric is itchy against my cheeks. I clutch tightly onto Newt’s hand and walk blindly into my own apartment. Yet I remain silent. Newt has me and if the past year has taught me anything, it’s that I trust him with my whole heart.

“Okay, are you ready?” I nod at him, excitement building up with amusement. He unfastens my blindfold to reveal his gift to me.

All the frames on my wall have been filled.

There’s pictures of us on dates. Pictures of Brenda and I at parties or hanging out at home. There’s one of the day Minho and Thomas burnt everything. Even one from the day Newt told me he loved me.

My eyes scan each one, swimming in my own memories as the pictures return them to me. Like when we went to the circus and Thomas was convinced he was destined to be a traveling carny. The picture is of him wearing a big, red nose that Pokey the clown let him borrow.

There’s tears in my eyes and laughter on my tongue. I turn and immediately run into Newt’s extended arms. “It’s amazing, Newt! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“I promised you that you’d live and make memories. Thank you for letting me be a part of that life.” He says into my hair.

Tears brim my eyes and I can’t help them from falling. “I love you so much, Newt. You guys are my life. My family.” And it’s true. In this past year I’ve been through so much with this group of people. It just so happens that they’re my chosen family. That means everything to me.

Newt pulls back to look at me. I watch him scan every feature on my face, looking- really looking. Having him see me this way, with all my internal walls scattered at my feet, fills me with a brand new understanding.

It’s not about where you’ve been or what you’ve gone through. It’s about who you choose to be and how you decide to live your life that matters. The things in which we can’t control is all debris. It’s about what you build with what’s left. The things you do have control over.

So as Newt watches me with soft eyes and a ghost of a smile lingering, I know that I will be okay. And when I wake up the next morning, tucked into Newt’s side on the couch, I know for certain that this is home.

****

Masterlist Here

A/N: Thank you for reading! I’m sorry it took so long to get this story out! Life is chaotic but I hope you guys continue to persevere! I have some cool stories in the making but they’ll be posted in my own time. Thank you for the patience and support! xx

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kickingitwithkirk · 4 years

Text

Happy Coincidence Chance Discovery

Pairing: Sam Winchester x Piper, Jared Padalecki x Piper,

Characters: Dean Winchester /Jensen Ackles, mentions of Chad Michael Murray

Word Count:4367

Warnings: cursing, kissing, nudity, implied sex/genital fondling/teasing

*Jared and Jensen are single.

A/N: for @idreamofplaid Thanks for the Memories Challenge #plaid and the memories HAPPY BIRTHDAY JARED🎉

Prompt: Season 11, episode 4, Baby

A/N: Baby is my favorite episode but every time I’ve watched it I kept wondering; Sam’s hook up with Piper the waitress? So this is my fill in that blank with a Jared twist.

Divider: created by @writeyourmindaway

*No beta all mistakes are mine

Dean drives into the parking lot of a roadhouse just after dusk and Sam looks at the marquee shaking his head in disbelief.

“Are you serious? Dean, it's late, I’m exhausted and..and.. and starving. And this place. I mean, even Swayze wouldn't come to this roadhouse.” Sam groused.

“First of all, never use Swayze’s name in vain, okay. Ever.” Dean chastises his brother for such a sacrilege, “Second, you don't remember this place? You don't remember Heather, the hunter we worked the wendigo case a couple years ago?”

“Oh, yeah,” Sam partially smiles, remembering that night of fun.

“Yeah, exactly” Dean taking the same trip down memory lane.

“What, she’s here tonight?” Sam asks, perking up a bit.

“I texted her, she's working a rugaru case in Texas.” Dean says.

“Actually, she never texted me back. That's not the point, the point is that we have a ton of driving left to do just to go to a town where it's not probably a case.” Dean points ahead, “But in there, good times.”

“Uh...” Sam hedges looking at the building.

“But time heals all wounds, especially good times. What do ya say?” Dean looks at his brother hopeful.

“I say... knock yourself out.” Sam answers with his usual reply and Dean looks away, “I'm gonna find a diner and dig into the lore like Cas did, see if anythings ever happened where we’re headed.”

“Ah man, you really got to learn to have fun.” Dean’s reply was full of disappointment in his little brother.

“Seriously. It’s pathetic.”

They both climb out of the Impala. Sam grabs his bag from the backseat and starts walking back towards town as Dean heads into the roadhouse.

***

Sam had walked over a mile looking for somewhere to eat. Being Saturday night he thought there’d be more open but that’s small town living, the streets roll up at noon on the weekends.

He was about to give up and hike back to that mom & pop gas station he passed for a microwave burrito, preferably bean to get back at Dean, when he happened upon a small, local place, Mak’s Diner.

