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claraswritings · 11 months

Text

Conversation

Pairing: Jamie Tartt x Reader

Warnings: spoilers for S1 and S2, miscommunication, (kind of) enemies to lovers, language, a few plot changes, mutual pining and one or two mentions of Jamie’s dad being a prick. Also I accidentally wrote something in this that is minorly similar to a scene in S3…but I wrote that bit AGES ago. Just signposting it as last time I didn’t someone got shitty with me

Notes: this is so much longer than I planned lmao so that explains why it took so long to post. Also not betad or spellchecked yet as it’s late here!

I don’t even know if I like this… I might delete this…

Title inspired by Conversation by Catfish and the Bottlemen

You’d been the player liaison officer at AFC Richmond for two years and for the most part, you loved your job. A lot of it involved what was referred to as “general life admin” for the players, as you sorted out everything from banks to home viewings to car collections to visas to schools for players with kids.

Most people would think looking out for a bunch of millionaire footballers would be a stressful job but you didn’t mind. The players had, for the most part, always been nice and you’d even started helping to show the new signings around, offering to recommend them restaurants or bars and you’d even become friendly with a few of them over the course of your time at the club.

Or at least until you encountered the clubs new loan signing. It had taken four weeks of his season long loan before you’d first spoken to him, and from the ten minutes he’d spent in your office, you’d gotten the same impression everyone did of him.

Jamie Tartt was undoubtedly the one of the biggest pricks you’d ever met .

Twenty minutes later than agreed, he’d sauntered in to your office, moaning about his teammates, discard the print offs of flats and houses you’d spent ages looking into for him, grabbed a card with the requested time and date of a collection of an Aston Martin you’d arranged for him without so much as a thank you, before asking if you could fix a modelling gig for him. With your arms folded across your chest, you’d firmly told him that was you were player liaison and not PR and that there was no way you’d be arranging his shirtless photoshoots or his latest perfume ad and he’d left with a comment about your job being “pointless” leaving your door wide open.

***

The next time you spoke to him was when he’d let a door swing in your face, as he stormed through the car park still furious after the loss to Crystal Palace. You held back from walking out as you could over hear him rant to the reporter from the Independent about…everything. An exclusive straight from the car park, Jamie Tartt was a journalists dream.

“Hey.” You caught up to him in the car park, “Talking to the press? Really?”

“Do I know you?” Jamie stared at you with a blank expression “Are you a fan? How did you get in here? You want a picture or something?”

“A fan? Of you? No. I work for the club. I’m the one that arranged your car, your flat, your VIP booth at the bar you’re off to. Most people say you’re welcome by the way.” You waved an arm in the direction of his sports car.

“Right.” Jamie continued to stare at you like you’d grown a second head before shrugging “Did you need something?”

Un-fucking-believable. In that moment, you’d never disliked him more.

You considered telling him how stupid it was to run his mouth off to the press, how much it would hurt his teammates, his manager, the fans to hear their star player dragging the club down but as you watched him chew his gum so casually, you realised he didn’t care and it was too late, and it was probably too late. Trent Crimm was already heading back to his car, statement no doubt being composed and ready for the morning papers but it was doubtful Jamie even registered anything other than himself and his massive ego. How could you possibly expect him to care about anyone else.

“Nothing. Doesn’t matter. Don’t think you’d understand it. Have a nice night.” You turned on your heel and were safe inside your own car before you finished the sentence “Prick.”

***

Ever since your little argument in the car park, you’d made it your absolute resolution to keep your contact with him to the bare minimum until the end of his loan when he’d become whatever poor player liaison officer Man City had.

You managed this pretty effectively being that he’d decided not to train until you’d received a call from your boss late into the evening one night asking you to come by the training ground. Usually a call in the evening was one of the new players wants a dinner reservation and didn’t know where to book or occasionally ordering a cab when one of the players had forgotten what hotel they were staying in the night before a game.

You absolutely not been expecting it to be ‘please can you swing by Colins and get his spare car keys…’ Nonetheless you’d agreed.

The scene unfolding before you when arrived the training ground was like something out of a fever dream. The players celebrating on the training pitch, a burning bin obviously a major part of whatever bonding exercise Coach Lasso had come up with. A scan of the field resulted no sign of Colin. You could see Dani Rojas, running around with Bumbercatch and Richard as if he hadn’t just been in the treatment room a mere 24 hours ago and Issac downing the last of a bottle of Mezcal back and forth with Richard whilst Ted and Beard watched on, laughing as Zoreaux choked on a swig of the liquor.

Nearest you and staring into the fire, beer bottle in hand, was the last person you wanted to see. Jamie Tartt. Of course it was. It would be so typical of your luck that it would be.

“Colin about?” You resolved yourself to asking him, wiggling your hand as the spare key jangled between your fingers. “Got to give him these.”

“Inside.” Jamie nodded “He’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Humming in acknowledgment, your eyes fell to the flaming bin and curiosity got the better of you and you had to ask “Do I want to ask how he lost his keys?”

“Burnt them in that.” Jamie gestured at the flames he was staring at. When you didn’t reply, his eyes found their way to yours and he explained the whole process.

“Oh.” You were surprised. “I didn’t think team bonding would have been your thing.”

Jamie hesitated. He couldn’t argue. You were right, he hadn’t been much of a team player

“I wasn’t gonna but…thought maybe I should show my face” he shrugged, hoping you wouldn’t question his bravado. He pointed at the fire. “Do you wanna throw something in? Everyone else has.”

“I think it’s already worked…” you gestured with your arm at the field. “but yeah why not?”

You thought for a moment… you hadn’t brought anything except your phone and your own keys which… you didn’t fancy throwing in. Unlike Colin you’d have to walk home and get your spare set and walk back to the car park, which wasn’t particularly appealing in the dark.

Suddenly an idea struck you, you unclipped your necklace and extended out your hand, letting it slip, dangling in your fingertips for a few seconds before dropping it. “Hopefully this helps with the luck.”

“You don’t need luck if I’m playing.” Jame replied, a smirk on his lips. You held off rolling your eyes at his cockiness. Sometimes you really didn’t get him. Mere seconds before you’d been having a semblance of a civil conversation and then he was right back to arrogant arsehole.

“What is it?” He questioned. It had to be the first time he’d asked you anything about yourself.

“Necklace. It was my nan’s… she…died when I was 15.”

“Oh shit sorry.” It was probably the most sincere you’d ever heard him. If it had came out of anyone else’s mouth, you might have bought it as genuine. “Wasnt like anything bad, was it?”

“It was a long time ago, she was sick for a long time and…” you stopped yourself suddenly aware that this was Jamie Tartt you were talking to and any minute now, he’d probably resume his usual self centred personality. “Sorry, long story short, she passed away a while ago but… I don’t think she’d mind. Grandad was a Richmond fan.”

“What did you…put in?” you asked, swiftly changing the subject. You were half expecting the answer to be his little black book of desperate instagram girls or some signed picture of himself from one of his many magazine photoshoots. It would after all be completely on-brand for him.

“Erm…football boots, ones my mum got me. She got me into playing…” he said it trying to be casual and keep his cool. “She just wants me to enjoy playing yeah? So good motivation and that”

“I’m sure she’d be really happy for you, Jamie.” You looked over to where Colin was remerging back from the building looking extremely relived to see you. “I have to go give these to Colin. It’s why I was called out here in the first place. Have a good night.”

Truth be told, you were a little skeptical. Of both the ritual and of Jamie showing an interest in anyone else other than himself but you figured if the whole team had given the ritual a chance, maybe just maybe, Jamie Tartt had developed the capacity to care about other people.

You found out the next morning that he was on his way back to Man City when you’d received an email from his agent asking you to arrange termination of his house rental agreement

***short time skip***

When your doorbell had gone off late into Saturday afternoon a few weeks later, Jamie Tartt had been the last person you expected to see.

“Richmond said you had the stuff from my locker.” He said, leaning instantly on the door frame as soon as you answered without so much as a hello. “Said you was going to send it to the guy who does whatever it is you do at City but I called Issac, Jeff and Keeley and they’re all busy so thought come get it. Nothing better to do.”

A house visit hadn’t been on the agenda but you figured it was marginally less awkward than him swinging by the training ground so you’d taken it and had been talking to the player liaison officer at City making arrangements to send it up.

“Well I’m flattered to be your fourth choice. Coincidentally probably your first words to Pep.” You couldn’t resist the dig. Ever since he’d left, Richmond had struggled but being that he was now Man City’s problem you didn’t have to mince your words.

“Yeah well, I’ll be first choice soon. Scored today didn’t I…,” he clicked his tongue and gestured at himself. “Best goal of the match as well.”

“Wouldn’t know. I was watching Richmond.” You folded one arm over the other. A part of you enjoyed the flicker of surprise that crossed his face, but you gave him a tight smile as a somewhat attempt to be civil.

“Heard old man Roy scored yesterday. Must have taken it out of him.” Jamie rested back on the heels of his expensive trainers “Bet he’s gonna be in that ice bath for hours.”

You ignored the dig at the Richmond captain “Had the game of his life actually…like someone turned back the clock. Heard from Sam that Nate had some real words of wisdom.”

“Nate? Nathan? The kitman?” Jamie’s eyebrows furrowed as he stared at you in shock. “We thinking of the same guy? Him!?”

You laughed, knowing that the idea of Nate who always seemed so unassuming and quiet giving Roy Kent, footballing legend, a piece of his mind was crazy. If you’d heard it from anyone other than Sam, you’d probably have thought it was an elaborate joke.

“Apparently so.”

“Fucking hell.” His eyebrows shot up “Kinda wish I’d seen the old man’s reaction.”

“Yeah well…you weren’t…I’ll get your stuff. Probably a bit weird for you…being at a woman’s door when you haven’t slept with her.” You tapped on the door and grimaced. You knew the team would miss Jamie for his ability on the pitch.

Jamie shrugged, before he was distracted by his reflection in the window. He adjusted a stray hair then slowly turned back as of pulling his gaze away from himself was particularly tough “You would though wouldn’t you?”

A singular laugh left your throat coming out harshly. “No. Nothing personal…Zoolander” you paused as you realised that wasn’t completely honest. “Well its a little personal…but…I don’t date footballers. Went out with one once. Played for another club. Was at my friends for a weekend. He slept with six other women in two days.”

Jamie pursed his lips and let out a low whistle almost like he was impressed.

“What’s that…Rookie numbers for you?” You called over your shoulder as you stepped to the side of the door to pick up the box that had been sitting in your hallway for the past week and a half.

“Nah…even I’m not that bad” He clicked his tongue and winked “Most of the time.”

“How lovely.” You deadpanned turning back to him. “Suppose you slow down once you run out of every woman in SW16?”

Jamie looked you up and down “You always like this? All Cruella DeVille and that”

Ignoring his playground like insult, you moved one hand back to the door handle, the box balanced on your hip with the other. You were hoping you’d be able to close the door quickly and force him to go off elsewhere. “You left my club, I’m allowed to be a little mean to you.”

“Lasso sent me back. Said he didn’t need me but obviously he does though cause you were losing until today” A cocky smirk on his face, he pointed at himself “Could have used me in those other games.”

“What?” You frowned, eyebrows knotting in the centre. “What are you on about?… of course we needed you. You’re a fucking twat but you’re good. Why wouldn’t he want you in the team” You didn’t like paying him a compliment but you felt it was the only way to get a reasonable conversation out of him

Jamie almost rolled his eyes and you were unsure if it was because he thought you were stating the obvious or saying something stupid.

Noticing Jamie’s childish reaction, you called him out.

“Ted’s a really nice guy, you know. Maybe cut him a little slack?”

Ted had always been friendly to you. Giving you a good morning when he arrived and a good evening with a bright smile when he left and even talking to you about favourite books when he’d brought ones in for the team. If you offered help with setting things up, he would always tell you not to worry and he’d sort anything out himself… More often than not he was back at your office with 15minutes talking a lot about how different things were to Kansas and asking for help.

Despite being new to the sport, never mind the Premier League, Ted was at least trying. It somewhat bothered you that Jamie seemed so intent on being disrespectful.

“Knows fuck all about football though.”

“And you know fuck all about how to talk to people. Maybe you could have learnt from each other.” You snapped back before you could stop yourself. “Just an idea. It’s how adults talk.”

Feeling the exasperation levels rise and wondering how you’d even gotten this far into a conversation with him, you tossed the box of his stuff in to his arms and he managed to steady it despite being caught slightly off guard.

“Goodbye Jamie. See you next season”

And with that you slammed the door shut forcibly before he could reply.

*** time skip***

“I’m just going to get a drink, you want one?”

You offered to your friend and her boyfriend, as you slid out of your booth. Truth be told, you didn’t need another drink, you just wanted to escape for a few moments and work out if it had been this loud when you were a Uni student or if you’d just become accustomed to pubs over clubs in the years since you’d left.

With the team settled into the season, and the new signings all set up, you decided to take a week off to go visit some old friends in Manchester and against your better judgement you’d been dragged to a bar by your friend and her boyfriend.

In response your friend waved her half full, bright blue cocktail, letting you know she was good for now and you made your way across the dance floor and up to the bar, ordering the strongest cocktail on the menu not paying much attention to what was in it.

You’d only just picked up your drink when you heard it. The familiar voice causing you to whip around so quickly that you were impressed you didn’t spill anything.

“[Name]? That you?”

“Jamie Tartt.” You replied, as you took a long drink of the freshly replenished cocktail “Nice to see you.”

You were, of course, being sarcastic. You didn’t try to hide it this time. You didn’t have to. The last time you’d seen him, he’d been assisting in the game that sent Richmond down. Well… that and when your friends had sent you numerous clips of him making an arse out himself on Lust Conquers All and asking you if he really was that much of a twat in real life, to which you’d reply no, he was actually a bigger twat.

“How come you’re in Manchester?” He asked, catching you off guard. Jamie had never cared about seeing you, let alone it being ‘good to’ and now here he was making small talk like you were old friends.

