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#or is Ana close to tears? that is the question
pedrithink · 1 year
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love is not easy (3) ✩ kylian mbappé
summary: everything seems more difficult when you are the shadow of your older sister and Kylian and her are in love with each other.
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@nightlockcornucopia @gaviandgrizisgirl @philipetchebest @sunnytkm23 @topguncultleader @http-isabela @laylaynaynay130 @lovekm @vibinwkay @kyksgirl @ariagonzalezsstuff @footballfeverr
(part 1) / (part 2)
"Hey, what happened?" Ana moves her body so that she could face you after catching you having the biggest crying crisis of your life, her eyes delivered so much worry that you even felt bad. "What happened?"'
"Nothing, I…" You take a deep breath trying to pull yourself together and stand up, but Ana holds you firmly so that you remain seated with her. "Ana…" You bite your lips trying to hold back another wave of tears as you look into her eyes. "I'm sorry."
She looks at you confused, she's so lost and it makes her desperate because she doesn't know what to do to help you. "Sorry for what? For the love of God, explain to me what happened. Don't do this to me, sis. Let me help you."
With Ana's eyes watering and her hand moving to touch your face. "I'm in love with Kylian."
You just close your eyes, letting tears escape, and in the process you just wait for the worst possible reaction. Ana only gets even more confused and tries to understand what really happened.
"Why didn't you ever tell me this?" She shakes her head in confusion. "Are you crying because of him? Did he say or do anything?"
You look up at Ana and frown at her question instead of being upset that you love her future suitor. "Ana, I…" You're more confused than you were before. "What?" You let out a frustrated snort and Ana only gets more confused with every word that comes out of your mouth. "I know you've always wanted someone to love you for who you are and I'm sure you'll make each other very happy and…"
Ana interrupts you as she stands up exasperatedly and looks at you wide-eyed. "Oh my God, what? Are you crazy? I don't like Kylian." Now you're the one who's confused. You put your hands on your head to see if the migraine will stop and turn your gaze back to her.
"I only imagined this because you're always together and… I don't know, Ana. Now I'm as confused as you are." Ana holds out your hands and pulls you to sit on the couch in the living room.
"I've been with him the whole time because you've been refusing to go out with him for months." She says with an obvious look on her face as she slaps you on the head.
You stare at the nothingness in front of you and simply vegetate for a while after the confession that has been playing tricks on your mind for years. Ana never liked Kylian? Wow, you didn't see that one coming. But, it's not as if it changes anything, Kylian has already made it very clear what he wants.
"But, without getting off the topic. What did Kylian do to make you like this?" She wakes you up from your thoughts and pulls you out of your world of self-deprecating thoughts, you're so tired of feeling this way.
"I told Kylian that I love him, Ana." You look at her with watery eyes and a weak smile on your face, a smile that makes Ana's heart ache. "And he didn't say anything, just stood in front of me. Totally stunned. As if my liking him was something completely absurd."
Ana shakes her head and rests her hands on your hands that are resting on your lap. "Don't talk like that, I'm sure he was just surprised."
You smile at Ana's attempt to make you feel better. "Ana, I'm definitely not the kind of girl Kylian is interested in. You are." She stares at you as if you have said the biggest nonsense of your life, she is so surprised to hear it from you. "You don't understand…Kylian could never love me like that." Your voice quavers. "I just can't stand to feel so incapable of being loved anymore…"
With your head down and mumbling all these confessions, you confess everything that has been in your mind during these years. Ana can only take a deep breath and try not to collapse along with you, she can't imagine what her little sister went through during these years. "If Kylian can't see what an amazing girl you are, then he's really not for you." She holds up your hands and draws your attention to stare intently at her. "I wish you could see how worthy you are of good things, of genuine love, of deep connections, of happiness. I wish you could escape your mind for just a moment and see all that you deserve, because once you see it, once you feel it, you can't deny that it's real. You are worth so much more than the way your mind nails you, and your past experiences do not define your future or your ability to be loved in the right way, to be loved at all. I hope you find it in yourself to open your heart again, a little more each day, and let a little love come back. I hope that in doing so, you begin to see all the things that are meant for you the way to you, and I hope you recognize that you are worthy of it all."
She pulls you into a hug when she sees the mess of crying and sobbing you are in, she knows this time it is a cry of relief for finally opening up your feelings to someone. "And our Kylian…he's not like that. He just needs some time for his feelings to reorganize and I'm sure he'll come running to tell you what you need to hear so that your heart will be well, peaceful and calm. Whatever his answer is, know that I will be here to support you and help you get back on your feet."
You can't put it into words, but Ana understands you through the smallest of actions. This hug that you share now represents everything and more of your feelings. Your sister is your greatest point of peace and security, with Ana you are able to face any war.
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You wake up in the middle of the night and realize that you and Ana have fallen asleep in the middle of the living room after spending the night talking about anything but your conversation with Kylian.
When you look at your phone and see that it's already 11pm, you make a point of sending Ana up to her bedroom (who gets up the stairs with her eyes almost closed) while you tidy up the pillows that were all messed up from the way you and Ana slept sloppily on the couch.
In the meantime, all you notice is the way your phone vibrates non-stop and when your eyes drop to the notification bar, your eyes go wide and your heart rises to your throat. Are you still sleeping?
Ky <3: Please tell me you're still awake.
Ky <3: Damn, I need to tell you something so important.
Ky <3: Fuck, love. Just wait for me. I'm coming to your house.
Ky <3: Just know that I fucking love you.
Ky <3: I love you so fucking much.
You notice how the messages were sent about 30 minutes ago and despair at the possibility that you're trapped inside a dream. What is going on? My God, you can't even sit down to wait for Kylian to arrive. A few minutes after you read the messages and your mind can't shut off on the possibility that Kylian is playing with you. The doorbell rings in a desperate way, you brake and your breath is short.
You gather your strength and go to the door to meet the person you have been waiting for eight years. Damn it, eight years of waiting for this moment.
When you open the door, your desperate look is met by a completely breathless Kylian with the most beautiful smile on his face. He can't say anything, he just kisses you. He just takes your face and presses so hard on your lips that you almost fall to the floor, this kiss looks so desperate and needy. Kylian doesn't want to ever break that bond and neither do you. Desperately, you search for each other. You embrace Kylian by the neck to deepen the kiss even more and make your bodies merge even more, in an inexplicable way you have become one.
Kylian breaks away from the kiss and rests his forehead against yours, his breath panting and the way he caresses your hair. You want to live forever within this moment, in the feeling and attachment that it will never end. "I love you. I love you in the most inexplicable way possible."
When he says this you can only close your eyes and hold his cheeks. So many years waiting for this moment and when it finally comes…you can't believe it. A laugh bursts from your lips and you pull Kylian in for another kiss, but this time he separates quickly. You look at him totally confused and he holds your hands as he pulls away from your hug. "I need to tell you everything, there are so many things that have been kept for so long."
You don't say anything, you just nod. You know that this time it's his time, Kylian needs his time to vent and expose to you everything he's been feeling all these years. You wait as long as it takes to listen and understand his side.
"I don't even know how this started…I don't even know." He shakes his shoulders signaling confusion as he tries to hide a smile. "I only know the reasons I fell in love with you and there are so many that I don't even have the courage to list them because I know it would take years and decades and forever." He takes a deep breath, it seems so hard for him to say this as you stare at him, he loves you so much…. "Some people are so special that words can't even explain it. You accept this person for who they are, and they would never let you be anything other than your beautiful, imperfect self. These are the souls you meet and just know at the first moment that you should cross paths with. Their presence makes you feel safe and calm, like you are at home whenever you are with them. This is you to me, the most special person I have ever had and have the privilege to love, no distance, time or person could ever get in the way of the bond we share."
He assures you of this while holding your hands tightly, never breaking eye contact. You have never felt happier than you are right now, at this very moment. "Your kindness, gentleness, sincerity and unconditional love make me feel like a better person, because life is simply better with you. I promise you that there are people out there who will understand the language of your heart and what you've been through, and will show you a lot of patience and understanding as you heal. I promise you that your feelings, your anxiety, and your trauma are not a burden to those who love you, and I promise you that you are able to give and receive love in spite of everything. And I love you, I love you from when I was 15 years old and went to your room to expose all my fears and I love you now as the 24-year-old Kylian who opens his heart to you."
You can only mumble a weak "Kylian…" and embrace him with all the strength that is inside of you. Lord, how can you love someone so much? You've never felt worthy of being loved, but Kylian is the person capable of took off your negative thoughts and simply filling your mind with things that make you feel like the most loved woman in the world.
"You don't know how much I dreamed of this moment, but I always…always thought it was all about you and Ana and I was the supporting character in this story." You reveal to him as you watch those brown eyes soften at your confession.
Kylian caresses your face. "You spent so much time seeing yourself as a supporting character that you missed the point where you were always the main character in my life."
notes: that it :D hope you guys liked it. <3
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chronicowboy · 1 year
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"Can I tell you something?"
Honestly, Eddie isn't sure where it comes from. One moment he's watching Buck trying and failing to bite through the long line of melted cheese stretching from his mouth to the slice of pizza held at arm's length, the next something scolding tears through his chest like a bullet from a sniper's rifle and Eddie's mouth falls open before he can think of what he's going to say.
"'Course," Buck mumbles through his mouthful of pizza, breathing around it because its still too hot of course. There's a smear of red sauce on his chin and the pizza is still held aloft about a foot away from his mouth, Eddie finds him desperately beautiful.
"In the truck, after I was shot," Eddie slides the plate under the pizza slice just as Buck drops it, "and after you told me you weren't hurt, there was one last moment that I fought to stay awake."
"Eddie—"
"Not for Christopher, not for you, but for myself." Eddie nods, eyes trained on the picture of Buck and Christopher on the fridge. "I just wanted to look at you. Just for one last moment. When I knew that you were okay, that you weren't hurt, that I didn't have to worry about you or Chris. I just wanted to look at you." Ironic, he thinks, that he can't look at Buck now. He sucks in a sharp breath and turns to meet Buck's dazed blue eyes. "I wanted you to be the last thing I saw." Buck swallows, that damn string of cheese still hanging from his lips. "And then I woke up to Ana sat next to me in the hospital, and I don't think I've ever been more disappointed in my life."
The loft hasn't been this silent since the morning after that one fateful night during quarantine when they'd thought it would be a good idea to get hammered and play truth or dare, and nobody could look each other in the eye over the several terrible secrets that had been revealed.
Its that same cloying silence now.
Not their usual silence. Not the comfortable silence Eddie revels in. Not the warm silence that greeted him when Eddie walked into the loft with a pizza after asking Buck to call him with an "emergency" to get out of a date with Pepa's latest "perfect woman".
"W-why are you telling me this?" Buck stutters out. "Why- Why now?"
"Because I've been on four dates since you died and none of them have felt remotely close to the night we scammed ten Porterhouses out of the Chief." Eddie shrugs, looking out to the red umbrella flapping in the wind on the balcony. He swings his gaze around to Buck. "Because you said you had the answers, and I'm hoping with everything in me that you have the answer to this question."
"W-what, um, what question is that? E-exactly?" Buck asks, voice breathy.
"If I told you that I'd been falling since that ambulance exploded," Eddie smiles, its a shaky thing full of fear, "would you catch me?"
"Always," Buck breathes without any hesitation, laying his big hand on Eddie's forearm. "Always, Eddie."
"And if I asked for your heart?" Eddie manages to choke out.
"You've had it the whole time, Eddie." Buck smiles, just as shaky as Eddie's had been, but bright and brilliant. "It only started beating again for you."
"One last question?" Eddie raises an eyebrow, his own smile beginning to ache in his cheeks.
"Anything," Buck promises.
"Will you kiss me?"
"Now, I'm not sure about that," Buck grins, all smug and self-assured despite the fucking cheese still on his fucking chin. "Don't I get a date first, Diaz?"
"What? Pizza and beer isn't good enough for you?" Eddie quirks an eyebrow, plan already forming in his head for a homecooked meal lit by candles in the kitchen at home, undoubtedly a panicked call to Bobby when the lasagne doesn't go to plan.
"I'd like to be wooed," Buck says haughtily. "I died, I won you steaks, I think I deserve a little wooing."
"Oh, you do, do you?"
"I do actually," Buck grins at him.
"How about you finish your pizza first," Eddie reaches up to cup Buck's cheek, uses his thumb to catch the string of cheese and gently pushes it past Buck's lips which open for him willingly, "and then we can circle back round to the wooing?"
Eddie pulls his thumb from Buck's mouth with a pop and watches Buck's pupils dilate until the blue of his irises is entirely eclipsed.
"Nope, wooed enough," Buck blurts out before grabbing Eddie's face and crashing their lips together clumsily.
Its the best first kiss of his life.
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Sweat & Tears
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“Are you sure?” the red-haired woman looks at the blonde in front of her, who clearly struggles to take off her sandals. It’s silent in the room, two security guards waiting in the door frame for her. Tree can see clearly how Taylor's hands are shaking, almost like a tremor that has been brewing inside of her for a few hours. She’s fiddling with the buckle of her Gucci heels. Truth is, she’d prefer for Taylor to spend her evening in company of her father and herself over a nice dinner in her suite. Besides the many phone calls Tree has to make, she still cares about Taylor’s well-being first and foremost. And by the sight of it, she absolutely is not well. But knowing the blonde stubborn woman as well as she does, Tree could already tell by the minute they left the venue that Taylor is once again in a rather self-isolating mood. 
“Do you need anything?” she asks then, still watching the long blonde sitting on the couch of her hotel suite, knowing very well that she didn’t get an answer to her last question.
“Do you have water? Let me know if you need anything else. Dinner will be served as soon as you…”
“I told you, I’m not hungry.” Taylor responds then in a tone that tells Tree everything she needs to know. One more push and Taylor might actually loose her temper. She sighs.
“Alright. Call if you need anything. Alex is on call next door. These guys will be just outside your hotel room door for safety.” She says and points to the men right behind her. She looks at Taylor one last time, who is still sitting on the hotel couch, obviously exhausted and down. She doesn’t want to push her any further, but she can’t contain a last “get some rest, Tay. I know this was a rough few days but you’re doing great.”
Taylor doesn’t reply, once more, and Tree gets the message. She gives the three men next to her a look, signaling them to ensure that her door is secured at all times. Tree then leaves the presidential suite, and the big door falls into the lock. 
And suddenly, Taylor's alone. Completely alone. 
She takes a deep breath. She just needs to shower it off. With her hair in a loose bun she covers her eyes for a moment sitting there. She’s tired. So tired. But every time she tries to relax, there’s the same picture in her head. Beautiful Ana’s smiling face. The fact that this young person had to loose her life because she decided to give a concert. Taylor immediately gets up. This thought is unbearable. She needs to stop thinking about this. She walks barefoot over the burgundy carpet of her suite, makes sure the curtains are fully closed before opening the bed sheets. She’s been waiting all day for this. 
Within one second, Taylor has gotten comfortable under these heavy sheets. The air conditioning in the room is on full mode, and she’s thankful for this cooling sensation of the bed sheets on her bare legs. The incredible feeling of crawling into bed after a horrible day. Another thing that Ana will never experience again…
Just when Taylor was about to get lost in these thoughts again is when her phone vibrates for what feels like the fifteenth time tonight. She knew that her mom and Travis had been texting her. But the last thing she could do earlier was to be on the phone when everything went down. Her desperately waiting in her way too warm and stuffy dressing room. Her dad walking up and down, telling her that it’ll be alright and that everybody is on her side. Sweat dripping down her forehead. Tree being on the phone constantly and a bunch of translators running back and forth. And her? Useless just in between the chaos. She wasn’t able to tell anyone at home what was going on. There was no space. No silence. No room to breathe.. until now.
Taylor opens her iMessage chat with Travis and swallows. 18 notifications. 7 calls. He’s worried. Not just because she didn’t pick up or reply to his texts for hours now but also because he had to find out that this show, that she’s been terrified of playing all day, had been postponed last minute through an instagram post on her official handle. Never before did he have to find out something like this through social media.
Your dad told me you’re unwell. Call me when you can. No need to go through this on your own.
His last text makes her smile slightly. He never fails to show her support. And as shocked as she is that he went to the lengths of calling her father, it shouldn’t really surprise her that much. These two have hit it off to an almost greater degree than she and Travis have. Her dad adores him. No wonder these two are chatting behind her back. 
Taylor takes a deep breath, opens her front camera for a second. She looks horrific, tries to fix her bangs for a moment before calling him back. Yes, she knows he won’t care what she looks like but she still wants him to not see her at her worst. Not just yet. Just when Taylor is about to leave her bed to fix her face and her hair is when she gets an incoming FaceTime call from him. She hesitates for a second, then decides to go for it anyways. 
The second he appears on her screen is the second she feels tears boiling up again. She doesn’t know why, but something about seeing his kind face and the worried look in his eyes opens the flood gates for her. She needs him. Oh lord, how much she would love to tell herself that it isn’t so.
“Oh baby” is all he brings out for a second. The little tear escaping Taylor’s eye and rolling its way over her cheek hasn’t remained unnoticed by him. She doesn’t say anything, just makes sure to wipe the incoming tears as much as humanly possible.
