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#should go wash my dishes and go to sleep. still have work to do tomorrow :(

inkskinned · 1 year

Text

i'm used to it, and how bad it is, and how often it's so bad that it rings like a bell inside of me, drowning out everything around me. and the truth is that i get frustrated with myself about it - again? we're like this still? again? it's not that i feel weak, precisely. it's just this sense almost like - i've already been pushing against this thing for years now, shouldn't i have gained more ground?

i get frustrated because i'm sick of picking up the loose ends every six months. i get frustrated because it's always this same shit, same problem - i lose myself in a matter of months; spiral out of control, lose touch with friends and loved ones. i stop taking care of myself and therapy gets hard and i let everything around me wilt and shrivel and fall off; start somehow both sleeping too much and not-enough. i panic-attack and cry in my car in a target parking lot, pulling my hair out and hurting my ribs from sobbing so hard - and later, when i'm better, i'm embarrassed because how could i let it get that far?

it feels like - i already have done this so many times. isn't there a way out of it? isn't there a point where i've just... won? that it never happens again, that i just get to be done? maybe this is weakness, i guess - that i still (so often!) succumb.

i am used to it, so i forget exactly how hard it gets. do you even know how many times i've laid in bed, exhausted, blank and numb and listless and said - i can't anymore. i just can't. i'm not even really upset. it's okay. i've been here long enough. so much of my life was beautiful.... i'm just... done.

do you know how many times i woke up and i said - i can't and put my feet on the floor and said i can't, i don't want to and took a shower and walked the dog and bought myself fresh bread and put a nice playlist on and said i really can't, there's no end to this and i went to work and i called a friend and i made myself cookies even if food tasted like ashes and decided that i really should wait for the new album from that artist i love and i thought i can't, it's not worth it and then i washed my hands and cut my hair and drank more water and wrote a poem and signed up for an art class at the local community college and said i can't, i can't, i won't do this again, and i paid my rent and let the dishes rot in the sink but still made myself eat anything fresh even if it meant overdrawing my account on a stupid bag of plums just because they looked delicious and do you know how often i closed my eyes and thought this is it i really fucking can't, something has to give and i have nothing left that it can take and then i went to bed and i got up and i fucking survived anyway

yesterday the local ice cream place opened up for the first time this season and they were giving out tiny samples of their new dairy-free options and i tried a mango sorbet. three months ago i was positive that februrary was going to be my last month on the planet. i am teaching my dog a new trick and i just discovered a new band i love. i got a plant from the clearance aisle and repotted her and she's been perking up. i made salmon for alison and we ate it in her new house with her new beautiful baby girl. my manager told me he keeps recommending my work to others just because i always include a stupid number of puns. tomorrow i'm trying a new dance class. tomorrow i'm maybe going to buy more plums.

i forget, you know? it's not some bone-deep strength or some magical power. it's that some part of me knows - i need to stay. in all of this; out of all of this - i just want to choose love.

#writeblr #this is too honest and writing it made me cry #sorry #poetry

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writerracha · 1 year

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⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ when you're spaced out — skz moments

↻ 1.5k (150-200 per member) :: established relationships :: mostly fluff. kissing, domesticity, mention of working out. a bit suggestive at times, but no smut.

↻ 18+ mdni :: not proof read, pls be kind :: masterlist

↻ it's my first time writing reactions like this, so I'm a little nervous, I hope some of you guys like it. 🥺!!

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

° . chan

“Love?” You blink rapidly, turning towards Chan. He’s standing next to you, leaning slightly against the kitchen counter. “Are you alright? You’ve been washing the same plate for two minutes.” You look down at your hands, realizing he’s right. A laugh escapes your lips as you shake your head. “Wow. I just zoned out.” Chan smiles although you can see the slight worry in his eyes. “You’ve been working too hard. You need more sleep. How about we accept we’re getting old and go to bed early tonight?” You laugh again as Chan starts to help you with the dishes, drying what you’ve already washed. “Actually, I love the idea. But why are you helping me? You already cooked dinner.” you pout. Chan kisses your cheek. “I just like spending time with you, whether it be going on adventures or just drying dishes.” You give him a smile. “And getting to bed early?” He chuckles, nodding. “That too. Anything, as long as I’m with you, my love.”

° . minho

It is only when Minho waves his hand in front of your face that you notice you’ve stopped pedaling on the stationary bike. You remove your earphones, catching his amused smirk. “Oh, don’t laugh at me,” you pout slightly. Your boyfriend leans against the bike, looking handsome in his fitted black workout clothes. “What were you thinking about like this? I hope it was me.” You shake your head in exasperation, starting to pedal again slowly. “It’s just this song. Reminded me of that time at the beach...” Minho chuckles. “So you were thinking about me.” You laugh. “Yes, but not in that way. Just at how great it was to be there together, watching the sunset.” Minho’s smile softens, and he steps forward to give you a long kiss. “We should go back there next weekend. Just you and me. What do you say?”

° . changbin

You’re at a small party with friends. Changbin comes back to you after getting drinks to find you standing in a corner on your own, your eyes fixed on the floor, a sad expression on your face. He frowns with worry, approaches you slowly. “Baby?” he asks. When you don’t answer, he softly puts a finger underneath your chin, lifting your face so that your eyes align with his. You blink, coming back to reality. Changbin smiles tenderly. “Where were you right now?” Realizing you were completely spaced out, you chuckle and take the drink he’s offering you. “I have no idea. I started thinking about the work I have to do tomorrow, and…” Changbin slides an arm around your waist and kisses you temple. “Don’t think about that too much tonight. Tomorrow is still far away. Stay with me, okay? And when you feel like your thoughts lead you away, just squeeze my hand and I’ll bring you back.” You look at him, feeling so grateful for him. “I love you,” you smile, and he kisses you in response, clinking his glass against yours. “I’ll always be there for you baby.”

° . hyunjin

“Angel.” Hyunjin gently takes your hand in his, bringing you back to reality. You blush slightly, embarrassed at spacing out like you are. However, your boyfriend only looks amused, perhaps even enamored by your startled expression. “Is the food bad?” He asks. You shake your head, putting down your chopsticks. “No, the opposite, actually. So good I had an out of body experience…” Hyunjin lets out a sincere laugh, his eyes sparkling in the process. He’s brought you to his favorite restaurant for your weekly date, and you know it means a lot to him because he’s friends with the owner. “That good, huh? I ought to bring you here more often.” You smile, taking a minute to look at him. He looks like a dream with his long hair and white button-up. “I’d go anywhere with you,” you smile. “Especially if there’s good food.” He giggles, gesturing you to keep eating. You take a bite from your plate, humming in pleasure. “There’s nothing I love more than seeing you happy like this, angel,” he whispers, tenderness spilling from his voice.

° . jisung

You jump in surprise when the television suddenly turns off, stopping the anime you’ve been watching. You turn to your boyfriend, who is sitting next to you, your eyes wide in confusion. He’s frowning, looking at you with concern. “Why did you turn it off?” you ask him. Jisung laughs. “I’ve been talking to you for two minutes but you weren’t answering!” You close your eyes, shaking your head, feeling bad. “Ji, I’m so sorry…” He takes your hands, squeezing your fingers tightly. He feels warm and soft. “Are you ok, baby?” You inhale softly, shrugging. “Just spacing out. I can’t focus on anything…” He leans in to stroke your hair, placing it behind your ears. “My baby. It’s ok, we can just cuddle if you want?” You almost want to tear up at his sweetness, and you nod. “I’d like that.” He smiles, pulling you in towards him so you can sit closer, bringing your legs over his, your nose buried in his neck. His hoodie smells so much like him. “Does that feel better? Just close your eyes, baby, get some rest.” He keeps stroking your hair, his breathing steady, and you feel safe there.

° . felix

You’re staring at the wall ahead of you, completely lost in thought. You came in the bedroom for something, you just can’t remember what. Suddenly, you feel two arms slide around your waist. Felix pulls you close to him, your back to his chest, and he puts a gentle kiss on your shoulder. That snaps you out of your daydream, but you just smile and relax against his body. He hugs you tight, his cheek finding a place against your hair. He smells good, his fingers interlocked against your stomach, his body warm and familiar. “I was wondering if you got lost,” he says softly. You giggle. “I came to the bedroom and forgot why,” you explain. Felix laughs and the depth of the sound is like music to your ears. It’s your favorite sound in the world. “Blankets,” he reminds you. “For our game night.” You sigh, turning around to kiss the tip of his nose. “Lucky I got you.” His eyes are wide and full of love, and the comfort of his presence is itself a blanket. “Now hurry up. I can’t wait to beat you at that game,” he grins. You scoff, nudging him playfully. “You wish.”

° . seungmin

You stare up at the ceiling, breathless, a thin layer of sweat covering your skin. You barely notice Seungmin drawing the sheets over your naked bodies, making sure you don’t get cold. He kisses your temple, pulls your still trembling body to him. “Look at you, all spaced out,” he chuckles tenderly. You hear him, but you’re coming down your high still, your body getting heavy with sleep. It takes long seconds before you finally smile, brushing your nose against his skin. His hair is a mess, his familiar smell strong and intoxicating. “I think you just made my brain malfunction,” you chuckle. Seungmin grins. “That was the point. You deserve peace of mind, my love.” Seungmin has just made love to you passionately. It had been a while because you have both been busy, but the both of you were getting cranky, and having sex released the pent-up pressure. You’re so in love with him - the way he makes you feel, the way he takes care of you. He kissed you so deep, so slow, making sure that every muscle in your body relaxed. Now you just couldn’t think anymore - you felt calm for the first time in weeks. “You can sleep now,” Seungmin breathes in your ear. “I’ll watch over you.”

° . jeongin

When Jeongin squeezes your fingers a little tighter, you realize you’ve been zoning out and haven��t heard what he’s just told you. You look at him apologetically, but he’s already smiling. “Spacing out again?” It’s been happening to you a lot recently. Too much on your mind, not enough rest… Jeongin tugs at your hand, bringing you closer, sliding an arm around your waist. You’ve both dressed warmly for your walk around the park, gloves and hats on. “Yeah, sorry…” You sigh, rubbing your eyes. “It’s okay, babe. We can just walk, we don’t have to talk. But I’m right there if you need to, yeah?” You nod your head, smiling at him. Your boyfriend is one of the best people you know. You can tell him anything, you know that - he will never judge you, and he gives really good advice, too. “I know, Innie. I know. I love you.” His eyes don't leave you for a second. "I love you more than words can say." You let your head fall against his shoulder, and the both of you keep walking, interlocked, the breeze against your cheeks.

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

taglist: @lix-ables – @iwannabangchan – @yeongyulix – @xcookiemonsteer – @imtoooyoungforthisshit – @bbujiikseu [ please write if you want to be added or removed or if i forgot to add you (it happens) !! ]

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sturniolos-blog · 2 months

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So here is my request for dad matt so you have two kids obviously and it's been hard trying to get 'alone time' and when they finally do the baby wakes up and it's a disaster but at the end it works out and they have their 'alone time'

P.S. love ya💙😇☠️

Alone time - Matt Sturniolo x Y/n Oneshot

warnings - smut, cute, swearing, kissing, fluff, interruptions

smut summary: p in v, (unprotected with bc), praising, fingering

—————————

1:47pm

I walk in the house from grocery shopping, holding bags of food.

My two year old looks up at me with toys in his hands, “Mama!” He yells, dropping the toys and running up to me.

I laugh, “Wait, baby, wait.” I struggle with the grocery bags, bringing them into the kitchen.

Mailo tugs on my shirt. Getting impatient as he lets out whines.

“Mailo, baby, wait!” I raise my voice.

Mailo then starts crying as he holds his arms up, wanting to be held.

I try to put some groceries away but with Mailo still tugging on my shirt and letting out whines it was impossible.

I lean down and pick up Mailo, “Can you chill out?” I whisper before Matt comes out with Estrella in his arms, she had tears running down her cheek as she sniffled.

“Oh, baby, what happened?” I asked as Mailo rested his head in the crook of my neck.

“She doesn’t feel good, she threw up.” Matt says, kissing Ella’s forehead as she had her arms wrapped around his neck.

I nod, “Okay, i can call the doctors office and make an appointment for tomorrow.” I walk up to Ella as her eyes were red and teary, i felt her forehead, she was burning.

“Aw, baby.” I mumble. Matt gives me a sad smile.

She perks her head up and puts her arms out to me, “Mommy,” She whines.

I try to put Mailo down but he starts crying and tugging on my clothes once again.

“Mailo stop!” I yell.

He cries, “Pick me up!” He grabs me.

Ella starts whining, “Mommy!”

“Okay, Mailo come on. I think you need a nap, buddy.” Matt says as i take Ella in my arms.

Mailo throws a tantrum, “No! Daddy no!” Mailo yells as Matt grabs him and picks him up.

Ella holds onto me tightly as she sniffles.

“Okay, calm down baby. I’m here..” I whisper, kissing her forehead.

—————————

2:34pm

Matt walks downstairs as im washing dishes, he comes behind me and kisses my neck, his arms around my waist. “They’re asleep..” He whispers against my ear.

I laugh, “We’ll see how long this lasts..” I say as i finish washing the dishes, drying my hands.

Matt chuckles and spins me around, pressing my back against the sink as he takes the towel from my hands, putting it on the counter as he leans down and kisses me.

I smile into the kiss and wrap my arms around his neck, he presses into me making me let out a soft sigh into the kiss.

His lips leave my lips to trail to my jaw, then down to my neck, sucking softly as i run my fingers through his hair.

Matt pulls away to look at me, smirking slightly. “We should-”

“Mommy! Daddy!” Mailo yells from upstairs.

Matt lets out a huff, his head dropping into the crook of my neck.

I kiss his head, “I know, Matt..” I sigh.

“Daddy!” Mailo yells again.

Matt picks his head up and starts to walk away, “Coming, bud!”

—————————

9:47pm

I walk out of the bathroom and let out a long tired sigh.

Matt puts his phone down and puts his arms out for me.

I comply, climbing on the bed and crawling in between his legs, laying down on his chest.

Matt kisses my head and rubs my back.

“Tired?” He mumbles against the top of my head.

“Mmm..” I hum in response, nodding against his chest.

“Let me take care of you..” Matt whispers, his hands trailing to my waist.

I smile, “Matt-”

He cuts me off, “Please?” He pleads.

I sigh and nod.

He chuckles and kisses my head, flipping us over so he’s on top.

He kisses down my neck as he rests in between my legs.

He pulls my shirt up to reveal my breasts since i wasn’t wearing a bra as i was gonna go to sleep.

My nipples were already hard from the temperature change, he smirks and kisses my left breast, sucking on my nipple slightly as i arch into his mouth.

His right hand fondles my other breast as my hands go to his hair.

His hands then move down to my pants, pulling my shorts down along with my underwear with complete ease.

He reveals my pool of arousal. He chuckle, “Aw, baby..” He mumbles.

He rises back up on top of me, kissing my lips as his fingers circle around my clit, i moan into his mouth as i buck my hips up.

He hums, sticking his tongue into my mouth, swirling around as he sticks a finger easily in me.

I pull away from the kiss to let out a moan.

“Matt..” I hiss, rolling my hips against his hand.

“Shh.. don’t wanna get interrupted again, right baby?” He hushes me, adding another finger as i bite my lip.

I shake my head, he chuckles and kisses my cheek.

He then pulls his fingers out of me, leaving me empty, i let out a whine.

“I know, n/n. I know, wait.” He says, now he was fumbling with his sweatpants, desperate as his hard on begs to be released.

He pulls down his sweatpants and reveals his erection. I squeeze my legs together at the sight, begging for some relief.

He spreads my legs apart again and gets ready in between me, him rubbing his fingers up and down my slit again and rubbing his own cock in it.

He then pushes in me slowly, his mouth dropping slightly.

He gives me a minute to adjust since we haven’t had sex in a while, but he then slowly starts thrusting in.

I let out a couple moans, trying to suppress them.

“So, so good. Fuck, y/n.. i’m already gonna cum, so pent up, all these weeks, not fucking you.” He speeds up, clapping sounds filling the room along with Matt’s groans and my whimpers.

I clench around him, “Matt, i’m cumming!” I warn, still trying to be quiet.

“Fuck, baby, me too. G-god, holy, fuck.” He groans before finishing in me, coating my walls with his cum as he continues to thrust in a couple more times before pulling out, watching his cum drop out of me.

He smiles before leaning down and kissing me, “Good job, baby.. let’s get you cleaned up.” He mumbles against my lips.

—————————

the smut was messy and rushed and this like whole fic was like bad personally and sorta short but i hope you guys enjoyed it!

taglist: @sturniolosmind @novasturniolo03 @hearts4chriss @vinniehackerslefttoe @christhopersturniolo

#matt sturniolo #chris sturniolo #nick sturniolo #sturniolo triplets #christopher sturniolo #nicolas sturniolo #spotify #sturniolo #matt sturniolo x reader #matt sturniolo x you

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butdaddyilovehim-hs · 8 months

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Tolerate It

Inspired by 'Tolerate It' by Taylor Swift :)

"I know my love should be celebrated... but you tolerate it."

Quite frankly, Y/N isn’t sure how much longer she can take this. It’s the second time this week Harry hasn’t been home for dinner and it’s only Wednesday. Y/N is normally fine looking after baby Elle by herself, she knows Harry has important things to do and people to meet and deals to close its just… lately he’s been different. More withdrawn, constantly at work and seemingly finding less and less time to spend with his wife and 6 month old daughter. That morning he had left in a whirlwind, pressing a quick, barely there kiss to her cheek before promising to be home for dinner at 7.

Y/N swirls what’s left in her wine glass as she glances over at the clock that reads 9:14. He’d be out for a while yet, she knew. Sighing, she puts his plate in the fridge, washing the dishes before getting ready for bed, popping into check on Elle. She smiles softly at the rise and fall of her daughter’s chest as she sleeps, leaning down and kissing her head then moving away from the crib and towards her own bedroom. It’s Y/N and Harry’s shared room but Y/N can’t remember the last time she actually woke up to Harry still in the room. Or the last time she fell asleep with him beside her.

Y/N intends to wait up for her husband but when her eyes flutter closed she can’t seem to stop them. They open after what only feels like minutes later when the bed dips on Harry’s side. She blinks sleepily, watching him slide into bed and prop himself up against the pillows, reading with his head low. She shuffles, catching his attention and when he meets her gaze, she smiles tiredly up at him.

“Hey. Thought you were going to be home for dinner?”

“Things got busy. Ate at the office.” He turns his attention back to the book he’s reading and Y/N’s smile droops.

“You could have called. I waited for you.”

Harry scoffs at her confession, rolling his eyes.

“Y/N I don’t have time to give you a call every time I’m going to be a bit late coming home. Get off my case, it’s fucking annoying.” His voice rises slightly in volume as he gets frustrated, but not loud enough to wake Elle in the next room.

“I’m not trying to be annoying H. I’m just saying that I missed you today and as your wife it would just be nice if you could let me know.” Y/N sighs, rolling over, her back to him as she tries to go back to sleep. Her breath hitches as she feels Harry come closer to her, kissing her shoulder before burying his face in her neck.

“Sorry my love, I didn’t mean to snap. I’m just really caught up lately.”

“I know you are.” Y/N tries to ignore the butterflies in her stomach as he sponges kisses on her neck, shoulders and then slowly down her arm.

“Tomorrow. Take Elle to my mum’s and I’ll be home around 5. Let’s make it a date night, just us.” At this, Y/N turns to face him, a small grin on her face.

“Yeah? Just us?”

“Just us bub. Promise I’ll be home in time and I’m all yours.”

Y/N believes him. So, she does what Harry says. Take’s Elle over to Anne’s around midday, the older woman over the moon to spend some extra time with her granddaughter. Around 2, her best friend makes a surprise visit to the house, finding Y/N slaving away in the kitchen.

“Are you cooking for 12?” Lucy laughs as Y/N rushes around putting finishing touches on what seems to be a ten course meal.

“No… just Harry and I. But I’m making all his favourites. I want tonight to be special for us. He’s been so busy with work lately.”

“What are you wearing?” Lucy smirks at Y/N who simply blushes.

“It’s on the bed.” She says referring to the lacy white lingerie set that Harry had bought her for their first anniversary. Lucy wolf whistles, causing Y/N to turn even redder.

“Lucky husband, that Harry of yours. Now hurry up and finish so we can have a glass of wine before he gets here and I have to go.”

Y/N grabs a bottle and the two women sit and chat for a few hours before Y/N realises it’s 10 to 5 and she needs to go and change. She kicks Lucy out as politely as possible before getting ready and waiting for Harry.

The clock ticks over to 5:00pm. Then 5:01pm. Then 5:20pm.

At 5:30pm, she calls. His phone is off.

At 6:00pm, she finishes a second bottle of wine, and then she calls again. His phone is still off.

At 6:17pm, Lucy sends her a link to an article and Y/N feels the sudden urge to throw up. Because the article is about Harry and the headline reads: Trouble in Paradise? Styles and Co CEO Harry Styles seen partying on a yacht with ex Kendall Jenner, just months after celebrating his third wedding anniversary and welcoming daughter Elle Styles.

The photos are incriminating. Kendall’s face in his neck, his hands around her waist. Kendall getting into a cab, leading Harry behind her.

Lucy calls. Y/N doesn’t answer.

At 8:15pm, Y/N picks herself up off the floor, goes upstairs, grabs a bag throws essential things inside for her and Elle and gets her keys.

That’s when the door opens and her husband walks, stumbles, through the front door.

“Sorry I’m late. Something smells good.” Harry’s words have a slight slur to them, she knows he’s been drinking but she can’t bring herself to care. He steps closer and she wrinkles her nose.

“You smell like her.” Y/N comments, willing herself not to cry.

“Who? Kendall?” Harry is suddenly ten times more alert, worry evident on his face.

“Nothing happened Y/N.” “Sure didn’t look like nothing. In fact the photos were… quite something.”

“Love… I don’t- I put her in a cab and she went home. It was supposed to be a quick meeting and then it turned into a yacht event and I know you wanted me home earlier but I-”

“This isn’t about me wanting you home earlier Harry. I wanted this night for us. Because we’re drifting apart and I don’t know what to do about it.”

“You’re being dramatic, I’ve just been busy.”

“You’ve been “busy” for 4 months Harry. Are you not in love with me anymore?” Y/N’s voice trembles but she holds his gaze. Harry feels his heart drop into the floor.

“…What?”

“Tell me it’s all in my head. Tell me I’m wrong.”

“Y/N calm down. You’re acting insane, of course I love you.”

“Harry, you make me feel annoying when all I want is for you to love me back as much as I love you! You just sit there and you… you just tolerate me. And I don’t deserve that. I sit here in this stupid mansion you bought for us with our daughter who probably doesn’t even know that you’re her father because you’re never around. I just sit here and I wait with Elle. For you to come home to me, for you to tell me you need me as much as I need you. And I don’t think I can do it anymore.” She pushes past him to the garage and he grabs her wrist gently. “Y/N. Baby where are you going?”

“Bit late for the pet names H. Don’t you think?” She scoffs.

“I need space. Come find Elle and I if you think you’re going to be able to show up for us, because I don’t feel the need to explain to our daughter why she doesn’t have a fucking dad.”

Harry steps back, looking at her helplessly as her words cut him deep.

“Bye Harry.”

Read Part II here

Tags:

@lukesaprince @harryspirate @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite @lilyrmason12 @styleslover-1994 @stylesfever @kathb59 @indierockgirrl @bxbyysstuff @gills-lounge

#harry styles #hslot #love on tour #harry styles au #harrystyles #harry styles fic #harry styles fics #harry styles smut #harry styles x fem!reader #harry styles ceo

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makeitmingi · 4 months

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The Cat and Dog Game [Chapter 7]

Genre: Romance, Fluff, Comedy

Pairing: Yunho x Reader (y/n)

Characters: Chef!Reader, RestaurantOwner!Yunho, MaitreD!Hongjoong, Waiter!Yeosang, Waiter!San, Waiter!Mingi, SousChef!Seonghwa, SousChef!Wooyoung, PrepChef!Jongho

Summary: Yunho's dream was to open and run his own restaurant. But he doesn't know anything when it comes to cooking. Until you came along and accepted the job, bringing with you a small crew. How will the black cat tame the energetic golden retriever?

Word count: 3.3K

Chapter warning(s): Alcohol consumption.

"Tomorrow, we can sleep in!" Wooyoung cheered as he did the dishes. Today was Wednesday, which meant it would be the first off day your team has had since working at the restaurant. Days went by in a blur with how busy it was.

"I can finally go back to recipe testing." You chuckled as you wiped the table tops with disinfectant.

"After getting some sleep." Seonghwa added.

"Party pooper." You grumbled as you went to wash the cloth at the sink. Jongho and Wooyoung snickered at how you were just like a child with Seonghwa.

"What are your plans tomorrow, Jong?" You asked the youngest. He put the tray down with a sigh.

"Brunch with my parents and younger brother." He said.

"Are they still trying to set you up on dates with random girls?" Wooyoung laughed. Jongho rolled his eyes and took his tray into the walk in but that was enough of an answer.

"What about you, Seonghwa hyung? Any plans for tomorrow?" Wooyoung turned to the oldest.

"Just going to stay home and chill. I need to recharge." Seonghwa said. You knew that Seonghwa was just going to spend the entire day playing his Nintendo Switch. He was addicted to Animal Crossing. That device was glued to him 24/7, he probably uses it more than he uses his phone.

"You should make salt beef for that reuben sandwich you've been craving. Can't make salt beef on that switch of yours~" You teased. Seonghwa scoffed, flinging his tea towel at you.

"Are you guys seriously talking about cooking on your days off?" Mingi came in.

"Don't judge. I'm sure that's more productive than what you have planned." You retorted, making San wince.

"She got you good. Our plan was to game tonight and spend the whole day sleeping tomorrow." San informed and Mingi rolled his eyes but nodded.

"I will be going to my art studio." Hongjoong said. Oh yes, you heard from Seonghwa that Hongjoong does art on the side.

"What kind of art do you do?" You asked.

"Oh! I, uh, redesign clothing pieces. Repaint them, stitch different pieces and fabrics together, customise stuff... All that." Hongjoong explained, a light blush appearing on his cheeks.

"That's cool." You chuckled. Hongjoong's friends have never openly thought that his work was cool. For him to be genuinely complimented by someone that he personally has been wow'ed by was exhilarating.

"I'm stepping out for a bit." You told Wooyoung. He nodded and squeezed your waist as you walked through the back door.

"Good work today, everyone." Yunho smiled as he pranced into the kitchen after doing the accounts.

"Where's (y/n)?" He blinked, eyes wandering around the kitchen to look for you. Yeosang nodded over to the back door where you had just stepped out of.

"Shall we go out for a late dinner/ supper tonight since the restaurant is closed tomorrow?" Yunho suggested.

"There goes my gaming plan." Mingi mumbled.

"You can game the entire day tomorrow, Mingi ah." Yunho slung his arm around his best friend's shoulders. Mingi rolled his eyes and went to retrieve his bag from the locker room.

"Sure." Wooyoung and Jongho shrugged, they didn't mind going for dinner. Seonghwa too, he was going to suggest a night in with you anyway, tag along on your recipe testing or convince you to make salt beef for him. After all, it seemed that you were comfortable with this new group of people.

"Where did you have in mind, Yunho?" San asked.

"What about barbecue? We can get drinks." Yunho beamed. His heart fluttered in slight excitement, hoping that you would come.

"Hey. Ready to head off?" You came back in.

"(y/n)! I actually suggested that we go for a late dinner or supper. Get some barbecue and drinks. Would you want to go? But if you're tired, I completely understand." Yunho jogged over to you.

"Sure." Your reply was short as you looked up at the excitement written all over his face.

"Yes!" He cheered. You grabbed your apron that was on the counter and went to hang it on your hook in the staff room.

"Are you sure you're not tired? It's really okay if you don't-"

"Yunho, I said I'm good. Unless you don't want me to go?" You raised an eyebrow at him. His eyes widened as your statement and he actually looked horrified.

"What?! No! That's definitely NOT what I meant." He panicked, shaking his hands in denial. You burst out laughing, unable to contain yourself anymore. You held onto the cupboard to steady yourself. He really reminded you of a puppy and it amused you to no end.

"What's going on in here?" Seonghwa poked his head in. He hadn't seen you laugh so hysterically in public before, usually you kept your emotions on a leash and kept stoic around strangers.

"Nothing, Hwa. It was just something funny." You wiped a non existend tear and shook your head, turning back to your cubby to pack your things.

Yunho, on the other hand, was surprised. He hadn't heard you laugh so genuinely before and honestly, it made him feel a certain way.

He decided, he liked your laugh. He liked hearing it and even being the cause of it.

"Here." Seonghwa helped you put your coat over your shoulders, as he always does. He took his scarf and wrapped it around your neck, securing it properly.

"I don't need this, Hwa." You told him.

"You want to wear this thin coat, you wear a scarf. This isn't going to keep you warm. I told you to get rid of it, it's too old." Seonghwa nagged you.

"I will never throw it away. This was the first coat you bought me from your trip to Europe." You frowned. Seonghwa laughed softly and patted your head. You exited the small locker room first, leaving Seonghwa to gather his things. Yunho regained his focus and grabbed his things too.

"Look at how cute you are." When Yunho emerged, he saw Wooyoung teasing you, being swallowed by Seonghwa's long scarf. It covered the lower half of your face, leaving only your eyes peeking through.

"I'll end you." You threatened but Wooyoung couldn't care less, continuing to pinch your cheeks and coo at you.

"I'll get Jongho to end you." You tried again and that actually made Wooyoung stop but Jongho laughed.

"Get your stuff. We'll wait in the car." Seonghwa said to Wooyoung and Jongho, who obediently went into the locker room to get their stuff. You followed Seonghwa out.

"Which restaurant are we going to?" You asked Yunho, who followed you both out.

"Oh, let me give you the address." Yunho took his phone out.

"Send it to Hwa instead. He's the one driving." You instructed. Yunho paused but nodded, sending the address to Seonghwa instead of you.

"See you at the restaurant." Yunho waved with a small smile. You bowed your head and Seonghwa waved back as you both walked to where Seonghwa's car was parked. As always, Seonghwa opened the door for you to get in first.

"See you in a bit!" Wooyoung waved as he and Jongho came out of the restaurant and jogged over to the car where you and Seonghwa were already warming up in.

"Let's go." Mingi, San, Yeosang and Hongjoong came out. They rode in Yeosang's car. Thankfully he wasn't much of a drinker anymore.

"Are you sure you guys aren't too tired?" You asked from the passenger seat.

"Nope! Not tired at all." Wooyoung giggled.

"Besides, we're going to eat and drink. That doesn't count as work or anything remotely tiring." Jongho pointed out, leaning his head against Wooyoung's arm.

"But it's with our boss." You reminded.

"That's your corporate side talking." Seonghwa chuckled, facing the road as he drove.