“I’m visiting friends from when I lived here.” You told him keeping your answer short “Look if you want someone to sort out some private booth for you, firstly I’m on holiday and secondly I work for Richmond…you don’t…so…” you paused and gazed around the busy bar, looking for someone to pass Jamie on to “ask the barman.”

“You lived in Manchester?” Jamie tilted his head, genuine surprise crossed his features, as if you’d been withholding some crucial information. “I’m from here.”

“I know you are…“ you took another long drink, feeling like you’d need it if you were about to have another frustrating conversation as your patience was slowly slipping away. He’d completely ignored your previous statement and carried on with the small talk he’d never shown any need for before “What do you need Jamie?”

Jamie looked stunned. “I didn’t know you lived in Manchester. How come you never said?” He replied with a question in response.

“It’s a big city Jamie. You never asked me about myself, surprised you even remembered my name. You don’t need to feign interest in me. Just tell me what you want.” Patience now completely gone and just keen for him to get to the point, you downed the last of your drink and turned to place it back on the bar, only just missing the slight look of guilt he gave you.

“I just, um,” Jamie hesitated, unsure as to how to start, he bit his lip. There was no way he could just come out with it.

He’d tried Keeley but she’d told him to talk to Ted which… he really didn’t want to do. He knew he’d have to eventually but he didn’t want to have to ask especially after how they’d left things in person. Jamie knew from the tiny army man and note that Ted held no resentment but approaching him was a completely different ask so he’d headed back to his mums in Manchester first to weigh up his options.

He considered messaging one of the team but knew after his assist to send Richmond down, they likely would not want to speak to him…so he went through the staff- Kitman Will was a no go, Nate an even bigger no, he didn’t even think he had his number. Jamie went through a few of the back room staff before the thought of you crossed his mind and he felt like an idiot for not thinking of it sooner.

You fixed everything. Player needed a mechanic, you had one around within an hour, one of the coaches needed a caterer, you could arrange it, any player needed schools for their kids, you had uniforms by the end of the day. It was, at least to Jamie, like you could fix any problem…so hoping you could fix his big one, he looked you up on instagram and seeing that you’d posted only two hours ago, he clicked to view.

You were laughing and clinking glasses with another girl and a guy and had placed a tag in the corner indicating what bar you were in. Jamie could barely believe his luck when he clicked on it; as if by chance, as if this was confirmation that he had to talk to you, the tag showed as a bar only fifteen minutes away. He’d left within five. He didn’t know why you were here in his home city but to Jamie it felt like a sign so he’d threw on a coat and headed out to find you.

“It’s nice to see you Jamie but if you’ve got nothing to say, I really need to get back to my friend.” It was a small lie, you could not have cared less about running into him.

“Wait.” He protested, reaching for your arm before pulling back, barely grazing you. “Can we have a drink or something?”

“I’m not a waitress Jamie. If you want a drink, you’ll have to get one yourself like a big boy.”

From the vacant expression that had taken over, he clearly no idea what you were talking about and was waiting for you to fill in the blanks.

“It was a joke. At the charity event, you gave me twenty quid and told me to get you a drink. I told you I wasn’t a waitress and you said ‘same thing’… then I took the £20 and used it for my taxi home… you obviously don’t remember.”

Jamie felt discomfort twist in his chest as he averted his eyes to the ground for a few seconds. Had he really said that? You said it so casually like it was normal.

“Look…please can I just talk you? I’ll…pay for your drinks.” He attempted a peace offering, only for you to wince.

“I can get my own drinks.” You stated bluntly, with a half hearted smile. “I’ll see you later, I’d say good luck for this season but Caths a United fan”

“I’m sorry…uh, I fucked it alright? I don’t…City don’t want me back.” Jamie slid in front of you quickly to try slow your move to the table down. “And I didn’t win Lust Conquers All…”

“I’m sorry to hear you didn’t win your show. Maybe there’s another you can rate strippers on or something.”

“It’s all I’m actually any good at.” His voice was far more subdued, far more quiet than you’d heard him before so much so you would have missed it if it wasn’t said in a seconds pause between songs.

“Rating strippers?” You made a joke, lips twisting up as you raised an eyebrow. However Jamie in response still looked deadly serious, so much so that something inside made your resolve falter. It was not like Jamie Tartt to be remotely serious.

You sighed, eyes skimming over the room to your friend, who was trying to wave you over with a questioning look on her face. Holding up a few fingers, you indicated to her you’d only be two minutes. She shrugged and went back to whatever conversation she was having with her boyfriend.

“Please.” He asked once more and you knew would kick yourself if this turned out to be an act. “I swear down I’m being serious”

You glanced back at Jamie who looked so utterly defeated, in a way you’d never seen him. He looked a million miles away from that cocky, arrogant guy you’d seen last time.

“Fine. We can talk but… outside…” you threw your hand up and jerked your thumb at the door. “I’ll meet you out there. I need to let my friend know I’m leaving.”

The cold air hit you suddenly as you stepped out of the busy bar, squeezing by a hen do and heading down the stairs. Jamie was already waiting outside, shifting from one foot to the other, looking even more on edge that he had done inside. Having seen his adverts, you knew he was not that good of an actor, whatever was going on it had to be at least a little bit real.

“Alright. I’m all ears.” You stated as you reached the bottom.

Jamie found himself talking and talking to you as you walked through the city without any real direction. You asked the occasional question but besides that you were mostly just listening. He was stalling, putting off asking you for help by just relaying the drama between leaving City and being voted off the show. You could tell there was something else. There was no way he’d drag you, someone he barely knew, barely liked, out into the city streets to question the voting public for picking some guy called Danthony over him.

“They offered me a reality show…when I got kicked off but I’d have to do ecstasy and shit and…” Jamie trailed off, stuffing his hands into the pocket of his designer puffer jacket. “Didn’t want that.”

“Drugs too far?” You joked, not wanting to show that you were actually pleasantly surprised that he had a limit as to what he’d do for fame. His eyes caught yours and he shook his head.

There was a beat, a few seconds of only the city sounds, you spoke again, your voice and your eyes more sympathetic this time. “I’m glad you didn’t take it. It would be a waste of your actual talent if you did. You’re way too good at football to piss it all away for some shit show…Why did you leave City anyway? Thought you had it all worked out? And be honest with me, I’m not thick, I’ll know.”

Jamie caught your eye, your gaze on him was questioning, but not in the demanding, scrutinising way he was so used to. You were looking at him in such a way, If you didn’t hate him, Jamie could almost convince himself you were asking because you cared. The slight softening of your look on him made him drop what was remaining of his facade and tell you the truth. “I thought it’d piss off my dad.”

“Ah,” the sound was small, “Is your dad…?”

“A prick?” Jamie stated bluntly before you could finish “Yeah. On me all the time, over everything. Always has been. Always got something to fucking say. Got sick of it. I know it’s stupid but…”

“It’s not stupid…well it was a stupid thing to do…” you pulled your coat tighter against the wind. “but you’re not stupid. I understand. I think most people would. I’m sorry your dads an arsehole.”

“Thanks” He commented with a tight face as you rounded the corner. “But I’m used to it”

“You shouldn’t have to be.”

You stopped as he could see your hotel lit up ahead on the street you were now walking down and somehow you’d ended up back where you were staying and you felt a little bit sorry to leave him. A small, tiny part of you thought about inviting him up and offering to continue the conversation but this was Jamie and you had a feeling he would definitely get the wrong idea.

“Erm… this… this is me.” You tilted your head up ahead at the hotel door “Thank you for walking me back Jamie. Even if you didn’t mean to.”

“Do you think Richmond would have me back?” Jamie asked quickly, fearing he’d lose his chance at getting out what had been lingering on his mind since he’d walked out of the meeting with his agent. “I could really really use Richmond now. And I think Richmond need me?” He gave you a tweak of a smile, more hopeful than arrogant.

Ah of course. That was it. He did need something after all. Despite this, you didn’t feel any resentment, you actually felt a little bit bad for him. Jamie had been a first class twat but he also seemed to be genuinely trying to reach out.

You gave him an apologetic smile. “Look, I wish I could help but…you’ll have to talk to Ted. I don’t have any say it in. I can give him a heads up but at the end of the day, he’s the manager, Jamie.”

“Yeah. Keeley said the same thing.” He looked dejected, reluctant even. “Don’t know why I thought you’d say anything else.” He dragged one of his expensive trainers against the concrete pavement and you winced at thinking how they probably cost a substantial chunk of your wages.

“I’m not surprised. She’s smart, makes me wonder why she went out with you.” You took the opportunity to lightly tease him although kept your tone completely deadpan.

“Oi come on! I’m being nice!” Jamie’s head shot up, ready to protest until he could see you were smiling and his shoulders loosened.

“I know I’m messing with you.” You replied “but seriously Talk to Ted. He’s usually at The Crown and Anchor. He’s a nice guy, Jamie. Give him a chance.”

“Fine. Thanks.” Jamie shrugged, looking like he’d rather do anything else. “If it works, can I have my old house back?”

“I’ll sort something…Goodnight Jamie.”You reached over and squeezed his arm “and good luck.”

***

Jamie’s reintegration was not going as smoothly as he’d hoped. With the rest of the team being somewhat reluctant to forgive his attitude from his last spell in at the club, Jamie was now getting the cold shoulder.

“Shit!” You jumped when you walked into you office. “How long have you been here? How did you get in?”

“No one likes me.” Jamie muttered from the spare chair opposite your desk. He didn’t answer your question but from the lost look on his face you didn’t feel like pushing it. He was slouched so far over your desk, he was practically lying on it, training jacket pulled up over his face and his chin in his hand

“Can’t say I blame them. You were kind of an arsehole last time you were here.” You placed your bag on the spot on the desk not occupied by Jamie.

“But like I’m actually trying and they’re… are all being dickheads about it.” He sat up suddenly, throwing his arms back as he slumped back into the chair.

“Again I don’t blame them.”

“Colin said I was the worm now.”

You cocked your head confused “I’m not going to ask…but I probably don’t blame him”

“Even the new lads giving me stick”

“Yeah, word travels, you’re… kinda infamous here now”

“Yeah I know…” Jamie clicked his tongue as if you were stating the obvious “but why do they hate me… when I’m trying?” He held out his hands and looked over at you, waiting for your clarification.

“Jamie. You got us relegated, you were a bad team mate and a bit of a shit…”

“Alright, alright.” Jamie shrugged “just you’re the only one whose nice to me…except maybe Ted but he don’t count he’s nice to everyone and Keeley but she’s my ex ain’t she? How can I make them like me? Get them all something?”

“It’ll take time Jamie… you can’t just make it up to them with gifts…”

Deciding you had to do to something to distract him, you lifted your bag up from the desk again and gestured for him to stand up which he did so reluctantly.

“Right okay, get your keys…I’m not having you moping around my office…let’s go for a walk or a drive or whatever and talk. It’ll help. I promise”

It quickly became a regular, daily thing. Jamie would come to your office as soon as the on field training was done. The rest of the team would head into the gym and he’d come wait in your office or out for coffee until most of the others had left and then he’d slip down to the gym to train alone.

You’d were slowly softening to him. He’d even started opening up a bit more, slowly elaborating day by day until he was talking more openly to you than you’d ever thought. Underneath all the cocky bravado, Jamie was a sweet, funny, guy who’d just fallen into the trap of thinking arrogance was a shield against anything the world could throw at him. You liked this side of him far far more and you couldn’t help yourself but think if he’d always been like this, like he was now, you’d have been friends a long time ago.

You couldn’t stop yourself from laughing when Jamie told you about Ted’s alter ego act. Even more so that he was completely straight faced when relaying how weird it was. You could guess what Ted was doing, but Jamie seemed so serious he had you in stitches.

“Oh and I, erm, I spoke to the, the therapist lady…Doctor Sharon.” Jamie slipped in quickly, before he could change his mind over telling you. His eyes quickly shot over your shoulder to the aerial photograph of Nelson Road that decorated the wall behind your desk and focused hard on it as he waited for your response.

Jamie had no reason to doubt you’d be supportive but still he could have sworn the few seconds it took for you to reply was actually an hour. He worried in those few seconds that he’d overstepped the mark and made you uncomfortable with an over share or that you’d kick him out.

You couldn’t believed Jamie had just spent fifteen minutes ranting about ‘Led Tasso’ and completely neglected to mention that he’d spoken to the new therapist.

“Jamie…why didn’t you tell me!” You exclaimed, nearly knocking over the Richmond mug on your desk over your laptop. “That’s great!”

“Dunno” Jamie managed to drop his stare from the wall to you and shrugged “I erm, didn’t think it was worth mentioning. Keeley dragged me up there and I thought might aswell. Nothing better do to.”

“Course its worth mentioning. Getting help is the best thing you can do… it’s hard to take that first step and reach out. I’m proud of you.”

“Really?” For a second Jamie wondered if he’d hallucinated. He hadn’t heard that. Not those words in that order from anyone in a long time and Jamie liked the thought of you, of all people, being proud of him.

“Yeah! Going…and actually talking to a professional? That’s amazing! Did it help?”

Jamie let your response sink in before he nodded “Uh yeah I think so, spoke to her about like my dad and stuff. She’s really good.” He scratched his cheek quickly before dropping his hands to the table.

“It’s great, everything you’re doing. It’ll take time… but I’m just so happy you’re reaching out.” You leant over the desk and placed your hand over his and gave it a squeeze “you know you’ve always got me but talking to a professional is the best thing for you.” The second you’d retracted Jamie missed the reassurance provided by the warm contact.

“Knock knock” a voice called from the doorframe interrupting and Jamie felt his heart drop as one of his teammates stuck his head around “Hello!”

“Jan! Hi!” You beamed at him, getting up from your desk as Jamie tried not to let his disappointment show at the interruption. “Come in!”

“You ready? You’re always packed up early and ready to go so I thought I would come see” Jan slipped around the door and raised his eyebrows staring at your desk which, as he’d guessed, was already pretty much clear for the day. “Usually in the last hour you don’t do any work.”

