#stuff I was writing a while ago but never got it off the ground really

[underscorewriting]

stupid bracelet.

König x reader

Warnings: fluff, maybe a little angst

Hope you enjoy! :)

It was amusing to him how such little pieces of thread could calm him down. But they did. And here he was, his fingers mindlessly fidgeting with the thread of a bracelet. A red bracelet to be specific. One he would’ve called „stupid“ not too long ago. But now, could he even call it stupid if it had become a part of him in such a short time?

In the military many men and women had something that reminded them of home, of who they’re here for, who they’re fighting for or want to return home to. Some had photos. Yes, König did also have them, he had his pockets filled with small things that reminded him of her. Others had small stuffed animals laying in their rooms back at the base. And again, König, of course, had them too.

He loved having small things to remind himself of her, to keep himself grounded. His friends also knew better than to touch his stuff, especially the one teddy bear wearing small traditional leather pants holding a gingerbread-heart with a writing on it saying „Ich liebe dich.“, like it was tradition in Austria.

When it came to small reminders of his love at home, he was the one that had everything. Of course his friends thought he was crazy, but he needed those small little things desperately to get him through the day. The one little bracelet that had him fidgeting with whenever he was feeling slightly on the edge, as he was now, was one he got gifted early on in their relationship. He hasn’t taken it off ever since.

This little piece of thread, knotted together with some beads, was the most precious thing he owned.

A small smile tugged at his lips underneath his masks as his mind wandered back to how he even got it.

It was a late tuesday evening when she walked in with a bright grin playing on her lips. „Oh no, what’s going on in your head again, Schatz?“ He couldn’t help but chuckle. „We, my lovely boyfriend, will make some bracelets!“ The excitement in her voice was unmatched by anything he ever heard, he couldn’t say no, but he was tired.

König had just returned from one of the first missions he had ever since they got together and all he wanted was to snuggle down with her, have her in his arms reminding him that he’s not all he is out there in the field. He’s not s psychotic insane killer, not like his opposites think. Yes, he might be a war hero, but so we’re thousands of others. Yes, he was good at his job, but he was only as good as the next one.

He knew that whenever he comes home, that that’s where he’s most important and most needed. „Schatz…“ His voice was draggy, hesitant to tell her that he just wants to sleep.

Sleep all the pain and worry off.

Sleep all the nightmares snd blood off.

Sleep off ever needing to be away from her.

A soft smile replaced the overbearing grin on the girls face. „You’re tired, aren’t you?“ Guilt. It was the first thing he noticed in her voice, the quick change from barely manageable excitement to this unsure sound of guilt in her voice, made his stomach turn. He didn’t want to lie to her though, he also didn’t want to pressure himself into staying awake and possibly snapping at her if everything got too much.

He had the tendencies to do so if he was overly exhausted.

With a simple nod and an apologetic smile he opened his arms slightly, making room for her to lean against his chest. „How about that, ja? You can lean against my chest, make your little bracelets, while I hold you, watch you, maybe get a small nap in…“ His smile turning into a soft grin as the girl climbed into his lap.

She didn’t ask questions, she never did. She knew he wouldn’t ask if he wasn’t really exhausted. That’s who he was, he would do anything for her, even put his own needs aside just to make her happy.

Settling down onto his lap the girl took the thread and beads and placed them next to her, before getting to work. König couldn’t help but admire her more than the show she was watching. Small giggles escaped the girl as she bit her lips in concentration, her mind going god knows where.

She was adorable.

She was perfect.

She just fit right in his arms.

Soon his chin found her shoulder as he rested it against her. „Red bracelet, hm?“ His voice was soft, interested in what she was doing and what her beautiful mind had though of as an outcome.

Nodding she leaned towards him slightly, her nose brushing against his as both of them grinned like giddy lovesick teenagers. „It’s gonna look great and you know it.“ Going back to work he couldn’t help but chuckle softly at her enthusiasm.

Her enthusiasm and optimistic being was what he loved the most about her. It was what he admired the most and needed the most.

An hour passed, the loving couple was still all snuggled up. König was resting his eyes a little, he still held her tightly against himself. With a huff the girl threw the bracelet onto the couch after she was done, her movement waking König up.

A frown was settled on her face and he couldn’t help but reach out to caresses her cheek. „Whats wrong, mein Schatz..?“ He was worried, he hated seeing her upset. Anger and disappointment flashed up in her eyes and she shook her head, her hair falling into her face, making her seem even less at ease than before.

„It looks stupid… I made a mistake and now it’s all weird!“ König caressed her hip softly as he leaned over to pick up the bracelet. She threaded all the red beads onto the bracelet. „Where did you mess up?“ With a huff the girl pointed to a place where she knotted the thread wrong, it was barely visible under the beads.

A soft chuckle escaped König as he pulled her closer. „I think it looks great, Liebling… you can barely see the Knoten there.“ He turned her chin softly so she was looking at it and pointed to the at the barely visible know that was hidden underneath the beads.

“I see it, and I don’t like it…”

A moment of understanding silence fell between them. He understood her need to be perfect and to make everything the way she wants them to be.

“I see it and I love it, Liebling.”

His voice held a soothing tone, knowing it would help her calm her nervous mind.

“You do?”

“I do…”

With a soft smile and an encouraging nod he underlined his opinion. He loved it. A lot.

“Can I have it?”

A small smile formed on the girls face, excitement returning. Königs heart swelled up at the sight of her bright eyes searching for his. A disbelieving look on the girls face.

“Really?”

A soft chuckle left König as he kissed the spot between her shoulder and her neck while nodding softly. He knew she could get insecure about things she likes doing and the image she has of things and how they should look in her head, so it’s his job, and always will be, to make sure she sees that its perfect even if it doesn’t turn out how she wants it to be.

“Of course, would you please tie it around my wrist?”

With quick movements the girl tied the bracelet around his wrist, making sure it’s secure and wouldn’t fall off the next time he moved his hand. The bracelet was extremely visible on him,, making her unsure if he’ll actually wear it for a longer time.

A soft kiss on her cheek made her squirm but also cleared her mind from the doubt she was feeling.

He’ll wear it. She’s sure of it.

“Who knows, Liebling. Maybe Ghost or Soap will want one too if they see it, ja?”

A soft and quiet giggle made König smile proudly. The image of him threatening the two men just for them to call his girlfriend and ask her about the bracelet she made, was already imprinted into his mind.

Yes, he would even threaten them with his gun up to their head just to hear the excitement in her voice again, because whenever he heard it he felt like he could breath again.

With every small giggle that left her, he felt like his heart beat again.

With every smile or simple look she gave him, he felt like he was alive again.

On days when he felt depressed, couldn’t leave the bed because of all the things he had been through. She was there.

He’d be damned if he wouldn’t try to do everything to make her even the slightest bit happier.

In their quiet and precious moment, the girl turned towards König, straddling his lap as she wrapped her arms around his neck, hiding her face between it and his shoulder.

“Don’t lose it, okay…?”

It was a simple question, but the meaning behind it was something so deep that hurt his soul. This was one thing, one worry, he couldn’t take away from her. He hated himself for it.

“I won’t.” His hand caressed hee back softly making sure she knows he’s here.

Making sure she knows he’s going to come back home, like he always has.

“Colonel!”

The voice of one of the recruits snapped him out of his thoughts as he heard their voices all mix together. With a small smile under his mask and a last look down to the bracelet, his eyes softening at the thought of coming home.

“Like I always do…”

#könig cod #könig x reader #könig #könig mw2 #könig call of duty #konig #konig mw2 #konig x reader #konig cod #könig fluff #könig angst #konig fluff #könig cod fluff #könig smut #fluff #angst #love #writing

[jazziwritesthings]

Missing You - Bang Chan

Purely a work of Fiction.

Word Count: 2,100

Pairings: Bang Chan x Reader

Warnings: Miscarriage mention, angsty

All dialogue is in Korean unless otherwise specified.

A/N: Recently got into Stray Kids and needed to write some Channie, there isn't nearly enough. Also, Part 2?

********

Your POV

Screaming filled your ears as you watched the boys enter the stage. Your eyes immediately searching for your ex-love. He still held your heart even though he was completely unaware. The breakup was messy. You couldn’t stand all the hate you were getting just because he chose to love you. He didn’t want that and said stuff to fans but nothing seemed to stop the damage to your mental health. It became so bad that you decided the best course of action was to leave. That was the last thing Chan or any of the guys wanted. They all loved you and loved having you around. Not only were you the love of Chan’s life, you were the boy's best friend. You became part of their small family and had a place in each of their hearts. While you weren’t able to keep in touch with Chan as it was too painful, you managed to keep in contact with a few of the guys. That’s how you were here. Hannie had texted you as soon as he found out they were performing near home. He got you VIP tickets and everything. You told him that you weren’t sure you’d be able to show up. Never fully committing until about 4 hours ago. So here you stood. All dressed up waiting to see your family. It’d been almost 3 years since you broke up with Chan, and you finally followed each other on socials again, thanks to the guys.

As the concert ended a guard came out of the back and nodded to you. Making sure you weren’t spotted had become a secret skill you developed over the years. You made your way over to him and showed him your badge to identify yourself. He slowly led you around the darkness backstage. You heard them before you saw them. All just standing around. Hannie kept looking around hopeful, he was the first to spot you. “Y/N!” Before you knew it he was running at you and lifting you off the ground in a hug. You giggled as you hugged him tightly back, “ Hi Hannie.” Before your feet touched the ground the others were surrounding you, each calling that they were next to hug you.

After hugging all of them, only one remained. He hadn’t joined the group in running over to you. Not what you had hoped. They were all talking so fast you were having issues understanding everything. Then the voice you missed so much cut through the air, “ We should get back home guys.” He wasn’t even going to attempt to say hi? Your heart plummeted. Maybe you really had lost him. Thinking that you lost him completely devastated you, before you dated he was your best friend and he was the person you thought you were going to marry. They all nodded in agreement. You nodded your head, “ Then I better get going-” You were cut off, “ No, you’re coming to hang out. We missed you too much.” Surprised you nodded, “ Alright. Just like old times. I’ll drive and park a few streets away?” Hannie smiled at you as he nodded.

Pulling into an all too familiar parking area you put your car in park and turned it off. You let out a shaky breath not sure if your heart could handle it. Shaking out of the funk you got out and started walking. Luckily their apartments were super close to each other, same floor and everything. All of a sudden standing at their doors you weren’t sure whose to knock on. You used to be able to just use your key and go into 3RACHA’S apartment. You gave the key back when you and Chan broke up. Luckily you didn’t have to make a decision. The door to 3RACHA’s apartment opened and Changbin peaked his head out, “ She’s here!” He hollered back into the apartment before reaching for your wrist and pulling you inside.