“I’m sorry, I…” just when she was about to apologize for how he’s witnessing her right now is when he interrupts her already. 
“Tell me everything. I just got home from practice and I’m all yours. Your dad said there was some issues with the people there again?” 
Taylor takes a deep breath, glad that he’s there. Glad that she can talk about it. Glad that she knows he wants to listen.
“It’s a nightmare. I told you this morning how they threatened Tree and 13 that I’m contractually obligated to perform because apparently the circumstances aren’t as bad as they need to be for a show like this to be cancelled. Like..” Taylor can barely find words to describe her anger, just feels angry tears following the ones from before while her hands are making a grand gesture.
“I mean, a young girl has died... DIED the day before and they don’t think this is as bad as it gets? And Tree also told them about my little incident last night and…”
“Thank god!” Travis interrupts her. She knows the second he learned about her fainting backstage after the show, was the second he himself started to worry more than she would want him to.
“Yeah but, they basically still wanted us to go through and then they finally agreed to providing free water if we cover the costs. Which is something they shouldn’t even charge anyone for, but like.. of course I would pay for that. I didn't even care. And yet once people started getting seated and the arena got more and more packed, there was no water being handed out to people. Nothing. If… if my team hadn’t flagged this, I probably never would’ve known, Trav and…”
“This is unbelievable.” He just says, sighs deeply and is clearly angry too. He’s sitting on his couch, wearing one of her beloved huge sweaters that she’s been stealing so often. What would she give to cuddle herself into his chest, feel his big arms hold her tight and simply fit her little big world into the palm of his kind hands right now.
“Yup. So I just posted it. On Instagram. Because there was no getting out of the show unless I pull the plug myself. They’re threatening us with a lawsuit now, but..”
“Oh fuck that. No chance.” he says and she nods. Hard to imagine that she doesn’t even care about this possible lawsuit at all. There’s so many other things she cares about more in this moment. 
“Well, besides that. We reached out to Ana’s parents and… they’re in shock. They hate me. They disagreed to speak to me. And..” 
Taylor wants to continue speaking but the lump in her throat is growing to a size that makes it hard to breathe for her.
“I’m sure they don’t hate you.” he says, cannot stand seeing his girl cry all alone in this hotel bed, on the other side of the earth. He’s never been closer to jumping on the next plane there as he’s been right now. 
“Well, they’re in shock I assume. And they have every right to hate me. And then on top of all this the hotel is swarmed by people. They have basically taken the cars we took from the venue because my team covered the license plates. For safety. Literally to not get chased on the fucking high way. But no chance. So now, all we can do is just stay at this hotel and hope for tomorrow to be better and…”
She stops then, knows that she’s just been rambling for a while now. And as much as she hates to present this anxious and crying version of herself to Travis, she kind of feels a lot better all of the sudden. It felt good getting it off her chest. It felt good just telling somebody that she’s not doing well. A few last hiccups escape her mouth and she’s drying her face with her hands. Her eyes are puffy, red and swollen. But she doesn’t even care anymore. There’s so many worse things that can happen than looking like this.
“Oh Tay..” he says then. Doesn’t move from where he sits, just straight up looks at her through his phone. 
“Yup.” she just says, knowing damn well that no one knows what to say about this nightmare weekend. She feels bad all of the sudden to put all these heavy feelings on him, especially because he never asked her to.
“I’m sure every single person you spoke with tonight has said this to you before, but I’ll say it again.” he says then, a serious look on his face. She’s never witnessed him like this before and it definitely draws her attention even more to the screen than before. 
“None of this, was in your power. None of this.” he says, and she knows he means it. Taylor takes another deep shaky breath and looks back at him. She nods. Hearing him say these words almost makes it possible for her to believe them. 
“I know, you take pride in having control over things and organizing and planing things to a tee. But there’s always gonna be stuff out of your control, and sometimes things go horribly wrong. But that’s absolutely out of your control. I hope you know that, babe.”
She looks at him for a moment, doesn’t say anything. Then she nods. Why is it that she believes anything he says? 
“I know. It’s just…” she stops, feels new tears forming. For a moment, she’s collecting herself again. Travis can see what she’s doing. She’s trying to hold back her tears. He hates it. 
“Hey, it’s okay to cry sometimes. Don’t try to play it all cool with me. I hate when you do that.”
Taylor almost starts laughing through her tears, and so does Travis. 
“I just… I’m sure you had an exhausting day today as well and all we talk about is me again. And…”
“Shut up.” Travis interrupts her again, and Taylor just wipes her tears. 
“I had a boring day. All I was thinking about all day was you. I love you. I’m worried about you. Stop playing it cool with me. It’s okay to cry about this.”
Taylor doesn’t move. Her head is leaning against the velvet bed rest behind her. She looks awful and for a moment she doesn’t care because she can feel that he doesn’t. She nods. Tears still streaming down her face.
“I miss you. And... I love you, too.” 
It still feels weird knowing that these words escape her mouth as casually as they do, but it feels so good and so right. She loves him. He loves her. Unbelievably beautiful to travel the world with this knowingness in her heart and head.
Travis sighs deeply from where he is. He slowly sits up. The iPhone camera still right in front of his face. 
“Do you think I’d get in trouble if I call in sick tomorrow and coach Reid sees pictures of me sneaking into your hotel in Rio?” 
Taylor can’t help but laugh quietly. She knows he wants to be there for her. But she’s gonna be fine. Knowing that he’s there, in her life, just a call away, is enough for her to know that she’s gonna be fine. 
“Let’s not get you into any more trouble than you're already in now.” she says jokingly then, for the first time tonight there’s no tears coming down her cheeks. It’s been healing to see his face, to hear his voice. The calm after a storm. A warm hug after a horrible day. That's what this is for her. That's what he's been for her since the moment he walked into her life.
“Tay, I’m worried about you.” He says then, and she knows this time it’s him who’s becoming vulnerable. It feels ridiculously good to know he cares. Even though she’s almost embarrassed to have put him in this position. It’s all new between them, still. He’s never had to deal with her lows before. She never had to ask herself if this could be too much for him, as it has been for everyone before him. 
“Don’t be.” 
“No, I’m serious.” He says then. The look on his face is still gentle and kind but she knows he’s being serious about this.
“I don’t mean the fact that you’re upset or that your show is cancelled but I’m worried about your physical health and your safety. Have you had dinner yet?” 
“Baby, I know you’re worried and it’s so sweet but I can assure you that Tree and my team are taking care of me very well. There’s like five guys in front of my hotel room door right now, and..”
“Have you had dinner yet?” he asks again and she knows he knows. He’s been incredible when it comes to her sometimes problematic eating habits, ever since she told him about this topic. Never before did he ever comment on anything she’s done or hasn’t done in relation to food. But her collapsing backstage last night did something to him. It’s in his eyes, it’s in the way this question comes out of his mouth so firmly. He's scared. He cares.
“I’m still a bit nauseous from the heat and..”
“Did you get an IV?”
“I didn’t need one today. I didn’t perform. So..”
“You said it was incredibly hot in your dressing room? Didn’t you spend all day there? That's not the best way to spend a day before performing for three hours in the heat.”
“Yeah but it was fine. It’s just.. whenever it’s hot I can’t really eat much. So…”
“Baby, please make sure to eat something tonight and drink enough water. I also still think another IV before your show tomorrow would be a good idea.”
She takes a deep breath and nods. He’s right. He always is. But what she appreciates the most in this moment is the tone of his voice. He’s assertive. But he’s gentle. A combination that impressed her from the moment they met. 
“I know.” she just says. 
“I almost had a heart attack when your dad told me you passed out last night.” he says, and she sighs. She knows this incident scared him. She can’t blame him. If she were to ever get a call from his mom, telling her that he fainted on the other side of the world she would probably lose her damn mind. 
“It’s just… performing like that for three hours at 140 degree? It’s horrible.”
“I bet.” he says quickly. “And I’m so glad you cancelled tonight.” 
Taylor nods. Somehow, just hearing him say these things really calms her down slowly. 
“I miss you. I’m not dealing with it too well at the moment.” she says once more, and his mouth turns into this beautiful smile she loves so much. 
“Me too. It’s been so hard focusing on anything after Argentina. After seeing you perform, sleeping in one bed with you. Kissing you good morning. I could get used to that.” 
Taylor smiles instantly, and nods. He speaks her mind, once more.
“Can’t wait to see you next week. Even though I’ll miss Thanksgiving. It breaks my heart, but..”
“Hey, we’ll do our own little post-Thanksgiving dinner. Don’t worry about that.” 
“Trav?”
“Mhm?”
“Thanks for being there for me tonight. I feel so much calmer than I did half an hour ago.”
The man on the other side of the screen smiles at her once more. He’s so happy to be this person for her. He’s so happy to have this effect on her.
“See, that’s what I’ve been telling you all along. Whenever we speak, my day gets 99% better. Just after seeing that face.”
She giggles quietly. 
“How are you? How was practice?” she asks then, wishes she had asked him before earlier. She hates when it’s all about her. He knows that. 
“Was good. Nothing special happened. Just got home, ordered some food and might pop into Brit’s Thanksgiving dinner later tonight.”
“Oh my gosh, yes! How could I forget? Ugh I can’t believe I won’t be able to go. Give her a hug from me okay?”
Travis smiles and nods.
“Of course. I won’t stay long though because I have physiotherapy tomorrow super early.” he sighs and it makes Taylor smile. He usually doesn’t mind getting up early but he definitely does on a Sunday morning. 
“What are you doing now? Are you in your suite?” he asks and Taylor nods. Her tears have finally dried and she fixes the heavy bedsheets over her body. It’s really gotten cold in this room. At least here, the air conditioning works just fine. 
“Yup. It’s like.. eight I think. I’ll just go take a shower and watch some Netflix and that’s it.” she says, clearly not impressed by her plan of the evening now that she won’t play a show in front of thousands of people. 
“Order some food, baby. And dessert. Promise me.”
Taylor smiles slowly, then nods. He’s right. She needs some dessert tonight. 
“Thanks for being there for me.”
“Don’t ever thank me for this again. Of course I’m here for you.”
Taylor smiles, then gets closer to the screen and kisses her phone camera. He laughs quietly.
“Go take a shower now and call me when your dinner has arrived. We can eat together. My lunch should be here in a bit.” 
Taylor nods, sits upright for the first time tonight. That’s actually a better idea than for her to be crying alone watching some Netflix show.
“Sounds great.” She says, slowly gets up and makes her way to the bathroom. 
“I’ll call you in a bit. Okay?” 
“Okay.”
“I love you, baby.”
“Love you.”
A few moments later, Taylor steps out of the shower, dries her body with the soft white cotton towels at the end of the generous bathroom and quickly reaches for the robe on the hanger next to the bathroom door. She slowly covers her still damp body in the white fabric, then leaves the warm bathroom to step back to the main room of her suite. The cold air of the air conditioned room hits her gently. She weirdly can’t find the body lotion she brought. It must still be flying around in her suitcase. 
Taylor slowly crouches down, starts rummaging through her big suitcase. Why is she always so messy when it comes to packing? 
Suddenly, she gets startled by a knock on the door. One knock. Then another. For a second, she stands up. Just ensuring to wrap the fabric of the robe even tighter around her body than before. She slowly makes her way to the door of the suite, still barefoot. Her hair still in a bun from the body shower she just took. 
“Hello?” she asks carefully, can already hear Dustin from her team speaking. 
“Taylor? We have a delivery for you. Do you mind opening up?”
Once more, Taylor clutches onto the robe covering her naked body, making sure she's still fully covered. She carefully opens the door, finds two security men still standing right in front of the door. But to her surprise, Dustin is carrying something very big and very heavy in his arms. She’s confused. White paper covering the package.
“Do you mind if I…?”
Taylor realizes quickly that he needs to place the heavy delivery somewhere. She steps aside, lets him enter the suite. Dustin carefully places the package on the little side table next to the couch of the suite. 
“What’s.. what’s this?” 
“A delivery from the hotel. I was asked by Tree to bring it to you directly.” 
Taylor looks confused, just covers her mouth as Dustin proceeds to peel off the paper from the top of it. Behind the packaging, a massive bouquet of red roses becomes visible. It’s a ball of flowers. She’s never seen so many put so beautifully together. 
“Oh my god? What…”
“This is the card for you.” he says, smiles warmly at her and proceeds to leave the suite again. Taylor just remains standing there. The door falling into the lock, her robe still a little bit too big on her, both eyes on the beautiful roses in the middle of her living room. She quickly opens the envelops that Dustin just passed to her. For a moment she reads these printed words. Then she looks back at the flowers and smiles. The biggest smile she's smiled in days.
Because I’m always with you, even when you can’t see me. I’m so proud of you. 
I love you.
Travis
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skiinnyskelly · 1 year
Text
READ THIS IF YOU HAVE ANA/MIA
Living with an ED
You wake up and immediately touch your stomach to see if it feels any lower then when you had dinner and bloated from last night. You stand up, you feel dizzy and start to stumble, you sit back down on your bed and drink a whole bottle of water. You feel a little bit better but you still have a headache. You creep down the hallway into the bathroom and strip your clothes down to your underwear because it might add weight. You get on the scale, trying to blow out as much air as possible, hoping that you'll have at least lost 0.1lbs.
Your mood for the rest of the day will be at least 50% effected by the numbers on scale. You look in the mirror, pinching yourself in all the places that are to big, jumping up and down to see if anything "jiggles" and trying to see if your ribs and collarbone are becoming visible. You get dressed again and brush your hair, more hair than usual has been falling out. You walk downstairs, pull out a plate and make it look like a used dish, by putting some different sauces and leftovers on it. Placing it at your main seating area of the table, so when the rest of your family gets up they will see you have "eaten". One by one the others get up, they make themselves breakfast. You start to make your younger siblings breakfast and all your head is saying is "carbs, fat, calories, aren't you so glad you're smart enough to not have breakfast??". Your mouth gets a bit watery as you crave the meal you make, but you internally slap yourself and yell "NO".
You sit at the table and swing your legs back and forth, because you don't just count "big" workouts, you count the tiny calories burnt by every tiny movements. EVEN just fidgeting at the table. You sip your green tea while others have juice or coffee with lots of cream and sugar. Your mind is constantly asking new questions, "does breathing faster or slower make you lose more?" "Does hand soap have calories that seep into your skin?" "If I cut my hair short will it change my weight by much?"
You head to the bathroom to get ready for a shower, first you use the toilet. When you stand up to flush, you look down at the fully clear liquid in the toilet. You've been poisoning your body by drinking so much water there's no color to your pee. You pick out your 'exercising outfit' and turn the taps on cold because you know you burn more calories by making your body cold since it has to use more energy to warm up. You try to not 'over use' the shampoo or conditioner because it might make you gain. You shave as much as you can because one less hair would be one .000001lbs closer to your goal.
You step out and pull on your clothes, grabbing your iPad you scroll through ProAna sites and Thinspo you've saved, while still fidgeting. You wait till you're alone then you start working out, that tea you feel slightly coming back up and you pause wondering if you need to run to the bathroom and throw up. Feeling nauseous you swallow and keep pushing your body. No pain no gain. You see spots and feel queasy but won't stop.
Getting to lunch time, if you have a chance you'll make sure not to have a bite. But today your family is watching. You feel like everyone's eyes are on you even though they probably aren't. You make a lunch with as few calories as possible because parents asked you to make yourself lunch. Sitting at the table, you feel so much deep guilt as you bring it close to your mouth. DON'T! YOU'LL RUIN ALL YOU BEEN WORKING HARD FOR! PIG!
You aren't a true Ana... you can't even say no to lunch, fat as**. Tears come to your eyes but you blink them away, can't let the others see... You feel like you are a failure as you open your mouth and take the first painful bite and chew slowly. You hate that you find the taste delicious. "Calories. Calories. Running into your body. Calories. Calories. Making you fat and ugly. Calories. Calories. The thing that makes you suicidal." You can't swallow. You try but can't, you feel like you're going to choke. You try and fail to let it go down. So instead you get up to 'get a drink', and spit it into the trash. You feel so pathetic for not being able to swallow, yet relieved also..
Afternoon now, you've weighed yourself for the fourth time already. You message your friends and during your conversation it goes to the topic of food, your stomach growls. You send funny emojis and rant about all the foods you 'love to eat' inside you say "loved…I loved to eat, now I can't…I can't enjoy my old favourite foods any more. Not like you guys…I miss that. No! food isn't worth being sad over, it's evil!"
Your friends/siblings call you to play a sporty game outside, you are exhausted and have no energy, but you smile wide and say "yes" because you can burn more calories without people realising. You exhaust your screaming legs but keep smiling. Hoping for skinnier thighs.
You watch the people walking by, in envy of others that are skinny and pretty, seeing a overweight person and a "example of why you push so hard." Sometimes you see a person, simply good looking, not thin or fat, a good build and you kick yourself because you just KNOW you'll never be able to 'pull off' the normal body weight look… Plus they don't work as hard as you, so overall your better, you think to yourself.