"You know I can't help it." You mumbled, sinking further into the scarf that was wrapped around your neck. Seonghwa let out an affectionate chuckle. When Seonghwa pulled up, you all got out of the car. It wasn't that long a wait before Yeosang pulled up next to Seonghwa's car to park.

"What's famous at this place?" Jongho asked.

"Beef on charcoal barbecue." Yunho grinned at you, as if trying to impress you that he didn't bring you to some random Korean barbecue place.

"Next time, we should go to Mingi's mother's restaurant." San suggested and you attention was steered. Hongjoong went in to get a table or section that could sit all of you together.

"Your mother's owns a restaurant?" You blinked.

"Yeah... Not like the one we work at. It's a grilled eel place." Mingi rubbed the back of his neck.

"I do like grilled eel. Salt grilled. We should go next time~" You shook Seonghwa's sleeve like an excited little child. The prospect of food always got you excited.

"Sure." Seonghwa chuckled. When Hongjoong waved all of you into the restaurant, you entered and sat down at a long table.

"Why don't you guys do the ordering since you're more familiar with the place? We'll eat anything and everything." Wooyoung suggested, passing the menu over to Yeosang. Yunho made all the orders, along with a few drink orders.

"I'm the designated driver so cola for me." Yeosang ordered. The 5 watched in amusement as you, Seonghwa, Wooyoung and Jongho engaged in an intense game of rock, paper, scissors.

"Wait, isn't the car Seonghwa's though?" Hongjoong asked.

"Doesn't matter. We drive each other's cars all the time." Jongho said as you eyed each other.

"Ahhh..." Seonghwa groaned as you, Wooyoung and Jongho hi fived each other in victory. Maybe it was meant to be, Seonghwa driving his own car.

"Beer or straight to soju?" Mingi offered as he put out the glasses for the 3 of you.

"Soju for us." Wooyoung replied. You received your shot glass, shaking it at Seonghwa to tease him a little.

"Here you go." The staff served all the plates of beef and stews that were ordered. You scooped out half of the rice from your bowl and piled it on top of Seonghwa's own full one. You'd rather fill up on meat than rice. You started the cooking for one of the grills, oiling it with beef fat.

"Shall we do some pork and some beef?" You suggested. Yunho and Hongjoong, who were sharing the grill with you and Seonghwa, nodded their heads.

"I'll help." Yunho, who sat opposite you, offered. He reached over to grab a pair of tongs.

"Wow, you're really bad at this. You already burnt the kimchi." Wooyoung snorted as he helped remove the stuck kimchi.

"I'm trying to help." Yeosang hissed. Mingi reached over to fill your glass and everyone else's. Yunho proposed a toast, extending his gratefulness to everyone at the table.

"Thank you, everyone. For helping me and supporting me so far. I think we work well together." He raised his glass.

"Cheers!" Everyone clinked their glasses and downed everything in one shot. Seonghwa, who had water in his shot glasses, feigned winces and hisses as he drank the water, acting like he was drinking the bitter alcohol along with all of you.

"Your acting is getting better, Hwa." You teased, putting your empty shot glass down. Jongho, who was beside you, refilled your glass with more soju.

"Hey, you fill mine to the brim but give (y/n) a normal amount." Wooyoung complained, holding his glass up to compare.

"Woo, you're gonna spill." Seonghwa lectured.

"Not my fault!" He exclaimed. Jongho shrugged innocently. You let out a small giggle. When you finished grilling, Seonghwa helped with cutting the meat up and distributing them.

"How is it?" Yunho asked after you took the first mouthful of meat, followed by a spoon of rice.

"It's good meat." You said as you covered your mouth so he wouldn't see you chewing. Yunho smiled proudly, glad he could impress you.

"They wet age their meats here, probably why it is so flavourful." Seonghwa pointed to the tank, where slabs of beef and pork were sitting in vacuum bags. Yunho and Hongjoong turned around to see what Seonghwa was pointing at. They have never noticed the tank here before.

"What's wet aging?" Yunho tilted his head.

"It's where you seal the meat in it's own juices to enhance the natural flavour of the meat. There's dry age and wet age. Dye aging leaves the meat exposed but it makes the meat richer." You explained.

"It's probably in those tanks because leaving it in the fridge or on the counter makes it susceptible to spoiling." Jongho said.

"Like when you thaw meat from the freezer, putting it in the water prevents the temperature of the meat from becoming too extreme too quickly." Seonghwa added.

"So like fermenting it in it's own meat juice." Mingi clarified. Wooyoung nodded his head.

"San, you're awfully quiet. Are you alright?" You turned to the male. His cheeks were bright red and his eyes were glassy.

"Are you crying?" Your eyes widened.

"N-No! I just... get like this when I drink... I'm not a big fan of drinking. But I'm okay, (y/n)." He rubbed the back of his neck shyly. His sheepishness with the dazed look on his face made you give him an endearing smile.

"Who is the best drinker out of the 5 of you?" Wooyoung asked, downing the rest of his shot.

"Definitely not San. I would say Yunho is the best? Or rather, he acts the most sober, even if he doesn't remember what happened the next day." Yeosang said.

"Jongho's the same. Acts sober but doesn't remember a single thing when he wakes up. Wooyoung and Seonghwa are the worse."

"Speak for yourself." Seonghwa scoffed at your words.

"Jongho and I are always the ones that have to put you two to bed." You glared at Seonghwa. He didn't say anything because he knows it's the truth. He never remembers how he ends up in your bed.

"You tell him, (y/n)." Jongho laughed, raising his shot glass to clink with yours before you both downed it.

"I want some pork neck, please." You pointed, holding the perilla leaf out. Seonghwa nodded and took a piece, blowing it lightly before dipping it into the ssamjang and placing it on your leaf. He placed a piece of kimchi, a sliver of garlic and some scallion salad on there too, knowing how you like to make your wraps.

"Thank you." You smiled and ate it in one mouthful. To give Seonghwa a chance to eat, you took over the cooking for a bit. You placed a few pieces of beef on Yunho's plate.

"You prefer the short rib over the ribeye right?" You raised an eyebrow. Yunho nodded in his head in confirmation, his eyes shining.

"Can you... make me a wrap?" Yunho asked suddenly, now gaining some liquid confidence from the soju.

"Sure. What do you want in it?" You asked.

"No, make it how you would make it." Yunho shook his head. You nodded, putting the tongs down and making a wrap how you would make it for yourself.

"That's a lot of veggies..." Hongjoong cringed at your overall vegetable to meat ratio.

"You're just a vegetable hater." You scoffed. Now that there was alcohol in your system, you let loose a little more and relaxed, finding yourself a little more chatty. Yunho's eyes followed you curiously as you made the wrap. Then you held it out to him.

"Looks good." He grinned, a light blush forming on his cheeks. It was either from the alcohol, the shyness or both. But he leaned forward to eat the wrap from your hands.

"It's so good, the best I've had." When he beamed, the food made his cheeks bulge. The first time, he didn't look like a puppy, more a hamster.

"It's just a normal wrap." You said.

"Still the best." Yunho insisted with a small pout. You shook your head with a chuckle and filled your glass to sip it. Wooyoung was already leaning against Jongho, mumbling and giggling to himself.

"One more bottle, please!" Mingi suddenly shot up, making you jump in surprise.

"Shhh, Mingi ah. No yelling in the restaurant." Yeosang pushed his drunkenly loud friend back onto his stool. Mingi blinked in confusion, not realising how loud he was being. San was already knocked out, laying down on the chair next to him. Hongjoong had a dreamy smile on his face.

"Looks like we may need to go home soon." Seonghwa stroked your back.

"I'm fine, Hwa." You assured, taking more food to eat. You were a little too tipsy to realise Seonghwa wasn't talking about you but the rest around the table.

Yunho was pacing himself too. He didn't want to get too intoxicated since he was in front of you and your team. A part of him was worried about looking like an irresponsible boss.

"Let's finish the food. Then we will go home." Yeosang encouraged his friends.

"We have to go before they start singing. They will not shut up then." He said to Yeosang, who burst out laughing.

After the food and drinks were done, Yunho went to pay while Yeosang started to load the boys into the car. Seonghwa and Jongho moved Wooyoung into the car, helping Yeosang with the other boys. You sat there obediently, waiting for them.

"(y/n), let's go." Yunho said. You nodded and pushed yourself to stand up, following Yunho out to where the cars were. You seemed fine but Yunho noticed you staring into space and blinking slowly.

"Hwa hwa." That was an indication of how out of it you were.

"That's how you know. She's not called me 'hwa hwa' in years. Only when we were kids. And now, when she's tipsy." Seonghwa chuckled.

"Come on. Thank you for tonight, Yunho. Get home safe." Seonghwa's arm came to your waist to steady you before he bowed gratefully to Yunho.

"Let's go, Yunho." Yeosang helped the smiling giant into the passenger seat. Yunho waved to you and Seonghwa as Yeosang led him away, sitting him down and buckling his seatbelt for him before shutting the door. Despite not knowing if Yunho could see you, you still gave a small wave back.

"Are you sure you don't want me to help send one of them home?" Seonghwa asked Yeosang, seating you in the passenger seat of his own car. You were still sober enough to buckle your own seatbelt.

"It's fine, Seonghwa. Don't you need to send all of them home too? It's about the same." Yeosang chuckled.

"Nah, I think I'll take them back to (y/n)'s. They'll go home on their own tomorrow after sobering up." Seonghwa laughed.

"That's a good idea actually. Maybe I should take them back to Yunho's place and leave them all there. But let me know when you get back safely?"

"You too." The two sober ones bid each other goodbye and goodnight before parting ways.

"Yunho is nice. They're all nice." You said.

"You've gotten comfortable with them a lot faster than any of us expected. You're usually more cautious around new people." Seonghwa pointed out. He was not sure if you would remember this conversation tomorow.

"I am... I still am... But especially Yunho, he's like a puppy, you know? You can't really help but be nice to him because he's just nice to everyone he meets." You replied.

"That's true. He's been friendly from the get go like a golden retriever." Seonghwa chuckled.

"Exactly!" You snapped your fingers.

"But usually, those kind of people hide a lot of their negative emotions behind that smile. It's like a mask to them." You said, looking out the window.

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imjustwritingsuckers · 7 months

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Learning Moments

Daryl’s Daughter Daryl Dixon x Daughter!Reader 1263 Warnings/Notes: Screaming, Anger, Daryl being a dad but hes still learning

not my image

“Eat up.” Daryl says as he throws a plate of food in front of you. “I don’t like broccoli.” You cross your arms and whine. “I don’t care, you have to eat.” Daryl stands above you with his hands on his hips. “The other kids are eating just fine.” He waves his hand in their direction where they’re eating with their families. “I will eat I just don’t like broccoli.” you look up at him with a pouty face and your arms crossed. “I don’t want it.” “Fine, don’t fuckin’ eat.” Daryl throws his arms up and walks away towards the tent you two have been sharing. You watch him until he zips the door shut and you see his shadow lying down on the bed. You look back down at your food and stare for a minute before picking up your spoon and eating the funny-looking soup Daryl had heated up for you just a little earlier. You take a spoonful and chew. It was the perfect temperature. Not too hot, not too cold. The perfect temperature and it didn’t taste too bad. You continue to eat and realize that he always makes things a good temperature and gives you the better of the things he found or hunted for that day. After a little while you finish the soup and look over at Carl sitting with his mom and dad, and the other kids sitting with their families. You watch as the other kids eat the food without complaining and they finish and go play after. Lori waves at you and you smile and wave back before quickly looking back down at your food. You pick up one of the pieces of broccoli and realize that he heated it up for you. You chew and swallow, chew and swallow. It's still nasty, and you still hate it, but you know you're not supposed to waste food.

“I ate all my food.” You say as you unzip and walk into your and Daryl’s shared tent. You get no response so you just put your plate and silverware next to the others to be cleaned tomorrow. You climb into the cot and pull your blankets up around you, hugging your stuffed animal close. “Goodnight Daryl.” you say before drifting off to sleep.

You wake up the next morning and turn over to look at Daryl’s cot. As always, he’s not there. Probably out hunting or something like that. You get up and change into your clothes for the day. You exit the tent to find Carol waiting by a tree nearby. “Hi, Carol.” You wave and give her a small smile. “Hi sweetheart, would you like to come to wash the clothes with me and the girls?” She asks me, getting up from her spot under the tree. “Sure, let me grab Daryl and I’s clothes real quick.” You say before running back into the tent to gather everything.

“Alright, let's go.” you come out a couple of minutes later with a rather large bucket full of a mix of your and Daryl’s clothes. “Alright, c’mon.” she nods her head in the direction of the rest of the camp and starts walking. “Wait, do you know where Daryl is, I should probably tell him where I’m going.” You ask while catching up with her. “I don’t know, but I’m sure it will be fine. I bet we’ll be done before he even gets back and then you can surprise him with your hard work.” She smiles down at you. “Alright.” you walk with Carol to the quarry where some of the women are already at work cleaning things.

“Carol, will you teach me how to clean this stuff, I don’t really know how?” “Of course, just do what I do.” “Ok”

You spend a good portion of the day cleaning with everyone. You realize that it’s a break from all of your normal activities, which at this point are boring and repetitive. You’ve finished cleaning all the clothes and ran back up to get the dishes. You're halfway through the dishes when you hear familiar shouting. “Y/N! What the fuck!?” you shoot up and spin to face the shouting. You see Daryl coming down the hill and he looks pissed. You stand there in shock, unsure of whether to move or not. The other women have gotten up at this point and are gathering around to see what's going on. “What the fuck are you thinking!?” He screams again and is still coming towards you at a quick speed. “Hey! What are you screaming for?” Lori steps up and runs up towards him, meeting him halfway. “Get outta my way Lori, this is between me and the kid.” “No, you have no right to scream at her.” Lori has her hands on her hips and she looks pissed too. “Lori, this is between me and my kid, if she keeps fucking disappearing we're gonna have a problem.” He points at you over her shoulder. “Now let me talk to my kid.” “Ok, so that's what this is about.” She lets out a sigh. “Daryl, I would be pissed if Carl just walked off too, but screaming at her like that is only gonna scare her.” Daryl takes a second to process what Lori has just said before you see his body relax. “Sorry, she just worries me sometimes.” “I’m not the one you should be apologizing to.” Lori gives him a look before stepping out of the way so he can get to you. “Listen, kid, I’m sorry for yelling, can we talk for a minute?” He kneels down on one knee so he's face to face with you. You just nod in agreement and follow him as he starts to walk back up the hill.

You make it back to his tent before either of you say a word. You sit on your cot and wait for him to say something. After a while of watching him sit on his cot and stare at the ground, he finally says something. “First off, I’m sorry for yelling.” he pauses and glances up at you. “And second, I didn't mean to scare you, I just got worried when you weren't where you were when I left this morning and you weren't doing activities with the other kids.” He finally looks back at me and holds eye contact. “I'm sorry too. I knew I should have asked I just didn’t know where you were and Carol said you were ok with it.” “Ok kid, just next time come find me or leave a note, ok?” “Ok.” you say back, agreeing with him. He holds his hand out towards you and you stare at him blankly, not knowing what he’s doing. “It’s called a handshake, kid.” he reaches out slightly farther and nods at you to do the same. You extend your arm to meet his and he gently grabs your hand and shakes it up and down before letting go. “I washed all of our clothes by the way, Carol and the others taught me how. I thought it might be of some help.” “Thanks, kid, you would have never caught me doin’ that.” he smiles at you and moves over to sit next to you on your cot. You suddenly lean over to hug him and he puts his hand on your head. “If anyone catches you huggin’ me your dead by the end of the week.” you can practically hear the smirk on his face. “Got it.” and now your smirking too.

-----

Thanks for reading! As always support your writers by not only liking but also commenting and re-bloging!

Commissions: Open

#the walking dead #twd #daryl #daryl dixon #twd daryl dixon #the walking dead daryl dixon #twd fanfiction #fanfiction #fanfiction writer #daryl x reader #daryl x daughter

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jo-writes-fanfiction · 7 months

Text

Learning Moments

Daryl’s Daughter Daryl Dixon x Daughter!Reader 1263 Warnings/Notes: None

not my image

“Carol, will you teach me how to clean this stuff, I don’t really know how?” “Of course, just do what I do.” “Ok”

-----

Thanks for reading! As always support your writers by not only liking but also commenting and re-bloging!

Commissions: Open

#fanfic #daryl #daryl dixon #the walking dead #twd #fanfiction #fanfiction writer #twd daryl #twd fanfiction #daryl x reader #daryl dixon x reader #daryl x daughter #daryl dixion x daughter #jowrites

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luci-in-trenchcoats · 1 year

Text

Since I’ve Been Loving You

Summary: A few months after helping the reader get out of an abusive relationship, Dean and she are ready to shift their relationship to more than being just friends. But when Dean goes missing and the reader is forced to leave him in a moment of need to get help, it’ll send them down a path exploring Dean’s past neither one of them could have seen coming...

Pairing: Cop!Dean x Cop!reader

Word Count: 18,000ish

Warnings: language, kidnapping, injuries, past abusive partner, murder, whole lot of creepiness

A/N: Hi there! If the title and first few scenes of this story seem familiar, you’re not wrong! I originally wrote this story way back in 2017 and at the time felt it was too “dark” to share, hence why I only used the first bit as part of a collab experiment (which can be found here). However it’s been awhile and I’m a lot more confident with what I share (and to be honest, I’ve put out worse stuff than this). Rather than letting it sit in my drafts forever, I’ve decided to share the original story I wrote myself! Enjoy! Also shoutout to @campingmonkey for reading some of my stuff I considered not fit for posting and encouraging me to put it out there!

_______

“I’m home,” you said, smelling something tasty from the kitchen. You kicked off your boots and wandered into into the back of the house where Dean was stirring a pot, a blanket wrapped around his shoulders. “Dude, you’re not on dinner duty tonight.”

“How was work?” asked Dean, stifling a sniffle as he spun around a ladle in the stew he’d put on.

“Fine. You’re supposed to be resting Winchester,” you said, bumping him to go sit down. “I told you last night-”

“I’m relieved of my chores this week, I know,” he said, pulling the blanket tighter. “I’m lucky I’ve got such a nice roommate.”

“You’re the one that let me stay here after Redge,” you said. “I really should be making you dinner every night after everything.”

“No, that’s not how it works around here. We’re a team and besides, you’re awful at washing the cars,” he said, a tired smirk on his face. “How was work?”

“Redge was an ass but he’s always been that way. You get some sleep today? Go to the doctor like I told you?” you asked, Dean rolling his eyes at you. You crossed your arms and huffed. “Go tomorrow. I don’t want to have to drive you to a hospital over the weekend.”

“It’s a cold, Y/N,” he said. You dished up a bowl for him and yourself, not expecting him to eat much but he was still grumpy when you sat across from him. “I’m fine.”

“Alright, don’t bite my head off because I care about you,” you said, standing and grabbing him a glass of water. “Need anything?”

“No. Thanks,” he said, starting to pick at his food. You ate in silence apart from Dean coughing or sneezing a few times. He shifted in his seat more than once and you knew he was going to ask about work again. “You okay, Y/N? You’re never this quiet during dinner.”

“I got partnered with Redge today. I wasn’t a fan,” you said, playing with a carrot to avoid seeing Dean’s face. “I got used to working with you and being around Redge all day like that again with you not there just…I don’t know. I told chief I want to work with someone different tomorrow.”

“He still thinks you and Redge just had a bad break up, huh?” asked Dean. “It’s not like you tried to tell them about what he used to do when no one was around or anything. Although I guess it would look pretty bad to have the chief arrest one of his own.”

“Like I said, I owe you for getting me out of that,” you said, Dean shaking his head. “Still not biting on that offer yet?”

“You’re happy and safe, that’s all I could ever want from you,” said Dean, putting his spoon down, about half of his bowl left.

“You want to go up to bed or watch some TV with me for a while?” you asked, Dean nodding towards the family room. You cleaned up and shook off his offers to help, coming into the living room to find him curled up on the couch, his blanket still all around him.

“How you holding up?” you asked, taking a spot at the end of the couch, throwing your feet up on the ottoman. You put a pillow down so Dean could rest his head against your leg comfortably in case he decided to go to sleep. You put a hand on his forehead and saw him curl into the touch.

“S’just a cold,” he said, turning on the TV. You ran your fingers through his hair, knowing on the rare occasion Dean was up for a cuddle, he liked to have it played with. But even in those moments where he let his walls down all the way, he didn’t talk about certain things. He barely spoke of when he was little. You knew his parents got divorced when he wasn’t very old and that he felt like it was his fault just from the way he talked but that’s who Dean was. A hard man that could be softer and sweeter than any you’d ever met.

“I think I’m ready,” you said, Dean humming before turning his head up to yours.

“Ready for what?” he asked, giving you a sleepy smile.

“It’s been almost four months since I left Redge. You got me back to normal again, feeling safe and strong and like I have a home here with my friend. But I’m ready to try something new if you get what I’m saying,” you said, Dean’s face turning sad.

“You want to move out? Did I do something wrong?” he asked. You shook your head and gave him a smile. “Was it because I told you I liked you back-”

“Dean, I like you too is what I’m trying to say. As in, I’m ready to try dating again…try dating you,” you said, ruffling his head. “We’ve been flirting for weeks. Want to actually give this a go?”

“Why would you ever want to date me?” he asked. God, he could be thick-headed sometimes.

“I like your sense of humor, your kindness, the way you help people. You got some comfy flannels too,” you said, Dean’s face softening. “I like you Dean.”

“Want to go on a date when I’m feeling better?” he asked. You nodded and bent down to give him a kiss on the cheek, Dean pushing you away. “I don’t want you to get sick too.”

“It’s just a cold I’ve been told,” you said, Dean laughing before pulling one of his arms free of his blanket and reaching over to hold yours. “I love when you’re all cuddly.”

“As your new boyfriend I’m going to start getting very cuddly,” he teased, letting out a big stretch and a yawn. “On second thought…”

“Bedtime?” you asked, helping him up. “You need anything come get me. I’ll be quiet and let you sleep in. There’s leftover stew in the fridge but I’ll come home at lunch and make you something to eat.”

“I’m a grown man, I can make myself lunch,” he said, standing up as you grabbed his blanket for him. “I should really go to work.”

“You’ve got a ton of sick time built up. Take the day off and recover,” you said, patting him on the back as you got him upstairs.

“Night,” he said once you got him tucked into bed.

“Night Dean. See you at lunch.”

“Dean, I’m home,” you said, tossing your keys on the front table, expecting to find him in front of the TV but instead he was nowhere in sight. “Dean, I got hot soup and fresh bread from that place with the pies.”

The house was quiet and you sat the food down on the table, hoping he was passed out in bed. When you got up there the sheets were messy but his blanket was still there which struck you as odd. He hadn’t gone anywhere without it for two days, almost childlike with the way he carried it around.

His phone was near the bed and it wasn’t until you’d wandered around the house twice before you called Sam.

“Is Dean with you?” you asked, hoping for some odd reason Sam decided to drop by town this week and hang out with his brother.

“Hey, Y/N. No, I haven’t heard from Dean since the beginning of the week. What’s up?” he asked.

“Nothing, he’s just not home. He’s been sick and I thought maybe you took him to the doctor since Baby’s still here. Maybe he got a ride from someone else,” you said, stuffing lunch in the fridge and heading back outside.

“He didn’t leave a note? That’s not like him,” said Sam, his voice concerned now.

“Yeah. He probably got a neighbor or something to do it,” you said, Sam obviously hearing the worry in your own.

“Give me a call when you find him,” he said. “I’d appreciate it.”

“Will do Sammy,” you said, hanging up.

When the sun was starting to set though as you were leaving the station hours and hours later, you were starting to go out of your mind that no one had seen or heard from Dean since you checked on him before going to work. Your one thought was it had to have been Redge. Who else but your ex would want to screw over the guy that gave you the courage to leave in the first place?

So that’s when you started to think like him, think of the places Redge used to take the two of you, when things got too messy for home. It was another hour before you were parking your car and slipping out of it, a backpack on your shoulders and the satellite phone you’d stolen from Dean’s camping gear in your coat pocket.

It was dark and the terrain was a bit dangerous and it had decided to storm out, making it almost impossible to see. You went in the woods a short ways on the path before veering off, heading west and deciding you weren’t stopping until you were forced to. After an hour you saw the abandoned ranger’s station and broke inside, taking a short reprieve from the weather. You were gazing at a map when you nearly slipped, the floor wet from your boots but you spotted a patch of dried blood on the ground that made your stomach churn. You looked back at a map and saw that there were a pair of mines about five miles out.

“Please tell me I’m overreacting,” you said, heading back out, eventually coming across the boarded up mine, a plank missing that was big enough to get even Dean and Redge through. “Overreacting is all. Just overreacting.”

You aimed your flashlight inside and saw nothing at first glance, then a pair of ruts in the ground where someone had been dragged. You shuddered and followed it down the mine, eventually turning right and left, your flashlight falling on a bare foot and then up to the slouched over man it belonged to.

“Dean,” you said, rushing over, shoving against him as you spotted the dried blood on his stomach, the dark patch and belt around his leg. A flannel that wasn’t his was balled up against it, his own shirt held in place over his bare stomach by his crossed arms. He didn’t even look alive. “Dean,” you said shaking him again, his skin sweaty and icy cold. “Dean.”

You heard a faint grumble that was music to your ears as you shook him again, getting a louder one this time.

“Back for more?” he asked, fluttering open his eyes, watching them go wide at the sight of you. “What are you…”

“I’m going to get you out of here, okay? Then I’m going to kick Redge’s ass,” you said, figuring out what he needed first.

“Wasn’t him. Bad guy,” mumbled Dean with a sniffle, trying to go back to sleep.

“No, you got to stay awake babe,” you said, grabbing your water from your pack and lifting it to his lips, Dean sucking it down fast. You tossed a space blanket you had over him and he looked like he wanted to cry. You put a hand on his forehead and it was burning up. “Shit, you’re worse.”

“S’just a cold,” he said, getting some sense back. “You got to go. Go away before he comes back.”

“Redge can’t hurt you anymore, Dean, I’m going to-”

“Not Redge, someone else,” said Dean with a shudder. “You think I’d be fucking scared of that pile of crap?”

“Dean what’s…” you said, Dean nodding his head and shoving the bottle and blanket back in your bag. “Dean, no.”

“He’s coming back,” whispered Dean. “Go hide and then get out. Don’t come back.”

“Dean,” you said, his hands using most of his strength to give you a light shove.

“Please, do what I said,” said Dean quietly, your bag shoved in your arms as you spotted a flashlight down a different tunnel. “Please.”

It hurt to leave him but the look on Dean’s face made you do as asked. You took off and hid around a different corner a ways down, listening as footsteps walked towards Dean and stopped.

“Screw you,” you heard Dean say before he started to mumble and then take a big choking gasp of air. “What’d you just give me?”

“Medicine. You’re welcome,” said the voice, definitely not Redge and not one you recognized. “You going to behave this time?”

“Give me back my gun and we’ll-” Dean said before it sounded like something smacked him in the face.

“I stitched you up and everything. Couldn’t have let my new toy bleed out,” said the person, a man, his voice deep and harsh.

“I am not your new toy,” said Dean, spitting blood out of his mouth from the sound of it and coughing up a storm before breathing raggedly.

“No, you’re right. You’re my old one, aren’t you Dean?” said the man, Dean hissing as you tried to make out what he was doing. “Took a long time to find you, boy. Too bad Daddy’s not around anymore to come and save you.”

“Well I’m flattered but why don’t-” said Dean before you heard his head hit against the rough wall, a tiny whimper of pain coming out of Dean.

“Just as mouthy as you were back then. You don’t even remember me,” said the man.

“No but my dad sure as hell told me what happened when I was old enough. You took me right off the front porch, psycho,” said Dean. “You’re the reason they-”

“Your mom had a nice right hook,” the man said, Dean sucking in a gasp as he grunted. “Too bad she ain’t around anymore either. Been waiting a long time for this.”

“For what you freak?” asked Dean weakly, his mouth mumbling again as he huffed.

“It’s duct tape you big baby,” he said, Dean grunting more now as you heard him struggle, breathing in hard. “God, you’re going to take some breaking in.”

Whatever was going on, you knew that you needed backup and that you’d beat yourself up about not bringing your gun with you later. You got out of there as quietly as you could and radio’d the station, keeping an eye on the entrance as you hid. But neither one of them ever came out.

You stayed there for another hour or so, the rest of the station showing up finally, the chief waving you over to talk when they came out of the mine empty handed.

“What-”

“The mine is empty. There’s multiple ways in there. You’re sure this guy knows Dean from when he was a kid? There’s no report of anything ever happening to him,” said the chief.

“Wouldn’t be surprised if they made the whole thing up just to screw with me some more,” said Redge.

“For fucks sake, Redge, I just want you to not be an abusive dick, not go to jail for shooting and kidnapping my boyfriend,” you said, puffing out your chest. “So they’re gone? Dean’s just gone and we have no idea where he is? He’s hurt and sick and-”

“How did you find him?” asked the chief. “This isn’t exactly my first thought for a search.”

“Oh, I don’t know, maybe Redge would like to share how I know about secluded places where people can hurt other people?” you said, crossing your arms at him.

“If she thought…I took Dean she would have gone to the old ranger’s station,” said Redge, kicking his boot on the ground. “Probably saw a map and figured if he wasn’t there he had a shot at being in the mines.”

“You two need to work on whatever issues you’ve got,” said the chief, giving you a hard glare.

“Can we focus on Dean? They can’t have gone far right?” you asked.

“Let’s hope not.”

“Coffee?” asked Redge, poking his head into the conference room you were using as a base in your search for Dean. You shook your head, holding up your cup. “How’s it going today?”

“Redge, don’t pretend to play nice,” you said, looking back over your shoulder. “We both know you don’t give two shits about Dean.”

“He’s a cop. We got each other’s backs and all that...whatever,” he said with a shrug, trying to take a step in the room before catching your glare. “You too, I mean if you ever need a friend, shoulder to cry on you can always-”

“He’s only been missing two weeks and you already think I’m just going to come crawling into your arms? Get lost,” you said. “You aren’t even working this case.”

“Okay, I’ll just go do my job and Dean’s then,” he said, slapping the door frame hard on the way out.

Another week went by of nothing and then another and another. After missing for two months and Sam coming to stay with you to help out, the case officially went cold.

Another month and Sam had to leave town a few days, tidy up some things at home before officially making the move there but he swore he’d be back as soon as he could.

The chief told you to take a few days off and give yourself a break. You took the excuse with Sam gone to get out of town yourself, drive and drive until you were exhausted and crashing at some cheap motel a few states over. You’d spent the day in a bar and your head in a bottle and tried to forget about how he had saved you way back when and you couldn’t do it back.

“Another one,” you heard a guy farther down the bar say, your head whipping up. You didn’t stare as you heard him flirt with the bartender. He sounded like the man from the mines but you were drunk and couldn’t be positive. Still though, you jotted down his license plate when he finally left and got a cab back to your room. When you’d sobered up enough in your motel to figure out who it belonged to, you had a spark of an idea. The guy only had a few drunken misdemeanors but he owned a large lot of acreage with plenty of buildings on it.