Inside the apartment all the guys sat around in the living room, relaxing onto any furniture or the floor. It brought back so many fond memories. You noticed that one was missing and a look crossed your face. The look was noticed immediately by Hyunjin, “ He’s in his room. We hadn’t told him you were going to be there.” That made you groan, “ Guys!” Seungmin put his hands up in surrender, “ Hey, don’t blame us. He told us not to talk to him about you.” Your shoulders fell as your purse hit the couch and you crossed the room to sit on the floor in front of the couch, “ What?” They all nodded, “What do you mean?”

“ He told us you were a forbidden topic if he was around.” This news made your stomach sink. So he had no idea what you were up to these days. That broke your made up world inside your head, you had always thought that he kept tabs on you like you did him, but no. He couldn’t even stand the topic of you. “You okay Noona?” Your gaze flicked over to I.N. “Yeah, fine.” You smiled at the young Maknae across from you. A hand rested on your shoulder and squeezed. You covered the hand with your own smiling back at Felix behind you on the couch.

You spent the next few hours catching up with the guys, playing games and watching movies. One by one they said their goodbyes and headed to their own rooms within the two apartments. Finally it was just you and Hannie left in the living room. “Shit, it’s like 1 am.” Hannie said all of a sudden. “Crap. I’ll head out.” He shook his head, “ No, stay here. Like old times?” You smiled at him, “ I think I’m too tired to drive anyway.” He smiled and got up and left the room. He came back with 2 pillows and 3 blankets, remembering how you like to sleep. “Thank you Hannie.” He reached down and patted your head, “ Goodnight Y/n.” You got all the pillows situated in the way you liked and quickly fell asleep sprawled out on the living room floor.

You bolted upright, chest heaving, having a hard time catching your breath. You heard fast footsteps and almost immediately a light turned on and someone was staring at you. As your eyes adjusted you realized it was Channie, staring at you in just his boxers. “I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to wake you.” He ran a hand through his hair, “ You still have nightmares?” Letting out the inhale to a deep breath, “ Yeah. They never really went away.” He moved a bit closer, “ They were gone for almost a year.” You nodded, not trusting your voice. “They started again after you left?” A tear falling down your cheek. “ Yeah, uh, the memories of a miscarriage never really go away Channie” The nickname left your mouth without even thinking. He nodded the memories of the aftermath flooding his brain. You hadn’t even known you were pregnant. Then the cramps got really bad, so bad that he rushed you to the ER thinking that maybe your appendix burst or something. They did a lot, but confirmed all the symptoms were because you were having a miscarriage. That was what broke you the most. The news that you miscarried was leaked and everyone was blaming you. It broke you so much you had to leave. You had to let go of the love of your life. “Y/n?”

Hearing your name in his voice brought you back, except this time he was right in front of you holding your hand and talking, “ Breathe. In. Out.” It took you a minute to recognize that you were having a panic attack. They happen a lot these days. Seeing him in front of you made you snap back into reality. You pulled your hand from his and brought your knees to your chest. A defeated look crossed his face. He shook his head, like he was shaking away a thought. Without a word he stood up and walked back to his room, leaving the light on for you.

Chan’s POV

He was sleeping soundly when he heard such a familiar sound that brought him right out of it. He didn’t even think when he got up and ran out to find the noise. That's when he turned on the light and saw you bolt up from the floor. He heard her apologize in that angelic voice of hers. Surprised at the sound of his own voice he asked about her nightmares. They were nonexistent during their last year together. That's when he heard the word. The word that was the cause of everything he loved being taken from him, “The memories of a miscarriage never really go away Channie.” Hearing that name from her lips felt like heaven to him and he hated it. He remembered everything about that day and the weeks that followed were swallowed up with grief over something they never even got to celebrate. By the time he snapped out of the memories he could tell you were having a panic attack. Without thinking he rushed over and grabbed your hand in his. Your soft hands felt so nice against his, oh how he missed you so much. “Breath. In Out.” He found himself instructing you to breathe, must be muscle memory he thought to himself. You seemed to finally snap out of it. You pulled your hand from his and proceeded to make yourself as small as possible, but so far away from him. It felt like his heart broke all over again as you pulled away from him. He felt like he was going to cry so he stood up and walked to his room without another word.

Your POV

You never fell back to sleep after that. You stayed sitting there thinking and thinking. As daylight creeped in through the curtains you heard a familiar door squeak. A small smile graced your lips knowing they never bothered to fix Hannie’s door. “You’re up?” He said as he walked into the kitchen. You didn’t respond, only nodded. A few minutes went by before he was in front of you handing you a steaming mug of coffee. He lowered himself to sit on the floor next to you. “I had a nightmare.” You started without looking up from your mug. You could feel his eyes on you, prompting you to go on. “He came running to me.” This time you looked over to your best friend to see a look of utter surprise on his face. Hannie couldn’t tell you, but sometimes Chan would be calling for you in his sleep. Especially while on tour. But he felt like it wasn’t his place to tell you this. Shifting to face him, “I never told you what made us break up for good did I?” Hannie shook his head. Sure, the rumor of the miscarriage was heard but he knew if you were pregnant, you would have told him. He watched as you set your mug on the side table.

“I had a miscarriage.” The shock that he felt was indescribable.

“What?”

You pulled your knees to your chest before continuing. “I had a miscarriage, Hannie. We didn’t even know I was pregnant at the time. It got out and the fans, they were ruthless. I couldn’t take it and neither could he. I couldn’t stand to see how upset he was all the time. So, I thought the best thing to do was leave.” His heart broke for both of his best friends.

“Why on earth would you think that?!”

“SHH. Hannie.”

“No, why? It’s not like you stopped loving him, right?” The look in his eyes he was hurt, not only for you but for Chan and how heartbroken he was after you left.

Taking a deep breath you closed your eyes, "Sometimes it's not that you stop loving them, but you know they deserve better so you let them go. Although it was for the best it still doesn't stop the ache in your chest. I miss him Hannie, so fucking much. And seeing him again brought it all back. I don’t think I can do this.”

You didn't know it but someone else was awake and lingering in the hallway listening to your confession to Hannie. Chan held his breath. He missed you too. So much that he didn’t know what to do with himself. Knowing you still loved him gave him the motivation he needed. He knew he needed to get you back, somehow.

#bang chan imagine #bangchan #stray kids #christopher bang #bang chan #jeongin #han stray kids #bangchan angst #chan #han jisung #kim seungmim #lee know #jeogin #skz #skz hyunjin #skz imagines #skz bang chan #changbin #seungmin #stay #stray kids han #stray kids lee know #hyunjin #skz stay #lee felix #imagine #bangchan x reader #han x reader #angst #bang chan fic

[insom-nom-nom-niatic]

I see you write Troy Otto Fics 🫣

“you fixed me. you fixed my broken heart.”

could I request a angst turned fluffy fic where Troy is being an ass but around reader he’s an awkward ass bc he doesn’t know how to process his feelings but one day reader confronts him and is like “dude tf” and he reveals it all ? 👉🏽👈🏽

It has been quite a while since I have done any requests and succeeded in actually writing them, so first of all THANK YOU. And secondly, this terrified me so I'm sorry if I changed a few things because that's how my head works.

CHARACTERS: Troy Otto x Female Reader

WARNINGS: Normal FTWD stuff. FEELS!

Everyone within a few miles distance could have heard the yelling coming from the militia tent. No one could tell who had started it when the ruckus had suddenly erupted moments ago. All you could tell was that the boys were finally fighting back at Troy, making your feet pace a little quicker and making your way across the ranch. 

When you made it to the ruckus, you noticed the eyes peeping through the windows of the outlying RVs and tents scattered around. Giving an all knowing smile to the peeping eyes, you quickly disappeared behind the tan curtains finding a group of 5 men squaring off against 2, Troy, with Nick holding Troy back. 

Your entrance was soon noticed and the group grew silent. 

“What in the holy hell is wrong with you all?” Toeing up to John who was rubbing the newly formed bruise on his jaw. Nick let go of his hold on Troy’s jacket, heading to the back of the tent with a grunting sigh, catching your gaze as he did so. 

“You have all been a bunch of children the past few days, and now this?” Turning on your heels you make eye contact with Troy. Scanning his features, you take in the red patches growing upon his cheek and jaw line before meeting his gaze once more, this time more worry and sadness laced in your eyes. “You’re going to attract every walker within miles, and if you’re all fighting eachother, who is going to fight for the rest of us?” 

All men in the tent sunk a bit in their boots, all eyes staring at the ground. Troy’s cheeks reddened, not from a sucker punch this time. You look over to Nick, a smirk turning at the corners of his lips as he stared back. 

“I’m sorry ma’am,” Cooper spoke up. “We had a disagreement. We will watch our voices.”

John scoffed loudly, his eyes shooting back up to Troy on the opposite side of you. “I think she should know. We’re done getting the shit end of everything and still getting shit on while others can skate by and get the royalty treatment.” His eyes then shifted to you, scanning your frame up and down. You could feel the hair on your neck raise at the feeling, and you could feel the way Troy shifted his weight behind you. 

“It’s not her fault,” Nick finally raised his voice. The tone sounding over this bull shit and ready for someone to lay everything out. “You’re all being a bit dramatic anyways. Troy hasn’t done shit, except be an ass as usual.” 

This earned a raised eyebrow and questioning look from Troy, standing with both hands on his hips. Everyone knew Troy was kind of an ass, that’s how he got the miltia where it is, but you had never really seen what everyone else said about him. He was typically kind and oddly gentle when you were around him. He wasn’t this “monster” you hear the ranch whispering about. 

“Troy-” you took a deep breath, your back still turned towards him with your eyes staring straight back at John. “-Say you’re sorry.”

The tent went still. No one, not even Troy, was expecting that. No one told Troy what to do other than his late father and brother, and after they had expired, no one would have ever tried. Let alone tell him to apologize. 

To everyone’s surprise, Troy spoke. 

“I’m sorry,” his voice low and grumbled through gritted teeth, but he said it. The men all shook their heads in response. Not knowing how or what to do next, they funneled out of the tent one by one. All as quiet as a mouse leaving only Troy and yourself in the space.

Turning on your heels, you lock eyes with the tall brunette. His face red and one eye growing bloodshot from what you assume was a nice hit from John. His eyes weren’t angry though… he was nervous as he tried his best to maintain the eye contact. 

“I didn’t think you would actually say it, but I’m glad you did.” Your lips turned into a gentle smile, closing the distance between you both. Your hands reached up to his face, cradling his jaw in both palms, fingers carefully brushing over the small cuts and broken capillaries in his skin. 