Evening now, your on the verge of crying for the sixth time, Ana keeps tainting you for every time you looked or thought of food for a split second. All you had was tea and sugar free gum. IF you be good at dinner you'll get to have coffee... black coffee. You're dinner plate seems to expand, it laughs at you and keeps on growing bigger. You manage to eat 1/2 under so much struggle and suffering. You only ate because you were surrounded with people… Ana says "That's just an excuse, you wanted to eat that, I bet you loved the taste, you fithy pig. What are you just gonna sit there and feel sorry for yourself? Go do something about it, or you'll really be a pig."
You rush to your room and spit the big mouthful you shovelled in at the end into a ziplock bag, placing it in the trash can, precisely, underneath other pieces of trash so nobody will see it. You hope that the calories you consumed and the ones from just having it in your mouth doesn't ruin your progress too much.. you sit on the floor and let the tears fall…you failed…you ate…so so much…you're whole body shakes and you hold your fingers around your wrists and arms checking to see how thin they are. You jump on the scale again and the weight from your clothes makes the number bigger you rip off your clothes and get on it again. You gained 1lb. You turn on the shower to mask the noise, then you rush to the toilet, gagging yourself with two fingers until you throw up. You flush the toilet and look in the mirror, vomit around your mouth and your face purple from straining your body to much, the color rushes back into your face and you no longer feel lightheaded. Blowing your nose and wiping the tears from your eyes due to throwing up, you turn on the faucet. You brush your teeth and clean yourself up, grabbing laxatives from the bathroom cabinet. The directions say 1-2 pills, you grab 5. You down it with two bottles of lemon water in attempt to flush out the rest of the calories.
Your family calls you back down for dessert, you take a deep breath and slowly walk down the steps as you try to think of an excuse of why you don't want it. You tell them you feel sick from the "breakfast" you had this morning. Your mom asks if your sure you don't want just one bite. You say no and start to walk back upstairs, she says "Really? I made it for you, I thought you liked cinnamon rolls?" You feel bad an say you'll have half of one, you plate it and bring it up to your room.
You take out the old ziplock bag and open it. It smells but you put the cinnamon roll in and close it up, putting it back under the trash. You try to work off dinner by working out. Sit ups, planks, wall sits, squats, lunges, push-ups, jumping jacks, anything you can think of. You didn't do well at math in school, yet you are spot on at calculating your intake, at converting calories to kilojoules, your BMI, at how much your are burning. You hate studying, yet you stay up all night memorising calories of food at common take away places, you stay up all night researching calories in things like Tylenol and Vitamins, because you don't want to miss logging any of your calories, you even log your gum and 10cal drinks.
It's 2am and your tired enough to go to sleep now. You lay down and close your eyes. All you can think about is Ana, and why your still so fat. Why can't you just be skinny like the girls in the pictures you obsess over?
And this, this is a okay day. A fast day is great day. A binge day is a suicidal day, you loathe yourself more then any other day.
Isn't it lovely? The inside battle you go through to be skinny. Isn't it lovely? The joy in food that has disappeared? Isn't it all worth it, to be skinny? And beautiful? It has to be, all this progress can't be for nothing, right?
Oh Ana, you know how to make me cry...
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bunniekittiee · 6 months
Text
A/N: this is my first TCM fic and also the first self-insert fic I’ve written. I forgot whose post it was, but someone had made a conversation (a v silly one) between Drayton and Johnny about him liking the meat to be tenderized and I just wanted to mention that lol. I tried to make them all in character but I probably did not do the best job. I know it’s kind of short and on a cliff hanger, but I just wanted to crank this out. Maybe I’ll return to it :)
Also not proof-read.
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His eyes raked up and down your body, waiting for a fight back. Waiting to rumble. Waiting like a predator. But all the fight in you was gone, and as your eyelids fluttered and your mind went in and out of consciousness, he paced around your body that had laid on the dirt road. This was too easy, he thought you had so much more to show for. However, he was proven wrong.
“Ya’ know sweet pea, I hate bein’ proved wrong.” A chuckle slipped past his lips, sweet and smooth like chocolate. If he was a normal man, opposite of mentally unhinged, his voice would be beautiful to the ears. But all you felt was repugnance.
“Awe, ya’ ain’t got no fight in ya’ no more?” He questioned with a smirk. “Ya’ had one hell of a mouth, cat got your tongue?”
Gritting your teeth, you scowled at him despite the upper hand he had. If you were going to die, why not make it miserable for him?
Kneeling down, he stared into your eyes with his body tense at your defiance. “Ya better fix that face of yours, sunshine, before I have ta’ fix it for you. Otherwise, Bubba will enjoy carving that pretty face of yours off.” He grinned wildly like a deranged creature.
You whimpered at his words as you tried to move back, but your body did not cooperate. It was weak, exhausted, and badly injured. His grin almost seemed to get wider as he watched you try to move away from him.
“I ain’t that scary, am I darlin’? You ain’t seen scary yet, the Bad Man hasn’t made his appearance yet.” He moved from his position and began to pace around your strewn body. “Ain’t nothin’ to be afraid of.”
The revolting sound of a powered chainsaw bounced around in the air as it echoed into the night. “Well, the only thing you need to be afraid of is my family. They ain’t take too kindly to strangers.” He clucked his tongue. “Not at all.”
Your breathing was uneven as you closed your eyes to try to ignore the fiery pain that your body felt engulfed in. The anxiety pooled in your stomach, waiting for your misery to end.
“Why can’t you just kill me already?” You asked as your voice wavered.
His eyes seemed to light up in the wake of your question. “Easy answer darlin’, I just like ta’ watch innocent girls like ya’ suffer.” He laughed manically as your tears slid down your face. There was no way to make it out alive. “Oh don’t ya’ cry now, sweet thang. I promise I’ll go easy on ya’.”
Crying out, he picked up your body like a rag doll. You were limp as your bones held an awful ache. It ached to the core. The screeching sound of the chainsaw got closer and closer as he neared the house he called home, but you knew it was your own hell.
“Y-you got her, d-d-didn’t ya’ Johnny?” The one with the red birth mark jittered out as he twitched uncontrollably. He was the one who caught Ana in one of his traps. Poor Ana. Your heart broke as you realized you were the last of all your friends to be alive. And you were being taken into their home while your friends laid dead somewhere at the hands of your captors.
“Sure did Nubbins.” Johnny said proudly.
“She’s quite a purty one.” The girl giggled as she studied your limp body and face. “She would fit into Bubba’s collection of masks perfectly.”
“She ain’t for a mask. At least, not yet.” He laughed as you whimpered in dread. “Not until I’m done with her.”
You could not see very well, all you could see were the filthy wood flooring that was long overdue for a cleaning. You saw the corner of a table come into your vision as he set you down, quickly tying you up tightly to the chair. The man with the birth mark and the girl followed you both to the table to sit. The big, burly man with the chainsaw entered the room as well. You started to scream, noticing you were sitting in a chair that had human body parts attached to it. The others cackled like a pack of hyenas with the exception of Bubba. As you wailed, Johnny tried to concentrate as you thrashed around with what little energy you had left in your body.
“Sit still! Would ya’?” He said angrily as you continued your little outburst. He placed a hand on your cheek to calm you down, until you moved your head and latched onto his hand. You bit down on his tender flesh hard. He was still human. He could still get hurt, feel pain.
Pushing your head back forcibly to unlatch your mouth, he snarled as he slapped you hard. It reverberated across the room. Bubba flinched at the sound and made quiet, concerned grunts. “Ya’ better be fuckin’ grateful ya’ stupid slut! Ya’ might end up on the menu yourself if ya’ do that shit again.” Nubbins began to laugh uncontrollably at your degradation.
“What in the hell is all this damn noise!” yelled the old man who led you and your friends to this hell. The man at the gas station. He whipped his head in your direction. “Oh you bastard! You better get rid of the girl quick Johnny! We don’t need another situation like last time!”
Johnny finished tying you up and began to gag you to avoid future bites. “She ain’t like the last one. She’s different, ain’t that right, sweetheart?”
Your sobs were muffled by the gag. Eyes wild like a frantic prey animal, you tried to fight your way out of your bonds. But the rope dug into your soft flesh, burning and ripping into your skin.
The old man shook his head. “We don’t need another mouth to feed, let alone a love child of yours to spring out! You know how your mother would feel about that.”
“Oh lighten up, Cook!” The girl said as she looked in your direction. “Sometimes a girl like her just needs ta’ be taught a lesson so she knows her place.”
“Last time the kid tried to keep a girl captive, her death brought too much attention! We don’t need another situation like that again! That’s why this one is sitting in the chair.” He grumbled as he got closer to you and Johnny. “I reckon it’s a bad idea!”
Johnny’s expression looked annoyed. “I know what I’m doin’ old man. Don’t you like your meat tenderized before cookin’?” He said as he smirked with pride.
The Cook’s face scrunched up. “You are disgusting, boy. Raised like a pack of wolves, all of ya’!”
They all laughed at his statement except for you who cried more and more. Your cries fell on deaf ears. There was no remorse here. You fell right into the devil’s clutches.
Another woman entered the room who eyed you with such revulsion as if your presence was a huge nuisance. “Oh no you don’t boy!”
Johnny looked up and slightly smirked. “Come on, Ma. This one just needs to be taught a lesson. Sissy even said so.”
“To hell you are! That girl ain’t nothin’ but trouble, boy!” She spat as she argued with her son.
“Oh Ma, I already caught the girl and took extra precautions! It ain’t that big of a deal.” His blood pressure began to rise as he continued his argument. You knew your fate was bouncing between these two maniacs.
“No means no, son! You ain’t keeping her!” She said as she sat down at the table. “You best say your goodbyes soon.”
Animosity lingered in his eyes as his body trembled with anger. You felt it radiating off of him and it spiked your heart rate. The snakes in your stomach coiled tightly as you began to sweat in fear of your inevitable death. “I’m keepin’ her whether you like it or not.”
“You are so defiant today Johnny. This girl is changing you already and it hasn’t even been that long since you tied her up.” His mother said as she shook her head in disappointment.
You noticed there was one more seat missing next to Nubbins. How many people were in this damn family?
“Man, cut the damn arguing both of ya!” said another man with the same exact birth mark on his face but on the opposite side. He had long hair, but he looked extremely ill with his pale skin. “We need more peace in this house for cryin’ out loud!”
“Yeah, yeah, more peace!” mimicked the other who you presumed was his twin.
“Shut it, Chop Top!” The Cook yelled out. “Tired of all this damn yelling. Just eat!”
They all began to serve themselves questionable meat that made your stomach churn more and more as the smell invaded your nasal passages. It tickled your throat as you felt the urge to vomit.
“Want some darlin’?” Johnny offered as he waved the food underneath your nose. You clenched your eyes shut and turned your head to the opposite side to avoid throwing up.
“Sh-she ain’t like our food.” Nubbins stuttered as he ate sloppily. “Hopefully she c-comes around one day.”
“Oh she’ll come.” Johnny said quietly as his voice deepened slightly. You internally felt sickened.
Chop Top giggled. “Nasty bastard.”
Dinner was an awkward and fearful affair for you. But for everyone else, it was their normal. Bubba continued to glance at you but you felt it was out of curiosity rather than perversion. He must not be used to having a meal sit at the table with them. You avoided locking eyes with any of them and stared down at the table. You accepted your defeat which made Johnny much more happier. You wouldn’t put up much of a fight anymore. Closing your eyes, images of your friends’ dead bodies filled your head. Their bloodied, beaten bodies that tried to escape the hell they crossed into.
As time passed achingly slow, you began to doze off from exhaustion. You weren’t sure what was going to happen after dinner. You did not know what Johnny had in mind, well, you did but you did not want to think about it too much.
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justalonelyslytherin · 10 months
Text
Legacies | Nine
Previous Chapter | Masterlist | Next Chapter
Pairing: Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin x Kazansky!OC
Summary: It's the middle of the night and Jake can't find sleep. In a way, it's a good thing since he'll have to say an unexpected goodbye to Ana, who leaves Top Gun behind in the middle of the night.
Warnings: military inaccuracies, mentions of dying, mentions of parental death/parental loss
Wordcount: 1.5k
If you enjoyed reading this, please consider leaving a comment or reblogging. I don’t allow for my content to be copied, translated, or reposted on other websites/apps. Please don’t steal my work.
A/N: It's Sunday, I know. The chapter is up a day early. The reason for it is that I'm unable to post it tomorrow and I didn't want to be behind on schedule. So instead I'll be ahead of it! If you've read this chapter you can already guess what the next chapter will be about. It's one last, small moment of quiet and peace before shit will hit the fan. Enjoy it &lt;3
Taglist: open, message me or comment to be added, will be put as reblog
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1:35 am, Base Lodgings
Everything was quiet. The hallways lay deserted and shrouded in darkness. It was the middle of the night, yet Hangman was awake in his dorm room. On his back, he stared at the ceiling in silent contemplation. His head was cushioned on the arm he’d crossed under his head. His thoughts were keeping him up.
She was keeping him up. 
Images of Ana crying on the tarmac and him holding her resurfaced. They danced across his inner eye, closely followed by her angry expression after the altercation with Rooster. 
It was a drastic contrast. One moment her eyes glistened with unshed tears, her vulnerability evident, laid out bare and open before him. The next her eyes were blazing with a fire that wanted to rage and destroy everything around her, she was guarded and turned away from him. Hidden.
Jake hadn’t been able to stop thinking about either moment since they happened.
It was those thoughts that cost him the valuable sleep he already had little of. Over the years in service he had learned to fall asleep quickly, no matter what had happened minutes, hours, or days before.
Trapped in this loop of memories, Hangman almost missed the noise coming from the hallway. Almost. When there was a clatter coming distinctively from just beside his room, he decided to investigate. Walking over he opened the door into the hallway, expecting it to be empty. 
Looking out Hangman came face to face with the reason for his insomnia. There she stood cursing under her breath, fumbling around in the dim hallway.
“Ana?” Her head shot up, startled by his voice. She must have missed him opening his door.
“Did I wake you up?” Hangman shook his head and stepped next to her into the hallway.
As he closed his door behind him she noticed his state of dress. He was only wearing boxers and a faded shirt from Annapolis.
“What are you doing? It’s the middle of the night.”
Ana had a hard time parting from the view of his strong arms and legs to diverge her attention from back to his face. As his words settled over her, she bit her lip and turned away. The subtle gesture was enough for him to notice the bag sitting in front of her feet. It was her travel back.
The sight alarmed Hangman. With it came a sort of tension quickly building in his body. As he took a step closer to her, his body felt taut enough to rip. At first, Ana refused to look at him. Only when he stood directly in front of her and reached out with his fingers to lift her chin did she look at him. She could barely hold eye contact. 
“You are going.” It wasn’t a question. Hangman was stating the obvious. He sounded upset, his jaw was tensely clenched as he looked at her.
“You quittin’?” The words were nearly poisonously spat out.
Realizing you couldn’t do something and admitting it was a noble act but quitting for no reason was for cowards. Normally Hangman wouldn’t spend a thought on those that quit, they weren’t worth his time and effort. But the prospect of her quitting was making him strangely angry. 
The anger consumed him for a moment, it made him blind to the shaking of her shoulders at first. His anger dissipated instantly when he noticed, taking in her shaky breath. Jake mellowed, he softened at her vulnerability. The whirlwind of emotion in her eyes as she looked up at him nearly threw him off his feet.
“My Dad–,” her voice threatened to give out. He took a step closer to her, his hand itching to reach out. “My mother found him in his study. He was unconscious and not breathing…They–”
“Hey,” he called out softly as her voice gave out, “Take a breath.” Guiding her through the motion until she was able to continue, he never took his eyes off her.
“They managed to bring him back but it doesn’t look good. He has gotten extra oxygen and some medications to ease his breathing but he is rapidly getting worse. The doctor doesn’t think he has much time left. Hours… at maximum a day or two.” 
There was sadness and hurt in her eyes mixed with dread and hesitation. Jake’s heart clenched, he recognized the fight her conscience was fighting.
She wanted to be with her father, she had to be, to spend his last moments with him. But there was the awareness of the mission. How important it was and what little time they had left to prepare for it.
Jake nodded, even though he was aware he couldn’t know how she must be feeling at this moment. “It’s okay.” And while it wasn’t truly okay, the situation was shitty and she wouldn’t be okay for a while, he didn’t know what else to say. “It’s going to be okay. You are not alone in this.”
There they stood, looking at each other, both not knowing what else to say. It was then that Ana’s phone vibrated. She turned to crouch in front of the bag and pulled the phone out.
“I have to go.” 
Standing up she grabbed for her bag. Jake was quick to take the bag from her, muttering “I’ll accompany you out.” It was the least he could do. 
And so he carried the bag for her as they walked down the empty and dark hallways in silence. In front of the dormitory building they stopped. In the distance the headlights of a car could be seen driving up the road toward them.
Jake set the bag down at their feet. They were standing side by side in awkward silence. The car drew nearer and with it Jake’s heartbeat spiked. He felt like he had to say something, to do something, before it arrived and she would go. 