Hitching his bag up, he pushed open the door expecting the usual greasy spoon Dean's unerring sense navigates towards and stops just inside the front door.

It was an older establishment, obviously one of those passed down from generation to generation places but to his surprise it was well maintained, despite the C on the marquee being burnt out.

“Evening, have a seat anywhere and I’ll be right with you.” A woman’s voice called out from the kitchen. Sam walked past the counter smiling at only other occupants, an elderly couple having coffee and dessert, heading towards the back where family seating was located.

As he passed the next to last booth he noticed a closed laptop, several open books with notes scrawled around their margins, highlighted paragraphs and a few notebooks scattered on its tabletop.

He dropped the bag on the seat and shed his jacket before sliding into the booth, fishing out his laptop and the legal pad that he had started making more notes on earlier.

“Hey there, what can I get you?”

Picking up the menu laying by his elbow Sam glances through it, “Coffee and the Cobb salad, thanks.” He orders closing the menu and looking up to hand it to the waitress. She is differently not what he would have expected to find in a backwater burg like this one.

Her makeup is understated, nails painted a neutral color and her copper hued hair is pulled back in an elegant chiffon, not a high ponytail or hastily bobby pinned up-do, held in place with a real silver clip, the type that’s handed down as an heirloom.

“Just the Cobb salad?” She asked looking under the tabletop, taking in Sam’s long legs somewhat stretched out under it, boots bumping against the other side of the circular booth. Her blue/grey eyes slowly travel up appraising his body till they meet his.

“Big boys like you need more than a few leafy greens for stamina.”

Sam felt himself blushing like he was seventeen again. Waitresses blatantly flirt with Dean and vice versa all the time so he’s taken aback by this woman's more than blatant appraisal of his physique.

“I, um, yeah, ju..just the salad.” Sam stammers out.

“Okay, be back with that coffee.” Her smiles genuinely, not that faked for the customers sake one he’s used to.

Sam appraises her retreating figure like she did him. She’s not wearing the nurses white or black rubber soled shoes that’s usual waitress gear he’s seen but a brand of tennis shoes he knows are out of the typical income of career restaurant staff.

The fifties style, yellow uniforms color is completely unflattering, not fitting her right, way too tight around her bust and hips and far shorter than it should be, her mile long legs on display.

Sam shifts in his seat and tries to discreetly palm down his spontaneous erection but not so little Sam is putting up a fight, making it known it's been way too long since he’s gotten wet and he wants to enjoy her junoesque attributes.

***

While he is waiting for a page to load Sam hears the elderly couple preparing to leave. He watches as the husband helps his wife into her jacket and gently takes her hand, resting it in the crook of his arm as they slowly make their way to the exit, feeling the pang of loneliness that’s his constant companion.

“Mr. Reynolds’s, hang on a sec,” the waitress calls from the kitchen emerging with a white cake box tied shut, “Auntie wanted me to make sure you got this before leaving. She’s sorry she missed your anniversary party.”

“You tell her we missed her, needs to hurry up and get well.” Mrs. Reynolds remarked as her husband took the box with his free hand. She glanced back towards Sam, “Sweetie, you gonna be okay here with the likes of him?”

Sam kept his expression neutral, waiting to see how this plays out. He knew people found him intimidating because of his size and being a stranger in a small town, he definitely stands out but not many were that blatant about it.

“He ordered a Cobb salad, I think I can handle him,” she jested winking at him.

The couple bid her goodnight and she went back into the kitchen, Sam realizing they were now all alone. Sighing, he starts reading the info again trying to figure out what exactly their hunting is. Or not.

He was so focused on his research like usual he didn’t acknowledge the waitress standing there with his order.

“Kmm hmm,” Sam’s head snapped up, “must be something really good if you don’t notice the likes of me.” She chided him setting down a coffee decanter and cup.

“Sorry, guess I was kinda caught up.” Sam moves the laptop and notepad over as she sets down his salad and two types of dressing. “Figured you might not be a ranch type of guy so I grabbed the vinaigrette too.”

“Thanks, I prefer vinaigrette, don’t usually get offered it.”

“I’m pretty good at reading people which is why I also brought you this,” she set down another plate with a lettuce wrapped, curiously colored and, by the smell, not meat burger with all the fixings, a generous helping of baked sweet potato fries and a green colored milkshake.

“I didn’t order this.”

“I know but it cooks night off and I’m trying some new recipes. Seeing as you're the only other one here, you've been conscripted as my guinea pig.” She slid into the other side of his booth where an identical plate rested, “I wasn’t kidding about you needing more than just a salad. Besides, I hate eating alone, you wouldn’t believe how often it happens. Fuck, where’s my manners, I’m Piper.” She stuck her hand out across the table.