You rolled your eyes at his assessment but didn’t protest. You very rarely got anything done in the last hour so tended to scroll on your phone, clear up and wait until you could leave.

“Alright?” Jamie attempted to greet the other man “Is anyone down in the gym, mate?”

Jan shook his head no, not conversing with the other man any more than needed and waited for Jamie to stand up and make his way to the door, stepping aside to let him leave.

“Um, thanks [Name], I’ll see you later yeah?”

“Yeah, I’ll come see you later.” You offered “We can go to that restaurant for dinner. The Indian one I was telling you about the other day?”

Jamie nodded and shut the door quickly suddenly all too aware of his teammate watching him.

***

“Why are you friends with him?” Jan asked pointedly as you left the room a few minutes later and made your way to the car park.

“Jamie’s really trying. Trust me last season he would not have even acknowledged me” you laughed and pointed at yourself.

“I don’t like him.” Jan said, looking like you’d posed some sort of serious question before he offered you a sweet from the bag he was holding out “Left you the red ones.” He glanced back into the bag “Well most of them!”

“Be nice!” You jokingly punched his arm before thanking him for leaving your favourites “Jamie’s trying not be a twat…but It’s hard for him. He’s had years of practice.”

Jamie watched you’d leave with the centre back from the open gym door. From your hushed voice, you were doing your best to keep quiet so he wouldn’t overhear but the ‘he wouldn’t have acknowledged me’ stung. Deep down he knew it was true, he hadn’t been nice to you, and you were understandably cold to him.

He’d find himself worried, wondering if you were with Jan, what if you no longer had time for him, what if he lost the one real friend he had. Although if Jamie was honest with himself, he’d liked you as more than a friend for a while.

A few days into his return to Richmond, he’d been unable to sleep. Worrying that the team hated him, would always hate him, was he this pathetic failure his dad said he was, would he ever be considered a talented footballer again or would he always just be a joke who put his ‘brand’ first.

He realised he’d didn’t want to call his anyone except you. He wanted to talk to you. You’d answered on the fourth ring and if you were annoyed at being woken at 1am, you didn’t sound it. You’d been concerned, asking if he was in trouble.

“No…I can’t sleep.” Jamie had said, almost ashamed to say anything more. He worried you’d think it was pathetic, a weak reasoning for calling, but at the same time hoped you’d pick up on the something left unsaid.

You did. “I know what you mean” you’d spoken, sleepily “you want a distraction? I can read to you if you like. My books so boring, you’ll fall asleep.”

Jamie had laughed and accepted your offer and settled in as you’d started to read some story.

When he woke the next morning, you were still on the other end of the phone. You were already awake but you must have stayed on the call with him.

‘Just in case’ you’d told him, the corner of your cheek twitching on one side.

It was the single most simple, caring gesture but it cemented it. In that moment he knew he was gone. You just knew him. When he needed to laugh, when he needed to talk and when he just wanted a distraction. (You’d never tell him how easy it was for you to tell).

The next time, hed offered to return the favour he’d read you the book Coach Lasso had bought him. He’d been reluctant at first but you’d persuaded him, encouraging him a little bit at a time and before you knew it, he’d read it cover to cover.

You were just a kind person, he told himself. You were like that with everyone. He’d see you excitedly trying some Nigerian food Sam brought in or attempt to speak Spanish to Dani, who would be thrilled and offer to teach you, he’d see you talk to Keeley, usually showing each other something on your phones and giggling.

Jamie would find himself analysing every conversation you’d had with him, where you like that with other people and for signs that maybe your feelings were mutual. He would run over everything in his head as he ran on the treadmill or worked on presses so much so that by the time he’d decided to just keep quiet, as he did every day, he’d have done several miles or lost count of the amount of presses he’d done.

Fuck it there was no way he could tell you. You were happy and you were his friend and he’d rather have you in his life as his friend than not at all.

***short time skip***

When Jamie had came into your office in a panic on Christmas Eve, asking you if you’d ever cooked a Christmas dinner and begging for you to help him cook one for his mum who would be visiting, you’d agreed against your better judgement. You’d cooked Christmas dinner twice. Once at University and once when your mum had a migraine and you had to finish off and now you were in Jamie’s house on Christmas Day making what he’d bought from M&S two days before into a Christmas dinner.

“I’m surprised you asked me. I thought you’d be inundated with offers.” You said, only half joking as you turned the parsnips in their tray. Jamie who was mulching the cranberries for the sauce like his life depended on it, just shrugged and muttered a ‘not really’. He wished he’d asked you to actually spend Christmas with him properly and not to do him a favour but doing so now would seem last minute and you’d already told him you were dropping in to the Higgins later.

As if on cue, your phone beeped from across the room and you swung the dish towel over your shoulder, not noticing Jamie staring as you flicked up to read Jan’s Whatsapp, watching your face for any signs. Trying to see if you’d added any little hearts next to his name or if you replied to him with twice as many X’s as you gave anyone else.

Ever since Jamie had realised he’d fallen for you, he’d became somewhat obsessed with trying to work out what was going on between you and his teammate. He’d never ask Jan directly. Having been on the receiving end of one of Jan’s blunt comments, Jamie didn’t want to risk hearing something he didn’t want to. With the team still giving him the cold shoulder more often than not, he considered asking Keeley. He’d seen you and her talking sometimes and wondered if it would be weird to ask his ex before realising if he did ask Keeley anything, there was the risk that Roy Kent would overhear and Jamie couldn’t imagine anything more embarrassing.

“Richard brought a girl to the Higgins’ party.“ you laughed, letting Jamie know what was happening “Jan just told me.”

“Of course he did” Jamie laughed “Not surprised. He’d bring a girl to training if thought he’d get away with it.”

“Thought that would have been you?” You teased back only to get an eye roll and elbow nudge in response.

After a few minutes, you walked around his kitchen to check the table was set and were surprised to see he’d done a decent job of it.

“I think you’re all set. I promise you can take all the credit. You just need to take the turkey out when she gets here and put the Yorkshires in. They’ll be done quickly so don’t burn them. Desserts are in the fridge.”

Jamie looked a little reluctant and you had to admit the idea of a footballer who regularly played in front of thousands of people being nervous about presenting a Christmas dinner to his mum was a little funny.

“It’ll be good. Trust me…oh wait!” Your face lit up as you suddenly remembered “I have a present for you!” Before he had the chance to respond you’d dashed out into the hall, retrieved the gift from beside where you left your coat and returned back and pushed it into his hands.

After making a show of rattling it to try sense what was inside, Jamie unwrapped it carefully. Your eyes focused in on his face looking for any sign, hoping he liked the gift and you’d hadn’t made things weird.

In the box was a pair of his boots, the same brand his mum had got him, like his first pair. Jamie lifted them out carefully, and turned them over in his hand to see them.

“They’re obviously not the exact pair but they’re customs, I asked Sam what brand they were and they don’t do the exact ones anymore but I found some guy online and…they’re pretty much the same…If you can’t wear them for games because of sponsorships or whatever, you can maybe use them for training or you can return them, i won’t be offended, I just…”

“Thank you.” Jamie was quiet, staring down at the boots before his eyes turned on you “this is the nicest present anyone has ever given me. I, um… thank you.” He repeated finding himself rendered somewhat speechless at what thought you’d put in and how you were clearly worried he wouldn’t like it.

“It’s nothing. I just wanted to do something for you…”

“It’s not nothing, I actually do really like them and I’m definitely wearing them. Next game. Thank you.” Jamie paused, his head was only filled with thoughts of how much he wanted to kiss you here in his kitchen, how much he wanted to ask you to stay with him, to spend the rest of the day with him, eating Christmas dinner with his mum and sharing the big box of Roses chocolates and watching any Christmas special just because and then dancing to whatever Christmas song came on, late into the evening.

“Actually I… I got you something too.”

“You got me a present?” Your eyebrows raised in a playful manner “It’s not like a signed picture of you or anything is it? Because if it is, it’s going on eBay.”

“No. Uh…two minutes alright?” Jamie left the room and returned a few minutes later, a poorly wrapped present in his hands. “Sorry about the shit wrapping.”

You laughed and unwrapped it, your face breaking out into a big smile as you found the present “no way!”“This is the coolest thing ever!”

A quiet, comfortable silence had fallen between the two of you over your FaceTime call, you’d just finished laughing about Jamie telling you how he broke into his schools tuck shop as a kid and stole six packets of malteasers. It should have been just a funny childhood anecdote shared with a friend and yet the comments you’d made a while ago itched at the back of Jamie’s mind. “You never asked me about myself, surprised you even remembered my name.” He’d gotten to know you since of course but he wanted to know more, he wanted you to tell him everything, like he was making up for looking through you before.

“Tell me something funny you did when you was kid” He asked before he could stop himself.

“Oh.” You shifted putting your phone down, thinking for a moment. “Ah okay I’ve got it!” You grinned “don’t laugh!” You made him promise.

“When I was a little kid, like I’m talking pre-primary school age, I had this cream cardigan, big daisies and red roses stitched all over it and I would wear it everywhere. I’d put it on to walk to school and cry when Miss Neil made me take it off, when I came home and my mum had to wash it, I’d sit by the washing machine and then in the garden waiting for it to dry. I’d even wear it when it was summer and it was probably too warm, I wore it even when it didn’t go with my outfit. I was not a fashion forward kid”

Jamie started laughing and couldn’t suppress it even over your protests that he promised he wouldn’t.

“What happened to it? The cardigan? You still have it?”

You pouted half jokingly “It got left on a plane on the way back from Tenerife. I cried so much, my dad rang Gatwick and the airport in Tenerife but no one ever turned it in. I’d have outgrown it but I loved that cardigan so much” you said wistfully “I was so annoyed thinking of some random person with my cardigan… I’ve searched online but there’s nothing like it.”

“Understandable. It sounds peak nineties” Jamie remarked with a raised eyebrow

“Oi. It would be considered vintage now” you laughed “Teenagers on depop would pay mega money for that.”

You picked it up and held it against you before putting it straight on without checking for tags.

“Jamie…” You wrapped it tight and folded your arms around you “You remembered! I feel a bit bad for joking now”

“Don’t…don’t…you don’t need to say anything.” Seeing you happy hit him like a brick wall. All he wanted was you smiling at him like you were doing now. His voice was quiet and he could feel the tension, he needed to do something, anything to dissipate it, if he didn’t…Jamie feared he’d just come out with it. “You have the real deal anyway, you don’t need a photo” He settled for a joke.

“Thank you!” You beamed at him and got up to kiss his cheek. “This is the coolest present ever!”

How was it that he’d never been short on attention from women but a kiss on the cheek from you had the biggest effect on him like he was a teenage boy again the first time he fancied a girl.

“Thank you for mine. And for all this…You really sure you can’t stay? It’ll just be me and mum and she’ll fall asleep after Eastenders.”

“Call me when she does. If I’m up, we can FaceTime” you still had your cardigan on and slipped your coat on over the top. “Maybe we can watch one of the Home Alones or Elf together.”

“I love Elf. It’s like my favourite film after Ratatouille.” He grinned at you and you laughed as you reached up and hugged him.

“I know. Merry Christmas Jamie.” You kissed him on the cheek once more

“Merry Christmas, [Name],”

***short time skip***

The addition of Roy to the coaching staff had gone perfectly…except for the one pretty major hiccup of Jamie clashing with him daily and on one occasion, making his way to your place after training to ask if you thought he had bad hair prompting you to wonder what exactly was going on.

A few days later and you were anxiously waiting on the final whistle in the quarter final against Tottenham, Jamie had played incredibly. A goal from right outside the box and only a minute ago he’d scored what looked like it would be the winner. At the sound of the whistle, you were up on your feet and running down to the tunnel. The moment you saw Jamie you ran to him and pulled him into a hug, him lifting you up and holding you flush against him for a few moments.

“You were amazing!” You enthused, looking up at him as you separated. “That free kick in the first half was one of the best ever seen! And a last minute goal… that’s the best game I’ve ever seen you play.”

Jamie grinned on a high from the result, his performance and now you gushing about him, telling him so earnestly how good he was felt amazing. For a moment he could forget you were in the Nelson Road tunnel with a little over 25,000 people just outside and other players and staff milling around you.

“Thanks. My first goal was good wasn’t it?” He was standing so confidently. It had turned out being a prick worked for him…so long as he kept it to the pitch. You liked seeing him back to the player you knew he could be.

“That’s goal of month, maybe even the season!”You reached up and fixed his hair without even thinking “Go celebrate. you deserve this.”

“Come out with me… I mean come out with us, we’re going out, all of us, you should come” Jamie said all at once.

“Sure I’ll come for one!” You nodded.

Across the bar, you could see a girl who looked like she could have walked off the set of Keeping Up with the Kardashians lean over and talk to Richard who was responding by pouring her a glass of wine, no doubt feeding her some sort of cheesy chat up line.

Jamie slid into the booth beside you, and, with the slight contact your knee made against his, he felt himself relax.

“That’s probably the third girl I’ve seen him give his number to tonight” he commented and you laughed, pleased to see him join you in your people watching.

“Welcome to being on this side of the fence.” You leant in close to him so you could talk.

“She not your type?” You asked curiously. “She’s alive isn’t she?” You teased. Jamie hadnt dated since Keeley, or rather, since his stint on the show if you could call that dating. It did seem a little odd to you that he’d never once mentioned anyone despite your fast formed friendship and everything else he’d willingly shared with you.

Jamie shook his head. “Nah i’m…”. How could he tell you he didn’t want anyone else other than you. “I’m not…nah not really doing that kinda thing anymore.”

Even if he tried, Jamie doubted he could bring himself to show any enthusiasm for chatting up anyone else anymore. How could he consider anyone else when it felt like you were the only person in the room who saw him. You actually saw him for him in his worst moments and still wanted to be around him. How could he not want you?

Your heart was beating as you took in Jamie’s response. It was only a short response but it set the smallest of sparks in your stomach and you took a swig from the bottle of cider in your hand to distract yourself from running over what that meant. Was he not interested in anyone? Was there something he wasn’t saying?