Without thinking about it, he stepped closer to her and drew her into his arms. Ana’s body felt warm and soft against him as his arms were wrapped tightly around her back. The motion had surprised her but after a moment she returned the hug. Jake could feel her head lean against his shoulder, feel her breath graze his throat. 
He was wracking his brain to say something, to cheer her up if possible, to tell her his condolences or even to ask if she would be returning – if he would see her again – but no words would leave his mouth. Swallowing felt impossible, there was this lump in his throat that wouldn’t go away, no matter how much he tried.
And then it was too late.
He heard the door of the car open, causing Ana to end the hug. Even if hesitantly, she pulled away, her hands letting go of him. The warmth of her body against his vanishing left him feeling cold.
Ana looked at him and it took all in Jake not to pull her back into the building, to have her stay, and to talk about what happened just before that between them. She hadn’t talked or looked at him since the altercation with Rooster, no matter how much he had tried to pull her attention. Now she was going before he could make it up before he could explain himself and get her to see what he had tried to do.
“I’ll see you,” Ana mumbled tentatively. It was more of a question than a statement. The uncertainty in her voice made him ache. This couldn’t be how they parted, how they saw each other for the last time possibly. Against everything in him, Jake simply nodded, tense and rooted to the spot.
He watched her pick up her back and walk down the steps. Ana reached the last step when Jake finally found the strength to move. Bounding down behind her, he grabbed her hand. In surprise, she looked back at him.
“I’m...sorry.” He told her, earnestly and honestly. Heavy emotions swam in her eyes, tears clouded the pretty color of them as her bottom lip wobbled. She couldn’t speak, couldn’t answer him, too choked up, but what she could do was squeeze his hand. There was the barest quip of her lip in what was the closest she could muster to a smile in this heavy situation.
Jake understood, nodding and squeezing back. The moment ended too soon with their hands pulling apart. His fell to his side as he watched her turn around. 
Ana walked with quick feet toward the car, where another person stood and waited for her. They took her bag, putting it into the trunk as she entered the passenger's side. Before she sat down and closed the door, she looked back once more at him. Jake still stood there, motionless. He couldn’t quite see her expression but he felt her eyes on his once more.
The click of the door was quiet, the car quickly driving off.
Jake watched it drive away until he no longer could see it in the dark.
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nymime · 9 months
Text
Im blasting my radio with sad songs, but spanish sad song.
And i just imaging hispanitalian Steve Harrington singing while crying “Señoras” songs that his mama like/listen because Eddie went to a date with some guy he meet on Indianapolis.
And he sing with Pimpinela, Roció Durcal, Gloria Trevi, Ana gabriel, La oreja de Van Gogh, etc.
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Robin was worried and a little mad with Steve. The older didn’t come to his turn on Family Video, he even didn’t call her after the plan Steve had to confess to Eddie.
She sigh and look over the clock onto the wall, ten minutes more and Robin can left and go see if Steve was okay. To the sound of the bell on the door and this hitting the big window, Robin jump and look over there, only to see the kids and a piss off Eddie.
“Robin! Robin! Did you see steve?! He didn’t come to search for us after hellfire!” Dustin makes his fast way where the mention one was, looking concerned and sad.
“No, he didn’t even call me last night.” Robin play nervously with her fingers, pinching her cuticles nearly making them bleed. “I was planning go to his house and see him.”
“Good, check out earlier and let’s go.” Max demands to the only older girl there.
Robin look again the clock, nine minute more, she can go nine minutes earlier. “let’s go.”
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They make it to Harrington State, or the castle, how Mike and Eddie calls it. Robin knock the door, no respond, she do it again, no respond, she back up looking around for a emergency key, she found it under a big leaf of a plant.
She opens the door and they all jumps to the loud sound of music and singing that comes from upstairs, Robin look at the group, they enter and follow the music.
“YA LO VES, LA VIDA ES ASÍ”
“TÚ TE VAS Y YO ME QUEDO AQUí.”
“shit, someone really passionate about this song” mike comment with a half grin on his face. “what language even is this?”
“Spanish, if i can guess.” Eddie responded vaguely.
“¡LLOVERÁ, Y YA NO SERÉ TUYA!” a loud sob comes after that. “¡SERÉ LA GATA BAJOOO LA LLUVIAA. Y MAULLARÉ… POR TI!” “the last vocal expand but broke for heavy and louds sobs and laments, the voice was familiar.
They all look each other until see over the open door of Steve rooms, who was in the floor rounded with chocolate wrappers and nose-rags, the brunette let out an ugly whimper that makes the group shiver, they never seem Steve like this.
Another song start to play, Steve let out another whimper.
“Tu eres la tristeza y de mis ojos.”
“Que lloran en silencio por tu amor.”
“What we can do?” ask Dustin softly to Eddie, who bites his lip and didn’t answer.
“¡…Obligo a que te olvide el pensamiento! ¡Pues siempre estoy pensando en el ayer!” The crying boy let out a lament with his eyes closed, Steve blew his nose and continue to sing along the women in the Vinyl with tears still running down his face.
The group just backwards and left him be, maybe tomorrow he is okay.
After a while of leaving on eddie’s van, Lucas let out the question that everyone was thinking.
“Hey, since when Steve knows spanish?”
_________________________________
The two song i mention are “La gata bajo la lluvia” and “Amor eterno” - Roció Durcal.
Both song are really good and makes me cry, the first come out in 1981 and the second in 1984. So, thinking of Steve following Roció Durcal for his hispan side just makes me kicks my feets.
Edit: i just correct little mistakes of grammar i made. This was wrote at 4 am.
I just sleep 2 hours. I enjoy so much Latino/Hispanitalian Steve Harrington.
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goldenamberhoney · 1 year
Text
Heartless
Warnings: Bullying, Depression
Pairing: Xavier Thorpe x fem!reader
Summary: Y/N is the only forest nymph in the school and her ‘friends’ are talking about her behind her back
A/N - I’m writing this one for my close friend, @deepblueoceanwaters, who’s been feeling pretty down due to a couple of people who thinks it’s okay to be horrible to her. Ily, bestie xxx
You walked into Botany, immediately seeing your friends, Bianca and Divina, sitting at a desk together. “Heyyy,” you said, sitting next to them. As you opened your bag, you failed to see Bianca rolling her eyes at her fellow siren as you dropped your stuff down. Xavier, however, did not miss the act. His suspicions had begun when he had seen anonymous letters left under your door, all of which he kept away from you.
As you turned your head to answer Enid’s question, Bianca slipped a piece of paper into your bag. Crap, how would Xavier get that one away from you. You picked up your bag, walking down the hallway before Enid called you back to discuss something with you. Divina and Bianca had already walked off without you, you didn’t mind, maybe they were busy.
After you said your goodbyes to Enid, you walked down the hallway, stopping when you heard your name. “Y/N is such a follower,” Bianca snorted sassily. “I mean, yeah, she’s like a lost puppy!” Divina cackled, the scoff evident in her voice. “God knows what Xavier sees in her,” she added. “Arm candy,” the girl sniggered. You had heard enough. Taking your bag, you ran to your dorm, dropping your bag down, until you saw the piece of paper hanging out.
“What the-“ you opened it, tears filling your eyes. The horrible words were written in red pen, spiteful and full of hate as your hand came to your mouth. There was no name or signature to ensure who had truly written the letter, but you had your suspicions. Just then, the door banged open and Xavier stood there, seeing the paper in your hand. “Baby, I’m so sorry,” he muttered, taking the paper gently from your weak grasp.
“Is it true? Am I just arm candy?” you sniffed, rubbing your eyes. He scrunched the paper into a ball, throwing it in your bin as he shook his head. “No, you’re way more than that. You’re smart, talented, amazing, caring, beautiful. You’re everything Bianca isn’t,” he said, kissing you gently. “You think so?” you asked, smiling at the boy. “I know so,” he whispered, holding you close.
A/N - Ana, darling, this one is strongly for you, I’m so sorry this happened to you, again, and I want to make sure you’re okay, if I can’t physically be there. I hope the people who made you feel this way get a taste of their own medicine xxx
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creativepawsworld · 1 year
Text
Silence - Chapter 44
Pairing = Thomas Shelby x OC
Summary = Tommy is off doing business leaving Ana back home at Small Heath where she has a heart-to-heart with her father?
Warnings = Language, Grammar, Alcohol, mentions of selling a person.
Word Count = 2,223
Note = Time has honestly run away from me, I can't believe how long it has been since I updated this story and for that, I do apologise.  Between kids and illness, I have been MIA. Anyway, anyone who is waiting on a response I will get back to you, I am just trying to return and write again. Love you all
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I was applying a light blush to my cheeks when a soft knock on the front door broke my concentration. Biting the inner corner of my lip, I placed the brush carefully down on the table, brushing off the creases in my dress as I walked through my flat towards the door.
"Who is it?" I called through the thick wood.
Tommy had warned me to be more careful now that he had gone to London for business. He had employed more men to watch over our home and to follow me to and from my daily business. It wasn't unusual, Tommy was always rather protective over me, but this time it seemed to be - different.
He had been gone for the past four days and over those past few days a dark feeling of dread plagued my gut. I was becoming more anxious as the days went by, a simple knock on the door caused fear to run through my body.
"It's me Anastasia, your father." A weak male voice travelled through the solid wood.
Breathing deeply I placed my hand against the wood, inhaling through my nose as I pushed back the tears. It had been over a month since I last saw him and despite what he had done, I missed him.
Swallowing back my emotions, I unlocked the door revealing a much paler, thinner man than the last time I saw him. Sorrow was evident behind his green eyes, his grey hair overgrown but pushed away from his face.
"May I come in?" He asked, voice hoarse as he shuffled between his feet. Glancing behind him I noticed the shared looks between the two Peaky Blinder men set to watch my home for that morning.
Nodding, I moved aside, a hand cautiously placed over my slowly growing bump. My father's eyes glanced down, a small smile tugging on the sides of his lips as he shuffled into my home.
"Would you like some tea?" I asked my father, nodding to the two men outside before closing the door.
"Don't be going to any trouble." My father shook his head, shrugging the coat from his shoulders, and placing it on the coat rack next to the door. His once-fitting suits hung loose against his body.
"No trouble" I smiled forcibly, walking towards the kitchen to fill the pot with water.
There was an uncomfortable silence that fell over us as we waited for the water to boil. Clasping my hands together in front of me, I stared at the man who appeared to be fighting with himself, his mouth opening ever so often only to shut a few seconds after.
"Tho- Mr Shelby not around?" He finally asked, gesturing to a chair at the kitchen table – silently asking if he could take a sat. Nodding my head, I turned my back adding the tea leaves to the pot.
"He is in London, business," I explained turning around to face him once more. "And you can call him Thomas father, he is going to be your son-in-law after all."
"He finally asked you to marry him?" My father asked, a genuine smile growing on his face as he shifted into a more comfortable position in his seat.
"You knew he was going to ask?" I questioned, placing to porcelain tea cup on the table along with the milk and sugar.
"My girl, he asked for my permission months ago when we discussed the sale of the tailor shop." He chuckled softly, crossing one leg over the other, leaning back on the chair. "I was only more than happy to give it."
Silence fell over us once again as I stared at him. My mouth opened and closed in surprise before an insincere chuckle came out. Shaking my head, I thought carefully over my words as the teapot screeched behind me, begging to be removed from the heat.
"I know what your thinking…" My father started to speak. Unwilling to let him continue I turned around slamming the hot pot onto a different ring on the oven top, sending a deathly glare towards him, instantly shutting him up.
"You gave him your permission?" I spat, fighting the need to roll my eyes as I rested my hands on the back of one of my kitchen chairs. "The same permission you gave to a random man mere months before for money?"
"Ana…"
"No don't. You don't get to speak about the matters of my heart or my life. You gave up that right when you sold me off like cattle."
"It was to save your brother…"
"His life was never in danger." I defended, my voice going an octave higher than usual. "The Shelby's…"
"You didn't know them back then Ana. You can't be so naïve." My father barked, his hand slapping off the table top causing the cups to shake against the small saucers I had placed them on. "They were power hungry and had a name to make for themselves. They couldn't be seen as weak."
"They were and still are human."
"I am glad you can see them that way Ana, others are not as fortunate."
"I am aware of their dark history father. It hasn't changed, they are still making a name for themselves, and they are still proving every day they are not weak but they are not the monsters you and mother make them out to be."
"You haven't a clue…"
"No?" I laughed pitifully, my hands grasped the back of the chair so tightly, my knuckles turned white.
"I had a gun to my head, I witnessed Tommy almost beaten to death while taking a few punches myself and if my maths is correct, I was in the early stages of my pregnancy when it happened."
"Ana, I didn't…" He gasped, his face becoming whiter at my confession.
"Exactly, you don't know. I have nursed Tommy and his brothers after scraps. I have wiped their victim's blood from their face and hands. I have scrubbed the blood from their clothes so don't you dare come into my home and tell me I don't have a clue."
"Your mother and I were wrong about you." He breathed out, his eyes looking around like he had found himself in an unknown situation. "You're not the naïve, weak girl we raised."
"No, I'm not." I agreed, taking a deep breath. Turning back to grab the teapot I poured the cooling brown liquid into the awaiting cups, my father instantly reaching for the milk.
"I am sorry Ana, it appears I was the naïve one trying to keep you from the dark streets of Small Heath, it was evitable that you would get involved." He sighed, stirring in the sugar. "I just wanted to keep you safe."
"By selling me off to an Italian mafia?" I shook my head, taking the seat in front of him and fixing my tea to how I preferred. A little milk with two small spoons of sugar.
"Your mother knew Audrey from school, we knew they had money. They were the only family in Birmingham we could turn to for settling such a debt."
"Jesus father how can you still believe that lie?" I scoffed, bringing the cup to my lips, my head screaming to throw him out of my home -the headache building.
"I couldn't just walk up to the Shelbys and talk to them. I couldn't hope they would offer me a deal. It didn't work like that."
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why couldn't you just walk up to the Shelbys? Everyone else did. James did. You did only months ago to talk about selling your business to them."
"That was different?"
"Why because I am sleeping with Tommy?"
"Anastasia I don't want to hear about that." My father grimaced, avoiding all eye contact with me. "And James never approached them."
"You truly are naïve." I laughed circling the rim of the teacup with my finger. "James had an issue with gambling long before that whole thing with Arthur."
"He didn't…"
"Yes, he did." I interrupted already knowing what he was going to say.
James had confided in me when I lived with him for a few weeks that he had gotten loans from the Shelbys before, loans he was able to pay off by taking on extra shifts at the factory as well as the lucky bets he earned a profit on.
"You and I both know father that it is nothing to do with Tommy's lifestyle choices," I tell him, flickering my eyes up to stare directly into his eyes. "As you said Small Heath is a dark, unforgiving place. It attracts badness, evil."
"I admire Thomas, he had built himself up from nothing…"
"But he is a gypsy." I finished for him. My father immediately stiffened at the word, his fingers grasping at the teacup tightly, guzzling down the rest of the warm tea. Allowing him time to think of a response.
"That's the issue isn't it?" I laughed darkly, tilting my head to the side slightly to capture my father's eye contact once more. "I mean what else is the difference between marrying a Changretta or a Shelby? Both kill, both do illegal things only difference is one comes with a disgusting degrading stereotype."
"Ana I do not share those views and I hope Mr Shelby understands that."
"Tommy hasn't brought this to my attention father, I concluded this on my own but I have no doubt he is aware of it."
"This isn't how things were supposed to turn out."
"No, I was to be shipped off to live with the Changretta family. Be the perfect little housewife that wouldn't say boo to a mouse."
"Not exactly Anastasia."
"Then what was it, father?" I asked standing to my feet, taking my empty cup in my hands and placing it in the sink.
"You were always a strong woman Ana, I saw it in you. Your grandmother saw it in you. We just…I just."
"Suppressed me."
"For a lack of a better term, yes."
"Why?"
"Naivety, protection I don't know why. I regret it every single day and will continue to until I die." He sighed now standing to his feet to place his cup in the sink. Turning to face me he takes my hands in his. "I believed you were too innocent for this world, I didn't want anything to happen to you. You were my little girl."
"You sold me off to the mafia father, how is that protecting me?"
"I didn't know they were still involved with all that. Your mother assured me that they were done with that life, finished. Then their son goes and robs a bank, and kills a man. At that moment I knew I fucked up." Tears welled in his eyes as he spoke.
"But why? Even if they were done with the killings why? Why sell me off at all?"
"It wasn't to be that way." I could tell he was growing frustrated by my constant line of questioning, but he came to me and I wanted answers.
"Now's your chance to tell me what way it was supposed to be then."
"We were to gradually introduce you and Luca, have you spend time together, date fall in love and want to marry, start a family on your own accord. It wouldn't be forced, just guided."
"Guided," I repeated with a deep scoff, was he actually that delusional?
"But, he got into unruly ways. You met Thomas Shelby and the plan went to shit." He laughed ironically. "Luca got sent to New York and I relaxed. Nothing was ever mentioned again until word got back to them that you were dating Thomas. They didn't like that."
"But their son was gone, they are the ones who didn't uphold their end of the bargain you did."