He takes her preferred hand amazed how it fits perfectly in his, “Sam.”

“So Sam, figure out what you're hunting yet?” She asked nonchalantly as she picked up her burger, “Cause, not being judgey, but that’s some really random shit you got there.” She takes a bite, watches as his expression bounces between startled and incredulous.

“How…”

“Saw your Tarsus 99 when you took off your jacket. I had one as a kid, then daddy got killed on a hunt and I got sent here to live with Auntie, she doesn’t cotton to hunting.”

Piper picked up a fry pointing it at him, “But what I really wanna know, where the hell did you get that demon blade, ‘cause I’ve never seen one like it before.”

Sam hesitates, “That’s a long story.”

“Don’t close till one and I’ve got nowhere to be after.”

Sam decides to deflect instead of answering. “So what is it you do, because you're definitely not a waitress.”

“Officially, I’m an antique appraiser. Unofficially, I’m helping a wayward hunter who graced my door with something he can’t figure out.”

***

Sam and Piper, after closing the diner, stayed another three hours hashing out the research for his case were now taking their time walking back towards the roadhouse.

“I’ve been wanting to ask, what’s with that name tag?” Sam noticed early it read Maggie.

“Came with this god awful uniform. Auntie insists that we all adhere to how her daddy ran the place. So when I came back to temporarily help out after her surgery, Maggie decided she was not gonna take orders from someone younger, quit and I got stuck with this. I told Auntie it wouldn’t fit, even with letting out the hem. Maggie was like five-four and I’m over five-ten!

Ugh! I keep popping these stupid top buttons and can’t freaking bend over without showing everyone my C U Next Tuesday.”

Sam smiled that nervous smile he got when unsure how to respond to an answer he wasn’t expecting.

“I normally wear this to cover it,” moving her pocketed hands in the light weight, knee length sweater she had put on when they left the diner, “but I have to confess,” Piper turned around, walking backwards, “I took it off when I saw you come in, thought what the hell, been long time since a really cute guy has walk through my door so...” She bit her lip, turning back around as they continued down the lane in companionable silence.

Sam mused over her confession admitting to himself he was interested in her too. He enjoyed sharing different theories and bouncing ideas of what they might be hunting back and forth with her, surprising him with her unique take on things.

Piper might not have been the type he consciously steered towards since Jess but she was comfortable to be around, didn’t feel his usual awkwardness he normally had around most women.

They arrived at the roadhouse a few minutes later and Sam led her towards the Impala.

“Damn, you brother is a fucking artist, how many times has he rebuilt her?” Piper asked walking around the car, running her hand over the Impalas pristine exterior.

“To many.” Sam replies, putting his bag on the front seat. “Can I have a look?” He turns to see Piper standing by the trunk. “Um, sure.” Strolling over he unlocks it and lifts the interior wheel well exposing the car's hidden armory.

“Is that a grenade launcher?”

“Yeah, Dean found it at the bunker.” Sam laughed remembering how excited Dean had been when he discovered it.

Piper shook her head shutting the trunk and hopped up on it, “What’cha wanna do now, go in,” gesturing at the bar, “or hang out here for a while longer?”

“I think I’m good hanging o...”

Piper grabbed his jacket dragging him between her spread legs and kissed him.

It took Sam all of five seconds to process what was happening before his hands grabbed her hips and tugged her to the edge of the trunk, her short skirt riding even higher as she wrapped her legs around him, pulling him closer.

Sam jerked back as headlights flashing over them, a patrol car drove into the parking lot. He lifted Piper off the trunk and led her to the car's back door dragging the green cooler out of their way.

Piper climbed in as he hauled it to the trunk and grabs the army blanket Dean keeps then gets in depositing it and his jacket over the front seat.

“Where were we before being rudely interrupted?” Piper asked, sliding onto Sam’s lap and leaning in to resume kissing him.

Sam tangled his long fingers into her now loose hair pulling to halt her, “What about that patrolman?”

“Won’t be back till closing, around six A.M.”

“That means Dean won’t either,” he says closing the space between them, heatedly attacking her lips.

***

Piper ran her hand over his bare chest, “How long is your refractory period?”

Sam shifted to look down at her, “umm, around twenty minutes.”

“Hmmm, I’m gonna have to see what I can do to shorten that ‘cause we are so doing that more than once again.”

“And how are you gonna do that?”

Piper stared at him slowly trailing her hand down his torso. Sam’s breath hitched as she lightly teased her fingers across his lower stomach, running through his treasure trail and over to his hip.