Looking for something to change the subject before it became awkward, your eyes fell to your phone, flat against the table, and you started at the clock telling you it was 00:10. Somewhat grateful for the easy out, you picked it up and slipped it into your back.

“I’m going to head home, I have an early start tomorrow.”

“Can i walk you home?” Jamie felt a little dejected but wouldn’t pass up the chance to spend time with you just one on one. “I don’t mind leaving now?”

You were grateful and almost wished you could take him up on it. Maybe when you were alone you could ask him more about what he meant.

How badly you wanted to say yes. Yes to him walking you home and how you’d hope on the walk home you’d maybe have enough courage to invite him in and up to your bedroom. The experience with your ex still lingered and you never ever thought it would be Jamie Tartt of all people to make you want to throw your one rule out of the window.

But he wasn’t the Jamie of old. This Jamie was funny and caring, he’d bring you a tea every morning before training, he’d call you and he’d ask you to go do “intellectual stuff” with him when he was too self conscious to go himself. He’d run through ideas or tactics he had with you and even ask you to watch his highlight reels, not for vanity but because he wanted a fans opinion, he’d get you to come out to dinners with him when he was offered free food at restaurants and throughout all of this, you were just his friend, his loyal best friend, when you were internally screaming that you wanted him.

Realising you hadn’t said anything in a few seconds, you quickly found a response “you’re the best for offering but… Jan’s offered to drive me. He’s not been drinking so it’s fine. He’s dropping off Colin too if you need a lift, I can ask him? I’m sure he won’t mind?” You asked, hoping Jamie would accept and you’d just both get out at his or yours.

Jamie felt an uncomfortable twist in his stomach.

Of course. Jan. Were you going back to his? Did you talk to Jan the way you talked to him? What had happened to “I don’t date footballers” or was that just your way of telling him you’d never want him like he wanted you? There was a part of him screaming to retreat, make an excuse, go home, move on but Jamie didn’t want to do that. He wanted to ask you outright but he couldn’t push the words out. So he did neither and just sat there.

“It’s okay.” He said forcing a smile. “Someone has to look after Isaac. I’ll get a taxi”

“Are you sure? If you want we can-…”

“Hey. Are you ready?” the Dutch centre-back interrupted from the aisle between tables before Jamie could reply “Some of us need sleep.” He teased, pointing at Colin who was leaning to one side, almost asleep on Moe’s shoulder “and I don’t want him to sleep in my car. Last time I had to let him sleep on my sofa.”

You laughed and almost as if he heard his teammate Colin jolted awake muttering he was ready and reaching for his coat.

“Sure I’m ready.” You gave Jamie a hug as you stood up and he watched you go, wishing he’d gone with you the second you were gone.

Jamie had been on edge since it was confirmed that the semi final at Wembley would be against Man City. You knew it had to be related to his dad, to his old club, to how everything was building to such a point that he was wound so tight, you were surprised he hadn’t snapped like an elastic band.

In the fall out from the result to Man City and the altercation with his dad, Jamie had come to you before he’d boarded the bus. He hadn’t needed to say anything, it was all over his face. You could see it. Without even needing to ask, Ted had waved for you to get on the bus with the team. Usually the staff would travel separately if they went to games but in this moment, the coach didn’t question it.

You settled in beside Jamie and shifted so he could rest his head on your shoulder and carefully you reached around so you could put an arm around him too and used your other to take his hand and you would stay that way for the journey back to the training ground where the players had left their cars.

Even as you exited the coach, you could tell he was tense, and as you walked him to his car, you could barely hear him when he came out with it.

“Are you okay?” You asked him once he’d done explaining “I’m so sorry Jamie. Your dad really is a prick”

Before Jamie replied, he looked up and over you across the car park, his eyes caught those of his teammate.

“I, uh, I will be. Fresh air is doing me good. I think I need to go home and sleep.” It wasn’t a lie.

“Jamie. I’m not an idiot. You need to talk?”

He pushed a hand back through his hair and with one look in your eyes conceded with a nod

After driving back to his and getting into his house, Jamie dropped onto the sofa, not bothering to change out of the training kit he’d travelled in. You made him a decaf tea and took a spot next to him on his sofa and let him lean back on you as listened to him tell you everything

“Was that the first time you’d…”

“Hit him back?” Jamie’s eyes didn’t lift from the spot in the middle distance. “Yeah. Couldn’t really fight back as a kid.”

“I was going to say ‘seen him since you left…” you kept your arm around him, loosely tracing in a manner you hoped was soothing. “But I’d guess same answer.”

Jamie lifted his head off your shoulder for a second. “Erm…” His dad had contacted him a few times whilst he’d played for City. Mostly asking for free tickets, to meet the rest of the team and to get tours of the ground. Jamie had given in reluctantly on the first one and skirted around the final two. “Yeah… I guess he wasn’t arsed about me playing for Richmond. Cant brag about me if I’m in the Championship and he can’t be fucked getting the train down to London”

“Jamie.” You tried “you deserve so much better…He doesn’t know what he’s missing out on.” You reassured him “you’ve been amazing these past few months Jamie. The best you’ve played. I know you probably wouldn’t want him at Richmond but still…his loss”

“Only got him the tickets to get him off my back and he didn’t even fucking support me. Went in the City end. Don’t know what I was expecting”

You imagined that must have stung for him. His dad feigning an interest just to turn around and support the team playing against his son. His old club, to add insult to injury.

“How do you feel now?” You asked cautiously. “Must have been hard for you to stand up to him…given how long he’s been…like that for?”

“I mean… shit because he’s my dad but he doesn’t act like he is, but like…I don’t regret it or anything…I just got fucking shit of it yknow…slagging me off, the club off…putting me down in front of everyone…and he’ll show up next time, if we get promoted he’ll be after tickets again…”

“We’ll make sure he doesn’t get near. You never have to deal with that again Jamie. You shouldn’t have had to take it back then and you don’t now”

“Thanks.” He added on “For… not just staying here but…for like always having time for me and that.”

“I’ll always have time for you Jamie.”

***a few weeks later***

The yearly charity gala had come around fast and unlike last year, you had actually looked forward to it this year. In the weeks leading up to it, you’d picked out a new outfit including new shoes.

Jamie had agreed to pick you up, asking you the second you’d said you were going and you’d agreed. Since you’d spent the night at his, completely platonically, Jamie’s already overwhelming feelings towards you had grown even more and you showing up to a charity gala with his teammate was the last thing he wanted and even though he’d spent the entire day telling himself this wasn’t a date, he still felt nervous as he rang your doorbell.

The second you opened it, he couldn’t help but break out into a big smile “You look… really good.” He nodded “this new?”

“Thank you” you accepted his compliment, nodding as you stepped aside to let him in “So do you. Not auctioning yourself off tonight?”

“Nah I’m not feeling up for it this year.”

Your eyes scanned his suit before realising his tie was slightly off “Can I?” You pointed at it.

You waited for him to nod before stepping in to fix his tie, before realising it needed a re-do.

“You know I’ve not had to wear a tie since school, but I reckon I could do a better job of it than this.” You joked, pulling the knot by his neck and re opening the fabric.

“You wore your tie? Don’t think I went a week without forgetting mine.” Jamie laughed.

“I was Deputy Head Girl.” You felt a little bit red, like suddenly you were back at school being paired with the popular boy for a project. “Kinda had to.” You looped it around before sliding it into place.

You shook the thought from your head. This was Jamie. Your friend. He could date anyone he wanted, why would he go out with someone normal and ordinary.

Jamie watched you in concentration for a few seconds before he couldn’t help himself.

“He’s punching going out with you, you know” the words came out of his mouth before he could stop them.

He couldn’t help himself. Jamie didn’t mean it, at least, he didn’t mean it as it sounded. Jan was fine and of course he would be your exception to your rule. He seemed like he’d be your type. Still it stung. He wasn’t used to not getting the girls he liked…but maybe he should have expected it. You weren’t interested in the fame that attracted girls to athletes normally so of course you wouldn’t want him. You probably liked Jan because he was honest, funny and spoke three languages rather than the money and fame.

You stopped what you were doing, hands still on his tie, confused.

“What are you on about?”

“Yknow…Jan. You’re way too fit for him.”

“I’m not going out with Jan.”

You made sure it was centred before letting go of the fabric and suddenly aware of your close proximity, you stepped back.

“He takes you home and stuff…I figured you two were.”

“Shagging?” You came straight out with it, eyebrows raised

“Well…yeah?” He shrugged. “Ain’t you with him?”

Who’d have thought it. Jamie Tartt, who you’d considered the biggest arsehole you’d ever met a few months back, now being protective over you. It was weirdly quite sweet. Truth be told, you’d warmed to Jamie. A lot. If anyone had told you that last season you’d have thought they’d gone mad. When he’d left Richmond, you’d never even expected to see him in person again, let alone be friends with him.

“Jan’s just a friend…Didn’t realise anyone had noticed…also… surprised you remembered my…thing about footballers”

“I’m glad you’re not with him cause, yknow he’s…”

“Are you going to call someone else a prick?” Your head tilted to the side, hair falling with it. “Because if you are, that’s pretty fucking ironic.”

Jamie opened and closed his mouth, ready to reply when he saw you were half smiling.

“I’m messing with you...again” you teased and Jamie remembered the conversation he’d had with you outside the hotel in Manchester. Only this time you were looking at him differently. Back then you were looking at him like he was lost, now he’d swear you were… almost looking at him with affection.

“Nah, hes… he’s alright yknow just he’s not…” Jamie paused. He couldn’t say ‘not good enough’ because if Jan wasn’t the type of footballer you’d date, Jamie knew he definitely wouldn’t be. “Not who i picture you with.”

“Who do you picture me with?”

You were looking up at him, genuine interest on your face like you were waiting on a serious answer.

“I, uh, I don’t know.” The twisting in his stomach had been replaced and now the weight of relief, finding out you weren’t actually with Jan had lifted he didn’t know exactly what to say. With other girls he’d never had a problem asking them out but you? It was always different with you. “Just someone else.”

“Jamie…what’s going on?” you reached up and gently tilted his face so you could look at him. In spite of your confident action, your heart was hammering against your chest.

He let out a deep breath, eyes flickering over you for a moment, before he came out with it

“When I thought you were going out with Jan Maas. It was driving me mad.”

“Why?”

“I…I guess maybe I was jealous or something?”

“Thought you didn’t get jealous.” You’d heard all about his escapades with other women via the press and via various clips people had sent you of him on his TV show.

“I don’t not normally …” Jamie played with the cuff links absentmindedly. He sighed and looked down and then back up at you “I don’t wanna be like that anymore…I just,” he paused.

“Look” you said again “whatever you want to say… you can tell me…”

Jamie didn’t know what was holding him back. “I want to be the kind of guy you’d go out with, i don’t wanna disrespect you, and like I don’t want to ruin us being mates but…I really, really like you.”

“Jamie.” You laced your hand with his, feeling a swelling in your chest “I wish you’d told me sooner…You already are…you are the kind of guy I’d go out with.”

“What?”

“You are…the type of guy that I’d go out with.” You repeated with a reassurance in your voice “How could you not be? You’re sweet, you’re funny, you make me laugh…you listen…”

Jamie felt his heart hard against his chest, barely able to let your words sink in. “So if I asked you out? you’d go out with me?”

“Of course I will.” You squeezed his hand gently and as his shoulders relaxed and you couldn’t help but let out a small laugh as he dropped his forehead to yours.

“I can’t believe Jamie Tartt was worried about asking me out. You’ve been out with like models and stuff…and it’s me that you were worried about.”

He sighed “Yeah but that’s why I like you…cause you’re you.”

Come on. Let’s go to this auction.”

“Together yeah?”

“Of course. Good job your shirt matches my outfit…or you’d have to change” you teased.

Cue when you walked in hand in hand, Jamie was greeted by about half the team congratulating him on you two finally getting it together, including Jan who’d found it hilarious that Jamie had thought something was going on between you too.

***

Jamie had, with the best intentions, planned a perfect evening. A few days after you’d accepted him asking you out, he’d booked a reservation at restaurant he knew you’d like as a surprise knowing that it was one you’d always walked by and remarked it looked nice but never got around to trying it .

Things had not gone as planned.

After you’d arrived at the restaurant, you’d found out they’d closed due to a leak in the kitchen, you’d suggested going to a local bar and had lasted all of fifteen minutes before a drunk man in a too tight t shirt had knocked his pint over you and staggered off without apologising much to your ire. Jamie had wanted to go after the man and tell him to apologise but you’d just wanted to leave. Only ten minutes after leaving, Jamie had been approached by a group of kids looking for pictures and autographs and only a few seconds later, the skies opened and despite trying to huddle under a canopy of a nearby, closed cafe, you got soaked. Jamie, whilst taking photos with the young kids gave you a mouthed sorry but you told him to carry on knowing it would make the kids day.

Once he was done, he jogged back over to you, now shivering slightly and offered you his coat as you ran back to his

“You look really fit in my stuff. You should keep them.” Jamie remarked as you flopped down next to him on the sofa, now wearing a oversized tee and joggers that he’d pulled out for you to wear whilst your actual outfit was in his washing machine.

“Sorry the date was shit.” He added on as he ran a towel over his damp hair.

“Could have been worse” you shrugged with a smile as you dried off your own hair. “I’ve had worse dates.”

He let out a sigh and laid back on the sofa “I just wanted to take you out some place dead nice.”

“Jamie...that’s so sweet but you don’t have to. I just like being with you.” You shifted closer to him and scooted under his arm to rest on his chest. “I don’t care if it’s at a restaurant or like this…”

“I promise we’ll go out somewhere proper next time.” He leant down and kissed you softly. Dating you made Jamie felt like he’d finally got everything he’d ever wanted, and he was kicking himself for not asking you out the second he realised he had feelings for you.

“I could do that all day” You muttered against his lips as you separated briefly.

He placed a hand on your cheek and brushed your hair back before kissing you again. “Don’t think we could do this in the restaurant.”