Troy returned the smile once he felt your warm touch. His blue eyes fluttering closed with a sense of comfort that felt so extraterrestrial to him. “Thank you for stopping us, Nick, that bastard, was close to getting his ass kicked too.” His voice cracked witha chuckle between his words. 

“Your still a ass though, Troy. You have to change that. I hear it from so many here, yet I never see it. So I know you are capable of being a gentleman, Troy Otto.” 

“If you tell me to, then I guess I have to.” Troy’s body shook with a mischievous laugh. His eyes opening to find yours once more. The closeness between you both instinctively closing little by little. “You fixed me, you know that?”

His words caught you off a little bit, making you stutter in your actions. His skin felt warm against your touch, his mere presence so close brought on a sense of safety and openness. You could have stayed like that for hours… days. It somehow felt right. 

What he spoke, however, caused a twisting feeling in your gut. 

“I was broken after everything, after everyone was gone. I was alone and hurt in so many ways,” Troy’s eyes softened. He had figured opening up to you would be impossible, his feelings always getting the best of him and taking any words he wanted to say and throwing them out the window. Bu here and now, with you like this, he was at peace. 

“I was broken and you fixed me-” His eyes fell from your own to land upon your lips, those nerves that had stopped him from saying it all previously appearing in his belly again. “-so thank you.”

You could feel his tension grow in the moment so you took matters into your own hands, raising to your tip-toes and crushing your lips to his. Years it had been since you had ever felt this feeling. Even then, it didn’t feel like this, not this strong. 

Troy was a pain in the ass. 

At times, an actual ass. 

But you were his golden key to change. 

And there was about to be a lot of it. 

#troy otto x fem reader #troy otto fanfic #troy otto #troy otto x reader #fear the walking dead #ftwd fanfic #daniel sharman fic #daniel sharman #I DID OVER 1K WORDS! #that's nearly impossible for me #like ever #it's been a few days #not great #this better pick me up

[alexiswritingstuff]

Saved by the unexpected.

Pairing: Frank Castle x teen! reader (Gender Neutral)

Other appearances: Micro, aka David Lieberman. 

Summary: Your run to the grocery store goes sideways on the way back home that leads you to being at the wrong place at the wrong time, and with a fresh gunshot wound. Upon waking up you find yourself somewhere unknown with people you had never seen... Or so you thought.

Warnings: gun fights, murder, gun shot wound, mentions of other injuries like cuts and bruises, implied parent loss. 

Be aware of possible spelling mistakes or sentences that are worded wrong. I read over my writing before posting but stuff still manages to slip under my radar!

A/n: Bro I really am bad at creating titles for fics. Anyway, I watched The Punisher a few months ago, and previously finished DareDevil, and I wasn’t able to stop thinking about a certain Mr. Castle. That man in general already activated my daddy issues and then I watched season 2, and... Yeah, that was a lot, but this is what my brain created! 

Like I say whenever I write for new characters, because this is my first attempt, the way portray them and the characteristics may not be a 100% accurate, so bear with me while I find my footing.

Either way, I hope you enjoy reading! 

It was supposed a morning like any other. Started with a bright sky and chirping birds before slowly melding into the warm afternoon. 

You had just done the weekly shop, collecting everyday items, things that would give the most important nutrients, with basically the same amount in snacks and drinks. 

I mean, what else could they mean by a balanced diet. 

The main route you would usually take had been closed off by the time you had finished with the store, the road cracked from something unknown, and that meant that you had to take a detour. 

It was one that you had walked through many times before, leading you almost directly towards where your trailer was stationed without having to wind round block after block of apartments. 

So, the decision to choose it was simple. 

You took of down the pathway, that was slowly becoming overgrown, between two very large buildings which almost looked as if they could reach the sky from your angle.

This part was more commonly known as the run down area. 

The complexes on either side of you were empty. Most had the windows boarded up, due to the lack of ability to get them repaired, and the walls themselves were stained from a plethora of things, parts even looking like they were about to crack and crumble. 

It was a lot harder to get funding for these buildings as the further you walked down the path, the further you got a way from the main street. For the occasional tourist, or people who had a stuffed schedule, they wouldn’t know what was down here. Which usually meant that they wouldn’t even try to find out.

And soon, it took its toll. Most, if not all, had been abandoned unless someone was able to turn something into an apartment of some kind. 

You moved under the overhang section created by a walkway that connected the two opposing buildings, and honestly it sort of felt like a tunnel due to its width. But eventually, you arrived back in the open and by god the area was massive. 

To the left, behind a wall that separated a descending pathway from the  ground levelled with your own feet, was a car park. 

The size of it would give the implication that there was a mass of vehicles coming in and out during the week, easy access for people working in the surrounding buildings. 

But now, it was always empty.

… Or it was supposed to be. 

In the furthest corner of the parking lot was this very specific looking handful of cars. A sight that should have been acknowledge as the first sign. Your first warning. 

It was too late.

All of a sudden, there was this echo that felt like it drilled through your ear. It was violent through the air, one that rung for almost a full minute through the complex to your right. 

It wasn’t something you really questioned off the bat. I mean, the building was old. It could’ve been a loose panel finally deciding to break free from the ceiling, or a cracked wall weighing in on itself. Or even someone trying to fix up the building?

And all of those assumptions weren’t exactly bad... They were just the wrong ones. 

Something you realised the moment the sound appeared once again. 

Whatever it was reverberated from the broken windows in a way that properly allowed the ability to hear in its entirety. It was closer this time, more full. “What the...”

It was a series of bassy pops, collectively almost imitating the blast of fireworks, but within the sounds was this sort of clinking like something had fallen to the floor. 

And though it was a very muffled detail that took a moment for your brain to register, it didn’t stop the cogs from making their final turn. 

“Oh, shit.” 

Within the same moment that you made the decision to practically slide to the side, trying not to completely slam into the wall that you ended up behind, the doors of the building burst open with such force that it echoed around for ages.

There was chorus of yelling, even more shots, and heavy boots that practically skid against the concrete as they moved. It was as if you just stumbled upon a damn army.

You were sat on the ground, one leg stretched out from your hurried movements while the other was still bent at the knee, ready to move if necessary. The backpack was still strapped around your shoulders meaning that the further you tried to press against the brick wall, the more certain items began to stab into your back.

Your heart was hammering, chest heaving, as you continuously looked up and down the path you sat on. It was the only thing you could see. Everything was happening on the other side of the wall, so pretty much all you could do was just sit and listen for people that might decide to come your way.

You fought the urge to cry out when bullets skimmed the top of the wall, causing little clumps of rubble and dust to hit the top of your head. “Why me, why me, why me!” you hissed through a whisper, trying to ruffle the stuff out of your hair. 

Hurried shouts were passing back and forth across the huge car park like a game of tennis, though it seemed that due to the other sounds that followed, and the panicked state of your mind, all of them were unintelligible. 

It sounded like they were coming from everywhere.

The multiple objects in your bag had started to make your spine ache so, at the same time as yet another shot, you leaned forward. Quick enough so that the sound of items unsquashing themselves would ring at the same time as the bullet. 

You reached back, making sure that your bag wasn’t going to hit any surface, and then took it off of yourself one arm at a time. 

Soon the bag was placed in front of you, your fingers immediately unzipping it, before you began to search through. You wanted some kind of weapon, or if not that then at least some form of protection... But you had just gone shopping. 

I doubt a banana would be useful in a gun fight. 

You moved onto the pockets on either side of the bag when the main compartment made too much noise. It wasn’t like it was going to do any justice anyway because it was all just a bunch of food, a carton of juice and other little things for your trailer. 

This wasn’t a planned situation. 

When you woke up this morning and picked up your bag to go grocery shopping, you weren’t exactly imagining that you would need to bring something to fight with.

A huff of air passed through your lips while your fingers began searching through the left pocket. You felt around, following the lining of stitches for at least something, but the most found was a wrapper from some sweet or chewing gum. 

So, it was on to the next. 

This time to do the same routine was a bit more difficult as this pocket was where you kept your water bottle. You were trying to be more careful when you started to comb through the compartment, even if you had to move a bit faster to properly squeeze around the lack of space. 

And then, finally, you felt something.

In that moment it was hard to tell what it was. It felt long enough to at least administer some form of damage, or maybe only be needed to threaten someone from a distance, so your stressed mind just chose it. You began pulling your hand out. 

But, despite what you wanted, it wasn’t going to be that easy. 

Right as the item had been tugged vertically, making it easier to pull it out, the movement had caused the bone of your wrist to hit into the bottle.

Ordinarily, it was something that you wouldn’t think twice about. You were just trying to get an item out of a pocket, surely you could do that without something bad happening... 

Half of whatever you were trying to grab had been stuck under the bottle in a way that already had it tilting. And then the impact landed. Your wrist hit near the top of the bottle and that was all it needed. 

It started to tip out of the pocket. 

A sharp breath sucked into your lungs at the feeling, but with no ability to catch it in time, the metal cylinder simply fell to the floor from a very unfortunate height for you. 

And that apparently wasn’t all. 

In fact, even after the sound echoed in a way that most definitely had already blown your cover, the world seemed to have other plans for you as after yet another bounce and a few more smaller ones, it was starting to roll. 

You leaned to the side as fast as you could, reaching your arm out to its full extent with your hand wide open. But it was like trying to catch a fly, and soon, it just rolled right passed your fingers, moving even faster the more the water sloshed inside of it. 

The only thing you could do was watch in utter horror as the bottle travelled right passed the edge of a wall for the whole world to see. 

Eventually, about halfway through the path, it ran into a rock or a crack in the ground. The bottle bounced about one more time before it finally stalled. Though, at this point I don’t think it really mattered. The damage was still done. 

The shots had placated a bit, the only ones being fired sounding far away, as the confusion dispersed the men on the other side of the wall. Murmurs were passing back and forth.

“What was that?

“Did you hear that?

“Where did that come from?” 

Your eyes squeezed shut, teeth biting into the skin of your bottom lip as your body just purely froze no matter how much your brain was telling you to make a run for it. 

“Okay, okay, all of you keep moving! Spread out more while I check it out. We’re not alone out here!”

“Yes, sir!”

“Okay, sir!”

However many people were on the other side of the wall scattered within the next beat of your heart. More shots and shouts began to ring out with the same loudness, now joined by the heavy smacking of boots as they moved further away...

But a pair of footsteps still remained. 

Now, your heart was purely thumping in your ears. It was by far the most prominent thing you could hear in that moment, though the sound of those harsh shoes kicking up stones without care was an active competitor. 

Especially when they started getting louder. 

Your eyes flicked to the open backpack in front of you, an ache beginning to pulse through your forehead while you stared at the contents. There was this sort of desperation, and almost disappointment, that built in your system at the thought of losing the freshly bought items. 