The next morning you got up early and you threw on your boots and backpack, and headed out on the property. You checked every tiny ass shed, every big ass garage, every out building, every rusted old car until it was night and you were ready to curl up on the ground and go to sleep.

You only had a few more buildings though so you kept going, ready to hit the bottle of bourbon you took from Dean’s house the second you were in your room. It looked like every other shed you’d been in, pieces of junk and metal lying around. This one had a door hatch to a cellar like most of the others and the second you threw it open, you saw more of the same. You went down the steps, barely keeping your eyes open as you swung the flashlight around and your eyes went wide.

There was light down here and a sink and a tiny mattress and a whole slew of other crap that would have drawn your attention if not for the scruffy, green eyed man who was looking at you like you weren’t real.

“Dean?” you asked, watching him shake his head at you, your gaze finally looking over his body as you took in a sharp breath. “Dean it’s okay,” you said, pulling a knife out of your bag and walking over, his body backing up against the wall so fast as he sat down, giving you a hard glare. “I’m just going to cut you loose.”

“You’re a trick,” he said, looking around and you carefully took a step forward. “Don’t touch me.”

“I won’t touch you,” you said, holding up your hands. “But you want that cuff off your ankle? I have to come closer.”

“Give me the knife,” he said. You bent over and slid it to him, watching him grab hold of the thing tethering him to the back half of the room and cutting it free. He stood up and you smiled.

“Dean are you-Dean!” you yelled at him when he backed you up against the wall, holding the knife out, way too close for comfort.

“You’re drugging me again, aren’t you? This probably isn’t even real. Y/N would never be here. She just wouldn’t. You’re just making me think what I want again, aren’t you?” asked Dean, his face fuming under that beard as you tried to think of a way to calm him down. “You’re just-”

“I brought your shirt. The one you gave me that first day I moved in,” you said, slowing taking your pack off and handing it to him. He was only in the tee and pair of flannels you’d last seen him in, the clothes ratty and practically falling apart now. “The red and-”

“Black one,” said Dean quietly, giving you a long stare before backing up and ripping open the bag, the flannel right on top.

“It really helps when you’re feeling crappy,” you said, his hand holding the knife dropping it completely. He pulled the flannel out and you saw a flicker of relief on his face.

“Real?” he asked running his hand over it, looking at you and the open door behind you.

“You want to come home? We’re kind of overdue for our date,” you said, Dean giving you a head nod. He carefully put the flannel on as you pulled a pair of his sneakers out, glad you’d brought them on the off chance he didn’t have any footwear. You picked up the knife and stuffed your bag closed, Dean standing quietly in the middle of the room with his head down. “Dean?”

“What?” he asked, your hand taking hold of his, feeling so much rougher than you remembered.

“Come on,” you said, giving him a little tug so he took a step. He was okay for a minute until you got close to the stairs and you saw how pale he’d gotten, how nervous he was to walk farther than he’d been allowed to go for so long. “Nice romantic starlit walk,” you said, taking a step up, going one at a time with him as he looked around when you were in the shed.

“I don’t remember this,” he said. “I don’t remember after the mines until I woke up here.”

“We got a little walk to get to my car,” you said, stopping when the two of you stood outside and he looked up, taking a deep breath.

“Okay,” he said, spinning around happily before it all faded away. “Wait what time is it?”

“About 10, why?” you asked, hearing a truck off in the distance.

“We have to go,” said Dean, letting you take the lead as you tried to run, Dean a bit slower than you’d seen him before. “He drops off food at night.”

“It’s only a couple miles to the car,” you said, slowing to a jog so he could keep up, his hand shaking the whole damn time until you had him shoved in the passenger seat and you were driving away, calling the local cops. Dean was quiet apart from saying he was hungry and even after you swung through a drive thru fast for him, he was quiet, looking around like he didn’t quite believe everything.

By the time you’d gotten to the local hospital, a few officers were there to let you know they’d got the guy but Dean seemed more interested in arguing with the doctors.

“If he doesn’t calm down, we’re going to have to restrain him,” said the doctor, as you heard Dean yelling in his room.

“Dean,” you said, brushing inside past a group of bodies as Dean glanced around the room angrily. “Dean, none of these people are going to hurt you.”

“Tell that to the one that stabbed me with a needle,” said Dean, rubbing at his arm where his IV was and giving a nurse a glare.

“Dean. Check?” you asked, hoping he’d remember what that meant. You’d never done it on him and you honestly weren’t sure how he’d come up with the little daily check in’s after you left Redge but they’d always made you feel better that cared like that. He glanced around for a second and back down at himself in a hospital gown, all the marks on him proving life had been awful the past few months.

“Yellow,” he said quietly, willing himself to calm down. “Just tell them to stop poking me and touching me and…” he said as he looked around at the room full of people, rubbing his arms like he was trying to hold himself. “I’m sorry.”

“S’okay babe,” you said, holding his hand, nodding for the doctor to go back to whatever he was doing. Dean hissed a little when the doctor lifted up his arm.

“His shoulder is likely dislocated,” said the doctor to you. “Do you know if this is recent?”

“Dean?” you asked.

“Last week,” said Dean, ducking his head down. “I got in…trouble.”

“Let’s x-ray and see if we’ve got any nerve damage,” said the doctor to a nurse.

“Dean, you tell the doctor and nurses what they need to know. I promise nobody’s going to hurt you. I’ll be right here when you get back, okay?” you said, Dean nodding his head as he relaxed around the people trying to treat him.

“Alright,” he said, giving your hand a squeeze before you were forced to go. “Don’t go too far.”

It took them two days before they released him, a whole slew of nutritional issues not to mention everything they warned you about. Apparently Dean was prone to sudden, potentially violent, outbursts now and your history of abuse didn’t make for a great combination.

It was fine the first night back at home with Sam helping out until you dropped the syrup on the floor after putting some on Dean’s plate.

“What are you a klutz!” shouted Dean, waving his hands everywhere. “You don’t drop things, got it?”

“Dean,” said Sam, watching his brother carefully. “That’s Y/N. She’s not going to hurt you for not making your room spotless.”

“I used to get hurt,” said Dean glaring down at you as you wiped up the little bit that had actually spilled on the floor.

“So did Y/N. You got to let us help you,” said Sam, guilt washing over Dean’s face as he realized he’d snapped.

“I’m as bad as Redge,” said Dean, running a hand over his face before bending down to help clean up, even if you were finished.

“Check?” you asked Dean, his head shaking. “Check?”

“Orange,” he said, glancing at his lap.

“Why are you orange, Dean?” you asked, running a hand over his head, Dean seeming to be most responsive to soft touches like that lately.

“I yelled at you for no reason and what happened with me is no excuse for treating you like that,” he said.

“Okay,” you said, helping Dean sit up again back in his chair. “I want you to try something. Whenever you feel like getting mad, think about if it’s because you’re mad or if because it’s something you used to get in trouble with him for. If you want to get mad because I toss dishes in the sink and forget to put them in the dishwasher, get mad. If you want to get mad because my covers are crooked when I make my bed, maybe you aren’t really mad but you’re tired of being scared so it’s coming out that way instead. So if it’s the later and you’re scared, you just come find me or Sam and give us both a big hug okay?” you said. “We’ll give it right back until you’re not scared anymore.”

“Are you serious?” asked Dean, raising an eyebrow. “I don’t need a…what are you doing.”

“I’m giving you a hug,” you said, bending down and wrapping your arms around him. “You’re scared so it’s hug time.”

“This is a monumentally stupid idea,” said Dean, looking to Sam for help.

“I don’t think so,” said Sam, standing up and walking over to your side of the table. He bent over and gave Dean one too, the older Winchester groaning as he was trapped between the two of you.

“You two are annoying,” said Dean, letting his head lean against yours.

“Check?” you asked, Dean giving you a tiny smile.

“Yellow green,” said Dean, watching neither you or Sam pull away. “I don’t get out of this until I’m green, huh.”

“Now you’re getting it,” you said, kissing the top of his head. After a few minutes of you and Sam straining your backs you heard Dean chuckle that he was green.

“I guess you have a point,” said Dean, Sam ruffling the top of his head as he returned to his seat.

“You gave me lots of hugs when I first started staying with you,” you said to Dean. “Made me feel safe. I get what’s going on in your head, trust me.”

“Some random psychopath kidnapped you and you have no idea why too?” asked Dean, a teasing smile on his face. “I just want to know what he had planned.”

“You want to talk about it?” asked Sam, Dean shaking his head. “You focus on getting back to your old self and let the police figure out the rest. Y/N’ll probably take a crack at it and she’ll figure it out in a few hours I bet.”

“Months of nothing and when I snuck off to get drunk I got lucky Sam,” you said, Dean flinching a little in his seat. “I’m just glad work will get back to normal.”

“How was Redge?” asked Dean, his face looking very much like the old Dean. “Don’t tell me he’s tried anything or I swear…”

“Redge is more indifferent of Y/N than anything at this point,” said Sam. “She may have thought he took you at first. She’s scary when she’s pissed off.”

“I don’t like you near him all day, not after what he did to you,” said Dean. “I thought he was on a different shift than us anyways, only came in because I was sick a while back.”

“They were down an officer and I made sure he knew he was on a short leash,” you said, shoving the last of your dinner in your mouth. “A very short leash.”

“Remember when he was our biggest problem?” asked Dean, running a hand over his torso, his fingers tracing over a spot through his shirt. “Getting shot sucks.”

“Y/N, do you want to clean up and I’ll help Dean with a shower?” asked Sam, Dean’s face a mixture of embarrassment and content. “Oh come on, like I’ve never seen you without pants on.”

“Shower sounds good,” said Dean, parts of him still filthy where he didn’t get a good scrubbing at the hospital. “Then I want to pass out in an adult sized bed again.”

Sam helped Dean up but let him walk on his own, the two of them up in Dean’s bathroom for awhile until you heard the water turn off and Sam shouted for you to come in. Dean was sitting on his bed in a tee and boxers, looking pretty tired but his eyes had a spark back in them.

“How’d we do?” asked Sam, ruffling a towel in Dean’s hair, getting a laugh out of his brother. “We can’t do anything about him being horrendous unfortunately.”

“Oh shut up,” said Dean, pushing Sam away with a smile. It got even bigger when he saw what you were holding, his blanket he’d been using before he was taken.

“Alright, get in,” you said, Dean shifting around so he was under the covers, Sam helping you spread the blanket out over top of him. “Do you need anything…and he fell asleep already.”

“Huh,” said Sam, Dean passed out the second his head hit the pillow. “He wasn’t joking about wanting a real bed again.”

“Should we stay?” you asked, Sam shrugging. “The doc said we shouldn’t coddle him.”

“He was cracking jokes in the shower,” said Sam. “You’re his girlfriend though so I’m sure you can-”

“Sam, we dated for all of four hours before this happened. We’ve never even been on a date,” you said. “You stay. I got to go check out a few things.”

“Y/N, it’s late, where-”

“I want to know what that guy was up to,” you said, walking out. “I’ll be downstairs. I promise I’ll come up in a couple of hours.”

“Y/N, he’s home and safe again. Take the night off,” said Sam, that slightly older brother tone coming out. “You need rest too.”

“You didn’t see him in that basement, Sam, or the mines. I want Dean to know this guy is never coming near him ever again,” you said. “I’ll log on quick and see what the prelim file says. Then I’ll be back, I promise.”

“Fine,” said Sam, taking a seat in a soft chair in the room and kicking his feet up on the bed, shutting his eyes.

“Thanks for everything,” you said, Sam keeping his eyes closed but giving you a smile.

“Family doesn’t have to thank each other,” said Sam, nestling down into his chair. “Don’t work too long.”

“I won’t,” you said, heading downstairs to the office, figuring it’d take you five minutes tops to read over the early report. You were logging in when you heard a car out front and saw the blue and red lights through the window. You growled and stormed to the door before they had a chance to ruin Dean’s sleep. Art and Charlie were giving you careful stares as you squinted at them on the front path. “What do you guys want?”

“Is Dean okay?” asked Art. You looked between them both and then saw another car come up.

“Don’t tell me the guy got loose,” you said, the officers looking at each other before at you. “How hard is it to-”

“Where’s Dean?” asked Art. “Now, Y/N.”

“In bed asleep. Recovering. Don’t you two dare go and wake him up with what’s probably going to be the most restful night’s sleep he’s had in months,” you said, two more officers, one of them Redge coming into view. “Well, let’s have a party in the front yard why don’t we? Not like-”

“Is he alone?” asked Charlie, taking a step forward. You scoffed and he shook his head. “Is he?”

“No, he’s with Sam and-Hey!” you said, watching all four of them rush inside. They only sounded like a freight train going up the stairs like that as you stormed after. “Dean’s fine alright? You can visit in the morning.”

You heard groaning from Dean’s room and wondered how pissed he’d be that Redge was in his house. The sheets were messy and thrown back as you looked around for the source of it but instead saw Sam holding his head in his hands.

“Looks like he got him,” said Charlie, moving with Redge out of the room and down the hall. “Art, new guy, stay with those two.”

“It’s Jimmy. Again,” said the black haired man that was helping Sam sit upright. You flicked on the light and saw the spot of blood on his head.

“Dean, he…ow,” said Sam. You walked over and rubbed on his back, ready to kill whoever it was that let Dean’s creepy stalker take him again.

“House is clear, set up a perimeter in the neighborhood. Art, help outside,” said Charlie as you glanced around.

“How did he even break in?” you asked, only the bathroom window open from the looks of it and there was no way up. “We’re up on the second floor.”

“Y/N,” said Jimmy with a cock of his head. “Dean’s kidnapper is still in custody.”

“Then who-”

“Dean just…” grunted Sam. “He sat up and clocked me way harder than he ever has in his life, grabbed a bag from the closet and sounded like he threw on his shoes and bolted out the window.”

“What…” you said, starting to move for the bathroom but Jimmy catching your arm. “Why would he do that?”

“There’s evidence that Dean wasn’t always in that basement,” said Jimmy.

“What does that mean exactly?” you asked, squinting at him. He sighed and looked away.

“It means that Dean very likely did what he had to in order to survive and at some point, it broke him,” said Jimmy.

“He’s scared and has PTSD, he’s not broken,” you said, shrugging out of his hold.

“The kidnapper had an alias, multiple aliases. Multiple plots of land and a couple other basements, just like that,” said Jimmy. You opened your mouth to argue but Jimmy shook his head. “Dean’s DNA is all over those places, those crime scenes. Three other men, all Dean’s age, some looking like they’ve been there a long time. All three were murdered. By Dean.”

“You’re being insane right now, I mean-”

“Dean kept a journal. We found it in the basement. They had to fight, they had go against each other to live and at a certain point, Dean started hurting them because he liked-”

“Stop. Talking,” you said. Sam looked ready to throw up but this guy didn’t know Dean and he didn’t know you. He was the rookie meant to replace him until Dean got on his feet, a quiet gig where he could probably do the mundane small town crap with his eyes closed. But this guy was a stranger and frankly he was the only cop in town you remotely trusted after everything with Redge. “Officer…”

“James Novak,” he said. “People call me Jimmy.”

“Jimmy, I used to be in an abusive relationship with Redge, you know, a cop? Dean, your ‘murderer’ saved me from it, gave me a home and a friend and a safe place to stay. He would not do those things to those other people. He’d try to save them. Dean is really smart. He would probably make the guy think he likes it to get more freedom and work on getting back at him. When I found him, he wanted to kill the guy. Dean doesn’t-”

“You’re talking in theory. You can’t know-”

“Dean has been alone with Sam and me for the past twelve hours. If he’s so bad, why didn’t he rip us to shreds then?” you asked. “I don’t know what he’s doing but he’s trying to protect us because that’s who he is.”

The officer didn’t say anything but he looked at you and Sam, knowing Dean would have had to give his own brother that hard of a hit in order to have enough time to get away.

“He didn’t do it. Give me a chance to prove it before you write him off too,” you said, Jimmy’s gaze flickering down and back up.

“You have no way to prove his innocence. Even if it was under duress, it still…” he trailed off, moving behind you as he stared at the wall. “Why would Dean have a teddy bear on his dresser?”

You spun around and saw the brown stuff bear on the other side of the room.

“I don’t know, I thought it was supposed to be a present or something,” you said, Jimmy picking it up and practically ripping it in half. “Hey that’s…what the fuck is that?”

“A hidden camera,” said Jimmy, holding up the lens and the wire that was tucked safely behind the dresser and probably into the wall, out of view. “Who put this here?”

“We both just assumed Dean was going to give it to Y/N on a date or something,” said Sam, glancing around.

“Has anyone else been in his house since Dean was taken?” asked Jimmy, glancing around.

“The internet guy, roof repair, the…” you trailed off, looking over at Sam.

“The mold guy,” said Sam, turning to Jimmy. “We were booted out of the house for three days.”

“The house is bugged?” you asked. You sighed and ran a hand through your hair. “It would keep Dean in line, show him we weren’t safe here.”

“It certainly helps but it’s not proof enough that Dean-”

“Then help us get it, Jimmy,” you said. “Please.”

“Running makes him look guilty,” said Jimmy. “But he might have run if he thought you were safer without him.”

“How would we be safer?” you asked, Jimmy shaking his head.

“I don’t know. But something is going on around here and we’re going to get to the bottom of it.”

“Sammy, I miss Dean,” you said, plopping down on the couch after work, throwing your legs over his lap as you stared at the ceiling. “He’s gone from person of interest to don’t be hesitant to use force on him.”

“I want him back too,” said Sam, letting out a sigh. It’d been almost a month since Dean took off and you weren’t all that surprised when his kidnapper was let loose after a failure to gather evidence on him. He played the part of dumb and innocent well, avoiding the alias thing when his lawyer explained that your guy never technically owned the land from those other lots. Sam called bullshit on it but there wasn’t enough there. You’d never technically seen the guy with Dean and your relationship with him left you more liability than help at this point.

“You think Dean’s hiding from him? What if he got ahold of Dean again, no one would have any idea where to look, let alone we’re the only two people that care at this point,” you said. A knock at the open screen door made you sit upright as Jimmy came in with some takeout.

“Glad to know I’m valued so highly around here,” said Jimmy, taking off his shoes and heading for the kitchen.

“Three people care,” said Sam, hopping up as you sat down for dinner. “Anything at all today Jimmy?”

“Not on the Dean front,” he said, giving you a sad smile.

“I know you’re trying when you really don’t have to. We appreciate it Jimmy,” you said, watching him shrug.

“I never even met Dean and I like him more than any of the other people we work with. I do have some other not so great news, chief mentioned after you left,” said Jimmy. You waited for him to continue as he pulled out a few boxes, sliding them over to you and Sam.

“We’re waiting in suspense,” said Sam, Jimmy taking a deep breath.

“Y/N, you’re being…reassigned to patrol 8,” said Jimmy. “Chief is sticking you back-”

“Redge is my partner! Come on. I don’t want to drive around with him all day,” you said, Jimmy sighing.

“I tried to tell chief that it wasn’t a good idea but everyone looks at you all shady now and Redge is the new golden boy since Dean’s been gone. He thinks Redge will figure out if you’re really up to something with Dean,” said Jimmy.

“Thanks for dinner, Jimmy,” you said, grabbing your box and your car keys, both guys grunting from the kitchen. “I want to be alone right now. I’ll be back in a few hours.”

They continued to grumble but let you be. You drove past the edge of town and parked in a field you used to go to when you wanted to get away from Redge. You sat on the hood of your car and pulled out your burger, taking a big bite and wondering if transferring would make you look guilty too.

You finished fast and were positive the guys were talking about you as much as they were Dean tonight. He’d vanished into thin air and you always wondered if he went back to where his kidnapper was from, if there was some reason he would go looking for something else.

You glanced at your phone and it was only seven. If you drove all night you could make it there by the morning and spend the weekend looking for him. Sam told you not to do that more than once though. Last thing you needed was you going missing too.

“Where are you, Dean?” you said quietly after finishing, laying back and closing your eyes.

About three seconds later something hit you hard in the hand and you whacked at whatever bug just stung you. Glancing down there weren’t any bug guts, just a blue paintball splatter. You spun your head around to the right, nothing but tall grass in that direction. Teenagers ran around out here a lot and you wouldn’t be surprised if you took a stray-

“Ow!” you said, waving your hand as it got hit in the same spot twice. “Knock it off!”

When it happened one more time though and your face was scrunched up in pain, you had to wonder what kid had a shot that accurate. You slid off your hood and walked to the right, the shooting seeming to stop now but you heard a rustling that made you jog after. You couldn’t keep up in the dense terrain but there was an obvious path to follow. By the time you got through, the sun was set and you were using your phone for light. There was a run down farm house in front of you, no lights on inside but the door was open.

“Call it in,” you muttered. It very well could have been the kidnapper but if it was Dean, they’d whisk him off to prison and not think twice. “I better not end up in some lifetime movie.”

You grabbed a sturdy looking branch and made your way inside slowly, trash everywhere but a few paint ball pellets leading a path for you down a hall and to a flight of stairs to a basement.

“Not a horror movie, not a horror movie,” you mumbled, taking as silent a step as possibly onto the first step. Halfway down they started to creak and you knew your cover was blown if you had one in the first place. It was dimly lit and you’d only scanned half the area before your makeshift weapon and phone were snatched away from behind, a shove pushing you forward against a wall. You spun around, ready to knee the person but stopped when you saw Dean staring back with a dark hoodie and jeans on.

“You need to stop trying to find me,” he said, tossing the stick to the side, turning off your phone and throwing it on the ground.

“Looks like I did and that was expensive you know,” you said, Dean’s face showing no amusement. “I know you didn’t-”

“You don’t know what I did,” said Dean. “What I can do when I get pushed far enough. This is your warning to stop looking for me and get on with your life.”

“Dean, I’m not scared of you,” you said. He stepped forward so your back was pressed up against the wall, his arms on either side of you as he leaned down.

“You should be,” he said, his face hard and dark.

“They’re forcing me to take Redge as my partner,” you said, Dean’s face holding strong but his eyes flickered for a few seconds, concern darting all over the place. “You can’t fool me, Winchester. You’re not the bad guy.”

“It doesn’t matter if I’m not, Y/N,” he said, leaning back and moving his hood back to run his hand through his hair. “It’s the part I have to play from now on.”

“Why? Let Sam and me and Jimmy help,” you said, Dean raising an eyebrow. “New cop meant to come in to replace you. He doesn’t believe you did that stuff.”

“The guy is out there. He only wants me so I have to stay away from you and Sam so that he leaves you alone,” said Dean.

“He’s not a cop, he can’t-”

“This guy took me as a kid, Y/N. I was too little, way too little to even remember but he had me for a few days. I always thought it was random but I knew dad left something out of the story. I was a cop’s kid and it wasn’t hard to figure out dad screwed somebody over and they wanted to get back at him,” said Dean.

“Why’d he come back Dean? This seems personal but the stuff with your dad is done with, isn’t it?” you asked, Dean shaking his head.

“I’m not telling you,” said Dean. You crossed your arms and he crossed his. “I’m not telling you.”

“Dean, please, give me something,” you said. “I’m trying to prove you’re innocent and it was a set up but-”

“Y/N, just stop. It’ll never happen. I’ll always be on the run. There’s too many things to this. You have to get on with your life. You’ve spent the past half year looking for me and you got to move on,” he said. “Sam too. Tell him to go back home. Maybe you can go with him, get out of this town, find another nice guy. There’s more than one of us out there.”

“I want you,” you said, stepping forward to try and hug him, Dean stepping away. “We never even went on a date.”

“I guess I don’t really have to break up with you then,” said Dean, kicking it the ground. “We never even had a chance to try.”

“Why did you bring me here, to tell me to go away?” you asked. Dean nodded and shrugged.

“Basically. I wanted you to know I was okay and that-”

“You are not okay,” you said, looking him up and down. “You’re more scared than when I found you in that basement. You’re angry and cold and you think this would all be easier if I turned my back on you and let you live the rest of your life in some kind of on the run Hell or in prison. Guess what? I used to be that way until you told me I could never push you away from helping me. You made me furious because you wouldn’t understand that I was a lost cause. You know what? I wasn’t and neither are you. If you don’t tell me what’s going on right now I swear I’ll find a way to force you to tell the truth.”

“This is different, sweetheart,” said Dean, a sliver of warmth in his voice again. “It’s too late and you’re forgetting I made you a promise that’d I’d keep you safe. You have to do what I tell you and forget about me.”

“Make me,” you said. Dean sighed and cocked his head over to the side, a bottle and a rag on top of a shelf. “What is that?”

“I want you to leave now. Tell Sam the house is his if it’s not already in his name. Sell it and get out of this place,” said Dean.

“No. You’re not letting me help you and I can and…” you said, Dean grabbing the rag and tilting the bottle over it for a second.

“You’ll wake up in your car in a few hours,” he said, glancing down. “I wish I could-”

Dean was strong enough to pull the rag away after you’d pressed it against his mouth but the fumes left him weak and it made the rest of the job easy until he was slumped over on the floor.

“What the fuck is going on with you, Dean?” you asked, looking at him like he’d passed out on the couch, so much softer when he wasn’t clenching his jaw at you. You grabbed your phone and thankfully it turned on even if it was cracked. Thirty minutes later Sam and Jimmy were there, throwing a blanket over an out cold Dean in the back of Jimmy’s car.

“Now what do we do?” asked Sam.

“I think we’re going to have to interrogate your brother.”

Dean was not all that happy to wake up and find his wrist cuffed to a chair at the small, out of the way house Jimmy was staying in. The three of you were in the kitchen trying to figure out how to keep Dean safe and get him to open up when he started yelling at the top of his lungs.

“Dean, calm down,” you said, flinging open the door to the back room he was in, Sam and Jimmy right behind you. “No one is-”

“Let me out, now,” he said, trying his best to dislocate his thumb to get it off but you’d made the cuffs too tight on purpose, Dean grunting when he saw it was no use. “I swear-”

“Check?” asked Sam, Dean blinking a few times. “Do you remember check, Dean?”

“I’ll check you into the wall if you don’t let me leave right now,” said Dean, fuming at the both of you, his gaze landing on Jimmy. “You must be the new guy, huh? Do me a favor and cut me loose.”

Jimmy stepped inside and grabbed a chair, placing it across from Dean and taking a seat.

“Oh come on, I-” Dean got out before Jimmy slapped a hand over Dean’s mouth and Dean’s free hand shot up to tug on his wrist. To your surprise, it didn’t move and Dean started to dig his fingers into Jimmy’s flesh hard.

“You’re being very stupid Dean,” said Jimmy. “Or would you remember me better if I told you my name was Cas?”

There was a slight pause on Dean’s part as his eyes looked over Jimmy, dropping his hand away the same time Jimmy moved his.

“You do remember me,” said Jimmy, giving Dean short smile.

“I always thought…” said Dean, smiling a little at him, giving you and Sam both a look. “This is...Cas.”

“So your name isn’t Jimmy Novak?” asked Sam, Jimmy, or better yet Cas, giving a shrug as you took a seat nearby.

“My cover name is. I’m a special agent,” said Cas, turning his attention towards Dean. “I met Dean a long time ago.”

“You were the older boy there,” said Dean quietly, still looking incredulously at the black haired man. “How are you not dead?”

“You really have a hard time remembering those couple of days huh? You were only a little squirt then I suppose,” said Cas, looking over at you and Sam. “My dad used to be your dad’s partner. Only difference was I was old enough to remember getting taken. Dean’s a little fuzzy on the details but I’d expect that.”

For some reason Dean got all kinds of relaxed and stopped trying to find a way out of his chair, perfectly content to sit there now. You went and grabbed a bandage for him to come back and saw the cuff was gone now, Dean avoiding your gaze.

“Can I patch that up?” you asked, the red mark on his wrist bloody in a few spots. He nodded but wouldn’t look, a slight shake to his arm.

“Want to tell these guys what I know Dean? What you remembered when you were taken a few months ago?” asked Cas, Dean holding his hand in his lap when you finished. He was quiet and Cas sighed. “You were more of a fighter as a two year old, come on man.”

“You were an annoying six year old,” said Dean, glancing up at Cas. He found Sam’s gaze before yours, upset with himself some about trying to force you to stay away. “I don’t want Y/N to-”

“This girl has spent so many hours trying to find you, Dean. She gets to know the truth too,” said Cas. Dean looked ready to argue before the fight went out of him and he slumped into his chair.

“There was another boy, older than me. He had a weird name,” said Dean. “Redge.”

“Before you go feeling soft for him, Redge is this nutjob’s son. When he found out Dean of all people was the reason you broke it off with Redge-”

“I broke up with Redge and his psychopath dad does all that to Dean as revenge? Redge plants evidence to incriminate Dean? What are we in, a horror movie?” you asked, throwing up your hands.

“Pretty much,” said Cas with a shrug.

“I need a drink,” you said, heading over for the kitchen, finding a bottle of old bourbon in a cupboard, taking a long sip.

“I knew she’d think this is her fault, I didn’t want to tell her for this exact reason,” said Dean, following Cas into the kitchen, Sam on his tail and stealing the bottle from you and putting it up high where you couldn’t reach.

“It explains how Dean’s DNA got all over crime scenes he never visited, why he was forced to keep a journal, it explains a lot really,” said Sam, sitting up on the counter, keeping an eye on Dean who looked on the verge of bolting. “Hey, I asked you check and you didn’t say anything.”

“What difference does it make how I’m feeling? I’m used to it by now,” said Dean, rolling his eyes. “None of this makes any difference. I’m still royally screwed and he’s still out there and it sounds like Redge is in on it. I can’t do anything so the reunion was great and everything but leave me alone for all our benefits.”

Dean stood up to head for the door but Cas caught him by the hood and shoved him into a seat at the kitchen table.

“Dude, back off or-”

“I’m working a case and until I have solved it and got my guy, you’re going to do exactly what I tell you, all of you will,” said Cas, letting Dean go, pushing on his shoulder when he went to stand. “I wouldn’t let this slide even if it was as simple as a little revenge case but it’s not and we both know it.”

“It’s not?” the three of you asked, Cas running a hand through his hair.

“Oh my god, did you never once look at the files our dads were working on around that time? Investigating a serial killer? Never?” asked Cas. Dean looked like a deer in the headlights, staring up at Cas towering over him. “You’re lucky he likes you better as a pet than a victim or you’d have been killed a long time ago.”

“Cas, go take a walk,” you said, Sam standing to go with him as he saw you were getting ready to make Cas a victim himself. When they were both outside Dean had dropped the hardness and had that sad look on his face again, the one when you drove him away from that basement and to the hospital. “Dean?”

“Cas is right. I am lucky,” said Dean. “Everybody else he kills but I pissed off his son so lucky me got to stick around.”

“You never told me what he did to you,” you said, walking to stand by his side, taking his hand in yours. “You only ever said you got in trouble.”

“I’ll tell you someday, I promise but right now can we not fight? I really don’t want to fight anymore,” he said, voicing barely cracking at the end. You sat next to him and wrapped him into a hug, Dean welcoming it as you wondered when the last time he had any sort of touch at all in his life. “Why didn’t you give up on me?”

