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adascore · 2 months

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Out Of The Blue | J. Fleming

pairings: jessie fleming x chelsea!reader

warnings: angst. swearing. crying. jessie’s transfer.

author’s note: inspired by @pixiesfz (fic: moving on) and @jflemings (fic: inevitable), I definitely recommend checking out their versions of the transfer!

masterlist

•••••••

January, 2024

''Yeah, that does sound great. I'll, uh, think about it and call you tomorrow… Okay, thanks… Bye bye.'' Jessie hung up the phone, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions. She sighed as she glanced back into the living room, her girlfriend sitting on their couch, blissfully unaware of anything.

Y/N wasn't entirely oblivious to Jessie's agent researching new clubs. It had been an ongoing discussion for a while now, fueled by Jessie's frustration with her dwindling game time at Chelsea.

Jessie quietly sat back down on the couch, not wanting to disturb her partner's tv-show.

''Everything okay?'' The Canadian turned her head, finding Y/N's eyes on her.

She nodded, biting her lips. ''Yeah, good… just my agent.'' She replied, trying to mask the turmoil in her voice.

''Any news?'' Y/N asked.

Bless her heart, Jessie thought. Despite not being the biggest fan of no longer getting to be teammates, Y/N had been very supportive of her girlfriend's search, believing her talent was indeed being wasted at Chelsea.

''Uh, nothing new,'' the midfielder lied, ''she's still in talks with a few clubs.''

''Oh, okay.'' The forward smiled, redirecting her focus back to the series she was watching.

Jessie didn't want to lie, she really didn't. However, telling the love of your life that you received a great offer from an American club and that you're really considering it, isn't an easy thing to do. The Canadian tried telling herself she should only tell Y/N when it's official, but Jessie knew from the moment her agent informed her of the option, that this was the right direction for her to go.

Her game time would improve compared to Chelsea's, and Janine and Christine would become her club teammates- she'd be stupid not to accept. But Portland was far from London, and Portland was far away from Y/N, her true home.

She promised herself she would tell her when the time was right, when the offer from the Thorns was official and her future was certain.

''I think she might stay until the end of the season, and then see what her options are.'' Y/N responded to Erin, after the Scot asked about Jessie's future.

Erin nodded. ''Nice, we can give her a proper sendoff then.''

''I'd say a party, but I don't think she would want to be the center of attention.'' Millie chimed in, thinking about how they could celebrate the younger woman's time at Chelsea.

''She'd look more like a tomato than she already does.'' Erin laughed, imagining her fellow midfielder's reaction.

''But it's good that we'll have at least this last season with her. The last match is gonna be emotional, Emma leaving, Jessie leaving…'' Millie said once the laughter had died down.

Y/N nodded her head. ''Yeah, but I just want to see her happy, you know? She loves the team, but, you know, with the game time and everything.''

Both women nodded, understanding Jessie's reasons for wanting to play somewhere else.

''Do you know where she's maybe going?'' Millie asked, curiously.

The younger woman shrugged her shoulders. ''She has plenty of options,'' Y/N grinned proudly, ''I think she's staying in Europe, though- Champions League and all.''

''She's gonna become a rival.'' Erin teased, rubbing her hands together in feigned mischief.

Y/N couldn't help but smile at the thought, but the underlying sadness of Jessie's departure lingered in the back of her mind.

''I also see her staying close by, at least near you.'' Millie lightly nudged her teammate's shoulder, sending a wink.

Y/N grinned back, but there was a hint of dejection in her eyes as she glanced at her friends "She's gotta do what's best for her," she said softly, her gaze drifting to the floor, "that's the most important thing.” She murmured.

As Y/N's thoughts lingered on Jessie's impending departure, she was abruptly pulled back to the present by the sound of someone's voice.

''Hey, you're ready to go?'' Jessie asked, her arrival at their table breaking the somber silence that had settled over them.

Amazing timing, Fleming, Y/N thought as her girlfriend approached their table.

Y/N's heart skipped a beat at the sight of Jessie, her dejected mood momentarily forgotten as she met her girlfriend's gaze. "Yeah." She replied, her eyes lighting up and a smile gracing her lips.

Her friends exchanged knowing glances, their amusement evident as they observed the subtle shift in Y/N's demeanor in the presence of her girlfriend.

Y/N got up from her chair. ''See you tomorrow, beautiful ladies.'' She bid her friends goodbye.

''Tomorrow, love birds.'' ''See ya!''

Jessie silently grabbed her partner's bag from the floor, and the pair walked together to the parking lot.

''They're so adorable it makes me sick.'' Erin muttered.

Millie laughed at her teammate. ''I think you might be allergic.''

As they drove out of the Chelsea training complex, a heavy silence enveloped the couple, weighing down the air in the car. Silences weren't necessarily unusual for them, but there was something about this one that had Y/N feeling confused and worried at the same time.

Glancing sideways at Jessie, Y/N noticed the furrow in her brow, the tension etched into the lines of her face. It was clear that something was bothering her, something she was struggling to articulate.

"Hey, Jess," the striker began hesitantly, breaking the uneasy silence that hung between them, "is everything okay?”

Jessie's grip tightened on the steering wheel, her gaze fixed on the road ahead as she wrestled with her thoughts. ''Yeah, just a bit tired.'' She responded, her voice strained.

Her answer did nothing to soothe her. There was a distance in the Canadian's eyes, a hesitancy in her voice that spoke volumes. "You can talk to me, you know." Y/N said, and she reached out to Jessie's hand.

For a moment, Jessie tensed up at the display of affection. Her breath was caught in her throat as she struggled with what to tell her partner. ''Can we talk about this when we're home? I don't want to have this conversation while I'm driving.'' She asked, momentarily making eye contact with her.

Y/N nodded, though the unease still gnawed at her. "Of course," she replied gently, withdrawing her hand but keeping her gaze fixed on Jessie, "we can talk about it when we get home."

The remainder of the drive passed in an uncomfortable conversation about their thoughts on the training that day.

As they finally pulled into their driveway, Y/N's heart pounded in her chest, the anticipation of the impending conversation sending a wave of anxiety crashing over her. She followed Jessie inside, the heavy silence hanging between them like a dense fog.

Once inside, Y/N took a seat on the couch. Her eyes fixed on the midfielder like a hawk as Jessie paced through the room.

Taking a a few deep breaths to ease herself, Jessie finally broke the silence that had enveloped them. "I... I received an offer." She confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Y/N perked up at the revelation. ''An offer?'' She repeated. ''That's great, no?'' Her voice tinged with uncertainty.

But as she watched her girlfriend unconsciously shake her head, she knew there was more to the story than Jessie was letting on.

The Canadian hesitated, her gaze shifting to the floor as she struggled to find the right words. "From the Portland Thorns," she finally admitted, her voice barely audible, "they want me to play for them.”

Y/N's heart sank at the news, a knot forming in the pit of her stomach. ''Portland?'' She muttered. ''In the U.S.?''

Jessie silently nodded. ''Yeah, the NWSL.'' She confirmed.

Her heart sank even further at the confirmation, the reality of the situation settling in like a heavy weight on her chest. ''Wow… that's, uh, that's amazing- with Janine and Christine, that's really nice, babe.'' She tried to muster a smile, but it felt hollow on her lips.

Despite her attempt to be supportive, the weight of Jessie's decision bore down on Y/N like a heavy burden. The thought of being separated by thousands of miles was something out of a nightmare.

But as she looked at Jessie, her heart ached at the thought of holding her back from pursuing her dreams. She knew that she had to be strong, to support her partner no matter what path she chose.

''Thank you.'' Jessie was unsure of how to proceed, it was clear that her girlfriend wasn't expecting a transfer to the other side of the world. "I... I know this isn't easy," she continued, her voice wavering slightly. "But I have to do what's best for my career.”

Y/N reached out, gently squeezing Jessie's hand. "I know," she replied softly, ''and this is gonna be really good for you.''

''So… you're not upset?''

She shook her head, a forced smile tugging at the corners of her lips. ''Of course not. I know you're going to do amazing there, and I'm happy that they are seeing your talent. It's a great club, Jess. And if it means you'll be happier... then I'm all for it.”

Tears pricked at the corners of Jessie's eyes as she pulled Y/N into a tight embrace. "I love you." She whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

"I love you too," Y/N replied, returning the embrace, ''I think you forgot for a moment that I'm, like, your biggest fan.'' She chuckled, tears forming in her own eyes.

Jessie laughed now as well. "How could I forget?" She echoed, her eyes sparkling with affection as she looked at Y/N. "You're the best.”

As the evening wore on, the weight of Jessie's decision lingered in the air, casting a somber mood over the apartment. Despite the reassurances they had exchanged, the reality of the situation still hung heavy on their hearts.

A few days later, the time came for Jessie to face her teammates and share the news of her new club. The staff had gathered the team into the meeting room with the excuse they needed to go over some past matches.

''Before we get into some of the matches, there is someone here who has some news for us,'' Emma began, ''Jessie?'' The coach signaled for the Canadian to take her spot at the front of the room.

The midfielder quietly walked towards Emma. ''Hey, everyone,” she awkwardly greeted the room, "I, uh... I have something I need to tell you.” A hush fell over the room as all eyes turned to Jessie.

Y/N's eyes became fixed on the floor, not feeling ready to hear this for a second time.

''I've received an offer from the Portland Thorns,” she said, still a bit on edge, ''and… I've decided to accept it. So this is actually my, uh, last day as a Blue.''

"I... I know this might come as a surprise," Jessie continued, her voice faltering. "you guys are an amazing group, and I'm so lucky to have shared the pitch with such incredible players. All of you will always have a special place in my heart, and, yeah, just thank you for everything.'' She finished her small speech, becoming emotional.

She received applause from the squad and staff in the room. Emma was the first to give her a hug. A flicker of irritation flashed through Y/N at the thought of their coach's role in Jessie's decision to leave, but she pushed it aside, knowing that now was not the time.

All the players got up from their seats to say their own ‘thank you's' or give their own hugs to Jessie. However, the young striker remained seated, finding herself unable to follow her teammates.

With a heavy heart, Y/N quietly rose from her seat, her footsteps barely audible as she made her way towards the door.

She felt a hand on her shoulder as she almost went for the door handle. ''You okay?''

Y/N was met with Sam as she turned around, the Australian's face expressing concern over her teammate's exit without having said anything to her girlfriend.

''Yeah, just need the bathroom.'' She replied, quickly.

Sam nodded and let her go, but she was not convinced. The No. 20 shared a look with her captain who had also watched the young woman's escape.

Millie swiftly ruffled the Canadian's hair, before walking over to Sam. ''What was that?''

''I don't know, said she needed the bathroom, but she went before the meeting.'' The experienced striker explained, a furrow in her eyebrows.

''I'll talk to her.'' Turning back to Sam, she offered a reassuring smile before making her way towards the door.

She caught up with Y/N in the hallway, and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, causing her to startle slightly. "Hey," the Brit said delicately, her voice filled with warmth and understanding. "Mind if we chat for a moment?”

Y/N hesitated, her gaze fixed on the floor as she struggled to meet her older teammate's eyes. "Sure." she replied quietly.

She led the younger one to a more secluded area, not wanting anyone to eavesdrop on their more personal moment. Millie's face was full of concern as she turned to her. ''Are you okay? What happened there? Didn't Jessie tell you already?''

''She did, she did… a few days ago.'' She answered, her voice still quiet and full of emotion.

''Then, what's wrong? Why'd you leave?''

Y/N pulled her attention from the ground to Millie's eyes. ''It's just… that, like, it seemed to have only hit me now that she's actually going, you know? She's gonna go to Portland, while I'm staying here in fucking London.''

Millie's expression softened with understanding as she listened to Y/N's words, her heart aching for her younger teammate. ''I get it,'' she put her arm around her, ''it's tough knowing that she'll be so far away, especially when you're used to having her here with you every day.''

The striker nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek as she struggled to contain her emotions. "Yeah," she murmured, ''I'm…'' she trailed off.

''You're what, sweetheart?''

''I'm scared.'' Her voice was small, if her teammate wasn't standing so close to her, she probably would have missed it.

''Of what?'' The captain frowned.

''The distance, I don't think I can handle it, Millie.''

Millie's heart ached at the vulnerability in Y/N's voice, her own eyes brimming with tears as she wrapped her younger friend in a warm embrace. "I understand," she murmured, offering her a comforting squeeze, "it's okay to be scared. It's a big change. For the both of you.''

Y/N nodded, her tears flowing freely now as she struggled to articulate the depth of her fears. "I... I'm scared of losing her," she admitted softly, ''that she'll forget me while she's there.''

"You won't lose her," she reassured her, her voice filled with sincerity. "Jessie loves you, Y/N. And distance won't change that.”

Y/N sniffled, a small hiccup escaping her as she leaned into Millie's embrace, finding solace in her comforting words. "But what if... what if she meets someone else?" She whispered, her voice tinged with fear.

Millie's grip tightened, her heart breaking at the thought of her friend's pain. "Jessie loves you," she repeated firmly. "And nothing, and I really mean that, nothing will bloody change that.''

''Thanks, Mills.'' Y/N said, her head resting on her shoulder.

''You're welcome, darling. I'm always here for you. And Erin, and Sam, and Guro, Niamh, Z, all of us.'' She reassured her, wanting her to know that they'll stand by her while she goes through this difficult time.

Y/N let out a shaky breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over her at Millie's words. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. "I... I really needed to hear that.”

''Anytime, bubs,'' the defender pecked the top of her head, ''I do think you need to tell Jessie this. It's important for her to know how you feel about all this.''

The younger one nodded, taking a moment to compose herself before pulling away from Millie. "You're right," she agreed, her voice a bit steadier now, ''I'll talk to her about it.''

Millie gave her a reassuring smile, her eyes filled with encouragement. ''Great, she'll understand. It's Jessie, remember?'' She chuckled, trying to get a grin out of her friend.

She was successful as Y/N managed to crack a smile. ''Yeah, it's Jessie,'' she straightened her posture as if ready for battle, ''thanks again, Mills. I really appreciate it.''

The defender nodded, the smile on her own face widening. ''You're very welcome, sweetheart.'' She gave Y/N a small pat on the back.

The next evening, they sat together in their dimly lit living room, trying to watch a movie. Y/N glanced over at Jessie, whose eyes were focused on the television.

"Jessie," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, ''can I, uh, talk to you about something?''

The Canadian's brows furrowed in concern as she turned towards her partner. ''Of course.''

Y/N took a deep breath. ''First, I am so happy for you that you're going somewhere where they are appreciating your talent, and that you'll be closer to your family and your siblings...'' she began, her words slow and measured. She paused, struggling to meet Jessie's gaze. ''I just don't think that I, uh, am gonna be able to handle the distance.''

Jessie's stomach twisted with unease as she absorbed her words. In the days since it had become official that she would be moving to Portland, they hadn't really discussed how their relationship would proceed. Each of them had spoken about it with their friends, but they both seemed hesitant to broach the topic with each other, perhaps afraid of the uncertainty it might bring.

''I want to, Jessie, I really want to try- I just want you to know how I feel, it's been bothering me.''

The midfielder found it hard to respond as she observed her girlfriend who looked like she was about to burst out in tears. Tears welled up in Jessie's eyes as she reached out to gently cup Y/N's face in her hands, forcing her to meet her gaze. "I understand," she whispered, her voice strained, "and I appreciate you being honest with me.”

Y/N's own eyes started to water. She leaned into Jessie's touch, her heart breaking at the thought of losing her. ''I love you, J Flem.''

''I love you.'' Jessie reciprocated as she took her partner into her arms, wanting her as close as possible.

''I don't know if I can handle being so far apart, not seeing you or speaking to you every day. International break is already a killer for me, and it's difficult to just go back-and-forth between Portland and London.'' The striker whispered into Jessie's neck, not able to say it any louder.

The Canadian nodded, completely understanding her perspective. ''I know,'' she whispered back, 'I never wanted to put you in this position."

For a moment, they simply held each other in silence, the weight of their unspoken fears hanging heavy in the air. But as the minutes ticked by, the reality of their situation became increasingly clear.

''I don't want to hold you back.'' Y/N said, her voice muffled against the fabric of Jessie's shirt.

''You're not holding me back at all.'' Jessie immediately retorted, ruffling her hair.

Y/N weakly chuckled. ''It feels like I am.''

''Please don't think that, babe.''

They were both aware of what was coming, they were simply wasting time as if that would somehow work and they wouldn't have to leave each other.

''I remember when I first joined Chelsea, and I was watching some of you guys' matches, and thinking you were so intimidating,'' Jessie broke the silence.

''but then you were actually one of the first people to say hi to me, and you just looked so different than on the pitch. You were smiling, and trying your best to make me feel welcome.'' She laughed, an affectionate smile playing on her lips.

Y/N grinned as well, while wiping some loose tears away. ''I just remember thinking you looking super awkward.'' She dryly responded.

Jessie gave her a light push. ''Hey!''

''I also thought you were very cute… with your flushed cheeks.'' She quickly added.

The midfielder ironically blushed at the admission.

It became quiet between the two of them again, reminiscing their early days as teammates at Chelsea.

''We'll find our way back to one another, I'm sure of it.'' Jessie nodded.

Y/n felt a lump in her throat at Jessie's words. ''We're still so young, you never know what can happen.''

''And I know what's going to happen. You and I, together- whenever, wherever that may be.'' She reassured her, her voice filled with sincerity.

Y/N nodded, her chest tightening with the weight of their impending separation. "I love you, Jessie." She told her, the pair locking eyes.

"I love you too," Jessie replied, her voice catching in her throat, "more than anything."

jessie fleming requests are always welcome!

#jessie fleming x reader #woso x reader #woso fanfics #woso imagine #woso fic #chelsea women x reader

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upthebluess · 4 months

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Up to Standards (Arsenal Women Academy Story) Part 3

In which you get your Arsenal Academy debut and get a visit from a guest.

You were training with Arsenal 3 times a week, played a match every Saturday and went to a recovery session straight after. It was intense.

Luckily, the girls were as nice as Peter had reassured, and you’d fit in better than you originally expected.

Your mum had been working extremely hard to get you an agent, and was currently working on terms to get you signed with volante sports.

Everything seemed perfect, until Saturday came round.

Nerves. An overwhelming amount.

It was your first game day with the gunners, and you felt drastically more apprehensive on the day than you had throughout the week.

“No Mum, I’m serious. I can’t play” you uttered to her in the car, clad out in your full arsenal kit.

“Of course you can” she responded without taking her eyes off the road.

“No, I can’t.” You hadn’t experienced anxiety like this in years.

You always knew at Fulham that you were one of the best players, but at arsenal, you were average. If you made a mistake here, you feared that your coaches would regret all the money they spent on your transfer.

“Do you have two feet?” Your mother asked.

“Yes”

“Then you can play” she explained, and you let out a defeated sigh. It was clear she wasn’t gonna turn the car around.

Eventually, you pulled into London Colony and parked the car. “Look, Y/N. Arsenal brought you here because they saw how well you could play, all you need to do now is show them again. Even if you don’t today, your contract gives you six months before it’s reviewed again. That’s a lot of games to show what you’re made of.”

You finally managed a small but genuine smile and you felt a few of the butterflies disappear.

“Thanks, Mum.”

“Now off you go, I’ll come out to watch later when you kick off because there’s no way I’m standing outside in the cold for an extra 30 minutes.”

You picked up your backpack from the floor and hopped out of the car, having to dodge the puddles as you were still in your sliders (muddy boots were completely banned from the car at this point).

You pulled your phone out your bag and checked the pitch info which read:

PITCH 2, KO 14:00, MEET AT 1:30

Pitch 2, where the hell was that?

“Y/N, you’re going the wrong way!”

Your head was turned to see one of your teammates calling your name. You ran to catch up with her, stepping in multiple puddles as you did so.

“You really should watch where you walk” Eliza stated, letting out a chuckle at your soaked socks and you inability to remember directions.

“Yeah, I know.”

The two of you hadn’t really spoke before. Eliza was a centre back, you a midfielder. Although maybe it was better to interact with people of different positions, they were less of a threat to your place on the team.

“You nervous? Big first game.” Eliza asked. Your first game with the team was against Manchester City. They were a big club with high standards but were mostly known for their work off the ball. They would be constantly pressing to try and win the possession back.

“I’m terrified to be honest, once it starts I think I’ll be ok though” you admitted to her, as you passed a gate labelled pitch 2.

You were right on time, but most of the girls had already arrived. Coach Louise sent you straight into an extensive warm up, which had the whole team more out of breath than an actual game would.