Though, what was the point in trying to save the food if you wouldn’t be alive to eat it. 

Within the next second, and after a very deep breath, you propped your hands firmly against the path beneath on either side of your body. You pushed your strength into your unstretched leg until it was folded under you. 

By now you looked like some kind of runner getting ready to do race, and honestly it was pretty much how you felt. The thought was the only thing suppress the panic active in your chest, so you indulged.

There was this internal count down as you moved your other leg to stretch behind you, even if there wasn’t that much space to do so. 

And then the timer went off. 

You were about to push yourself onto your feet. About to ready to get up, adopt a sort of hunched over posture so that no part of your body could peak over the wall, and run like hell.

But again. It wasn’t going to be that easy.

The movement was caught from the corner of your eye. 

You had barely even started carrying out your wanted movements when a man suddenly appeared round the corner of the wall, slow and intense. 

He was pretty decked out from what your panicked mind could comprehend. There were a multitude of weapons that clung to his belt, and he was in fact holding this massive gun. 

Initially, his focus was on your bottle. The barrel of the gun was pointed directly at the object of confusion, as it didn’t really look like the standard water bottle from afar, with his finger hovering over the trigger. Ready to fire at any moment. 

At this point you had resumed this sort of weird crouched position, stuck between wanting to stand up and finally run away or stay frozen to the ground as if you could just meld into it. 

Either way, it was a kind of stance that didn’t provide a sense of balance. And soon, despite how much the dread utterly pooled at the bottom of your stomach like it did on a rollercoaster, you fell. Right on your ass.

The gun, that you had pretty much only seen in movies or on the news, was pointed right in your direction before you could even blink once. 

You attempted to crawl backwards, winding round your backpack, eyes wide and fully open as they trained on the man who in turn had started to follow your movements. And then you stopped, knowing full and well what was coming even if you got to your feet. 

Your breathing was erratic, arms moving stiff and slow as you raised them above your head with your palms open, facing the man who made no implications that he was going to put that gun down. “Listen,” You gulped, “I didn’t see anything, I swear-- Look, there. My bag is there-- Take it. Take anything.” 

“Anything you want.” 

It was no use. No matter what way the words tumbled from your mouth, that finger never tried to move away from that trigger. 

You closed your eyes, feeling the way your body heaved with every breath, the way your hands shook. Your ears listened out for the wind, the wildlife that had most definitely moved on from here already, or just something that wasn’t from guns. 

And then a shot rung out. 

It was an indistinctive reaction when your body jolted at the sound as it echoed through the large area, pinging within the windows of the abandoned buildings. You had almost fallen, your arms springing down even if you thought there was no time to protect...

You could still move?

Your eyes snapped open, the ability to take in full breaths yet to come, and you looked down at yourself. You tried to scan across what you could see on your body, that was somehow still alive, and leant on a hand to further support yourself. 

However, just as your brain attempted to register a lack of a gunshot wound, the sound of something hitting the ground stopped your investigation. 

Your head sort of bobbed for a moment, the want to continue your search fierce in your veins, but then you finally looked away. Your gaze rose.

The man before you had tumbled to his knees. 

His hands moved around for a few seconds, desperately trying to grab apart of his chest as if in disbelief of what just happened. And then another shot fired again. 

Like before, your body had jolted in response, still having no idea which gun it was coming from. 

However, when a particular part of you scrunched, the shock in your system decided to completely drain. Your pain receptors activated in a way that you weren’t ready for. 

It was hard to pin point exactly where the feeling had originated as it spread like a wildfire, but it was intense enough that the arm you were leant against almost buckled. 

Sharp burning. A sensation that made it feel like you had been bitten by hundreds of thousands of fire hands over and over again. 

Or, when you finally managed to get yourself to look down again, it was because you in fact had gotten shot. “Oh...”

He got you.

“Oh, shit.”

There was this hurried voice that bounced through the walls. Your head attempted to snap up like it had previously done, but this time it was just unsteady. Almost like it was moving in points.  

By the next blink, that practically didn’t even feel like one, another man had made his way round the corner. He also had a gun raised... but, it seemed different.

His general stance, the way he carried the weapon, the expression on his face even if you could only see half of it. It was clear that he had a lot more experience than the last guy. 

They weren’t from the same group. 

The man lowered himself onto one knee beside the body, head still raised cautiously to make sure to keep full awareness of his surroundings while he searched over any pockets he could see. 

And then he stilled. 

You didn’t have to move, or even make a sound, for this guy to spot you.

Within about a millisecond the man had the gun back in both of his hands in a way that had you immediately raising your own despite the pins and needles that ached at all of your muscles.

The world around you was starting to spin, making it more difficult to pay attention to the mans movements. “Don’t... Don’t kill.” Your lips were heavy, the ability to even part them becoming some kind of workout. 

And then, like someone just flicked a switch, it was like all the strength and power in your body decided to dissipate. 

For the second time now, you fell. Though, in this instance, it was your back that collided with ground in a way that had your head smacking into the concrete path afterwards. 

Your skin felt hot all over your body, but it also felt cold at the same time. 

You were trying to move, wanting nothing more than to get back up, go home, curl up in bed and forget this ever happened. But the ability to budge any limb had faded from your brain until you couldn’t even feel if your arms were lifted in the air or not.

So, you just laid there, eyes staring blankly up in the sky while your eyelids acted like they had forgotten their main function. “Hey!”

Right before you gave into that nagging want to sleep, something blocked whatever view you had left, “Kid? Hey, kid, are you... Oh, no-- Kid, can you hear me?” You could feel hands on your arms, and soon, one had pressed onto the wound in a way that had a sound gurgling out of your mouth. 