“You don’t give up on people you care about,” you said, running a hand over his head. “I always wanted to repay you but I never thought it’d be like this.”

“I would have done with a pie,” said Dean, a tiny chuckle from him doing wonders for your own nerves.

“We’ll figure out some place safe for you while Cas investigates. A place like this maybe where you won’t have to run or worry about getting caught by the cops or our guy,” you said.

“That sounds much better than that tent I’ve been staying in,” said Dean. “Anything sounds much better now.”

“You tried to not let me help. Over and over again,” you said, Dean resting his head in the crook of your neck.

“I know. I barely let you take care of me when I had that cold. This was too much to put on you,” said Dean.

“Me showing up at your door with a duffel bag and begging you to let me crash with you for the night, promising I’d be gone in the morning felt like too much. It always felt like too much when you made me breakfast or brought home surprises for me or complimented me or did a thousand other things. One day I realized I’d never convince you of that. It was so much easier when I let it all go. You’ll let it all go too Dean. You’ll get there,” you said.

He shrugged and took a deep breath. He almost started to relax before he pulled his head up and looked back at the door. You wondered if he wanted Sam when he bolted up and ran for it.

“Dean! What the-” you got out before he stopped and looked at you, rushing back over and taking hold of your hand.

“Don’t leave my side,” said Dean, pulling you along after him and out the door. He glanced around the small clearing before there was nothing but woods and the small dirt path that would eventually lead to the road.

“What’s-” you said before he threw a hand over your mouth, spinning the two of you around, spotting Jimmy’s car and rushing over. He flung open the door and shoved you in over to the passenger side before he started to rip open the dash with his bare hands.

You watched him wide eyed as he pulled on some wires, face smashed against the steering wheel until he got a spark and the engine came on, tugging you back into the driver’s side.

“Get out of here. Get out of town, just get as far away as you can and hide,” said Dean, panting as he pulled your seatbelt on.

“Dean, I don’t-”

“I remember and Cas...Cas was a nice kid. He took care of me. But I don’t remember him ever leaving with me,” said Dean, shaking his head. “Sometimes I swore I heard another set of boots wandering around in that shed too.”

“Dean, Cas has helped us, stood up for you, he’s-”

“Y/N,” you heard Cas say, both your and Dean’s head’s whipping to the front of the car where he was walking around. “Where are you going? We need to figure out a plan.”

“Stay the hell away from her,” said Dean, standing up and slamming your door shut. You weren’t in the car for more than a few more seconds before the lights flickered and went out.

“I always have problems with that freaking battery,” said Cas, rubbing a hand over his face. You climbed out and Dean stood in front of you, Cas cocking his head. “What’s wrong? What’s happening?”

“I know who you are you son of a-”

“I am trying to help you, Dean. Is he having some kind of meltdown?” asked Cas to you. Dean had been overreactive since the moment you saw him, not thinking clearly and assuming the worst scenario would happen every single time. Cas had been calm and collected apart from his small outburst at Dean.

“Where’s Sam?” you asked. Cas practically growled and you took another step behind Dean.

“I have no issue with Y/N,” said Cas. “Hell, she knows what a dick Redge can be first hand. She can go.”

“Where’s Sam, Cas?” asked Dean. Cas shrugged and held up his hands.

“Like I said, Y/N can go and I highly advise you do and forget all about this before you get dragged in. My issue is only with the Winchesters,” said Cas.

“Go,” said Dean, pushing you backwards with one hand. “Now.”

You didn’t argue it and went off down the path, Dean glancing over his shoulder to give you the smallest of smiles, a quiet thank you. You went down the road until you were out of view, going a little further before ducking into the woods and carefully making your way back to the house, Cas now holding a gun in his hands as Dean sat on the hood of the car, his hands cuffed behind his back.

You figured you had a couple options. Sneak up on Cas and get his gun to save Dean. Stay hidden and hope Cas brought Dean to wherever Sam was and sneak them both out later. Or call for backup from your completely un-trustable department and hope whoever showed up didn’t make you another victim.

You didn’t have enough time to think of your fourth one before a hand shot out over your mouth and a cold muzzle pressed against the back of your neck.

“Don’t move.”

The hand around you made you backup slowly, going with them even if you knew it was likely to certain death. You walked with them for a while before they spun you around and led you forward, walking on and on until you were well out of shouting distance of Dean.

“Hands behind your back,” he said, your body only doing so when he pressed the gun harder against your skin. You quickly felt a pair of department issue zipties around your wrists, his hand pushing you down to the ground. You expected a bullet but the gun moved away and he walked in front of you, staring you down. “What the hell are you involved in, Y/N?”

“Redge, if you’re going to kill me just do it,” you said, his gun staying by his side a good sign you told yourself. “If you’re not going to do that then what-”

“Saving your ass. Cas plays games. Letting the girl go is one of his favorites. Two months from now when Dean hasn’t broken yet, he’ll pull you out of whatever hole your in and kill you in front of him, then threaten the same with Sam if he doesn’t get with the program. I don’t know where Cas put him. You’ll thank me when you’re still alive,” said Redge, fiddling around in his backpack, grabbing you by the arm and walking again.

“Redge what the fuck are you-” you got out before he slapped a hand over your mouth, a piece of duct tape over it.

“Shut up until I can explain,” he said, dragging you along until you came to the edge of the road, Redge shoving you in the backseat of his car and driving away, back towards town. You kicked his seat and he growled, getting louder when you didn’t stop. Eventually he pulled into his garage of your old home, shutting the door and taking you out, pushing you down on the couch as he made sure all the blinds were shut. When he ripped the duct tape off fast you nearly bit his hand off but his hands in tight fists made you think twice.

“Explain before I kick your ass for kidnapping a cop,” you said, Redge’s eyes rolling hard. He sat down on the ottoman and leered at you, cocking his head. “What?”

“If you had just stayed with me, none of his would have happened. Sam and Dean would be fine. You’d be fine. It would be okay, you know that?” he asked.

“You used to hurt me and that wasn’t okay, Redge,” you spat out. “Stop talking out of your ass and pretend for two seconds you’re not a piece of crap and maybe I’ll not ruin your life for stopping me from saving my guys.”

“You can’t save them. It’s too late. Grab your stuff and go,” said Redge. “Cas’ll give up trying to catch you pretty fast. He knows you won’t say anything.”

“Why wouldn’t I? He’s only…oh, I don’t know a complete and total liar,” you said, your shoulders starting to ache. “Would you cut me loose? You’re not exactly screaming trustworthy right now.”

“You’re the one being investigated by internal affairs, Y/N. For all I know, you’re another one of dad’s star students,” said Redge. You cocked your head and Redge took a deep breath. “Six months of your record is missing when you were twenty. Why?”

“I was in school which you’d know if you ever listened to me. I did study abroad but you wouldn’t know anything about that considering you tuned out everything I said unless it was yes sir,” you said, Redge looking you over. “What do you mean students?”

“I’m a saint compared to dad. He really just…gets the urge to kill people and does it I guess. I never saw it but I mean, he slipped it into asking about how school was and all that,” said Redge.

“You never told anyone anything? Never another adult or-”

“One day, when I was five, I came home and there were these two boys in the basement. Dad told me to play with them, take care of them, keep them under control. He said I’d get a big reward if I did. It wasn’t hard with the little boy, Dean, but the older one was bigger than me and he shoved me around so I shoved back. I thought we were playing like at recess or something. That’s all I did was play with them. After a couple days, the little boy went away but that other one…he didn’t. I got a new brother I was told,” said Redge.

“Cas,” you said, Redge nodding his head. “Oh, why didn’t you say something Redge?”

“Because I’m not a good guy. You know that,” said Redge, looking you up and down, all too aware that you were still restrained. “The more Cas gave in, the more I liked it until a couple months later and we were in a new town and Jimmy was my older brother at school. The longer he stayed with us, the more he got to be like dad until eventually Jimmy was the one going into the family business. Sometimes I wish dad hadn’t kept him. It sounds bad but Jimmy, Cas I guess…he’s ruthless and cunning. Dad was always happy with the quick and dirty but Jimmy likes the slow burn,” said Redge, his face dropping as he thought of something.

“Redge, work with me. It doesn’t sound like you guys are on the best terms,” you said, Redge laughing at you and crossing his arms.

“He’s worse than me, worse than dad, but that don’t make me the golden boy,” said Redge. “Cas has his toys to play with. I only ever wanted you back and here you are. You can be safe here from him, safe from dad too. I’ll be better this time.”

“Are you asking me to stay or telling me I am,” you said, Redge’s gaze on the floor in front of him. His hesitancy made you braver and you tapped his leg with your foot. “Redge.”

He stood up and went to the kitchen, grabbing a knife as you swallowed hard. He put on a hand on your arm and spun you around, cutting through the zip tie and picking up the pieces, tossing them in the trash on the way back to the kitchen. He pulled a bottle of water out of the fridge and handed it to you, taking a seat back down.

“You were my first long term girlfriend. The first time I ever lived with someone else. That control was something I lived with for years, it’s what I thought love was and how to get respect and all that. As much as I want you back, I know I’m not good. Dean’s always been the guy for you and I took you because he was too shy at first, even if I knew he wanted you. You’re not mine but you got to stay away from Cas. He’s going to call my dad and they’re going to go to town on him, Y/N,” said Redge. “Sam too. You just got to move on.”

“I’m being investigated because of my relationship with Dean, right? They think I potentially knew he committed those crimes or set all this up?” you asked, Redge nodding his head. “Go with me to the station and vouch for me. Tell them all that. Tell them the truth and help me save them. Sam is a civilian, Dean is another cop and you’ve got some penance to serve, Redge,” you said.

“It’s my family. My literal psycho murdering family,” he said. “I go against them-”

“Your family is hurting my family. Family has your back and all that but yours is built on fear and pain, not love. That’s not a real family. Your family would hurt you for trying to stop them. Dean and Sam, I’m sure I’ll get an earful from them but I’ll get a crap ton of hugs too. Give me a shot, please,” you said, Redge sighing heavily.

“Y/N, odds are we’ll never find them,” said Redge, a tiny smile on your face. “But we could try.”

Two Months Later

Redge hadn’t checked in with the station in a few days and the looks you were starting to get made you nervous. Sam had vanished but Cas…Cas showed up for work the next day a few months back like nothing more had gone on that night than having an easy dinner and watching some TV. Redge stayed quiet when he saw Cas back, never saying a word to anyone about all he’d told you. You didn’t know who or what to believe anymore. The investigation on you was proving nothing you figured but you knew they believed you were the one who took Sam and was involved with all the rest.

“Hey,” said Cas, knocking on your desk as you looked into the old files on Redge’s dad. “You’re riding with me today.”

“Shocking,” you said, grabbing your winter coat, hoping wherever the boys were they weren’t freezing to death. You’d kept your distance from Cas since that night, occasionally trying to track him but Cas always one step ahead of you, no thanks to help from Redge you guessed.

“Coffee run?” Cas asked when you climbed in the passenger side of his cruiser, shaking your head. “This doesn’t have to be as bad as you make it out to be. I’ll buy.”

“A cup of coffee? Well I guess we can be besties forever now, huh,” you said, Cas pulling out of the lot for your four hour patrol around town.

“I let you go. Someone in my line of work doesn’t really do that,” said Cas, looking over at you. “You’re a good cop. Once the investigation clears up, maybe you’ll think about moving on to a bigger town, work some bigger cases than the run of the mill crap we do all day.”

“Do you have a point at all? Otherwise you can shut it for the rest of today,” you said, crossing your arms, wishing you’d get a call to give you something else to think about.

“Playing nice with me makes life easier for them,” said Cas. “Perk up. You’re prettier when you smile.”

“Whatever you say boss.”

Three Days Later

You were at a motel room in a random town that only took cash. You used a rented car to take to “borrow” another one, promising yourself you’d return it to the owner before they got back from their vacation. You left your phone behind and your computer, no credit cards, anything Cas could use to figure out where you were. When it was almost two thirty in the morning, you slipped out of your room and walked down a few blocks, hood up as you scanned the alleys for the one you were looking for.

Right on the dot, you saw a man leaning against the brick wall of one, his head curling towards yours when he must have noticed your gazing. He gave a tiny nod you returned and he waved you down.

“You’re less intimidating than I expected,” said the playful voice, standing up straight, his height rivaling Sam’s almost.

“Nick,” you said, pulling your hood down, the man doing the same. He was a bit older than Cas, around ten years maybe but even in the dim alley, you could see the familiarity. “I know where your baby brother is.”

“See, you kept saying that on the phone but Cas is dead. I haven’t seen him since he went to go play in the yard. It’s been over thirty years, kid. If you found his body, that’s great but I made my peace with what happened a long-”

“Look,” you said, shoving a hand into your pocket and pulling out the picture of Cas in uniform, Nick’s face going blank. “He’s alive.”

“He’s okay. Little guy became a cop,” said Nick, not exactly a smile on his face but as close as you were going to get for a harsh guy like him. “Why didn’t he…what…why did you find me, have us meet like this?”

“You’re a criminal and I’m so far in this thing I’ll work with bad guys to stop even worse ones,” you said. Nick handed the picture back before you shook your head that he could have it.

“You’re a cop,” he said. “Internal affairs, some law and order crap like that?”

“Your brother took two people very important to me. I will explain everything I can to you but I’ll be upfront about this. You’re not getting the happy ending with your brother you want. It’s not going to happen,” you said, Nick looking over your head.

“Inside,” he said, pushing open a back door to the bar you were outside of. “You look like you need a drink.”

Nick quietly sipped on his beer as you told him everything you knew. When you’d finished, you didn’t get any denial or shock or any of the other reactions you were expecting. Just a small chuckle that made you wonder if you’d only added one more crazy person in all this.

“To think I was the bad son,” said Nick. “Dad and his stupid pride, wouldn’t do something bad to save his own kid.”

“I read through the old files of Chuck’s, the ones in the storage shed in Toledo,” you said, Nick’s head popping up. “I’ve broken a few laws trying to get my boys back, I’m not a saint either. But your dad tried to get Cas back. It was one or the other and Dean was younger so-”

“So Cas got the shaft. Wow, way to go dad,” said Nick, standing and grabbing a bottle of some hard liquor, pouring it straight into his empty glass, enough to knock out a horse if he finished it all.

“He tried after that and that’s why he got killed. This guy Chuck and John Winchester were investigating is bad news. Ruthless and he made Cas just like him,” you said, Nick seeming unfazed.

“This is my problem how?” he asked, taking a long drag, scrunching his face up at the burn of it. “You’re the cop, that’s your job to fix crap like this.”

“You were supposed to watch him and you let your kid brother go play outside by himself when you were told to not let him out of your sight. How’s that for your problem?” you spat back, Nick’s face going cold, downright scary.

“You sure you aren’t the bad one? You sure know how to rip open old wounds,” he said, taking another swallow.

“This was a waste of time,” you said, standing up, heading for the back door until Nick’s hand caught your arm.

“You said this guy Redge, that you breaking up with him is what started all of this, right?” asked Nick. You felt his hand get loose and you moved it away, looking down at Nick in the booth.

“It got Dean involved and it made Redge’s dad go after him again and it brought all of this up so yeah, it’s pretty much all my fault,” you said.

“If I’d watched Cas like I was supposed to, Cas wouldn’t have gone that route and maybe that Redge guy would have turned out different and maybe a lot of things would be different so if it’s anyone’s fault, it’s mine,” he said.

“You don’t know that,” you said.

“You don’t know that you and Redge had anything to do with Dean. They all knew each other before you came along. This could have been in the making long before you showed up,” said Nick.

“If you say you’re going to help, are you going to turn around the next day and pretend that didn’t happen? I’m running out of people to turn to, Nick,” you said.

“I think I should have a talk with my brother. On one condition,” he said, your head dropping.

“I can’t promise any clearing of your record or any of that. I’m on the outs. I can’t even promise you’ll live through this,” you said.

“One condition,” said Nick, standing up. “We’re going to need backup and I know the guys for the job.”

“Nick, this-”

“Kid, I wasn’t asking. You want to find Dean and Sam? Trust me.”

On Monday morning the chief called you into his office to tell you Cas was your new partner, Redge back at work as you figured he didn’t turn up anything concrete, not that he was ever really investigating you. You were stopped at the diner for lunch with Cas a few days later, silently eating together when Cas kicked you under the table.

“What?” you asked, mouth full of salad, Cas giving you a hard glare. “Don’t tell me the place is getting robbed,” you said, spinning in your seat to see nothing going on.

“What is that?” he asked, pointing outside at a man outside playing on his phone.

“A guy on his phone?” you asked, not sure what was going on with him. Cas studied your face and relaxed. “What?”

“Nothing. You’re not arguing with me as much lately. I was suspicious,” said Cas.

“Well you said it yourself. I’m free and alive. I need to start looking out for myself,” you said, Cas raising an eyebrow. “I’m smart enough to admit defeat. I need to move on, get out of this town and forget this all ever happened right? Let you have your…extra curricular activities.”

“You’re giving up just like that,” said Cas. You shrugged, playing around with your fork.

“I never even went on a date with the guy. I’m loyal but I’m not a dumbass,” you said. “Maybe I’ll go somewhere warmer, where it doesn’t snow in the winter.”

“Oh you’re cruel. You ever want a date, give me a call,” said Cas with a wink.

“I do have a slight favor to ask,” you said, Cas’ smile falling away. “A letter of recommendation would help with a transfer considering everything I went through. I’m not sure they’ll take me with that on my record if I don’t have someone to-”

“Yeah, that’s not a problem,” said Cas, easing up again. “I’ll make you sound good and all that.”

“Thanks,” you said, Cas going back to his sandwich until you were climbing in the cruiser, back on your patrol for the second half of your shift.

“You’re really giving up on them. They’ve been so adamant that you’d stay away and do what asked. I guess you’re finally getting with the program huh?” asked Cas.

“I have one other favor to ask,” you said, turning to Cas. “You and your family stay away from me, they don’t come after me. I don’t want to look over my shoulder the rest of my life.”

“Yeah, that’s not a problem,” said Cas. “You’ve kept your mouth shut and been good. You’ll keep it shut too. No one will bother you.”

“Alright then,” you said, holding out a hand, Cas shaking it with an amused look on his face. “I’ll start looking for new positions tonight.”

It was nearly three in the morning when you got a call on your burner phone from Nick.

“Did Gabe get it?” you asked.

“Oh, he got more than that alright,” said Nick. “Somebody wants to say hi.”

“Hey Y/N,” a tired Sam said on the other end. “You working with a bunch of convicts now?”

“Well I sit next to a serial killer at work. Thievery isn’t so bad compared to that,” you said, hearing a tiny laugh from Sam. He sounded in good spirits but you could only imagine how wrecked he was. “Are you okay?”

“Oh it’s like Christmas morning,” he said with a chuckle. “It’s not Christmas is it?”

“Not for a few more weeks,” you said, sitting up with a big smile on your face. “We got to go pick out a tree.”

“Yeah, we’ll get right on that,” said Sam. “You got Dean back yet?”

“No, we agreed getting at least one of you out was worth the risk,” you said, standing and heading over to your closet to get dressed.

“I haven’t seen him since I saw you last. I don’t know where-”

“It’s okay Sammy. Nick’s brothers are going to stay with you and make sure you get to a hospital and get better,” you said, pulling out some clothes and tossing them on fast.

“I’m honestly okay. Cas never did anything so I assumed Dean’s been playing along. What are you going to do?” asked Sam.

“I’m going to Cas’ house. He’s going to want a new way of keeping Dean in line,” you said.

“Y/N, you can’t-”

“Nick, you know where to meet me. Let’s go have a chat with your little brother.”

“Nick, you ready?” you asked, stepping out of the car parked around the bend, just out of view from Cas’ house. Nick looked down the dirt path, giving you a nod. “Want to give me a heads up of what you’re planning on saying?”

“I’ll let you know when I figure that out myself,” he said, taking a step forward. “You sure you want to come with me?”

“You need the backup,” you said, pulling out your gun. Nick just nodded and went around to the front door as you went to the back. He knocked like he was dropping off a pizza and you took a deep breath. You heard the front door open and slipped in the back, quietly coming through the hall as you saw Cas take a step back and another. Nick landed a punch square to his face and had him restrained fast as you had to fight the urge to rip his head off. “What happened to talking?”

“He kind of deserves it, don’t you think?” asked Nick as you rolled your eyes. Cas grunted as Nick rolled him up, shutting the door as you saw just how off guard he was. “Cas.”

“Nick?” asked Cas, looking his older brother up and down. “Wh-What...”

“What is wrong with you shortie?” asked Nick, Cas’ face softening at the nickname. “What is going on in that head of yours?”

“Whatever she told you, it’s a lie, it’s all-”

“Cut the crap,” said Nick, Cas dropping his head down to the floor. “You got taller.”

“So did you,” said Cas quietly, turning his attention to you, the softness falling away. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done? What you just put on my family?”

“Sorry but your dad and Redge aren’t exactly-”

“Not those psychos. Nick and Gabe and Michael. Do you know what you just dragged them into? What I’ve been keeping them safe from for years?” asked Cas, his eyes shooting daggers but flickering with fear for the first time too. “They’re going to go after them finally. After everything I put up with, it’s gone because of you.”

Nick scrunched up his face and raised an eyebrow, probably thinking Cas was nuts.

“Cas,” you said, holding your gun in your hands. “We found Sam. He didn’t exactly sound like someone who’s had a rough go of it lately.”

“Sam played the part he needed to. Dean’s been doing his part too I suppose. I may have exaggerated things a bit,” said Cas, glancing down.

“Exaggerated how?” you asked, your eyes going wide when you saw the chief come in through the front door.

“Stand down officer Y/L/N,” said the chief, your gaze going to Nick who looked like he would try to take him on if you asked. “Stand down.”

“Crowley, I don’t exactly trust-”

“Cas you’re authorized to disclose your case,” said Crowley, Cas breathing a sigh of relief.

“Not like she was only about two seconds away from shooting me, asshole,” said Cas, giving Crowley a hard look before softening his gaze towards you and Nick. “I’m very deep undercover. Very, very, very deep undercover.”

“It all makes perfect sense now!” you said, squinting at him, Crowley rolling his eyes. “You want to explain, get going.”

“The easy version? I got taken as a kid and raised by a not so nice guy and Redge. I figured out how to play along, gain their trust. By the time I was old enough, got more freedom, it was just Nick and my brothers left and there was always this unspoken threat in the air that I couldn’t go back to them. I stayed away and became a cop, try to figure out a way to bring him down and Redge. I was approached at the academy about undercover work. They knew who I really was and who my fake dad was and that I could go under and gather evidence against a guy they’d been tracking for twenty years but couldn’t prove a damn thing about,” said Cas. “I couldn’t hop on board that train fast enough.”

“Wait so you never…” you asked, Cas shaking his head.

“Redge did. I was always going to be his fall guy if it ever came to it so I was told to keep my mouth shut. I’ve made it harder over the years but when you got with Redge and then you two stopped, those two wanted to rip Dean apart. I convinced them to go a different route, screw with you both in a less violent way. It worked and they started to get sloppy for the first time. They actually believed that I’d finally come around to their way of thinking. The evidence we have now though is huge and more than enough to put them both away,” said Cas.

“Awesome, then what’s with the continued charade?” asked Nick, cocking his head.

“We don’t know where Dean is,” said Crowley. You looked at Cas who shook his head.

“Redge called my dad after he found you in the woods,” said Cas, Nick giving him a glare. “Fake dad. Cut me a little slack, I’ve been dealing with this stuff since I was six.”

“Keep going,” you said, throwing Nick a glance to cool it.

“Fake dad showed up and took Dean, not too long after I had a chance to explain myself to him. I don’t know if Dean every truly believed me but I told him I’d keep you and Sam safe until I could get him too,” said Cas. “We just need to find him.”

“Would Redge know?” you asked, looking at the chief who was shaking his head. “I’ll go be bait if I have to. We’re getting Dean back if it’s the last thing I ever do.”

“The guy’s been around the Montana area, sticking to a fifty mile area. Dean’s likely somewhere in there,” said Crowley. “It’s too big of a search area though.”

“When Redge took those few days off earlier in the week, where’d he go?” you asked.

“Montana,” said Crowley. “You think he went to go pay Dean a visit?”

“Check his phone records and we’ll find out.”

The property you were searching was huge and the local police department was even smaller than your own, just four of you out there trying to search 100 acres while you knew your guy was the next town over.

“Y/L/N, sun’s going down and snow’s heading in. We need to call it a night,” said another officer over the radio.

“I’ve got a flashlight and gloves. I’m good,” you said, flicking your light on and continuing your search.

“One more hour, then we need to head in,” said the officer. You clicked off your radio and continued your search, finding a big farmhouse that was a nice break from the cold wind on your face, your cheeks and nose hurting from the icy air. You kicked around the straw on the floor, finding only solid dirt beneath it, taking a short breather behind a bale of hay. It was warmer there and you took a deep breath, glancing around to see a pipe sweating nearby. You hopped up, nothing at all seeming to require heat in the open barn unless of course there was someone living under it. You started kicking the straw again, spending most of your hour picking through every inch of the space.

You yelled when you found nothing, kicking at a bale of hay. You huffed and figure you’d start looking around outside when you spun back around.

“Wait,” you said to yourself, looking around the whole barn, noticing there was only the one bale in the whole place. You bent down and shoved with your shoulder, digging into the ground to get it to budge a little before it slid away. The small cellar door made you smile as you flung it open and hopped down, shooting at a locked door and opening it to find a tiny room warm.

The man on the cot rolled over and wiped at his eyes, yawning as he did so. He blinked the green orbs awake, sitting up fast when he saw you.

“We got to stop meeting like this,” you said, Dean leaning back against the wall in relief. “You’re not going to go all Rambo on me again, are you?”

“You look really cute with a pink nose,” said Dean, waving you over. You bent down to try and cut through his tether again but this one was made of steel cable and you didn’t exactly bring bolt cutters with you. “Try my foot.”

“I’m not cutting your foot off,” you said, Dean rolling his eyes. He put his foot up on the cot and pulled up his pant leg to show the metal cuff on it.

“I meant try picking the lock,” said Dean. “Unless you found the keys.”

“Yeah, right outside the door, didn’t you know?” you joked, the sound of the cellar door slamming shut making your smile fall.

“Tell me that was the wind,” said Dean. You took off back the way you came, going through the door and up the few steps before you pushed on the door. It didn’t budge much and you knew it wasn’t that heavy. You pushed again and again, dropping down and hoping when Dean was free he might have better luck.

“I think it’s just stuck,” you said.

“I don’t think we’re that lucky,” said Dean. “Do you have anything to eat in your bag?”

“Yeah,” you said, slipping it off and digging through to find a few protein bars, Dean barely getting the wrapper off before devouring one. “Hungry?”

“Starving,” he said, halfway through another before he forced himself to stop. “We should save these.”

“It was just the wind Dean. A big storm is coming through,” you said, riffling around in your bag for something to try and get him loose. You took off your hat and shoved it on his head, throwing your scarf on him too.

“How cold out is it exactly? This is Kansas not-”

“We’re not in Kansas anymore,” you said, Dean giving you a bitch face. “Well we’re not, Todo.”

“Awesome,” said Dean as you ran a hand over your head, finding a bobby pin in there. You pulled it out and twisted it, shoving it in the lock and a few moments later, watching it release Dean’s leg.

He sighed when it fell off and he removed the rag he’d shoved there to cushion it, stretching it out as you twisted your bobby pin back in place.

“Let’s work on that door,” said Dean. He stood up with your help but he seemed healthy for the most part and definitely happier than when you’d rescued him the first time. You both had to shove hard but the door flung open eventually, a big gust of wind blowing through the open space that had Dean ducking back down. You gave him your bag with some boots and gloves, Dean throwing his hood up but still cold in his thin hoodie and a pair of jeans.

“Let’s get you home Dean.”

“Alright,” you said, throwing a blanket over Sam on the couch the next day, Dean already bundled up in his own as they both gave you shy smiles. “You’re both fed, Dean got cleared by the hospital, you’re in your warmest pajamas and tucked in. What else do you guys need?”

“You to sit down and take a break, sweetheart,” said Dean, patting the spot between him and Sam. You gladly sat, feeling them share their blankets with you as a holiday movie played quietly on TV in the background.

“Longest year ever,” you said, both of them laughing a little. The doorbell rang and you hopped up, knowing the department wanted to give you all a proper apology but that it could wait for the morning.

“Hi,” said Cas when you opened it, holding a box under his arm, looking down. “Can I come in?”

“Can you look at me?” you asked, Cas slow to lift his head. “You ever hear of a little thing the Winchesters have called ‘Check’?”

He shook his head and you smiled.

“You will,” you said, opening the door for him, his face red from the cold. “Guys, you mind if you have a quick visitor?”

“Cas, our guardian angel,” joked Dean, Cas looking away nervously.

“Dude, relax. You’ve risked a lot to keep us safe,” said Sam. “We’re good with you.”

“Y/N is in need of an apology,” said Dean, not too happy with the way he spoke to you, even if it was to keep up appearances with Redge. “Later though. What’d you bring us?”

“It’s from my brothers and me,” said Cas, putting the box down between them. “For helping bring us together again.”

Sam and Dean shrugged and opened the box up, both of them reaching inside and holding up a leather jacket.

“I guess your dad gave it to our’s once and it got tucked away in storage. It has sentimental value Nick said. John gave it to him as a way of saying our families always have each other’s backs or something like that,” said Cas, rubbing the back of his head.

“You guys want to hang out this weekend?” asked Dean, Sam giving Cas a smile. “Our dad’s were best friends. I think it’s about time the kids were too.”

“Is that okay, Y/N?” asked Cas, the boys looking back over the couch at you. “You’re the one that’s seen everyone go all…”

“I think a big family dinner would be nice,” you said.

A few days later you were sitting on the couch with Dean slouching into your side, talking to Nick and Michael about which Zeppelin album was better, Sam and Gabe and Cas trying to figure out who had the worst pick up line. You didn’t realize you’d fallen asleep until Dean was carrying you upstairs, the guys telling you goodnight as they threw on their coats.

“Didn’t mean to ruin the party,” you said, Dean pausing outside your room before going down to his and putting you on the mattress there.

“It’s your turn to get some overdue rest, Y/N,” said Dean, shutting the door and kicking off his pants, climbing into bed beside you.

“You don’t have to go to bed if you don’t want,” you said, Dean chuckling to himself.

“We’ll see the guys tomorrow. It’s getting late anyways,” said Dean, pulling you in close. “You’re so warm. I’ve wanted to do this forever.”

“Me too,” you said. “You know Nick and Gabe and Michael…they’ve got records,” you said.

“Used to have records. They’ve been expunged thanks to helping catch two serial killers. With Cas back and a family of cops around, I’m pretty sure they’ll get on the straight and narrow soon,” said Dean. “Wouldn’t want to have to arrest our new friends.”