"As far as they are concerned you are still their property."
"But not anymore?" I asked noticing the scared look in my father's eyes, the look frightening me. "Not anymore, right father?"
"I've tried to pay them off, made the finest of suits as you can tell. It's not enough."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Your mother and I are leaving. It was detailed in the letter I had asked Thomas to deliver but I assume he didn't…"
"He delivered it. I just didn't want to hear what you had to say."
"I see." He nodded sadly, his hand carefully coming up to my face, cupping it in his hand. "I asked you to come with us but I now realise that the safest place for you to be is with Thomas, your security is quite something."
"Tommy is rather protective."
"As he should be, you are a diamond in amongst all the coal. A light in amongst all the darkness and I am truly sorry for all the hurt I have caused in your life thus far. Your grandmother would be so disappointed in me."
"If nana were still here, she would have never let you go through with such a deal."
"No, she wouldn't have. She would have sold me instead and I would have deserved it." He nodded, a small smile on his face. "We are leaving tomorrow, come round and say goodbye please."
"I'll think about it."
Taglist
@shelbyteller @seleneshelby @forgottenpeakywriter @babayaga67 @sweetmilkshakeluminary @slutforcoffein @sydneyyyya @happysparklingshadows @margew76   @midnightmagpiemama  @pierre-gasssllyy    @duckybird101
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redheadspark · 11 days
Note
Barry Keoghan March Prompt 2 please and thank you 💙
A/N - Aww this is adorable! I made this nice and short and cute for you to read, I hope you like it! Thanks for requesting!
Hold
Summary - Barry loves holding your hand
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Warning - Just fluff :)
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“Alright, how does your month look for our holiday?” 
“Looks, good. The awards season is done and I have a solid month open before my next project,”
“Perfect!  And….done, we’re officially going on holiday,”
Barry chuckled as you slammed the Laptop shut in relief, he reached over to lace your fingers together from across the tiny coffee table between the pair of you.  The rest of the shop was mostly deserted, except for a few patrons who were working on their own computers or reading. With the pattering of rain and the sun attempting to push through the storm clouds that were rolling by, you and Barry wanted to hide out in a coffee shop and have some one-on-one time together.  It was one of your favorite coffee shops, you found a spot tucked away from the windows and out of the public eye since Barry was not being recognized out and about.  He loved his stardom, he truly did, but he also loved having time away from set or paparazzi could be your boyfriend.
One of his favorite things to do with you was hold your hand.
Sure it seemed like it was such a simple thing to do, but he loved having your hand in his.  Anytime he could, he would hold your hand and keep it tucked tight.  Walking together shoulder to shoulder, watching a movie together cuddled on the couch, even falling asleep together when he would cuddle you close in his embrace.  Something about having your hand in his, it felt like Ana char for him with how fast things were moving in his life.
“Where are we goin’?” He asked you as you took a long sip from your latte.
“Not going to tell you,” You hummed as an answer, seeing him cock up an eyebrow at you, “As someone who has connections to travel agents, this holiday is going to be amazing for us.  Just be prepared to dress for warmth,”
“Ah, so I need my speedo?” He joked, and you giggled as he grinned from ear to ear.
“You would want to bring your speedo when we go under the sun,” You teased, “But you can’t get a sunburn or else your publicist will kill me,”
“Eh, she won’t do a thing to you,” Barry reassured you as he scooted over to be right next to you, wrapping a spare arm around your shoulders to tuck you in a bit closer next to him.  Your hands were still connected on top of the table, his thumb stroking your skin back and forth along our hand as he spoke again, “She’s a great publicist, but wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
“I know, that’s why I like her: she's kind but she keeps you in check when you’re away,” You explained, Barry kissing the top of your head.
“You make it seem like I’m a bad boy,” he commented, though he saw you smile as he poked your side, “You think I am, don’t ya?”
“Never said that,” You replied with a laugh as he poked your side again. Barry loved this banter between the pair of you, ever since you met two years ago thanks to a mutual friend who introduced the pair of you at a wrap party from one of his independent films.  Barry instantly liked you, from how you laughed at one of the corny pickup lines another bloke tried on you, to how you were asking him plenty of questions about acting and what method he liked the best.  He could tell you genuinely liked him as a person, not as an actor or a movie star.  He asked you for your number, and you two have been a pair since then.
He was an actor who thrived and craved privacy, especially when it came to his personal life.  He wanted to have his relationship with you as private as possible, not wanting to have public dates or extravagant vacations.  In fact, he was the opposite, wanting to find little tucked-away restaurants to eat at or small getaways with no prying eyes.  He saw now that acting life can tear families and relationships apart, and the one main thing he never wished for was to have his life with you tainted and ruined.  But you never cared, not when you had your own life to deal with and your workload keeping you busy most days.
Still, little by little, you were known as his girlfriend.  Barry taking you to a couple of premiers, dropping your name at interviews and talk shows, even walking with you side by side with the paparazzi catching the image at the right moment.  He could see that you were no wallflower when it came to being in the spotlight from time to time.  Sometimes the gossip columns and tabloids did get to you once or twice, but you were they were lies and not even close to the truth.  
Barry loved having your hand in his when times were tough or when he was too stressed, It brought him inner peace and tranquility.  If he could, he would hold your hand all the time and never let you go.  Sure it seemed possessive, but he didn’t care. Barry cared about you and how you moved him from the inside out.  Even seeing pictures of the two of you holding hands out in public, at a premiere or a party would always put butterflies in his stomach and make his heart swell.  
He never felt like this with any other girlfriend, not for a long time.  
“So, this warm holiday, am I going to be seeing you in a gorgeous swimsuit?” He asked you in a coy tone.
“Maybe, along with some of my favorite books to read and plenty of sunshine for the pair of us to share together,” You explained, “And it’s going to be at least 5 days too, so pack plenty of clothes…or not.”
“Hey!” He snorted, the pair of you laughing at the light antics between you two in your booth. He looked down at your joined hands, feeling the warmth of your palm against his own and your soft hands against his calloused fingers.  He knew he wanted to hold your hand forever and beyond that as well.  
Inwardly, he was glad that you planned this holiday out for the pair of you to enjoy.  He had other plans that he was going to make with you, given the small ring box that he stored away in his dresser drawer back at his flat.  He dreamed of placing a tiny diamond on your finger, for some time actually. 
But you planning the holiday made it just a pinch sweeter.
The End
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Spring Prompt Session
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ya-zz · 7 months
Text
You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid
“There’s my favourite person!” Her words were happy, a bounding smile on her face as she approached you. That smile soon faded when she saw the solemn look on your face. “What’s the matter, kiddo?”
Looking up at her, you notice the worry within her eye, a deep sadness hiding behind.
“Oh, Ana… it’s nothing.” You lied.
She tuts, shaking her head as she sits next to you.
“You cannot hide from me. A mother knows and sees all.” She leans in, arm nudging yours.
It made you smile, the way she was so caring towards you. It was genuine love and care, a mother with her kid; although you were not hers biologically, you felt somewhat closer to her than any other person.
“Ana… can I ask something?”
“Of course, what’s on your mind?” She leans forward, head tilting slightly as she looks at you.
She noticed the slight hesitation before you spoke. “Am I a bad person?”
The woman was almost taken aback by your question, eyebrows raising.
“Far from it.” She smiles once more. “You are a kind soul. One that has been through so much, but look at where you are now.” Her hand reaches for your shoulder, a gentle embrace as her thumb rubs gently. “We’ve all made mistakes. Even I have, but those do not define us.
Mistakes are a part of life, but you my dear, are far from bad. You are still young, have so much life left within you. Don’t waste that time wondering if you’re bad.”
The tears fell from your eyes, cheeks turning colour as a sob escaped you, but Ana did not stop there.
“Listen, kiddo. Those thoughts in your head? The bad ones? Destroy them. Prove to yourself that you’re better than those thoughts. And even if you can’t, you have people out there that care.” Her arms wrap around your torso, pulling you towards her as she hugs you close. “You’re gonna go far, kid, I know it. Don’t let anyone bring you down, not even yourself.”
She doesn’t let go, resting her head against yours as her hand gently rubs your arm, calming those thoughts inside of you.
“Remember to care for yourself and remember that I will always be here. You may not be my kid, but at heart,” she laughs, “I feel like you are.”
——
A lil something for one of the kindest tumblr mutuals I have ever had the pleasure to interact with @colemorrison 💛
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dilemmaontwolegs · 2 years
Text
Instinct || Bucky Barnes
FATWS!Bucky x blind!fem!reader
Summary: After trying to stop a mugging before Bucky intervenes as reward is offered and so he tracks you down. Warnings: 18+ only, canon-typical violence, mentions of animal abuse, discussion about disabilities, fluff WC: 2.3k
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The subway seemed busier than usual for such a late hour, but then again this was the city that never sleeps. Thankfully, despite the amount of people on the platform there were still seats available on the train. You took a seat and folded up your cane, tucking it next to you before a New Yorker tripped over it since they never seemed to pay attention where they were walking.
A few shouts sounded down the end of your carriage and you tilted your head towards the sound, listening to the escalating argument, an attempted mugging. Footsteps ran towards you along with an echo of a cry to ‘stop that man’, and the panic of the voice had you rising to your feet. This city had taught you a great deal of lessons between its various alien attacks, terrorist attacks and a Snap, you had learned to protect yourself. You couldn’t wait on a hero to save the day.
You snapped your cane out, the elastic whipping it into shape as you spun and brought it down on the mugger's head. You had broken too many canes to count that you had commissioned a custom light weight alloy one to last a lifetime. Now it came in handy as the man cried out in pain and you ran the cane down his arm, hooping the ball into the strap off the bag he had stolen and snatching it from his grasp.
The click of a gun being cocked froze you. The sound was quieter than the raucous of the train and left you unable to pinpoint the exact direction the sound came from before you felt someone tear you away. You stumbled and fell but the person kept their hold on your tight as gunshots fired, the burst of sound leaving your ears ringing at how close they were and the pings of the bullets ricocheting off metal.
The arms disappeared for a second before you heard the crunch of metal being crushed, a man groaning and then the heavy thump of a body hitting the ground. A round of applause sounded out as the person who had pulled you away from the gun placed his hands on your arms, patting them down as they looked for any injuries. 
“Are you alright?” His voice was warm and laced with concern, the baritone range vibrating your recovering eardrums as he leant in close to talk over the noise of the crowd. He froze under your touch as you gently traced his features, a straight nose, dimpled chin and frown lines etched in deep. “What are you doing?” 
“Trying to picture your face.” 
His head swivelled away and a quiet oh of understanding fell from his lips as he picked up the cane you had dropped in the mele. The owner of the bag was making her way closer and you recognised her voice from the fight so you tapped the man on the shoulder and pointed in her direction.
“Can you make sure the bag gets back to her? This is my stop.” 
You pulled the cane away from the bag and slipped away before he could answer, the doors closing moments after you stepped onto the platform. 
“Hey, wait!”
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“Girl, your face is all over the news.” 
You hadn’t even taken your jacket off when your coworker, and friend, Ana cried excitedly and took your bag, unpacking your lunch before hanging it up next to hers. 
“They want to interview you, there’s even talks of a reward,” she continued as she sat back down at her desk. “That Sergeant Barnes is a dream.”
“The Avenger?” You asked as your interest was finally piqued. “What’s he got to do with it?”
“Duh, he was there. Girl, the man had his arms around you, how could you not know?” You quirked an eyebrow at her question and she scoffed. “Don’t give me that look, I meant he has a metal fucking arm.”
“He was wearing a jacket, I couldn’t tell. How did you know he had his arms around me?”
“Oh, they released the security footage from the train. Damn lucky he was there too, what the hell were you thinking?” You were well versed with the lecture that was coming your way, along with the light slap to your arm followed by, “Are you even listening to me? Seriously, you could have been killed if Bucky hadn’t stopped the bullets with his metal hand. He saved your life.”
“How about, if I ever see him I’ll say thank you.” You murmured as you rolled your eyes and began making your way to the door where the crescendo of barking was coming from.
“Ha ha.” Ana drawled sarcastically before the bell rang above the front door and a real laugh bubbled up. “Speak of the devil.”
“You have got to be kidding me.” You sighed, turning back to the reception as the scent of his cologne blew through, the same one you had inhaled the night before on the train.
“‘Fraid not.” He chuckled. “You took off so fast I didn’t get a chance to talk to you.”
“So you stalked me instead?” You challenged as a strangled groan came from Ana beside you.
“Forgive her, she’s always cranky if she doesn’t get her morning coffee and cuddles.” Ana poorly explained. “Do you want a coffee too? Pot’s almost done.”
“Uh, sure.” He said as you heard his leather jacket creak and he scratched the back of his neck nervously.  
“If you want to talk you’ll have to come out the back.” 
You left the choice up to him as you opened the door and stepped into the chaos that gave you purpose. There were currently 12 dogs in your care, dogs that no shelter would take and were set to be put down because they were put in the ‘too hard basket’ ie: they couldn’t justify the cost. Most were missing a limb, one had been rescued from a fire and two had been forced into fighting rings but all of them were sweet and protective.
“Just because we have a visitor doesn’t mean our manners go out the door.” You tutted as they all swarmed around your legs. “Line up.”
The mass of bodies disappeared and they settled into the line, falling silent while you felt the bags hanging on the wall for the one you were after. You took a seat on the doorstep, feeling Bucky sit beside you and you reached into the bag to grab the first collar, feeling the braille for the name.
“C’mere Charlie.” 
The big, stocky bulldog boldered over and fell onto your lap, his belly facing up for a scratch that you happily gave him. You could feel his tongue hanging out of his mouth and warming your leg, a smile growing on your face at how happy and content he was compared to when he arrived. You gently felt around the stump where his back leg used to be, checking his reaction for signs of pain but he was relaxed and soaking up the attention he was receiving. 
“What happened to him?” Bucky asked as he reached out and scratched the dog behind the ear.
“He was subjected to violence by vile human beings - he was thrown into the harbour after he lost a dog fight. Managed to swim his way back to shore thankfully.” You uttered quietly as if Charlie could understand you. “The vet was going to put him down because he was a damaged stray but the receptionist called us and Ana got there in time. They amputated his leg and told us that it was a waste of time, that he wouldn’t make it, but we brought him back here anyway. Isn’t that right, Charlie? We proved them all wrong.”
“Is that why you tried to stop that mugging last night? To prove you can?” He asked and you pursed your lips together as you turned to face him. “Sorry, I'm just trying to understand why you would put yourself in that position given you’re…”
“Blind? Disabled?” You offered as he tapered off to an awkward silence. “When you aren’t wearing your prosthesis does it stop you from trying to pick anything up?”
“No, but I have another arm.” He answered hesitantly.
“And I have other senses.” You explained as you grabbed a ball from the bag and threw it along the large enclosed space, the dogs running after it. “Most of them are missing a leg but they still run. Tango, c’mere girl.”
The smallest of the pack, a fox terrier, sprinted back and her small paws caught your top as she excitedly jumped on your lap having brought the ball back. 
“I know what point you’re making but she won.” He said, scratching her back and letting her jump onto his lap with her four little legs. 
“She always wins.” You smirked. “Do you think she would be brave enough to chase the ball if she could see who she was up against?”
A comfortable silence grew as Bucky sat petting Tango, the girl who lost her eyesight when she was beaten by a group of teenagers as a pup, and you finished roll call with the collars, getting them ready for their morning walk. 
“Did you want to join us? If you don’t have any villains pencilled in your diary.” You asked after the bag was emptied and the dogs all sat quietly in their line, the swish of their tails giving away their excitement. “They get a bit angsty if they stay inside too long.”
“My diary is clear of villains today and rescuing princesses too before you ask.”
“Damn, that was my next question.” You laughed, standing up and grabbing the special leashes that had been made for walking so many dogs at once. “Here, you take Victor, Oscar, India, Romeo, Sierra and Charlie. They could do with being around dominant men a bit more, they need to see they can be trusted.”
“Dominant men.” Bucky chuckled. “I’ll take it as a compliment.”
Before you could retort a witty response Ana called out from the reception, a reminder that your coffee was waiting. You finished clipping each dog into the leash and felt up the rope to check for any frays or tears until you reached Bucky’s hand of cool metal.
“May I?”
“Sure.” He said with the creak of his jacket suggesting a casual shrug along with it. “At least you asked this time.”
The light tone brought a smile to your face and you gently traced the thin plates, feeling them move as languidly as real muscle. “I can’t hear them move.”
“It’s vibranium.” He said as if it explained everything. “Wakandan tech.”
“They must like you a lot to let you use it.” You commented as you followed the curve of the plates up his sleeve. “I didn’t think they took too kindly to outsiders.”
“I’m not in their favour at the moment, that's for sure.” He mumbled before clearing his throat. “Where do you normally walk these guys?”
“Down the road to the dog park. It helps get them used to being around unfamiliar dogs and new scents.” You explained, opening the door and leading the way to grab one of the takeaway coffee cups. “It’s one thing for them to be sociable amongst themselves because they live together and have shared trauma but it’s a whole new dynamic out in the real world.”