“Kid!”

~~~

It took your brain a significant amount of time to realise that you had awoken when the time eventually came. 

The sensations within your body were either mild or piercingly intense. There was no in between. 

Every muscle in your face was rigid, aching in a way that made the want to move diminish within seconds. You were trying to blink, your eyelids remaining heavy and ignorant no matter how many attempts were made. 

It hurt to breathe. Any movement within your torso would stretch the skin closest to your armpit and immediately sent a crackle of fire spreading through it like a shock of electricity. 

Your muscles flinched, almost spasming, as you slowly reached back, trying to grip onto some part of whatever lay beneath you so that you could push yourself up.

There was no attention aimed at any sound that spilt through your lips and it was only when a harsh pain erupted, engulfing your shoulder, that you had realised how loudly a sort of strained yelp had burst from your throat. 

You fell back onto the pillow, the agony in your body burning so hot that it had you light headed.

If it wasn’t for your current state the sudden echo of quick footsteps would’ve registered a lot faster through your ears, and in your mind. 

There was words passing across the air, some may have been aimed at you for a response, but this was the first time you had fully managed to open your eyes since you had actually woken up.

Your head slowly turned as voices continued to echo, muffled no matter how many times it rung in your ears, until your right cheek met with the pillowcase. Your eyes cast through a metal wall, more so the frame of one, which looked as if it previously had some sort of murky glass within.

The place was massive. 

This dim lightly spread throughout most sections as the source above couldn’t reflect on any surface due to the fact that everything around was either a form of black or a gloomy grey. The lights themselves were also the kind of ones that aimed straight down, meaning that it would only cover what was directly beneath. 

“Hey.”

In the centre of the main area was this sort of ring. There was a walkway that cut through the middle so that people could get from one side to the other, and on either side were desks that followed the rim, a plethora of monitors and electronic devices cluttering the surface. 

Some you hadn’t even seen before.

“Hey, uh, kid?”

Your head snapped back into its previous position in a speed that felt like it shook your brain. You squeezes your eyes shut for a good minute before they opened again. 

And after blinking a few times, your vision came back into focus. 

There was this dude stood to your side. He was tall, slim in width with curled mid length hair and a beard that wasn’t connected to the moustache covering his lip.

“Oh, yeah-- Must be pretty disorienting to wake up in a place like this.” The way he sounded matched almost exactly like you had guessed. It was nice. Not harsh and not too soft. 

He held your gaze in such a way that made it seem as if he could see right through you, even taking a slight step back when he noticed how wide and cautious your eyes were set on him, “It might take some time for you to believe us, but I assure you that we don’t want to harm you. You’re all good... Well, I mean, apart-- apart from your injuries.”

“Generally, you’re good-- Or like... Yeah.” 

Your hand lifted from where it had previously flopped and you reached it to your left shoulder, slow and steady. 

Your fingers travelled lower, gliding across the exposed skin before it reached the edge of tank top arm slot. Your movements halted in the space between the end of your shoulder bone and the beginning of your chest. 

Finally, you realised where the source of pain was coming from.

Somehow, the shot taken at you had landed right above your first rib. And from the uncomfortable feeling, constantly there, from what you were guessing was another bandage on your back. It had gone all the way through. 

The dude that had been previously talking cleared his throat after a moment. He was sort of shifting the weight back and forth from one foot to another, unsure of what to do or say which then ended up with him looking away. 

Your attention landed back on him, your arm happily moving back to lay by your side. Though, your eyebrows then furrowed, realising that the guys eyes had settled on something, and it even looked like he was asking a question.

So, after allowing yourself to give into your curiosity, you followed the direction he was looking in. 

You almost jumped out of your skin.

There, leaning against the thing you could barely call a wall, to your right was a guy stood perfectly still with his arms tight across his chest. 

It was that man from earlier. The one that found you. Saved you?

His eyes were already on your own which left the questioning gaze from the other dude unanswered. At first the muscles in his face were visibly tense, crinkled eyebrows, slightly narrowed gaze, jaw clenched tightly. 

And then you looked at him. 

In an instant it was like everything taking over his features eased. He raised his head a single time before it lowered back to where it was usually held. A greeting. 

“I’ll bet your hungry, huh?”

Your attention snapped back to the other dude once again to find that there was this gentle smile pressing into his lips once your eyes met his. 

The question circled round your mind for a good few seconds before it fully processed. It had you thinking, a silence falling within the little room while the hum of electricity barely caught your ears. 

In all honesty hunger had been the last thing on your mind. To solve the sudden mystery was even more difficult since you couldn’t even remember the last thing that passed through your body, other than a bullet. 

Though, right before you could even try to figure out the wanted response was to be, it seemed like your stomach decided to do it for you as it suddenly rumbled through the quiet. 

It may have not exactly sounded like some kind of missile, but considering the building was very echoey and your lack of answer had created a pause within the people stood in the room, it was louder than any other sound at that moment. You were horrified.

The man with his arms crossed dared to huff a quiet laugh through his nose and before you could even send him a look, or give any sort of reaction for that matter, the other guy took a step back with this expression on his face.

He was practically beaming as he clasped his hands together, “Good answer.” 

Your eyebrows furrowed once again, gaze now following the man as he moved round of what you now realised was a cot underneath you and out through the doorway a moment later.

You were going to attempt to continue watching him, wanting to know where he was walking despite the context clues, but after trying to look through the empty frames in the wall, the figure of the quiet dude blocked your view.

And for the first times since your initial meeting, if you could even call it that, your eyes properly took him in. 

Regardless of the position of his spine from the leaned pose, his posture was sharp. Straight like he had to practice it many times. He was tall too, though a little shorter than the other guy. 

The hair on his head looked like it was just growing out from being shaved, the sides a lot shorter than the top. It looked like a marine cut. 

Admittedly, he could’ve done his hair that way cause he simply wanted to. But you saw him earlier. 

He knew the ins and outs, every little detail, of the gun he held strong in his arms. You saw his stance, one that could more commonly only be from having to do it 24/7. 

And where was the most known place where you had to stand at attention almost every day?

Any item of clothing that covered his body was full black, including the shoes and his belt, which was a drastic contrast to any skin that was exposed. It also meant that you could spot any cut or bruise he had very easily. 

There was a good few on his face. Some had become scabs already, looking like they had been there for some time, while others almost looked fresh. The most noticeable appeared like it followed his cheekbone. 

Your eyes immediately snapped away upon realised that you had been looking at him for so long that he had in fact noticed it. I mean, there wasn’t really anything else to occupy his mind. 

You tried to shift your body against the cot, a mixture of wanting to distract yourself and a test to see how much you could move without it hurting. 

But either way, it was hard to do anything without being able to properly use a side of your body.

So, ultimately, you were stuck. Trapped under a blanket which forced you to lay flat on your back, against something that you wished had the same feeling as your bed, while sounds started to echo from what you were guessing was the kitchen. 

“Hey, kid.”

The voice that hit your ears was a lot gruffer than expected, gravelly enough that it almost sounded like it was hurting his throat. The way the words passed through his lips were clear, but also hushed as if he was trying not to be loud for an unknown benefit. “What were you doing out there, hmm?” 

With his stance, you half expected that whatever he wanted to say was going to come out harsh. That he was going to yell and tell you off for something. But he didn’t. He was... actually concerned?

“It’s a decent walk from the store you went to.” he then added on, and now that seemed to get your attention. 

Your head rolled to the side, narrowed gaze finding him with a newfound cautiousness. 

The man in turn must’ve realised the suspicion his wording caused, so he simply gestured to the side with his head, “I got your bag.”

Sure enough, as you moved your lower against the pillow, it was in fact there. The first familiar thing you had seen all day was sat on the ground beside the guy. It may have had some slight rips, some of the material had even been scuffed enough that it was visible. 

But it was there. Zipped up and everything.

Your favourite backpack.

Despite your distance, the bag looked plump with some of the contents clearly poking against the sides of it. All of the items were still in it. Hell, even the water bottle was back in the same side pocket you always put it in.

“We couldn’t find your name in the system,” the man spoke again, and honestly you had forgotten that he was there regardless of the fact that he stood next to where you eyes were aimed. “Did your parents know where you were?”

You looked at him within seconds of the question catching your ears and that dread from earlier began to pool at the bottom of your stomach all over again. 

I mean, you should’ve expected the question at some point.

It was common for you to forget that other people could look at you and see a child, ask the whole ‘where are you parents’ when you had to buy stuff that apparently didn’t seem normal for a child to get, even if it was just household items. 

You will never forget the time you tried to buy scissors. 

But the question still stung. It would make all of the memories of countless things flood right back until it was fresh in your mind, creating a wave of nostalgia that you hated at this point. 

Your head slowly rolled back to its previous position, your gaze now cast up at the rotting, grey ceiling while a deep breath seeped through your nose. Your body practically deflated when it went back out. 

Like before, you didn’t need to say anything for the guy to understand the situation.

Obviously, from your position, you couldn’t clearly see him as anything more than a blurred blob from the corner of your eye, but he had sort of loosened his crossed arms. Was the look of loss that clear on you?

How could he even notice it that quick?

Your body almost jolted when he cleared his throat and pain shot through your shoulder that had you biting back a grunt.

“Listen, we’re not-- We’re not going to hurt you... all right?” His tone was different this time. Lighter in a way that reduced the grumble of his voice, even if it didn’t sound unpleasant. “You’ve been here for a few days so that the, uh, big guy could fix up your shoulder.”

“That’s all.”

From the feeling of his gaze aimed in your direction, you could tell that he was doing what you had done, except he was more so trying to analyse your movement no matter how miniscule. 

It made you nervous enough that your mind was trying to zone in on the sounds coming from the kitchen, fiddling with the fabric of the blanket. But that just meant that a silence had started to layer. 

“Can you speak?”

Your body stiffened within a matter of seconds. 

At this point there was no reason for you to remain quiet. It was unclear as to why it had even been done in the first place. Was it to conceal your voice? Hide your identity? 

Even then, they had already ready seen your face and might possibly have looked through your backpack. The things they’ve could’ve known about you were unknown.

Maybe it was that thing you were told as a kid that kept you holding your tongue. You know, the whole stranger danger thing? Do not interact with people that you don’t know unless absolutely necessary. 

People seemed to get stuck on specific moments in the past regardless of it directly links to a moment of stress, or trauma, if you remembered correctly what that article said. Maybe that was your thing?

Your contemplative eyes flickered over the ceiling above for another moment before they finally made the decision to move, and so did your head. Once again, it rolled to the side until your right cheek touched the pillow.

You met his eyes. His gaze anything but harsh no matter how long a silence remained.

This guys wasn’t strange. 

I mean, the concept of waking up in some massive building that you didn’t recognise with two other dudes that you had never met before was in fact a little, sure.

But there was no reason given beyond that as to why you should fear either of them. Be scared of them. 

After all the dude talking to you had in fact saved your life.

You sniffed, that same feeling of nervousness making a comeback the longer the eye contact was held. It had you needing to look away for a few seconds before your eyes went right back. You stiffly nodded your head. 

The man straightened his back against the metal, his spine probably tired of the frame digging into it. His gaze sort of narrowed for a moment. Maybe a few questions sprung into his mind? Maybe he was judging you, or needed to sneeze? Who knows.

“You just won’t.” He nodded his head once, the look in his eyes switching to something unreadable as he got the message despite the lack of words, “That’s... No. No, I get it.”