You smiled against his mouth “well we could but probably wouldn’t be allowed back…”

“Maybe we can go back when they’ve fixed the leak and try?” Jamie made a joke and you playfully swatted him before kissing him again.

“Oh, Im holding you to that…”

***

Dating Jamie was so easy. Much easier than you’d thought. It was just like it was when you were friends but he’d always be taking your hand or wrapping an arm around you or kissing you…and of course you’d spend the night together rather than driving home after meeting up. When people had said date your best friend you’d never actually thought it could be possible.

Any fears or ghosts of your past that lingered over the bad experience with your ex were soon quashed by Jamie. Before you’d got together, you’d found it somewhat bittersweet that it was the former ladies man that you’d fallen for after swearing off dating footballers but now that you woke up to him every other morning and got to see him being the absolute perfect boyfriend to you, it just made sense.

So much so that eventually you’d caved and told him the name of the player you’d went out with before and Jamie had been thrilled to learn your ex was a goalkeeper and had made a promise to you he’d score against him.

You’d found it adorably sweet in the moment and incredibly hot when he followed through with his promise not once but twice, securing a brace and a win in the same game and making a big show of pointing at you and blowing a kiss into the stands. He’d almost been late in the next morning.

Jamie knew he loved you. Maybe it had started when you’d given him that chance in Manchester. You didn’t have to. If you’d told him to piss off, Jamie wouldn’t have blamed you but you hadn’t. You’d seen something in him, maybe believed in him deep down and now he was a better man, in part due to you.

The final game of the season was a whirlwind of emotions and knowing he’d be nervous for the game that could earn Richmond promotion back into the Premier League you’d snuck into the tunnel to see him just before he went out

“Good luck today babe.” You leant up and kissed him gently. “No matter what happens. I’m so proud of you, the player you are and the man you are.”

“Thanks” his eyes met yours “I, uh could have never done it without you.”

“Course you could. The talents all yours”

“I mean the…” Jamie paused, before looking at your shirt. He turned you around. “You’re wearing my shirt” he grinned at you and held up your arm so he could twirl you and see his name on your Richmond shirt. “Looks good on you”

“Course I am. Who else’s shirt would I wear.” You leant in and kissed him once more before the sound of the rest of the team approaching signalled it was time for you to go join the rest of the fans in the stands. “Smash it for me babe.”

Upon the final whistle, the coaching staff and bench descended on to the pitch to celebrate and you couldn’t help yourself.

You ran down to the barrier, dug into your bag to flash your work lanyard at a steward and ran on yourself, calling out to Jamie as you approached.

He caught you as you jumped into an embrace, quickly asking if he was okay after he was fouled in the lead up to Richmonds penalty. Jamie nodded.

“Yea yeah I’m fine babe. I’ve never been happier.” He looked breathless, a mixture of excitement, energy and adrenaline from the game.

“I love you Jamie.”

He kissed you deeply, passionately, caught up in the moment and not caring about the thousands of surrounding people, happy to be celebrating with you and the team.

“I love you. Next year I’m going to win you the whole thing”

#jamie tartt x reader #Jamie Tartt imagine #Ted lasso fanfic #jamie tartt fanfiction #Jamie Tartt #Jamie Tartt fanfic

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blackopals-world · 11 months

Text

I Found Home

Part 4

(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 5)(Part 6)(Part 7)(Part 8)

Implied relationship

Notes: Spellchecked? No. I'm tired.

Azul

"The Boss"

Yuu knows that kids like any person require patience and she has patience. But her nightly struggles with Grimm were more than the average parent.

Grimm didn't like water, baths especially. In the past, he had never even had hot water. He didn't like undressing either and being exposed to open air. Also understandable. Bath time was a perfect storm of things he hated and every time Yuu tried to give him one he'd cry until she let him out.

Every time Yuu's heart would break because she felt like a monster. She tried every tactic to help him learn that baths were fun. Toys, bubbles, music, games, and every recommendation she could him. She bought special bath shorts so Grimm could avoid being naked and she tried showers. But it was all the same so Yuu could only wait out every crying fit and hope that he'd adjust.

She needed to call the doctor again and hope they know something else she could do.

After fighting Yuu while she bathed him Grimm was wrapped in a big fluffy towel. Grimm became very needy after his bath and Yuu had to hold him until he felt better and was ready for his last nap of the day before dinner.

All he wanted to do was visit an old friend. That was all but he could do without the entourage.

Azul Ashengrotto had gone on to do bigger and better things after graduation as if there was any doubt. He currently owns and runs a chain of successful restaurants and bars. Not alone of course Jade was head chef to master chef of the restaurants for his signature dishes. Floyd was head of security at the bars at first but has since established a private network of hired protection while he runs a few clubs.

"If you wanted to give her a gift make it a ring." Jade grinned wryly.

"You know why you shouldn't just give a woman a ring. Especially not after not seeing her for so long." Azul sputtered in response.

"Why not I gave her one back in school?" Floyd laughed.

"It was a prize you got from a snack box and it broke an hour later when she hit you for biting her," Azul said deadpan.

Floyd just laughed.

Azul had brought a gift. Something special.

"Zuzu look!" Yuu pulled him by the arm to a shop window.

They were visiting the city one weekend for lunch at a new café. They had decided to go window shopping and enjoy a bit of sun.

Azul remembered how beautiful she looked that day in a blue sundress. A passerby would guess they were a couple from the flush of their cheeks.

"Isn't it pretty?" She said peering inside.

"Yes. Yes." Azul said not listening and was too focused on her.

"You aren't listening!" Yuu narrowed her eyes at him as she held his arm tighter.

"Sorry, sorry." Azul tried to calm her. He joined her and saw what she wanted.

It was a sculpted piece of white jade that was etched with silver.

Azul immediately wanted to get it for her but froze when he saw the price.

"You want it?" He asked.

"What?! No, no." She said but the disappointment in her tone was clear "It's just a hunk of stone besides look at me, I wouldn't even know what to do with something fancy like that."

Azul wanted to object but Yuu pulled him along back on their walk. She didn't need something she couldn't have.

Azul had gone back to that shop after he saved enough money to buy that jade. He was going to give it to her before she left but when ge came back and she was already saying her goodbyes he chickened out.

That jade stayed with him on his desk. A symbol of what he wanted to achieve. Every day was a reminder that if had more he could have bought it then and there just because she looked at it. He'd give her anything she wanted.

The group rounded the corner and stopped at a small villa that had a mailbox with Yuu's last name on it.

Floyd didn't hesitate to begin ringing the doorbell repeatedly while pounding the door. It was like he wanted to make Yuu mad.

"I swear if it's that bit-I mean neighbor, I'm going to shove my foot so far-" Yuu grumbled from the other side of the door not bothering to keep quiet.

When Yuu finally opened the door everyone froze in place.

Yuu was dressed in her usual casual jeans and shirt, her hair was tied up to keep tiny hands from pulling it. In one arm she balanced a bundled-up blanket that held a half-asleep toddler. She was right in the middle of getting Grim to sleep.

Yuu was in shock as she looked at the familiar trio. We're the twins always this tall? Did they get taller? Azul too? She doesn't remember.

But she remembered that face. That angular nose, cute rounded cheeks from remnants of baby fat, and the handsome mole that gave him an air of sophistication. She knew that face very well. It changed some. Few new moles had appeared but his face never lost the soft rounded beauty she adored.

Yuu and Azul stared at one another in shock. No one said a word as-

"Shrimpy!"

Nevermind, Floyd was already breaking the tension.

Yuu was quickly swept up in a hug as she tried to hold Grim away from the bone-crushing hug. Jade saw his chance immediately as he gracefully plucked the bundle from her arms.

"Oh, my~ Azul look at what our dear Prefect made." Jade pulled at the blanket to reveal the face of the wiggly boy. "Isn't it cute?"

Azul didn't know how to feel about IT. It bearly had any resemblance to Yuu, it didn't even have her eyes. Azul narrowed his eyes as Jade marveled at the child. Azul poked at a few of the curled locks on the boy's head.

Responding to his touch the boy's eyes opened revealing a pair of round wide eyes. His lips twisted into a pursed frown as he tried to wiggle out of Jade's arms.

"It's Yuu's child?" Azul asked seeing do little of her.

Yuu managed to break out of Floyd's grasp and immediately tried to get Grimm back as Jade held him above her grasp.

"Jade I swear if you think this is funny-" Yuu growled but had no heat behind it.

Floyd immediately gravitated towards Grimm.

"Shimpy made a Shimplet!"Floyd rejoiced has he held up the sleepy toddler who was now whining.

"Floyd be careful, he gets fussy when he's sleepy" Yuu warned but it was already too late.

Grimm had had enough. With little warning, Grimm sank his teeth into Floyd's forearm. Biting was a form of communication at that age after all and Grimm was saying he's done with this.

"Shrimpy, I love him!~" Floyd was absolutely glowing as he swung Grimm around before hugging him.

Grimm switched tactics as he went for Floyd's cheek, bit down and pulled.

"He likes me!" Floyd cheered as Jade tried to get Grimm to unlatch and feeling a bit jealous.

"Grimm no, we don't bite, we use our words. These are guests and my friends." Yuu admonished her son.

Grimm immediately let go as Jade pinched his jaw open. He puffed out his cheek and began kicking at the man holding him hostage.

"Grimm, your mother asked you to use your words," Azul said firmly enough to get Grimm's attention but not enough to scare him.

This actually made Grimm stop his assault and look ashamed.

"Down!" Grimm yelled not bothering with please since his tormentors weren't polite either.

Floyd reluctantly let go of Grimm. The boy immediately fled for his mother and hid behind her leg.

Yuu was impressed. Azul managed to get through to Grimm.

Azul on the other had seen the resemblance now. Grimm was very bit of a fighter like his mom. But Grimm also reminded him of himself when he was that age. He remembered meeting his future step-father at that time.

"Um, how about you guys come in? I just started dinner."

Getting the Tweels to leave Grimm alone long enough to nap was harder then she thought. Thankfully Jade was more than willing to show Yuu his culinary skills.

Azul shifted from checking out the house to helping where he could. He was glad to know there was no one else in the picture but felt a small pang of guilt. He didn't have his own father in the picture and he lacked confidence without that influence in his life. Azul had a great mother who did her best without the dead weight around. He was sure Yuu was doing fine but Grimm could use a father figure.

Floyd was enjoying watching Grimm sleep. He was still fascinated by his new little Fry. But he was also getting bored.

As the food simmered Azul and Yuu got some time alone as Jade eagerly joined Floyd Grimm's room.

The pair drank tea in silence before Azul finally spoke.

"So Grimm? That's a name." Azul started awkwardly.

'Of course, it's a name! She wouldn't have used it if it wasn't a name!' His brain screamed.

"Ha, yeah. I had a long list of names I wanted to use but none of them stuck. He name was almost Azure..." Yuu decided to shut up now before she dug that hole further.

"Azure, that's cute. I always wanted to use that one when I had a kid." Azul smirked.

The hole is getting deeper.

"I wanted to give you something actually. I wanted to give it to you for a while now." Azul blushes a purplish tone. Something Yuu missed seeing.

Azul pulled out a small box that for a second Yuu thought was for a ring and felt her face burning. Instead, it was a necklace. The pendant was made from two interlocked rings of jade. One ring was white jade with silver engraving and the other was blue jade with gold engraving. It was beautiful.

"I love it. How did you-" Yuu gasped.

"I remembered that it was your favorite stone." Azul took the necklace from the box and helped Yuu put it on. "It suits you."

Yuu smiled as they went back to talking about their new lives and what's changed.

"Boss, check out this book Shrimplet showed us. This guy looks just like you!" Floyd yelled dashing down the stairs.

Wow, this hole is deep!

"So the Princess asked the merfolk to help her but they won't do anything. So her friends go to this sea witch to get help from them but instead of asking for help, they ask for what they want. The witch enslaves them because they are slaves to their desires but the irony is that so is the witch. The princess made a deal with the witch at the end but tricked her way out and infuriated the witch who tried to curse them all. In the end the Princess won over the witch by showing them how unfair they were being and that success doesn't doesn't come at the expense of others." Yuu explained the plot of the book as she hid the pictures.

"I see," Azul crossed his arms "Sounds familiar."

Wow, can't see the the top of this hole anymore.

"Artistic license," Yuu said deadpan. "Oh, wow! I think dinner is ready! Let me go check!"

Yuu tried to escape as Azul pulled her right back.

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writingwithfolklore · 1 year

Text

Uncommon Microsoft Word Shortcuts

(I use word on my PC, so these commands might be slightly different on a mac/IOS/other!)

CTRL + 1

CTRL+E to change alignment from Left to Middle (Then CTRL+E again to move back, or use CTRL+L)

CTRL+A to select all text in a doc (I use this constantly!)

CTRL+I/U/B to italicize, underline, bold.

CTRL+N to create a new, blank doc

CTRL+F to find a word or phrase in your doc

CTRL+W to close the document (and CTRL+O to open an existing one)

CTRL+Y to repeat the last action (this one I find hard to get it to do what I want tbh)

CTRL+T to create a hanging indent (soo helpful for school citations)

CTRL + Shift

CTRL+Shift+>/< to change font size up and down

CTRL+Shift+F to change font and style

CTRL+Shift+E to start and stop tracking changes (great for editing!)

CTRL+Shift+Arrow Keys to select either the next or previous word

CTRL+Shift+N to turn to normal formatting

CTRL+Shift+W to underline words but not the spaces

CTRL + Other

CTRL+Return to create a page break (this is incredibly useful if you ever run into the problem of changing something earlier in the draft that then misaligns all your subsequent chapters. Using page breaks instead of repeatedly hitting enter prevents this)

Alt+CTRL+Space to read your selection or everything past your cursor out loud (check out my post Read It Out Loud!)

CTRL+Backspace to delete the last word

CTRL+Alt+M to insert a comment

Other Commands

F7 Opens spellcheck

Shift+Arrow keys to select the next or previous letter

Let me know if I missed any you find useful or use regularly!