Shifting further down his body she continued running her fingers over the top of his left thigh feeling the hard muscles flexing under the skin. She placed both of her hands in between his legs shifting his left one off the seat and bending his right leg back placing his foot flat on the bench seat.

Piper kneels in the space between Sam’s spread legs continuously moving her fingers in random patterns over the insides of both tights, touching him everywhere below his waist.

Sam closed his eyes groaning loudly, dropping his head back against the window as her fingers played over his balls feeling her other hand travel behind them teasing over his...

“You fell asleep in the fucking car!”

His eyes snapped open startled. Blinking rapidly he sees Dean leaning through the open car window looking at him.

“Dean what...where’s Piper?”

“What’s a Piper?” He growled out, “Dude, we wrapped twenty minutes ago and I’ve been looking for you, got worried cause you weren’t answering your fucking phone Jay!”

He took a good look at Dean. His foggy brain finally realizing its mistake, taking in the headset hanging around his neck and the ball cap he likes wearing when directing. “Jen, sorry, guess I’m still in Sam headspace, got disoriented for a sec.”

Jensen laughed, “You find one grey hair and suddenly you're getting memory loss and needing naps? I’ll have to remember to have you in bed by nine, old man.”

“Your fucking hilarious Jack.” Jared shoots back sliding across the seat getting out, “Man, I had the weirdest dream.”

“From the happy noises you were making that was far from weird. And speaking of happy,” Jensen's eyebrows went up as he pointedly looked down.

Jared glances down thinking he’s drooled all over himself only to see the prominent bulge in his jeans.

“Bob’s called a meeting in five but I think we’re gonna be late.”

***

“I’m telling you it was so real! She was tall with coppery blond hair, tasted like chocolate peppermint and has this tattoo above her...” Jared paused grinning, keeping that specific location to himself, “I’ve never in my life had such a vivid dream like that.”

“Dude, you like petite brunettes.”

“I know..so why would I make her a redhead?”

“Hell if I know, it’s your giant melon. Maybe all that sugar ribbon you eat is finally getting its revenge.” Jensen snarks as they enter the meeting room.

They were greeted by Bob’s gruff voice, “About time you two showed up. Alright, now that everyone is finally here, we need to get everyone up to speed. We’re having to make changes to the filming schedule.” He pauses looking at him notes, “Jared, don’t need you to come tomorrow for those new promo shots with, what was that new character again?”

“Y/N Y/L/N, Sam’s new love interest.”

“Right, anyways, writers scraped that idea. As some of you heard, several of our exterior locations got flooded with that last storm and it’s taking time to find new locations so instead of doing blocking we're gonna do a quick read through of the new episode.”

Jared opened his copy of the new script to episode 4: Baby.

Reading the opening scene he experiences deja vu, quickly scanning the first two pages: bunkers garage: Dean washing the Impala, Sam having a possible case in Oregon. Next scene: interior shot Impala, Sam gets a protein shake out of cooler, Dean wants to know about the beer. Next scene: pulling in roadhouse parking lot, Dean trying to get Sam to join him, goes to eat instead, shot from Impala view watching Dean walking. Next scene: daybreak continuing from the view of the car...

“Fuck me.” Jared whispers, catching Jensen's attention. “What’s wrong?”

“This is how my dream started.”

Jensen pulls a yeah right face.

Jared shifted in his chair leaning closer to Jensen, looking directly into his green eyes, “I’ll prove it. Next scene: Dean gets in the car at daybreak and a naked waitress pops up in the backseat with a voice-over from Sam. Dean gets out peeping in the driver's side back window at her getting dressed. Cut to next scene: Sam climbs into front seat buttoning his flannel as he apologizes for having sex in Dean’s car. Dean, happy his brother finally got laid drives off quoting Bob Sager lyrics, playing Night Moves and Sam changing a lyric.

Jared continued to lay out the entire episode from memory as Jensen flips through the script following.

“Bullshit Jared, someone snuck you a copy of this script, you're totally fucking with me.”

“Jensen, not this time.”

***

Jared walked back to his trailer aggravated that Jensen won’t believe he didn’t get an advance peek of the script. He can’t shake this unsettling feeling that he was forgetting something important.

He was two steps into his trailer when his phone vibrated. Chad left a voicemail instead of texting, weird.

“Jay man, you gotta do me solid. A friend of mine got the part of Y/N on your show and I don’t know what the fucks happening up there but she flipped the fuck out on me! Need you to check on her, she’s outside one of the guest trailers. And have her call me back after she’s calmed the fuck down!”