“Well, I’m Frank. Uh,” he began, dragging out the last sound for a little bit as he tried to locate something through the wall behind you, “Dude in the kitchens name is David. I usually call him Lieberman, that’s... It’s his last name-- He’s the big guy I was talking about. Dude who fixed up your arm.”

“I tried to help too, but, uh... Not exactly my field of expertise.” 

You were about to figure out some kind of gesture to make in response so that you wouldn’t leave him hanging again. And had even started to move your arm. 

But then that name cycled through your head once more. 

Frank... Castle. 

Frank Castle.

It seemed that the cogs had made their final turn once again. His face found their link to certain memories in your mind.

Holy shit. 

He was the guy on the news a while back. The dude had been deemed a vigilante as he had been running around and killing bad people-- Well, it was practically only you and a few other people that thought they were the bad guys.

Either way, after that trial thing, the man that was currently stood to the side of you had supposedly died. Killed in an explosion on some kind of boat, if you remembered correctly.

I mean, it could be that you were the one who died and this was just what came after. And honestly if you were still as delirious as you were before it might have been believable, but that pulsing burning in your shoulder said otherwise. 

So, it was true. He really was here in the flesh, and all in one piece. 

Frank Castle was alive. 

Your expression, and maybe how intensely you had been staring at him, must’ve given away your thought pattern as he sort of tilted his head when he noticed the shift in your eyes, “You know me?” This time your gaze remained unfleeting in the line of attention. 

Frank didn’t seem at all worried about the realisation of his identity. In fact the only change in his expression was done to display his curiosity to the new information. 

Sure, worst comes to worst, he has the upper hand at this moment and it would probably be the same at any other. He could do whatever he needs to do to make sure that you wouldn’t blab before you blinked even once. 

But from his worn out state, and the way he interacted with you, it was visible that he wasn’t going to do that. He must’ve been fighting for quite some time before he had stumbled upon you. 

Why the hell was he even there? Out in the open in a place like that?

Who were those other guys?

Regardless of the want to let your mind flow down that rabbit hole, you were fronted with your previous realisation as your eyes actually focused on Frank again.

You were right. Frank  Castle wasn’t the bad guy.

Without paying attention to it, there seemed to be this smile that began to curl at the corners of your mouth. You moved your head began to move back to its your previous position, your eyes wanting to find the discoloured ceiling to zone out on in a way that further made you forget about your pain--

Shoes suddenly scuffed against the hard ground in a way that stilled all over your movements. Your gaze flickered to whatever had joined you in the room as apparently you had missed the approaching footstep.

It was David, the height difference between the two guys now a lot clearer as he had stopped beside the man whose arms were yet to uncross. “Can you hold this for a second?” Until now. 

Frank sort of looked at the man for a moment, eyebrows furrowed again before he complied to the request. And the moment the plate had been taken into his hands, David moved as if on autopilot. “All right,”

He wound round the foot of your cot, taking back the same position he stood in when you woke up, “Gonna need to sit up so you can actually digest this shit.”

He felt a little bad when he saw the look on your face, though he remained still while you prepared yourself, starting to fidget with his hands. He didn’t want to touch you without permission, but it appeared that your eyes were already closed.

You slowly but surely moved the arm of your injured shoulder to sling across your torso, hoping the position would stop it from moving about too much. And then you braced yourself, awaiting whatever sensations were about to come. 

By the time a hand had been placed on your body, your teeth were already gritted. One was placed on your back, a way to properly bring guide you into the needed position, while the other gently cupped the back of your head so that everything would move in unison. 

“Deep breath.”

The pain was immediate. It was such a thing that purely seared up a side of your body. Engulfed everything in its path.

It was impossible to see from your closed eyes, but there was a reaction from the man stood to the side when a slight whine escaped your throat. He had stepped forward, looking as if he was about to reach out if he didn’t have something in one of his hands. 

It was thoughtless. A movement that he had undone the moment he had realised by pressing back against the wall. But it happened nonetheless. 

David was muttering stuff of assurance, many forms of sentences letting lose into the air. You couldn’t hear it. Couldn’t catch onto a singular word. 

All you could think about was the pain. How stupid it was that you made the decision to take that route. How you didn’t run back the way you came after that first shot. Or how you didn’t even end up trying run until it was too late. 

Your legs bent at the knees the more your torso raised, as if trying to protect it of something, which slightly kicked up your blanket and made the heels of your feet dig into the cot below. “There you go, there you go!”

It was like a ripping of a band aid. 

At first, it was the stage of holding onto the edge, trying to hype yourself to get it over and done with. And then it was off. It may give a twinge of pain that lingered more than wanted, but overall the act had been complete.

“Right on, that’s you done.”

And so had yours. 

The biggest breath of relief huffed out of your mouth in a way that had David wanting to lightly pat your back, but it could accidently hurt you. So, instead, he resorted to turning his attention Frank, hurriedly gesturing towards the thing he held.

The man in question seemed to shake his head as if trying stifle his amusement, though he took a step forward to hand over the plate either way.

And then, by the next time you had blinked, it was held out in your direction. You just looked at it for a moment. 

It was a sandwich. One that may have been made with the most simple ingredients, and was probably the exact replica of what you would picture in your head upon hearing the name, but for some reason your whole body yearned for it. 

The plate was in your hands within seconds.

David took a step back, a slight smile reappearing on his lips at the progress. He gestured to the plate you held in the same position and then towards your mouth, seeming like he couldn’t get himself to stand still, “Eat up.”

You were. 

Oh, a thousand percent, you were getting ready to chow down on something, since the last time solid food had been eaten was probably the day you had gotten shot. And even then, you had no clue as to when that was.

However, right as you were about to bring the plate onto your lap, grab onto the sandwich and consume it with the upmost excitement... You paused. Stopped right in your tracks. Eating by yourself felt a little weird.

You looked back at David. 

It took him a moment to realise that your eyes were on him again. But when he did, he sort of rocked on his feet. His eyebrows furrowed as he sent a look towards Frank, “What, um... Is it-- Is it bad, or something?”

There was a mixture of confusion and almost offence tugging at certain features and it had your head shaking immediately.

Within the next minute, it was almost like a game of charades as you attempted to relay the words in your mind. 

The plate remained in the hand it did before. You bent your left arm at the elbow, trying to avoid any movement that would attack the area surrounding your wound, and you gestured. 

The first time you pointed your index finger at him and then at the plate, but he merely blinked. So, you then did it in reverse, directing the line of attention to the plate and then him. 

Frank even seemed confused as he watched with narrowed eyes, apparently unable to deduced the situation himself which still left David with nothing. “Kid, I don’t... I can’t understand what you’re trying to say, are you-- are you allergic to something?” 

“Are you asking me what’s in it? If I made it, what--”

Biting back the biggest sigh of your life, and in the fastest way that you could in that moment, you restored to just holding out the whole plate towards him. Even repeated the previous gesture one final time to make your point. 

“Oh,” David dragged out the sound as he began to nod. Finally, he understood, “Yeah, man, I’m boutta make my own.”

He remained for only a moment more, watching as your plate slowly lowered to your lap so that it wouldn’t drop. And then he started walking again, moving back around the edge of the cot before making his way through the doorway.

Franks eyes were already on your own by the time your head turned in his direction, as if he expected it to happen. 

This time without accompanying the movement with gestures, you simply held out the plated food towards him. Franks head shook instantly, he even waved a hand, “It’s for you, kid. Need to get that strength back.” 

His eyes directed towards the kitchen almost immediately after. He was either counting on David possibly making him one or waiting for him to leave the kitchen so that he could do it himself.

Thing is though, he only gave you a reason as to why you should keep the sandwich held for yourself.

He didn’t say no. 

The plate was brought back to your legs, flat against your thighs, and then you began looking around. Your eyes scanned across any close surface for something that could be used as a cloth, something to wipe your hands with, but there was no luck. 

You resorted to just scrubbing your palms, and more importantly your finger tips, against the cleanest clothing you had under the blanket. And then you grabbed the sandwich. 

Despite what Frank thought was going to happen by the time his attention was once again redirected towards you, when the sandwich was held horizontally in your grasp, instead of bring it to your mouth and taking a bite. You began... pulling at it each side? 

It started to rip.

“What are you doing?” he questioned pretty much immediately, his face and voice both riddle with confusion. And maybe even a little disturbance. But that didn’t stop your movements at all. 

In fact the only time you had stopped was when the entire thing had been torn through the middle, completely halved. However, even after that, you reached for one of the parts. You took it from the plate, stuffing it into the hand of your unmoving arm.

And then you held out the plate all over again to the man with very furrowed eyebrows. 

He just looked at the poorly halved sandwich for a moment, a part of it being more of the contents that the bread, and then his eyes found yours. There was an unreadable expression within them.

When he still didn’t take it, and due to the fact that your arm was starting to get tired, you redid your act of holding it out towards him. 

And this time he couldn’t withhold a response. 

Frank scoffed, shaking his head in the same amusement from earlier while he stared at the plate calling his name, “You’re very persistent, aren’t ya.” 

Despite his point still standing, the consistent want for you to get the nutrients needed to fully recover, it was like he couldn’t say no to you. At least to your face. So. Frank took the plate.

The next few minutes were spent by the two of you choosing the perfect side of the sandwich and then going to town, chowing down on it like it was the first one either of you had ever had. 

And man, that David could sure make a meal, even if it was just slapping ingredients between slices of bread.

“Damn!”

Seemed like someone else agreed with you.

“So, this is what you’ve been doing all this time, huh, Lieberman? Cookin’” Franks words were incredibly muffled despite his constant chewing, but either way the sound still echoed. A laugh soon followed while something poured, “What else would I do, man? Wasn’t just gonna do nothing.”

“Well, you can add cooking to your... I don’t know, list of talents or something.” Every time that man spoke, his head lowered right back down so that he could see the plate, taking another massive bite that you were just waiting for him to start choke on.

“Why did you... Why did you say it like that?” David's voice was more monotonous than usual, either playing fake offence or he was too preoccupied with arranging the order of his sandwich ingredients. 

You took another bite, a piece of lettuce almost falling onto the blanket without you knowing. Frank turned towards the kitchen again, speaking midway through putting a part of the sandwich in his mouth, “Like what?” A plethora of crumbs fell onto the plate in a way that made your nose crinkle.

“Like... Are you lying to me? Lying isn’t very nice, Frank.” 

“Nah, come on, man, I wouldn’t-- I wouldn’t say that If I didn’t mean it, you know that-- You could put these in a-- a--  a sandwich shop--”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, okay,” David practically grumbled at this point, placing down what sounded like a butter knife on the counter before he sniffed, “That at least mean that our little friend likes it too?”

Frank turned to you, placing the little chunk of sandwich he had left onto his plate before he rubbed the fingers that touched it together. 

You swallowed down your bites, the act proving to be a little harder to from the lack of eating solid food, and noted the fact that he was awaiting some form of answer to relay to David. 

Your sandwich was finished by now. It wasn’t a contest but it was almost wild how fast it had been consumed. And now you sat there, wiping your hand against your trousers while attempting to get any food stuck between your teeth. 

And then you cleared your throat, your nose scrunching for a second when the action ended up shaking your chest a little too much, “Y/n.”

Frank had turned his towards the kitchen moments prior. He had parted his lips, even slightly leaned back against the wall to get a proper view of the man awaiting an answer through the empty frames. 

Now his head snapped in your direction, eyebrows raising more than you had even seen, “What was that?”

You may have made the ultimate decision to use your voice in the first place, however, having that gaze of his on you once again caused this overwhelming feeling to surge through your body. 

Your spine had straightened, this time managing to ignore the shock of pain that hit your system, while your eyes widened just a smidge.

“Is that a yes or a no?”