“I can understand that.” Bucky whispered to his coffee lip. 
“I thought you might.” You said with a little nudge of your elbow. “It’s our survival instinct, but it’s often mistaken for being jaded.”
“Maybe it’s both.”
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“You should think about that reward.” Bucky said as he walked beside you, fighting to keep his dogs from crossing over to yours as you headed back to the shelter. 
“I think the city is better off keeping its reward and actually putting money into making public transport safer.”
“I completely agree, but the reward was offered by the woman who was attacked.” He corrected you before he pulled you to a stop. “Saving all these animals can’t come cheap, even just doing an interview will help your cause. You’re doing a good thing here and I know there would be plenty of support if more people knew about it.” 
“I don’t need charity, Bucky.” You said after whistling for the dogs to stop pulling at the leash. “I’m doing just fine on my own.”
A low growl, that did not come from a dog, had your eyebrow lifting before his phone rang and he sighed. “I have to go. Will you be alright getting back from here? Was that a stupid question?”
“Kind of, but I’ll let you off the hook this time.” You nodded.
“Would it be okay if I maybe stopped by again tomorrow?” 
You were acutely aware that his hand was still on your arm and the heat seemed to radiate far beyond just where he touched. 
“I’d like that.” You smiled, reluctantly taking the leash from his other hand. 
“I’ll bring the coffee though, don’t tell Ana but this tasted like dirt.” 
“Your secret is safe with me.” You promised with a laugh as his phone rang again. “Now go.”
“It’s a date.” He said before inhaling sharply and clearing his throat. “I mean, if, um, if you want it to be.”
“Not really.” You admitted, placing your hand on his arm and trailing it down to find his hand. “I’d rather go on a proper date.”
“Yeah?” He said brightly, his fingers squeezing yours gently. “Do you like jazz? There’s a bar that plays like music on Saturday nights.”
“Sounds perfect.” You followed the sound of his breath and placed a soft kiss on the short beard you had felt the night before. “See you tomorrow.” 
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mamachasesmayhem · 11 months
Text
wait in the truck (Hang Your Halo Universe)
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Well, she was bruised and broke from head to toe
With a tear in her blood-stained shirt
She didn't tell the whole truth, but she didn't have to
I knew what had happened to her
I didn't load her down with questions
That girl had been through enough
I just threw it in drive, looked in those eyes
And asked her where he was
Jake
Beckham has been radio silent for the last 4 hours and I'm freaking the fuck out.  We've been posing as an up and coming couple in the underground trying to build a shady business to help shut down a human trafficking ring a couple hours upstate in Santa Ana.  She was supposed to be meeting "friends" for lunch, but that was hours ago and she's not at the restaurant or answering her phone.  Mav and the rest of the team have been looped in and are about 10 minutes away, ready to launch a rescue op if needed. Once they arrive, we split up to canvas the area and start the search for her.
Beckham
I've always considered myself tough. Mentally, physically, emotionally. I mean I've been through some shit. But I think this takes the cake.
Somehow, our covers were blown and Jake and I were outed as government operatives. Which is how I ended up where I am right now; stripped down to my bra and undies, getting the shit beat out of me.
"You know, it's totally cliche the way you me quite literally chained up, hanging from the ceiling." Even though my toes are barely making contact with the floor, I'm bleeding from multiple places, and my arms are numb, I can't keep myself from popping off at the mouth.
"You sure are mouthy for such a little thing, especially one at my mercy," my abductor smirks. "Lucky for me, I have quite the clientele that enjoys beating their women into submission. You'll go for top dollar."
Bile rises in my throat at the thought and I fight it back, refusing to let him get to me.
"You know, my best friend always said that I could never stay kidnapped for long because my captors would give me right back with how much I talk. Wonder how true that statement is," I chuckle, earning a harsh slap across my face.
"Ooh baby, I like it rough," I taunt.
"I swear to God," the man mumbles in frustration.
"I just want you to think about one thing; since you know who I am, you know who my team is. That means you know the lengths they'll go to in order to protect a random person walking down the street. Just imagine what they'd do for me," I let a menacing grin cross my face. "I'll let that marinate for a little bit. You can come back when you've found your sense of self preservation and let me go!"
The man storms off as I predicted, and I work on slipping from my restraints. Just as I'm about to free my wrists, a Dewayne Johnson wannabe prowls into the room.
"Oh goodie! It looks like I've pissed them off enough for the big one to be sent in. How ya doin buddy? Eat any children for breakfast?" I snark.
The best part about sending in the brawn of the operation means they didn't send the brains. Which means the meathead stalking towards me didn't think about securing his weapon or the door, confident in the fact that he could easily overpower me and prevent my escape.
Damn do I love being underestimated.
As predicted, the walking meatball makes his way to me, ready to inflict some pain. Once he's close enough, I pull up on the chains in my hands and wrap my legs around his neck, effectively putting him in a sleeper hold. As soon as he's passed out, I let him drop by my feet and use the extra few inches to push up and fully free my hands. I grab his weapon and keys and dart out of the door. I hear shouting as I run out of the building and am momentarily blinded by the late afternoon sun, but quickly regain my bearings and take off in a sprint away from the goons that nabbed me.
Jake
I'm driving towards one of the abandoned lots we know business has gone down in when there's a streak of tan skin and dark hair that catches my eye.
Beckham.
I slam on the brakes and hop out of the truck with my hands up so Beckham doesn't kick my ass or shoot me.
"Beck, it's me! You're safe now," I attempt to soothe her. She quickly realizes it's me and throws herself into my arms. That's when I notice she's bleeding, barefoot, and hardly clothed. I yank my shirt off and pull it over top of her, then let the team know where we are and that I have Beckham. They're on their way instantly, and should be here within minutes.
"Beck, sweetheart, are you ok?" I ask as my eyes trace over her for any signs of serious damage.
"I'm ok, might have broken a rib or five, but everything else is pretty much superficial. Hurts like a motherfucker though," she winces.
"Get in the truck," I command and she does as I ask. "Where is he?"
"It's Stone, he's probably running around like a beheaded chicken since I slipped my restraints and took down his ogre with no problems. I'd be willing to bet I made him big mad," she smirks then winces in pain.
"Stay here, send the boys in when they get here," I tell her as I tuck weapons and ammo into my pockets and belt.
"It should just be Stone and Shrek. I didn't see or hear anyone else but I could be wrong, so please be careful," she warns. I kiss her head once she's tucked safely into the passenger seat of my truck, then head into the building ready to bring the fucking hammer down. She was right, it was just Stone and his henchman. Lurch was still passed out on the ground and I recognized the telltale sign of Beckham's Black Widow style chokehold. I zip tie his wrists to a support beam, confident that he won't be going anywhere until the rest of the boys get here. I don't have to search for long before I find Stone, and the smug look on his face has me immediately aware he was the only one that inflicted the pain and damage done to Beckham. He pulls a gun and moves to aim it at me.
"Please do it, give me a reason to drop your garbage ass right here, right now," I smirk. I hear movement outside and know it's my backup. "It's your choice, surrender or suffer."
His hand twitches and I don't give him a chance to do anything more before a shot rings out, bullet imbedding itself in to his upper thigh, making him drop to the floor in pain. I walk over and kick the gun from his reach as boots hustle up behind me.
"You good, Seresin?" Rooster asks me, eyeing the gun in the corner and the man bleeding in the floor. I nod in reply, eyes still glued to Stone whimpering in the floor. "Ah, I see he got to experience the other reason you made Top Gun. The most painful flesh wound that won't immediately kill you. Nice work, Hangman,"
"Thanks, Bradshaw," I grin. "Now if you've got him until PD shows up, I'm gonna go check on our best girl." Rooster shakes his head in affirmation and I'm back to the truck in no time. I climb into the truck, pull her onto my lap, and hold her close as we wait for EMS to arrive.
"Never again, short stack. I can't let you get hurt like that again," I whisper into her hair.
"Good thing I knew you'd find me before anything bad happened. Thanks for coming to my rescue, cowboy. And for teaching me how to slip those cuffs. Worked like a charm," she says with a smile into my chest. We stay like that, huddled together, until medics arrive on scene to check her out.
Tag list 🏷️:
@desert-fern @startrekfangirl2233 @bradleybeachbabe @sarahsmi13s @lovinglyeternal @horseshoegirl @footprintsinthesxnd @cassiemitchell @dakotakazansky I love you squirrelies 💕
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queenrileyrose · 2 years
Text
Irreplaceable Chapter 20: Falling in Love Never Felt Like This
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Series Premise: Two years after his abdication and wedding to Katie, Leo meets Riley the night of Liam’s coronation.
The story is told in first person POV that switches between Riley and Leo.
A/N: It’s been a while again, sorry!
Summary: Leo and Riley have a long week.
I’m using my new tag list, if you want to be added or removed, let me know.
TW: Language, sensuality, violence (a shove)
Word count: 6500ish
Music Inspo: WYAF-Pacific
Catch Up Here
Thank you to everyone who reads, likes, comments, and/or reblogs this. I appreciate it so much. ❤️
LEO
Liam’s phone goes straight to voicemail. 
I have diplomatic immunity. I don’t even have to kill Katie, so much as she can just accidentally fall off a cliff. She might have survived the fall, smacked her head on a rock, and doesn’t remember who she is. No one has any way of knowing.
Riley flinches like something just hit her. I can make out her phone screen over her shoulder. She’s on a search engine. Fuck no. I knew immediately this would go far and wide, and she doesn’t need to see any more.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm the fire coursing through my veins. I feel like the anger might explode me. I can’t go off. It’ll make Riley cry, and I’m not doing that. I don’t know if it’d make things worse. 
Conceal, don’t feel. Is that Constantine or Disney? I can punch things later. Focus on Riley. Help her.
I gently pluck the phone from her hand and clear the browser, closing the app before handing it back. I want to keep her phone, but that’s not going to go over well. Riley pulls away, her expression defiant.
“It’s better to know, Leo,” Riley’s trying to act like she isn’t about to burst into tears. I see her bottom lip quiver, the tears forming in the corners of her beautiful brown eyes.
I feel my hands closing into fists and stop, stretching my fingers. Later.
“No, baby,” I’m trying not to sound patronizing. I want to help, and this is all I can do, protect her from more than she can handle right now. “You read that paragraph. That’s the gist, and it’s enough.”
Take it from me; reading everything the press prints about you is not good. Even when it’s the truth, it hurts. Lies cut much more profoundly. 
“When did she even do that?” Riley sounds like she’s talking to herself and not me. “She had to have known that day at Luca’s. What was that? Some attempt to make me think she wanted you back? It worked a little, at least made me question things.”
Katie has had some shady plan this whole damn time. I knew it. She doesn’t want me back. She wants to fuck up my life. 
“I don’t know,” I press my hand into the small of Riley’s back so she’s against me again. “I’m still sorry she did that.”
“Stop apologizing for her,” Riley snaps, moving backward. “Who are you calling anyway?”
Be cool. Don’t make it worse. 
“I’m sorry.” I wince as Riley glares. “I mean, I don’t mean to,” I don’t try to close the space; Riley needs it. “Milo. I need to dial, hang; hang on.”
Riley moves to the windows, glancing out before shutting the heavier curtains. She doesn’t want anyone to see in. I doubt there’s anyone out there, but she’s smart to close them. 
“Leo,” Milo answers almost immediately, panting like he was running. “I’ve received your messages. I have the papers ready to be filed, but I’ve had an idea.”
I need to buy Rashad a huge drink for hooking me up with Milo. 
“Great,” I watch Riley open the small fridge and yank out a half-full bottle of tequila. She eyes it before uncorking it and drinking it straight, not bothering with a glass.
I watch her down three shots worth before refocusing on Milo. “What’s your idea?”
“Go to the media,” Milo is blunt, and I’m shocked. “I didn’t anticipate your ex beating you to the punch. The story you told me about Ms. Reyes Embry is certainly newsworthy.”
Oh, I am fucking aware. I’d call Ana, but I am never speaking to that hag again. Donnie always liked me. Maybe him. 
“Alternatively, you could pursue a divorce in Cordonia,” Milo offers. “You may have more leverage there.”
I hadn’t thought of that. I need to call Rashad. “Would I still have to go through with it in California?”
“No, just file the decree from Cordonia,” I hear Milo tapping on his computer. “The only caveat is that Katie would retain property that doesn’t include your name on the deed. However, the divorce could proceed quickly with or without her cooperation.”
My name isn’t on anything. As much as I want to take that house from her, being divorced quicker is a much better deal. 
“What about her money?” I could buy shit she hates with it and ship it to her house. Like a bunch of cats.
“You are entitled to a percentage, as she came into it after the marriage,” Milo says warily. “That is a two-way street, and she can ask for funds from you as well.”
Rashad has most of my money hidden. I’m not worried. 
My phone beeps, Liam’s number flashes across the screen. “I’m on it. Thanks, Milo.”
“I’ll keep you updated,” Milo says in a rush, and I wonder what he was doing. “Let me know if you decide to file in Cordonia.”
“Sure thing,” I tap the phone button to switch over to Liam.
“Leo?” Liam calls over the line. “Forgive me if the reception is bad; we’re on the jet.”
“No problem,” Drake and Max are arguing in the background about something; I can’t make out what.
“I’ve prepared a statement that will be released after we land,” Liam’s voice is even; there’s anger in the clipped words. “The damage has been done, though I hope this helps. I can’t allow Katie to speak about nobility in Cordonia this way and not respond. That’s the formal reason, in addition to Riley being a dear friend.”
I know Liam loves Riley like a sister, he’s told me a few times, but I’ve never heard that edge in his voice. He’s protective of her, like me.
Constantine tried to pull rank during all the playboy prince stories, and it didn’t work. I don’t think he tried that hard. Maybe Liam can help more than he did. 
“That sounds good,” I nod, confused and relieved. “But, Riley isn’t a noble?”
“Ha!” Riley hiccups, wiping her mouth on the back of her hand. She slams the bottle on the counter, and it’s almost empty. 
Fuck. That’s hot. And impressive. 
“I’ll have you know; I’m a fucking Lady!” Riley lifts the tequila again in a toast. “Bertrand said I was a goddamn lifetime member. House Beaumont!”
Thank god she ate earlier. Max hears her and echoes the words exuberantly. Drake curses. 
I wonder if Katie knows Riley is titled. I wonder if I’ll be able to hear her scream when she finds out. 
“How is she?” Liam asks, the anger gone, worry lacing his words. “Riley doesn’t deserve the ridicule and outright lies.”
Riley’s phone goes off, and she answers it immediately after seeing the display, putting it on speaker. 
“She fucking doesn’t,” I agree as Riley sets her phone on the dresser and sits backward in the leather desk chair beside it. “She’s been better.”
“Drake?” Riley’s voice shakes, and I want to punch Katie. And Reagan. At the same time. 
“Don’t sound so surprised,” Drake attempts to sound jokey, but it falls flat. “Li’s on the phone with Leo; thought I’d check in.”
“Leo,” Liam says slowly, like he doesn’t want to tell me what he’s about to say but has to. “Don’t do anything rash.”
“I won’t,” I reassure him.
My definition of rash isn’t the same as Liam’s. 
“Don’t blame yourself, either,” Liam’s being the big brother right now. We sometimes joke that we were born in the wrong order. Liam’s a better guy than I am, more mature and intelligent. I’m not upset about it. It’s just the truth. I try to do the right thing, but I’m fantastic at getting in my own way. 
“I won’t,” I’m lying. I am blaming the fuck out of myself. “Thanks, Liam. For the statement.”
“Of course.”
Riley laughs again, and I can’t help but eavesdrop when Drake asks her how she really is.
“Well,” Riley rests her head on her arms. “Did you hear? I’m a homewrecker.”
“Dammit, you’re not,” Drake curses. “Was there even a home to wreck? Ignoring that it’s all lies and you aren’t anything that fucking bobblehead said you were.”
Drake’s not wrong. 
“Can we not?” Riley sighs, her voice exasperated. “Got your wedding tux yet?”
I realize my regalia is still at the cleaners in Los Angeles. I never picked it up. I have a spare in Cordonia, just in case.
“Nice try,” Drake snickers. “I’m not even a little uncomfortable, and it’s not a tux.”
“If it’s denim,” Riley starts to say, her eyes crinkling. Her shoulders drop from her ears, and she rests her chin on top of the chair back. She’s definitely more relaxed now. Drake is making her feel better. 
What she said in the canyon earlier repeats in my head. What if she decides to move back? I love her. I don’t know if I can live there for her. 
One massive problem at a time, Leo.
“No,” Drake interrupts. “It’s blue, but not denim. With a tie and cufflinks and everything.”
I don’t know if Liam’s still on the line because I am so thrown by the way Riley and Drake are talking. I’ve never heard him joke like that about himself. I was thrown in Cordonia, and I am now; that Riley managed to befriend Drake. 
“Holy shit,” Riley crows, “You’re all grown up, marshmallow.”
Drake laughs. A deep belly laugh. “Don’t worry about that see you next Tuesday, okay? She’s losing, and she knows it. That’s all this is. A final play, a Hail Mary.”