“How are you feeling? After everything I mean. You’ve spent only a handful of nights in this bed over the past ten months,” you said. Dean hummed and you rolled on your side to face him, running a hand through his hair. “You’re not so bad this time.”

“I kind of distracted myself through most of it,” said Dean. “I don’t think anyone’s ever had as much time as me to come up with the perfect first date.”

“I’d rather just stay home with you on the couch and never let you out of my sight if that’s okay with you,” you said, giving him a tired smile.

“You came up Netflix and a pizza too?” he teased, shifting his head closer.

“Check?” you asked, Dean closing his eyes as he tilted his head and gave you a short kiss.

“Green sweetheart,” said Dean, fluttering his eyes open when he moved back. “How about you?”

“I think I’m okay again too,” you said, snuggling into his chest. “This is the weirdest relationship I’ve ever been in.”

“Considering your last boyfriend was a serial killer, I’m not sure how to take that,” he said, chuckle as you gave him a pout. “I really do have to ask though…why’d you never stop trying to save me?”

“You’re my best friend. Maybe we haven’t gotten into the couple stuff yet but you’re my best friend and I love you and you owe me at least two back massages for everything I’ve done,” you said, Dean giving you a big laugh you felt in your chest before he was kissing you again.

“That can be arranged,” he said, closing his eyes. “Thank you for everything sweetheart.”

“Goodnight Dean.”

"Morning,” you said, turning to curl into Dean, your eyes blinking open when you saw him gone. You hopped out of bed and found him staring at the back door in the kitchen, the sun just coming up. “You okay?” you asked, reaching up to ruffle his hair.

“Yeah,” he said, reaching for your hand to hold in his. “Sorry if I woke you up.”

“You’re good,” you said, bumping into his arm. “We can go outside if you want.”

“It’s cold out,” he said.

“You have winter clothes,” you said, Dean nodding to himself like he’d forgotten that. “Do you have anything you want to do today?”

Dean shrugged, just looking outside at the snow covered yard. You bumped him again and he looked down, catching your smile.

“When Sam gets up we’ll head into town and grab breakfast. I got a surprise for you,” you said, Dean tilting his head. “It’s a good surprise.”

It was nearly dinner time by the time you three got back, Dean giving Baby a pat and smile at getting to driver her again.

“I can’t believe you convinced us to go sledding,” said Sam, sipping on his leftover hot chocolate. “In Kansas too. How’d you find that place?”

“A super secret place called google,” you said, Sam grabbing a snowball from the front yard and tossing it at you as he went inside to warm up. Dean was smiling as he stood by Baby, his cheeks red from spending most of the day outside. “You have fun today?”

“Yeah,” said Dean, wrapping you up in his arms and holding on tight. “I needed that.”

“I know. Want to go watch a Christmas movie and warm up?” you asked.

“Die Hard?” he asked. You rolled your eyes but shook your head. “What do you want to do for dinner?”

“Speak of the devil,” you said, spotting Cas pull up in his car, his brothers popping out with a few bags. “The boys brought barbecue.”

“Ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken, corn bread, mashed potatoes and a whole bunch of other artery clogging goodies...everything a recovering boy needs,” said Gabe, patting Dean on the back as they got the food inside before the cold got to it.

“We’ll have a quiet day tomorrow if you want. You just looked like you needed some fun today,” you said.

“I did. I still do but with you watching my back I’m going to turn out just fine,” he said, leaning down to give you a kiss. “You know I always had the biggest crush on you, from the second we met actually.”

“I thought you were cute in your little uniform and jeans. I wished you’d been my partner from the start,” you said.

“I’m your partner now,” he said, giving you another fast kiss. “In more than one area of your life.”

“You’re much cuddlier than I remember,” you said. “Not that I’m complaining.”

“Well see this cute girl told me if I got scared I should get a hug and she’d make me feel better. She’s pretty smart,” said Dean, still holding on tight.

“You remember that?” you asked, Dean humming. “Do you want to go get some warm food in you?”

“Yeah,” said Dean, not moving an inch. He waited a few more seconds, looking up as the sun was setting and fresh snow was coming down. “Alright, let’s go have family dinner.”

“I think we should do it once a week, get everyone together,” you said, Dean smiling wide. “You like the sound of that?”

“Having a big family of full of misfit cops and lawyers and thieves sounds perfect, sweetheart.”

_______

#spn #supernatural #dean x reader #dean winchester #dean winchester x reader #dean x you #spn fanfic #supernatural fanfiction #cop!dean x reader

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ros3ybabe · 7 months

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Daily Check-in: October 11th, 2023 🎀

So I was wat more productive then I had thought i would be given the exhaustion I felt from jet lag. I am proud of what I got done! However, I only slept about 2 hours, and it was broken sleep at that so I am not exactly feeling top of my game at the moment. We'll see what my energy allows me to complete today.

🩷 What I Ate, Oct 11th -

Brunch/Lunch - Spaghetti with meat sauce and ground turkey, topped with grated parmesean

Dinner - Turkey & Roast Beef bagel sandwich with avocado, 1 slice muenster cheese, 1 slice cheddar cheese, and a small side of potato chips.

Snack - a half bowl of spaghetti with ground turkey and meat sauce

Extra - 4 cups of coffee, each with one sweet n low and a splash of French vanilla creamer

I actually cooked which is odd for me as I typically don't have energy. My goal for today is to cook a batch of ground beef for taco bowls!

🩷 Personal Achivements, Oct 11th -

Washed bed sheets + pillowcases

Did the dishes

Maintained Duolingo streak (1 lesson)

Maintained Busuu streak (3 lessons)

Video called with my boyfriend twice

Made a shopping list for langaueh tracker/bullet journal (purchased at 1am because Amazon prime big deals were ending and I wanted to save some money)

Made a schedule/routine for working out next week

Cooked myself a real meal

Swept kitchen and disinfected/wiped down counters in kitchen

showered + morning skincare

🩷 Academic Achievements, Oct 11th -

Completed and submitted lifecycle nutrition chart

submitted and passed lab 7 anatomy pre lab

submitted discussion post + replies for nutr discussion 3

I feel quite proud of yesterday! Let's hope today I can tackle some more stuff on my todo list!

🩷 Personal ToDo, Oct 12th -

cook ground beef for taco bowls (leftovers!!)

wash dirty laundry

put away all clean laundry

therapy appointment

video call boyfriend

morning + night skincare

morning + night journal (?)

do 2 duolingo lessons

do 2 busuu lessons

complete/continue genki I lesson one

type up draft for upcoming blog post(s?)

🩷 Academic ToDo, Oct 12th -

Chapter 9 Notes Psyc

Quiz Chapter 9 Psyc

Culinary chapter 10 Quiz

Consumer Debt Inventiry assignment

Using Credit personal finance assignment

I've put a lot on my to-do list for today, but if I can even get a third of each list done, I will still be very proud of myself. Productivity should not come at the cost of my own well-being. Maybe I'll take a nap today? My boyfriend thinks it's a good idea, but I'm not a big fan of naps regardless of the situation. We shall see.

I took complete advantage of the prime big deals on Amazon and ordered some new workout clothes, some hair accessories, a set of silk pillowcases, and supplies for my bullet journal language tracker/planner. I even bought this cute little journal that's made specifically for fitness and health tracking, as a little side thing of mine to help keep me going! It comes with stickers and already set up pages, so hopefully, it proves to be useful!

I may or may not have made an Ulta order for some makeup using my afterpay account as well, because as it gets colder outside I'm starting to want to wear makeup for fun again. I'm not typically drawn to full beat looks but in the winter I love going all out with my makeup looks, whether I'm doing a more grunge goth emo look or a soft coquette girly look and everything in between. I love makeup as a form of self expression!

May or may not buy some more skincare as well, I'm just trying to decrease the amount of stuff in my skincare cart on the shopping app but it's so hard choosing what to get now and what to wait on!! I'm super indecisive too so that intensified the struggle.

Thats all for today! I'll make sure to update you lovelies tonight/tomorrow!

til next time, lovelies 🩷

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mymoodwriting · 2 years

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Request for Anon (Yandere Alien Jungwoo) 4.5k, yandere, smut, sex dreams, fingering, blow job, hand job, restraints, penetration, double penetration, tentacles, aphrodisiac, drugs, breeding kink

“I’m so glad you’re here.”

It had taken Jungwoo months of nagging to get you to finally move in with him. He felt it was appropriate after you had crossed that six months mark, especially as everything had been so perfect so far. He had certainly worn you down until you finally agreed, and of course you were both so excited. So maybe you had been holding up cause of your lease, but it was cute to watch him beg. Now that you were moving in you honestly couldn’t believe it. From now on you’d be sleeping in bed with him every night, and you’d have breakfast and dinner together. You couldn’t hide your joy for one minute.

“You’re so cute when you smile.” Jungwoo commented. “Shall we order something to eat?”

“Sure.”

“I know a place around here that has your favorite.”

While Jungwoo ordered some food you decided to lay down on the couch, catching your breath after all that hard work. There were a lot of boxes to unpack, but getting them all in here was good enough for now. After a moment Jungwoo came up and hugged you from behind, pressing a kiss to your cheek.

“You wanna take a nap before the food gets here?”

“So you can eat all the good parts first? No way.”

“You don’t trust me?”

“I do, just not when it comes to food.”

“Meanie.”

“I guess I should start unpacking some boxes while I wait. Or else I might fall asleep on the couch.”

“Fine, but I will be helping.”

“Of course.”

You weren’t shy or embarrassed about Jungwoo helping you unpack things like your clothes and intimates. He had already seen you naked, and besides, two people were better than one. You had finished rearranging the closet when the food arrived, and you quickly ran out to get it, beating him to it. He complained but still, the two of you sat down to eat.

“Isn’t this nice? The two of us, together at home.”

“You’re gonna make me blush. I’m still processing.”

“I was thinking… since it’s our first night living together… we could… break in the bed?”

“We’ve already done that.”

“But tonight is a special night.”

“Hm… it sounds great, but I have to get up early tomorrow for work. This may be something big for us, but the world’s not gonna stop to let us enjoy it like that.”

“Awe, come on.”

“I need a good night’s sleep. I’m gonna get berated with questions about this tomorrow. Who knows what’ll slip out of my mouth if I’m exhausted.”

“Please, pretty please.”

“Aish, why does my boyfriend have to be so cute.”

“So is that a yes?”

“No. And don’t try to be funny or you’ll be sleeping on the couch.”

“Wow, you’re so mean.”

“But you still love me.”

Jungwoo huffed for a bit. “Yeah, I do.”

Jungwoo offered to do the dishes while you prepared for bed, wanting you to take your time and get used to the new living accommodations. His shower pressure was certainly better, but it was just nice to know he was nearby in case anything ever happened. He washed up after you, and by the time he got out you were already in bed under the sheets. Jungwoo happily joined you, pulling you into a hug.

“Easy…” You mumbled. “I did warn you…”

“Are cuddles not allowed?”

“Only cuddles…”

“Sleep well, my love.”

🖤

Sleeping well was a major understatement. After a relaxing shower you easily fell asleep, feeling warm in Jungwoo’s embrace. You drifted off, feeling like it would be a peaceful night. At first it was, and then you began to feel a heat between your legs. You still felt like you were dreaming, and given where this was going, you didn’t want to wake up. You rubbed your thighs together, soft whimpers escaping your lips. Soon enough you felt something creeping up your leg, and you knew exactly where it was going.

“Jungwoo… Jungwoo… Jungwoo!”

You jumped up as your alarm went off, startling you awake. You looked over to see Jungwoo asleep, his back towards you, although he was starting to wake up, slowly looking over at you with one eye open.

“Hm? Are you okay?”

“I… sorry… I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“Your alarm…”

“Ah, right.”

You reached over and turned off the alarm on your phone, carefully getting out of bed. You washed up and prepared for the day, giving Jungwoo a kiss goodbye before you left.

“Have a good day, my love…”

“I will, now go back to sleep.”

“Love you…”

“Love you too.”

You went on your morning commute, getting into the office at your usual time. You greeted your coworkers and got settled in, suddenly remembering your dream last night. Maybe you should have slept with him.

“Y/n?”

“Huh? Oh, good morning, Taeyong.”

“What you zoning out for, way too early for that.”

“Nothing. So, what’s on the agenda for today?”

You went about your day like normal, no one asking about you having moved in with Jungwoo, which was a relief. They’d probably bring it up eventually. It wasn’t until you were on your way back home that you remembered your dream. It was odd for sure, but sex dreams weren’t uncommon. Maybe you were just so fixated by it because it was your first one, especially having it while sleeping peacefully with Jungwoo for the first time. Even if you two had relations before, you never slept together through the night, always having to get back to your own place to get some proper rest before work.

“Jungwoo, I’m home!”

“Ah, welcome back, my love.”

Jungwoo rushed over to greet you, picking you up in his arms and spinning you around before peppering your face with kisses.

“Aish, did you miss me that much?”

“Missed you so much more knowing you come home to me now.”

“Did you have a good day at work?’

“It was wonderful, as I knew you’d be here tonight.”

“Well, here I am.”

“Good. I made dinner, and then we can unpack some more.”

“Sounds good.”

You ate together, Jungwoo happily feeding you from time to time. Once you had full bellies you finished unpacking, and this place really felt like home.

“So, shall we take a shower together?”

“Hm, just a shower?”

“I might wanna do something else.”

“Maybe… we’ll see.”

This was your first time showering together, his place definitely had the space for it. Jungwoo was so adorable, being gentle as he helped you wash up your hair, and you did his. He enjoyed watching you, seeing you so happy in such a space. He had you stand under the shower head as he massaged your shoulders.

“So… shall my hands move elsewhere.”

“Hm… that sounds nice, but I think I’m too exhausted for late night activities.”

“Awe, I guess the shower is too relaxing.”

“Maybe…”

“Then let’s get you to bed.”

Jungwoo helped you out of the shower and wrapped you up in a towel, drying you off. You both got dressed for bed and settled in, Jungwoo pulling you into his arms again. He kissed your head.

“Sweet dreams, my love.”

“Sweet dreams…”

🖤

Maybe your dreams were too sweet. You were lying on your back, splayed out with Jungwoo hugging you, the sheets halfway down your body. It was a cool night, but Jungwoo was keeping you warm, at least to some degree. You were deep in sleep when you felt a tingling sensation coming from your breasts. You let out a content hum, starting to feel good. A heat began growing between your legs, and you let out a whimper. You felt like something was traveling up your body, hands perhaps, and you knew who they belonged to.

“Jungwoo… stop it…”

You couldn’t bring yourself to fully wake up, liking the feeling too much. He probably didn’t hear you or just continued cause he knew deep down that was what you wanted. The hands kept trailing up your body, a cold wetness starting to come from them, making you shiver.

“Jungwoo… Jungwoo…”

Your alarm went off, and your eyes shot open. You looked down to see Jungwoo in the same place, and you realized one of his arms was under you, apparently you had slept on it all night. You carefully got out of bed and pulled up the cover for Jungwoo, sneaking off to get ready for work. You came back to kiss him goodbye, finding his mumbles adorable.

“See you later, love.”

“Bye… bye…”

It was another uneventful, but busy day at work. Taeyong had you running in circles and dealing with so many customers that by lunchtime you were ready to go home.

“So… you and Jungwoo…” Johnny smiled. “How’s living with the boyfriend? Should we expect an announcement soon?”

“Oh please, don’t start.”

“Just curious. Is the happy couple still happy?”

“Very much.”

“Yeah? Broken in the bed yet?”

“Shut up.”

“Come on, we’ve told you about our sexcapades before.”

“Well we haven’t done anything. Busy unpacking and work is driving me crazy, I’m too tired for anything else.”

“That’s all the more reason to have him take care of you.”

“I mean… I think he has…”

“Huh?”

“Nothing, nevermind.”

“No, no, spill, what are you talking about?”

“I just… I think I had a sex dream?”

“Oh, do tell.”

“It wasn’t really anything, just, the last two nights, when I’m sleeping, I feel like someone… like something is happening.”

“Wow, didn’t think Jungwoo was the type.”

“But I’m not sure if he did anything, or they’re just dreams. When I wake up, considering where he is in bed, it doesn’t seem possible.”

“Maybe he’s frustrated and acting out in his sleep. This is the first time he gets to sleep with such a pretty girl.”

“You think?”

“Maybe. Wouldn’t hurt to ask. Although I’ve heard he doesn’t move around in bed.”

“Only one way to find out I guess.”

You kept Johnny’s words in mind as you made your way home. You announced your arrival and Jungwoo ran over to greet you, another big hug and lots of kisses.

“How was work?”

“Boring but busy. And you?”

“Dragged too much, but I feel better now that you’re here. So how about dinner and TV, your favorite drama starts soon.”

“Sounds perfect.”

You ate on the couch while the TV was on, cuddling up after eating to finish up the episode. Afterwards you stayed put, cuddling for a while, and you figured now was the time to ask about the last couple nights.

“Jungwoo.”

“Hm?”

“Have you been sleeping well?”

“Yeah, why? You haven’t?”

“Well… I think I’ve been… having sex dreams…”

“Oh, dreaming about me? How sweet. What am I-”

“Not like that.” You sat up. “I feel like someone is touching me, and like… is that you?”

“What? No, you said you don’t wanna do anything, and I respect that. Maybe you’re the one who wants something.”

“Yeah, well I don’t have the energy for it. I’m gonna go shower and then go to bed.”

“Shall I join you?”

“Maybe next time.”

You trusted Jungwoo, and given the evidence you had, he definitely wasn’t doing anything. Maybe it was your subconscious begging for something you didn’t have time for at the moment. At this point, two nights in a row, it was getting a bit annoying. Still, you stayed focus on what was to come. You snuggled into the covers and soon enough Jungwoo got in and spooned you, giving you soft kisses.

“Dream of me, okay?”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Love you.”

“Love you too, night.”

🖤

You thought after confronting the situation you’d have a normal night, but that seemed to be the furthest thing from your mind. You slept in Jungwoo’s embrace, using his arm as a pillow, happy and content. You were already warm and comfy, but soon you felt something moving up your leg. It was kinda cold which made you shiver, and before you could think too much of it you felt it between your legs, rubbing back and forth through your panties. You let out a whimper, pulling your legs up a bit. Soon enough you felt something else curling around your breasts and a moan escaped your lips.

“Jungwoo, cut it out…”

“Hm?”

“Stop it…”

“Stop...what?”

“Your hands…”

“What…”

You opened your eyes, beating your alarm by a few seconds. When you looked over at Jungwoo he was lying on his back, and you noticed your face outline on the arm you had been sleeping on. You shook your head and got out of bed, going to splash some cold water in your face. You had no idea what was going on with you, but right now you didn’t have the time to worry. You got ready and kissed Jungwoo goodbye. Of course Johnny wanted to know what went down with his advice so he got you to join him for lunch again.

“He said he didn’t do anything.”

“Hm, he is a deep sleeper.”

“Or maybe he’s lying.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Three nights in a row? That’s one too many to be a coincidence.”

“Then tell him to sleep on the couch.”

“What?”

“Just saying. If you think he’s doing something then have him sleep on the couch for one night or something.”

“I don’t think I could do that to him.”

“Then you sleep on the couch.”

“Hm… maybe…”

“Something does seem off with that not gonna lie. Although I wish I had that many sex dreams.”

“Oh, shut up.”

One of you sleeping on the couch wasn’t a bad idea, but you doubt Jungwoo would like it either way. Still, you needed answers to all this. When you got home Jungwoo greeted you as always, very happy to see you, although he could see that something was on your mind.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen at work?”

“No, nothing like that.”

“Then what’s wrong?”

“I don’t know… I just had another weird dream last night and… I think something is up with me…”

“Another sex dream? And here I thought I was frustrated. Then how about I help you wash away your worries and give you what you want.”

“I’m not sure that will solve the problem.”

“Oh come on, isn’t that what your subconscious is telling you?”

“The fact you’re not worried here is saying a lot.”

“What are you talking about? Sex dreams are normal, and aren’t dreams supposed to tell you something. I can interpret this dream loud and clear.”

“Now I’m really starting to think you’re doing something while I’m asleep.”

“I said I didn’t.”

“Your attitude says otherwise.”

“Seriously?”

“I’m worried and you think this is a joke. How can I not suspect you?”

“Alright, alright, I’m sorry. Can we just have dinner and go to bed?”

“I think I’m gonna eat out and stay with a friend tonight.”

“Y/n.”

“A night away from you should prove whether it’s you or not.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“I am.”

“You’re not leaving.”

“I’ll text you later.”

“I said you’re not leaving!”

Jungwoo ran over to you and pulled you into his arms. You were startled as he raised his voice, also a bit confused by the hug. Once you regained your senses you started to squirm, trying to break free.

“Jungwoo, let go.”

“You can’t leave.”

“Let go.” You managed to move a bit, but he just wound up hugging you from behind. “Jungwoo, this is childish.”

“It’s not my fault.”

“Then what is it?”

“I couldn’t help it…”

“What?”

Jungwoo sighed. “I worked so hard to get you here, I can’t just let you leave cause you’re upset with me.”

“Huh?”

“You’re staying here.”

“Jungwoo-”

You were suddenly lifted off the ground, Jungwoo carrying you off to the bedroom with ease. You knew he was strong, but this was beyond what you thought. Jungwoo threw you down on the bed, quickly climbing on top of you and pinning you between his thighs.

“Jungwoo, what the fuck!”

He wasn’t listening to you, and took his shirt off. You weren’t really liking where this was going, but things took an unexpected turn. Jungwoo closed his eyes and let out a sigh of relief, and then your eyes went wide. You weren’t sure that what you were seeing was real. Six cyan limbs, or tentacles, sprouted from his back, three on either side. They seemed to stretch before settling down, almost giving the illusion of wings.

“You… you…”

“It feels nice to let them out. I’ve kept them hidden since you moved in, but clearly they’ve been trouble.”

“What…”

“Your little sex dreams… they have a mind of their own, but I can’t blame them.”

“You’re not… human…”

“No, I just look like one. This planet isn’t bad… but I prefer my home.”

“Then why… why are you…”

“Here? A little vacation and sightseeing, but mostly… I’m looking for a mate.”

“A… a mate?”

“Yup. I saw you and everything just clicked. I knew I had to have you.”

“So… all this time… you just…”

“Oh, no, no, no, I do love you. All that time spent together has been wonderful. And you’re so cute.” Jungwoo leaned down and kissed your cheek. “Which is why I can’t lose you.”

“This isn’t… love… you’re just…”

“Sh. I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long. I’ve been restraining myself as best as I can but… it is mating season for me afterall.”

“Mating… season…”

Jungwoo smiled. “You’ll enjoy it, I promise.”

“Wa… wait!”

Seeing those tentacles suddenly come to life sent a chill down your spine. Jungwoo let you get your arms free, but he quickly pinned them above your head, his lips moving to yours. He kissed you deeply, and then his lips trailed down to your neck, starting to suck on the exposed skin. While he gave you attention, his tentacles started going elsewhere. One immediately went into your pants, right under your panties and reached your core. It rubbed back and forth, the feeling made you whimper, and you recognized the familiarity of it. The last couple of nights, they started to make sense, even if all this seemed impossible.

Two other tentacles went under your shirt, pushing your bra up and wrapping around your breasts. They were all wet, but soon enough you began to feel warm. Despite everything your body was responding against your wishes, getting more stimulation than you were used to. That was probably why your head was getting fuzzy, or maybe that was something else. Once you seemed calm enough Jungwoo released his grip, although his tentacles kept your arms pinned as he began to undress you. He started with your pants, getting some help tugging them down, and then slipping you out of your shirt, tossing your bra off to the side.

“You seem happy.”

“Hm…”

“When I’m not holding back my pheromones can be quite overwhelming, plus the aphrodisiac my tentacles exude makes things very enjoyable.”

“You…”

“Sh, just enjoy yourself.”

Jungwoo gave you a quick kiss, he then went down to your chest, pressing a kiss between your breasts before taking one into his mouth. You let out a moan, losing any sense of self control, slowly but surely. The tentacle between your legs kept teasing you, and then it started swirling around your entrance, making you needy. One of Jungwoo’s hands also dove down there, playing with your clit. You were already so wet with a foreign substance, and before you could wonder about the taste, a tentacle softly pushed into your mouth. It felt like a gummy, and had a sweet cherry taste to it. You were already so lost in your own pleasure you were practically a rag doll.

“Do you feel good?” Jungwoo asked, before seeing what was happening. “Ah, I see someone got greedy. Shall I?”

You were more focused on gently sucking on the tentacle in your mouth, getting addicted to the taste, although someone wanted a taste too. The tentacle pulled out with a loud pop, giving you a second to breathe before Jungwoo was kissing you. His own lips were already shining, and just gave you a fresh taste of cherry. His hand moved away from your clit, wanting to hold your head and keep you close as his lips devoured you.

“You’re so beautiful.”

“Hm…”

You had sex with Jungwoo before, but not like this. You couldn’t even fathom what it had been like for him, holding all this back. You thought to say something, but the words caught in your throat as you felt a tentacle push into you. They had been teasing for so long you didn’t see it coming, and it slid in so easily, stretching you out softly. A moan escaped your lips instead, and swear your eyes rolled to the back of your head. The tentacle went in as deep as it could, making you feel so incredibly full. You thought you had hit the ceiling until another tentacle started teasing your clit, adding another sensation.

“So fucked out already, love?” Jungwoo chuckled. “You must feel amazing.”

“Ye… yes… fuck…”

“So hot.”

You were barely getting used to the tentacle buried inside you when it began moving. Not as you thought, back and forth, but swirling around, stretching you out more and more, trying to squeeze more in. Your hands gripped at the bed sheets just as the tentacles holding your arms let go and grabbed your legs, pulling them apart to let the other get deeper.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck…”

“I know, baby. We’re getting to the good part.”

You didn’t really know what he meant by that, but you were focusing more on the attention your body was getting. By now you were practically shining from head to toe, feeling warm and fuzzy all over. Jungwoo’s hand found his way between your legs again, two fingers shoving their way into you alongside the tentacle. He was looking around for something, and when he found it he started working it over. A new wave of pleasure washed over you as he kept hitting your sweet spot, plus the stimulation on your clit, it was too much. The heat that was building was suddenly ablaze and you knew you were seconds away from climaxing.

Jungwoo could see it too, stealing a kiss from you as your vision went white. You moaned into his mouth, your whole body shaking with impossible levels of pleasure, your hips shaking and greedily trying to get more. You didn’t even get any relief as you came down, the tentacles and fingers still moving and taking advantage of your sensitive state. Jungwoo reached over to take one of your hands and guide it down to wrap around his cock. You don’t know when he completely undressed, but it didn’t matter. He got your hand into a good rhythm as you pumped his shaft, feeling precum coat your hand and get smeared all over. You knew where this was going, and simply imaging it made you lick your lips.

“Easy love, soon.”

Whatever he meant by soon wasn’t fast enough but eventually you got what you wanted. You whined as the tentacle slowly pulled out, leaving you empty and needy. Jungwoo pulled your hand away and kissed. Since you were already stretched out it was so easy for Jungwoo to slide in. The tentacle was lovely, but feeling a nice cock inside, and squeezing down on it just hit differently. You moaned, a blissed out expression on your face. There was no way you fully recovered from your first orgasm as Jungwoo was already working a second one out of you. He started of slow, teasing you, before getting into a good rhythm, and getting rough.

“Fuck, Jungwoo… ah, fuck…”

“I got you, I got you. Just get ready for me.”

“Hm…”

You moved your hips in time with Jungwoo, not sure how you had the energy for it, maybe you were just hungry for him. You were stretched out so good, and then you felt the tip of a tentacle teasing at your entrance, wanting to go back in as well. Jungwoo leaned down to kiss you, whispering words of encouragement. He took another shot at your lips as the tentacle pushed its way in, stretching you out way more than you were used to. You whimper, needing a moment to get used to the size, but it felt so good regardless of the pain.

“You’re so fucken hot like this baby.”

“Jungwoo…”

“Sh, just take it all in. I know it’s too much for your mind to handle, but I got you.”

“Ah…”

Jungwoo held your gaze, looking at the expressions on your face. He had been looking forward to this so much, and he was enjoying every moment of it. Even as he was reaching his own climax he held your gaze. As he got close all the tentacles got relentless, wanting you both to cum together, and when you squeezed him tightly from reaching your high he spilled his seed into you. He kept pushing into you, wanting his cum to go deeper inside, and stay put to plug you up. You felt so warm inside, wanting to wrap your legs around him, but they were still held apart. All you could do was moan, trying to keep a blurry Jungwoo in your vision.

“I’m gonna take you home…”

“Hm…”

Jungwoo pressed his head against yours, the two of you trying to catch your breath. You were both sticky and covered in a mix of sweat and tentacle shine. In a strange way you felt so loved, more than any normal person could give you. At this point you might actually pass out, especially when Jungwoo started moving again, a wet sound filling your ears.

“You wanna come home with me baby girl?”

“Home…”

“You’ll love it. It’s like this world but better, especially for the little ones.”

“Little…”

Even in your haze that phrase seemed to pull you to the surface. You squirmed for a moment before your arms were grabbed again, and all the tentacles pulled your limbs taut, keeping you still.

“You… you…” Your eyes glanced down to see Jungwoo and a tentacle buried deep inside you. “I’m… I’m not on anything…”

“I know. I’m glad I didn’t have to worry about that.”

“No… you can’t… you’re not…”

“We don’t just look like humans, but have some other similarities.”

Jungwoo carefully moved back as the tentacle kept his cum in you. He leaned down and kissed at your belly, another tentacle coming over to gently rub it.

“You’re gonna look so beautiful soon enough.”

“No, no, no! You can’t!”

You tried to struggle, but you were held still, starting to panic. Jungwoo took you by surprise with a kiss, trying to calm you down. It didn’t do much so a tentacle pushed its way past your lips, the sweet cherry taste already acting like a sedative, the limb itself swirling around in a soft soothing rhythm. Soon enough you were lulled back into a blissful state, vaguely watching Jungwoo pressing more kisses to your belly.

“We have a long night ahead of us.”

#nct #nct 127 #jungwoo #kim jungwoo #taeyong #johnny #lee taeyong #suh youngho #nct au #nct 127 au #nct scenarios #nct smut #nct yandere #request

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soonito · 2 years

Text

maybe someday

pairing: junhui x reader

genre: bestfriend!jun, fluff, acts of service, mutual pining

warnings: college student struggles, food, skipping meals (not purposely, it’s hardly mentioned but just in case)

notes: this has been in my drafts for MONTHS is it good is it terrible idk idc i just wanted to let it out

wc: 1245

For the first time in the last four hours, you take a break. Not because you planned to, but because your body is starting to give up. Your eyes are sore, your back aches and your legs burn painfully as you get up to go to the bathroom so you can wash your face.

A long sigh escapes your lips at the reflection of your beaten up state in the mirror. It’s late and you’re really tired, but you have to keep studying. Maybe just five minutes laying in bed, resting your poor eyes and then you’ll go on. No… You can’t afford those five minutes. And you’re the only one to blame. If only you started earlier, if only you worked harder… you wouldn’t have to go through this torture.