At 13:55, you were huddled for a team talk. The captain, Freya, spoke about how we needed to manage their press effectively and remain composed on the ball. If we made the pitch bigger, the ball would do the work.

“1,2,3 Arsenal!” You all chanted and dispersed from the circle.

You were playing centre-mid and starting the game. But as you made your way into position, the nerves returned. Frantically, you scanned the parents section searching for your mum.

There she was, with her bobble hat and scarf. She gave you a cheesy smile and a thumbs up, phone in her other hand, presumably to send pictures to the family group-chat.

The game started off rocky. City had majority of possession and were showing no signs of losing that, as they continually worked the ball out from the back.

Eventually, they made a loose pass into the centre circle and you picked it up immediately. With a quick scan, you immediately knew you needed to drive forwards. Since they’d been playing from their keeper, their centre backs were split and a huge gap was left down the middle.

Within seconds, you were aware the defenders would be on you. Multiple teammates were shouting for the ball, but you took a shot. The first shot of the game.

Your boot dug under the ball, lifting it up in attempt to chip the keeper, who remained off her line. You watched it fly into the air but it it seemed too high at first to go in. A few of your fellow arsenal teammates turned around to go back into position, assuming a goal kick would be given. But it was dipping, and dipping quickly. Right as it reached the goal, it fell to the grass and rolled into the net.

1-0.

You ran in the direction of your mum and punched the air in celebration. Sure enough, she was recording. That’d definitely be on Facebook later.

All your teammates jumped on your back and your coaches high fived each other. Just like that, the nerves were gone.

The rest of the game flew by. The team scored a second from a corner before city put one tap in past your keeper. Then, for an awful tackle in the box, you were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes. It wasn’t going to be a winning pen if it was scored, but it would prevent another city goal (if they got one) from equalising the game.

You didn’t yet know who was a penalty taker for this team. It was usually you when you played for Fulham, but you watched Eliza pick up the ball and place it on the spot. She took it immediately after the whistle was blown and blasted it bottom left.

3-1. Full time.

What a pen, you muttered under your breath.

You shook hands with everyone, listened to the team talk once again and accepted the congratulations from your coaches.

“Right everyone, in a moment you’ll be free to go but there was someone else watching you play who wanted to say a few words.”

Vivianne Miedema emerged from the crowd of parents looming at the gate. She had her hands in her pockets but removed them to take down her hood.

“I’m not very good with speeches or anything but I felt I couldn’t not say something after that performance. You all dominated the game in every aspect and your determination to higher the score line really stood out to me. You should all be really proud of yourselves.” Viv spoke.

She hesitantly looked at your coach. Bless her, she’s as awkward as she seems, you thought.

“Do you have a player of the match for us?” Louise questioned.

“Uh, number 8. That goal was great and the composure it must’ve taken was even better.”

“Ah, a player of the match and a goal for our debutant. Thank you for coming, Viv. Right everyone off you go. Well done today.” Louise dismissed you all.

Everyone cleared off the field pretty quick, apart from you. Due to your Mums ‘no boot in the car’ rule, you were sat on the wet grass taking your boots off and replacing them with sliders.

Louise had picked up the corner flags and was walking towards you with Viv, they were good friends as Louise also worked as a physiotherapist when needed.

“Louise tells me your feeling a bit of pressure. You sure didn’t show it.” Viv said casually once they reached you again.

“Yeah, I just moved here from Fulham, they expect a lot from me here.” you slung your backpack onto your shoulder and stood. “Any advice?”

“Use the pressure to drive you further, all nerves do are make you work harder and perform with more precision. Carry on like you did today and you’ll have no problems.” She gave you a sincere smile and stuffed her hands back into her pockets.

“Thanks” you looked over to your mum and then back to Viv and Louise.

“Well off you go then, don’t keep her waiting.” Louise chuckled at the silence that somehow had formed and sent you on your way.

Back at home, you were writing away silently in your room trying to figure out how photosynthesis worked for a biology test, when your Mum barged into your room.

“You’re signed! Volante signed you. We are meeting with them on Tuesday. I get to bring out the fancy plates!” She exclaimed, the biggest grin on her face.

“They’re coming here?”

“Yes! Would you rather sign with Nike or Adidas? What will you spend your first pay check on? Where will you-” your mum sat down on your bed as she got carried away with excitement

“Calm down, it’s just an agency. Most girls probably already have one.” you tried to dull down her joy, but secretly you were as ecstatic as her.

“Yes but they didn’t score a banger on their arsenal debut.”

That was true.

As you looked over the framed photographs that plastered your walls later that night, you started to wonder which Fulham ones would soon be replaced with Arsenal ones. You actually found yourself wanting to go to training, and wanting to see your teammates.

Could arsenal really take you all the way to the WSL?

Everybody else but you seems to think so, even Vivianne Miedema.

A/N

Sorry this was a little rushed but at leat it’s something. More parts soon😊. Hope everyone had a Happy New year!!

L🫶

#arsenal wfc #woso x reader #womens football #woso community #woso fanfics #arsenal wfc x reader #vivianne miedema

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buckysmith · 1 year

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MW2 characters reacting to you being hold hostage + how it happened

Includes: Ghost, König, Soap, Price, Gaz, Alejandro, Rudy, Gromsko, Laswell, Valeria and Graves

It was kinda hard to write the exact same topic for 11 people without repeating the same story and in the end I fucked it up but I hope you guys enjoy it anyways cause I wrote that shit for 7h+

I just hope it doesn’t flop again .-.

Word count around 10000.

Warning: hostage, mentions of dead, mentions of abuse (not heavily detailed but still a trigger)

Tell me if I have to add warnings

Ghost:

- He is an extremely cautious man, making sure no one knows where he lives to protect you.

- the only living people who know where he and you live are Price and Soap, since he knows they won't say anything even if they are being tortured

- Even your family doesn't know where you live, or rather they think they do, but they don't because the address is fake.

- but a small mistake can lead to a big problem, which in your case it did.

- Simon and you were walking together in the streets of London, but he could feel that something was off

- he didn't really want to go to London, but on your anniversary he wanted to do you a favor and go on a date like any other normal couple, spoiling you with things you like

- so you were on your way back to your car and like London is, it was crowded with a lot of people

- you could feel Simon getting more and more nervous because he sensed something was going to happen and then just a few feet away from you a car exploded causing the crowd you were in to panic

- Simon instinctively grabbed you and ran with you to your car, pushing the people running towards you away to make his way through the crowd

- but just before you could reach your car, he saw what was going on, that he was the target of the attack, because you were running straight ahead in a group of masked men.

- Simon who of course didn't have many weapons on him, only a Glock and a few knives knew that it looked bad for you to fight against heavily armed men

- he knew if he fought you would both die, so he didn't hesitate long and ran back into the crowd knowing there you would be at least a bit safer

- he pulled you by your wrist through the crowd, pushing the people who got in his way away to make room for you

- but after the masked men fired shots, the crowd just panicked even more

- he held your hand as tightly as he could, trying his best not to let go as the crowd tore you further and further apart

- the last thing he could see and hear of you before you were lost in the crowd were your frightened eyes and your voice calling out to him

- not even a second passed and he alerted Price who informed the team and laswell as well as the police and special forces in the area

- he immediately started looking for you, calling out you, trying to locate your cell phone, calling you, but you didn't answer

- all while forcing his way through the crowd in the direction he had lost you

- he tracked your cell phone signal, but only found your cell phone lying on the ground, smashed but still working

- he knew he couldn't panic now, but his blood was freezing, his heart started to stop in its rhythm

- he knew he could track you in another way, he had given you a necklace with a tracking device that even you didn't know about

- he followed the signal, running like a madman through the streets of London only to end up in an empty alley.

- the moment he picked up your necklace from the ground, saw the crimson liquid on it, was the moment his heart stopped

- it was the moment he realized that the target was not him, but you

- he stared at his necklace, time seemed to stop for him before he stood up and left the alley to make a single phone call

- days passed with no sign of you, Laswell and many other agents and elite soldiers in his debt searched for you

- he did not take any solid food during that time, he refused to eat and he drank almost nothing

- but his body did not weaken, only his spirit became more dangerous

- he blamed himself for your abduction, he cursed himself so much that he went with you to London

- days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months, no sign of life from you made him slowly lose his will to live, his body became weaker and he destroyed himself more and more every day

- Soap and Price watched as their friend slowly fell apart, as he slowly became truly a ghost.

- at one point he was too weak to stand on his feet, but he resisted when anyone tried to help him

- be it to feed him or to help him to walk

- the moment he got a sign of life from you, or rather from the men who kidnapped you, Simon changed again

- the man who moments before had been too weak to keep himself on his feet became a more dangerous killing machine than he had ever been before

- whoever they were, they were about to pay a price

- and he wouldn't grant them the mercy of a fast death, he knew what he would do to them, the moment you're in his arms again.

- they would live for months, not that you could call that living, but well, they were still able to breath and feel everything. That's all I'll say about it.

Soap:

- Soap came back from his service a few days earlier than planned, so now you had a problem

- you were at a friend's in London, you were supposed to come back home two days later to pick him up

- but Soap assured you that it was no problem to spend the two days with your best friend, because you both saw each other quite rarely due to the distance or rather her and your job

- on the last day you both wanted to go shopping, some nice things to wear and maybe some other things you liked

- you then called soap, actually just to ask him if you should bring him this new video game he was talking about all the time

- but your conversation was quickly interrupted by two men with bomb vests and another man with assault rifles

- so the last shopping day turned into a hostage situation and you and your best friend were sitting together with many others in the middle of the building and in the middle was one of the assassins with the bomb

- it was just too stupid for the assassins that they didn't know who was among their hostages

- It didn't take Soap long to get from your home to London, not with his contacts.

- he also contacted his friends and teammates, Ghost, Price and gaz were also quickly in London.

- He had given you another cell phone in case of emergency, one which was not flashy but in such emergencies life saving

- but he didn't expect you to call him, and you more or less didn't really call him either

- he was the only number stored, so you just had to press a button dial his number.

- Soap didn't hesitate long and took his cell phone to the lead officer, because they had a view inside through the thermal imaging cameras, but no voice transmission and now they had thanks to you

- Soap knew how risky it was that you had called, but you had now helped the forces, especially with the identification that one of the bomb carriers was among the hostages.

- Soap could hear you and your girlfriend being yelled at, because you were whispering to your girlfriend beforehand so that the he and the other who were there to rescue you all knew where the other bomber was sitting.

- So while Soap was incredibly proud of your courage on the one hand, he was equally afraid for your life on the other

- he had been on so many missions like this, so many missions where he could have died, but none of them had ever made him feel this scared.

- it was only hours that you were trapped, but with every second That passed he knew that if something went wrong, he would lose you, killed him.

- the moment they stormed the building he had only one thought, he had to find you and get you safe and sound.

- it was only seconds in which he searched for you in the crowd, but for him those seconds felt like hours.

- For him, they were moments of uncertainty, because although they were sure that they could eliminate all the assassins with little trouble, they did not know if there were still hidden assassins among the hostages.

- The storming of the building was quick and the targets were also quickly taken out, but to soap's great fear, among the hostages there was actually someone with a bomb vest who remained unidentified, who blew himself up after his comrades were killed.

- the whole building shook, glass from windows and doors shot through the air like bullets that caused him to seek shelter for a few moments, in the seconds after that he disobeyed every order, he didn't care what would happen to his reputation or his job in the moments after the detonation

- it was all about you

- he called your name in panic, ran to the people killed by the explosion, or rather what was left of them.

- he knew where you and your best friend had been sitting

- and that's where the bomber had exploded.

- in the first few seconds there was nothing in his head, he heard nothing, he smelled nothing, he felt nothing.

- there was just nothing

- he held his breath without realizing it, fell to his knees as his body collapsed as if it had been turned off.

- the moment he heard your voice, the moment he could sense quick footsteps and a movement, he directed his gaze in that direction

- the moment you wrapped your arms around his neck, threw yourself into his arms and kissed him. It was the moment when he understood that he was not dreaming, you were alive, you were in his arms

- it was only seconds when he thought you had died, but those seconds left deep scars in his soul.

- the day you almost died left for you only a scar on your cheek, but for him it left an order, a mission which he would not stop carrying out even after his death.

- he made sure that this would never happen again, that you were safe for the rest of your life.

- that was an oath he never broke.

Alejandro

- being in a relationship with Alejandro had its pitfalls

- but most of all it had many downsides

- he was rarely home, most of the time your relationship consisted of talking to each other on the phone over secure lines

- it wasn't like it was something new, because before you had a long distance relationship, but with your move to las Almas you thought you could see him more often since you were only a few miles apart now

- but no, he was too afraid to accidentally give away your location and put you in danger.

- his enemies were the cartel, the soldiers operating outside his unit and even his own people he didn't trust

- the only ones who knew of your location were Alejandro and Rudy.

- but seeing your husband in person only a few times a month, and then only for a few hours, caused strife between the two of you.

- you were as good as isolated from the whole outside world

- you had little contact with your family/friends

- Alejandro had moved the rest of his family elsewhere, but you didn't know where they lived and they didn't know where you lived.

- everything was a security measure, but after two years of almost complete isolation in a foreign country, you and Alejandro were always having fierce arguments

- most of the time it was over FaceTime, because as I said he didn't want anyone to know where you lived

- the phone call ended with you hanging up after he told you for the millionth time that he was doing it for your safety

- you knew that, you knew he was just worried but you were alone, you needed him with you!

- he usually didn't even stay over and slowly but surely you felt more like a prisoner than in a relationship

- you were homesick, you wanted to be with your family/friends and the comfort they gave you

- the feeling of security he couldn't give you anymore for a long time

- you loved him, but you couldn't go on like this and he couldn't give up the life he was leading

- it didn't take long for you to pack a suitcase to fly home to your parents/friends, you knew you were welcome at any time

- but on the way to the airport you came into a military checkpoint

- but it was not a normal check in which the military took unnecessary money out of your pocket for any violations, no, they were looking for you

- they had got the order from the las Almas cartel, which you did not know of course

- because your last conversation was intercepted, they were able to find out your name from your voice and therefore knew who you were and above all they knew where you were.

- Alejandro found out only a few hours later, he had called you again and again, but since you had left your cell phone at home, he had no reason to worry.

- he thought that you were just mad and that you were going to give him the silent treatment, something you had never done before, but he had been in many relationships before where his partner reacted like that after a fight.

- however he wanted to discuss the problem in person, he knew you were hurt and he wanted to make it up to you somehow

- but when he got home there was no trace of you, your cell phone was there, but your car and suitcase were missing along with about four thousand dollars you had put aside in case of emergency

- he immediately informed Rudy and gave him your license plate number so that they could trace your location

- but there weren't exactly a lot of surveillance cameras in las Almas.

- but your license plate was caught by one of them and you seemed to be on your way to the airport, so he went on his way as well

- but your car suddenly disappeared and didn't show up again on the next camera like it had should

- he found your car but without you

- your car was in a ditch and it looked like you were deliberately pushed off the road

- he knew the moment he saw your car that you had fallen victim to the cartel

- the first few minutes after he found your car he called Rudy who called the rest of his team

- He knew he had to find you quickly

- He tried to contain his fear, but it didn't work.

- On the way back to the base his hands were shaking so badly that he could barely control his vehicle.

- he could feel his heart beating in his chest and hear the blood rushing in his ears

- when he arrived at the base all color was gone from his face

- he was so incredibly afraid for you, so much so that he had to throw up again and again

- while his body was rebelling against him, his emotions were boiling up, he was aggressive and tearful at the same time

- he tried everything to find out where you were

- after hours of searching, your captors came forward to present their trophy, you, to him.

- They knew how to use leverage to get what they wanted.

- but Alejandro still had a favor left with Laswell, so it didn't take long to get you to safety.

- but in the hours when your fate was uncertain, in the hours when he didn't know if he would ever see you alive again, a small part of him died

- he regretted every second of arguing with you, but not visiting often enough, because in the end it had caused to happen what he had tried to protect you from

- he was the reason for your abduction, for every hair that was cut in those hours

- he and his men stormed the building where you were being held and the moment he could wrap his arms around you, smell your scent and feel the warmth of your body was the moment he realized that moving away from you to protect you was not protecting you but separating you from each other

- that he was the reason

- from that day on, there was not another day that you could not see him

- he was always with you and from that moment on you were the safest you have ever been

- as safe as you have never been before

- the kidnapping was the best thing that could have happened to you and him

Rudy:

(Short info, I know the backstory would have fit well to Alejandro, but Rudy was the one who wasn't captured by Graves and his men and so I thought this could fit well to Rudy)

- you had heard that your husband was now working with people from the U.S. and the U.K. to fight the cartel and locate some missiles

- you knew that this information was actually top secret and you weren't supposed to know anything about it, but your husband told you everything and you preferred him to talk about it than to keep it inside and it being a burden to him

- you knew that the boys were coming back in the evening and it was important to you that they had enough to eat, of course you couldn't cook for over a hundred men by yourself but together with the help of Alejandro's partner, Rudy's mother and some other women and men you could cook enough food to feed them all

- so after you loaded all the food into the pickup you drove to the base

- What you didn't know was that the base had been taken over by the American, who imprisoned los vaqueros and plunged Las Almas into a bloodbath.

- Rudy had called so many times but the line was dead which you didn't notice because you only used your cell phone to listen to music and this was possible without line.

- since you all came outside of las Almas, you didn't notice anything until you were stopped with the car at the entrance of the base, while your identity was checked by an American and after that you were not nicely brought to Graves

- Graves of course immediately recognized the value you had as a hostage, after all he had the leader of the vaqueros and the partner of the second leader.

- He knew that if the worst came to the worst, you would be his life insurance.

- Rudy, meanwhile, was getting more and more panicky by the second, and instead of going straight to the safehouse, he drove to your house.

- he knew that if you were not at home, you had probably gone to the base

- he was not panic, no you could not describe his feelings like that

- he was incredibly calm on the way to the safehouse, he didn't know if Ghost and Soap were alive, he knew you were probably in Graves' captivity and he didn't know if Alejandro was alive.

- Every person he trusted was either gone or in captivity and he had to keep a clear head right now.

- but it just didn't work, he couldn't cry and he didn't shake either.

- he was paralyzed and his head worked like in energy saving mode

- until the moment when Alejandro was with him again.

- that was the moment when he broke down, sobbed, poured out his heart to Alejandro and let him know how unbelievably scared he was for you

- that he would never forgive himself if something happened to you, that it was all his fault, and much more.

- from that point on he couldn't stop shaking, sobbing and hyperventilating

- he knew Graves would use you as leverage if a situation arose where he was in danger of losing his life, which only worried Rudy more

- He knew he would lay down his life for you if it came to that.

- yet when Graves tried to escape with you, you managed to get away from him and escape while the Ghost Team stormed the base

- you broke your arm and sustained wounds that would later become scars

- every single scar from that day reminds Rudy that he failed as your husband

- but it was the only time in your life with him that you were in danger, because after that he made sure that it would never happen again and you were safe

- he never forgot the feelings he had while you were in danger and that's why he taught you all kinds of defenses and how to handle a gun

Price :

- in a job like your husband's, there were unplanned incidents more often than you would have liked

- sometimes he didn't come home for months, sometimes he was only home for a few days before he was needed somewhere in the world so the world wouldn't end

- it was hard for your relationship and it ruined all plans for vacations or just to be together every time again and again

- and it was one of those days again, he had just come home from a mission, hadn't even had the chance to unpack his stuff and was needed again immediately

- it was useless to ask him to stay with you, so you let him go again after you had said your goodbyes

- he had promised you to take vacation, that this time nothing would come between your trip, the trip you had planned and looked forward to for so long

- this trip was supposed to replace your honeymoon because you couldn't take it after your wedding because of his job

- but the trip was booked, all paid for and you had taken the time off

- you had done your research and could only move the trip somewhere else and not cancel it without losing all your money or reschedule the time for the trip

- you knew he would not be back in time, so you told your best friend to pack her bags so that the two of you could go on vacation instead of you and Price

- together with your best friend you decided to change your trip to another country, both of you going to Cairo Egypt

- your best friend always had something to do with pyramids and the ancient egyptians and you also found them quite interesting

- but you were more interested in today's culture

- of course you told your husband beforehand to ask him for permission

- he agreed that you should go with your girlfriend, but he was worried about the choice of country you had made

- but you told him that Egypt is a relatively safe country and nothing would happen to you

- he had a bad feeling though and asked you to move the trip somewhere else, which you refused to do

- your best friend knew the country, culture and language better than anyone, you knew you were safe with her and that he was overreacting.