Jared snorted, another woman pissed off at Chad, shocker. “The fuck you getting me into this time Murray.” Jared mutters to himself as he heads over to the guest stars trailers and hears a somewhat familiar voice outside of one.

“What do you mean there’s nothing you can do? I get here and now they're telling me they’ve dropped the story line.”

There was a pause in conversation as Jared walked closer to hear more clearly over the lot's noises and was shocked when he saw her sitting on one of the trailer's steps.

“But I signed a contract...what? I don’t remember seeing that in there. So they can just arbitrarily drop the part with no notification, that’s bullshit! I’ve never had a clause like that in one before. I gave up my job and apartment for this!” She gets up and paces around not noticing him.

“They're giving me the bit part of the waitress in this episode, have a five am call for hair, getting a blonde rinse so I look more like a Dean type girl. I don’t know what the fuck is with these writers, it’s like they don’t get Sam, should’ve left him like Kripke originally created him.” She paused, “paying me what? At scale! That’ll just cover my petrol for the drive back to L.A. Wait, what about my six month lease? Could you check on it.”

“Oh, giving me two nights at the Hilton. How magnanimous of them,” she sarcastically replies, “can I still get that part on Arrow...cast someone else.” She abruptly ends the call and sits back down on the step slumping over her knees.

“So, how much of that fucked up conversation did you overhear?” She asked not looking at him.

“Um, almost all of it.” Jared confesses, “I wasn’t intentionally eavesdropping but I got a voicemail from Chad,” she looked up staring in disbelief at Jared, “he’s worried and wanted me to check on you.”

“Fanfuckingtastic, can this day get any better? I’ve completely humiliated myself in front of Jared Fucking Padalecki!”

Jared can just make out her blushing in the still dimming light. “I wouldn’t say completely, I mean, you could drop your pants and yell Pudding.”

She blinked at him before doubling over in laughter, “Alright, point taken. Still, it’s a crock of shit you don’t need to be bothered with.”

“Chad’s kinda made it my problem. Look, I don't know all the details but maybe I can help, I can call casting..”

“Oh hell no! Thanks but no thanks. Bunch of assbutts on social media were already speculating about how someone like me got the part in the first place. Last thing I need is more ammo for the haters, they’ll tweet something like I had a three way with you and Ackles because I was desperate to get the part back.”

Jared cleared his throat, running a hand through his hair embarrassed to feel turned on by the imagery she conjured up in his mind.

“Mmm, that’d be my wet dream come true, but not the point, they’ll just come up with some random shit.”

Jared understood being all too familiar with the anti whatever’s having been the target himself.

“Okay, how about we go to my trailer,” she gave him a skeptical look, “where you can have some privacy to call Chad back. I’ll get de-Sam’d and we can talk some more or grab a bite if you're hungry.”

“You don’t know me from Adam, what if I’m some psychotic serial stocker nut job?”

“If your friends with Chad, you absofuckingloutley are Ms. what's your name.” Jared sarcastically remarks given her a mischievous grin.

“Touché, and it's Piper,” Jared froze at her name, “and you’ve been friends with Murry longer than me so I know you’re straight up batshit crazy.” She smarts back standing up, “lead on, oh gallant knight.”

***

Jared walked out of the bath toweling his wet hair sees Piper lounging on his couch still on the phone with Chad.

As he crossed over to the kitchen's fridge he couldn’t help but notice her low rise jeans had ridden lower, revealing the top half of the tattoo just above her..

“Dude, should’a told me Padalecki has a tattoo kink,” Jared tripped over his feet before catching himself embarrassed at getting caught, “Yeah, that was your boy.” She winked at him, “No way in hell I’m ever showing it to you perv.” Jared loudly laughs at that. “Hey, when I get back I’m PA’ing for you till I get another gig. Don’t you dare argue, you got me into this so it’s that or I’m on your couch for a month,” Piper rolled her eyes at Chad’s response, “Yeah, yeah, talk to you later.”

“Is that how you met Chad, working as a PA?” Jared inquired coming over to sit down next to Piper handing her a beer.

“Yeah, paid the bills while doing auditions, was starting to pick up a few bit parts around LA.” Piper starts nervously fiddling with the bottles label, “I heard about the casting call for a new Sam girl and Murry talked me into trying out for it, so I figured unless I kiss Crowley I don’t have a shot in hell and holy fuck, I got it.”

She stopped talking but kept playing with the label.

“Hey, whatever it is you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.” Jared says gently touching her shoulder in a reassuring manner.

She took a long pull of her beer before continuing. “My Auntie died and I inherited everything, including her debts. I negotiated a smaller settlement but it wiped out all my savings.” She paused draining the rest of her bottle. “I figured it was serendipity..”