A lump grows in your throat, you consider punching the mirror to let off some steam, but the ringing of the doorbell stops you from trying. Okay, it’s not that late, it can’t be a noise complaint from the neighbours or anything like that, right? You haven’t even screamed your lungs out in frustration yet. Trying to avoid making any kind of noise, you walk to the door and take a peek through the spyhole. Once you identify the person standing on the other side, you open it.

“Jun?”

“Hi.” He greets you with a thin smile. “You didn't answer my last text so I thought I should just come by. You didn't have dinner, didn't you?”

“I... Um… ”

“I brought hot pot." He says, lifting a massive bag that’s hanging from his shoulder. "I mean, I have the supplies and everything. I'm making hot pot."

“Oh.” You blank out for a second, then shake your head and gesture at him to come in. “You didn't have to… "

“Would you rather get nagged by your mom tomorrow? First thing in the morning?”

You laugh at his remark. “Bold of you to assume I’ll be alive by tomorrow.”

“Well, that’s why I’m here.” He leaves the bag on the counter, and rolls up his sleeves. “To make sure you will.”

Jun already knew he would find your fridge almost empty, so he came prepared. He pulls out multiple ingredients from his bag, and even his own hot pot equipment. You notice the kitchen is far from being clean, and a wave of embarrassment crashes on you. When you aim to do the dishes, your back betrays you, and the moment Jun hears you hiss in pain, he has to fight the impulse to pick you up and carry you to bed. Instead, he only puts his hand on your shoulder.

“You need to lay down.”

“I don’t want you to clean up my mess so you can cook for me!”

“It’s not a big deal, I wouldn’t be here if it was.” Letting out a big sigh, you glance at the hallway, and Jun seems to read your mind. “You are not going back to your laptop and textbooks. You have to rest.”

“But I still have so much left to do…” You whine.

“Not now!” Jun puts both hands on your shoulders. “We’re having dinner, when we finish we clean up, set a schedule for tomorrow and then you go to sleep.”

“A schedule?”

“Yes. A proper one. Breaks included.” You give him another big sigh in response. He shakes his head and turns you around, giving you a small push towards your living room. “Now, go lie on the couch.”

“But-”

“Just go!”

Between more whines and groans, you give in and do as your friend tells you. You don’t mind being taken care of, but sometimes you don’t even feel like you deserve it. You're actually a pretty neat and tidy person, still, you reached that point where you wouldn’t allow yourself to make time for the most basic chores. That’s what it comes with not being the best kind of student. No matter how many times you cursed yourself and swore it would never happen again, you would always end up procrastinating, having trouble keeping up with the deadlines.

Jun wouldn’t blame you for it, though. He knows there’s not much he can say to make you feel better, so he goes for what he can do. You can see him from the couch. He takes care of the vegetables, washing and cutting them gently. Then he takes the meat, removing it from its packaging and putting it on a plate. He works well in your kitchen, even on his own. It may be the first time he’s doing hot pot, but not the first time he cooks anything there.

You really wanted to get up and assist him, or at least stay by his side, watching up close. It would help you forget about the immense amount of work you had left in your room. Jun makes you feel at ease. Maybe someday you should tell him how grateful you are for everything he does for you, but no better words than a “thank you” ever come out, so you try to think of different ways to return the favor.

While you’re thinking, you eventually fall asleep, a soft touch on your cheek waking you up not much later. You open your eyes to see Jun get up with a sudden move, as he was kneeling on the floor next to you. You blink twice, and he coughs.

“It’s ready.” Jun says, stepping aside so you could see the meal already set on the round table in front of you. You look at his work completely amazed, and thank him with a smile.

“Won't you feel sick eating this much so late?” You ask him while he sits down next to you.

“I’ll be alright, you can eat all you want.” You pick up the chopsticks, but still seem hesitant. “I swear it’s not too spicy.”

You raise an eyebrow at him. “I’m not sure if we share the same definition of "not too spicy''. ”

“I mean it this time!”

You laugh, and finally lean closer to the table. Settling into a comfortable silence, you feel relieved with every bite you take. It’s been a rough day, no, a rough week, and you really needed this. It’s almost making you emotional. But right now it’s not the time to have a meltdown. You look up at Jun, eating peacefully, and somehow that soothes your nerves. Jun always makes you feel at ease. He knows this. That’s why he came all the way from his house to your apartment in the middle of the night, because he knows you’re struggling, and he can’t let that happen. Maybe someday he should tell you that he’s willing to do anything to make you feel better, only to be sure you’re aware of it, but he doesn’t know how to phrase it, so he just.... follows his guts. He's usually knows what's best for you.

“Is it good?” Jun asks, pretending he doesn’t notice your watery eyes.

“It’s delicious.” You whisper.

“Great.”

“You’re staying over, right?” You cough, trying to raise your voice.

“If you’ll have me.”

“I’m not letting you go back home at this hour.” You add some noodles into the pot. “And also, tomorrow it’ll be my treat.”

Jun chuckles softly. “Okay.”

And that’s it. You two always end up like this, spending a lot of time together, looking out for each other. Maybe someday you should talk about it.

232 notes · View notes

certifiedlovergirlsstuff · 2 years

Text

MADMAX

pairing: Steve Harrington x Byers!Female Reader

genre: follows show plot lines, but will diverge from canon at times

WC: 9.2K

warnings: cursing, a boring conversation about textbooks, i don’t think there is anything bad but let me know if there’s something i should add.

summary: Halloween is just a day away! Ready for the costumes, the candy, the movies, and the monsters?

A/N: ALL PARTS UNDER THE TAG -The Byers Harrington Story-

series masterlist

not sure if i’m gonna put two episodes together like season1 moving forward, but if i only do one episode it will be with the official show title.

please reblog if you can or leave a comment and tell me you enjoyed it. i need some validation for my writing!

a very gracious thank you to @alecmores for being my proof reader.

previous chapter next chapter

“(Y/n)! Come on, I don’t want to be late!”

“Will, if you keep shaking me, I’m going to choke on my dinner. And then you will be significantly late, as in, not going to the arcade.”

“You eat like a sloth.”

“Will, what the hell, man?”

You were sitting at the dining table, the only one still eating, you might add. Jonathan was out late doing…something, you weren’t paying attention. Joyce got off work just an hour ago and was looking a little tired on her feet, so she headed to bed a little early, you made sure she at least ate something before knocking out. Will was the only one at the table with you eating dinner in comfortable silence until the landline started ringing.

Upon answering you heard Mike’s squeaky voice on the other end, passing the phone to Will and then going back to eating. Overhearing the conversation you heard Will talking to Mike about the arcade, eating dinner with you, and a “see you in 30,” before he slammed the phone down. You then took notice he was eating his half-full plate of food just a bit faster, you were worried he was going to choke on a piece of bread that he didn’t chew all the way. He then hurried to wash his plate in the sink and then rushed to his room in a blur, leaving you just a bit confused as you continued to eat through your portions. Will then came back after ten minutes in his room, he was wearing the clothes he wore for school that morning instead of the comfy pajamas he changed into the second he got home.

He then proceeded to convince you for the next five minutes to drive him to the arcade so he could hang out with the party. You knew he needed a ride, Joyce doesn’t want him or you for that matter to ride your bikes at night anymore, Will didn’t even ride his bike much now. The three of you are always driving him to school or the Wheelers, or just anywhere in general. You were getting a little tired, and you had some homework to do before going to sleep, but you saw how excited he was about the arcade so you pushed away the fatigue catching up with you. Although, apparently, you were taking too long to eat, he just started to shake you. Seeing that he wasn’t going to let up with the act, you had to hurry and clean up the table and dishes before leaving, “Will, if you help me clean, this would go a lot faster.”

That little trick worked, or at least you think it did. He usually helps with the clean-up after dinner anyway. Whatever, at least he stopped shaking you.

In a rush of grabbing both your coats and the keys, you both hurriedly locked the door and rushed to your mother's car. Turning the heat on just a touch to fight off the October chill and with the headlights beaming straight into the house, the car left the driveway and out onto the empty highway. With the radio playing some old fifties song it filled the car with noise, Will was too excited to make conversation, and you were too tired and focused on the road to start one.

“Can you stay at the arcade?”

You turned to Will and saw he was already looking at you, he looked…he looked… “Yeah, I can stay, but we’re only staying for about two hours at most. I’m tired and we have school tomorrow.”

He nodded his head then went to look out the front window and stared down the highlighted highway. You stayed focused on him for a few more seconds, trying to gauge his emotions, but you weren’t fully awake to analyze anything.

…

Pulling up to the Palace Arcade, the giant glowing sign spinning on its pole, you could see from the line of cars parked outside and the people, that it was a busy Monday night. You got one of the last parking spots just as Dustin, Lucas, and Mike rolled in on their bikes. You and Will both hopped out and walked onto the curb as they were chaining their bikes up.

“What’s she doing here?”

You gave a nasty glare at Mike, “what’s that supposed to mean, Wheeler?”

“Just- I just thought that this would be like- like a boys' night,” he replied exasperated. With a roll of your eyes, you replied “you guys have those almost every day. I just don’t want to drive back and forth.” You didn’t want to add that Will wanted you to stay, he probably wouldn’t have appre-

“Also, I asked her to stay,” Will spoke up.

With a look in his direction, he looked happy about you staying with them, it made your heart beat warmly. You wonder if he heard you that day, the day of his birthday when the both of you were just laying in his bed in the morning glow shining through his curtains. How you just stroked his hair to lull him back into slumber and you joined just before you whispered out, “please don’t grow up, for me.”

He would hang out with you when the both of you were home, well you always hung out, but it just seemed like he was joining you in meaningless tasks more often these days. And if he did hear you and that’s why he’s acting this way, you’ll enjoy it for however long it will last. This is your small act of ‘selfish greed’.

You looked back to the three boys, Dustin and Lucas looked pleased as well with you staying. Mike looked okay with it after Will said he asked for you to stay, you didn’t take it much to heart, Mike sometimes just had a sass that slipped from time to time. So, with that whole interaction finished, the five of you- well, the four boys rushed inside and you followed a few steps behind giving them their space.

You looked at the different aisles containing many choices of games, Pac-Man, Dig Dug, Ms. Pac-Man, Centipede, Galaga, Asteroids, Tempest, etc, along with some pinball machines lining up the back wall. You took notice as many different kids and a few high schoolers were crowding over different games and groaning as someone lost or whooping in glee at beating a level or a boss. The only game you were pretty good at was Pac-Man, and that’s not necessarily a challenging game (coming from Dustin).

After taking a lap around the crowded arcade you finally went in searching for the boys to make sure they stayed within your eyesight for the night. Just as you rounded a corner of one of the Tempest games you saw the four boys huddled around a certain arcade game, and just as you were closing in on them you could hear the sweet, angelic voice of Princess Daphne of Dragon's Lair.

“To slay the dragon, use the magic sword.”

You quietly watched from two steps behind Mike and Will as they all watched Dustin on the joystick.

The way Princess Daphne moved her body, fluttering her lashes with that purple shadow covering her lids, and then the black sheer dress that didn’t leave much to the imagination; she further proved that you found girls attractive.

“Oh, Jesus! I’m in uncharted territory here, guys!” “Down! Down! Down!,” Lucas was chanting.

“I’m going! I’m going!”

You watched the screen and saw the dragon and the brave knight fighting, the knight breaking free while the dragon spits fire, but was crushed by rocks that had collapsed onto its head. Princess Daphne jumped in surprise as the knight began to run away, passing what looked to be a giant jewel.

The four of them started to scream in delight, “I’m going! I’m going! I’m going!” Dustin chanted to himself.

You weren’t able to make out much more of the small game screen as Mike was closing in closer to Dustin. The three boys were talking over each other and you could see in Dustin’s shoulders that they were starting to stress him out during the game.

“Okay. Shut up. Shut up! Shut up!”

Then Dustin must have clicked some buttons he wasn’t supposed to because the four of them then went silent, and you could faintly see the brave knight get destroyed by the dragon’s flames. “No. No. No!” Dustin cried.

“No! No! No! I hate this overpriced bullshit!” he continued in his anger. “Son of a bitch! Piece of shit!”

“You know,” you speak, making them jump from your unknown presence, “for a bunch of 8th graders, you sure do swear a lot.”

Dustin just rolled his eyes at your comment.

“You’re not nimble enough. But you’ll get there one day. But until then, Princess Daphne is still mine,” Lucas joked to Dustin.

Dustin just shrugged off Lucas’ joke, “whatever. I’m still top on Centipede and Dig Dug.”

“You sure about that?” a voice spoke behind you.

‘Christ’ you thought with a hand jumping to your heart.

The five of you turned to the new player and saw it was Keith, he was snacking on a bag of Cheeto puffs a few steps away from your group at Dragon’s Lair.

Keith worked at Palace Arcade and Family Video it seemed, at least you would see him behind the counter over there sometimes when you went to rent a tape. He was a guy in your grade, you’re not sure if he’s flunked or what because he is someone who doesn’t look like a high schooler. Either way, high schooler or not, he was a bit creepy and he made shivers run over your body, and not the good kind, the kind that comes from Steve only. No, it was the kind where he would look over your body like it was some type of trophy he couldn’t wait to have sitting on his shelf or his hand as he got himself off.

The shivers came back just at the thought.

“Sure about what?” Dustin questioned.

Keith didn’t answer his question, just placing another puff into his mouth. Dustin looked at the boys then made a break for Dig Dug to try and decrypt Keith’s threat, “You’re kidding me. No, no, no.”

You all followed behind Dustin like he was the mother duck and you were the babies. You followed to try and lose Keith’s gross gaze over your figure. You’ll probably take a shower when you get home tonight.

Dustin was yelling at bystanders and slightly pushing them, “Move! Move! No, no, no, no, no. Hey, no! No! No!”

He went from one game to another and looked at the high score. The four of you surrounded Dustin as he stood in shock at the information being presented to him at this moment, you stood behind and held an impressed expression across your face.

“751,300 points!” Will read off the number placed above Dustin’s old score.

“That’s impossible,” Mike shot back.

The five of you turned back towards Keith. Dustin shouted his question, “Who’s Mad Max?”

“Better than you.”

“Oh shit, need ice for that burn Dustin?” you giggled.

He just flipped both you and Keith off, you giving one back to him.

“Is it you?” Will pointed to Keith.

Keith scoffed at the accusation, “You know I despise Dig Dug.”

“Then who is it?” “Yeah, spill it, Keith!” Lucas and Dustin fired back one after the other.

Keith just continued to eat the puffs grossly, his fingers covered in the dust and light specks around his mouth, “If you want information, then I need something in return.” He said it in a way like he was a villain or he was asking for something that was way out of line.

You kinda got the answer to your suspicions when the boys looked at Mike, “no, no, no. No way. You’re not getting a date with her.”

“Mike, come on. Just get him the date.”

“I’m not prostituting my sister!”

Then Keith took a look at you standing behind the four of them and that creepy smile crept back on his face. Lucas and Dustin noticed because they then turned to you with a pleading sort of look in their eyes, now they were trying to prostitute you out to Keith just for shitty information. Will stepped closer to you, his head pressed against the middle of your stomach, and he held his arms out in a sort of protective gesture. With your hands placed on his shoulders, you squeezed him in lieu of a thank you.

“It’s for a good cause, Will,” Lucas tried to coerce him into their bad plan.

He stood his ground and just shook his head ‘no’. At least Will and Mike cared about their older siblings, well, Lucas and Dustin didn’t have older siblings so...whatever, still, they tried to prostitute you and Nancy to Keith.

“No, don’t get him either date.”

“Wasn’t gonna agree in the first place,” you retorted.

“Know what? He’s gonna spread his nasty-ass rash to your whole family, Wheelers and Byers.” “Again, wouldn’t in a million years.”

“Acne isn’t a rash and it isn’t contagious, you prepubescent wastoid,” Keith shot back.

“Oh, I’m a wastoid? Nancy wouldn’t go on a date with you, (Y/n) would rather die than go on a date with you.”

‘Little harsh, but the point still stands’

“You make, like, what $2.50 an hour?”

“Nice perm,” was the only comeback Keith had. “Gonna make fun of my hair?”

You were so wrapped up in Keith and Dustin’s petty arguing that you didn’t notice Will slipping from your grasp and leaving your group. You looked all around you to try and see if he was just at a different game, but you didn’t find him. Then going up and down the aisles and the back wall, slowly you looked at each kid that could be him, but none of them were Will. Going back to the boys you turned Mike towards you.

“I can’t find Will,” you were starting to get anxious and worried.

Mike noticed your growing panic state and tried to keep you from having a panic attack, “I’ll, uh, I’ll go check outside, yeah. He’s fine, (Y/n), Will is perfectly safe.”

You just nodded your head as Mike walked away, probably to check outside as he said. You kept mumbling Mike’s words of reassurance to yourself, ‘Will is okay. He wasn’t taken again. Probably outside for some air. Will is alive an-’

“(Y/n)!”

A voice snapped you from your worried thoughts. You turned around and looked at Mike who had an arm around Will’s shoulder. You released a breath you didn’t know you were even holding in the first place, your chest moving in a harsh rhythm. With a small stumble in your steps, you threw yourself into a body-crushing hug, grasping onto Will like he was your air supply. A hand on the back of his head and your fingers threading through the strands calmed you just a little, but the stressed tears escaped.

Kneeling on the floor you pulled away and looked at Will, the new height making you see eye to eye with each other. With your busy hands running from his hair, and then to his cheeks, they finally rested on his shoulders.

“Will, please, don’t try and do that again. I don’t- I, just please don’t wander off again, ‘kay?”

You could see the glassiness forming in Will’s eyes, his eyes holding an apology within. He just nodded his head and then went back in for another hug which you reciprocated with reassurance and anxiety.

…

When the next day rolled around, you were trying to keep your eyes open.

You and Will didn’t get home until nine-thirty, and then you had to work through the homework you kept putting off all day yesterday, and you weren’t done until one am. Then you took a quick warm shower ‘cause you swear you could still feel Keith’s eyes crawling over your skin and if you couldn’t rip your skin off your bones, might as well just scrub until you're red.

Then you were awoken by Jonathan shaking you from sleep and telling you that they had to leave in ten minutes. So you rushed through your usual morning routine, brushed your teeth, washed your face, the whole process. Digging and pulling out drawers you tried to find an outfit that was good for the weather and something that still looked a bit put together, finally, you just settled on something when you checked your clock, you had two minutes. Throwing your homework and other school supplies back into your bag and slipping your shoes on without tying the laces yet, you made a quick grab on an apple and then ran to Jonathan’s car which was already running.

Jonathan and Will, who were both in the front, turned around and looked at you.

“Drive,” you pointed to Jonathan, your breathing heavy.

Jonathan took a glance at Will and then shifted the car into reverse. With your breathing returning to its usual normal pace, you were able to bite into the apple you grabbed off the kitchen table. As you chewed your pieces you fumbled around in your bag making sure you didn’t forget anything in your room. In search of something important for a class today and not finding it at the first glance, you begin to dig through the thrown-in contents.

With a huffed sigh, you placed your head in your free hand and slammed your back against the leather seats.

“Crap,” you whispered, forgetting the book you needed for class today.

Looking out the window and eating your apple, you zoned out. Not wanting to think about what a hardass Mr. Fry is about the books for class, not wanting to think about the looks Jonathan and Will gave you when stepping into the car, and not wanting to think about seeing Steve and Nancy in the halls. Honestly, you were just looking forward to working this afternoon, Bob was someone who could keep your mind off the bad distractions.

With a slamming noise, you tuned back in and saw Will walking away, him turning back around for a second so he could wave the both of you off, the both of you sending him one back. Watching as Will joined the other boys was when Jonathan pulled away from the middle school and drove further down the road and pulled into the high school parking lot.

As he drove to his usual spot, you spotted the maroon BMW that was parked in Steve’s spot. You couldn’t see directly into the car, but you could tell he and Nancy were talking in the front seats. Steve being with Nancy meant that he was starting to take school more seriously, which, sadly, wasn't going to do him much good seeing as he was in his senior year and his grades before were kinda low. Honestly, as long as he graduates, that’s good enough.

“Hey, do you have Mr. Fry?”

Jonathan parked the car and turned the engine off before replying, “No, I got Miss. Davis, why?”

“I forgot the book I need for class, and he’s a pain in the ass about ‘bring the supplies for class’ type crap.”

“You could ask Nancy, I think she has his third period,” he turned to look at you.

Running your teeth over your bottom lip you took a peek back towards the maroon car. You could barely see shadowy figures hunched close to each other. That certain feeling was making its way into your stomach, a feeling you didn’t want to acknowledge at this time.

You just gave a nod while still facing the car and then grabbed your belongings. Just as you placed a foot onto the cracked pavement, the loud sound of a car revving its engine caught your attention. Seems like it caught a few eyes since a handful of people watched a blue Camaro roll through the parking lot and pull into a spot.

When the noise of the loud engine died both doors opened revealing two different people.

Stepping out the driver’s side was a boy.

He was wearing what looked to be black-heeled boots, which added a bit of height to his character. Wearing denim jeans that hugged his lower half, tighter than what was probably comfortable, with a black belt around the waist. Paired with the denim jeans was a denim jacket thrown over a white shirt. His blonde hair was a mess of a mullet. He grabbed a cigarette and lit it, holding it to his lips for a few seconds he finally released the smoke from his lungs as he looked at the watchful eyes.

Now the other person stepping out the passenger side was a girl.

A red-headed girl. She wore a red Adidas zip-up jacket over a shirt and sported loose denim jeans compared to the boys’ tight ones. Her green sneakers pushed against the ground as she threw her skateboard down and headed in the direction of the middle school.

They didn’t exchange any pleasantries before going their separate ways.

You looked at Jonathan with a curious look in your eyes due to the two people. Taking note that he was looking in a different direction, you followed in his actions and looked to whatever stole his attention. With raised brows, you saw Steve and Nancy outside the car. They seemed to have watched the same interaction you just did, but now the both of them looked at the two of you. Both Nancy and Steve gave a greeting in the form of a tiny wave, you returned the gesture to both of them not knowing Jonathan only returned his for one person.

“I’ll, uh, I’ll see you after school,” You barely turned your head at Jonathan before jogging over to the BMW.

Meeting Nancy halfway from the car you placed a hand on her elbow, “Do you have Mr. Fry?”

“Yeah, third period. Why?”

“I forgot my book for today and was wondering if I could borrow yours? I have him second period so I could just wait for you after class is over.”

“Uh, yeah, that’s fine. I just gotta stop by my locker first.”

“Well, we are locker neighbors, so I’ll join you.”

You took notice that Steve caught up to the two of you.

He was wearing a blue jacket, somewhere between navy blue and a light blue color. You could see the dark red polo he was wearing beneath, the shirt hugging close to his torso. His denim jeans hugged his thighs so nicely you had to make sure they didn’t stray further down. His hair has been getting longer over the summer, but it looks like he got a trim recently. The ends were still a bit longer compared to last year and the products are back in place to sculpt the signature style. You missed his longer and product-free summer hair, but that was summer. It was fall now and so, like the seasons, things changed.

“Got room for one more body?” he asked teasingly.

“Always, Harrington,” you replied with a tight smile.

…

The school day came and went in a flash thankfully.

English was fine, there was a pop quiz in Math, History was boring as usual and washed of actual events that happened, you wanted to die in P.E., and you were barely passing Spanish. With a new pile of homework assignments sitting in your bag, the stacks of books you needed from your locker were waiting for your approaching figure. You walked up to your locker just as Nancy and Jonathan were leaving their class together. You could just barely make out whatever Nancy was talking about to Jonathan, “No, no way. You’re gonna be home by eight o’clock, listening to the Talking Heads and reading Vonnegut or something.”

“Sounds like a nice night.”

“Well, what if (Y/n) wanted to go?” Nancy posed whatever they were talking about now, throwing you into the mix.

“What if I wanted what?” You respond, leaning against your locker and watching the two of them sport a surprised expression by your sudden unannounced presence.

Nancy looked between you and Jonathan, “I was just talking about Tina’s Halloween party tomorrow night. Jonathan says he doesn’t want to go, but what about you? Any exciting plans that rival Jonathan’s?”

You thought for a moment, “Well we were gonna go trick-or-treating with Will, and then I would go over to Robin’s for the night. Scary movie marathon and stuffing ourselves full. Exciting stuff.”

Nancy nodded her head slowly with a tight smile. Again she looked between you and Jonathan, “Well, it’s just- I don’t know. You guys might have fun, and who knows, you might even, like, meet someone at the party.”

You took a look at Jonathan and, at the same time, you heard Nancy shriek beside you. Turning to the noise you saw Nancy being set back on the ground with Steve behind her, his arms circling her waist, and for some reason, he was wearing black ray-bans. The sounds of the laughs mixing made that funny feeling come back into your stomach, you almost feel like throwing up. Nancy turned around in Steve's hold and now her books were resting against his chest, the cheeky smile plastered across Steve’s face grew another feeling, one in your heart.

“Oh, my god! Take those stupid things off,” Nancy jerked to the glasses perched on his nose.

He just laughed, “I missed you,” he then took the glasses off to look directly into her eyes.

The loving gaze swimming in his irises was one you could only dream about one day.

“It’s been, like, two hours.”

“Tell me about it,” and then he pulled her into a kiss with his left hand caressing her neck and his thumb just brushing against her ear.

You and Jonathan made eye contact and the both of you could tell the other wanted out, right away. So, quickly and quietly the both of you snuck off down the hall and out the door, neither of you watching as Steve and Nancy snuck in a deep kiss, and neither of you noticed when the both of them watched your backs leaving through the double doors. With the both of you outside, no one else around, you decided to speak about something that's been on your mind for a while.

“So…you wanna talk about it?”

“What are you talking about?” Jonathan replied monotone.

“Oh, I don’t know, just that you might…have certain feelings towards Nancy.”

He didn’t respond, that was the only answer you needed to your burning question.

“Well, what about you?”

“What about me, what?”

“Oh, I don’t know, just that you might…have certain feelings towards Steve,” he copied your phrasing.

Now it was your turn to not respond.

‘Checkmate Jonathan, checkmate’

…

Work was quiet, as usual, but you enjoyed the quiet.

The store being slow and quiet allowed for you to do some homework, you can take naps in the back closet (Bob allows it), and you and Bob get the time to talk with each other and continue knowing more about each other, and he also helps teach you certain things about advanced tech.

Not to mention that Joyce broke the news just a few months ago that she and Bob started to see each other, and you couldn’t be happier for the two of them. Jonathan and Will were a little mean, not rude mean, they were just being stupid boys. You liked Bob and he was a good man for Joyce. She needed someone who was the complete opposite of Lonnie, someone who cared for her and her three children. Someone smart and doesn’t try ‘fixing’ problems with their fist, someone who understands that Will is a sensitive child.

Bob Newby is someone you can easily see as your father figure, and that was a bit of dangerous territory to walk.

“Oh, math! I love math!”

You looked away from the complex equation printed on your homework and up into the bright face of your boss who was staring down at the pages. Bob was fantastic at math, especially because part of the work involved coding on the computer- something he tries to teach you, but it’s so foreign that you can’t grasp much of it.

Pointing the tip of your eraser at an equation written in your textbook you’ve been staring at for twenty minutes, “You think you can walk me through this? I zone out during math sometimes.”

“(Y/n), you gotta pay attention, math is something you use in everyday life! It would also help with work,” he tutted.

“Bob, I’m more of an English girl. I love reading, getting to interpret different meanings from the story, and getting to imagine love-like romance books one day. Love a good Jane Austin in my free time.”

The both of you just grinned at each other after the interaction.

Bob made you feel safe, you weren’t worried he was ever gonna yell at you because you don’t think he’s capable of yelling. He gives hugs like a giant teddy bear and his laughs are so contagious you can’t help to join in, even if it’s after a bad joke he threw out. When you hung around Bob you didn’t think about the broken family you had or the trauma stored away inside your mind, no, you just saw a bright future ahead.

“So, any plans for Halloween tomorrow?”

“Jonathan and I are gonna take Will trick-or-treating with his friends, and then I’m gonna spend the night at my friend Robin’s. There’s this party happening that night, but I’m not sure if either of us want to go.”

“Well, even if it’s not the best idea, I think you should go.”

You threw Bob a curious look, usually, adults don’t want kids going to parties, especially cause they pretty much already know there will be alcohol and maybe some weed. Well, it is Hawkins, Indiana. There isn’t much to do in this small town anyway.

“I just- I never went to any parties when I was in high school, I wasn’t even invited. I just think that even if you end up hating it, at least you got to experience it. You can always say you went to a party during high school, the first time for everything and all that.”

You took in his words. He was right, you may not end up enjoying the actual party, but you’ve never been to one before. You probably won’t go to one in senior year, this could be the one chance to ‘be normal’. To get to be a stupid teenager, maybe even get drunk- not stoned. Not after…

“Yeah, I’ll think about it.”

He seemed satisfied with your reply, “Oh! What’s your costume?” he blurted out.

“I’m going as Wendy from Peter Pan. I found the perfect dress at the thrift store last month, and it’s also a simple costume to put together.”

“Well, I can’t wait to see you all dressed up, I’m gonna be a vampire!” he said the last part in a horrible Romanian accent.

A smile spilled onto your lips.

“Well, I’m gonna take my last fifteen. I’ll be over at Mendle’s, need anything while I’m there?”

Bob shook his head no, and with that, you left the store and walked past the few other store signs before pulling open the doors to Mendle’s. You didn’t see Joyce right away upon entering so you just walked to the counter and hopped up waiting for her to come and keep you company.

The ringing of the bell alerted you that someone has entered the store. You continued to look for Joyce on the sales floor, but you didn’t see or hear her at all. You’ve seen her handle purchases so if she doesn't come back soon you’ll just deal with the customer. With your head down and back facing away from the door you didn’t see the customer, you didn’t see that it was the boy who always snuck his way into your dreams. The boy who took your breath away and he didn’t even know, the one you wish for just a moment he would look at you like you created the universe

Steve Harrington walked down the aisles of Mendle’s quietly, not wanting to make a sound. He wanted just a few seconds to observe you in your simple state. Leaning with your hands behind you to support your body on the counter, the red vest you wore over the shirt he saw from this morning at school. How your lips were in a pout and sometimes you would pull your bottom lip between your teeth, or you would stick your tongue out and lick your lips wet.

“Byers,” you jumped from the sudden deep voice.

“Christ, don’t do that-” you dropped off your sentence when you saw who startled you.

He had the cheeky smirk playing on his features, and your breath was stolen without him even trying.

“Whatcha’ doing here?” Steve leaned against the counter.

“I’m on my fifteen and I wanted to bother my mom, but it seems that she’s busy working. I could help you checkout with whatever you have.”