- however, this led to an argument, he insisted that you move the trip elsewhere and you vehemently refused

- he wanted to continue arguing with you but your argument was interrupted by Soap who told Price there was an emergency

- you could hear him sending Soap away again and this time telling you rather rudely not to make the trip

- that was the last thing you heard before the connection was lost and you were sure he had hung up on you

- you didn't know that the connection was lost do to the emergency which was an attack

- during the argument you thought about giving in, trusting his feeling but after he yelled at you you didn't want to give in out of pure pettiness and went on the trip with your best friend

- the first days were wonderful, the hotel you lived in was fortunately well air conditioned as you could hardly stand the stinging heat, the people were nice and the food was delicious

- Price didn't contact you during the days and while part of you was worried about your husband, you knew that if you didn't hear from Laswell he was in good health and just wouldn't talk to you, and you, definitely wouldn't give in and talk first!

- he knew you were fine, at least you thought he did, since you were in constant contact with Laswell and her wife.

- they were as much a part of Price and his family as you, Soap, Ghost, gaz and his pets. It was an all or nothing deal

- with Laswell's wife you were also in contact every day, sending her pictures from your vacation, what you were doing and the great food.

- but all good things come to an end, in your case it was "wrong time, wrong place".

- your best friend and you got lost

- How did you know? There were no other tourists around, not a single one.

- you knew instinctively that you had to find a way back very quickly, but it was already too late and you ran into a group of criminals

- you recognized the mark they wore on their bodies, t your husband had told you about the group but they were supposed to be in Russia, not here!

- he had already dealt with the people several times, each time it ended in a bloodbath on both sides

- so you grabbed your best friend by the arm, dragged her through the winding streets while dialing Price's number, which only went to voicemail, you called Laswell, but she didn't answer her cell phone either, so the last thing you wanted to do was call Laswell's wife, but it was too late and you were trapped

- the last thing you felt was a strong hit on your head before everything went black

- It was Laswell's wife who noticed your absence.

- You hadn't sent her any pictures or texts for four days, which was unusual for you.

- she asked Laswell if she knew anything about you, to which she only responded that you had called her four days ago but had not contacted her again

- Laswell didn't think anything of it, she thought that you had probably called her unintentionally, but with the information that you hadn't given any sign of life for four days was something that worried her.

- even more when Price also contacted her saying that he couldn't reach you in days after you called him.

- she tried to track your cell phone, but it was either off or the battery was dead

- the last trace showed that you hadn't moved from one spot in two days before your phone died

- she knew something was wrong, so she immediately alerted Price while sending one of her men stationed in Cairo to your last location

- When Price learned that you had not ignored him but had disappeared, he panicked.

- he knew the mission he was on was important and that his presence probably made the difference between defeat and victory, yet you were gone, in a foreign country after he asked you to go there

- he let another captain replace him, he knew his boys together with him would accomplish the mission and immediately set off to Cairo

- but he knew that he was not allowed to be there officially, so he entered as a normal human being

- he looked calm to everyone else, but if you were there you would immediately see how incredibly upset he was

- you were the only person who could see behind his facade

- he was unbelievably afraid for you, he couldn't drink, nor eat, everything he tried to get into him came up again faster than he had forced it down his throat

- he couldn't even enjoy his beloved cigars anymore, just the thought of smoking one made him throw up

- days went by, days he didn't sleep, days he didn't eat, days he drank almost nothing but scotch

- deep circles had formed under his eyes and the worry about you made him very angry

- after almost a week Ghost, Gaz and Soap also came to Cairo to support their captain who was more a ghost of his former self

- it took another two days but then they found you, it had been a total of two weeks since your abduction and you were starting to give up

- they didn't do anything to you after they found out who you were

- one of the men had recognized Price's face on your background and from there on it was easy for them

- they were also recently in contact with Price, negotiating the price for you and your best friend, but you didn't know that

- threatened to do something to you that would only make Price angrier.

- but Laswell was able to use it to get a location on you.

- it was a night in fog action in which they asked Price not to participate because those 10 days of living on nothing but alcohol and pure caffeine had weakened him considerably

- but he insisted.

- he had never been so nervous on a mission as he was on this one, he could hear his heart beating in his chest while his blood was literally boiling

- he didn't know if you were still alive, he didn't know what they had done to you, he knew nothing and couldn't control the situation, he couldn't prepare himself for what he might see.

- the operation was quick, the kidnappers didn't expect to be found out.

- 141 and several other soldiers searched the house and when Price found a locked door, after having shot a man with a gun only a few feet away, he opened it and through the sparse light recognized a person lying on the floor only a few feet away from him, he could also see that there was a pool of blood around them.

- his heart stopped at that moment, he didn't want to get closer to see who this person was, he didn't want to know if it was you... it just couldn't be you!

- he stepped like in slow motion towards the person lying on the floor, his whole body was shaking and he could feel the feeling of throwing up

- at the moment when he knelt down to turn the person and to catch a look into their face, he received an extremely strong hit on the head which made him see black for a fraction of a moment

- but his body reacted out of reflex, he turned and skillfully pressed the person who had attacked him to the ground and squeezed their throat.

- when he regained his sight he realized who he was choking and also the person who had attacked him realized who he was

- his eyes filled with tears while he let go of you and kissed you

-despite the sparse light he could see that you had been beaten, that you were hurt but you were alive

- a wave of relief came over him and you as you both began to sob

- he was relieved that you were alive and you were relieved to see him, that he had come and that this hell had now ended

- you were too weak to walk on your own when the relief came over your body, two weeks without food and only little water in an extreme heat had left its mark, not to mention the psychological stress and the wound on your shoulder

- your best friend had not survived, you both had been shot at, but only she had been killed while you were only wounded

- you pretended to be dead as well, and because of the panic they had, they didn't realize that you were still alive.

- you didn't know if the men would come back, but you knew you had to escape at the next opportunity

- not a day went by from then on that you didn't listen to him and for him not a day went by that he didn't regret yelling at you

- he thought he was to blame, while you also thought you were to blame for everything

- but basically it was just "in the wrong place, at the wrong time..."

Gaz:

(Im going to take gaz first appearance in MW2019 as my "guide")

-you and your boyfriend gaz live just outside London, you had moved in with him and left your old life behind you

- you had met Gaz by chance, or rather it was an accident

- you accidentally drove into his car when you were on vacation in London, you were wearing the worst outfit you could imagine and he, well he looked great.

- you were extremely uncomfortable and to this day he made a bit of fun of it, even though he was to blame for the accident

- you two got on well from day one though and friendship turned into love and now you were here in London

- gaz had been tense for a long time, but he was not allowed to tell you what was going on

- but you could imagine what it was and of course you tried to give your boyfriend some kind of comfort

- it was your day off, which calmed gaz down because he knew you wouldn't be near where his assignment was

- he couldn't tell you about it, so he kept quiet about it.

- but shortly after he left for work you got a call from your boss, she told you that one of your colleagues had dropped out and they needed you

- since you got along very well with your boss and the store became like a second family you of course agreed and left immediately

- you knew you would be there just before the shift started and since the shift would start at six pm anyway you thought you would write to your boyfriend just before you got there

- so you texted him at 5:50 pm (1750military time) that you would be home around 10 pm because you had to work spontaneously and would bring take away from your favorite restaurant

- gaz got the message while he was sitting in the car, he knew he wasn't supposed to look but usually you only wrote when something was going on or you wanted to know something

- when he read the message that you were at work, in the area where he now had a job, he completely freaked out, called you but you had your cell phone on silent and since the store was so busy you didn't even notice he was calling

- after that everything went wrong, there was so much shooting, people blew themselves up and so many injured and dead within a few minutes

- and this bloodbath led to the very store where you work.

- the feeling of throwing up was getting stronger by every minute and he started shaking without wanting to, he didn't know how you were and if you could get out in time

- when a man named Captain Price appeared, he followed him while he tried to calm down

- there were many people tied up between a man with a bomb vest which exploded only a few seconds after he and captain price arrived

- as gaz helped Price free the people he recognized one of your colleagues, he immediately asked her where you were, if you had escaped, but she tearfully told him that they had taken you.

- That was the moment when his heart stopped.

- you had been captured...

- at the moment when price and he and the hostages left the building, a live broadcast of the assassins was shown on the big advertising boards

- with you in their midst, wearing a bomb vest, at an unknown location.

- He immediately told Price that you were his partner, that he would do anything to free you and so much more.

- he could barely think straight, his heart ached while his stomach churned and he felt dizzy.

- it took them an hour to get your location

- an hour in which he threw up countless times and still tried to be strong for you

- he stormed the building with Price and his own team, killing anyone who got in his way while calling your name before finally finding you

- but the countdown ticked on and on

- when gaz finally got to you he tried to be as strong as he could but it tore his heart out to see your eyes filled with tears

- he knew how scared you were

- There were only a few minutes left before the vest would explode and Price told him to go, the experts said there was no chance and that the vest was too complicated to disarm in time.

- Price knew from the little time he knew gaz now that he would not leave you alone, wished him good luck and they both left the area as quickly as they could while

- it was only a minute before the vest would explode.

- he cursed himself for not being there while you tried to calm him down

- A second before the vest exploded, he grabbed all the wires in sight while pressing his lips onto yours, only to rip off all the wires in one go.

- and instead of you exploding nothing happened

- gaz had somehow managed to disarm the vest

- it was the moment when he started crying with relief, just like you did

- from that day on he made sure nothing like that would ever happen to you again

- he made enough after he joined 141 for you to stay home.

- but he supported you when you started an online business so he didn't have to be the bread winner

- but now you were safe, safe from all evil, safe from enemies, safe from anything that would harm you

Graves

- being in a relationship with graves was not always easy

- you two could not see each other often and for a long time, something that was difficult for both of you

- phillip, who was so much more gentle and loving in private than he was on the job, was incredibly homesick and lovesick for you

- it was just hard for him to be away from you for a long time, so he tried his best to somehow bridge the distances between you without putting you in danger

- he talked to you on the phone as often as he could, always had a picture of you with him in which your face was hidden but which he would often look at when he missed you too much

- it was a picture of the two of you lying in a hospital bed, your face buried against his neck while he had an arm around your torso

- his mother had taken the picture when she visited her son in the hospital after he was badly injured in battle

- during the weeks he was in the hospital you lived there as well and when he was finally able to go home you took care of him even though he assured you he was fine

- the picture showed him so much, it showed him that he had someone worth fighting for, worth coming home for, worth living for.

- he knew that with you he had found the partner for life and you both would go through thick and thin until the end

- the two of you were enjoying a bath together when the call from Shepard came forcing him to leave immediately

- your heart ached as your husband had just come home and already he had to leave again

- he didn't want to go either, but he knew he couldn't refuse an assignment and left after you said your goodbyes

- only a few days after your husband left you got a call from your best friend who lived in las Almas and was very pregnant

- since you had promised to be with her when she had her baby, you quickly packed the things that seemed important to you, the copy of the picture that Phillip was carrying with him

- las Almas was only a few hours away from the farm where you lived with Graves and more or less his family

- since your in-laws lived only three minutes away by car and it was on your way anyway, you personally told them that you were going to las Almas to assist your best friend in the birth of her first child

- on the way you wanted to tell phillip, but from then on something kept coming up and before you knew it you were already in las Almas

- your best friend her parents were actually from las Almas but moved to the USA before your best friend was born to give their daughter a better life there

- but apart from her parents all her relatives were in las Almas so after she met her boyfriend who was a policeman in las Almas she went back home without her parents

- her parents begged her not to go, but your best friend was much too stubborn to listen to them

- you were warmly welcomed by her new family and the birth went quite easily, both of you joking around while she almost broke your and her boyfriend's hand

- but the birth of the child went quite well and fast and you were able to go back to her house around late noon

- you helped your best friend with her baby while the others celebrated the birth of the child

- but in the evening the mood changed, it started storming

- the city became louder, at the beginning your friend joked that many babies must have been born today, but the sounds that had sounded positive before became screams and the sound of gunshots echoed from the houses

- not even half an hour passed, when armed and masked soldiers stormed the building in which you were located

- you reacted instinctively, grabbed the hand of your friend who had her baby in her arms and pulled her down from the sofa and towards the second exit

- you could hear screams behind you, then gunshots which silenced the screams

- but your friend collapsed after only a few houses, she was too weak to run as she got shot leaving the house

- she gave you her baby, told you to get her baby to safety before she sent you away

- the last thing you could hear was a gunshot and a dull sound, the sound of her body hitting the ground

- While you were on the run, Graves wondered why you didn't answer him.

- he called you several times, because normally you had texted him at least five times by now, but you didn't answer the phone

- you tried your best to get through the streets unnoticed, but the baby woke up after a shot was fired at close range

- you tried everything to silence the baby in your arms, but it was already too late and the masked men pulled you out of your hiding place, almost threw you to the ground and you barely managed to support the baby and yourself

- but you recognized the uniform of the men when you were forced next to the Mexican policemen

- they were your husband's men!

- you tried to explain to them who you were, that you wanted to talk to Phillip but one of the men just kicked you in the face

- everything went black and you lost consciousness for a few seconds

- when you woke up they had already killed the men next to you and you were also holding the gun to your head while you begged them to inform Phillip Graves, your husband

- you heard a gunshot, then another and a third and the sound of three bodies falling to the floor

- Your vision was blurry, but you recognized the man in front of you, it was Ghost. You had seen him before, years ago, when Graves talked to you on video.

- a few minutes later Graves was standing in front of his killed men, but something next to the killed policemen caught his eye

- he grabbed the something that was already full of blood and looked with pure panic at what he had just picked up

- it was the picture of him and you, but it couldn't be! The picture was still in his pocket so how...?

- pure panic flowed through his body as he reached for his phone and called you again, praying to God that you would answer the phone and he would hear your voice

- but you did not answer

- his heart stopped for a moment when he called his parents and they told him you were in las Almas, the town where he had made a bloodbath on Shephard's orders

- where his men killed everyone who got in their way.

- he then disobeyed the general's order, told his shadows not to kill anyone and to look for you before giving them a description of you

- but he didn't calm down, even though the danger of you being killed by a shadow was now zero, Ghost who knew what you looked like was running around, not to mention the men and women of the Cartel

- while they were looking everywhere for you, you went with the injured Soap, Ghost and the baby to the safehouse of a guy named Alejandro.

- Ghost and Soap told you that you were now a prisoner of theirs, since Graves had betrayed them, but you didn't care.

- You had barely survived and probably would have died without Ghost's help.

- but you also didn't want to accept what your husband had done, but you had seen it with your own eyes and couldn't deny it.

- The men who held you captive were nice considering who you were or rather who your husband was

- You begged the man named Captain Price not to kill your husband, that there had to be another way and you would do anything to keep them from harming him.

- Graves found out they had you just minutes after Price called Shepherd.

- that was the moment Graves broke completely, on the one hand he couldn't and shouldn't refuse the orders, on the other hand they had you in their grasp

- It killed him, drove him crazy knowing you were in danger.

- Price brought you into the field and Graves could see you through his scope, Price gave him an ultimatum, Graves would surrender voluntarily with his shadows and you would live if not, you would die.

- but when you collapsed next to Price after a bullet pierced you, Price fled and Graves reloaded.

- he knew there was no turning back as he looked at your body lying virtually lifeless on the sandy ground with blood pouring out of it

- you woke up later in a hospital, the bullet had hit you but not killed you, just knocked you out.

- you later learned that Graves had not surrendered, died in an explosion, and within twenty-four hours you had lost your husband and best friend

- the baby your friend had entrusted to you was taken to her still living grandparents and Phillip's parents visited you every day in the hospital

- you felt alone nonetheless, you had put your wedding ring on the side table and most of the time you were just lying around

- after one week in the hospital you discharged against the advice of your doctors

- the first night back in your home two arms wrapped around your body and the familiar smell of a certain person rose in your nose while you tried to enjoy your hot shower

- it was his raspy voice that sent a shiver down your spine

- he would make sure that no one would ever lay a hand on you again and he would stand up for his mistakes, at least to you.

- it was on you to choose between stay or go

Valeria

- being in a relationship with Valeria was everything but easy

- she gave you everything you wanted, but there was one thing she couldn't give you and that was your freedom

- she kept you behind closed bars and you lived in a golden cage, but living isolated and not being able to leave the house gnawed at your mental health

- the fact that sometimes she would just disappear for weeks and then reappear didn't make the situation any better

- you could see Almas from the villa you were living in and despite begging her to go with you to the village over and over again she never allowed it

- but you had enough of it, she always left you behind and after years of isolation you couldn't take it anymore, you finally wanted to see something different!

- there was a "party", most of the people were wearing masks and after you grabbed a mask as well as some clothes of the servants you left the building together with some servants who had a shift change

- you didn't want to leave her, you just wanted to see something different for once

- but Valeria was on Alejandro's radar since she was captured years ago and they found out that you were her partner.

- you walked happily through the streets, oblivious to the men and women following you.

- however, it wasn't long before you reached a corner where they chloroformed you and took you to a van

- Valeria, meanwhile, did not notice that you had disappeared until after her conversation with some other evil men, because you were neither at the pool, nor in your room, nor anywhere else in the villa.

- Panic coursed through every vein of her body as she yelled at her men to find out where you were.

- when she checked the security cameras and saw you undressing and throwing yourself into the servants' clothes to leave the mansion unseen, the panic was joined by pure rage

- she immediately unleashed her men to search for you while she thought of how she would punish you for what you had done

- she was informed about an hour after she realized you had disappeared that the dogs had lost track of you and that you had probably been abducted

- she knew instantly who you had been kidnapped by

- the anger she felt towards you turned into pure fear, she knew what Alejandro and Rudy were capable of

- but she was from the cartel that ruled the city and she also had her contacts in Alejandro's elite squad.

- she knew a direct attack would end in a bloodbath, but she knew if she waited too long and Alejandro tried to get information out of you, she could never forgive herself for that

- she knew what a monster Alejandro was, she knew what he would do to get information that you didn't have, but she also knew that he wouldn't believe you.

- At the end of the day, he was as brutal as she was.

- the longer you were under Alejandro's control, the stronger her hatred, her rage, and the more dangerous she became.

- she was there in person when she tried to save you, it was her job as your partner to save you.

- the way in was easier than expected, although it ended in a bloodbath on both sides

- but the moment she saw you again, the moment she knew you were now as good as safe, her feelings cooled down

- she had learned from her mistake to lock you up and keep taking you to new places, outside of Mexico, so at least you could see the world and she could make sure you would never be kidnapped again and that you were happy

- but also you had learned never to run away again, her punishment was anything but funny and yet so much more gentle than like all the others. Thankfully

König

- you were visiting a friend while your husband was away somewhere in the world doing his mission

- you hadn't heard from him for days, which was usual but you were worried, but you knew if you didn't hear from him it meant he was alive and well

- it was the idea of one of your friends you were visiting to go to a party of someone she knew

- you texted your husband of course, informing him that you were going to a party and write him as soon as you were on your way back.

- it was a really great party, the music was great, the appetizers which were offered were delicious and all in all it was a great night

- but only until you saw a familiar face, it was one of the guys your husband had been chasing and this one was supposed to be dead

- you knew it was a dangerous mafia boss from the documents of which you were not allowed to know anything

- but you knew you couldn't let your panic show

- you went to your friends, told them you were not feeling well and you would like to leave

- but they insisted that you stay and just rest, since after all their friend was throwing the party

- a bitter taste spreads in your mouth when said host came to you, asked if everything was fine and your friends said that you were not fine

- without you wanting it the host and mafia boss then took you to a quieter room where he tried to make a pass at you

- but before it could come to more he was interrupted by a smoke gas

- everything went fast, you got something taped to your mouth before a bag was pulled over your head and you were tied up

- you didn't know how much time had passed, you didn't know where you were what would happen to you now, the only thing you knew was that you were in danger

- König meanwhile waited for your message while he drove with his colleagues and the prisoners to a safe house

- but your message didn't come, you didn't answer his calls either and your cell phone was off

- he knew you wouldn't cheat on him, he also knew you always kept your promises and yet you were gone

- he could clearly feel the coming panic attack, whereupon he started to take his weapons apart and put it together again to distract himself somehow

- in his head all the scenarios were playing out, from you being bottled up, lying unconscious somewhere, being kidnapped, every scenario you could think of was playing out in his head

- hours went by, he didn't have the numbers of your friends and he had no other way to contact you

- the car you were in stopped at some point and you could feel someone grab you roughly, pull you to your feet and take you somewhere.

- you could only hear what was happening around you, fear flowed through you and you prayed that your husband had already found out that you had been kidnapped

- you were forced to the cold floor, sitting on your knees while you listened to the mafia guy being asked the same questions over and over again, you could hear blows and groans of pain from him.