The echo of David's voice had caused you to turn to where he stood in the kitchen, still busied with making another one of his masterpieces. It was something done half out of anxiousness and just wanting to distract yourself.

And then it made you think.

Surrounding you was this big, more empty than full, abandoned building. The only other people there was Frank, a man who was supposed to be dead, and David... who you presumed was also most likely to be the same due to their team up. 

If they were going to kill you, or hurt you, they would have done so already. 

But even then, when you woke up this morning you hadn’t been restrained or anything. There was nothing keeping you there other than the fact that they wanted to treat your wounds. 

A deep breath filtered through your nose as your eyes slowly met with Franks again. 

His expression was practically the same as it was before you had looked away, giving you a patience no one ever had. The gaze he held was warm. Encouraging. 

Thus, you swallowed once again.

“My... name.” Your voice was hoarse from waking up not that long ago, but also from it’s lack of use. There was always this feeling in your throat as if something was stuck in it, and you coughed, the urge to squeeze your eyes shut presenting itself yet again when it shifted your shoulder.

But you composed yourself, sucking in another breath and rubbing your hands against your legs while David was still left with no answer, “It’s Y/n.”

Franks head had already been nodding before you had finished saying your set of words. He pursed his lips, finally swallowing down the bite he had previously taken.

Frank sniffed, turning his head towards the kitchen yet again. Though this time it seemed like he did so to conceal the change of his facial expression more than to get David's attention. “You hear that, Lieberman?”

Regardless of his attempts to hide his reaction, the smile was clear on his lips. Such a one that it had even reached the skin around his eyes as they started to crinkle.

He looked back at you. There was this emotion on his face that remained unchanging. It seemed like a fondness, but at the same time he almost looked... proud?

“Y/n likes it.”

#frank castle #the punisher #teen!reader #mcu #mcu x teen!reader #marvel x teen!reader #frank castle x reader #frank castle x gender neutral reader #david lieberman #micro

[bones4thecats]

Hear me out can I please ask for Poseidon and Hades and Buddha and Azusa makami ( romantic)

But how would they react to kianna being dragged Away by ruki because he believes that if he kills her he will become Adam / God

A/N: Apologies @nunezs-stuff, but I do not write for Diabolik Lovers characters anymore. But, I will do the three Record of Ragnarok characters you had requested! Anyways, I hope this is alright, and enjoy!!

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●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・

🔱 This Greek God did not want to go out and into the human world at all.

🔱 It took a while, but when he finally agreed to your requests, he had his rules, you couldn’t be to far from him, he didn’t trust humans like you did

🔱 Poseidon had looked away from you for one second, and he heard you scream

🔱 He had immediately turned around and pulled out his trident, charging the male

🔱 Poseidon grabbed you and, thanks to Ruki’s bodily timing, he nearly cut off his arm

🔱 Ruki had spoken about becoming God/Adam with your sacrificial blood

🔱 Your husband’s eyes opened as closed with apathy as Ruki yelled about his ignorance of the opportunity, not knowing he was Poseidon, to driven by his insanity

🔱 Poseidon couldn’t handle his ramblings for very long, so, when you gripped his arm at Ruki’s yelling, he snapped, and in a slip second, Ruki’s head was rolling on the ground and his headless body fell

🔱 You starred as your husband strode back to you and threw you over his shoulder, trident clenched in his right hand as he walked back to the ocean, which wasn’t to far

🔱 Poseidon was not going to let you out of his sight for a while now

●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・○・●・

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💀 Our local God of the Underworld wasn’t one to leave his castle in Helheim, so it’s surprising you got him out

💀 Hades never really had any need to go out unless it was work related

💀 He had been attending a meeting in one of Zeus’ old temples that Humanity had abandoned centuries ago, and they thankfully hadn’t seem to use as a tourist attraction

💀 You had decided to take a breath outside while your husband and the rest of the Greek Pantheon discussed possible happenings in Valhalla and Helheim

💀 Before he knew it, everyone heard you scream and ran outside, watching a vampire drag you away by your hair, saying how, with your sacrifice, he could be Adam

💀 Hades was pissed, which scared everyone around 

💀 He pulled out his bident and whispered to Zeus that he’d be back

💀 Watching him grab Rulki by the throat and hold his weapon’s blades to his throat was something you never thought you’d see, but it made you happy

💀 He let him off with a stern warning stating this;

“ If you dare attempt to lay a hand on my S/O again, I will make sure you never get a happy ending in Valhalla. Now, scram. “

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🍭 Walking through the Living World was something that Buddha wasn’t to keen on, but he did enjoy taking a stroll through empty fields and forests once and a while

🍭 You and him had been relaxing in the forest when he stood up, saying he would be right back, needing to check out a noise he heard

🍭 He knew you could handle yourself, besides, Humanity hadn’t went this deep into the forest before, so you’d be fine

🍭 Buddha had looked around, suspecting an animal, but found nothing, so he decided to return back to you, but you weren’t there…

🍭 He then snapped his head up and ran as fast as his legs could take him through the woods at the sound of his name being screamed

🍭 When he saw Ruki holding your hands up and binding them to the large metal spike he had planted into the ground

🍭 Buddha launched forward, tackled Ruki and held his six realms staff underneath his jaw, his voice low and very threatening

🍭 Ruki threw himself away when your husband took his staff away from his head, saying he’d be back

🍭 Your husband swore to you from that day beyond, if that impure vampire dared try even thinking about you wrongly, he’d make sure his death was slow and painful

#Record of Ragnarok #RoR #Shuumatsu no Valkyrie #SnV #RoR Dharmic/Buddhism Pantheon #RoR Greek Pantheon #Record of Ragnarok Gods #RoR Gods #Record of Ragnarok x Reader #RoR x Reader #Shuumatsu no Valkyrie x Reader #SnV x Reader #RoR Greek Pantheon x Reader #RoR Dharmic/Buddhism Pantheon x Reader #Record of Ragnarok Gods x Reader #RoR Gods x Reader #S/O! Reader #GN! Reader #RoR Poseidon #RoR Poseidon x Reader #RoR Hades #RoR Hades x Reader #RoR Buddha #RoR Buddha x Reader

[sanctus-ingenium]

i just spent like Two Hours scrolling through your entire mez tag and it's one of the coolest fictional universes i have ever seen. your dedication to such a deep level of world building and figuring out exactly how things work (like the engines of course and the entire ecosystem surrounding the dragons) is SO cool and so admirable. it reminded me a bit of a couple of fictional universes i had dabbled in a while ago but never really got off the ground, and kinda made me want to revisit them. cannot WAIT to read the mez book when/if it comes out and dig into some of the other stuff you've made in the meantime

hi thank you!!! messages like this mean a lot to me, i'm glad you enjoyed the tag and had a good time :>

i've been so very immersed in different settings for the past few months while writing editing etc but my guys on patreon did vote for mez art (well.. they voted for knights but we all know what that means) so that is coming soon.

#in case ur wondering i'm taking the top 3 (i believe tied?) results from a patreon poll i made like a month ago #i gave them werewolves (on the sea) and bugs (on halloween) so now all i need to deliver is knights

[stonemags]

SUGAR BABY AU

Ch.4 Leeway

Characters in this series: Reader, Wanda Maximoff, Natasha Romanoff, Carol Danvers, Darcy Lewis, Maria Hill, Kate Bishop, Pepper Potts, Valkyrie, Shuri

Summary: As a good friend you are responsible for people closest to you, right? But can you handle it all at once? For now, your friends are a priority.

Warnings: age gap relationships, sugar mommy/sugar baby relationships, swearing, aggression, cheating, all story is gonna be +18, you are responsible for your own ass. 

Word count: 6556

A/N: This chapter took a while and im greatfull for all your patience. This story is a proces and i go through it while writing, it growns on me with every sentance and page. Im happy i can share it with you. All ideas, theories, comments are welcome. Dont steal or claim my stuff as yours or im going to bite your ass off. Enjoy!

As always thanks to @charturnus for editing, helping to write and posting this fic. It wouldn't be here without you.

Previous chapter

CHAPTER 4

The next morning. You find Darcy occupied with her phone, laughing at something and scrolling down TikTok. You can tell which side of the platform she is on, and you smile under your breath, hearing the “woooo I’m mentally ill” sound, that both of you love. You gather yourself and enter the living room. You feel guilty, it wasn't right for you to speak to her this way, or say those things. Your opinions should never get between you and your friends, no matter what they do. God, you would help them bury a body without a question, why would you be a bitch about the way they decide to go in their life. That's not your place to say so, and you see it now, after a mostly sleepless night. You need to set things right, you need to apologize. You need to-

“Is this one of your ADHD things, when you just stand in the middle of the room and have a full-on conversation with yourself?” Darcy's voice breaks you out of your reverie, and you look at her with shocked eyes. You get lost sometimes. I guess it was one of those moments. 

“Yeah… I haven't taken my meds yet. Sorry about that.” You hang your head down and move closer to the couch that is occupied by Darcy and at least 5 blankets. Why would anybody need 5 blankets on one couch? It's not even that cold. Yes, it's November, but still, it's pretty warm for this time of the year.

“You are doing it again.” This time she touches your shoulder to bring you out and ground you, in reality a little bit more.

“Shit, sorry.”

“It's okay, what's bothering you?” She knows what, of course, she knows. The whole argument happened not more than 7 hours ago. God, you don't deserve her. 

“Darcy…. About yesterday…” You start fidgeting with your hands. Clearly uncomfortable, you are being eaten up from the inside by guilt. The fuzzy blanket that you are sitting on provides comfort with its texture. 

“About yesterday… I…”

“I know.” And you know she does, but she needs to hear it. You turn to the side to look at her, taking her hand into yours. You two were never touchy with each other. This is the kind of friendship where you would rather die than hug your friend, but you still would die for her in seconds. The older you two got, the closer you were, and the relationship between you two is far more mature now, you both are. 

“Still, even if you do, it wasn't acceptable for me to say those things. I don't have the knowledge of how it looks from your side. I have my own issues, I shouldn’t put that on you or attack you because of them. It wasn't right, and it won't happen again. I'm not going to judge any of you and if I'm going to be confused about anything I'm just going to ask. I was ignorant, angry, tired and rude. Nothing excuses my behaviour. I'm sorry Darcy.” 

She shifts her position and gets really close to you. You feel her arms around your neck and her face hidden in the crook of your neck. She feels warm, like home or fireplace, like the fuzzy blanket under your palm providing you with comfort. It takes you a second, but you practically scoop her up in your arms, hiding her even more in your chest. You stay like that for a little while and once you start pulling away you feel her grabbing you tighter. You don't let go.

“I'm sorry too.” You want to interrupt her, tell her that there is nothing to apologize for, that you were in the wrong, but she speaks again. 

“I said some shitty stuff yesterday. I don't want to talk to you that way. Even if I was a little bit right.” you both laugh at it, and the world gets a little lighter. The heavy feeling on your shoulders, it's always there, it always lingers, but now you don't carry it by yourself. When you finally pull apart, both of your eyes are a little bit glassy, you both notice it, but nobody will say anything. 

“You need to repay me, though. For the things you said.” Of course. You know that she is just using the situation and that you are actually forgiven, but you play the game either way.

“You have one wish. Shoot.”

“And no saying no?”

“No saying no.” 

“I'm going to set you up on a date. And before you interrupt me…”  You were actually going to interrupt her. 

“You have to be there for at least 30 minutes, and then I'm not going to set you up with anyone ever again.”

“Deal.” She looks at you like you’re dumb. This kind of look that tells you she is not done. You take a dramatic breath in.

“What else…?” She smiles and as much as you will never admit it, you want her happy. 

“Today Carol is having a small party with clients, friends, and business partners. It’s Bridgerton themed. You are going to be there, and you are going to like it. And no, you don't have to be there from the start, I know how you feel about all these business conversations. The party starts around 6pm and is going to last till 11pm at least. After that it's just going to be us, Maria, Kate, Pepper, Carol, Natasha and Wanda.” Hearing the last two names pulls a reaction from you. It’s one of the most dramatic eye rolls you've ever done. Darcy is laughing at you at this point, and you can't help but join her. You are not happy about any of that, but at the same time, you owe it to her.

“Yes ma’am.” The blanket beneath your fingers becomes overwhelming, so you start playing with your rings. 

“Good girl, now go because you have classes in half an hour.” She cares, and that's one of the ways she shows you that she does.

“Also, don't worry about your regency outfit! I’ve already taken care of it.” Your best friend tells you, not moving from the couch, as you stand up to take care of breakfast. She really gets on your nerves sometimes, but to be honest, you didn't even think about the outfit. You are grateful, even if it’s her that put you in this situation.