Jared is half listening, feeling that uneasy sensation again at that last word.

“...gonna be Sam Winchester’s...”

“If we’re meant to meet again,”

“.. weren’t killing her off after three episodes but then they decided to drop that story line...”

“we will.”

“...I should be going. Thanks for the beer and letting bending your ear, I’m gonna get out of your hair.” Piper gets up heading for the door.

Jared finally remembers.

“I believe in serendipity..maybe you can too.”

He quickly jumped up moving between her and the door blurting out, “I know you said you didn’t want my help but you can’t go, not yet.”

“Okay, why not? ‘Cause any other time I’d be up for some wham bam thank you ma’am but so not in the mood right now.”

Taking a deep breath he goes for it, “So, get this, after we finished filming today, I fell asleep in the Impala and had this dream…”

***

Jared sat on the couch nervously chewing on his thumb watching as Piper paces back and forth mulling over his story.

She abruptly stopped and sat down on the table in front of him. “So here's the deal, I will believe everything you've told me,” Jared opens his mouth to say something but Piper reached out laying her fingers on his lips, “if you can answer one question.”

Jared took her hand remembering how it felt so right in his, “Okay.”

“Since you’ve seen it in your dream, what does my tattoo mean?”

“In Japanese, it means happy coincidence,” Jared confidently says sitting back as Piper climbs onto his lap, “but that's the first line, the second one is chance discovery.”

Jared pulls her in, brushing his lips against hers, running his tongue across them so she’ll part them , allowing him access. He can taste the beer they’ve been drinking but there’s that sumptuous flavor of her underneath he finds intoxicating..chocolate peppermint..thinking to himself..

Serendipity.

#plaid and the memories #Baby #sam winchester x piper #jared padalecki x piper #SPN Supernatural #sam winchester fanfiction #Sam Winchester #dean winchester #Jensen Ackles

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lady-divine-writes · 4 years

Text

Shedding Facades (Rated PG13)

Summary: Afraid that their marriage might feel like a lie if he weds Aziraphale in his human form, Crowley makes a bold, last-minute decision … (2237 words)

Notes: Written to include @drawlight’s ‘31 Days of Ineffables’ prompt 'wrapping paper’.

Read on AO3.

“I object.”

Stunned silence follows – gaping mouths, bugged eyes, the comical expressions of an audience thrown for such a phenomenal loop, they may not even be standing on planet Earth any longer.

“You what now?”

“I … uh … I … object. I’m sorry.”

“H—how can you object!?” Anathema asks, strangling the book she’s holding in her hands as if it had spoken those blasphemous words instead. “This is your wedding!” She glares at Crowley, eyes broiling on behalf of her good friend, poor Mr. Fell, himself staring at his betrothed with the depth of shock that comes from discovering that every person you’ve ever known and loved has been executed all at once on the exact same day when their severed heads arrive on your doorstep by post, collect-on-delivery.

But that’s exactly what Crowley is doing – the evilest thing he’s ever accomplished as a demon.

Destroying Aziraphale’s world.

If he’d ever wanted to discorporate Aziraphale in an instant, those words at this particular moment would do it.

Crowley doesn’t look up to face the consequences, even though he knows he’s expected to. He’s been silently staring at his and Aziraphale’s joined hands since the ceremony began.

And that’s where his eyes stay.

“I can’t,” he repeats. “I can’t do this. I’m sorry, but I can’t.”

“Wha—what?” Aziraphale has plenty more to say, but when it comes down to it, that’s all that will come out. “What are you …?” He shakes his head, trying to rattle more words together, but he doesn’t succeed. “What?”

“I can’t do this,” Crowley says a bit more firmly. “I can’t marry you this way.”

“But I …” Aziraphale looks at the party gathered – an intimate group of their closest friends, linking hands and forming a circle around them, standing so close there would be no mistaking what Crowley just said.

He looks at the ridiculously elaborate venue Crowley had insisted upon; at the fairy lights strewn over everything that wouldn’t move to complement the miracled constellations over their heads; at an ocean of flowers covering every conceivable surface; at the banquet table full of gourmet food waiting to be eaten; at the red velvet runners, the golden candlesticks, the miles of white tulle; the string quartet, sitting in a far corner, waiting for their cue. And the cake – the twelve-tiered wedding cake humorously crafted to display the nine levels of Hell, each ring adorned with tormented souls rendered out of fondant, and a staircase leading up to Earth, with Heaven cascading above, an angel in white robes and a devil in black hovering in the accentuated space between.

Finally, he looks at the demon standing before him, gloriously handsome in a simple black tux and classic rose boutonniere, staring at him from behind Armani sunglasses.