- you could hear them breaking his bones, knocking out his teeth and smelling burned skin

- after a while one of the men seemed to have had enough and you could feel the barrel of a gun against your head

- it was the moment he raised his voice and threatened the mafia guy to kill you if he didn't finally speak up that you started to fight back

- it wasn't the threat to kill you, no, it was the voice you recognized

- only a few seconds after you tried to stand up your husband kicked you in the ribs

- but it also loosened the tape on your mouth, so you immediately called out his name

- the look on your face when the sack was pulled off your head and you looked into your husband's masked face, you couldn't help but weep

- you were almost abused, then kidnapped and your husband broke your ribs without knowing it

- you knew after that day you had many friends less and enough partying for the rest of your life

- and he, he felt guilty for that day for the rest of his life. Great success

Gromsko:

- it had its advantages to live somewhere in the countryside in Poland

- there were not many neighbors, those who did lived quite a distance away and otherwise it was quiet and of course safe

- your husband had many enemies, many very powerful enemies, which is why he hid you somewhere in the countryside

- you both had daily contact, be it only a sms but he wanted to make sure you were ok

- but everything peaceful had an end

- They had found out where Gromsko lived, but they did not know that he was married.

- so it was a surprise for the assassins who were after Gromsko to find you instead of him

- they knew that they could use you as a bait to get to Gromsko and he quickly realized that something was wrong, precisely because you did not answer him anymore

- he sent a friend to you, who informed him that you had probably been kidnapped

- the kidnappers were not the smartest, you quickly realized

- while Gromsko together with some old friends tracked you down, you made life difficult for your kidnappers and annoyed the hell out of em to get a waterbottle

- Gromsko, who was usually calm in person, was agitated and everyone could feel how dangerous he was becoming with each passing minute.

- he was worried about you, panic was an understatement and the hatred he felt for your kidnappers was boundless

- but also self-hatred, after all you had come into this situation because of him

- when he found out where you were being held he set out with some of his old colleagues to rescue you

- everything happened quite fast, the kidnappers did not expect that they would be found

- Gromsko was looking for you when he entered a room which looked like a cell

- you were already waiting for someone to come into your cell, and you hit the person on the head with the glass bottle you had been given

- the person you headbutted, however, grabbed you and pushed you against the nearest wall, while squeezing your throat

- you noticed who it was at the same time and he did, and he immediately let go of you, apologized for hurting you and teased you for hitting him with a bottle

- you moved to the city and got a dog to defend you when he was at work

- he never let you out of sight again, not that you knew, everyone had it’s little secrets after all

Laswell

- your wife was not always easy, especially her paranoia was not and it was a reason for many fights between you

- you knew the USA was not the safest country in the world, but you lived in a good area, hardly any crime and a nice neighborhood

- but for her no place was safe enough and she insisted that you carry a small device that would notify her if you were in big trouble

- you thought it was over the top but what wouldn't you do to make your wife happy

- and besides, she was really scary when she was angry.

- you had something to do at the bank and Kate asked you if she should come with you on her day off but you refused, after all you wanted to go shopping and get something special for her afterwards

- you were at the counter of the bank when armed men stormed the bank and you instinctively reached for the small device and pressed it

- when Kate was informed by phone that you had pressed the panic button, she didn't hesitate for a second to see where you were.

- almost at the same time the sports show she was watching changed to a news bulletin that the bank you were in was being robbed and was now being held hostage

- she didn't want to let it show as she called her friends at the CIA, but no one had ever seen her like this before

- 141 who were also nearby due to a mission, were also informed by her

- while she seemed to everyone to be in a bad mood and aggressive, Price could see the incredible amount of fear in her eyes

- he knew she would not admit it, but as it took longer and longer to get an overview of the situation she began to tremble more and more

- this only stopped when Price along with his team and a few others killed the men and got you safe and sound to your wife

- I guess it wasn't such a bad thing to have a paranoid wife after all.

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celestialprincesse · 3 months

Note

That Bodyguard Gaz thought is delicious! Would you eleborate?? The brain worms immediately went to the agent being this cute, cubby, little thing and is very unsuspecting but turns out to be actually very deadly when needed!

Hope you feel better!

Oh she is so cute and clever and fucking insane I love her In my mind I sort of imagined him with my oc Kitty/Houdini, but this could also be read as X reader🎀 Reader goes by codename Hecate and She/Her pronouns💕

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

At exactly 6:14AM, on Tuesday the 17th of October, Kyle Garrick is woken by his phone ringing. Incessantly. Again and again and again. "It's shit O'clock. What do you want?" He grumbles into his phone, sitting up on the edge of his bed with a yawn, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as Captain John Price's equally tired vice crackles down the line. "Laswell needs you. Says she's got someone that needs protection services. That's all she gave." "And she gave you this at 6AM? "It's 01:00 there. She's been busy. Meetup location with the charge is in your inbox."

With that, John hangs up, leaving Kyle to gather his bearings as he opens his eMail app, scrolling to the top of his newly reicived messages to find one with no subject, and no content aside from a street name and address, as well as a time that he assumes he should be there by. If it's from Laswell, and passed down through Price, he knows it's legit. Kate only ever gives him the important ones, either expensive or irreplacable. It doesn't take long for him to be ready, Union Jack cap pulled down over his brow, and a pistol in the inside pocket of his coat, just for good measure.

London is, as always, miserable. The pavements are slicked with rain and the sky is concrete grey, reflected in the cold glass of skyscrapers, towering into the sky like the scales of some rippling serpent. It's hard to spot someone when he's got no clue of their appearance or career. Why they need his protection. All he has is a name, a callsign too, for good measure. Hecate is what they call you. Goddess of witchcraft and magic. That, unfortunately, doesn't particularly narrow his search, not in a city with a whopping eight million people crowding it's pavements and flooding it's tube stations, sitting outside of cafe's or sheltering from the rain in the overhangs of shops.

Kyle, strangely enough, feels nervous. All of the guys have their things - their specialties - and VIP Protection is his. But it's been a long time since he was in charge of someone's life, trying to protect it, instead of taking it, and he suddenly feels incredibly unequipped. He'll be staying with the charge. John told him in a seperate message to bring a bag. At least enough for a few weeks as they settle in to their safehouse kindly provided by the CIA. They've splashed a fair amount of cash to get a place on this side of town, where the streets are clean and the crime rates are lower. His person must be important. He assumes, seeing as he wasn't on the receiving end of a photo or description, that they'll be seeking him out, so he dutifully takes his place outside the quiet café, paying for his coffee with cash. In the fifteen minutes he waits, (having arrived early) Kyle never once lets himself zone out or get lost in his thoughts.

What he doesn't expect to see is you. About as scary as a butterfly and quietly unassuming in jeans and an oversized hoodie, Kyle's curiosity is piqued. "You're Hecate?" He probes carefully, removing his hat to allow you a view of his face, as he does with many of his clients. He finds it stops them from being skittish with him. It's always easier to protect someone who trusts you. That's his philosophy, anyways. "Gaz Garrick?" You inquire back, wary until he slides his driver's license and tags across the table. "File's in my bag if you'd like to see that too." "This is enough. Thank you." He likes you immediately. He likes that you're careful without being outright flippant, guarded but not dismissive.

The waitress gives you an unpleasantly disdainful look, flashing you a tight lipped smile, unlike the flirty one she gave to your companion upon taking his order. "Just a regular builders for me please." Her tense smile is reciprocated as you order your tea, trying to keep the caffeine to a minimum today. You're already jittery.

Kyle opens the door of the black bulletproof SUV for you, watches the way you blink up at him with gooey soft doe eyes, and he struggles to push down the highly unprofessional thoughts that invade his head as he watches you hop up into the car before him, adjusting his cap to stop himself from openly ogling your ass. "You fancy putting the address in the SatNav?" Kyle coos at you, trying not to smother you. He can tell you're skittish. Probably not used to the idea of having someone with you, day in day out watching your every move.

Of course, Laswell would set you up somewhere like Richmond, somewhere quiet and safe. You're clearly someone important if Kate is handling your affairs personally - and his day rate has gone up substantially since joining the 141. The apartment is pleasant, soulless, but nice all things considered. Immediately upon entry, he takes notice of the added locks on the door - three of them, and the dead bolted fire escape. It's good, gives two exits incase one fails, but not so many that you could easily forget to lock the door on one of them and risk compromising your safety. There's a cluster of all sorts of technology strewn on the counter, like you'd set yourself up in a rush and not had time to get fully organised, he assumes you've not been here long.

The next morning you shuffle downstairs to find Kyle looking confused as he stares at the contents of your refrigerator, "You need something? I can swing by the shops if need be." "You have a safe in your fridge." He deadpans, looking down to you, still sporting some thin pyjama shorts and an old Marlboro tee. he can't help but wonder how you look so pretty without even trying. "Oh! Yeah ... that." You mumble, flushing profusely as you stare up at the soldier. "Funnily enough, people don't think to check the fridge. Burglars and whatnot." Kyle startles at your easy mention of being robbed, and the inference that you've potentially dealt with burglary enough to be familiar with the mindset of a potential home invader. "You get burgled a lot?" "Mm. Used to." You mumble as you root through the safe-fridge for a bottle of orange juice, pouring two glasses. Apple juice is Kyle's personal preference, or some sort of smoothie, but he takes the glass from you with a grateful smile. Best to just go along with you, keep you comfortable. Not to mention the warm smile you give him when your fingers brush around the glass has his insides growing warm.

After having met you, a woman so clearly formidable to be protected by Kate Laswell herself, to have earned the nickname of a goddess, Kyle not only finds himself far less nervous - he feels warmly optimistic. He feels, for the first time in far too long, genuine hope for connection.

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

Might or might not add to this at some point idk n e ways!!!💕

Badly written and not edited so sorray!!

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luckybyrdrobyn · 7 days

Text

Chapter 1 draft 1 (its technically draft 2 but we don't talk about that one)

It was a pleasant night in Miyazaki, the wind was low and the temperature of the air was a pleasant chill. The full moon illuminating the few corners untouched by the streetlights. The only shadow cast came in the silhouette of the stranger who made their way swiftly down the street, long striding steps causing their cloak to billow around and behind them despite the non-existent wind.

There is the vague outline of a bundle, disappearing in and out of folds of black fabric. The stranger holds it close to their chest as if to shield it from view of their surroundings. Not that anyone who might catch a glimpse here would care much more than to gossip the oddity over a lunch break the next day. But the strangers appearance alone is enough to spike that curiosity.

Further down the street is the hose of Kuroo Tanoshi and Keriena, marked by a goofy Halloween skeleton with a now empty bowl in hand and a sign reading "take one" in spiky characters.

Kuroo Tanoshi was a well built man with neat black hair and warm brown eyes that could see into your soul. He was a kind man who valued the comfort of those around him, often more than his own, much to his wife's chargin.

He worked at a small chemist, preparing prescriptions and identifying worrying customers' maladies. While the pay was not the most ideal, he would often state that he "wouldn't take any jobs over it", finding happiness in aiding those who came to him.

Keriena Kuroo was a confident woman, with a toned body that didn't quite match the heavily pregnant silhouette she currently supported. Her long dark brown hair was cropped short underneath and her eyes were dark enough to be black. Tanoshi would often declare that they held all the stars of the night if their depths.

While currently on maternity leave, Keriena had still been burrying herself into her work, unable to stay out of the loop for even a week, let alone three. She worked as a detective and field agent in the local law enforcement with a 89% success rate in her field.

Keriena is seated at their dinner table as Tanoshi stands in their kitchen, cleaning the plates from the evening's meal. They chat amicably about Tanoshi's day and plans for their unborn son.

The conversation finds its way to forgein politics and Keriena mentions that it's been a year since the end of the mass murders in London. The news had spread quickly around the world at the time. The sudden end to an eleven year war was bound to cause ripples, even in Japan.

No one was certain how the cult leader had died. There were speculations in Keriena's workplace of course; bombs, gas leaks, structural damage enough to crush the leader, even the occasional suggestion it was suicide for one reason or another.

The Potters had been the only ones home that night, the young couple and their son. At the end of the incident, the only member left unaccounted for was 1 year old Harry. Neighbours had heard him crying in an upstairs room after the incident but when responders got up there, there was no baby in sight.

It sparked a huge search at the time. But no reports or reminders had been put out about it since June. One baby, no matter how symbolic, wasn't worth the time and money when you were rebuilding from a war after all. The boy who lived, forgotten, reduced to a title to stir action.

A quiet fell momentarily as the couple sat in contemplation. Tanoshi with his mouth set in a grim line, never one for such sour endings, as he finished in the kitchen and moved back towards the table. He bent to hold his wife for a moment, to thank the spirits that both her and their son were safe, that they had no need to fear such dangers.

A knock echoed from the front door. Three strong raps and then silence.

The couple traded looks, not expecting anyone at this time, moat of the trick-or-treaters having dwindled off an hour ago. Tanoshi, slightly spooked but never one to let others down, stepped away to answer the door anyway. Keriena a short ways behind him, curious and cautious.

There was nothing visible through the peep-hole but Tanoshi proceeded to unlock and open the door eyes automatically scanning the front garden and along the street for figures. It was Keriena's gasp that made him look down. Following her gaze to their doorstep his eyes found a small bundle.

Neatly wrapped in green cloth, clutching a letter in one small chubby hand was a little boy with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead. He couldn't have been much older than two, tiny face, framed by messy black hair scrunched in some sort of dream as he sat there, no other person in sight.

Picking up the child carefully, neither of the Kuroos noticed the soft crack as the stranger across the street turned on his heel and disappeared, only a corner of his cloak waving behind as he left. Harry Potter was safe for now, their job was done.

#i dont want to fandom tag this bc i dont want it to be found so theyre getting funky tagged #h/arry p/otter #h/aikyuu #i do not condone j/krowlings beliefs or actions but i will use her world as a sandbox to do as i see fit #robyn wips #robyn writes #mahori wips

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wenigstenshabeichesversucht · 6 months

Text

A Christmas Carol 🕯️ Anthony Lockwood

Pairing: Anthony Lockwood x fem!Reader

Summary: It only takes three ghost (one form the past, one from the present and one from the future) and one Anthony Lockwood for you to realize that you maybe don't hate Christmas as much as you had thought.

Warnings: angst, trauma, grief, mention of suicide, English is not my native language

Word Count: 11k

A ghost from the past

As a kid you had loved Christmas. In winter the nights were long, and with The Problem everybody had to stay inside, but Christmas was the part of winter, which made it endurable. However, this was before your family sent you to die by signing you up as an agent. This was before you had to watch your whole team die last year in the Christmastime. Now you hated it with burning passion. Winter was, by far, the worst season, and not even Christmas made any difference to you.

As an agent the Christmastime was shit. Thanks to the long winter nights you had to work overtime, and even on Christmas Eve the ghosts didn’t stop their hauntings, so you couldn’t sit under the Christmas tree and drink eggnog. Furthermore, Christmas was the time of year when most people committed suicide. That meant less time to rest for you and every other agent in London.

A week and a half before Christmas your team had a job a few miles outside the city. The town was small, and everywhere you looked you saw Christmas decoration.

As you walked by a glowing snowman you wanted to puke. Your not-so-subtle gagging noises made your team laugh. You were working together for less than a year, and they couldn’t reach your old team. But your old team was dead, and they were here, so point for them, you guess?

Reaching the waist tall wall, which separated the town from the surrounding fields, you stopped. The mayor of this small town had reached out to Fittes, because a few kids had seen two visitors on the field. From the description you guessed that you would have to deal with Gallows Wraiths. Not your favourite type of visitor but your team would handle it.

“That is bad”, Archie, your researcher stated, as he came to stop next to you. “The books stated that the gallows were next to a tree.”

However, far and wide was no sign of a tree. What a fantastic start to an awful night, and the sun hadn’t even set yet. After the description given be the mayor and Archie’s finding, that back in the days the gallows had stood here, it wasn’t a hard guess that you were searching for remains of said gallows. Therefore, every member of your team was equipped with a shovel. But without a tree you didn’t know where you had to start digging, not to mention that the field was large.

Thoughtfully you tilted your head. It was your call what the team should do. After last Christmas nobody, least of all you, had thought that Fittes would give you an own team, but here you were. Normally you also had a supervisor, who would say what to do in such situation. But after he gave you a car ride to this town, Frank decided that it was too cold outside for his old bones, and therefore he stayed insight the mayors house, letting you fend for yourself.

Feeling that you were getting nervous you glanced at your watch. In maybe half an hour the sun would set. Until then, you needed a plan, and an iron circle for protection.

“Stephen you will set up an iron circle on the other side of this wall, Archie please check our bags, that we really brought everything, and Hanna, you and I will try to find a clue, where the gallows was standing back then.”

At least your team didn’t hesitate to follow your order, and everyone set into action. Hanna’s Talent was touch while you were a listener with surprisingly good touch. Therefore, it was always your twos job to localize the source. Leaving the shovels back by the boys you both climbed over the wall.

To find the old gallows wouldn’t be easy even with your talents. The last light of the sun still touched the field in front of you and suppressed the energy of the source, making it almost impossible to discover it. There was a reason why agents worked at night.

“Let’s split up”, if Hanna and you would stay together you would need the whole night to search the large field, that wasn’t an option.

With your ears perked up you wandered off to the left side. But all you heard was the crunch of your boots on the frozen earth. Disappointed but not surprised you glanced to Hanna. She was kneeling while her hand touched the soil. Hopefully she found something. Spending the entire night in that field wasn’t on your to-do list. It was already cold, and your Fittes uniform didn’t help to keep the chilling air at bay. You didn't even want to imagine how cold it would get when the sun went down, and the ghosts came out to play.

“Please tell me, that you found something”, by the sound of your voice Hanna jumped. Apparently, she didn’t hear you coming.

“Doesn’t this look awfully close to root remains to you?”

Crouching down, you had a closer look at the ground. All your life you lived in big cities and with The Problem, you weren’t a big outdoor fan. Therefore, you weren’t exactly sure, but one thing was certain, the soil here looked different from the rest of the field.

Closing your eyes, you took a page of Hanna’s book, and also laid your hand on the frozen earth. The first thing you felt was- not surprising- the fucking cold. But there was something else, deep inside the earth it had taken root. It made you tremble, a sick feeling spread inside your stomach and let a winning smile appear your lips. You found the place, where the gallows had been standing. Maybe this night would be tolerable.

You barely managed to set up a double circle of iron chains around the spot before the night started. Like every good team, you took turns digging. After one and a half hour of just switching who was digging, finally something happened.

You were just, taking a sip out of your thermos flask as Stephen next to you reached for his rapier. He was the Seer of your little group, and often he saw the visitors before the dreadful feeling, signalling their presence, washed over you. This time was no difference. Following Stephens gaze you discovered them. There were two of them, ghost mist had formed at their feet as they slowly floated towards you. You knew from experience that they could go much faster, but the fight just started.

The kids who had the sighting reported, didn’t lie. From the look of it, both ghosts were male, their heads were in such a weird angle that you got goosebumps. You hated Wraiths, why did they have to look like the way they died, that was disgusting.

Seeing their broken necks, you couldn’t help thinking about the last time you encountered Gallow Wraiths. The case had been at Mallows End in Wimbledon and Quill Kipps Team and your team had joined together. Because your team leader and Quill had been very good friends, you often had worked together and every time it had gone well. This time had not been an exception, fast you had rounded up the cluster of Wraiths, had neutralized the source and also had saved the team of Lockwood and Co. A victory like it was written in the books. You could still hear the sniggers of your best friend as you had spotted the team of Lockwood and Co. covered in earth and salt. Back then, that night, you had felt on top of the world. Now, not even a year later everything had changed. Your life had been better in the past, and while your friends stayed there you were forced to life alone in the present. If you could turn back time, you would do it without hesitating. Your life had been so much better before that night and every minute, with every breath you took, you missed them like crazy.

“Y/N, what should we do”, the sound of Stephens voice brought you back. Closing your thermos flask, you pulled out your rapier.

“We fight them off, of course”, to give Archie and Hanna more time to find the source. Lifting your rapier higher you took a deep breath before stepping outside the protection circle. You already lost one team; it wouldn't happen to you a second time.

Wraith, especially Gallows Wraith, were an aggressive kind of Type II ghosts. After only ten minutes of fending one off, the second one was handled by Stephen, you were soaking with sweat. Flinging a salt bomb, you watched breathless, as the ghost vanished, before you could hit him. Shame about the wasted salt bomb, but that could only mean one thing.

“We contained the source”, Hanna yelled from the hole she had dug. Relieve flowed through you and your body suddenly felt tons lighter.