#writing #writers #writing tips #writing advice #writing inspiration #creative writing #writing community #books #film #filmmaking #screenwriting #novel writing #fanfiction #writeblr #word shortcuts #microsoft word #windows 10

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rainylana · 4 days

Text

“I’m always going to take care of you.” Alternate version!

Eddie Munson x female reader

summary: this is a new version of my old series i wrote last year. so many people have asked to see more of how eddie deals with such a horrible thing happening to the reader, so here we go, this is for you!

warnings: PLEASE READ! this is purposely written, in the beginning, as fast paced. i was trying to establish a sense of anxiety and fear while writing it because of how quickly it happened. the assault happens differently and does not go into much detail this chapter, but will during the next. i purposely switched povs because i still wanted to give insight to the reader. so with that being said, warnings for this fic include: rape, blood and bruises, broken bones, hospitalization, language, smoking of weed, trauma and shock, lots of tears and angst. please, please, let me know what you thought and if there’s anything i need to go about differently. it’s been a year since i’ve properly revisited this series. i feel like this version will be much darker and will take more of a toll. let me know your thoughts and if anything needs changed. i never spellcheck lol. this one’s for all of us. i see you and feel you. much love, lana.

Steve Harrington’s parties were the kind that were talked about for weeks on end. The music, the food, the house. It was a mansion, and there had been many of times were you and Eddie had slept in multiple rooms of that house, unbeknownst to the owners knowledge.

This party was no different. Bodies were on bodies, beer was spilled and the pool was splashing every drop of water out into the flower bed, that was no covered in trash. There was a basketball court that entertained the jocks. It was an absolute mansion.

You were somewhere. Eddie would see you from time to time getting more beer or a snack, coming over to check on him. He closed his eyes, taking a long drag and leaned against the wall. “Shit, this shit is good.” He coughed slightly, letting his arms fall at his sides, black sleeves pulled up at his elbows.

You found him eventually, hair slightly wet from being splashed at the pool, a towel wrapped around your shoulders. Most everyone was wearing their bathing suits. You smiled when you sat down beside him, laughing at the redness of his eyes. “Feelin good, Eddie?” You tapped his chin.

He grinned at you goofily. “Shit, is the shit, babe. Wanna try?” He offered it to you.

You plopped down on your ass and sat beside him, saying hi to all the others that joined the circle. You laid your head on his shoulder. “Sure you don’t want to come swim with me, Ed? It feels good. Moons out, too. It could be romantic.”

“I give you plenty of romance, darlin’.” He said through hooded eyes, armed laid lazily around your wet shoulders. “Damn, your tits are out!” He exclaimed, finally realizing you had changed, eyes bulging for dramatics.

You laughed and rolled your eyes. “My tits are not out. Everyone is wearing them! You picked it out, don’t you remember?”

“Baby, I’m gonna be honest, I don’t remember much of anything right now.” He was practically drooling at the mouth, giggling like a child and floating off into space.

“Uh, huh.” You gave him a look before turning to the rest of the group. “He’s cut off.”

He was too stoned to realize what you had said, curling up in himself and lulling his head against the wall, eyes drooping closed.

“Eddie, Eddie, oh, okay,” You sighed, watching as he fell asleep. “I’m serious, Gareth, make sure he doesn’t do anything else. I got to carry this guy home, you know.”

You sat with Eddie for almost an hour, making sure he was alright. He always was. He always got tired when he smoked weed, you did too, but not near as much as he did. You gave him a kiss on the cheek, telling everyone else you’d be back and that you were going to change your clothes.

You went to the same room you always did, walked up the same steps and same corridor, the air cool against the exposure of your wet skin. Nobody was upstairs. You had planned for a quick change and nothing more, but you hadn’t any idea what was waiting for you behind the door, or the fact you were being followed.

•

Eddie was in and out of it, waking up here and there if someone spoke loudly enough. Dustin kept laughing, about what, he didn’t know or care. He just wanted to sleep. Later on he would realize that it was probably an act of God that he heard you, because there was no scientific explanation for it. He shouldn’t have heard you.

The music was booming loud, playing a hit from Blondie over the speakers. People were chugging beers, getting high and fucking out in the shed outside, the bedrooms above. The lights were flashing on and off, mixtures of colors painting the walls, their bodies. There was no way he could of heard you, yet he did.

He felt as if he were dreaming at first. His eyes were still closed, body numb from the awkward position he was in. It felt like a loud thumping at first, like something had hit the floor. Then a crash, something had broke. Then a high pitched noise, someone had screamed. It had to have been a dream, because he swore it was you.

Eddies eyes peeled open slowly, foggy and clouded from his high, but he didn’t feel so good anymore, and was left with a chill up his spine. He looked to the right of him to find you gone. “Gareth?” His voice was gravely and deep. “Where’d y/n go?”

Gareth pointed up the stairs quickly, eager to get back to his conversation with Robin about her thoughts on the new Back to the Future movie. Eddie had pushed himself up and found the stairs. It was a mansion, having had to climb four sets of stairs before he could find the hallway. Each set he could hear it clearer. He still shouldn’t have. The music was too loud. He could feel the vibrations underneath his feet against the wood flooring.

He walked quicker and quicker, the sounds of crashing, screaming, begging, becoming louder and louder. Soon, he heard his own name, and he knew it was you. He was running then, as fast as he could to find you. And when he did, the last door on the left, the same room you both had slept in many of times, he was brought to pure horror.

•

You weren’t entirely sure what was happening. Well, you did. You had been raped. You were just confused what was happening now. You were sitting up, staring blankly at the floor. Eddie was down at your feet, saying something, saying a lot of things, actually, but you couldn’t hear him. It sounded like he was underwater. Your ears were ringing, and he kept dabbing his hand under your nose. Were you bleeding?

Your hands were vibrating, along with the other parts of your body, shaking like you were having a seizure. Surely you’d pass out soon. Everything you felt was heightened. The pain, the emotion, or lack of. You soon realized you were going into shock.

You felt everything, yet nothing, all at the same time.

•

Four seconds.

It had taken four seconds for Eddie to react. Four seconds for him to decide what to do. He’d found you bent over the bed, hands pinned above your head and legs split apart. The man above you, twice your size, twice his size, a man he’d never seen before, raping you. It had taken him four seconds to react.

The man above you had stopped when Eddie had come in, staring at him in the act with a look of surprise and shock. Eddie lunged then, knocking the man over and into a side table that crumbled under their weight, a string of punches and curses, the sound of choking and items breaking. There was so much noise, but you didn’t hear any of it. You laid there, bent over, legs spread, a mixture of blood and semen seeping out of you as you stared straight ahead, fixated on the painting in front of you.

Steve and his mom at the beach.

You didn’t hear the sound of Eddie’s cry of pain when your attacker punched the wind out of him, you didn’t hear him run out of the room or Eddie’s footsteps after him, halting halfway and returning back to you. You kept thinking of Steve and his mom. She was so sweet. You really should spend more time with her.

All of that, led to now.

“Baby, baby, please, please, say something!” He panicked, knelt down at your legs, holding your arms to keep you upright, “Oh, God,” He took another look at your legs, covered in blood. “Oh, my god, Oh, my god.” He covered his mouth briefly, not knowing what to do. “Okay, okay,” He jumped up, running to the joining bathroom to grab a towel. “Okay, baby, I got this, see?” He started quickly wiping away at the blood, switching his eyes from his legs to you.

It looked like you’d been killed, or were dying. You said nothing, deathly pale, face stained with tears and mascara, deep bruising that painted your cheeks and eyes purple. Your lip was busted and bleeding. You were shaking with tremors, your breath coming out in little pants that were uneven. You were choking on your sobs, not a single one being allowed out. It hurt to sit, the pain in your abdomen was almost unbearable.

Eddie didn’t realize it himself, but he was also going in to shock. It became harder and harder to get the blood off of you due to his shaky hands, and his breathing become more sporadic and choppy. “I’m getting it, honey. I’m trying.” He said, words coming out in a rush. The towel was stained red when he’d finished, your legs still coated, stained by the blood from inside of you. He looked you over, shaking his head. He didn’t know what to do.

“Y/n,” He gasped, reaching up to grab your face. “Talk to me. Are you hurt? Where does it hurt at?”

You couldn’t look at him. It felt impossible. Your eyes were so heavy. His voice still sounded as if he were underwater, his movements slow, like he was fighting off a current, and you suddenly became freezing, trembling harder like you were out in the snow. Maybe it was the shock.

“Honey, please,” Eddie begged you, eyes tearing up. “I don’t know what to do.”

When he noticed how hard you were shaking, he jumped up and got a blanket from the chair, wrapping it around your body and sitting next to you. “Okay, here, I’m here. Steve!” His scream snapped you out of it, making you gasp and jump.

“No!” Your voice was hoarse, burning as you screamed. “No!” You tried to stand but you collapsed, pointing to the door. “Close the door! Close the door!”

Your urgency made him obey quickly, and he was slamming the door and locking it within a second. “Y/n-”

“You can’t tell anyone!” You sobbed, wobbling on your legs. You were a sight, one that would traumatize him for the rest of his life. “No one, swear it! Let’s just go home!” You we’re a wreck, sobbing, hyperventilating, shaking. Surely you would faint.

“Angel, baby,” He tried to approach you, but you freaked.

“No!” You jumped away. “Don’t- don’t touch me, please!” Was the room getting darker?

“Okay, okay,” He held up his hands, heart racing and bulging, fearful eyes. “I won’t touch you. I’ll stay right here, okay?”

You nodded, mouth opening and closing, feet shuffling, limping, trying to stay upright. Surely, you would faint.

•

His elbows are on his knees, hands pressed against his mouth. The chair he’s in is uncomfortable, an ache in his back that matches the one in his heart. Wayne is there, sitting across from him on the other side of the room. Steve, Nancy, Robin and Dustin are outside in the waiting room, along with the rest of hellfire. He tried to be discreet. Well no, that wasn’t true. When you’d fainted, Eddie lost it.

He’d swooped you up in his arms, carrying you down stairs, a sobbing mess, looking anywhere for anyone, to help. He found Mike first, then Chrissy Cunningham. The party was over very quickly.

“Eddie.” Wayne said tiredly, wearing a puffed, flannel coat. “Why don’t you go home, bud? I’ll stay with her.”

“No.” He didn’t miss a beat. He was staring a hole right through you, eyes so tearful they looked to be made of glass. “I can’t leave her.”

Wayne knew he wouldn’t leave. It was four in the morning, and you hadn’t shown any signs of life. If it weren’t for the machines, Eddie was sure you would have been dead. You were so quiet, not a stir, not a twitch. Were you dreaming? Was it good or a nightmare?

“She’s alright, buddy. You know that.” Wayne could see the telltale signs of his panic attack coming on. “You heard what the doctor said.”

You had abrasions along your vaginal walls. Your nose was broken, now covered with gauze and medical tape. You had two broken ribs, bruises covering your entire body. The doctor had asked him questions he didn’t know the answer to. Eddie knew what had happened, but what had really happened?

You would be okay. He knew that. You were alive and you survived. But were you okay? What would you become when you woke up? You would be totally traumatized, or would you simply move on with life? He knew the answer and he hated himself for knowing it. He knew the pain you were going to suffer when you woke up. He saw it. He saw what it was you would have to endure. A part of him wished you would sleep peacefully forever.

It felt like every vital organ inside of him had been ripped apart, like his stomach had been cut and everything spilled out. He’d thrown up twice since they got to the hospital. It been hours since you both got there. He couldn’t stop thinking about what he’d saw. Your body being used, abused by a man who had beaten you up, raped you, split you open and left bloody.

“Oh, god, Wayne.” Eddie broke down in sobs, shoulders sinking and face hiding into his hands for a shield, a mask to hide from the world. “This is all my fault.”

The image of you had scared his brain, the mental image something he thought he’d never be able to erase. Through everything he had gone through, this moment here, was the worst moment he had ever lived through, and he himself, would make a deal with god if he could, just to take your place, to take it all away. The love of his life was in pain, and it caused him more hurt than he could have ever imagined.

His uncle looked at him, saddened and distraught for the both of you. “Don’t say that, Eddie. You know she’d hate to hear you say somethin’ like that.”

Eddie’s body shook with heavy, deep and broken cries. “It is. I was asleep. I was asleep and stoned out of my mind while she was being raped right above me!” He practically spat the words with a venomous hatred, throwing out his arm as he looked at you longingly. “I failed her. Her, of all people. I fuckin’ failed the one thing I care about most. How the hell am I supposed to live with this?”

Wayne watched him stare at you, stare at you and cry like he was mourning for the entire world, like you had been taken from him.

“How are we supposed to be okay after this, Wayne?” He looked like a little boy then, looking over to his uncle with big, brown eyes. “How can I…how can she ever forgive me?” Another sob, and another. Wayne was sat beside him now, holding his shoulders as Eddie cried.

“You two have been through hell together.” The old man said, on hand on his nephews new. “You’ll get through this. She will and you will. She stood by your side when you were dying, remember? She helped you through it. It did you both in, but you got through it, didn’t you?

He didn’t answer, but he heard his uncle loud and clear. He didn’t know how he’d do it, but he’d help you in every way he could. He owed it to you. You’d patched him up, held him through nightmares and insecurities about his scars. You fed him, helped clothed him and helped him keep himself clean when he was still too sore to move around. You had put your own life on pause for him. He owed it to you to do the same. In his eyes, it was his own fault it happened, anyways.

“Yeah.” Eddie sniffled, wiping away his tears with his jacket. “Yeah, I- you’re right. You’re right. I can help her. I’ll help her. She’ll be okay.”

“She’ll be okay.” Wayne assured him.

He didn’t realize just how hard it was going to be, how a giant rift in your relationship would almost separate the two of you. That the both of you would be forever changed from that night.

Eddie gulped, blinking back tears as he looked at the steady beating of your heart in the vital screen. “She’ll be okay.”