The both of you just stewed in the silence, enjoying the other's company. After summer ended the both of you still hung out, but it wasn’t the same. During the summer it felt like it was only the two of you at the community pool, no one in sight or sound for miles. It felt like you got lost in each other when you were just in the other air bubble, at least it always felt that way for you. But once the bright and hot summers turned to earlier dusk and fleece coats, it felt like Steve pulled away a bit. Sure, you didn’t constantly reach out to Steve, but to you, it still felt like a dream. Like if you were to call him randomly one day and ask if he wanted to hang out he would scoff over the phone and reply with a curt, ‘and why would I want to hang out with you in my free time?’ or he could respond, ‘I’m not your boyfriend, back off!’ So you would end up only seeing Steve at school mostly, a safe distance for your heart and brain.

The two of you wrapped up in the other, you gazing over Steve's delicate features that are hidden away from a passerby, and Steve whose eyes were glossed over and the smile never leaving his face, the both of you failed to hear the approaching footsteps.

“When did the both of you get here?”

Jerking both your heads in the direction of the voice, Joyce was carrying a box of whatever, it had to be something a bit hefty because she looked like she was struggling to keep a hold. Just as you were moving to jump from the counter to her aid, Steve rushed forward and easily held the weight of the box from her smaller frame. You could see the tightening of his coat around his arms and shoulders, you imagined in your head you were drooling a bit at the sight. Subconsciously, you raised a hand and made sure you weren’t drooling at the sight.

“Well, I was here to bother you on my fifteen, but I think I have to head back in a couple of minutes,” replying as your feet hit the ground.

“And what about you, Steve,” Joyce turned her attention to him now.

“I, uh, I actually forgot what I came here for. Sure it will hit me again once I park my car at home,” he chuckled.

Together they walked to the counter, Joyce behind and Steve on the other side dropping the box onto the brown countertop. You stepped closer to Steve and took a peek inside the brown box, “more Halloween stuff? It’s tomorrow though.”

“Some people are last-minute shoppers, honey,” Joyce answered while reaching inside.

You completely forgot that you were standing close to Steve, part of your chest brushing against his back and arms. The warmth he radiated was almost like a furnace, it made you want to cuddle with him in bed and dreamily doze off into your fantasy land. You stepped away once your mind went there.

With a cough to break the tension, you looked at both Joyce and Steve, “Well it was nice seeing the both of you, but I have to get back to work. Bob’s gonna try and teach me some computer coding again,” and you were off.

With the dinging of the bell signaling your exit, you released a shaky exhale. When you were just a few steps away from Mendle’s you faintly heard the bell again, then rushed footsteps slapping against the pavement. You turned around to be met with Steve, the wind toying with strands of his hair and the fabric of his jacket. Stuffing your hands into the pockets of your work vest, you cocked a brow at Steve’s sudden rush to follow you.

“Your-your mom asked if I could-could give you a ride home? Said she was gonna have to stay behind a little longer, and she doesn’t want you going home too late.”

“So you want to wait two hours, to take me home? I could always ask Bob, he was coming over tonight anyway.”

“Wait, your mom and Bob are…” he trailed off.

You just nodded for your answer. His face went through a few quick emotions processing this new information. He was staring at something behind you and then focused back on you, “yeah I could wait. I already told your mom I could. It's no big deal anyway, I don’t have anything until later tonight. Rather stay away from my empty house for as long as possible.”

You turned your body back in the direction of the store, but looked beside you to see Steve following you, “Your parents on another business trip?”

With his hands tucked into the front pockets of his jeans, he kicked at loose pebbles on the sidewalk and gave a curt nod to your question. A frown tugged your lips down, Steve didn’t talk about his parents much and you never pushed for the information, but anytime he did mention them they were always seemingly out of town. And it seemed that he was always home alone, in that big house, no one showing up to show that they cared about his well-being and safety. You wanted to extend an invitation to him, saying that if he ever wanted to drive out you would sneak him into your room, or you could bike to his house and keep him company. But that was something you could only do if you were in a relationship with him or if Steve was single, him being with Nancy, that’s another line you can’t cross in this friendship.

“Well, we’ll be keeping each other company for the next two hours. I’ll see if Bob can let you behind the counter. Maybe you can watch as he teaches me coding, it’s going to be an entertaining sight.”

The two of you chuckled at your joke.

You could feel the fabric of his coat brushing against your arms again, neither of you moving away when you realized how close you were walking together down the street.

A bubble of just the two of you.

…

“Again, you didn’t have to do this.”

“And again, (Y/n), I don’t mind taking you home.”

The drive from Radio Shack to your house was pretty quiet. You said your goodbyes to Bob and he just told you he’ll see you later, it was movie night. When he started the car he adjusted the radio volume and set it low enough where you could still hear the trending music, but you didn’t have to worry about shouting over each other. And then he did that thing, you know the car thing. Where he threw one arm behind your headrest and twisted his body so he could make sure he was clear to reverse out the spot, it gave you such a clear view of his side profile, how his jaw was a bit tensed. You let your wondering eyes focus on the moles dotting his face, the ends of his hair that tucked just under his ear.

He looked beautiful.

“So, what are your plans for the evening?” “Huh?” “You mentioned you had something later tonight, is it something you can talk about?” You don’t know you were being nosey all of a sudden, you try to stay out of other people’s business.

“Ah, well Nancy and I are going to the Holland’s for dinner,” and this is why you don’t ask.

“Oh. How are they holding up?” You knew it was a stupid question. They lost their daughter, and they don’t know the actual truth behind her death. The three of you could have ended up in that position with Will, but he somehow managed to survive over there, Barbara never even got a chance to fight.

“You probably already know the answer.”

“Yeah, I don’t even know why I asked.”

The radio filled the silence for a while. Switching between different decade songs, some sixties, and then would hop to the eighties, then switch again to the seventies. You kept your eyes on your fingers that were clasped tightly on your lap like you were restraining yourself from reaching out and touching him.

At some point, you might have to completely shut your brain off if it kept going in a certain direction when it came to Steve. You were hurting yourself with these thoughts and dreams, but you were also unintentionally hurting Nancy with your dreams and desires. Just because you weren’t extremely close with her doesn’t mean you should be doing something that could ruin their relationship or your friendship with either of them, you’re not a homewrecker.

“You die over there?”

Turning your attention away from your hands and up to Steve’s face, you noticed he was already looking your way before back at the empty road.

“Yeah, yeah, just- just a bit tired. Sleeping has been a bit hard these past few months,” you tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear.

“Are you having nightmares?”

“Uh, yeah. Seems I can’t escape them,” you tried to joke.

“You know, sometimes, I have them.” You focused back on Steve as he kept his eyes forward. His right hand held a steady grip on the lower half of the wheel while his left elbow rested against the window, his hand rubbing against his chin and jaw, then it went slack. He looked to be in thought, trying to sort through his next words, not wanting to say something that might come out the wrong way.

Finally, “One of the dreams I have always taken place at your house, all four of us fighting the monster,” “Demogorgon.”

“Whatever, the Demogorgon. It comes after us, one by one. The order always changes, but I’m always the last one to get killed, so I just have to constantly hear the three of you scream in pain and terror. We would try and help each other, but- it never works in the end. You all die and I’m the last one to go.”

Absorbing this new information, you looked back to your hands. His nightmares were similar to yours, always at your house, watching people die because of the monster, not being able to do anything in the situation but watch. Always the last to be killed.

“What about the other one?”

You looked back to Steve and his brows were furrowed in the middle. You clasped your hands tight, the desire to run the padding of a finger over the crease to smooth it out was alert. Taking notice of the way that Steve’s eyes made a glance at you in your seat and then back to the road, you could tell it was something he didn’t want to mention.

“You don’t have to tell me, the one is fine.”

The rest of the drive was silent.

…

You and Will were sitting on his bed and drawing as you waited for movie night to start. With the faint commotion coming from the kitchen where Joyce and Bob were working on the snacks, a discrete smile appeared. Turning away from your terrible drawings of whatever you were going for, you peered over Will’s pages to see his work. It was a boy with green skin, twigs sticking out of his hair, and pieces of flesh ripped open allowing him to show the muscle and teeth within. You took a glance at the writing beside the boy.

“Who’s zombie boy?” “It’s me,” he responded quietly.

A furrowed brow, “Where’d you come up with that? Did someone say it at school?” You started to get a bit defensive now.

“Might have been mentioned at school, but it’s not a big deal. It’s true anyway.”

“Yeah, but, they shouldn’t be calling you names over this? Plus they don’t kn-” “(Y/n), I’ve been called worse. I think I can handle zombie boy,” Will blurted.

You moved away from the close space you created, allowing for the both of you to take a minute. Will didn’t always talk about the things that happened at school, but you could always tell that most of the kids treated him and the party horribly. You and Jonathan understood to an extent of the school bullying, both of you were seen as outcasts and freaks in the popular kids' eyes. But kids messing with Will after his whole experience made you extra protective of him, just because they didn’t know the stuff he went through shouldn’t allow for them to start picking on him and calling him even worse names than before.

“Will-”

A knock at the door disrupted your sentence.

Jonathan walked in holding three VHS tapes and looked between the both of you, “Hey. I didn’t know what you’d like, so I got a variety. Take your pick.” It was Will’s night to pick the movie.

“Whatever you want,” you could hear the tension playing at his vocal cords.

He just went back to coloring his zombie boy. You ran a hand through your hair and looked at Jonathan just as he met your eyes, he could also tell something was up with Will.

“All right,” he sat beside Will’s feet. “What are you working on?”

He peered at the pages just like you did a few moments ago, “Zombie boy? Who’s zombie boy?” He looked hesitant to tell Jonathan, “it’s Will,” you blurted out.

Jonathan looked between the both of you. You could see the bit of anger rising in Will’s eyes.

“Did someone call you that?”

Will just sat quietly and continued in his coloring while you and Jonathan looked from each other to Will. It hurt that he wasn’t opening up to either of you about this, stuff that’s happening at school, and how he’s doing. The two of you still sometimes meet up during the middle of the night when awoke from a nightmare and can’t sleep right away, but he isn’t vocally telling you what’s going on in his head.

“Hey. You can talk to me, to us. You know that, right? Whatever happened? Will, come on, talk to us,” Jonathan pleaded.

Will jerked his head up when Jonathan reached hishand out, “Stop treating me like that!” he raised his voice.

The two of you were taken aback by his voice, “What? Like what?” Jonathan asked.

“Like everyone else. Like there’s something wrong with me.”

“There’s nothing wrong with you Will,” you spoke, “but you went through something- something traumatic. We’re just trying to look out for you.”

He huffed a sigh, “It feels like everyone is hovering over me, waiting for me to crack or something.” “What are you talking about,” asked Jonathan.

“Mom, Dustin, Lucas. Everyone. They all treat me like I’m glass, like I’m gonna break. Like I’m a baby. Like I can’t handle things on my own.”

You scooted closer to Will, but kept a breath of space between your bodies, “Will, we’re just trying to help you.” “Well, it doesn’t help. It just makes me feel like a freak.”

“You’re not a freak,” Jonathan stated.

“Yeah, I am. I am.” He then went back to harshly coloring the pages.

Breathing in and closing your eyes, you took a minute to take in Will’s words. You didn’t realize that your hovering caused him this much distress. All you want is for him to be safe and to go back to living his life, his normal life.

“You know what? You’re right,” Jonathan stated.

You opened your eyes and Jonathan was looking directly at Will and he was doing the same. You were curious about where this was going.

“You are a freak.” “What?” “No, I’m serious. You’re a freak. But what? Do you wanna be normal? Do you wanna be just like everyone else?”

The speech made you think of that day on the bleachers with Robin, “do you ever feel…do you ever wonder what it would feel like to be- to be someone normal?” How you told her that you also liked girls, how you thought for the longest time that liking anyone who wasn’t a boy made you a freak, not worthy of society. Robin telling you how she doesn’t see you any different just because of this. You constantly think of how to be ‘normal’, but being the standard is boring and just not achievable. Maybe being a ‘freak’ is the best thing about you, about the Byers family.

“Being a freak is the best. I’m a freak, (Y/n)’s a freak.” “Hell yeah, I’m a freak.”

“Is that why the both of you still don't have any friends?” Will looked between the both of you.

“Hey, I do have friends, thank you very much,” you pointed a finger between yourself and Will, “don’t know about Jonathan though.”

Jonathan chuckled, a little nervous, “I have friends, guys.”

“Yeah, who are these mystery friends? I never see you hanging out with anyone at school?”

“And why are you always hanging out with me if you have friends?”

The both of you just stared down Jonathan, you were trying so hard to keep the smile and giggles from breaching the surface. He looked a bit exasperated with you as he ran his hand through his hair.

“Because you’re my best friend, Will. You’re both my best friends, all right?” “Actually, I think Robin is my best friend, Will’s my second best friend. Sorry, pal.”

“(Y/n),” he sighed.

“Sorry, just continue.” He looked back to Will, “I would rather be best friends with zombie boy than with a boring nobody. You know what I mean?” Will didn’t respond.

“Okay, who would you rather be friends with? Bowie or Kenny Rogers?” You asked in substitution.

“Ew,” Will stuck his tongue out like just the question left a bad taste.

“Exactly. It’s no contest.”

“The thing is, nobody normally ever accomplished anything meaningful in this world. You got it?” “Well…some people like Kenny Rogers,” Will added as an afterthought.

“Kenny Rogers.” The three of you looked to the doorway and saw Bob standing outside the threshold, “I love Kenny Rogers.”

You looked at each other, a smirk playing on your lips, and the three of you each released a tiny chuckle. You smack Jonathan on the knee and gave a quick flick to Will’s right ear to make sure their giggles stop.

“What’s so funny?” “Oh, nothing,” you feign innocence.

Bob reached for the tapes Jonathan left on Will’s dresser, he looked at the top on and smiled, “Mr. Mom, perfect!” he whoops in glee.

Once he left the three of you couldn’t contain your giggles at that display. You then pushed the boy to get off the bed.

“Okay, let's go, freaks! Movie night!”

…

Once movie night was over everyone headed their separate ways.

You got changed and ready for bed, but you stayed up a little longer to finish more of the homework that you put off. When you had most of it complete and went over it twice to look for any mistakes. Satisfied with how they look, you put everything away neatly inside your bag and then shut off your lights.

Tonight it seemed no dreams or nightmares snuck into your mind. You only had the darkness and the quiet as your lullaby for the first time in a year, the ghost of a smile gracing your lips. As you were slowly and slowly inching closer to a full deep sleep the creaking of your door caught your attention. With your back to the door, you rolled over and leaned on an elbow to try and make out the dark shadowed figure. With your eyes adjusting to the dark you started to see the tiny figure of,

“Will? What’s up buddy?” He stepped further into your room and shut the door behind him. You started to get worried so you sat up and reached to turn the light back on. With the illumination, you could see the shake racking through his body, the terror penetrating his corneas, and the slight drops of sweat beading from under his hair.

“Hey, hey, what’s wrong?” You pulled the blanket back as an invitation for him to climb in.

He pressed a knee into the mattress slowly, and then he leaned into your figure. Both of you clinging to each other instantly, his arms thrown over your shoulders and yours wrapped around his tiny waist. His head was tucked deep into your neck and you moved a hand to keep pressure against the back of his head. You could feel the wetness of tears touching your skin, your own eyes watering at the thought of Will being hurt by something.

“Hey, can you tell me what’s wrong?”

He sniffled his tears before pulling away just so he could look into your eyes, “I saw it.”

A furrow of brows, “saw what?” “Upside Down,” was all he said.

Instantly you pushed his head back into your neck and laid the both of you down onto your mattress. Caressing the strands of hair, you shushed and cooed into his ear, “it’s okay” “you’re safe”, anything to calm him down, even if they might be lies to both your ears.

Soon his body stopped shaking and you could hear his breathing slowing down and going shallow, he finally let sleep take his hand and walk him into a peaceful dream, anything to keep him away from his reality.

“It’s gonna be okay, Will. It’s gonna be okay,” you whispered to yourself.

A lie is sometimes more important than the truth.

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

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frostycatblr-fandom-files · 10 months

Text

Sorry, Wrong Comms! : Hunter x Medic!Reader [Chapter 11]

Warnings and Information: Intended audience is 13+ (18 if you squint). Should know the drill on my use of Mando'a, italics and my headcanons by now if you've been following along with the AU series this far. Star Wars and real-world swearing. Can you call it a road trip if there's no cars in Star Wars? Who knows, who cares. Batch and Medic!Reader go on a road trip back to that mining planet so the brothers can have a nice little day to use their skill sets in peace and quiet away from the Empire. More domestic(-ish) moments. Only days into dating Hunter and basically like one of the family, lucky lucky you. If you don't try to embarrass your siblings in front of their significant others, are you really even siblings? Someone figured out where to make a "nap nest" in the Marauder to escape the heat? Sure why not, we don't know the exact layout of the attack shuttle so fuck it we vibe. ❤️✌️ Couple of suggestive lines but overall this is just me finding excuses for fluff/soft content. Batchers need a break and so do you.

Word-count: 5,479

Trp-trp-trp-trp!

Scraping wet food out of the can, [____] glances down at the light-furred critter winding eagerly around her feet, the sound of the Tooka's curved nails tip-tipping against the floor as she prances and paces in tight circles. "I'm going as fast as I can without making a mess, silly!"

Rorw! M'oww!

She sets the plate down along with the ceramic bowl with water just as there's a knock at the door. The hour, exactly on the dot, Hunter said he'd be by to walk her to the shipyards. "Spoon, you be good for me, okay girl? I'll be home before dinner. Sounds like that's him." Straightening out the hem of an older, comfortable shirt she won't mind getting dirty, she plucks the emergency medkit off the counter as she walks past it. "Be right there!"

Hunter doesn't hide the visual head-to-toe sweep when she opens the door to him, the dark ink that makes up his tattoo of the half-skull making it very easy to notice when he starts to smile at the sight of her. "Hey… Good morning." He looks bright-eyed in a way beyond possibly being awake for an hour or two longer than the medic. She'd slept in pretty late - compared to the days she was working at least - since she'd gone home late after dinner. It was difficult to say no to Omega's suggestion to watch a holofilm once the leftovers were tucked away in the cold-unit and dishes were washed up.

Besides, more excuses to remain close to one another and enjoy the company, the chance to hold one another close while she laid out her thoughts for how to spend tomorrow? (Distract themselves from the collective thoughts of the Imperial at her health practice.) Would they really have passed that up?

She smiles back, threading her arm in the offered space to walk arm in arm once she's locked the door. "G'morning, Hunter." She realizes he's clean-shaven when he moves in close to peck her cheek with a sweet little sound. "Sleep well, mesh'la?"

"Mhm. You?" she asks.

"Probably better than Wrecker and Crosshair…" Hunter chuckles, sighing just slightly. "They were pretty excited, y'know. They have a chance to show off, so there's a chance they'll get a bit competitive like the old days." he warns her; not that [____] needed the reminder that his brothers' habit of competition had survived the war.

"Still a little confused how exactly they competed with such different skill sets at times." [____] admits and laughs softly under her breath as they pass one of the management-personnel of the shipyards, the top fin of the Marauder easy to spot, "But siblings always find a way, don't they? So I suppose that's enough of an explanation."

Ducking under the wing of another ship just before they get to the Omicron-class ship, the two of them are greeted by the sight of his brothers waiting for them, and Omega breaks away from helping Tech with last-minute supply checks to greet her friend. "[____]!" Ordinarily someone would be warning her for forgetting (once again) that shipyards were no place to be running around, but she doesn't go too far before the medic catches her with a laugh and hoists her up in her arms.

"Good morning to you too, sweetie! Looks like someone's excited for today!"

"Yeah, we get to spend it with you!" Omega giggles, lacing her arms around the grown woman's neck and shoulders. Tech was pointedly looking away to conceal a grimace of annoyance, likely having lost track of what he was counting within a very full crate. Oh dear. Lowering the youngster, [____] kindly reminds the girl she was in the middle of helping one of her brothers with a wink and loving ruffle of her hair.

"And as much as I love a good hug from the galaxy's cutest little heat-seeking missile, you were helping your brother count something important from the look of things before you ran off." The crate was marked "SNACKS" in bold, sloppy Aurebesh, but something told her the contents inside were most definitely not bursting with flavor.

Omega's hands wring and twist the hem of her shirt. "Ri-right, sorry Tech! I just got excited."

"It's fine Omega, I understand..." Tech smiles softly, finally nodding in greeting in [____]'s direction to be polite, "I just lost track of how many I've already count-"

"Twenty-four!" Omega declares confidently, swinging off [____]'s wrist with a slight laugh.

"Oh, excellent, I was only one off. Twenty-five, six… twenty-eight. Perfect. Full crate." Lid latched tightly, the container is pawned off to Wrecker, excitedly prancing in place, so he can haul it up the ramp into the shuttle. "Awh right! Can't wait!"

[____] gives Hunter a questioning and amused look. Did Wrecker really have twenty-eight explosives in that crate? "Don't worry, those snacks aren't any spicier than the way Cross likes his fruit and spice-dough pastries." he assures her, nudging Tech and Omega to get into the ship and get things running now that Echo's called from the cockpit that the shipyard crew has given them the go-ahead to lift-off with the rest of the morning rush. They ought to hurry before the skyway was choked with ships.

Crosshair scoffed lazily, collecting his case for the 773 Firepuncher with a lifted brow and a gentle shoulder slugging. "Big words for the guy who didn't make the cut for galaxy's number one cutest heat-seeking missile."

"I'm okay with that." Hunter retorts in a gruffer voice, returning the slug with a touch more effort. He's the last up the ramp after the medic, so he hits the proper button on the panel to draw in the ramp. "I'll gladly settle for being number two." he adds with a smug, confident expression. Oh Maker, her face feels warm, suddenly. Something about Hunter's moments of confidence in himself could be so attractive.

Tech calls a final warning from the cockpit as the engines rumble and burst to life. "Ready for lift-off! Strap in, this will not be very smooth, I'm afraid!"

Finding a crash seat for herself, [____] gets her medkit secured and carefully straps in. Hunter joins her shortly after, having helped Omega get settled in in the cockpit's seats. (Until she was a little more acclimated to a bumpier than average take-off, she could get airsick being further back in the ship.) Crosshair takes a seat directly across from his brother, a devious smirk washing over every feature.

Oh boy, here comes trouble. Hunter senses it too, preliminarily rolling his eyes after securing the shoulder harness. "What is it, Cross?" He's certain he's going to wish he hadn't asked, so he chooses a non-Basic language to get this over with and spare [____] the potential for embarrassment. "Out with it."

Adopting the same language, Cross purrs delicately around the toothpick with a mirthful smile. "Shame you can't act out that bunkroom fantasy you had as a cadet, Hunter." He only groans regretfully, ignoring the provocative grins from the sniper and the strongman once he's gotten seated. "And I shouldn't have asked…"

She looks sideways at him and across the ship at his brothers, and her later reply only makes Wrecker laugh harder. Hunter's mortified because forgot she understands this language thanks to the time she was employed at her first of two health centers. That smirk tells Hunter he should have worried about himself being embarrassed.

Kark…

"Now, now, Crosshair. We both know he'd want a door he can lock before anything else." [____] croons in a salacious voice.

Hunter sinks further into the seat in a way that has nothing to do with the spacecraft picking up speed once hitting clear skies.

Kark!

"That looks like a mining town." Omega marvels, pointing to something she sees out of the viewport.

"That's because it is," Echo replies, reaching overhead to hit some control as part of the landing sequence, "that's the mountain [____] fell down, actually. Thank the Force she wasn't badly hurt at least." Omega shudders, shrinking back against her seat until the landing struts have made contact with the surface of the desert planet. "I know that she said it was more of an uncontrolled slide than a fall after she slipped on loose shale, but still… That must've been scary…"

[____] and Hunter briefly glanced at one another by chance as they gathered their things. The twisting expression of torment in his face when his eyes found that fading evidence of her partially unsuccessful exploit left no doubt in [____]'s mind that Hunter had some really strong what if? thoughts surging right now. Maybe the very same ones she'd had that day when making her way home.

What if she'd hit her head and ended up severely concussed? If she'd been badly hurt, would the wildlife here pose a threat to her? (What wildlife was out here, actually? She didn't know; hopefully no big carnivores.) How quickly would help have come to her if she'd given Echo the SOS; that unfortunately yes, their "favorite medic" had gotten herself hurt?

Was Echo serious about that… is she really their favorite medic?

"Wow. Hardly a cloud in the sky…" Wrecker rumbles with wonder as he's the first to step off the Havoc Marauder. "Good thing we brought so much water and stuff for shade! But first, needa put on all the sun-stuff before someone ends up lookin' like a roasted porg again; c'mere you!" He plucks his sister off her feet with frightening ease as she tries to skip past him after Tech, who'd wandered off ahead to inspect the desert vegetation. She giggles and struggles in mild protest, swearing she can put the protective lotion on herself without any help. "Nuh-uh, we're not repeatin' last time, Omega. Fried the back of your poor neck 'cause you forgot."

"But what about Te-!" she tries asking, gasping when Wrecker accidentally tickles her by moving her hair off the back of her neck to apply the sun protectant. He apologizes, large fingers making quick work of the application process before she's thoroughly covered and she can take it from there. "Awh, someone'll drag him back eventually if he's not coming back on his own. Y'know how Techie is."

"Don't be stingy on the lotion, sweetie," [____] encourages her, "I brought plenty."

Echo laughs, taking one of the many bottles from the crate she and Hunter had collected from her clinic last night as part of the preparation for today with a grateful smile. "Benefits of knowing a damn good medic." He tosses his head in a nodding motion at Cross, "Mind helping me out? Goes a lot faster with two hands." Both chuckle when Echo whirrs the scomplink attachment once for good measure to emphasize his point.

"Sure thing."

"Hey… uh-uh." [____] chides Hunter softly for quickly smearing the sun cream across his face before reaching behind his head to apply it to his neck, "Come here. I want to make sure that nice tattoo of yours is properly covered so it stays nicer longer." Her fingertips carefully paint a thin layer of the lotion over the dark ink of the half-skull on the left side of his face, glazing it in a coat of white before tenderly massaging it into his face so it absorbs into the skin. The whole ordeal, Hunter's keen eyes are trained on her, watching her with rapt attention. She'd become the galaxy's most interesting spectacle to Hunter since freeing himself from refraining from expressing how he realized he felt about her. Becoming braver, bolder, to watch her with adoration, without much shame if she caught him staring.

Her kindness, her compassion, her soothing, nurturing nature that served as the groundwork for her inner and outer beauty had him so enamored shortly from the start, perhaps.

And she… she's wearing the Nabooian pendant.

How in the stars did he miss that? It looked so beautiful in the sunlight. She looked so beautiful in the sunlight. "Something on my face, or…?" she asks softly, teasingly as she takes the container again and carefully applies some to her own face. "Am I missing something?"

"Mm-m." he confirms shortly and leans in to pepper her in sweet little kisses, feeling bold, daring, in this moment.

"Ew," Omega giggles brightly behind them when Hunter grimaces reflexively after hitting a patch of lotion, "I bet that didn't taste very good."

"No… Definitely went a lot better in my head…" he murmurs in answer, pulling on the collar of his civvies to clean the opaque residue from his lips. "Sorry."

She chuckles sympathetically, watching as Wrecker tramped up the gangplank and said he was gonna start getting the charges ready once he had them out of the ship, "Someone better ask Techie if there's a safe place to set these bad boys off! Don't want any serious debris comin' our way!" She agrees to go ask, taking the lotion with her to gently interrupt Tech's deep analysis if she can. He's hunched over in a squat, studying the roots of the shrub-tree now, muttering scientific names from the sound of things.

Recognizing her by the shadow she casts, Tech greets her with an enthusiastic question. "Aren't these fascinating, [____]?"

"Gotta know what I'm looking at, Tech," she laughs lightly, trading his datapad for the bottle of lotion, "and after you put this on, Wrecker wants your input on where he can safely plant the explosives to get the day kicked off with a bang." He takes the lotion with a sheepish smile. He’d gotten so ahead of himself he forgot to explain what he was looking at first. "Ah, of course-'' Tech murmurs apologetically, "These are ucca brevifolia - common name “shu'ah tree”. They have thick, waxy leaves that are capable of retaining critical moisture through prolonged drought that are protected against herbivores with a mild, serrated, outer edge. It serves as a deterrent to grazers.”

“Oh yeah? Is that an adaptation to grazing wildlife or something they’ve always had?” [____] asks with genuine interest as she walks with him back to the ship. Tech grinned appreciatively, a little relieved, as always, when someone wanted to know what was currently of-interest to him without brushing him off. (When he’d given Hunter’s letter a final read-through to catch any errors Hunter worried there being, he was surprised by some of the additional observations his brother had made about [____]’s friendship with him.) “I haven’t gotten that far in the reading I was doing, but I can determine such a thing once I’ve assisted Wrecker.” he admits with an offering, carefully lifting his goggles so someone can help him apply everything without squinting in the sunlight.

Wrecker looks from Tech to [____] with a curious smile, settling the crate at his feet to wait while she helps his brother carefully distribute the protective coverage around his eyes as Hunter helps out by holding Tech’s goggles for the time being. “Whatcha talking about?”

“Oh, Techie was telling me those trees out there,” she pointed over Tech’s shoulder with a free hand to indicate to everyone what their brother had wandered off to inspect, “the ones that have the shaggy-looking trunks and those red-tipped, blade-like leaves. I think they’re kinda pretty, in a way.”

Adding with a nod, Tech turns his face to the left to speak with Wrecker, “Which, once I’ve helped you, Wrecker, I can return to researching to answer her question once we’ve gotten the day ‘kicked off with a bang’. Ack, that tickles…” Wrecker chortles alongside Hunter, stitching his arms across his chest with a warm smile.

This was gonna be a fun day for everyone.

“HAHAHA! That last one could bring down the whole mountain!” Wrecker whooped, caught up in the excitement of planting the last of his charges at the foothills of the mountain the mining town is perched on as he gleefully jogs back to the safety zone.

Tech shakes his head as he ducks back into the ship. “Seems like a gross exaggeration for the amount of-”

“Hah! Dumb ol’ mining town deserves it!” Wrecker declares decidedly, tossing his head at Hunter knowingly, which only makes him chuckle and shake his head with a sigh, “Wrecker… Are you going to try to teach a whole mountain a lesson for hurting [____] when she slipped?”

“Nah,” Wrecker laughs, idly tossing and catching the primer, “not unless you want to.”

[____] and Omega exchange glances and shake their heads softly for more or less the same reason. "Boys…" they agree with a knowing sigh. The explosive charge wasn't going to be enough to bring down a boomtown mountain even if it was riddled with hollowed-out passageways and tunnels, but it wouldn't stop the brothers from arguing - playfully - if it would or not. The idea of showing an inanimate object who's boss after her mistake of not minding her footing was at least a little endearing and nothing she was stranger to either. The first time the medic had been invited to the Batcher's housing, she'd knocked on the door in the middle of Wrecker's tirade against a chair Omega had tripped over.

"Think you can get away with hurtin' MY sister, HUH?! You think you're tough?!"

"Hi... Did I come at a bad time, Hunter?"

"Er, no, it's just- You're fine. H-he's yelling at a chair Omega tripped over to try to cheer her up; make her laugh.”