“Great work everybody, let’s pack up everything and get back, I’m tired as fuck.”

Within a few minutes everybody had gathered his stuff, and you were on your way back to the little town. By the wall, Stephen rolled up the iron chains, he had left there, and then you all climbed over and wandered into town. With your thoughts you were already home ready to climb inside your bed. The last month had been hard for you, and your team, and now you wanted nothing more than to fall into your bed and sleep till noon. But hearing a loud yell thwarted your plans.

“Did you hear that?”, you turned to the others to make sure, that this wasn’t something you picked up with your talent.

“I think it came from this house?”, Archie pointed to a plain town house, and you all exchanged glances. It felt wrong to just ignore it. What if there was a ghost problem? But it wasn’t just your choice to made, your team also had to be on board.

“I know we are all tired, but we should check that out”, the other nodded approvingly and with that it was decided. Picking up your rapier, your hearth started to beat faster. Of course, you were nervous. You knew what could go wrong in your field of work, and what the consequences could be. To walk inside an unknown house without knowing what was waiting for you, could be a death sentence. But there was a person in need and your old team would be turning in their graves if you just walked away.

“We don’t know what will be waiting inside for us, so be alert and stay together”, you reminded your team while walking up to the house. Stopping in front of the front door you checked a last time, that everyone was ready, then you tried to open the door.

Unexpectedly the door wasn’t locked, but that wasn’t the biggest surprise. When you saw the chaos in the hallway, your eyebrows shot up and your mouth felt open. Was that George Karim lying under a fallen cupboard? From his colleagues Anthony Lockwood and Lucy Carlyle was no trace to be seen. The only other presence, beside Karim and your team, was the ghost, who was hovering over Karim. Slowly the ghost was reaching out and George tried desperate to free his hands to protect himself.

You on the other hand had seen enough. Grabbing a salt bomb, you hurled it at the ghost and with a wail it vanished. Losing no time, you rushed over to Karim.

“Help me”, you voiced to Hanna and Archie, before you threw Stephen a look, “Cover us!”

The three of you managed with a lot of huffs and complaining -manly from Karim- to free him.

“Where are the others and what are we dealing with?”, you gave Karim no time to recover from his time under the cupboard. This was a possible life-threatening situation, and you needed information to ensure the safety of your own team.

“Lucy is trying to find the source and Lockwood was locked in the cellar by a series of unfortunate events.”

Sceptical you exchanged glances with Hanna. A series of unfortunate events? This was Lockwood and Co, what did you expect? Without asking what he meant with this, you viewed your team and Karim. You needed a game plan, fast.

“Hanna please find Carlyle and help her by her search”, you began and with a nod she went in the direction Karim was showing her. “Stephen, Archie you both will hold the ghost at bay, and you and me, Karim, we will free Lockwood.”

You had enough fighting for one night and of course, you couldn’t miss your chance to free Lockwood and to gloat while doing it. You and Lockwood weren’t enemies but also not exactly friends. In front of your inner eye, you could already see Lockwood’s face, when he realized, who saved him. Oh, that would be so good. You couldn’t wait. Your mood was, for the first time this month, sky rocking.

“Please be not too hard on him, Y/L/N”, Karim begged you, while you two were on your way to the cellar. You just threw him a wink which made him massage his temples.

“You don’t understand, he will be unbearable.” That sounded like a problem for Karim, not for you.

When you reached the basement, you understood, what Karim meant with a series of unfortunate events. Several pieces of furniture had tipped over and were blocking the door. At this sight you were glad, that you took Karim with you. You were tired and would have been damned if you had to move all the furniture yourself.

“Lets the fun begin”, you stretched, before taking on the first furniture, a shelf. In silence Karim and you removed the furniture and when you pushed the last piece of furniture away sweat stood on your forehead and your arms hurt. Unfortunately, Karim beat you to it and opened the door. You took advantage of this and wiped the sweat from your forehead.

“George, what took you so long, I was-”, stepping through the door, Lockwood abruptly stopped when he saw you. As a reaction you only send him a bright smile. That made him blush, which only increased your smile.

“What are you doing here, love?”, awkwardly he cleared his throat.

“My team and I were just passing by, when we heard you needing help, pretty boy.” You didn’t know when you began with the nicknames. Thinking about it, you were sure, that Lockwood started it.

“We had everything under control?”

“This is what you call this chaos?”, amused you looked directly into his deep brown eyes. For a moment you just gazed at each other, till he looked away. A total win in your books.

“Do you both want to continue to flirt, or should we go back to the others?”, Karim chimed in and with this he succeeded in making both Lockwood and you blush.

“We weren’t flirting!”

“We flirting? Stop joking Karim!” You both yelled at the same time.

“Whatever help you both sleep at night.”

You met the others in the hallway, where you left Archie and Stephen. It looked like Carlyle and Hanna had found the source and contained it. Perfect, so now, after your small detour, you could find Frank and take the van back to London. Nobody looked hurt, which elicited a sigh of relief from you. After what happened last year around Christmas, every time your team finished a job unhurt, you felt a weight lifted from your chest.

“Good job everybody”, without missing a beat Lockwood shifted in the role of a leader, long forgotten was the awkward situation in the basement.

“We did most of the work, so we should get the payment for this case”, he continued, and you couldn’t help but roll your eyes. Without your team, Karim would be ghost-touched, and he would still be rotting in the basement. But you were too tired to argue with him and frankly, you didn’t care. Your team already finished a case this night, and you wouldn’t get paid more by Fittes by finishing another.

“If that makes you happy, why not?”, you stated, and it looked like your team agreed with you. Thanks god, the last thing you needed right now was, that one of them started to chew you out, for letting Lockwood and Co. keep the source.

“Why, thank you love”, he threw you a wink and for the second time in only a few minutes you rolled your eyes.

“Keep that up, and you can’t catch a ride with us back to London”, you shot back and before Lockwood could say anything stupid, Carlyle butted in.

“Please, it would be great if you could give us a ride back. I would kill to sleep in my own bed and not here.”

Maybe you miscalculated a little bit. Maybe the van was a little bit too small for one adult, seven teenagers and all your equipment. Stephen was the lucky one and got the front seat next to Frank, while the rest of you were seated in the two rows in the back.

You ended up pressed between Lockwood and Archie in the middle seat. The only problem was that the middle seat was too small, that you were actually sitting either on the lap of Lockwood or Archie. This was a lose-lose-situation. Archie was thirteen years old, and you worked together while Lockwood was Lockwood.

At the end you opted to sit half on Lockwood’s lap and half in the empty space between the two boys. But you quickly realized that this wasn't a good solution either. Frank wasn’t a calm driver, he hit every pothole there was, and every time you nearly went flying. Only Lockwood’s arm around your waist stopped you from getting injured. Afterwards you always had to shuffle around, to find your seating position again.

After the third pothole Lockwood had enough. Without warning, he pulled you against his chest, that you were completely sitting on his lap. You couldn’t help to blush profoundly, and you were glad, that it was dark inside the car. At least you had stopped your startled yelp before it could escape your mouth.

“That’s easier”, he whispered against your ear and his breath on your skin gave you goosebumps. You always had liked pretty boys and Lockwood was exactly this, a pretty boy. Your old team had known this. They always had teased you about it, but this banter had died with them.

“Admit it, you just want me closer”, there was a bold smile on your lips as you tried to steady your heartbeat.

“Oh yes, totally”, you could hear the smile in his voice. And after a brief pause, he added, “Thank for helping us tonight, love.”

“For you, pretty boy, always.”

A ghost from the present

Tomorrow marked the anniversary of the worst event of your life. While everyone around you got into Christmas spirit by singing Christmas songs and buying presents, you were slowly becoming only a shell of yourself. More often than not you woke up screaming and soaked in sweat. Thankfully with your promotion to team leader you also had got your own room in the Fittes dorm, so you didn’t wake anybody else up with your screaming. All the sleep loss was gradually wearing you down, and it would have been a smart choice to request sick days. But who said that you were smart? At least not you.

This led to you finding yourself in a small one-room apartment in south London. The last tenant, a young woman, had committed suicide, and now it was your job to ride this flat of her ghost. After a quick talk with the landlord, who was a total asshole, and only interested to get the apartment ghost-free, so new tenants could move in and pay him money, you joined back with your team.

They already set up an iron circle, a precaution Fittes dictated their agents to do if there was a chance that the ghost would be a Type II. As one of Fittes prestige teams you always got the cases with Type II visitors.

Stifling a yawn, you were tired, and it wasn’t even four o ‘clock, you looked out of the window. It was a sad sight; the grey smog was hanging low and obscured the setting sun. You imagined how it was living here all alone. Without any friends and family, without anybody who noticed your disappearance. Nobody had thought about checking on her till the surrounding tenants had reported an unnatural chill at night. She was found one and a half week after she killed herself. Nobody deserved such a fate.

The first two hours nothing happened. Your team was sitting inside the iron circle and was sharing Christmas cookies Hanna had baked with her mother. You had to admit this was one of the few perks of Christmas.

Snacking one of the cookies you listened to your team talking. They were chatting about their private life, something you didn’t want to get involved in. Your old team had been like a family to you, and you lost them all. It wouldn't happen to you a second time. You always tried your best to ensure the survival of your team but at the end, so many agents died even without making any mistakes. That's why last year, as you had stood at the graves of your best friends and family, you had vowed never to let another agent get close to you again. You couldn’t feel this pain again, you wouldn’t survive this.

“Do you think I should ask Lucy Carlyle out for a date?”, questioned Hanna, and first you wondered why she was asking the team this question and not her friends, but then you remembered, that Stephen was Hanna’s best friend. They started together at Fittes and since then they were always putted together in the same team. Sometimes they remembered you of your best friend and you. For their sake you hoped that their friendship would have a different ending.

“Isn’t Carlyle dating Lockwood?” confused Stephen wrinkled his nose. Taking a sip of your tea you pricked your ear. That could be interesting.

“I’m not sure, hopefully not”, uncertain Hanna shrugged her shoulders.

“In the van Lockwood cuddled up to Y/N”, Archie chimed in, and you choked on your tea. This snitch!

“She was sitting on his lap, and they were whispering and giggling”, oh you would kill Archie. With joy, you would wring his little neck. Suppressing your murderous tendencies, you stood up.

“I will check the temperature again”, you declared, and no one dared to question you. In this situation your old team would have already pulled jokes. But you painfully remembered that this wasn't your old team.

The Fittes Manuel for Ghost-hunter stated that the temperature should be taken in all four corners and the centre of the room. A cold spot in a room could help to find the source.

You were just checking the third corner when you heard it. It started with a soft crying, which only got stronger the longer you listened.

Then her misery hit you like a brick. Her sadness was coming over you like a wave, pushing you down and now matter how hard you tried you couldn’t resurface.

She was so lonely; nobody would miss her.

You saw a glow out of the corner of your eyes and without thinking you took a step towards it. There she was floating in front of you, she was beautiful, forever frozen in time. Seeing her, opened your eyes. You were lonely, you were sad, your grief would never vanish. She did the right thing, and you should also do it. Then you would be finally reunited with your chosen family.

Fumbling you tried to pull your rapier free. But before you could follow through a salt bomb exploded between you and the ghost. Your lips escaped a startled yelp as Stephen pulled you back into the iron circle. That was enough to break the ghost-lock. Without realizing you had started to cry.

“Just breath, we handle it”, Stephen whispered, before he stepped out of the iron circle to distract the ghost so Hanna and Archie could find the source. And you? You did exactly what he told you to do. Taking a deep breath, you couldn’t stop crying. You knew that you had been ghost-locked, it hadn’t been your emotions you had felt, but why did it still hurt so much? Death was ugly, you had realized this at the fatal night one year ago while clinching to your life and since then you saw it every night at work. Therefore, you didn’t want to die. Sometimes you just wanted that all the pain stopped. Digging your fingernails into your hand, you tried to ground yourself. The chilling air around you made it hard to remember, that you weren’t back there, that you had survived this dreadful night. And you would survive the following two years till you were eighteen and could stop working as agent without needing the approval of your awful parents first. You couldn’t wait to leave all of this behind.

Even while standing in the iron circle, you could still feel her pain and sadness. You were drowning in her never-ending despair. You tried to distract yourself but only when your team managed to secure the sources your tears dried. Seemingly shaken up you walked towards Stephen.

“Thanks for saving me, I wasn’t myself.”

You couldn’t help to feel ashamed; you were the oldest and most experienced out of your team, but you had been inattentive and had got ghost-locked.

“We are a team, you would have done the same for me”, Stephen reassured you and his words left you with a warm feeling inside your chest.

“Are you alright?”, he followed with a question, you could never answer honestly. Because you weren’t alright, since a year ago you hadn’t been alright, and sometimes, when your loneliness overwhelmed you, you wondered whether you would ever be alright again.

“Yes, why not?”, the lie came easily to you and if Stephen saw through you, he didn't dare contradict you.

“What is the source”, you successfully tried to change the topic.

“A picture of her and a boy, we found it under a loose floorboard”, Hanna butted in while still holding the silver net.

“I can bring it to the furnaces”, you offered, and you could see your team exchange looks. Most of the time you gave the source to your supervisor, and he took care of it, but sometimes an agent of a team did it. Right now, you needed it. You needed to bring her story to an end. Besides, you couldn’t go back in your lonely room, you just couldn’t, not after all what happened.

“We can join you”, Stephen volunteered, but you just shook your head, you had to do this alone.

The furnaces were owned by Fittes, therefore, you didn’t have to wait too long, not like the agents from other agencies.

As you stepped outside it was long past midnight, and it was snowing. You couldn’t help but remember the last time, it had snowed. The snow had spread over London like a thin blanket and for a brief moment had drowned out the loud buzzing of the city. It had just been you and your best friend. You had been on your way back from a case and only had stopped to watch the snow falling. First you had your face turned to the sky, then you had been laughing and dancing together. Back then you had been happy and only eight days later she was dead, and you were fighting for your life in the hospital.

You weren’t realizing that you were crying till you felt something wet dripping from your chin. Not wanting somebody to see you this way, you hastily wiped your face. But you just couldn’t stop. Everything had been too much. Ashamed you looked around before fleeing into the shadow of the building. There you slid down the wall to the ground. Not minding the cold, you cried miserably. Today was the one-year anniversary of their death and you felt so alone. While everyone around you was getting into Christmas spirit you were grieving. Fighting this ghost had only shown you, how lonely you really felt. But you couldn’t help yourself, you couldn’t risk it again.

You didn’t know how long you were sitting there. The cold had already creeped inside your bones and left you shivering. First you didn’t hear him coming. Only when he stopped right in front of you, the snow crunching under his converse, you realized that you weren’t alone any more.

“What are you doing here, love?”, you recognized his voice immediately. Gazing up, you heard Lockwood taking a surprised breath as he looked at your face. You could imagine how you were locking, red rimmed and swollen eyes and a runny nose. Without a doubt, you had seen better days.

“Oh love”, he muttered so quiet you almost didn't catch it. Then he started to shred out of his coat. You just could gape like an idiot.

“You must be freezing”, bending down to you, he put his coat around you.

“I can’t-”, he stopped you, before you could shake it off.

“I insist!”, he threw you one of his charming smiles and in the middle of your attempt you froze. Even you had to amid, that this was nice. His coat was still warm from his body heat and smelled just like him. You had to force yourself not to bury your face in it.

“Let’s get you out of this cold, love”, grabbing your half-frozen hands, he pulled you to your feet. He didn’t comment on how cold they were, which you were thankful of; you were already ashamed enough. Furthermore, he didn’t let go of your hand, till you reached your destination, a small café that was still open.

As you entered the café you scanned the customers. Thankfully beside a few kids from the night watch it was empty.

While Lockwood went to the counter, he insisted on paying, you looked for a place in the farthest corner. You were still shivering when Lockwood returned with two steaming cups of tea.

“Why are you so nice?”, you asked as the was taking a seat on the other side of the table.

“Why shouldn’t I?” Not knowing what to say, you just shrugged your shoulders. You weren’t exactly friends; he didn’t have to be nice to you.

“I know what day today is, how are you feeling?” Surprised your eyebrows shot up. You didn’t expect that somebody would realize it.

“Why do you care?”, you repeated yourself.

“Why shouldn’t I?”

“Because nobody else cares.”

This confession silenced both of you. Not able to bear his gaze, you looked down at your tea. For a few moments you both were silent, only the Christmas song playing was heard, before you spoke up again.

“Tonight, we had to handle a ghost of a young woman, who killed herself. She had no one and was only found one and a half week after she killed herself”, you started, and your voice wasn’t more than a whisper. Lockwood had to lean in to hear you.

“I could feel her never ending sadness”, you deliberately left out the fact that her spirit had successful ghost-locked you, “and I couldn’t help to think, that nobody would miss me. If I were her, nobody would have found me.” It hurt to speak it out loud. But it was the truth, and you knew well enough, that the truth hurt.

“I would miss you, love.”

No, he wouldn’t.

“You’re just saying this, because it’s expected in this kind of situation.” Joyless laughing, you looked up for the first time. He was still gazing at you, and you could see the pain behind his eyes.

“Do you remember the first time we met?” he changed the topic breathless, and you weren’t sure. Did you meet before he started his own agency?

“I’m not sure?”, you muttered.

“It was at a rapier competition held by Fittes. You did well, but eventually lost to an older opponent. An older boy tried to comfort you, but weren’t sad, you were just glad that it was over.”

That sounded like you and if you had to guess you would say, the older boy had been Sasha, your old team leader. Oh, how you missed him.

“I have seen you at this day and since then I always saw you.”

For a moment your heart stopped, nobody had ever said something like this to you. Damn you, Anthony Lockwood. You had made a swear to yourself. Why did he have to make it so difficult for you?

“I have sworn to myself to never let another agent in. I don’t want- I can’t feel this pain again”, you told him and while doing this you put all your cards on the table. First you thought he wouldn’t understand it. That he would call you too dramatic. But he surprised you.

“After I lost my whole family, I decided to never get close to somebody again, so I wouldn’t leave anybody behind when I died.”

Hearing that made your heart clench. It looked like both of you knew too well, how it was to get left behind.

“And how is this going for you?”, you had seen him with his team, he would die for them. That was anything but keeping everyone at a distance.

“It gets lonely fast and is totally not worth it”, he confessed, and you scrunched your nose. Somehow you couldn't shake the feeling that you were missing something in this conversation. But what was it?

“So, what do you want to say? That you would like us to be friends?” Lockwood hesitated for a moment, and you feared he would turn you down. But then he presented you with a smile, which made his brown eyes shine.

“I would love to be your friend.”

When you came home, you could barely keep your eyes open. Turing into the hallway where your room was, you huffed in surprise. You didn’t expect to find Quill Kipps leaning against your door. It looked like, he felt asleep while waiting for you to come home. This gesture elicited a small smile from you. Squatting down you shook his shoulder to wake him up.

“What time is it?”, he mumbled, still half asleep.

“Around four in the morning. I want in my bed, and you’re blocking my door.”

That woke him finally fully up.

“I heard about your case”, he told you while standing up.

Unlocking your room, you kept the door open, so Quill could follow you inside. Moonlight was falling through your window, illuminating your room. Without turning on the light, you stepped up to your desk.

“Considering what day we have, I wanted to ask you how you're doing.”

Looking down at the only picture which was on your desk, the corners were worn out, and the paper was curled from tears, you remembered, that you weren’t the only one, who lost them one year ago. Quill had been Sasha’s best friends. Sometimes you wondered if Sasha and Quill had been more than just friends. But Sasha was dead, so it didn’t matter any more.

“You are the only person, who worries about me”, besides Lockwood, it seems.

Back then, Quill also had been there for you. He had been with you in the hospital, as you had woken up after this fatal night. Not your family, him. He had been with you, as you realized that it hadn’t been a nightmare, as you realized what your new reality was and what was missing from it.

“That’s not true. Your team also worries about you otherwise they wouldn’t have told me, what happened tonight.”

“They aren’t my team, my team is dead”, maybe you shouted this out louder than you intended. And when Quill recoiled, you immediately regretted it.

“If you continue to push everyone away from you, you will end up like the ghost you fought tonight, alone”, Quill snapped and without waiting for your response he turned on the spot and stormed out of the room.

A ghost from the future

The ghost was mocking you; you were sure of it.

But let’s start at the beginning. There were only four days left till Christmas, Quill was still not speaking with you after your latest slip up, and you really regretted what you said. You would even sing a Christmas carol in front of all your colleagues if that meant Quill forgave you. It wasn't until he stopped talking to you that you realized how much you actually needed him. Yeah, you and Lockwood were now “friends”, but since this one night you hadn’t seen each other. Without your daily small talk with Quill, you felt totally alone.