#eddie munson #i will always take care of you #eddie munson x reader #stranger things #stranger things season four #joseph quinn #eddie munson imagines #eddie munson headcanons #eddie munson blurb #eddie munson x female character #female reader

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emeritusemeritus · 5 months

Text

Vulnera Sanentur [Weasley Twins x Reader]

(GIF not mine)

Part 14: Finale

Masterlist

Title: Vulnera Sanentur

Pairing: Fred Weasley x Reader x George Weasley {established relationship}

Timeline: DH1&2- Initially set during the battle of the seven potters. Canon and certain plot points have been altered for the needs of the story.

Summary: The battle of the seven Potters throws your world into chaos when one of your boyfriend’s is cursed. As Snape’s ex-potions assistant and previous protégée, you recognise the inflicted curse immediately and demand answers from your mentor.

Warnings: Angst, mentions of war and Voldy, descriptions of injury and blood, descriptive smut, p in v sex, shower sex, tension. Outside sex. Semi public sex. None sexual nudity. Crying. Snape has a soft spot for reader. Arguments. Probably some cursing. Mentions of nightmares. Reader is part of the Order of the Phoenix. Mentions of death (Dumbledore). Mentions of Tonks’ pregnancy. On it got a angsty. So much angst I can’t tag it all. Not spellchecked nor beta read, we die like Madeye.

And here is the final part of Vulnera Sanentur! Thank you so much to everyone who has read, commented, liked and reblogged my work, it has been a complete labour of love and I can’t thank you enough for your feedback 🖤

When you wake up later that morning, the mild May sun is pouring in through the windows, the curtains not fulling closed last night. You're pleasantly warm and comfortable, noting that you're in your own bed between the two warm bodies you adored. You smile to yourself, feeling relaxed and rested, the first time in so long. You take a moment to look at the twins, their sleeping faces and forms and take a long look, feeling explicitly happy and grateful that this was your reality, that you'd made it back and that everyone was safe. You ran your hand over George's chest where you were resting, feeling the soft material of his T-shirt over the hard, tones plains of his chest and smiled to yourself, taking pleasure in even the soft snores he emitted in his sleep. You turned slightly on your tummy and looked at Fred who slept much more quietly than his twin but still with his mouth open just a little. They both looked so peaceful that it was almost sad to wake them but for the first time in so, so long, you woke up with a need, an ache that only they could get rid of.

You tried to silence any negative thoughts in your mind, your unpleasant thoughts that they wouldn't want you, wouldn't desire you anymore and tried to be brave, realising that you wouldn't know unless you tried.

You pushed the covers down, first from George and then Fred, running your hand over Fred's chest and across his tummy. You heard him take a deep breath in his sleep from the delicate disruption and smirked to yourself, hoping to wake him slowly but indirectly. You noticed very quickly that he was much more 'excited' than his twin, a faint bulge already beginning to show in his pyjama pants and you bit your lip to stifle the excitement you felt.

You shifted just a little so that you were closer to him now and began pressing gentle kisses to his neck, the hand you weren't using to balance yourself running across his neck and shoulders until he was squirming under your touch, beginning to be pulled from sleep.

"Mm, princess?"

You didn't reply but instead sucked harder on his neck, tongue licking at the area you were focused on and you heard him gasp, hands immediately reaching out for you. You felt powerful, motivated, like your arousal was consuming you entirely, pushing away logical thinking as your hand slipped lower and lower until you were cupping his erection through his pyjamas.

He groans quietly at the sensation, bringing one of his hand up to bite on his fist, trying to stay quiet. It seemed that the lack of sex and intimacy had affected him just as much as you and every little touch was igniting a strong sensation in him.

His other hand wandered down your body until he was grabbing a handful of your bum through your own sleep clothes, his grip hard as he grabs a handful and shakes your bum, slapping at the same spot as your lips begin kissing at his clothed erection.

"Can I?" You ask, looking up into his eyes, seeing them watching your every move.

"Please princess," he replies, lifting his hips slightly as if he's chasing your touch. You smirk and begin to pull down his pyjama pants until his erection springs free, beautiful, glorious sight that you had kissed very much.

You shift your weight and rest on the side near Fred so that your hands can begin wandering down George's body now, hoping he'd wake up soon with the same intent that Fred had. He begins to stir as your hand strokes over his groin, a bulge forming that rivals his brothers as you lean down to take Fred's cock into your mouth.

His loud groan is enough to alert George to what's happening and you begin to sense the other twin waking as you slowly suck his brother, wetting his cock with your mouth as you sink lower and lower. You slowly bob up and down, taking your time and using your tongue to memorise every vein and bump on his gorgeous cock as you tease him. You feel a hand on the back of your head and look up, seeing George looking down at you with intense, aroused eyes. You paw at his pants, wanting him bare and he immediately raises his hips, freeing his own erection so that you were faced with the most delicious choice.

You pulled yourself up onto your knees, bum high up in the air so that you could free both of your hands to take each brothers' cock into your hands, slowly beginning to pump them. Both of them emitted a perfectly synchronised groan as your hand grazed them, tugging gently and squeezing in all the right places, just how they liked it. You leant down and took Fred into your mouth again with a fresh intensity, licking all around his delicious tip and hollowing your cheeks to give him the perfect amount of suction. You then pulled off and switched it up, taking George into your mouth and giving him the same treatment, delighting in the glorious gasps and mins that escaped from their mouths.

Your hand never stopped working over each of them, reaching down to gently caress their balls and very gently squeezing their base as you sucked, giving them even more pleasure.

"Angel, want to feel you, please can I," George pants as you pull off his cock and back to his brothers, taking a moment to catch your breath in between.

"Please, please," you reply desperately, needing to feel them, your core aching with unresolved arousal.

You pull away to throw off your pyjama bottoms, not caring one bit where they landed. Fred leaned forward to grab the bottom of your T-shirt and silently questioned you with one look, checking that it was okay. You sat straighter up on the bed and peeled off your T-shirt, completing baring yourself to their eyes. Fred's mouth opened in a little 'o' as he looked at your bare body, eyes fixed upon your breasts and George looked just as enamoured by the sight. You smirked gently and leaned back down, bending over and pushing Fred back onto the pillows so you could resume your sucking, desperate to feel the weight of them on your tongue.

George's hand crept over you as he shifted just enough to pull forward whilst you were occupied with taking Fred further and further down your throat. His hand reach out to caress your naked body, his big hand stroking over your hip and onto your bum before creeping ever closer to your waiting center.

His fingers slipped over your puffy, wet labia and you gasped into Fred's cock as you felt George's finger running down the crease of you, over you dripping hole and catching your throbbing clit with one single swipe. You took your mouth off of Fred and let out a loud moan, head flinging back as you get George's finger slip between your folds and push delicately into your hole, the feeling consuming you with blistering pleasure. You began pumping Fred again and took him back into your mouth, reaching out for George's cock too and his finger dipped in and out of you with teasing strokes. It was delicious agony and you couldn't wait for more, your hips beginning to wiggle as you silent pleaded for more. You hear him chuckle and immediately ku felt two of his long fingers prodding at your entrance.

"So tight," George says in wonder, "can't even get two fingers in you baby. S'been so long since you've been filled hasn't it," he coos as your hips rock, moans and whimpers tumbling from your lips stretched wide around Fred's throbbing cock, making him moan and grunt in reply.

"I need to taste her," Fred says, reaching for your jaw as he cradles it tenderly, his other hand shifting to cup your left breast, his thumb dragging across your pebbled nipple. "Take George's cock sweetheart, that mouth is so good."

He man handles you into position, slipping out from under you until he's kneeling behind you, your entire focus now on George and his deliciously curved cock. Your mouth waters and you can't help but place a few teasing kisses down his belly, following his little happy trails until your mouth is once again wrapped around his cock.

You let out an obscene moan as you feel Fred's tongue slipping over your folds without warning, the pointed end catching deliciously on your throbbing clit, his hands wrapping around your thighs. He starts slow, building up the intensity as he leaves no spot untouched, pulling your little Kabila into his mouth to suck on, kissing your outer, puffy lips and drinking down the wetness that seeps from your excited core. He groans into your pussy as more and more arousal drips out of you, his tongue not missing a single spot, leaving you a breathless mess. George's hands reach down to cup your breasts, pulling and flicking your nipples which only increases your pleasure.

Suddenly, Fred pulls away and you're reeling, chasing him with your hips, desperate for stimulation. He shifts on the bed and claims your pussy again, his big, angled nose now pressing against your clit as he laps up your arousal, tongue and then fingers poking into your hole as he feasts on you.

You can feel your climax building at an alarming speed and you pull off of deep throating George's cock to cry out that you want to be filled, want to cum with their cocks inside you.

"George," you hear Fred say as they both pull away. You don't see or hear their exchange but it's clear only moments later when George slips in behind you that Fred had offered for his twin to take you first.

Fred slips back infringe of you and immediately pulls you in for a passionate kiss, his hands wandering over your breasts and over your neck as he pulls you up just a little to rest your arms on his shoulders. His cock is pressed against your hip but he doesn't make a move for himself, choosing instead to keep kissing you.

You can feel George from behind, his impressive length lining up with your dripping pussy, his hand guiding his cock. You feel his hand at your hip as he breaches your little hole and you gasp at the intrusion, not having felt any penetration for months. His tip is bulbous and perfect, immediately stretching you out even with just the tip inserted.

"Angel, is that okay? Tell me if it hurts and I'll stop straight away, okay?" He breathes into your ear from behind and all you can do is nod, already needing more. When he pushes his hips forward and his cock sinks even further in, you let out an obscenely loud moan, pulling away from Fred's lips as your head falls back, the fullness consuming you.

"George don't stop, please I want more!"

He lets out a loud groan and pulls back before pushing forward again, this time much harder. You cry out again, clawing at Fred's shoulders as George begins to fuck you, his hand anchoring your hips to his as he fucks into you with abandon, no longer concerned.

Fred smirks into the kiss you can barely keep up with, George's cock hitting each and every pleasure point inside you as your breasts bounce in time with his thrusts. Fred immediately reaches out for your swaying breasts and begins massaging and flicking at them, reaching down with his face until he could bite and suck at your tender nipples, still supporting you with his wide shoulders.

He reaches down for his cock and you can't help but watch as he pulls his hips back just a little until he guides his tip just beneath your folds where you part, rubbing against your swollen clit with his tip. You moan louder and louder, over and over again as you're completely stimulated, his thick cock dragging against your clit to increase your pleasure. Your orgasm approaches you in no time and you feel yourself clenching on George as you race towards your finish, not one part of your body unattended as the twins fuck you perfectly.

"I'm gonna, oh George, oh!" You cry out, the white hot heat of your climax consuming you as you clench around George, hips moving on their own accord as you fuck your self back on his cock. He groans and cums with a shout, no longer able to hold back. Fred pulls away from your overstimulated clit and kisses your breasts, licking and sucking at your nipples to extend your pleasure. George has a bruising grip on your hip, keeping you anchored to him as he fucks you through his orgasm and even a little after, unable to pull away from the pleasure.

He kisses the back of your neck as his hips slow, pulling you upright and encasing you in his arms, his hands replacing his brothers on your breasts as he sucks at the back of your neck, cock still lodged deep in your pussy, plugging his cum from leaking out do you.

"I love you, so much," he says, panting as he tries to catch his breath. You twist your head around to search for his lips, kissing him passionately as you reply with just as much feverish desperation, telling him over and over again how much you love him.

"You love me too?" Fred asks with a mischievous grin from in front of you, trying to pull your attention back to him. You give George one last kiss and raise your hips until his softened cock slips out of you, a little trickle of his cum slipping out with the movement.

Your orgasm has only fuelled your desire and you crawl over to Fred with the most seductive, lust filled glance you can give, watching as his tongue slips out to wet his lips in anticipation. You kiss him with such passion that he doesn't expect it, falling back into his hunches as you slowly push him down further, wanting him on his back. Your arousal only doubles as you slowly feel George's cum dripping out of you, needing to be filled back up. You kiss down his body and take his bobbing length into your warmth mouth again, revelling in his groan as he reaches out for you. You suck him with abandon, ensuring he's as excited as possible before you suddenly pull off and straddle him, rubbing your dripping wet centre across his length as he groans. His hands immediately attach to your waist and you can see his gaze drifting over your breasts. Empowered, you reach down and grab at your own breasts, shaking them and dropping them as he watches on with the most delicious look on his face.

You can't wait any longer and you lift your hips, reaching down to grab at his perfect cock and sink down on him, both of you crying out at the same time in pleasure. There's no build up or teasing anymore as you set an intense, passionate pace from the start, riding him with expert precision until your breasts bounce, your hips undulating and circling in the way you know drives him wild. His hands drift everywhere over your body as if he doesn't know where he wants to touch and when you reach down with your right hand to teasingly circle your clit, he growls and throws his head back at the sight. You can already feel your second climax approaching, your walls clenching involuntarily as your hips rock harder and harder on his, taking every inch of him until there was nothing else he could give.

He reaches out with his hand and spanks you hard on your left buttcheek, temporarily throwing you off balance as you fall forward, his cock hitting a new angle inside of you that drives you wild. He begins fucking up into you, his hips thrusting off the bed as he groans without abandon. He leans down and takes your tits into his mouth again, sucking and slurping at the sensitive flesh as you cry out, desperately bucking your hips to meet his powerful thrusts. His hand cracks down on your ass multiple times as he spanks you over and over as you ride him, each hit making you cry out his name and fuck harder. He suddenly reaches out and grabs your hips, holding you still as his thrusts get harder and tougher as you feel him cumming. He fucks hard and deep, keeping you pinned to him until the last moment when he pulls your hips down onto his so that every single inch is filling you, his hips rocking but still as he cums, the hot seed filling you from the inside. All of this makes your own climax bursts out of you and you squirm and clench around his huge length buried inside you as your second orgasm washes over you, just as intense if not more so than before.

You're sweating and breathless as you come down, feeling like the aroused haze you were in is slowly slipping away. You can't help but smile as you gain full consciousness again, the orgasmic haze making you feel loopy.