At this point in the ceremony, which Anathema was officiating, they were a few short acknowledgements away from exchanging vows and saying their I do’s. Then they’d be dancing and laughing and cutting into that cake, which he’s heard tell is filled with pitch-black, dark chocolate ganache. He doesn’t know since, like everything else, he didn’t order it. Didn’t plan it at all. Crowley did. He planned this whole shebang, saw to every little detail.

But now Crowley says he can’t go through with it.

After giving absolutely no indication whatsoever that marrying Aziraphale was something he didn’t want to do, he’s saying no.

“I … I don’t understand,” Aziraphale stammers. “Why?”

“Because …” Crowley chuckles “… I’m not dressed for it.”

A pause, then nervous laughter hops from the throat of human guest to human guest, starting with Newt, infecting Madame Tracy, bypassing Shadwell but migrating through Warlock and Adam and the rest of The Them. The only two who have yet to see the humor are Anathema and Aziraphale.

“I don’t understand,” Aziraphale repeats, his voice straying its course, becoming pitchy and weak, only finding its strength in embarrassment. “You picked that tuxedo out yourself. If you didn’t want to wear it, I … what are you saying?”

Crowley sighs. This isn’t going well. Of course, when you object at your own wedding, things will tend to go downhill after.

“I mean me, Aziraphale. Not the tuxedo. Me.”

“Please explain,” Aziraphale begs, beginning to back away. But Crowley, holding his hands like his life depends on it, urges him back.

“Look at me, angel, and tell me what you see.”

“I see you, Crowley! The same you I’ve been looking at for over 6000 years!”

“And what does that look like?”

Aziraphale’s head continues to shake – desperation, exasperation, and every other –tion twisting it side to side. “Red hair, yellow eyes, pale skin, sharp nose and chin …”

“Right. My human form. But that’s not me. Not inside.” Crowley gives Aziraphale’s hands a squeeze meant to comfort him, but he’s far from there. “I’m very fond of my human form but … it’s wrapping paper. It’s not who I really am.”

“It is,” Aziraphale assures him, relaxing when he comprehends. “It’s the way you see yourself. It’s the way you want others to see you and that’s fine.”

“I appreciate you saying that. But this …” He gestures with his and Aziraphale’s hands towards his body “I … run deeper. I have no intention of giving this form up, but it doesn’t feel real to me when I’m about to pledge my life to you. It feels like a lie. And that’s not what I want. Not today.”

Aziraphale swallows hard, his confusion returning. “So, you don’t want to marry me?”

“Of course I do! But not this way.”

Aziraphale glances at their befuddled friends, concerned if Crowley means what he thinks he means … “But how do you intend …?”

Crowley leans in and gives Aziraphale a wink. “I’ve got a plan.” He lets go of Aziraphale’s hands and claps to get everyone’s attention. “Okay, ladies and gents! I’m going to need you all to back up about twenty paces! And … uh … just a head’s up, there’s a sixty-two percent chance that what I’m about to do might melt your brains.”

Fearful eyes snap Crowley’s way. “What!?”

“Or make you go blind.” He shrugs. “Either way.”

“Are you joking!?”

“He has to be joking!”

“Is that a fire exit!?”

“Let’s go check!”

He does get a solitary, “Awesome!” from Warlock, who fishes his cell phone from his pocket, opens the camera app, and waits for the show to begin.

Aziraphale rolls his eyes. “Relax, everybody.” He snaps his fingers. From the constellations above, a sprinkling of silver and gold dust falls upon the onlookers, clinging to clothes and hair and faces till they look like they’re covered in stars. “There we go. Now no one’s brain is going to melt. You may have nightmares after, but I can fix that later on.”

“That’s a relief,” Tracy mutters sarcastically.

“But what about …?” Pepper nods pointedly over her shoulder at the two violinists, the violist, and the cellist watching the proceedings with interest.

“… the musicians?” Brian finishes. “They don’t know about you guys, do they?”

“They won’t see anything out of the ordinary. They think they’re watching a plain, old, normal wedding,” Aziraphale explains, bitter emphasis aimed at his groom. But as his world isn’t coming to an end, he feels free to joke. “They’ll come around right on time to play the wedding march.”

“Sounds good, I guess,” Wensleydale says, moving to hide behind Brian.

Aziraphale looks at Crowley, who has widened his stance, giving himself an invisible boundary for the guests to stay behind. “Are you ready, my dear?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” he replies, striking Aziraphale as more excited than he’s seemed all day. Crowley doesn’t like changing into his demon form. He’s always afraid he’ll forget how to change back so he avoids it when he can. So this must have been bothering him for a while.

All of today at least.

Crowley miracles away his glasses and closes his eyes.