Your case was at an old hotel which was undergoing renovations. With every step the floorboards creaked, and the fact that the visitor had already killed one worker didn’t help to calm your nerves. Your team had started your investigation at the site of the murder. But none of you had picked something up expected the unnatural pulsation which you felt in the entire building.

Therefore, you had decided to split up. While Hanna and Stephen went in one direction you and Archie walked in the other. Shining your flashlight down the dark hallway, you closed your eyes to hopefully pick something up. Yet all you heard was the tapping of Archie’s feet.

“Please, could you just stop”, you snapped, perhaps a little harsher than you intended.

“I’m not doing anything.”

O hell no! These words were enough to fasten your heartbeat. Trying to keep your panic in check, you once turned around in a circle, while shining your torch everywhere you could reach. But no visual sign of the ghost. Nobody could tell you, what kind of ghost was haunting the building. This putted you on edge. Maybe it was a type of ghost short of any kind of visual apparition, like a Screaming Spirit or a Poltergeist, and without you knowing, the ghost was close by. Back in your head you knew that this was highly unlikely, because, except the unnatural pulsation and the tapping, you hadn’t picked anything up. No chill, no malaise, no miasma and also no creeping fear.

“Let’s continue”, you said and turned to the spot where Archie had been standing a few seconds ago.

But now it was empty.

You couldn’t help but curse. What was Archie thinking? He couldn’t just vanish.

“Archie, that’s not funny”, you called into the empty hallway. Your heart was pounding, and you could feel how the flashlight in your hand became slippery from sweat.

“Archie?”, you echoed again and tried not to show your growing angst, not wanting to trigger the ghost.

“Archie?”, he didn’t answer and never before had the silence been so devastating. Pulling your rapier, you started to jog in the only direction he could have vanished. Every room you passed, you checked for him. But he left without a trace.

“Archie?”

Then you heard it. The tapping. With raised rapier you spun around, and there he stood. First you didn’t want to believe your eyes. However, if you had learned one thing, then that you could trust your gut feeling. And the sickening feeling inside your stomach told you, that in front of you stood a ghost. His figure was slightly transparent, while an otherworldly light radiated from him.

“Why are you so afraid, love?”, his voice was soft like velvet. You were torn between running to him and fleeing. But most of all you were confused.

“Y-Y-You are-“

“-dead? Yes”, he finished what you couldn’t say.

“Why are you surprised? Anyone you get too close to dies”, sneered Lockwood.

That wasn’t true! You also wanted to say this, but the words got stuck in your throat. This couldn’t be true. He couldn’t be dead. Overwhelmed tears started running down your cheek.

“I never wanted this”, you sobbed. But that was the thing about guilt, good intentions didn't save you from it.

“I am dead, and you are responsible for it.”

Your first instinct was to apologize, but then it was like somebody had turned a switch. Lockwood would never say something like this to you! If he died, he would solely hold himself responsible. At this moment you finally realized what was happening. You were facing a fucking Fetch. But why did the ghost choose the shape of Lockwood? Did he want to call you out for not having other friends?

Angry and a little bit embarrassed you finally started to fight this motherfucking ghost. All it took was a few hits with your rapier for the Fetch to disappear. Shaken up you took a deep inhale. Sometimes you really hated your job- scratch that- most of the time, you hated this job and cases like this showed you, that you were right in doing so. With the ghost gone an invisible weight lifted from your chest, and you could finally breathe again. Now you just had to find Archie. After what just happened, this should be a walk in the park. Picking up the flashlight you didn’t even knew you had dropped, you tried to listen to your surroundings. First you heard nothing, then slowly you picked up a sobbing. To follow a sobbing in a haunted house always bore a risk. Easily you could stumble in the next nightmare, but you had to risk it. It paid off, turning around the next corner, you saw Archie kneeling in the hallway. Rushing to him, you pulled him into a hug.

“Are you OK? Did it touch you?”, your eyes darted over him in panic.

“My mum”, the younger boy sobbed, and you knew what the Fetch had shown him.

“It wasn’t real, that was a Fetch”, you tried to comfort him, but it didn’t help. Archie was caught in his own world of despair.

“We have to find the others to warn them.”

Continuing to cry he didn’t listen to you. Overwhelmed you rubbed your face. You couldn’t leave Archie here. Even if you would put an iron circle around him, you couldn't guarantee that he wouldn't just step out when the fetch appeared again. But you also couldn't carry him around with you the whole time you were looking for Hanna and Stephen. What should you do? There was only one solution you could think of.

“Get up”, using all your strength, you pulled Archie to his feet before slinging his arm over your shoulder. His entire weight was on you as you navigated your way to the stairs. After only a few meters you were already sweating like crazy. Archie was heavier than he looked.

That was also your downfall on the stairs. Unable to keep both of your weights upright, your leg gave way beneath you. A startled yelp escaped your lips when you felt down the stairs. For a moment it seems like your world was burning. There was pain everywhere. Not wanting to attract the ghost, you bit on your tongue to stop yourself from screaming. Was this how you were going to die? Getting ghost-touched after you felt down the stairs? You couldn't accept that; you owed it to the others. Picking yourself up in burning pain, every breath hurt like hell, you staggered towards Archie.

“Please stand up, please”, you begged, and you could have cried as Archie struggled to his feet, groaning.

“Why did you throw me down a stair?”, whined Archie, you couldn’t help to laugh, which hurt, by the way, like hell. At least he was responding again. The rest of the way to the foyer you supported each other. As you entered, Frank your supervisor, who was waiting in an iron circle, looked up.

“What happened?”, he asked alarmed, and you could only imagine how wrecked you both looked.

“Nobody told us it would be a Fetch; we weren’t prepared, and it succeeds in separating us.” This was only the short version of the events, but it was enough to paint the picture.

“I have to go back and get the others”, you declared while helping Archie to sit down inside the circle. Maybe Fetch were rarely aggressive, but they were so confusing that they could be dangerous. They often mimed a loved one and therefore one could easily try to touch them. Everybody knew that touching a ghost was a catastrophic idea.

“Do you have a guess where and what the source is?”, Frank asked and ashamed you had to shake your head. You had no plan.

“So, two of my agents are hurt, two are missing, and we don’t know where the source is?”, summarized Frank, and it was as bad as it sounded. You gritted your teeth in frustration.

“I will call for back up, they will get Stephen and Hanna.”

“Stephen and Hanna could be dead by the time they get here!”

You just couldn’t accept Frank’s decision. Not if it were your team members who could be dying as you were speaking.

“You are hurt, going back could easily be your dead sentence.”

“I know, but I have to do it.”

“OK than go.” He didn’t have to tell you twice. With a grateful nod you hurried of.

Every breath you took felt like inhaling smoke, it burned like hell. Maybe you sprained one or more ribs by your fall. But you didn’t let the pain slow you down. Quill would throw a fit if he ever found out, that you went back injured to possible face the ghost. But hopefully he would never find out.

“Stephen? Hanna?”, you yelled and tried to keep your voice emotionless. Ghost fed of strong emotions like anger or fear, and you didn’t want to give the ghost more fuel. You stepped inside a windowless hallway and hectic your flashlight darted around. But beside you nobody was here.

“Stephen? Hanna?”, you tried again, and finally you got a response.

“Y/N?”, you heard Stephen.

Fastening your steps, you ignored the pain. Of course, this could be the Fetch, who was toying with you. However, you were desperate. In your mind you were back in the house were your whole team died. But this time you could make the difference; you could save them. This time you would save them. Following the sound of Stephens voice your sprinted around a corner to crash right into him. Before you could fall, he caught you. If he were the ghost, you would be dead now.

“It’s a Fetch, the ghost is a fucking Fetch”, you told him breathless and with newfound horror Stephen returned your gaze.

“I lost Hanna!”

What did he mean by lost? Did they get separated or was she dead? Dreadful you waited for an explanation. But you never got one.

“Is she-“, you couldn’t say it. But you didn’t have to. Without waiting, Stephen turned around.

“Hanna?”, he yelled and that could mean only one thing. She wasn’t dead, yet.

Following Stephen, you grab his hand.

“You can’t just run off, we have to be focused”, that was rich coming from you, but Stephen didn’t know this.

“You are right, I’m just-“, lost for words Stephen ran his hand down his face.

“It’s OK, where did you see her the last time?”

“Not far from here.”

“Can you show it to me?” Stephen nodded curtly. Without saying another word, he started to walk. While trailing after him, you tried to pick something up, some clue. Fully concentrated you ran your hand over the slowly peeling wallpaper. But you only heard the creaking of the floorboards. You couldn’t help but to asked yourself if you would be too late. Hanna was a good agent, but so had been your friends. Hopefully could you spare Stephen the pain you still felt every day.

You didn’t know how long you were wandering through the labyrinth of hallways. One moment you just heard the creaking under your shoes, the next you heard a tapping. That familiar sound made your blood run cold in your veins. The ghost was close.

“Hanna? Hanna!”, Stephen yelled in front of you, before he took off.

Not wanting to be left behind, to get separated again wasn’t an option, you sprinted after him. Turning the corner, you just barely stopped before crashing in Stephen. Peeking out from behind his back, you saw what had caused him to freeze.

There was Hanna facing the ghost.

“I’m sorry”, she uttered, before she reached out and touched the ghost.

This was enough to get you moving. Before she could do something even stupider, like hug the ghost, you threw a salt bomb. It exploded between them and covered both in salt. While the ghost vanished, Hanna collapsed to the ground.

“Hanna! Please no!”, with a heart-wrenching scream rushed Stephen to his best friend. You were just standing there, unmoving. This couldn’t happen, not again!

“Y/N what should we do? We can’t let her die!”, he cradled her against his chest, while looking to you for help. But your mind was blank.

“Y/N, help!”, this pulled you finally out of your stupor. It wasn’t too late to save her, you just had to hurry.

“We have to get her to Frank”, maybe your supervisor already called an ambulance to tend to Archie and you. Hopefully he already called one, because this was the only way to save her.

While Stephen was carrying Hanna you both ran like the devil was hot on your heels. The way back to the foyer felt like one of these never-ending streets you normally encountered in nightmares. As you finally reached it, you could see through the windows the flashing lights of the ambulance.

“She was ghosted-touch”

“Help, we need help”, Stephen and you yelled at the same time and everyone in the foyer, which was crowded by Fittes Agents, looked up to you. For the second time in a short period, you had to run down a stair. But this time you didn’t fall. While a few agents came to help Stephen carry Hanna to the ambulance none other than Quill Kipps rushed to you. You met in the middle of the room, and he pulled you in a bone crushing hug. You couldn’t help but let out a painful yelp. Quill immediately let go of you.

“Never do something like this again, do you hear me?” Exhausted you could only nod.

“You are the only thing I have left of him! When I got the backup call and realized that it was your team, which was hurt, I got a heart attack. Never do this to me again!“

"I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry for everything, you must believe me.” The tears had just dried, and now you were crying again, great.

“I was a total bitch. I was acting like just I lost them. But you also lost them and nevertheless you were there for me”, ashamed you looked down at your feet. You hadn’t been a good friend the last year and that you were grieving wasn’t a good enough excused.

“I lost Sasha, you lost them all, I could never be mad at you for the way you're grieving. And now let’s get you to the paramedics.”

Carefully, as if you were made of glass, Quill laid an arm around your shoulder and pulled to the ambulance. The flashing lights illuminated the night and there was no sign of dawn coming anytime soon. As you stepped outside, one of the two waiting ambulances drove off, probably to take Hanna to the hospital. Also, you didn’t see Stephen anywhere, hopefully he had been able to accompany Hanna.

By the other ambulance Frank and Archie were already waiting for you. “There she is”, Frank told the paramedic, before setting his eyes on Quill.

“Mr. Kipps, shouldn’t you lead your team by the search for the source?” Caught Quill nodded.

“You make sure you're feeling well again, I'll take care of the spirit, and we'll talk tomorrow”, he said to you, before he vanished inside the haunted building. Looking after him, you surrendered to your fate and climbed into the ambulance, to get checked up.

If somebody had asked you in the past, whether you see yourself as a lucky person, you would have laughed. But after this night in the hotel, you couldn’t deny it. Your whole team had got lucky. Hanna had survived the ghost-touch, Archie had escaped with a minor concussion, and you had only sprained one rib. This case could have ended much worse, and you were so glad, that it didn’t.

Since three quarters of your team was unavailable for action, you were given paid leave over Christmas. You weren’t sure what to think. Quill had to work, so you didn’t have anybody to celebrate with. And to spend Christmas alone wasn’t an option. Your last cases had shown you, that you were your own worst enemy.

As agreed, you and Quill met up at the next day. There were only three days left until Christmas and both of you knew what that meant.

“We should go together to the Fittes Christmas Party”, Quill stated, and you choked on your tea.

“The party is tonight!”, last year you didn’t attend, and you were sure, that you wouldn’t fit inside your dress from two years ago.

“And? If I’m not mistaken you love these kinds of parties.”

You had loved these parties, when your old team had been still alive, and you had gone together. Most of the time Quill had joined you, and you had to lie, if you would say, that it hadn’t been fun. But without them? It wouldn’t be the same.

“I have no dress.”

“Kate also needs one, she’s going to go dress shopping in an hour, you could join her.”

Suspiciously you narrowed your eyes. Was he trying to set you up like a toddler for a play date?

“Are you hoping Kate and I become friends through dress-shopping?”

“Would that be too bold?”

“Possibly not.” You could need some friends. Some friends which you saw on regular basic, not like Lockwood. Besides going to the party could be nice. And you loved dress-shopping. It would be good for you to get a bit of normality in your life again.

“OK, I’m in.”

Dress-shopping with Kate was more fun than you expected. In the past you had underestimated her. You had always seen her of one of Quills shadows. But she was nice. So nice, that you decided to get ready together for the party.

Twirling in front of Kate’s mirror, in the first time since ages, you looked nice. There was colour in your cheeks you had long missed. Finally, you resembled more your old self than a half-dead corpse.

“Are you hoping to meet someone special tonight?”, Kate asked out of the blue and your first instinct was to deny the question. But as she was asking you saw his face in front of your inner eye. So, denying the question would be a lie.

“Maybe?”, you weren’t exactly sure, why you were thinking about Lockwood right now. Since the Fetch took his appearance, he wouldn’t leave your mind.

“OK who is it?”, leaning forward curiously Kate stopped applying her mascara. While you had had a good time with Kate you were torn if you could tell her your “dirty” secret. If Quill ever heard about it, he would kill you.

“You must swear that you will never tell anybody, what I will tell you now. Especially not Quill!” you demanded while playing nervously with your fingers.

“I swear”, solemnly Kate put her hand over her heart. But it didn’t help calm your nerves. You couldn’t help but wonder if Kate would make fun of you. However, you had to tell it somebody.

“It’s Lockwood”, you confessed and could watch how processed the news. First, she looked shocked then something like understanding flashed in her eyes.

“Quill will kill him if he ever hears that you fancy him.”

“I would exactly say that I fancy him.” He just haunted your thoughts like a ghost, but in a good way.

“Do you like somebody?”, you tried to shift the attention away from you.

“I can’t, you will laugh!”, awkward Kate shuffled in her heels.

“I told you I maybe like Lockwood; your crush can’t be worse.”

“Almost every girl at Fittes likes Lockwood, at least until he opens his mouth. So, you can’t compare this.”

Of course, you had seen how some of the other girls at Fittes eyed Lockwood. Who could blame them? Lockwood was good-looking, that was a fact. And technical speaking you were a wrack and had no chance. But maybe you could talk a little bit tonight, like friends did.

“I will not make fun of you, so spill.” You told her who you liked, so it was only fair, if she told you too. Wasn’t that like a rule in the girl code? You were a bit rusty when it came to this. Your only friends had been your old team and back then you hadn’t had any secrets from each other.

“Fine, it’s Stephen, happy now?”

“Yes and no worry, I will not tell anyone. But Stephen is very nice and there is no shame in liking him.” Maybe he would also like her back. They deserved happiness. In your field of work many passed away far to young. You should make most of your life while you still could.

“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas”, filled the air. Around you people were cheerfully chatting and laughing away. Standing beside Quill and Kate you sipped on your champagne. Both were looking magnificent. You tried to appear happy, but your memories were overwhelming you. You couldn’t help but to think about the last time you attended the Christmas Party, about all the fun you had. How you had kissed Joey, one of your team members under the mistletoe, how your teeth had crushed, and you hadn’t stopped laughing for ten minutes.

“Everything alright, Y/N?”, Quills voice brought you back from the past. With a sad smile on your lips, you turned around to face him.

“Yes, just thinking about all the fun we had at this party.”

“Being here, I also miss them like crazy. But they would want us to have fun.” In the past you hated this phrase. Nobody knew what the dead really wanted. But when Quill said this, you could only agree with him. They would want Quill and you to have fun.

“Let’s dance!”, emptying your glass you took Quills hand and pulled him to the dance floor.

“Oh no”, he tried to protest, “Sasha warned me to never dance with you if I value my feet.”

“Too late”, you just laughed, and after a short second Quill joined in your laughter. This was the moment you spotted Lockwood. Your eyes met from across the room. Still laughing you gave him a big smile. But this little exchange came to an end when Quill took your hands and started to spin you around the dance floor. Closing your eyes, you tried to just live in this moment.

Quill and you danced to four songs, before you agreed that you needed a quick break. While Quill made a dash for the refreshment table you started to wander around aimlessly. That’s how it happened that you ended in front of one of the famous relic columns. The otherworldly light illuminated your face, while you watched the ghost floating around. You never really like the columns; they were far too flashy.

“Hi”, a raspy voice sounded next to you, and you would have recognized that voice anywhere.

“Hi”, you breathed out, while turning around to him.

“Ahm-“, he cleared his throat and a small blush began spreading on his face, “-you look amazing, love.”

“You too, pretty boy.”

The word “Amazing” came not even close to how you would describe Lockwood’s appearance. You only knew him in his suit and coat but toady it looked, like he had put in a lot of effort and was wearing his best suit with a Christmas tie.

“You look happy and-“, nervous he looked away before he stopped in the middle of the sentence. Following his eyes, you understood why. There was a mistletoe and you and Lockwood were standing right under it. With wide eyes you glanced back to him, only to see him already looking at you, or looking at your lips. Unconsciously you licked them. If it was possible Lockwood’s pupils dilated at this sight.

“I-I”, you started, not really sure what you actually wanted to say. But Lockwood beat you to it. Not waiting he cupped your face inside his hands. Your heart was beating so loud, that he must hear it. And then finally he bridged the distance and kissed you. The kiss tasted of mulled wine and cinnamon. At this moment you could have died happily. But all to quickly Lockwood broke the kiss. With a red blush on his cheeks, he ran his hand through his hair, and you were sure, you weren’t looking anything better.

“I-I-I think G-G-George called me, I-I-I have to go”, he stuttered and without waiting for your response he dashed away.

Confused you got left behind. What was this? He couldn’t just kiss you and run away. Friends didn’t do something like this to each other.

Angry and embarrassed at the same time, you started to search for Quill. You wanted to go back to your room, but you weren't going to let Anthony bloody Lockwood ruin your fucking evening.

When you stormed to Quill, he was already looking at you. Without a word he handed you his champagne glass. Thankful nodding you downed the whole thing.

“Do you want to talk about it”, Quill asked carefully, as if you were about to rip his head off.

“I don’t exactly know what this was”, ashamed you gesticulated back to the column.

“Do you like him?” Still flustered you nod.

“Look, Tony is the biggest idiot I know, but he isn’t an asshole. Just talk to him.” Talk to him? After he left you standing there like an idiot? Hell no!

“Ether, you talk to him, or you both will be so ashamed, that you will avoid each other. Do you want that it ends, without getting an actual shot at it?” Did you want this? Of course not. However, it was easier to say than to do. He kissed you, that should count for something. Nervously you played with the rim of your dress.

“Maybe I should.”

It didn’t take you long to find him. He had his back to you and was talking frantically to Lucy and George. You couldn’t hear what he was saying and as you got closer, Lucy spotted you. She said something to Lockwood which got him to stop talking. Then he turned around to face you and for a moment you forget how to breath.

“We will be over there, watching -ahm- the paintings”, without waiting for your responses, Lucy grabbed George and pulled him away.

You had rarely been more nervous in your life than at this moment. You didn’t know what you wanted to say. Accuse him to left you standing back there like an idiot?

“I’m so sorry, love”, Lockwood whispered just loud enough from you to hear, forestalling you.