Huh? See you next-
“You can say cunt, Drake,” Riley pushes her hair off her forehead and finishes off the tequila from earlier. She glances at it and tosses it on the chair. “And I don’t speak sports.”
“It just means she’s desperate and doing her damndest to win.” Drake sighs, and there’s the guy I know. “Don’t let her.”
Riley’s quiet for a long minute. “I was wrong about her, you know?”
“How’s that?”
“I thought she was dumb,” Riley lowers her voice like that will make me unable to hear her. She can shit talk Katie. It’d probably turn me on. “That she was not smart. But she is. She knows what she’s doing, and she doesn’t care. How can a person be that heartless?”
“Ask Constantine at the wedding,” Drake quips, and I’m back to being in shock. “She’s ugly, Brooks. Inside and out.”
“She’s tall and pretty,” Riley shrugs. “All modelesque. If I were more insecure, that might bug me.”
I hate the thought of Riley comparing herself to Katie. 
Riley’s way shorter, all soft, where Katie is sharp edges. She’s put together but never tries to be perfect. She doesn’t care if she drops food on her shirt or the dirt I leave behind when she hugs me after a race. Riley cares about people and living in the moment. Katie doesn’t. Katie couldn’t compete with her. She’ll lose every time. It’s not even close.
“That’s not enough to hide how much she sucks,” Drake soothes. “You’re kind, thoughtful. Funny as hell. Fierce.”
“Shucks,” Riley drawls, and Drake laughs again. “Oh! You’ll never guess who her lawyer is.”
“Satan?”
“Close,” Riley waits until Drake makes an annoyed grunt. “Burke.”
“Goddammit!” Drake shouts. “That’s it; we need to dig up as much shit as we can. Leo doesn’t seem to know her, so he’s no help.”
“Hey!” I call out. “I have a plan! We’ll shut her down.”
I feel helpless. I don’t know what else I can do aside from the story or shouting in her face, which would backfire. I could burn down her hotel room. 
I can’t fix this for Riley, and it’s killing me. All she’s done is fall in love with me, despite what a bastard I was. 
“Can you put Riley on?” Liam's voice breaks me out of my trance, and I cross the room and hand the phone to Riley. 
Riley holds it up to her ear. I can’t hear what Liam says, but it makes her smile for the first time since we got back to the room. They all say goodbye and exchange I love yous, and now it’s quiet. 
I barely set my phone next to hers on the dresser when she wraps her arms around me. 
I hold her as tightly as I can without crushing her. Her legs wobble, and I back up to the bed, leaning against the headboard and pulling her with me. 
She collapses onto my chest, and she takes a deep, shuddering breath before her body shakes with sobs. 
I hate her crying. The sound of her quiet whimpers and shallow breaths as she’s trying to calm down breaks my heart.
I hold her, stroking her hair. “I am so fucking sorry you got dragged into this. It’s all my fault, and I’m-”
“Stop it,” Riley’s head snaps up, and her tear-filled eyes bore into mine. “You have nothing to do with this. You can’t control what she does.”
“You wouldn’t have to deal with her at all if-”
“I love you,” Riley blinks a few times, and another tear drops off her lashes. “Don’t do that.”
“I love you,” I am never tired of her saying it. Even when everything is awful. “I’d be pissed if I were you.”
“I’m in shock or something,” Riley shakes her head. “But you didn’t tell her to track down Reagan Burke and tell Ana de Luca lies about me.”
I cradle her face and lean down, salt from her tears and tequila mixing as I kiss the inner corner of her mouth, my lips lingering. Riley turns her head and catches my lips, hers so soft against mine. 
“I think I might be a little drunk.” Riley leans her forehead against mine. 
I stroke her hair, running my thumb along her jaw; her face is still damp. “Probably. You housed that.”
“What now?” Riley asks, lifting her head, blinking back more tears. 
“Liam’s statement should help,” I remember something Riley said earlier today. “Milo said I should tell the press what Katie’s been up to. We don’t let her win, right?”
Riley nods slowly, resting her chin on my chest. I brush her hair behind her ear. 
I knew Katie was up to something. I didn’t think she’d come after Riley, and that’s my fault.
The annoyingly familiar chords of the song Katie has been blasting all week ebb through the wall.
Riley bursts into tears. 
I sit up and shift her up against me, cradling her head on my shoulder. “Riley-”
“I used to think that if you found someone, and it was meant to be, everything was easy,” Riley rubs at her eyes. “It’d all fall into place. Cordonia taught me I was wrong. Now, this. That’s why Drake was going to leave; it’s an uphill battle you might not win.”
Nothing is ever easy. Connie used to say something along the lines of “easy means it’s not right.” Fuck. I’m used to him being wrong.
“This won’t be forever,” I am not sure where I”m going, but I have to try to make her feel better. Because all I see in the future is Riley. I can’t blame her for being sad right now, for wanting to give up. Even if she’s forgiven me for lying, it’s still something she had to work through. Now it’s Katie trying to fuck up her life. 
“Anyone would be fucking upset,” I try to comfort her as another tear drops onto my shirt. “Get mad, do whatever helps, okay? Let me know what I can do, and I will fucking do it.”
“What can I even do?” Riley says into my chest. “You and Liam have shit you’re doing to help, and I’m so fucking grateful. But I have to just keep my head down here. I feel trapped and helpless, and I don’t know what to do about it.” 
The song changes to the one about getting her ex back. Riley lets out a bitter laugh. “I can’t figure her out. I don’t want to. I just want to watch you race and do my job. I knew it would be tough at first until Katie was completely out of the picture, but I didn’t think it’d be like this.”
“I didn’t think it would be this bad, Leo. I wish I could say I don’t care what everyone thinks; I know the truth. But when it’s out there for the world to see…” Riley trails off. 
Riley bursts into tears again, and I tighten my arms around her. “I didn’t think she’d do any of this, but I never really knew her. But I know you, and I know us, and we’ll make it.”
“I hope so,” Riley hiccups again, and she sounds so sad my chest actually aches as she says the words. “It’s shitty right now.”
“Can I do anything?”
“This is helping,” Riley takes a deep breath. “I’d go next door and pour marinara over her head, but she’d stumble downstairs and say I stabbed her.” 
I laugh, my chest rocking Riley. 
“I know all about bad press,” I begin. “I had to prove I’d changed when I got married. They were waiting for it to fail. That’s why they’re jumping on this.”
Riley being in the season is adding to the public interest, I’m sure. I’m not telling her that.
“What was the worst untrue story?” Riley leans her head to the side. Her blinks are longer; her eyelids are getting heavy. 
I have to think for a minute. “The one that hurt the most? One about how I was traveling all over because I hated being around Liam.”
“What?” Riley gapes. “That’s fucking terrible.”
“Yeah,” I wince. “It wasn’t about him at all, and luckily he knew that even before I called to make sure he was okay.”
“Wow,” Riley shakes her head. “Fuck the press. And fuck me for being selfish. How are you? They said you abandoned her, implied shit with the sister-in-law.”
If I weren’t still married, I would ask her to marry the fuck out of me right now. She’d say no because it’s too soon, and she’d probably be right. But one day, she’ll say yes.
“I’m fine,” I am. I don’t give a fuck. The Violet photo wasn’t compromising. I’m used to the word abandon being tacked onto my name. “They barely mentioned me. You aren’t selfish. Couldn’t be if you tried.”
I brush a tear off the bridge of Riley’s nose. She’s definitely subdued, but she’s also exhausted and tipsy. “Let’s get your shit and shower, okay? I’ll wash your hair.”
Riley’s smile, even when it’s small and not as large as it usually is, is still the most beautiful thing in the world. “Deal.”
———
RILEY
I close the hotel door behind me, waiting for the click. Leo holds the elevator door, and I dash inside. 
The car is empty, no conquest of Jeremy’s holding her shoes and not making eye contact. Point one for women. No points for Jeremy.
The elevator dings, and Leo encloses my hand in his. “Ready?”
I nod and paste a broad smile on my face. I duck my head to dodge the camera flashes as we exit the lobby, photographers shouting away. 
I naively hoped that the press here wouldn’t give a shit. There’s climate change, wars, actual shit happening. 
They don’t care. Four days later, and it’s still everywhere. Liam’s statement helped. He did that thing where he called Katie the word Drake won’t say without actually saying it. A lot of “Riley’s character is impeccable, though I can’t speak to Ms. Reyes Embry’s because she never made an effort to learn about my brother’s family or homeland.” Not exactly that, but you get the point.
Leo scheduled an interview with Donnie. He didn’t hold back from what he told me. It was while I was working, and he’s trying to keep me away from this bullshit, but it’s too late. Leo spilled everything his sister-in-law told him, and that Katie confirmed it. It’s supposed to be out Friday, and I am prepared for the worst. 
Katie shows up to the track every day like clockwork. She used to go quietly. That’s over. Security escorts her out, and she shrieks about her rights while glaring in my general direction. Reagan tried to throw his weight around, but it didn’t work. It’s at Mark’s discretion, and Mark says no. 
Leo weaves through the crowd, and I almost trip over a photographer’s cable as we move away. An arm grabs mine, steadying me, but it’s not Leo. The hand is smaller, and the grip is like a vise. 
I whip my head around and come face to face with Reagan’s starched white dress shirt. 
I try to shove Reagan’s hand off, but it won’t budge. I have to peel his fingers up to get him to let go; Leo notices and shoves Reagan backward with a growl. “Get your fucking hand off her.”
Leo steps between us and tucks me into his side. “I’ve got you,” he murmurs. “You okay?”
I nod, though I feel anything but. What the fuck was that? While we were together, he got rougher than I was okay with once, and I had to literally kick him to get the message across. He ghosted me a week after, and I always wondered if that was why. 
How pathetic did I use to be? Turns out very. That’s not fair. I wouldn’t put up with that shit now. Leo’s not like that at all. 
“I wanted to talk,” Reagan looks over his shoulder at the press, who are very interested in this exchange. “We have unfinished business, doll.”
Is he kidding me right now? And doll? He’s never called me that. He never called me anything but my name.
“We don’t have any business,” I snap. To my horror, I feel tears forming, burning my eyes. I’m so tired of everything right now.  “Worry about your client because she lied.”
Reagan smirks. The asshole smirks. 
Reagan clucks his tongue. “That interview was given before she retained my services, and I was unable to stop it. I’d have warned you, but you do understand attorney-client privilege. Don’t you, doll?”
Leo’s grip on my waist tightens. 
Did Reagan always talk to me this way? Condescending, like I’m an idiot? He was probably more subtle about it. 
Leo moves forward until his face is an inch from Reagan’s. Reagan has to look up, and Leo smirks before a thunderous expression takes over.
“If you ever talk to Riley like that again, I will hit you so hard you’ll have to relearn what attorney-client privilege is,” Leo says the words loud enough that the press definitely hears. I can’t decide if it’s good or bad, but I don’t see how it can get any worse at this point. 
Reagan chuckles, grinning smugly. “Of course, you’d resort to a physical altercation. You won’t have to worry about using that brain of yours.”
“What the fuck?” The words leave my mouth before I can stop them. Leo is a lot of things, but dumb is not one of them. “You used to pronounce escargot without a silent t!”
Leo shoots me a grateful smile before turning back to Reagan.
“I tried being reasonable once,” Leo shrugs. “Didn't like it.”
Reagan crosses his arms and lifts his chin. It reminds me of something a toddler might do.
Footsteps move toward us, and I turn as Simon jogs up. “Sorry, the car had to park round the side; press were in the way.”
Leo gives Reagan his most shit-eating grin and winks. “You ready to go, Riley?”
I need to shut Reagan down. Or at least try to.
“There’s no reason for us to talk, Burke,” I hit that B extra hard. “You made your feelings clear years ago; I’m over it. So, take that golf pencil and bother someone else.”
Simon and Leo burst out laughing, and Reagan’s ears turn red.
“Tosser,” Simon shakes his head. “Come now; we’ll be late.” 
Leo holds the door open and climbs in behind me. I watch the press fade into the distance, breathing a deep sigh of relief. 
I vaguely remember Liam going over the possible fallout of the failed Tariq plan. I wonder if Constantine is happy right now. I’m going to go with maybe a little. 
Simon pats my knee and smiles kindly at me. “How’re you holding up?”
Leo squeezes my hand. I press back, thankful I at least have a few people in my corner.
“I’m fine,” I fake a smile. “I’m just tired of them being everywhere.”
I’m not fine. I’m trying to get through it, waiting for it to blow over. I hate that I’m leaving so soon. I don’t like the thought of Leo alone here with Katie. She gets under his skin more than he admits. She’ll throw him off his game, and he doesn’t need that.
Leo and Simon exchange a look. “You don’t seem okay,” Simon says kindly. “I’m pissed for ya. I may have had beets sent to Katie’s room.”
I can’t help but laugh. “Why beets?”
“The smell,” Simon smiles proudly. “I had them leave them in her room after I saw her leave.”
Leo snickers. “Genius.”
“Second to last day,” Simon smiles sympathetically. “I’m sure you’re gutted.”
“It fucking blows,” Leo drops a kiss on my head. “I’m working out my schedule though; I’ll be back before the circuit is done. Probably right after the wedding.”
I got an encrypted email with the date. It’s earlier than I expected, but I’m ready to see those two make it official.
“Let’s do drinks or something tonight!” Simon chirps. “I am sure your Friday night is booked with that one, yeah?”
Leo’s chest rumbles against my arm as he laughs. “Sure is.”
“Drinks or something is good,” I lower my voice, not sure why. “No Jeremy though, okay? I’m at my limit for irritating men.”
Simons guffaws. “No Jeremy.”
The vehicle stops at the front of the track, and Leo hops out, holding the door for me. 
“I have to go around the back way,” I stay seated. “Mark doesn’t want me pulling focus from the team.”
Leo frowns, his eyebrows furrowing. “What?”
I shrug. Mark’s been grumpy. He doesn’t want this bullshit to overshadow the races, and I get it. Even if there weren’t any stories about the team period until I came along, but whatever. 
“I’ll ride with you,” Leo jumps back in the car. Simon hasn’t moved from his perch on the seat across from me.
“We both will,” Simon adds. “That’s shite.”
“He’s right,” I try to argue. “All the stuff about the team should be front and center. I’m a distraction.”
At first, Mark was furious at Katie. He told me my job was safe and we would press on. Yesterday, a story about Katie not being allowed at the track came out. Instead of Mark telling the press that she never came before and it’s so she doesn’t try to mess with Leo, he said no comment. It doesn’t look good. 
Yesterday before I left, he said I should go the long way, so the press doesn’t see me. What he meant was he didn’t want the press to see me with Leo before he heads over to the track and I go to the tents. I was too surprised to argue, and I agreed. I hate myself a little.
“Mark never cared before,” Leo snaps, and my eyebrows shoot up at his tone. “This isn’t your fault.”
Simon nods in agreement. “Mark should be thankful the team’s made headlines at all. He could stand to be more sympathetic.”
“It’ll die down,” I protest. “After I leave, it should be less of a story.”
I don’t really believe it, but I can hope.
Simon and Leo’s expressions don’t change. When I get out of the car, Mark’s waiting. Leo sweeps me into a bear hug and kisses me quickly. Mark harrumphs. I thought only Bertrand made that sound.
“See you after,” I ignore Mark clearing his throat. “You’re gonna kill it.”
“Thank you,” Leo kisses my nose and lets me go. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” I hold his hand until we step too far away and let it drop.
Mark’s frowning, and he glances around to check if anyone's watching. It’s only staff back here; no one cares. “Riley, can you meet me Friday afternoon around four? I have something to discuss with you.”
I swallow hard and nod. “Sure.”
———
LEO
“Ten minutes?” I guess, glancing at the closed door to the bathroom. I can hear Riley’s blow dryer; it shouldn’t be too much longer.
“I’ll meet ya there,” Simon chuckles. “Any other news about the Mark meeting?”
“Just that it’s happening,” I sigh and drop my forehead into my hand. I don’t know what his fucking problem is. He didn’t even care that we were together until Katie and her fucking lies. He was happy about it even. “Riley thinks he’s going to fire her.”
Riley’s been holding it together, and I have no clue how. When she shut down Reagan, she was still calm. I feel like I’m going to blow up, but I take it all out on the track and feel better. 
Riley’s the kindest person I know, but everyone has their limits. I hope whenever she loses it, and she probably needs to, I’m there. And that anger is directed at Katie.
“I doubt that,” Simon says quickly. I wait for him to say more, but he’s quiet. He’s been a little off the last week, like something is weighing on him. I need to check in with him tomorrow. “He’d be daft.”
“Agreed.” The blow dryer goes off, and I get off the phone.
I use the extra time to check my email. It’s been a few days. An encrypted one from Liam. I open it and type in the password. It’s the official wedding date. I should be in France then; I’ll be able to take a few days. 
“Can you zip me?” Riley bursts through the bathroom door, tucking a wavy strand of hair behind her ear. 
“Whoa,” I can’t take my eyes off her as she steps into a pair of nude heels, the beads on the sweetheart neckline shimmer, the feathers on the bottom of the tight minidress float around her thighs. 
“You look gorgeous,” I whistle, “I’ve never seen you wear pink before.” 