The room falls deathly quiet, the human participants subconsciously widening their circle as they wait for something to happen. Only Anathema and Aziraphale remain inside, more prepared than anyone for what’s about to happen.

Crowley transforms by inches. His hair disappears, falling to the floor in clumps, the remainder oil-slick black. Wings erupt, glossy black feathers immediately shedding to reveal a thin, veiny membrane. Nails grow into sharp, curved claws. Bones elongate, joints popping as they widen to accommodate. He didn’t remove his clothes beforehand so the tearing of fabric is what the guests hear.

It covers for the less-palatable sound of tearing flesh.

Then there are the maggots. As much as he would hide them to lessen the impact on their friends, if he’s going to go through with this, he needs to go for broke. He feels them always, brimming beneath his human façade, squirming and rooting and otherwise being a nuisance. But he knows when they’re seen by the subtle grumblings of discomfort accompanied by the unsettling scritch of them falling to the carpet beneath his feet.

The tips of his wings hit the floor, signaling the end of his metamorphosis. The ache of splitting muscles and reshaping bones dies down, and he opens featureless black eyes. His full form with wings splayed is so cumbersome, it forces him to hunch, his spine curling into a jagged question mark.

It takes him a minute before he summons the courage to look at the faces of their friends watching him, see by their expressions what they think of him this way. It’s not as bad as he’d imagined. But then again, if it had been, he might not be able to call these humans friends.

“O…kay,” Newt whispers, but that’s all.

Madame Tracy throws a hand over her mouth - in disgust, Crowley imagines, but there are tears in her eyes and a wobbly smile on her lips.

Shadwell, who doesn’t know how to react, puts himself a step in front of her and gets his finger ready, just in case.

“Cool!” everyone under the age of thirteen says, unprompted and at relatively the same time.

Anathema clears her throat. “Good. Fine. Now that that’s resolved, may we continue?”

The demon Crowley, in his true demon form, limps towards his fiancé, one leg dragging with a grating nails-on-chalkboard noise, dulled for the humans by Aziraphale’s miracled star armor. Crowley stops in front of Anathema, swaying like a snake, balancing his weight on legs that should be too thin and brittle to support him.

“Where were we?” she asks, opening her book and doing her best to appear unfazed. She’d taken the liberty, after their Notta-pocalypse encounter, to study up on demons, learn everything she could about them, seeing as she was now personally acquainted with one. She’d read ancient texts, examined old drawings. She thought she was ready to face whatever Crowley might dish out.

She may have been wrong.

“The vows, I believe.” Aziraphale’s gaze never leaves his demon’s face. He raises a hand to it, cheeks damp and eyes moist.

“Of course. Who wants to go first?”

“I will,” Crowley snarls unintentionally, but he’s out of practice speaking through these pointed teeth and with this forked tongue.

Anathema nods, relinquishing the floor.

“Aziraphale,” Crowley hisses, “will you take me, me the way I truly am, to be yoursss – your ssspouse, your partner, your sssignificant other, for as long as we remain on this planet, in Heaven or Hell, or up in the ssstars? Even if …” And this is where he stumbles. Later, Aziraphale will reflect on this, come to the conclusion that this may have been what it was all about, what Crowley was sincerely afraid of “… for sssome horrible reassson, one day, I end up sssstaying this way? Will you marry me?”

Crowley reaches out skeletal claws and takes Aziraphale’s soft, pink hands in his.

Aziraphale stares into the stony black eyes of the demon looming before him. He’s never seen Crowley like this. In all the years they’ve spent as friends, Crowley as a demon, as a monster, is something Aziraphale never had to witness. On the flip side, Crowley has yet to see Aziraphale’s true form. But Crowley was an angel once. He would know what angels look like. It should be old hat to him.

But Crowley is a sight to behold.

Aziraphale doesn’t speak, doesn’t nod, doesn’t indicate an answer in any way. He is struck dumb not by Crowley’s physical form, but by his vulnerability – his willingness to expose the part of himself that he fears the most to not only Aziraphale, but their room full of friends, just so their marriage might not be deemed illegitimate.

Well, if Crowley is going all out, he might as well, too.

The seams of Aziraphale’s jacket rip. Rays of light bleed through, forcing them open. A set of white wings springs out from underneath, then another, and another, slicing through like scissors. The remaining fabric of his fine, white coat falls to the ground in a tattered heap at what should be his feet. But he has no feet since he is no longer human shaped. He is formless, wings and eyes surrounding the spiritual essence of the Principality Aziraphale.

He is a golden light. A holy light.

He is infinite.

And soon, he and Crowley will be infinite together.

“I will.”

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