“I’m so sorry. I purely panicked. You were standing there looking absolute beautiful and me idiot just kissed you without asking. I’m sorry if I ruined our friendship. I know you don’t want to be something more than friends and, in the future, I will respect your wish, if you forgive me. So please love, forgive me”, rambled Lockwood nervously on.

You could just stare at him. He liked you? A giddy feeling started to spread inside your entire body. He liked you! Gathering all your courage you took a step towards him.

“I’m going to do that thing in the film where I shut you up by kissing you. Sound good?”

Perplexed Lockwood just nodded.

“Great”, without further ado, you grab him by his tie and pulled him down to kiss him. Your lips moved in sync, and you could feel Lockwood smiling into the kiss. This time nobody backed away. Only when your lungs screamed for air did you break the kiss. Never before in your life did you felt this amazing. Just kissing him made you feel warm and flustered.

You had just enough time to take a deep breath before he kissed you again. This kiss was more heated. If it were up to you, you could kiss Lockwood all day long.

But the sound of someone clearing his throat made you part. “The kids nowadays”, an old guy muttered, while passing you.

However, instead of sinking into the ground in embarrassment, you could only beam at Lockwood. You were far too happy to let a random old man destroy it. Still with your arms around his neck, you gazed up to Lockwood. You were all too aware of his hands on your hips, pressing you tightly against him.

“You don’t know how long I waited for this, love”, Lockwood muttered while laying his forehead against you. You silently had to agree with him, you also waited far too long for this.

“It looks like we have a lot of kisses to catch up on”, you laughed, and Lockwood didn’t need to be told twice. Smiling like a madman he pampered your face with light kisses, while you couldn’t help but giggle.

Christmas Carols were playing in the background, and you felt happy like never before. As a kid you loved Christmas, and maybe you could start to love it again.

A/N: I wish you all a wonderful Christmastime! The story is only vaguely based on a Christmas Carol, I hope you still enjoyed it.

#anthony lockwood #lockwood & co #lockwood and co #lockwood & co fanfic #lockwood netflix #anthony lockwood x reader #fanfic #lockwood x reader

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thegildedbee · 1 day

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Family/Laugh: May 12 & 13 Prompts from @calaisreno

The exterior nowheres that Sherlock inhabits can be charted by his footfalls as he wends his way through the precincts of temporary cities. The silent drift of assimilating interior nowheres, however, seems to leave no traces, even as he feels unseen changes taking hold. His suspension in the January North of a darkness that persists until late morning, and then quickly returns in the afternoon, intensifies his perception that he lives in a shadow-world, a lone dark figure extracted from the frozen rain that curtains his days.

The patterns he seeks to capture as he hunts amidst the ones and zeros of cyberspace are likewise intangible – extended solitary vigils as his fingers command the keyboard to winnow through the tangle of codes – as well as tangible, of meetings with the technological mix of people here at Tallinn’s crossroads: software developers seeking the leading edge at corporate labs, security experts at NATO’s Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, the underground hackers who traverse the landscape of the digital realm’s hollow earth. Both the intangible and the tangible are intense efforts to spy glimpses of Moriarty’s covert presence in the spaces between the ones and zeros, summoning up the networks and nodes of the intersecting spheres of finance, and energy, and communications, as made manifest in trafficking, and counterfeiting, and hijacking, across the physical and human worlds.

He’s accumulated an abundance of leads, some he’s near-certain he understands, and others he’s yet to decipher – but it’s enough to reveal to him his next move on the chessboard: St. Petersburg. He’ll take the train from Tallinn, without needing to step out for border control, which is handled en route. He’ll be leaving Estonia under a new identity; he hopes to keep Lukas Sigerson in his back pocket for later uses, but it’s time to make his presence difficult to trace: it's time to step away from Mycroft’s grid. He’s left seemingly inadvertent clues to allow Mycrofts’s people to (think that they’re) following him, along a pathway that connects the nefarious doings of Mexican cartels involved in establishing meth labs in Nigeria for the Asian market. Their pursuit of him will be turned to good account in dismantling that nexus, even when they realize he is elsewhere.

St. Petersburg is a hive of hacking activity, the physical site of the infamous Russian Business Network, which catered to the needs of cyber criminals. It’s not surprising that it is the city where Vladimir Putin lived, received his education, and joined the KGB, as an agent in its foreign intelligence wing, before tunneling his way to Moscow. Sherlock doesn’t believe that there are many degrees of separation between Moriarty and the dark internet of Putin’s hellscape.

He arrives at the end of Tallinn’s usefulness on a Friday evening. As he packs up his kit in the office space he’s made homebase through a courtesy loan in deference to his Norwegian technology credentials, some of the younger workers have swept him up into their murmurating flock as they celebrate the coming weekend in search of alcohol, bar food, and music. In London, Sherlock would have begged off such a request, were anyone intrepid enough to suggest it, and he would have been unperturbed at whatever anyone might think. But he’s not Sherlock, he’s Lukas, at least for a short while longer, and although his persona is reserved, businesslike and uninclined to make small talk, Lukas possesses an average quantity of affability; and remaining unobtrusive is best accomplished by being amidst the motions of others, rather than making himself conspicuous by setting himself off from the norms of sociality.

He did not, however, anticipate the karaoke session, which is putting a severe strain on the bonhomie he is channeling to Lukas, as it’s clear that he’s going to need to accede to accepting a turn in the spotlight, lest he put a damper on the good spirits of his companions. He nevertheless protests with a smile, holding out his hands, but any input he might have been able to exert on the decision-making disappears, when two of his impromptu friends conspire to tug him toward the microphone, explaining that all three of them will venture forth together, with a song they insist is dead simple to sing, and that the well-lubricated crowd will be delighted to join in with them in belting out the familiar refrain. Which is how he finds himself being carried along within a punchy, melodic stream that turns out to be excruciating emotionally, as the verses unfurl. He listlessly despairs, marooned, a hollowed-out laugh echoing inside his head in response.

. . . When I'm lonely, well, I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who's lonely without you And when I'm dreamin', well, I know I'm gonna dream I'm gonna dream about the time when I'm with you. When I go out (when I go out), well, I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you And when I come home (when I come home), I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who comes back home with you I'm gonna be the man who's comin' home with you . . .

He’s exasperated at the universe conspiring to keep him unsettled, to deny him the solace of alone protecting him. He fears that he is fated to have any social contact whatsoever somehow conjure home and reminders of John. The song ends to raucous cheers, and the enthusiasm surges on, and he’s being importuned to name a new song of his own choice before being allowed to return to the table. He looks at the smiling faces helplessly, immobilized by the churning cacophony playing hide-and-seek inside his guts, incapable of conjuring up the simplest of answers. Undeterred, they jolly him along, prompting him to think of a film he’s recently seen, or club he’s been to, or a favorite television show. At the latter suggestion, his mind does slightly slip free, and there is John again, teasing Sherlock into watching another of his favorite shows, Sherlock pretending to be annoyed at being consigned to such a fate. He turns to the young people, and raises his voice to speak into the nearest person’s ear to be heard over the noisy crowd, and says with a question in his voice, Peaky Blinders? He seems to have pleased them, as they fiddle around to pull the selection, bouncing in high spirits and punching their fists into the air, as the music starts, a bell ringing out, and the slithering deep tones speaking of the edge of town, of secrets in the border fires, of a gathering storm -- and a tall handsome man, in a dusty black coat, with a red right hand.

As Sherlock listens to the song unspool, his mind wanders back to the show's themes, reminding him of a line of thought he’d been considering the last few days – that to focus singularly on Moriarty and faceless confederates is not quite the right way to conceptualize the dead man's web: that there must have also been family members in leading positions, positions of trust. One of the deep divides between himself and Mycroft originated in Sherlock’s refusal in uni to agree to work for SIS. Mycroft knew that he would never be able to trust completely any of the professionals who worked for him – after all they are spies working for money. To be sure, he wanted Sherlock to sign on to be able to appropriate his intelligence, but even more compelling was the fact that never having to question the loyalty of a brother would have made him an asset par excellence. Mycroft considers getting what he wants to be an inviolable law of the universe, and Sherlock doesn't think his brother will ever be able to truly forgive him for the rejection . . . especially given Sherlock's devotion to the inferior endeavors of dedicating himself to a life of metropolitan crime-solving. Family; family is what matters. A Moriarty is gone; but there are other Moriarties yet to be unearthed. ........................................................ @calaisreno @totallysilvergirl @friday411 @peanitbear @original-welovethebeekeeper @helloliriels @a-victorian-girl @keirgreeneyes @starrla89 @naefelldaurk

@topsyturvy-turtely @lisbeth-kk @raina-at @jobooksncoffee @meetinginsamarra @solarmama-plantsareneat @bluebellofbakerstreet @dragonnan @safedistancefrombeingsmart @jolieblack

@msladysmith @ninasnakie @riversong912 @dapetty

.............................................................................

#mayprompts2024 #calaisreno #sherlock bits and bobs #may prompts 2024 #johnlock

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brokehorrorfan · 9 months

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The Universal Classic Monsters Collection will be released on 4K Ultra HD (with Digital) in digibook packaging on October 3 via Universal. Designed by Tristan Eaton, the eight-disc set is limited to 5,500.

It includes 1931's Dracula, 1931’s Frankenstein, 1932’s The Mummy, 1933’s The Invisible Man, 1935’s The Bride of Frankenstein, 1941’s The Wolf Man, 1943’s Phantom of the Opera, and 1954’s Creature from the Black Lagoon.

All eight films are presented in 4K with HDR10. The Spanish version of Dracula is also included. Special features are listed below, where you can also see more of the packaging.

Dracula is directed by Tod Browning (Freaks) and written by Garrett Fort (Frankenstein), based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel. Bela Lugosi, David Manners, Helen Chandler, Dwight Frye, and Edward Van Sloan star.

Dracula special features:

Alternate score version by Philip Glass

Dracula (1931) Spanish version directed by George Melford

The Road to Dracula

Lugosi: The Dark Prince

Dracula: The Restoration

Dracula Archives

Monster Tracks

Trailer gallery

Transylvanian vampire Count Dracula bends a naive real estate agent to his will, then takes up residence at a London estate where he sleeps in his coffin by day and searches for potential victims by night.

Frankenstein is directed by James Whale (The Indivisible Man) and written by Garrett Fort (Dracula) and Francis Edward Faragoh (Little Caesar), based on Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel. Colin Clive, Mae Clarke, John Boles, and Boris Karloff star.

Frankenstein special features:

Audio commentary by film historian Rudy Behlmer

Audio commentary by historian Sir Christopher Frayling

The Frankenstein Files: How Hollywood Made A Monster

Karloff: The Gentle Monster

Universal Horror

Frankenstein Archives

Boo!: A Short Film

100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics

Monster Tracks

Trailer gallery

Dr. Frankenstein dares to tamper with life and death by creating a human monster out of lifeless body parts.

The Mummy is directed by Karl Freund (Dracula) and written by John L. Balderston (Dracula). Boris Karloff, Zita Johann, David Manners, Edward Van Sloan, and Arthur Byron star.

The Mummy special features:

Audio commentary by film historian Paul M. Jensen

Audio commentary by Rick Baker, Scott Essman, Steve Haberman, Bob Burns, and Brent Armstrong

Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed

He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce

Unraveling the Legacy of The Mummy

The Mummy Archives

100 Years of Universal: The Carl Laemmle Era

Trailer gallery

An Egyptian mummy searches Cairo for the girl he believes is his long-lost princess.

The Invisible Man is directed by James Whale (Frankenstein) and written by R.C. Sherriff (Goodbye, Mr. Chips), based on H.G. Wells’ 1897 novel. Gloria Stuart, Claude Rains, William Harrigan, Dudley Digges, and Una O'Connor star.

The Invisible Man special features:

Audio commentary by film historian Rudy Behlmer

Now You See Him: The Invisible Man Revealed

Production Photographs

100 Years of Universal: Unforgettable Characters

Trailer gallery

A scientist finds a way of becoming invisible, but in doing so, he becomes murderously insane.

The Bride of Frankenstein is directed by James Whale (Frankenstein) and written by William Hurlbut. Boris Karloff, Colin Clive, Valerie Hobson, and Elsa Lanchester star.

The Bride of Frankenstein special features:

Audio commentary by film historian Scott MacQueen

She’s Alive! Creating The Bride of Frankenstein

The Bride Of Frankenstein Archive

100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics

Trailer gallery

Dr. Frankenstein, goaded by an even madder scientist, builds his monster a mate.

The Wolf Man is directed by George Waggner (Operation Pacific) and written by Curt Siodmak (I Walked with a Zombie). Claude Rains, Warren William, Ralph Bellamy, Patric Knowles, Bela Lugosi, and Lon Chaney Jr. star.

The Wolf Man special features:

Audio commentary by film historian Tom Weaver

Monster by Moonlight

The Wolf Man: From Ancient Curse to Modern Myth

Pure in Heart: The Life and Legacy of Lon Chaney Jr.

He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce

The Wolf Man Archives

100 Years of Universal: The Lot

Trailer gallery

Larry Talbot returns to his father's castle in Wales and meets a beautiful woman. One fateful night, Talbot escorts her to a local carnival where they meet a mysterious gypsy fortune teller.

Phantom of the Opera is directed by Arthur Lubin and written by Eric Taylor (The Ghost of Frankenstein) and Samuel Hoffenstein (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde). Claude Rains, Nelson Eddy, Susanna Foster, and Edgar Barrier star.

Phantom of the Opera special features:

Audio commentary by film historian Scott MacQueen

The Opera Ghost: A Phantom Unmasked

Production Photographs

100 Years of Universal: The Lot

Theatrical trailer

An acid-scarred composer rises from the Paris sewers to boost his favorite opera understudy’s career.

Creature from the Black Lagoon is directed by Jack Arnold (The Incredible Shrinking Man) and written by Harry Essex and Arthur A. Ross. Richard Carlson, Julia Adams, Richard Denning, Antonio Moreno, Nestor Paiva, and Whit Bissell star.

Creature from the Black Lagoon special features:

Audio commentary by film historian Tom Weaver

Back to the Black Lagoon

Production Photographs

100 Years of Universal: The Lot

Trailer gallery

A group of scientists try to capture a prehistoric creature luring in the depths of the Amazonian jungle and bring it back to civilization for study.

Pre-order Universal Classic Monsters Collection.

#universal monsters #dracula #frankenstein #the mummy #creature from the black lagoon #the wolf man #bride of frankenstein #phantom of the opera #the invisible man #horror #classic horror #dvd #gift #the bride of frankenstein #tristan eaton #wolf man

98 notes · View notes

okay-j-hannah · 1 year

Text

Episode 5: The Unknown Subject

Doctor Who : Multishot

Eleventh Doctor x Reader

Word Count: 3413

Warnings: some gunshots. some blood. some violence. some virus warfare. some of the oncoming storm. River taking matters into her own hands... inspiration and some lines came from Criminal Minds Season 4 Episode 24 “Amplification.”

Request: This just came from my own head 😊

A/N: A skilled team of FBI tactical profilers analyze the country’s most prevalent oncoming disasters, anticipating the criminal mind’s next moves before they can inflict doomsday.

Episode 4: The New Heir

Episode 5: The Unknown Subject {You Are Here}

Episode 6: Dr. Smith

The DAU was overrun with representatives of all international governments. The army was instructing team members under the FBI and CIA to form search parties abroad in each country. Agents were conversing with contacts across seas as they tried to get everyone on the same page about the suspect.

SSA Smith was in the conference room having a heated discussion with other leaders and officials. They could all see him fuming behind the glass walls.

Jack was leaning into Donna, muttering some theories about where they were going to be stationed next. “I heard the professor was last seen in France.”

“She crossed the border after the stunt in London,” Donna agreed, readjusting her blazer as new agents caught her eye. “I think John’s talking to the Prime Minister and the president of France.”

Rory was sitting at his desk, glasses pushed up his nose, “He’s been tense.”

(Y/N) agreed, folding her arms and standing next to the rest of her team. The Doctor had been avoiding her as of late. He had become this hardened, cold-shouldered character since the last reality.

It was hard to associate him with her Doctor. He was so dark and strict and to-the-point. But she could see the split second of recognition in his green eyes when he looked at her.

He still looked at her with fondness.

“You think the professor will cook up some new disease?” Donna asked rather morbidly, “After we traced the last one?”

“Well, with the CDC already synthesizing a cure after the last attack,” Rory said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if she tried to create a 2.0 version to throw us through a loop.”

Jack nodded towards the conference room, “Look. He’s calling us in. Time for another debriefing.”

The team walked determinedly through the crowds of agents and military personnel, climbing the ramp to get to their seats.

The Doctor had his arms folded, already introducing their guest before they all sat down.

“Hello everyone, this is Dr. Martha Jones, chief of special pathogens with the CDC.”

(Y/N) nodded to the woman she recognized as a past companion of the Doctor. But the Martha here didn’t know her – she just looked worried with a light sheen of sweat on her forehead.

“Hello, I’m sorry to meet under these circumstances,” Martha said. “The target, Professor River Song, has been developing an unknowable strain of virus capable to compete with our most deadly naturally occurring viruses.”

“She’s already tried that,” Jack said, “We’re creating a cure, aren’t we?”

The Doctor frowned, “She’s struck again with an entirely new strain – in Lyon, France.”

“Oh my god,” Donna whispered.

“Last night, 47 people checked into hospitals with similar symptoms,” Martha began, “And by this morning 22 of those people have died.”

Jack took a seat, “Damn.” He set his jaw, “Were you able to detect the virus?”

“Yes,” Martha said, “Disease control centers across the world have taken samples and are working around the clock to create a new cure.”

“In the meantime,” the Doctor said, “We have to apprehend the professor before she strikes again. We have reason to believe she’s entered the United States. She may have been spotted at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia.”

Rory piped up, “But she didn’t attack the airport?”

“No,” said Martha.

“Then what are we doing about other potential mass targets?” Rory continued, “Malls, trains, subways?”

The Doctor sighed, “There’s a media blackout. We can’t tell the public.”

“There’d be a mass exodus,” Jack nodded in agreement, “The panic would end up killing more people.”

“We’re heading to Georgia,” the Doctor said, “Wheels up in five. Thank you Dr. Jones.”

Martha nodded to him, “I’ll be your direct contact for the cure. I’ll let you know of any developments.”

The team all stood and made for the elevators to pack for their coming trip. Martha followed to converse with the military scientists outside. (Y/N) remained behind with the Doctor, anxiously waiting for him to look at her.

“Doctor,” she said cautiously, “Are you okay?”

It looked like he was hardly breathing, “Perfectly fine.”

“You don’t sound like yourself,” she continued, “I can tell you’re upset.”

“Why would I be upset?” he said lowly, “I only learned that a close friend of mine wants to kill you.”

He went to exit the conference room, but (Y/N) stepped in front of the door.

“I wasn’t going to die.”

“Yes,” he said darkly, his voice deep and angered, “You would’ve.”

“But not in reality. Not in our true reality,” she pressed, “This is a dream, Doctor – you know that.”

“How can you be so sure dying in here doesn’t mean you’ll die in real life?” he asked, brow furrowed.

Gone was his dancing fingers and giddy steps. Gone was his childlike smile and eccentric movements. He was tall and cold and angry.

“I trust River,” she said quietly, “Her logic is sound.”

“But unproven,” he said, “We don’t know what’s keeping us here. It could be dangerous to wake up. There has to be another way.”

There was the strange tingle of anticipation growing. The dream was about to zap them to the next scene. They had been off script for too long.

“This isn’t up for debate, (Y/N),” he said.

She hated the way he looked at her like he couldn’t fully see her. He was clouded by the storm that had developed and resided within him. The Oncoming Storm.