“Aw, that’s nice of him. Is she hurt?”

Hunter shook his head, perhaps for the fifth time at Wrecker’s insistent offering. “No, really, I- I’m good, Wreck. Kind of you to offer, but it’s not really my thing. You can ask someone else.” He was more interested in just watching his brothers have fun, relax, and do their own things. More interested in listening to Tech rattle off a parts list inside the ship as he worked on repairing something, expressing terse disinterest to Wrecker. More interested in hearing the languid sweep of a cleaning cloth over a trusty 773 Firepuncher as Crosshair made sure sand didn’t settle into the grooves and crevices in the weaponry. Comforted by the aroma of sun-warmed cotton and skin from a pace away where Echo sat, happily soaking in the sun for some much-desired phototherapy. Amused by Wrecker’s delight in this opportunity to blow something up that was coming to a close as soon as he found someone to take him up on his offer. Entertained by Omega and [____] trailing their fingers in the sand of the desert planet, an endless, completely reusable canvas for their creativity together.

Stolen, precious memories the Empire could never take from him no matter how hard they tried. Acts of resistance in their own right. A refusal to be stifled, to be silenced, to comply blindly.

Man, someone in the Empire would hate knowing a stolen crate of their precious bombs were being used to blow craters in the desert sand for the hell of it. That Wrecker had scoffed over the fancy, intimidating exteriors and pulled them apart to scrutinize some sap’s work.

“Hah, that’s pathetic. I’ve made better bombs with half as many wires that I secured so much better than that under pressure! Tech, look!”

“... pathetic. Their wiring is so sloppy.”

“Tha’s what I said!!”

Omega lifts her head from her current work of art in the sand, brows lifted in question when [____] waves down the offer. “Can I set off the last charges?” Initially, Hunter wasn’t sure he liked that idea. Omega understood perfectly well that the vode didn’t mess with bombs of any sort that Wrecker or Tech cobbled together, and her first experience trying to disable a smoke bomb nearly a year ago with Wrecker’s tutelage had ended in, well, a smokeshow on Bracca.

“You let the kid try to disarm a bomb…? That has to be one of your dumbest-”

“C’mon, I’m not an idiot, Crosshair… I’m not gonna let her train with a live explosive. And would you stop calling her ‘the kid’ already? Omega has a name, just like you.”

“Whatever.”

“No, not whatever-”

“Hunter, don’t! Enough fighting, you two! We all just got our chips out for kriff sake!”

Omega looks to Hunter for permission when Wrecker hesitates. Deferring to the leader. But he wasn’t just their leader anymore, he was their brother. He was trying to be their brother more than a low-ranking commanding officer. They didn’t need his permission for every little thing, but it was so habitual. For all of them.

Good soldiers…

“Hunter, can I?” Omega asks softly.

“I’ll leave that up to Wrecker to decide.” he gives Wrecker a slow nod. I trust you, it says.

… follow orders.

“I’d feel better if we did it together, Omega. Jus’ to be safe, y’know. C’mere.” Omega took Wrecker’s outstretched hand and walked forward to get in-range of the charge with the primer, listening to his instructions intently as they walked a few paces closer to the old mountain mining town. Crosshair called over his shoulder into the Marauder that Tech might wanna watch this one, carefully laying aside his rifle. Echo sat up and climbed out of his low seat to move back towards their ship out of an abundance of caution. Hunter and [____] scooched closer together on the old blanket now that Omega had gotten up, leaning comfortably against one another. Hands finding the other’s, clasped comfortably.

“This oughta be good.” she murmurs fondly, head against his shoulder.

“THREE!” Wrecker called; the signal for all spectators to brace themselves for the noise to come. Three seconds to detonation and total, momentary chaos.

Cross calls them rib-rattlers. She can understand why. A thick plume of dust, debris and spent powder smoke shoots high into the blue expanse of the sky above the seven of them. They can feel the shockwave through the ground below their feet and booming into their chest cavities. Omega shrieks with delighted laughter alongside Wrecker, both of them whooping on their way back to the ship to watch as the dust cloud begins to disperse and dissipate with the gentle breeze that’s picked up across the arid plain.

“Not bad,” Cross approves, nodding to Wrecker and Omega as they get closer to the ship, approvingly before glancing around at his datapad for the time, “think I’ll go sneak a quick break from the heat. Then I hope you’re up for a- Hunter?”

Hunter’s suddenly on his feet in a flash, instinctually and visibly bristling at the sight of a second plume building and rising into the sky from the side of the mountain. The blast in the foothills has one last trick to play; one of the buildings nestled in the winding, serpentine road that had been worked into the stony surface of the natural formation has been knocked from its crumbling foundation and has become mobile. The entire structure is slowly sliding down the slope. It looks like a tiny, very old-fashioned and simple prison house; probably would have held no more than four cells for the roughest and rowdiest in a boomtown.

“Hunter, it’s okay.” [____] says soothingly as she too sees the little building coming down the mountain. “It’s coming to a stop on the next level of the switch-back. We’re not in any danger so far away.” she reminds him, putting a comforting hand on his back, his shoulder. “It’s okay. We’re okay. We’re safe. Right?”

It’s about a moment before he’s satisfied that the little structure sliding down the mountainside is in fact not going to move again before he settles himself down, softening his stance, feeling the fine hairs on the back of his neck lay flat once more the longer [____] keeps her hands on him, the longer her heartbeat remains so steady. “R-right…”

Crosshair cautiously utters under his breath to avoid breaking this newly established sense of calm for his brother that he’s going to find a snap-activated cold pack and hide out from the heat for roughly twenty minutes, and they’d front row seats to another impressive spectacle.

Twenty minutes of calm would do them all some good.

Well, calm as “calm” could be with his brothers. But, Crosshair supposed he wouldn’t have it any other way.

It was just a simple snap-pack and he couldn’t find the blasted thing, Hunter could hear Crosshair tramping through the whole of the Marauder, opening the odd cabinet here and there in his search. Just like he couldn’t find the spare blankets or pillows. Or the misplaced tool when the box tipped over as he helped Tech shift everything outside.

"Hunterrrr… I can't find it!"

He sighs heavily, finally and reluctantly pushing himself off the edge of the old blanket for the third time to assist his brother. "Do I seriously have to find everything around here?" He just wants to spend a little time in the sun, dammit. Some time to settle his head after that last detonation, and the ear-splitting clatter of tools after Tech had tripped over his own toolbox after moving everything so people could escape the heat in peace. (“Apologies! Don’t worry: I’m not hurt!”)

Tech was now working on his project in the shadow cast by the bulk of the Marauder's body, a long cable snaking out of the cockpit plugged into some radio-like device so he could continue listening along to an educational program about the insectoid Yalbec species. (No, she didn't want to know what happened on Yalbec Prime apparently.)

Echo just chuckles softly as his younger brother begrudgingly trudges past him to the ship for the fifth time in as many minutes. "Hey, I'd ask for help finding something from an expert tracker too." Poor guy just sighs, trotting up the steps to the side-ramp a little faster now after asking Tech to turn down the radio a notch. "Shut up…"

"You're a good brother, Hunter!" the ARC calls after him. Sometimes, try as he might, it was harder than other days to turn off that part of his conditioning to lead and look out for his brothers all the time. While letting go of leadership and rank was getting better with practice, it was that gnawing, almost screaming urge to constantly be on high alert and let his brothers mind themselves that was harder to wrangle.

What was it Crosshair had teased Hunter for once? Something about being paternal?

She wasn't quite sure what that remark was off the top of her head while she was more concerned with making sure she had a proper eye on Wrecker while he was moving heavy stones out in the dry heat of the desert. Thank the stars they brought so much water, no one would run the risk of being dehydrated at least, she thought as she watched Wrecker take another pull from his hydro pack. (Her bigger concern was heatstroke or overexertion.) Looked like he was crafting a makeshift bench for the targets and novelty props Cross had brought with them so he could show off his sharpshooting skills; the whole reason [____] had hinted to Hunter she could think of a good excuse to stay away from her clinic today last night over dinner.

(She thought of that letter often, and had read it last night before going to sleep as a way of warding away any dreams of the Imperial forces at her clinic.)

Wrecker sat down under the shade of a low shrub-tree after she flashed him a flat palm that morphed into a cupping motion with a turn of the wrist.

Rest.

"I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't laugh," [____] chuckles softly behind that same raised hand to stifle her laughter, "but is Crosshair getting whiny?" She's no stranger to the often high and nasally whines of a tired tot or a fussy baby thanks to her professional experience, and the hint of impatience in Cross's voice is enough to remind her of the little ones she's treated over the years since completing medical training.

Echo just chuckles before adjusting his sun shades. Omega glances at the medic's time device on her wrist. "It's around the time Crosshair naps at home some days. He sleeps in bursts." Her voice drops into that timid, nervous whisper when she’s afraid someone will hear one of her inner observations that might not be taken so well if said out loud. “He can get… a little cranky in the heat, too…”

“Ahh…” she replies, understanding now, “I see. But hey, he’s got the right idea to escape the heat. Wouldn’t be a bad idea at all to do the same thing. Oh kriff, that’s right; should I tell ‘em they’re not gonna find any snap-packs in there, or do you wanna do it?” [____] had told them while they were traveling and hadn’t quite reached the planet that she was going to add the packs she found in their tiny infirmary aboard the attack shuttle to her medbag so they’d be in easy reach. (She couldn’t blame them for forgetting she did that when she’d done it herself until Echo diligently touched up his UV coverage with more lotion just a moment ago.)

“You better,” Omega tells the medic with a smile, “I’m gonna go get Wrecker. He looks tired.”

[____] nods. “Good idea.” Climbing up the ramp a step at a time, she’s got two snap-activated packs in her opposite hand that are a very welcome sight for the sniper.

“Oh, Maker, forgot they wouldn’t be on the ship. Thanks, doc.”

“I forgot too, sorry boys.” [____] offers an apologetic smile, peering around the marksman and tracker at a mess on the floor between all the sleeping racks near the back of the ship and gunner’s mount. “What’s all that?” It looked like a rumpled nest of blankets and pillows on the cool durasteel floor.

“Omega calls them ‘nap nests’,” Crosshair offers, biting down a yawn (Hunter less successfully) and thanking her for the rapidly chilling pack, “or, somethin’ like that… And how come you’re suddenly tired, vod?” Hunter shrugs. He’d truly slept fine last night, but he felt pretty tired being in the ship, suddenly. Admitted to feeling a little lightheaded, too. Neither [____] or Cross liked the sound of that. “That doesn’t sound good, vod.”

“Have you been drinking enough water?” [____] asks, patting down her pockets. Blast, she’d finished off the last of her hydro pack. “Shiiiit.” the medic hissed, mentally rattling off symptoms. “Are you also feeling like it’s difficult to concentrate?”

Omega and Wrecker poked their heads into the ship before climbing in, a hydro pack, unopened, in her hands. “Hunter accidentally let himself get dehydrated didn’t he? I-I found this where he was sitting.”

“I’ve had at least one pack,” Hunter tried thinking back, feeling that wave of guilt washing over him when his siblings, his… could he call her that, yet? “Girlfriend”? (Would she prefer something else?) “I think I just got distracted and forgot to open the next one. I’m sor-”

“Some water is better than none, could be worse.” [____] conceded with a tender smile, allowing Omega to take a seat next to her in the middle of the “nap nest” when Crosshair suggested Hunter better lay down and he’d climb into a sleeping rack instead, popping in a pair of ear-jammers so he could sleep while sister and friend teamed up to take care of his brother. “Here, bandana comes off, and we’ll give you the second cold pack while you slowly nurse this…” The scarlet bandana was pawned to Omega, and once it was carefully laid aside in a neat fold, she watched with interest (and confusion) as her little brother’s eyes fluttered reflexively at the first pass of [____]’s hand through his hair once his head was propped up with one of the pillows from the nap nest in the back of the ship, but not her’s. That was strange. How’d she do that? What did Omega do differently than the medic?

“Here, try it like this.” the grown woman offered kindly, noticing the girl’s cute pout of confusion. She tried encouraging Omega to give it another shot when it didn’t work as expected. “You’ll get it, sweetie. Just try again. He’s not going anywhere until I feel he’s properly hydrated again.” [____] laughed lightly at Hunter’s mumbled apology for making her play medic when she was supposed to have the day off, again, just to take care of him when he wasn’t being proactive about his safety and health.

Before bending forward to kiss Hunter, [____] playfully rolled her eyes in his line of vision before closing the distance. “Oh, hush, handsome. Like I told Captain Rex, you guys just keep my job interesting for me. And I don’t mind a bit.”

Taglist: @dragonrider9905 @ladytano420 @the-hexfiles @ilovethosebrowneyes9904

Note from Frost: The "shu'ah" trees Tech described for you are space!Joshua trees (I just tried to creatively modify the name and description a bit). The mining town is heavily inspired by Jerome, Arizona, which is what inspired the beginning and opening location of this fic even though it wasn't described in detail until now. Threw in a vague reference to Sliding Jail for funsies. As a born-and-raised desert dweller, this chapter felt like writing about home for me as much as it's about your more domestic/everyday-flavored moments with Hunter and his siblings. Start thinking now if you wanna be added to the all-encompassing SW fic taglist (sans OC stories, most likely) while I get the last chapter all nice and purdy! 🩷

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hopelesslyfallenninlove · 1 year

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Larissa Weems x Reader ~ Chapter 7: Halloween Break Plans

Every night for this past week Larissa and I have fallen asleep together in her bed. The only time we have spent apart is when we are working and even then it’s a little amount of time apart. It is 1 week till halloween break and you have no plans other than staying at the school, Larissa and you haven’t talked about whether or not you’d spend the break with each other. Since it is Friday which we have designated as our date night I have decided to inquire about halloween break see if she has any plans. We switch off every Friday of who gets to plan it and it is my turn, as soon as I am done with my last class I start getting everything ready. I decided on a nice and relaxing night for a candle light dinner and I am making Lasagna with homemade garlic bread and a delicious red wine. I set everything up in Larissa’s room to make sure that the lighting is dim and everything is in place right as she is done for the day. As soon as Larissa enters the room and sees the dim lighting and the table set her eyes immediately start to water and as soon as her eyes meet mine the tears roll down her cheeks. I go up to her and pull her into my arms waiting for her to calm down. “Oh, love. What is it? Did you have a bad day?” I question wanting to know what I can do to help. Larissa shakes her head and pulls away.

“No, no, everything’s perfect. I’ve just never had someone do something like this for me before and make me feel so worthy of love and happiness. They are happy tears my dear. “ She pulls me into a passionate kiss, after a few moments we pull away.

“Come on my love, let’s eat before it gets any colder.” She lets out a small chuckle and lets me lead the way to the table where I pull her chair out and then go to my seat. We both talk about our day, the upcoming school events after halloween break and for the rest of the year seeing as Larissa likes to start planning things months in advance. When we finished our main course I went and grabbed the dessert. I made a chocolate lava cake. I take this as my time to ask about Halloween break. “So.. Do you have any plans for the break?” I immediately cringe after I ask because of the shake to my voice. Larissa smiles gently at me and reaches for my hand.

“I do, yes, and I was actually going to ask if you wanted to spend it with me. However before you say yes.. I have been invited like I am every year to the Addams family mansion for their annual Halloween party. Now, I don’t want you to feel pressured into going if you don’t want to but, this has been the only year I’ve actually wanted to go because I have you. I honestly don’t understand why Morticia still invites me as I’ve never been to a single one. But will you Y/F/N go to the party and spend the break with me?” Larissa asks with a soft smile with hope filling her eyes. Hummm a Addams family party should be interesting and considering Wednesday knows about Larissa and I, we won’t have to hide our feelings.

“Of course, I would be honored to, my love” I quickly reply.

“Perfect, I will send the RSVP first thing tomorrow morning. We will leave Friday after school, and don’t you worry I will handle everything else, you just pack a bag.” Larissa finishes the last bite of the cake. I suggest that we watch a movie and that she should get outta her work clothes and into something more comfortable while I wash up the dishes. As soon as I am done I join Larissa on the couch, she picks a romantic movie and we cuddle up on her couch. I don’t know when but we both ended up falling asleep on the couch. I got up and picked Larissa up to take her to bed, so we won’t be sore tomorrow from sleeping on the couch all night.

I wake up still in Larissa’s embrace, I sit there for a few moments before I get up to go to the bathroom. After I finish doing my morning routine brushing my hair and teeth, I decide that I want to hop down to town to get something to drink for both of us before Larissa wakes up. I get dressed and start heading to the parking lot. “Ms. Y/L/N, wait up” I hear Wednesday call out and hear her fast steps towards me. I slow my steps before stopping and turning around to face her.

“Hello, Wednesday, what can I do for you?”

“Are you heading into town?” Wednesday says as she finally catches up to me.

“Why, yes I am heading into town but only to grab some coffee at the WeatherVane, are you needing to go into town as well?” I question.

“Yes, I want to get some coffee for Enid and I. May I come with you? Are you getting Weems a hot chocolate?” Wednesday replies with a teasing tone one only someone can tell if they are closely listening.

“Yes, you may come with and I just might be why do you ask?” As I say this I turn to get into the car as Wednesday also gets in before she responds.

“Well considering you and Weems are together, and I imagine that you are a good girlfriend. I assume that you are joining Weems at my family's Halloween party. I must let you know that back when my mother and Weems went to school here they had some sort of thing briefly before my mother and father got obsessed with each other. So that being said there may be some tension and I am letting you know so you don’t get hurt. Believe it or not you are my only teacher that is tolerable and that is more than adequate in their subject.” Wednesday says as we drive to town.

“Okay, I will keep that noted and yes Larissa and I are planning on going. Also since you seem to know about us we won't have to hide either.” I respond and Wednesday just hums and for the rest of the ride we sit in a comfortable silence. Right as we park my phone starts to ring, I tell Wednesday to head inside and I will be in, in a minute. As soon as Wednesday closes the door and answers my phone. “Good Morning, my beautiful goddess. How did you sleep, my love?”

“Good Morning, Darling. I slept wonderfully but when I woke up a little sad that you were not here. Where did you go, my little dove?” Larissa sleepily rasps out over the phone.

“I am just down at the WeatherVane getting coffee for myself and hot chocolate for you. Also I am with Wednesday so I should probably go before she starts something.” I let out a chuckle, Larissa chuckled as well and we said our goodbyes and see you laters. I head into the cafe and order our drinks and wait with Wednesday by the counter. As soon as we get out drinks we head back to the school. When I get into Larissa’s room I see her on the couch talking on the phone. I walk up to her and hand her a drink and make my way to sit next to her.

“Yes Morticia, I will be attending this year and with a date, I’ve already told you that. Now stop acting like this is some sort of miracle, we will see you at the party. Goodbye.” Larissa tells the person who is now known as Morticia and hangs up. “That woman, I swear she thinks that no one is interested in me. We will show her.” Larissa lets out a sigh and looks over to me and smiles. “Thank you for the hot chocolate dear, did Wednesday cause any trouble.” Larissa places a hand on my leg.

“No, she was actually quite pleasant. Maybe that’s because I’m her favorite” I shrug and smile back. Larissa hums and we sit in a comfortable silence as we drink our drinks. We finish the weekend relaxing with each other and wishing this next week goes by fast.

So far the week has been good but why does today Thursday of all days feel like something is going to go wrong. It's the end of the school day so I’m grading last minute assignments. Well that’s when Wednesday comes rushing into my office… “Ms. Y/L/N I don’t think I can go home tomorrow” Never in my life have I seen Wednesday like this.

“What’s going on Wednesday?” I gently ask.

“Enid just got word that her parents are taking her tomorrow after school for that camp you promised that you wouldn’t let them take her. They weren’t supposed to take her till the end of the year, what are we going to do.” I see a few tears run down but I don’t acknowledge them knowing Wednesday does not like to show emotions.

“What was Enid supposed to do during break?” I ask while going through different possibilities.

“Well, she was going to stay here with Ajaxs and Yoko.” Wednesday says while looking down.

“Okay, when are you leaving tomorrow?” I already have the plan in mind.

“What? Did you just not hear what I said, I. Am. NOT. LEAVING.” Wednesday looks up and says with her voice getting louder and louder.

“Will you answer the damn question, Addams” I responded back. Wednesday seems to pull herself together before speaking again.

“I’m sorry Ms. Y/L/N. I’m leaving around noon tomorrow.” Wednesday says while looking down again.

“What time does Enid's mom going to get here tomorrow?” I question and Wednesday seems to catch on to what I’m saying.

“After school, around 3:30pm” Wednesday replies.

“Good, now is there a way I can contact your mother and father right now?” I say with determination.

“Yes, my crystal ball. It’s in my room, come on” Wednesday rushes out and I follow after. We make it to her room and I immediately see Enid on her bed in a ball.

“Enid, honey, get your bags pack you are going with Wednesday tomorrow at noon.” I calmly said and Wednesday already has her parents on the ball. “Hi, Mr and Mrs Addams-“

“Oh please call us Gomez and Morticia” Morticia says with a sly smile.

“I know that you don’t know me, but I need your help. Wednesday roommate Enid, her parents are trying to send her to conversion camp. Wednesday and I are trying to stop that from happening because those places are just horrible. So I guess I’m trying to ask if it is it okay for Enid to go by you this break, Larissa and I will be there as well so you don’t have to worry about watching her. I just don’t know what else to do to protect her this time since it was short notice.” I eventually get out and I see Gomez with a huge smile on his face when I mentioned Larissa and Morticia just twitch her eyebrow up.

“Of course she can come. Our little rain cloud can be so protective.” Gomez says with a proud smile on his face. “The car will be there around noon so she can ride with Wednesday.” He finishes.

“Thank you so much Mr and Mrs Addams. I truly appreciate it, and I know Enid does too” I say with a soft smile.

“We shall see you all tomorrow then” Morticia says then hangs up.

I turn around and look at the girls giving them a soft smile. “I don’t think your mother likes me Wednesday” I chuckle and stand “but that’s alright I suppose just as long as Enid is protected and safe. Now you both get some sleep and make sure you are gone by noon. Do you both understand?” They both nod and I head out to go inform Larissa of the plan. As soon as I enter Larissa’s room she smiles wide. “Hello, love. How was your day today?” I say as I come up to her to give her a hug.

“It was good, I can’t wait for break though, these kids might just kill me” Larissa chuckles and pulls away just enough so she can see my face. “How was your day dear?” I let out a big sigh.

“It was definitely a day, I had a little impromptu call with Mr and Mrs Addams, because Enid got word her mother was coming tomorrow to take her to the camp so Wednesday and I came up with the plan that Enid will be spending the break there and will leave tomorrow before her mother gets here.” I pause to take a breath before continuing “oh and I’m pretty sure Morticia does not like me but Gomez seemed to be happy, anyways don’t you worry about Enid’s mother I will take care of her tomorrow you just get everything ready for our break.” I cup Larissa’s cheek and lean in to give her a soft kiss.

“I think Morticia is just upset that she was wrong in thinking that no one could want me. Quick thinking if Enid stays with Wednesday, I know she won’t let anyone hurt her, she is just as overprotective as Gomez.” Larissa kisses the top of my head. “Now how about you take a bath and relax before your fight with Enid’s mom tomorrow.” I nod and go into the bathroom getting the tub ready.

“Larissa?” I call out to her.

“Yes, dear?” Larissa responds while coming to the bathroom door. I open it and see her holding 2 wine glasses.

“Can- will you join me?” I say softly.

“Of course dear. Here you go.” Larissa hands me one of the wine glasses and gets into the bathroom and removes her clothing and gets in the tub first. “Come sit in front of me” I do as she says, removing the robe I had on and sit in front of Larissa, still holding my wine. Larissa snakes a hand around and holds me snug to her. We sit in there till we both are pruned then get out to get ready for bed. “Everything is gonna be okay, love. Don’t worry. I love you” Larissa says into the night before we fall asleep.

“I hope so, I love you too” I whisper out and fall fast asleep soon after.

#larissa weems x reader #lgbt #lesbians

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iwonderwh0 · 10 months

Text

One more scene for this out-of-body fic idea. This one is (almost) directly following the one started here

It was decided that when it comes to Hank going to sleep, a phone with Connor will be left in the garage, right next to the washing machine set for the longest cycle of two and a half hours. Additionally Hank promised to leave a working fan to maintain the noise present once the washing machine finished its job.

That was the plan.

What it didn't account for was the fact that Hank would need to actually do the laundry and all the laundry-related tasks, and to his own regret, he decided that it was a great occasion to finally wash all the bedding - a chore consisting of (as he realised a little too late) the most tedious tasks. Tasks such as: unbuttoning and removing all the pillowcases, sheets, duvet cover and replacing them all with new ones by going through the miserable process of searching for the replacement bedding in a closet, fitting all the pillows into according pillowcases, buttoning them back on and the worst of it all – fitting the comforter into a new duvet cover. This was too much work. He could have simply loaded the washing machine with the content of laundry basket and call it a day. That's what he should have done. Now it was too late.

He lay down on a bare bed and stared at the ceiling as the pile of removed bedding frowned at him from the corner of his eye. He tried to pretend it wasn't there, ignore it, but he could still feel it taking up space -- both mental and physical -- even with his eyes closed. This knowledge alone filled him with the kind of dread only the tedious unfinished tasks could induce. Tasks like making an appointment at the doctor's office or cancelling a subscription he didn't remember having, reminded him of it only by a weekly junk-mail. Tasks that are easy to do, but much more tempting to just ignore. Let them pile up and rot.

"I forgot how much I fucking hate laundry," Hank grumbled, cutting through the silence of the last couple of minutes.

"I thought you hate doing the dishes," Connor said.

"I hate doing laundry and the dishes. But if I had to choose, I'd rather do the dishes."

"I'm sorry. I would help you if I could."

Something about sincerely apologetic tone of android's voice annoyed Hank and he scoffed.

"Sure you fucking would."

"Is something wrong?"

"No. Yes. It doesn't fucking matter."

Hank pressed his palms against his face and sighed.

"Fuck...This is embarrassing," he said and instantly winced from realisation of saying it out loud - something he didn't intend to do.

"Laundry?"

Hank huffed and applied more pressure to his palms, seeing colourful spots appearing at his fake vision of closed eyes.

"Yeah. Laundry."

"Is the process of laundry embarrassing in itself or is it-"

"-Connor. Just stop, okay?"

Connor got quiet, but only for a moment.

"You know, you don't have to do it today," he said.

"That's what I told myself yesterday. And...Shit, I don't even remember when was the last time I did it. And now I already took the sheets and covers out..."

"So you're already half way there, much closer than yesterday, right? You can do it tomorrow morning."

Hank didn't feel like arguing and insisting on doing something he already subconsciously decided not to do, so he agreed. He abruptly thought if android tried to use reverse-psychology on him to make him finish making the bed now, but if that was the case -- Hank thought -- he should have known better than to do it like this.

"Tomorrow it is, then. I'm not doing it."

He took his hands off his face and stared at the pile of removed bedding. The sight of it was nauseous. He turned to his side and looked at the phone laying on the other side of the bed instead.

"What about you? What are you doing exactly? I'm sure you're not only here talking to me."

"Correct. But I try to focus on my audio input the most, so what I'm doing on the background is not so important."

"You can still tell me about it," Hank turned to his back.

"You want me to talk about what I'm doing?"

"Couldn't be more clear than that."

Connor made a noise - something between a surprise and content.

"It's not much, there isn't enough computing power for me to use, so mostly I'm just surfing through text articles. For example, when you mentioned hating laundry, I tried to find something that might change your perspective on it. I found that there's a music album named 'Laundry Service' released on November 13, 2001 - the same day the President of the United States signed an executive order allowing military tribunals against foreigners suspected of terrorist acts as part of the war on terror following the September 11 attacks."

"Wow," Hank elongated the word and shook his head, "I must admit, it does indeed change my whole perspective on laundry."

He chuckled at his own joke reaching the phone to move it closer.

"Is it something you only do now or..," Hank started.

"No, I've been also doing it before."

"Ah, I get it. Can't be entertained by a conversation only. Can't blame ya. I'd probably do the same if I had a computer for a brain to do this kind of shit unnoticed."

"It's not about my level of entertainment and more about not being familiar with some of the cultural references I may encounter. I can't know it all, Hank."

"Right. I keep forgetting how little you've been around. Of course you'd search things up... didn't come out of the box with all this nonsense installed."

"Technically I've never been in a box."

"Yet."

"I'm not sure what's that supposed to mean. Is this a joke about coffin?"

Hank laughed.

"What? No. Actually, I don't know what I was thinking. Probably just imagined you in a big cardboard box or something."

"Why would I be in a cardboard box?"

"I don't know, why would you be in a coffin?"

"I don't know, you said my body looks like a corpse in your living room."

"Connor, fuck...Do me a favour and shut the fuck up!"

The awkward silence filled the room. Once again Hank got painfully aware of the pile of sheets, but this time it looked more like an excuse than anything else. He rose from the bed and grabbed the pile on his way to the door. He was halfway through the threshold when he got stopped by the sound of his name. He froze.

"I won't say anything. Please, don't leave me alone in silence."

Hank felt a heavy knot forming in his stomach. He swallowed and turned back around.

"Of course not. Wasn't going to."

He returned to the bed to pick up the phone, then walked to the garage, loaded the washing machine, closed the door, and stared at it blankly. It seemed like he had forgotten something, but the silence-induced noise was too loud in his ears to remember whatever it was. He started the washing machine, gave it another glance, and returned to the bedroom where he collapsed onto the bed. After a few moments he realised that he had returned with his phone in his hand. He was squeezing it tightly, still. It had been quiet the entire time, and for a moment, Hank wondered if he could accidentally turn it off without even noticing. The thought sent a surge of panic down his spine, and he swiped his finger to unlock the phone. The screen lit up with CyberLife program still up and running. Thank god. He let out a sigh of relief and sank into the matress, setting the phone aside.

"Connor?"

There was no response.

Hank burried his face deeper into the pillow. He felt sick. Without meaning to, he accidentally remembered what it was he had forgotten -- aside from leaving the phone in the garage with a fan, which had been a rather conscious decision-- washing detergent. He hadn't used it at all.

"Connor," he tried again.

After a few seconds phone buzzed in response.

"Listen, you can talk if you want."

The room remained silent.

Hank turned to his side and unlocked the phone. He wasn't sure why, probably just to see CyberLife screen again, to make sure it was still there. He looked at it for a few seconds, then locked the phone back.

"I'm sorry" was what he meant to say. What he wanted to say. What he said instead was "Say something, damn it!"

It came out wrong. Agressive. Not the way he intended it, again.

"Goodnight, Hank," Connor said.

It was something. Sharp and short. Hank let another sigh out - both from frustration and relief.

"Goodnight, Connor."

#dbh #dbh fanfiction #Fic ideas that I'll never write #I seriously should stop using it #but I haven't thought of another tag to replace it yet #fun fact: the end of this scene was supposed to be wholesome and I even had a snippet written already #but when I started to write what came before that moment they went off-script #I have little to no control of what they'll do or say #pocket ghost

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