"I love you," Fred says, pulling you down for a much gentler, sweet kiss.

"I love you so much," you reply, leaning down to kiss his again, running your hand through his sweaty and completed dishevelled hair.

"Both of you," you say, turning to reach out for George who had been sat back on the bed, allowing you and Fred to have your moment. He's hard again, having watched you just get plowed by his brother and you can't help but smile, reaching out your hand for him to join you.

You slip off of Fred, gasping at the sensation of his cum slipping out, having mixed with George's to really fill you as you pulled George beside you, hand instantly reaching out for his excited cock, stroking him in just the right way until he came for the second time, all over your tits.

"Fucking Merlin," Fred says to himself, rubbing his hands over his face as he looks between you all, completely bare and you covered in cum. "I'd say we made up for lost time."

"Speak for yourself big boy," you say with a smirk, "there's at least seven more positions I want to try before I feel like we've made up the time."

"Seven?! Dirty girl," George says, reaching out to tickle your ribs as you fall into his and Fred's lap, across their bodies.

"Six then, three each," you say with a wide smile, feeling absolved of your sadness and pain, even if it was just because of the high of pleasure you were still feeling.

"Sounds more than doable, I'd say," Fred grins, one arm resting over his eyes and one reaching out to stroke your thigh lovingly.

"Me too," George agrees, beaming down at you. You picked your lips and he chuckles, leaning down to press a kiss to your lips as you lay your head in his lap, completely unashamed of your nudity.

"Wanna start now?" You hear Fred say, his fingers slowly trailing from your thigh towards your centre.

"Already?" You gasp, pulling away from George to raise you head, looking towards Fred, who looks completely unfazed by your scandalous gasp.

"He got to cum twice did he not?" He says with a nod of his head towards George who just smirks smugly at his brother.

"Bloody twins," you mumble, immediately attacked by the two brothers beside you.

It's early afternoon by the time you all pull yourselves out of bed and into the shower, having truly made up for lost time. You felt insatiable and addicted, satisfied but still seeking more, exactly how the twins had felt too. Eventually you managed to peel yourselves away from each other and get dressed, trying to look presentable for dinner at the Burrow. You'd cursed George out for leaving love bites all over your neck and then Fred when you'd found one on the side of your breast. Luckily, with a wave of your wand they were concealed and you'd warned them both not to leave any more marks between now and then, at least until after dinner when they could do anything to you.

"Want to use the floo?" George asks, looking at you with adoration as you pull on a little summer dress and a cardigan to cover your shoulder, checking yourself for any sex induced marks that you might have missed.

"Yeah, so much easier," you reply, grabbing your bag as you both wait for Fred to join you.

"I think that's the first time I've seen my dick soft all day," he says, walking out of the bathroom, laughing to himself as he continues drying his damp hands. You can't help but laugh and move towards him as he approaches.

"Don't get used to it," you tease seductively, smoothing down a pack of wild hair around his ear. He groans and dramatically throws his head down onto your shoulder, buckling his knees as if he's weak.

"Great, I'll never get it down again."

_____________

"So, something I've been thinking over," Hermione says later that night as you all sit around the lounge. It's cramped with so many bodies but in stark contrast to how you felt before, it felt wonderful to be surrounded by your loved ones again. Everyone was there, including Percy, much to Molly's delight and everyone had been sharing stories of what had happened whilst you'd been away, some good and some bad. Ron and Hermione had once again done the majority of filling in the others on your own experiences, with a little input from Harry but this time you felt no resistance, glad that everyone could be told and understand what you'd been through. Bill had offered you multiple reassuring looks throughout the recollection, watching you carefully as the story of Godric's Hollow was recounted. You'd given him a wide, beaming smile that seemed to vanquish his concerns and he's smiled back at you with equal vigour, relief in his eyes as he listened in carefully, now understanding the full story. You'd held back some of the details, mostly about the private memories shared by Severus that no one else needed to know, keeping that for yourself. You'd proudly told them about the Lebetum and how he had protected you all multiple times, trying to get them to see that he was always behind you, never relenting in his support of the right side. He's been a spy for Dumbledore and had done it so convincingly that everyone around him had turned on him, though he was never really in the wrong.

"How did you figure out how to kill the snake? How did you know what to do to sever your connection?" She asks, looking to you as she grabs hold of her steaming cup of tea. You felt every pair of eyes in the room on you but didn't faulter, smiling and chuckling to yourself as the memory played out.

You turned to Fred and George, sat beside you on the sofa and smiled, "remember when Snape had me translate all those texts from Latin?"

"Yeah, you did nothing but complain about it for weeks," Fred says cheekily, slipping his hand onto your thigh. George chuckles, nodding along.

"Well in his memories, it showed him writing it into Latin for me to translate back," you said with a smile, shaking your head gently at his crude sense of humour.

"I always figured it might have been Latin but I couldn't figure out what Expecto Dominum Meum meant until Mr Ollivander translated it for me and he laughed. I await my master. When I connected with the snake, just before the death eaters arrived with Harry, it said something to me in my mind, when we found out she was a maledictus, seek me. Only it didn't sound like seek me, it echoed and warped in my mind, all different sounds coming out. It said seco, secaro, sectum. All of them are Latin phrases for Sever, cut, divide, withdraw. The curse that Severus created was Sectumsempra, it cuts like a knife, severing the skin. Sever. I used the venom I took from my shoulder and severed her skin with mine."

"Sever-us, all along," Hermione says in shock. You nod, finding humour in the irony.

"Sever Us," you nodded. "Then I healed her with the incantation."

"The same one you used on George," Harry adds and you nod, looking back at him.

"When I saw his memories, he showed me everything. How Dumbledore had recruited him, how he created the Lebetum, gave me the Latin book and had me offhandedly learn it, gave the Lebetum to Dumbledore to give to me. I only figured out the main clue right at the end."

"What was that?" Hermione asks, completely intrigued and hanging off your every word.

"Remember what the Minister said when he gave me the Lebetum? I leave this Lebetum, in the fond hope that you will never need this. Hermione, do you still have your copy of Beedle the Bard?"

She nods and summons it from her bag which is directly beside her, the extension charm going strong.

"You remember 'The hopping pot'?" you ask, nudging her towards the right chapter.

"Yes, it's the story of the old man who passes on his, oh," she says, realising the punchline.

"What?" Ron asks, missing the vital piece of information.

"He's a potioneer who uses his magic to help others and credits his potions pot, or cauldron, for his antidotes. When he dies, he passes it on to his son in the hopes he'll continue his work. Inside the pot is a single note that reads, 'In the fond hope, my son, that you will never need it'."

Everyone looks from Hermione, back at you, feeling their eyes on you again.

"After I watched Snape's memories, I saw the Latin glossary on his desk and checked what Lebetum meant, it was familiar but I couldn't place it. It meant Cauldron."

"Well, it sounds like you had great protection," Arthur says, following the stunned silence that lingers after your disclosure. "And more importantly, a great friend." He raises his glass and says with a warmth to his voice, "to Severus Snape!"

Everyone joins in, non louder than you as you toast to your lost friend, the mentor that had loved you and protected you even past his last breath. A tear forms in your eye but you blink it away, not wanting to feel anything except joy at this celebration. Fred, closest to you, leans over to kiss your cheek and you share a little smile between you, both knowing the depths of his sacrifice for you.

Bill stands then, holding up his glass once again as he turns to look at you, sending a playful wink in direction. "To Harry, Hermione, y/n and Ron, for sacrificing so much of themselves for the lives of everyone and for their bravery and toughness," he says in a clear voice. The toast is echoed around the room by everyone as they raise their glasses to you, Fred and George particularly loudly and you laugh, shooting a smile at Bill for his choice of words.

"And for the fallen," Arthur says, standing up straight once again, "may they now find peace and their actions always be honoured."

You think of Remus and Tonks, then of little Teddy who had lost both his parents in one night, just as Harry had all those years ago. You think of Madeye, Dumbledore, Sirius, Dobby and Severus, so many wonderful people lost along the way. You vow to honour them in every possible way throughout your life, never letting the importance of their sacrifices dim. From the moment you discovered Snape's true allegiance, you had vowed to yourself to clear his name, to undo all that had been done to conceal his true affiliation.

In all that you had endured, you had learnt so much about not only yourself but about resilience, about darkness and pain and what hate can do, but also most importantly about what love could do. As you looked around at the roomful of people you loved, none more so than the twins sat beside you, you pledged both to yourself and silently to them that you would surround yourself with love, knowing what good can come from loving yourself and others.

Epilogue... 19 years later.

There's an obvious buzz that seems to seep through the wall between platforms 9 and 10 at Kings Cross on the 1st September, entire families making the very important, annual pilgrimage to the magical platform. As you enter the platform, you notice that it's pure organised chaos with whole families stood around, a complete spectrum of emotion on display as the steam train hisses as it prepares to make it's main journey. You look around for your friends and relatives but don't see any of them yet, knowing you were a little early.

"Mum... mum! I've forgotten my scarf!" Your eldest daughter Aurora, or Rory for short, says from beside you in a panic. By the time you'd stopped, stopped the rest of your little flame haired party, and then turned to her, George had already pulled off the scarf from around his neck and had placed it on your daughter's previously empty neck.

"Thanks Daddy," your daughter says with a smile, once again reaching for the handle of the luggage trolley as she wheels her her trunk forward to the meeting point, pausing as she spots her friends in the crowd. She looks at you hopefully and you smile with a nod, encouraging her to join her friends, all of them vivaciously chatting about what their 5th year would be like.

"Finn! Griffin! Pay attention to where you're going!" Fred calls out towards your identical twin sons who are rallying ahead, racing each other's trolleys to see who can get to the pre-arranged spot first. Hard to believe with their actions that they were about to enter their 3rd year but it only took one look at their fathers to explain their behaviour. You shoot Fred a mischievous smile that conveys your humour at his words, the full circle moment showing in its entirety as you watch the ringleader of the original twins now trying to get his own children to mind the rules. He playfully shoves you and you can't help but laugh as he walks ahead, calling out to Finn and Griff again.

"Mum, there's uncle Bill!" Your youngest son, Henry, says as he squeezes your hand, pointing his finger out towards where you can see Bill, Fleur and their kids making their way through the bustling platform with a wave towards you all. "Mummy, why can't I go with Griff and Finn?"

You look down at Henry and give him a warm smile, pausing briefly as you look up at George, seeing him giving the exact same smile towards your youngest. You crouch down so you're a similar height to him and smooth back his fire red hair, the exact same shade shared by his twin older brothers and daddies.

"It'll be your turn soon sweetheart, only 3 more years now. Finn and Griff had to wait until they were 11 too, same as Rory and all your cousins."

"But everyone's starting before me! Even Lily! I hate being the youngest," he says with a sad pout and your heart breaks just a little for him.

In an ironic twist that seemed to mirror your own experience at Hogwarts, your twins Finn and Griffin had started two years before Albus Severus and Rose Granger-Weasley, just as Fred, George and yourself had with Harry, Hermione and Ron. Rory started two years before them just as her uncle Percy had started two years before you and your husbands and it seemed that a new Weasley grandchild had started Hogwarts every year for the past 6 years. Henry was the youngest of all the grandchildren and was only 8, meaning that he'd be with you for a few years before starting off on his own Hogwarts adventure.

"Being the youngest isn't a bad thing at all sweetheart," you say, feeling a large hand on your shoulder as George also bends down beside you to face Henry.

"Can I tell you a secret bud?"

Henry nods, looking up at his daddy with his little sad eyes. "Aunt Ginny is the youngest of all of us and you know what, she's terrifying! So strong and more than able to put up a fight, she's been standing up for herself all of her life, especially against me and your dad," George smiles, reaching out for Henry's hand.

"It's true," Fred says, stepping in and reaching for his son too. "Being the smallest is actually a good thing, you can sneak around and you never get blamed for anything!" You immediately nudge Fred's leg and shoot him a warning look but he simply smirks, chuckling as you all watch Henry light up again.

The whistle blows just as the Weasley's congregate, including the Potters and the Granger-Weasley's and you lovingly hug and kiss each one of your kids going off to Hogwarts, wishing luck to your niece and nephew as they start their first years.

"Got everything sweetheart?" You ask Rory, trying not to embarrass her by being too motherly and affectionate. She nods and surprises you as she reaches out for a hug that you gladly accept, a beaming smile on your face as you hold your eldest daughter tightly. "Do the best you can, we're all so proud of you already." She hugs her dad and daddy before climbing onto the train in the compartment with her friends and never looks back as they instantly begin chattering.

"Griff," you say reaching out for the younger of your twins.

"He's not Griff, I am!" Says the other twin from beside you, forcing you to bite your lip hard not to burst out laughing.

"Oh sorry Finn," you play along, knowing with acute maternal instinct that he is in fact not Finn. He smiles at you, now nearing the same height as you and for a moment it's like looking at Fred and George in their third year, the spitting image of his dads. You hug him close, laughing when another set of identical arms wrap around you and you hug both of your boys together.

"Go have the best time, we love you so much," George says, pulling his sons into a warm embrace, followed closely behind by Fred who hugs them both, messing up their hair at the same time as they grumble a synchronised 'daaaaad'.

"Bye Henry! We'll see you soon!" Finn shouts from the open window of the compartment, shouting for his little brother and waving, never forgetting him.

"Yeah! We'll send you a chocolate frog!" Griffin adds, sticking his head through the window too.

"Or two!"

"Bye!" Henry shouts, waving wildly as the train begins to pull away, no longer sad about his brothers and sister getting to go before him.

"Right," you say as the train pulls completely away, turning to face your youngest son, both of your husbands either side of you. "Now it's just us 4 again, who wants ice cream?"

Fred pulls you and George back slightly as you step through the brick wall back to the Muggle station, Henry skipping forward without a single look back.

"So when are we going to tell him that he won't be the youngest anymore?" He asks, placing his hand on your slight bump.

"That's what the ice cream is for," you say with a smirk, earning a chuckle from George beside you who also reaches out to touch your growing belly.

And all was well.

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