I pull up the zipper slowly, my fingers lingering. I lean down and kiss a line from her shoulder to her neck, breathing in her Riley scent, roses.
“I wore a pink shirt to the canyon,” Riley turns in my arms and kisses me carefully, wiping a smudge of lipstick from my face. 
“Not like this,” I run my hands down her sides, resting my fingers on her hips.
“Time to gamble,” Riley grins, but I can tell she’s sad about it almost being time to head back to California. I hate it. “You look fucking hot.”
“Simon had to pick a fancy place,” I watch her run her eyes down my dark blue button-down and black slacks. “Keep looking at me like that, and we won’t leave.”
“Keep talking like that, and we won’t,” Riley winks and bites her bottom lip. 
“Do we have to?” I don’t want to leave the room. That dress is hugging her ass, and I want to tear it off. “God, look at you.”
Riley grabs a small purse and tugs my hand. “It’ll be fun.”
The Royal Casino looms before us, and the name is apt. I’ve been here once for a team event, but we didn’t go inside. The exterior is all white and gold, with carved lions and huge windows flanking the elaborate entrance. It’s not usually operational, but Simon had a hook up for one of the few nights they roll out the blackjack and craps tables.
As Riley leans in and hugs Simon, all I can remember is going to that casino in Cordonia with Katie.
That was one of the big moments. Or I thought it was. It felt like it at the time. She was worried about how recognizable I was. I thought she was concerned about my reputation, but I see now she wanted to be seen out with me. She wanted to meet all those celebrities I introduced her to that night.
Katie played it so goddamn cool. She met Ana de Luca at the blackjack table and just said hello like it was nothing. It proved to me that she really didn’t care about who I was. I felt safe with her, well, up until she pulled the rug out from under me. That’s an odd thing to think now.
Why am I having these memories? I don’t want them running through my head. 
“Leo?” Riley’s concerned voice snaps me to the present. “Are you okay?”
“Never better,” I shoot her a grin. “Let’s get off the sidewalk.”
Fucking Katie. That was the same night I brought her back to my room at the palace. She called it a paradise and joked about staying in Cordonia forever.
I told her how trapped I felt, how my life wasn’t mine, and she comforted me. She rubbed my back and said looks can be deceiving; she never really thought about all the pressure I must have been under. 
I blurted that I wanted to abdicate. She said three words. Three words I wasn’t used to hearing.
I support you.
Why is this happening right now? 
I blink a few times, noticing that we are in the main room of the casino. It puts the Cordonia building to shame. Murals decorate each square inch of the ceiling, elaborate chandeliers that would be at home in the palace ballroom cast bright beams of light over the tables. Marble statues and pedestals line the marble-tiled hallways. 
I need air.
———
RILEY
Leo’s face is so pale, I’m afraid he might pass out. Simon is deep in conversation with someone he knows from the circuit near a Blackjack table. It’s edged in fucking gold, and this place is insane. 
“Come on,” I take Leo’s arm and call over to Simon that we’ll be right back.
A little of the color returns to Leo’s complexion, and he covers my hand with his. “I’m okay; we don’t have to-”
I shake my head firmly and don’t stop until we’re past the long staircase and down the block. I see a grassy area with a few benches and steer Leo that way. I don’t know what’s going on, but I am about to find out.
Leo lowers next to me on a black steel bench and exhales a long breath. “I don’t know what happened.”
“I thought you were going to fall over,” I turn sideways to face him. This dress is not for sitting cross-legged in, but I make it work, pulling it over my knees. “Talk me through it.”
Leo looks more embarrassed than I’ve ever seen, and my heart breaks a little. But, he tells me. About the casino in Cordonia and Katie saying she supported him.
My blood is boiling. I don’t know how the steam isn’t rolling off me. 
I didn’t think I had the capacity to hate anyone. I don’t like a lot of people, but hate was never in my vocabulary before. 
I hate Katie. I am done playing nice with her. I am positive she has other plans. She can do whatever she wants, but I am not keeping my head down. Maybe it will get worse; maybe it won’t. But fuck if she’s going to get away with it after everything she’s already done.
“Why am I thinking about her?” Leo looks at me guiltily. “I don’t want to.”
His tortured expression is like ice water being thrown over the anger that was building. This is why I wanted to try friendship before he kissed me at LAX. I knew this would be difficult, and I didn’t want him to feel guilty about grieving his marriage and try to shove it down because of me. It’s a loss. Even if it was a cancerous mole that needed to get torched, it still hurts.
Katie pulling shit isn’t making it easier. Leo doesn’t know her at all, not really, and that’s got to fuck with his head. 
“I’d think it was weird if you weren’t thinking about her sometimes,” I try to put Leo at ease. “You abdicated for yourself, but she was a huge part of that decision. And she was there for you in the beginning. Just because it ended badly doesn’t change that.”
“Even though it was all lies,” Leo rakes a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry, I don’t-”
“Stop,” I interrupt. “I’m here anytime you need to talk.” I make a mental note to check in with Simon and Liam. He needs to talk to them if he doesn’t feel comfortable telling me something about Katie. “It doesn’t mean you love her or miss her. You’re working through it. That’s good.”
“You don’t care if I talk about Katie?” Leo’s eyebrows shoot up, and I’d ask him who hurt him, but I know. 
“No, I don’t,” I promise, putting my palm on his cheek and brushing his stubble with my thumb. “You’re dealing with a lot, Leo. Keep me in the loop, okay?”
“I will,” Leo gives me that look, like he can’t believe I’m there for him. “I would have abdicated for you in a heartbeat.”
“Sweet,” I raise an eyebrow. “Bet you say that to all the girls.”
Leo lets out a shout of laughter, and I grin at him. “That’s fair.”
Leo blows out a breath and slumps back against the bench. “That’s never happened before. I think it just kinda hit me, and I didn’t know how to deal.”
“Now you do,” I glance around, ensuring no paparazzi are around. I don’t see anyone. It’s dark, and the flash would have to be on. “Talk about it. Okay?”
“Okay,” Leo brings my hand to his lips and kisses my palm. “Thanks for noticing I wasn’t doing so hot.”
“No thanks necessary,” I scoot closer to kiss his nose. Leo captures my lips, and I smile into the kiss. “Do you want to go back to the hotel?”
“No,” Leo stands and helps me out of my sitting position. “Let’s go make a new casino memory. The last one fucking sucked. This place is way nicer, anyway.”
I follow him back to the front of the large stone building. “I didn’t even know Cordonia had a casino.”
“You’re not missing much,” Leo leads me through the door, waving to Simon at a craps table. “Lot of wannabes there.”
I snicker and rest my hands on the mahogany edge of the table while Simon throws the dice. He wins, throwing his arms up.
“Drinks on me!” Simons taps his chips together. “Everyone good?”
“Yep,” Leo loops his arms around my waist and drops a kiss on my shoulder. “Much better.”
———
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reveseke · 1 year
Text
👾🕸️ bloodied lips
PT. bloodied lips. PT end
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Image ID. A medium sized banner made of a picture featuring 5 arcade game machines colored mainly in purple in a tilted position lined up against a wall, there is a small glimpse of mat in the far right corner of a simple 90s star arcade design with varying colors. The first machine has visible text that reads "gauntlet legends", no other text is visible. Image ID end.
Criminal minds : Spiderverse au
Hotch, Masc!reader, Noel(oc)
Angst, hurt/comfort ? blurb 3/3
Idea/Summ/prompt : (name) had been missing for a week, his missing case had been linked to a series of missing teens and young adults alike after the feed of few videos had been discovered off of everyone of theirs last seen data. Only four of them were recovered, Noel and R being two of them, by now almost attached by the hip in the moment of potential danger.
Heed the warnings & content : Hinted coma & awakening, reader is almost dying, brief injury mention, blood loss, amnesia, pain pain pain pain, migraines, Noel trying to good by staying at Reader's side to keep him calm in hospital, hospital scene at the end. Lemme know if i missed some.
. Shut ... 'm crafting.. lmao it's just bits and pieces of blurbs, most being vaguely connected to be a oneshot lmao.
DNI - Fudanashis/fujodashis, women & fem-aligned, profic/proship, anti - LGBTQ+ folk & exclusionists, anti-antis, Necro- Zoo- Pedophiles + (NO)Maps(and other terms), basic DNI criteria, kink/nude/nsfw/sh/vent/pro-ana/ed/18+ blogs
" R, are you hurt? Do you know where you are? Do you know what happened?" The ring of questions coming from the phone by R's ear as he focused on the sound of his father's voice. He sounded calm, yet worry dripped off of it as the voice felt faint in his ringing ears.
Breathing heavily as he slumped out on the seat, the beat of his heart thumping away in his ears as blood rushed around. The pain faintly thudding with every other beat of their heart and making the ache more apparent every second than it was. Unable to say anything, mouth opening and closing like a fish's as he tried to get something, anything at all that wasn't silent groaning out. A hand cradling his stomach for split second, eyes following along as the once dark blue hoodie was absolutely soaked in his own blood. The hand slipping under the soaked fabric and coming up with fresh blood decorating his fingers.
" R/n? R/n are you still there ? "
" i think ... I think I might be in new York? Manhattan? " Voice shakey and quiet as a whisper, the pain had yet to fully settle in but the panic was starting to. A certain heaviness sat upon their shoulders as they tried to progress what was going on. " .. dad. I'm bleeding..
" ... Your bleeding? " Mhm. R nodded with a hum to confirm the echo. " where are you bleeding from? "
" abdomen "
~
The Buzz of a phone was the sound he woke to. The phone ringing besides his head for the first time, clattering as it moved around lightly and slowly. It took him what felt like hours to really regain his cousciousness completely.
R was not aware how much time he had spent laying on the cold unforgiving ground of a train station. It was dark all around, the lamps flickering and humming as the fluorescent light shined down upon his star-fish positioned lay. His head spun as he cracked an eye open, the faint pound of a headache's tail catching around his temples and slowly rising behind his eyes. It was hard to make out anything, the textured ceiling above him what could have been betony was staring down at him. His mind was fuzzy, vision blurred with unshed tears and sleep hazed his thought. He had yet to regain control over his limbs, everything weighing down more than he did.
Fingers gliding over the cool ground, the marble smooth feeling rather nice for the moment. Paying no mind to the vibrating phone, R kept his cool. Sparks what he felt, light warm feeling being pulled from his abdomen as his body shivered registering how cold it was. Wet tear streaks trailing down the side of his face, making an it to his ears, a sob wrecking through him as the world around him was fleeting.
The darkness growing, his body succumbing to the burning. It felt so warm, snuggly even.
.
.
" (Name) "
.
" (Name) "
.
.
" (name) "
.
.
The darkness dissolved into the repeating voice of what he thought to be a girl, it was sharpnyet had the soft undertone and was nearly a mere whisper.
R could hear few clicks and clacks, was that something hard hitting his hand?
Turning his head lightly, head and body yelling at him as his eyes swimming in tears and black raving dots. He could somewhat make out a small form leaning against the white wall, smearing her own blood around and making a painting. Brown or dark hair in general falling down to their waist, a ragged jacket over her a little too big and a tad too familiar looking.
... was it his jacket?
" oh thank God, you're still alive. " Physically looking hopeful as she whispered mostly to herself. Pushing up the wall slightly, looking around. They were battered up, bloody and bruise ridden.
" Are you alright? ... I mean.. you're bleeding pretty heavily but.. uh " The question slipped innocently out before she paused. Taking few deep breaths, wavering and groaning lightly as they realised something. R merely deadpanned at her as his eyes started to fall shut, feeling heavy all over again in the comfy warmth that bathed his body. " oh uhmm.. i mean.. i mean how badly are you hurt by your own standards? can you move? you think you can walk? “
A slight shake of his head, a ringing piercing his ears briefly as he groaned arm moving enough to meet with his head, to soothe the ache. The whole moment sent a shock down his muscles, arm cramping as he let out a broken sob biting down on the already raw lip. The raging inferno under his skin burning brightly as it lit his veins, muscles and everything down to the little nerves.
" (name)? (Name). "
The phone besides the boy had stopped for a brief minute from ringing. He hadn't gotten around to answer it. It had stayed silent for another minute, before it started again against the smooth marble floor.
" How.. how do you kno..w my name? " R stuttered and slurred slightly, squinting as he opened his eyes before shutting them again to rub them and the bridge of his nose to possibly relief some of the migraine. Ignoring the phone once again. " Who are you? "
" .. you told me your name before, don't you remember? " Shaking his head, he didn't remember, any memory over the few hours.. days? Were so fuzzy, it felt similar to a burned polaroid picture in a way.
Haaha... Did he?
" you .. uhm, well I'm Noel. That's all you need to know right now. " they said, seemingly a little puzzled not really catching up yet. Looking at the phone about five inches besides R. " Can you answer the phone? "
He didn't answer, not really in a eligible way. A groan or two with a shakey shallow breath.
He didn't answer, not really in a eligible way. A groan or two with a shakey shallow breath.
Noel furrowed their brow as she pushed herself off of the wall. Hopping forcefully towards the (h/c)haired boy who seemed to swim in his own puddle of blood, they clutched a hand to the side as she held onto a wound of their own and limbed over. " Hey, hey.. stay awake! Please, please.. " umf they fell hard on the bloodied ground besides R as they had nothing to take a handle on or time to brace herself, picking up the phone and looking over the boy's body. " (Name) please stay awake "
Applying pressure to the drenched bloody part of his abdomen with one hand. Whispering lightly as her voice wavered. "C'mon (name) .. i won’t give up on you after all of it. " The boy whimpered with broken sobs escaping his throat as he winced under the pressure that was applied. Some sorries were muttered as Noel spoke to the phone. R couldn't hear anything of it, all the voicesas his the ringing spiked again in his ears, the world spinning again and the darkness threatening to swallow him. The sounds muddled second by second, his body giving up, sore and burning as the world fled across his vision. Succumbing finally to the darkness, the boy never reacted again to Noel's cries.
~
Speed walking through the central hospital's halls, passing doctors, nurses and patients alike Hotch made his way towards a particular room, soothing his suit a little on the way as he was followed by both agents Morgan and Prentiss. Neither getting the man to slow down, but neither of them really tried. They knew what was going on, they knew he just wanted his son to be alright. The once stoic man, riddled with emotions he could yet let himself comprehend fully. Anxious, worried and all at the same time his gut wrenched as he saw the hospital room he was supposed to be in.
The machines beeped steadily making the patient between them look smaller, lying down was a (h/c) boy groggily coming to as he looked at his side where on a chair sat a person... Noel was it? Hotch tried to remember from the interview of the parents.
She smiled at R as they had gained his attention yet again just merely speaking to keep him grounded and mind off of the thudding pain, mindlessly speaking their mind off as the nurse got up to leave the room after making sure R was alright. having dosed the boy with pain killers before leaving, he was rather out of the situation looking. Never making eye contact with Noel, never exactly speaking as he kept his eyes either on the ground or the wall. He wasn't aware enough of how the nurse had gone to speak with his father who stood by the door.
Only when Noel reacted by standing up and bidding her byes to the boy before leaving did R register him moving to be by his side. Hotch tenderly with rather slow movements took the boy's cold hand in his own warm one. Aaron looked startled, quite not sure what should have been happening and rather unnerving to the now teary eyed R.
" .. Dad? "
" I'm here. "
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bitchwhooo · 1 year
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You were walking up the mikealson porch to see your lovely boyfriend klaus “ babe you home “ you shouted it was quiet you walked up to klaus’s room to hear strange noises “klaus your so good “ you opens the door slowly to see Caroline and klaus to together on his bed you had tears in your eye “ I go help kol in Denver for 2 days and you sleep with Caroline wow Nikki you downgraded really bad and so quickly” “ love it’s not what is looks like” “ so my best friend is not hooking up with my boyfriend” “ love “ “ you know what klaus were over and you can sleep with calzone as many times as you want also I’m moving out too then see you never fuckface and you Caroline I’m telling Tyler also” you stormed out of the place and go into your navy blue camero and drove to the boarding house you knocked and damon answers “ yes” you went straight and hugged Damon and stared crying “what happens” he question “ he cheated on me” Damon closed the door and carried you to the coach “ shhh it ok he doesn’t deserve you” you looked up at Damon’s and saw his beautiful oceans blue eye you kissed him and to your supieses he kissed you back “ Damon I’m so sorry I did it mean too “ “ I always wanted to do that” “ what?” “ I’ve liked you for a really long time so now I can do whatever I want with you” (time skip sorry I’m not good with smut ) you came to mikealson mansion once again “ love you’ve come back” “ no I came to get my stuff back” Damon was behind you and klaus grade and the raven hair man Damon just smirked at him you can beck with a suitcase “ Damon can you get my other suitcases there upstairs please” “ sure sweetheart” “ what was that” “ what was what” “ you and him” “ ohh since you hooked up with Caroline I got Damon now and he is so much nicer and handsome too bye klaus “ Damon came back with the suitcases and loaded them in the trunk “ I love you “ Damon said “ I love you too Ana “ you both had a passionate kiss and drive back to the boarding house. ~THE END~
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