Something sparked in her stomach. The reason he became like this was because she almost died. Because he cared about her so much he was willing to do anything to keep her safe.

~~~

(Y/N) was suddenly sitting in a booth in a local Georgia café. Across from her was Jack, sipping a massive chocolate milkshake.

It seemed like a more Jack thing to do rather than this FBI agent character. It almost made her smile.

“You sure you don’t want some?” he asked, biting off the candied cherry.

She slumped into the booth, “I’m okay, thanks.” She looked around to see if any of the other team members were there. “I wouldn’t want to spill on my suit.”

Jack looked amused, “And you think I will? Am I a messy eater?”

“The worst,” she snickered. But her mind was still clouded with the interaction with the Doctor. He had looked so angry.

“You’re thinking about him, aren’t you?” Jack said, swirling his straw around. “Don’t be coy, I know that look.”

She gave a nervous smile, “John?” The scripted lines came out of her easily while her mind dwelled on the dilemma at hand. “We had an argument.”

“Obviously,” Jack said with rolling eyes, “We all saw you in the conference room. He’s just worried about you is all.”

“I know, and it’s infuriating.”

Jack sighed, “You had a close call last case – you almost died.” He contemplated his next sentence for a second, “I think Smith realized that it was possible to lose you.”

“That was always a possibility.”

“But he got a taste of it,” Jack leaned in, putting emphasis on his words, “He had a taste of those feelings – of that loss – and it terrified him.”

(Y/N) could feel her heart snap into motion. It might’ve been a script, but what Jack was saying made total sense to the Doctor as well.

There had been a pattern to all of these dreams. And she was starting to see it.

“You’re making it sound like…”

Jack clicked his tongue, “Like he’s in love with you?” He grinned, “That’s because he is.”

Every dream had a theme of getting the Doctor and (Y/N) together. In the New York apartment there was the tender moment they shared in the coffeehouse. In the fantasy realm he rescued her from an arranged marriage – had said I love you to each other. In the old English estate they were prompted to be friendly with one another in hopes of an eventual marriage.

There had never been a spoken word between them about being anything more than friends, than companions. Sure there had been initial attraction but it was quickly set aside when it was evident the Doctor wasn’t interested.

Or was he.

Perhaps (Y/N) had been blinded by her own efforts to avoid greater feelings. It made traveling with him easier. If she had developed true love with him then the entire companionship would be at risk of falling apart.

But as Jack started rambling on about the evidence he had gathered on why John was in love with her, she continued to connect dots.

These dreams were tailored to the Doctor.

When he wanted to catch River Song for what she did, the dream state changed into a reality where that was plausible. It was set in a crime drama where they caught bad guys.

Somehow the Doctor was in charge. He might not even realize it.

“I’ve completely stumped you, haven’t I?” Jack asked, setting his milkshake aside, “Hard to believe Smith is capable of love, huh.”

“Not entirely.”

Jack looked up quick, “Really?”

(Y/N) shrugged, eyes glazed as she tried to pull herself out of her deep thought. “I don’t know.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen the guy crack a smile, let alone express an ounce of affection.”

She became reminiscent of the Doctor that was the opposite. The one that was all smiles and all doting affection. Was her safety really the reason for him acting so different?

“But I do know that I’ve never seen him more relaxed than when he’s with you,” Jack said with a growing smirk. “You bring out the best in him.”

“And the worst,” she said quietly, “Evidently.”

Jack threw a few dollars on the table, “It’s gotta be nice to be loved that much though.”

She wrung her hands, “We have to go meet Smith and Pond.”

“I’m telling you…” Jack said, leading the way outside and brandishing a pair of sunglasses, “You gotta say something to him. The poor guy is hopeless when it comes to first moves. Trust me, I’ve worked with the guy for years.”

(Y/N) walked alongside him, making sure her firearm and badge were secured at her belt. “I don’t think he’s in the mood for any love confessions.”

“He’s never in the mood,” Jack said with a laugh. He slung his arm around her shoulders, always the light heart. “But if you’re so concerned with why he’s upset, maybe you need to talk about it.”

“I tried this morning,” she grumbled, his bouncing steps infectious.

Jack squeezed her shoulder, “Then you try again. He might not be an easy man. But he’s a good man.”

She wholeheartedly agreed with that statement. The Doctor was a complicated, eccentric genius who made things more difficult than they had to be. But he was also the loveliest, most generous man who gave the best hugs.

And they deserved to get out of there. And (Y/N) had to get through to him somehow – even with him being stuck in this arrogant, gruff character.

She spotted the Doctor and Amy through the windows of the local police station. They seemed to be discussing something as they looked over a city map. Jack led them across the street and towards the entrance.

He gave her a playful wink as they walked into their work room.

“(Y/N),” said Amy, always looking her best in her professional attire. She was usually underestimated by the agents, but always made the looks on their faces all the more amusing when she proved them wrong.

“Have you found anything?” she asked, avoiding a glance in the Doctor’s direction.

Amy shook her head, “We’re waiting on some intel in central Atlanta. Our profile has led us to believe that the professor will plan an attack at the Atlanta History Center.”

The Doctor muttered, “It’s a historical museum. A place she might enjoy.” He flashed his eyes toward (Y/N) and they both dwelled on their archeologist of a friend. River would love old museums.

“What intel are we waiting for?” Jack asked, eyeing their position on the city map.

Amy scrolled through her phone, “They’re verifying that the professor was spotted in the vicinity. Noble and Williams are giving out the profile and monitoring the surveillance.”

“Let’s not start a panic at the museum unless we have to,” the Doctor said, rubbing hard at his face.

“Understood,” Jack said.

But (Y/N) had fixated on the scruff of the Doctor’s jaw. It was so strange to see him like that. He looked older. He looked more tired. He looked… like an adult.

She wanted his little toyshop salesman self to come out and make some childish remark about the taste of custard cream or the boredom of taxes.

“Can I have a moment alone with (Y/N).” The Doctor was still looking away as his colleagues shared looks.

Jack and Amy cleared their throats, sidling out of the room with quick steps.

(Y/N) wrung her hands again, feeling the uneasiness of an unscripted moment.

“Doctor…”

“You’re going to stay here when we go apprehend River Song.”

“Excuse me?” the words became lodged in her throat, “You can’t do that.”

He gave her a heated stare, “I’m not risking you getting hurt.”

“Doctor, how many times do I need to tell you not to worry. This isn’t real. I won’t really get hurt.”

“Did that Spanish flu hurt?” he asked, emotion flaring in his eyes, “Did laying in your sickbed hurt you?”

It did. But she knew there wasn’t any permanent damage. It was just a dream.

“I’ll wake up,” she said quietly, “It would force me awake.”

He gritted his teeth, “And what if it doesn’t?”

“God, I’d risk it, Doctor! We can’t stay stuck in here for the rest of our lives.”

He looked conflicted, “But it hasn’t been so bad, has it? The roles we’ve played.”

“That’s all it is, Doctor. It’s all play. It’s not real. I want to get back to our real lives.”

“You’re real,” he deadpanned, uncharacteristically still as he stood his ground. “You’re enough for me.”

She blanked. Her mind sifted out of her ears as she scrambled to form words. “Doctor… there are more realistic ways to have a life with me. You don’t have to dream one up.”

His shoulders stiffened, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I have a feeling you might.” She took a step forward, “You can’t create some fictional life with me where we play these characters that live normal married human lives.”

“We’ve never been married,” he said quickly.

“I had a feeling the next one might have us be,” she said just as fast. “It shifts to your wants, Doctor. But what you want here… right now – it’s not what I want. I can’t play a character and pretend that I’m happy with all this.”

His fingers started to fidget like they use to on their adventures, “You’re not happy.”

She lightly shook her head. “I want to go home.”

“You’re not happy here with me.” He said it more to himself then to her.

But she quickly cut in, “I’m happy with you on the tardis. I’m happy with you back in our own lives.” Her hands rose to clutch at her chest, “Please, Doctor – this isn’t right. We have to wake up.”

“There has to be another way than dying!” he said, furious again.

There was a whoosh of air and the pair of them were standing outside of a historical building, groups of people running around in a panic.

Their talk of the real world had them flying to the next scene.

They were clad in bullet proof vests, guns poised in their hands. Wires crept up their backs and into their ears. They could hear the rest of their team asking for orders and the whereabouts of Professor River Song.

“No,” the Doctor growled, addressing (Y/N). “You are staying here while I find River.”

“Like hell I am,” she cried back, taking off for the museum.

“(Y/N)!” the Doctor yelled, “It isn’t safe.”

The screams of the bystanders became muted as she searched for their friend. Seeing her here would mean River was sucked into the dream world too. She could no longer manipulate the rules of the dream.

Her feet pounding into the cement, she frantically searched the faces of the crowd. The Doctor was getting lost behind her, being swarmed by the public.

She cried out, “River! River I’m here!” She kept her finger off the trigger, but her gun was still brandished. “River Song!”

Then in the distance she heard a voice cry back, “(Y/N)?”

She flew around, there at the edge of the building was a pile of crazed, curly hair. She had her own gun at her hip.

“How did you get here?” (Y/N) asked, “Did you get pulled in?”

“Unfortunately,” River said, meeting her friend with a hug. “But I can still try to pull us out.”

(Y/N) eyed her gun, “You trying to get back in prison for murdering someone?”

River shrugged, “This is just a nightmare. None of it is real.”

“Feels real,” (Y/N) whispered, staring at the gun, “I suppose that’s what scares you awake.”

The gun was raised and aimed for (Y/N), “That’s the theory.”

“The Doctor’s not so sure.”

“He gets skeptical when it comes to the safety of those he loves.”

“People keep telling me that,” (Y/N) said, holstering her gun.

River took a deep breath, taking aim, “That he worries for your safety?”

“No,” (Y/N) said, “That he loves me.”

“Maybe you should take the hint,” the professor laughed, “This should only sting a little.” Her eyes flickered to behind (Y/N), “Incoming.”

“Hands in the air!” came the voice of Amy, “I said hands up!”

Jack was right behind her, “(Y/N), where is your gun?”

“It’s alright,” she responded over her shoulder, “I’ll see you guys when we wake up.” She gave a nod towards River Song.

She nodded back, firing three gunshots.

Red hot pain ran through (Y/N)’s lower abdomen. Two shots barely clipped the vest, but the third lodged itself near her hipbone, but definitely into her major organs. It was true, the shock and adrenaline that coursed her system made the bullets only slightly hurt.

She was falling to her knees when more shots were fired. In the distance she could see River Song fall to the ground.

The pain was sharp but was growing into something dull and achingly present. A hand pressed to her stomach came back coated in bright blood. The life was beginning to slip between her fingers.

“(Y/N)!” came a cry from above. Rough hands grasped at her body, pulling her in a way that made her wounds flare up.

She cried out, “Stop!” Her fingers were weak where she grabbed at the arms around her. It was hard to see – her vision was blurry. Her ears were full of a buzz.

But it was the Doctor that cradled her now, “What did you do?” he whispered. “What did you do?”

There was a crack in his voice and her heart began to hurt just as much as the rest of her body.

~~~

There was an insistent beeping somewhere next to her. The air smelled sterile and stuffy with disinfectant.

Her fingers picked at the cotton sheets around her. There was something taped to the back of her hand.

Opening her eyes, she spotted the IV drip. After adjusting she noticed the white walls and old machines measuring her heartrate.

She quickly lifted the blankets to look at her abdomen. After a quick inspection she realized that there weren’t any bandages. There was no evidence at all that she was shot just minutes before. Her skin was clear.

“Dammit,” she whispered, her head falling back into the pillows. They had jumped to another reality.

A crash against her windows had her looking for the source.

There, clad in scrubs and white lab coats, was Amy and Rory. The pair of them kissing like they were hungry for their last meal. Pressed against the window they were unabashed as they consumed each other.

(Y/N) rolled her eyes. Great… they were stuck in a medical drama now.

And something else had become evident. The Doctor might have more control over the dream than she realized.

It was apparent that if the Doctor didn’t want to wake up, then (Y/N) wasn’t going to wake up either.

~~~

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166 notes · View notes

elisysd · 11 months

Text

Difficult - Gracie Abrams

Masterlist - Previously - Next Chapter

To name this feeling Would take a hundred thousand years, some kind of grieving But over what I never had, so I've been speaking To my therapist, I call her every weekend

It was raining in Monaco when Lyanna logged on to Zoom with her Macbook and Sophia's face appeared on the screen. Lyanna could see that she was at her office, which was quite rare.

“Hey, gorgeous! So how is Monaco?”

“Gloomy.” Answered Lyanna trying to show her the downpour that was taking place at that moment.

“Nice. It reminds you of London, that way.”

“Believe it or not, but I was kind of used to the sun.”

“Who are you and what did you do to Lyanna Michel? I’ve never thought that I would hear you saying that. You hate when it’s hot outside.”

“Yeah well, people change.”

“Love changed you, in your case. Speaking of, where is lover boy?”

“With his physio. He has to make some physical tests to evaluate his condition and build a plan to get him back in shape for the new season.”

“I’m glad to hear that he is okay. Now maybe, you are going to come back home in London?”

A long silence followed. Lyanna had been thinking for a few weeks. She didn't really miss London, she didn't miss her flat either, she was working very well from Monaco and then she had Charles. When she thought about London and her potential return, a lump formed in her stomach and it made her feel sad.

“About that… I’m thinking of moving out.” She confessed.

“What? Where? Do you mean moving out of the flat or of London?”

“Well both… I haven’t thought this through but… I was thinking of getting something closer to Charles. Like Nice? I have to find a real estate agent. Monaco is way too expensive for me.”

“Or you could just straight up move in with Charles instead of getting something for yourself. You are basically living together, already.”

“It’s different. I’m here because Charles needed someone to help him. It did not feel like moving – moving you see what I mean? I still want my independence and Charles will be away most of the year. I don’t see myself living here on my own. I would feel like an intruder. And moving with someone is a big step. As much as I love Charles, I’m not ready for that. But anyway, what is the oh so secret project you wanted to talk to me about?”

Suddenly, Sophia's face lit up and Lyanna could see the excitement on her face. Lyanna knew that look well; it was the same one she had worn when she had told her that her name was being seriously considered for the Oscar nominations.

“I got a call at the end of last week from Michael Mann’s team. He is working on his next movie and they would really like to have you on board. I did not tell you sooner because I wanted to see by myself what the project would look like and if it’s something that could interest you. But Lyanna, this movie can be the one to give you the Oscar. I’m sure of it. It’s such a big project with an intention to be shown at the Venice’s Mostra. That’s how big it is.”

“Wow.. okay. Michael Mann is a legend. What is the movie about? Do you know if other people have been casted or contacted?”

“Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz have signed up for it from what I’ve been told. They are searching for their last lead actress. Lead actress Lya. Up for consideration for the Oscars. Can you imagine?”

“You still have not told me about the kind of movie.” Pointed out Lyanna.

“It’s a biopic about Enzo Ferrari.”

Across town, in a private gym, Andrea and a Ferrari doctor were putting Charles through a series of tests to see how he was doing. Overall, they were satisfied with the Monegasque, who not only showed good physical health, but also an excellent mental state. He was ready to face the new season and give it his all. It was as if his accident and forced rest had mentally rebooted him. All Charles wanted to do was get back into an F1 car as quickly as possible. In fact, Ferrari was planning to do so, to test him on track and also because it would make good photos to feed the Scuderia's official accounts.

“Yeah, I talked to Silvia about that. The PR team planned a whole program to show people that I’m alive and well.”

“What have they in store for you?” asked Andrea.

“An interview in my flat, in Monaco. They also want to shoot a video like a day in my life like kind of thing. And me at the factory. And I’m going to go the FIA prize giving ceremony. She did not ask me to go, I’m forced. And here I thought that I would have had a few weeks off before Christmas… And you know the best thing? They want to include Lya. They still have not given up on the idea. I mean, I want her by my side at the FIA ceremony that’s for sure. But during the video shoot? Not sure about that.”

“And no stupid Christmas challenge with Carlos?”

“Don’t get me started on that. They want us to have a competition of who is going to make the best gingerbread house.”

“You know how they are.” Tried to resonate Andrea with him.

“I don’t mind doing that. But I don’t want them to use my relationship. Especially when I can feel that it’s purely in a marketing way. I have to talk to Lya about it and see what she wants to do. If she is down for it why not, but I doubt it. But the worst thing is that I know that even if we both say no, they are still going to do it so we might as well try to do what they want and have a little bit of control over it.”

When Charles returned to the flat in the late afternoon, it was almost dark. The living room was dimly lit and he found Lyanna, with a cup of tea in her hands, staring out of the window. Charles wondered what she could see: it was pouring rain and there wasn't much visibility.

“Hey, love. What are you staring out?”

She let out a long sigh and shrugged her shoulders, which worried Charles. She didn't look too good. He knew she'd had a telephone appointment with Sophia earlier in the day and wondered if that was the reason for her distant behaviour. He put his sports bag down in the entrance hall and walked over to her, holding her by the waist. If she usually let herself go naturally against him, this time he felt her stiffen.

“Everything’s okay?” insisted Charles.

She freed herself from his arms and went into the kitchen to empty her cup and rinse it. Charles had the impression that she was trying to avoid him and he hated that feeling, reminding him of moments in their relationship that he would like to leave in the past.

“Lyanna?” he tried to get her attention as he followed her.

“I’m not in the mood for talking, Charles.” She finally decided to speak to him.

“Did I do something wrong? If it's because I left the toilet seat up again, I'm sorry, I'm trying to be careful.”

“Not everything revolves around you, Charles.” she replied sharply.

“So… I did something wrong.”

“For fuck’s sake, I told you I didn’t want to talk about it, so please drop it!”

Charles felt unsettled, it had been a while since he'd had an argument and he had to admit that he didn't miss it at all. He could see that something was tormenting Lyanna, he wasn't blind. The only logical conclusion he could come to, if it wasn't his fault, was the video call with Sophia.

“Did something happen with your work?”

The fact that Lyanna stopped dead in her tracks as she headed for the bedroom made him realise that he had been right. The young woman turned back and sat down on the sofa, where Charles joined her.

“A biopic about Ferrari is about to be shot and they want me onboard as a lead. It’s a huge project and probably Oscar worthy.” She said bluntly.

“What? Lyanna, that’s amazing! I’m so proud of you! If you need help to prepare, I can find archives and…”

“I said no.”

“What do you mean you said no?” asked Charles, confused.

“They don’t want me. They want Charles Leclerc’s girlfriend.” She explained with tears in her eyes.

“Come on Lya, you know it’s not true…”

The young woman stood up abruptly, startling Charles.

“Don’t be stupid Charles! I think it’s pretty convenient to be called for this movie not so long after we made our relationship public!”

“Or they think you are talented and deserve to be part of it, Lya.”

“Do you know how humiliated I felt? Do you have the slightest idea? No of course you don’t. My career is what matters the most to me. I worked my ass off to be where I am today, to feel deserving of it. And it’s still feels like it’s a big dream and that I will wake up at any minute. When I understood why they wanted me, it was like all my work, my blood, sweat and tears, all of that was for nothing. I didn’t feel like Lyanna Michel, the actress. I felt like Lyanna Michel, Charles Leclerc’s girlfriend and actress. And it hurt. So bad. I felt robbed.”

“I’m so sorry, Lya… I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have anything to say. It is what it is. But I can’t accept to make a movie like this. I would wake up every day wondering if I stole someone’s place. And I would end up hating you because of that, and that’s the last thing I want.”

“I still think you should take time to think this through, maybe talk with the people involved.”

“There is nothing to talk about. My decision is final and I’m asking you to respect it. I should not even have said something, it was stupid you don’t understand. You can’t understand.”

“I understand! Truly, I do! But it’s something that we could have sorted out together, instead you preferred to do things on your own. I don’t to be an obstacle to your career, Lya. I want to see you succeed.”

“It’s my career Charles. I can do whatever the hell I want! I don’t interfere in yours so please don’t interfere in mine!”

“How do I interfere? Tell me? I don’t because you never talk to me.”

“What is the point? You know who could understand me? Arthur. He knows what it feels like to be associated to you and how painful it can get.”

It was a low blow for Charles.

“Don’t bring Arthur into it, please.” He told her with a serious tone.

“Why shouldn’t I? Have you ever wondered how he could feel? To always be in your shadow, to be compared to you? I never thought that it would be something that I would one day experience but here we are.”

“You are being dramatic. Really. It’s just a movie, Lya? Why are we fighting?”

“It’s deeper than just a movie. It’s about my place in your life. It’s about balance. How would you feel if tomorrow you would get a sponsorship with a brand because you were my boyfriend?”

“I would be proud!”

“Let me doubt that.”

“Listen… I’m tired and I’m stressed out. And obviously we are both stubborn about it and fighting is pointless. I’m going to go to bed.”

Seeing the young woman heading for the guest room rather than their bedroom, Charles questioned her.

“I don’t feel like being near you, right now.”

This hurt Charles; it felt like his heart was being torn in two. He spent an absolutely horrible night, tossing and turning all the time. And when he got up the next morning with the firm intention of having a frank and calm discussion with his girlfriend in order to find a solution, he had the impression that it was no longer his heart that had been torn in two, but his soul. She was gone.

========

author's note: It's always one step forward and three steps back between this two. I'm curious, where do you think Lyanna went? Is he gone for good? Is she just out for a walk? Who knows (me I know) Let me know your thoughts and theories, I can't wait to hear them. As usual, a like, a reblog, a comment help giving visibility to the story and it supports the author! taglist:

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