“Actually, I’m not going to uni today.” That's shocking news for her, and you get why she is surprised. 

“I also called off my shift at the bar.” Well that's a double shock, and it's surprising that she can take it. She gets off the couch and walks up to you, checking your temperature.

“Are you sick? Wait, you’re not dying, are you?” You love that dramatic bitch. 

“No, actually, we need to call a family meeting today.” 

‘’Oh,’’ Darcy breathes, realizing that the situation is serious. Only a few times before the meeting was called, this was the day Carol was introduced to all of you, or when Maria finally came out. This is an emergency only situation, and you are pretty sure that this one is justified. 

“Wait, family meeting? Someone died?” Maria’s sleepy voice flows through the room. Her hair is messy. Her silk robe flows nicely around her body. You always admired her confidence, and she is surprisingly kind for such an attractive person. Her hair is freshly cut, shoulder-length is the most comfortable for her, at least that's what she always says when they get too long. You like that about her, the way she knows what she wants, when and how. Even more, you don't understand why she would give control to anyone else. 

“Nobody died. Kate’s home?” You say. 

“Yeah, she came back around 4am.” Darcy's answer is followed by a big yawn. All of you can use a break today, and a little bit more sleep. 

‘’Could you please wake Kate up?’’ You say, turning to Maria. 

‘’I’ll get started on pancakes in the meantime.’’

She moves from her spot by the door and hurries to Kate's room. It's not going to be easy, but the longer you are putting off the conversation, the harder it's going to get. 

Preparing breakfast takes you little to no time, everything always goes by fast when you have Darcy on your side. You two work in perfect harmony, managing to cook, set up the table and even squeeze fresh orange juice for all of you. The scent of sweet citrus filled the whole room, bright sunlight falls aggressively through ajar blinds. Crispy air hits you as you move to close the window, trying to get rid of the burned smell of the last failed pancake. You are still going to eat it, you hate wasting food. 

Darcy is on your right, sitting cross-legged on a high chair with a messy bun and an oversized sweater stolen from Carol. She looks peaceful and warm. Maria sits half naked in front of you. She is always really comfortable in her own skin and it shows. Long pyjama pants and a bra are her go to outfits in the morning. It suits her. When Kate comes out of her room, the first thing that you acknowledge is her wet hair, indicating she just had a shower and dark circles under her eyes. She moves smoothly closer to where you all wait for her and as she moves behind you, she stops in her tracks for a second to wrap her arms around your torso from behind. She hides her head in the crook of your neck, and all you can do is put your hand smoothly through her hair, hugging her closer with one arm. 

“I missed you.” She whispers just for you to hear, and you feel tiredness and pain of the past busy weeks in her voice. It fills you with love, care but also anger for not being able to change it for her, or rather respecting the peace she chooses to live her life on. She needs to learn, and you will be here to catch her if she falls. And that's exactly why family meetings are so needed. 

“I missed you too, hun.” Her smile makes you happy and breaks your heart at the same time. You have been in situations when someone was trying to open your eyes, and you were taking out anger and pain on the messenger. Honestly, there is nothing she could do to push you away, but you know some part of her will hate you after this. 

“So what's the family meeting about? It sounds serious, you even took a day off.” 

“Let's just eat for now. We're gonna talk later.” 

****

You wash the dishes after breakfast while girls talk with each other on the couch. They offered to clean, but you needed a second for yourself to muster up the courage to tell her the truth. Giving yourself time is needed, but also creates moments like this. Wet sponge in your right hand, plate in your left, and your phone laying heavy in your pocket with evidence. You feel it digging into your leg through the material, kind of like pushing you to stop procrastinating the inevitable, so you do. 

You sit down on an ottoman that matches the rest of the couch set and as you sigh heavily, all the attention is drawn to you. Nobody’s rushing you to open up, it's one of the many rules of the meetings. They all wait for you, ready to provide comfort at all times. You lock your eyes with Kate’s, and as you almost always keep your posture and face up, your eyes water up a little, but not enough for them to notice. 

“Go on y/n. Lay it on me.” She is the youngest of all of you, but sometimes she is more mature than all of you combined. 

“Valkyrie is cheating on you.” You can see in her eyes that she thinks it's a joke, another dumb idea of yours to separate the two of them because you don't think her girlfriend deserves her, so you continue. 

“I was at the bar, had my shift with Steve, she was there. There was a whole group of people, God, all of them drunk out of their minds. She came to me and told me that you’re not texting her back. She wasn't too nice about it.” You take a deep breath in and grab anything you have close to you to stop yourself from standing up and pacing around the room. The plastic scrunchie provides some stimulation, so you look at her again. 

“At some point, she started kissing some girl that was in that group. I don't even know if they know each other.” Kate just listens, not taking her eyes off of you. You notice her lips quivering a little, but it's so slight that you’ve almost missed it. 

“Shuri was there, she can vouch for this.” 

“Wait, you saw your ex!?” Darcy jumps in but back off as soon as she can catch herself going off-topic, that's not important right now and she knows it. 

“Show me.” Two words you hoped you wouldn't hear. Speaking about it is one thing, but seeing it with her own eyes will be different. As the last resort, you try to play dumb, pretending not to know what she means.

“This is far too important for you not to have the proof. Just show me y/n, I’m a big girl.” So you do. When you hand her the phone, it’s already opened in your gallery. It's the last thing you recorded. The video starts with Shuri drinking her martini and talking to you about something happening at her university. However, as soon as you zoom into the group, she falls silent. 

‘’Oh fuck,’’ The girls can hear Shuri swearing, combined with your heavy breathing through the speaker in your phone. The scene ends with Valkyrie standing up and dragging the girl behind her into the bathroom area and Shuri’s voice saying “y/n don't do it”. 

“What did you do?” Maria asks what everybody is wondering. You answer her question, but all you say is for Kate and only for her. 

“I didn't do anything. I ended my shift and went home.” She believes you, you are always honest with her, always. 

“I wanted to tell you right after, but this is not something to do over the phone. Maybe I should have just found you at your job, I'm sorry but-” She's interrupting your explanation with the softest voice she has.

“It's okay, I know you are more of a face to face person.” The scrunchie is long forgotten on the floor, and Kate's hands are secured strongly in yours. You caress her palm with your thumb, providing as much comfort through the touch as you can, but she leans back on the couch. You expected anger, sadness, a breakdown or denial, but not this. 

“I mean, she was awful either way, right?” Both Darcy and Maria jump in with copious nodding and approval of that statement. 

“I guess it's for the better, at least I have a good reason to end it now.” With that she…. smiles? Something is wrong, something is very wrong. 

For the next 5 minutes your roommates rumble about how awful Val is, how much better Kate will be without her and how happy they are that she feels that way. Kate jumps in from time to time, smiling and telling them how right they are, and that's when you can't take it anymore. You start laughing, and it takes everybody off guard, to be honest it takes you off guard too. You don't explain anything to anybody as you stand up, take your hurt friend by her hand, and announce that you will be back in a couple of hours for dinner. You are much stronger than Kate, so manhandling her a little into her room is easy. 

“Get dressed, put some training clothes on and take your wallet. I'm taking your car keys, and I'm waiting for you in the car park. Don't make me wait too long.”

“Y/n I’m fine! What are you even doing? I don't understand.” You hug her really close, face buried in your chest, her arms hanging loose on her sides not really knowing what to do with them, but even when she’s not reciprocating you don’t let her go. Your left hand goes all the way around her waist, grabbing her side, while the right hand keeps her head close to you. Your touch feels hungry for closeness with her, while you almost shield her whole body with yours. When you let go, you grab her face into your hands, look deeply into her glassy eyes and smile with the most honest love you ever felt to someone. This kind of love is different from anything else you ever had. You imagine that's the way your brother feels when he looks at you. At least he did when you were younger. 

“You’re not Kate. And it's okay.” You kiss her forehead and tell her once again to get ready before you disappear from her room. 

*** 

The ride to the location takes you around 25 minutes. The whole trip, Kate is trying to get you to tell her where you’re going or what this whole thing is about, but you keep your mouth shut, which makes her more irritated by the minute. It's good, you need her to be irritated, you need her to be mad, and soon enough everything will become clear to why. 

You arrive at a big open space with one building that's in poor condition. Vines have taken over its walls, invading cement and binding everything together with nature. It’s a truly beautiful view if you can just stop for a second and try to understand what's in front of you. It's far, it's quiet, and it's your safe space, one of just the few that you have. You get out of the car, still not answering Kate's questions. She makes it harder for herself and as much as you get why she is doing it, you wish she would stop. 

“What's that place? It looks like a squat.” She comments, and she sounds unnecessarily annoyed.

“This is a place where me and Shuri were meeting for most of the time. It's a safe place and a safe space.”

“Safe for what?”

“To be yourself.” 

Your answer takes her a little bit off guard, you can see by the appearing wrinkles on her forehead that she really thinks about what you just said, and hopefully she will find some truth for herself in your words. She follows you into the building, you take out a bundle of keys, which is definitely too big, you don't even remember what half of them are for, you are pretty sure that some of them were found around here, never finding out their purpose, but the one that you need right now is easy to find. The red band on top of it makes it easy to spot. The word ‘’sanctuary’’ is hand-painted onto the key, and it fills you with warmth and gratitude that your last relationship ended up on good terms. You really appreciate having Shuri in your life, her and her family were nothing but good people to you, and you are glad to reciprocate anytime you can. You open a heavy looking lock and enter the building with Kate on your heels. 

Inside it is really dark and scary looking, dust covers the floors, and various types of glass, wood and all kinds of materials can be found on the side of every wall. Used spray paint cans decorate one corner, making the whole place more alive because of their colours. They also create a nice contrast to the surrounding chaos. All cans are securely stacked in a pyramid shape. A skylight lights up the middle of the room in a theatrical way. You love this place to the bone. 

As Kate looks around with a little disgust on her face she tries to appreciate you getting her out of the house, you collect some things from the locker and close it with a metallic clang. 

“Here,” you say into her direction, getting closer to her with two jumpsuits in hand. She looks surprised, but gets the general idea of what you want from her. She is obliging even if she is not fully sure why you are both here, she’s too shaken up to put it all together. Putting on a brave face is one of her greatest strengths and weaknesses, but you know every little piece of her. At least most of them. 

You start undressing while Kate is half ready with her suit on, you were always impressed with her physique. She’s the one who motivated you to go to the gym, taking you with her a couple of times gave you the kick-start that you needed to go on your own, you are grateful for that, not sure that she is aware of it. As you take off your shirt, you don't notice Kate's eyes lingering on your body. You are muscular it's hard not to be after putting so much work in at the gym, her eyes are tracing the tattoos on your body, from your legs up. You’re  turned away from her, so she has a perfect view of your wide back. She isn’t sure why she’s staring, but it seems natural to do so, so she lets herself. As you turn around to face her, you zip up the suit to your waist, looking for a shirt you took with you. You don't want to ruin your nice clothes, that's why you asked Kate to pack something up herself as well. You look at her. She seems to be stuck for a moment, and her face is red.

“Are you okay?” You reach out to her, worried that she might be on the verge of crying because of her breakup, unaware that the reason for her state is completely different. Kate on the other hand is trying to understand what's happening to her. Nobody was ever as sweet to her as you, so protective and caring. Nobody held her like you do, nobody was interested in her in the way you are. In the beginning she was trying to figure out if that's your way of hitting on her, but after she got to know you a little bit she understood that it's just your nature. It didn't change the fact that she always feels special when you act protective over her or caring in any way. Late night texts telling her to get home safe, to remember about lunch, calling her love. Or just simply sitting down together and letting her talk while you listen. Just the way you let her be with you is enough to get some ideas in her head. She has been questioning for a long time now if she is attracted to you, but even if the answer is yes, your relationship has always been platonic, and she is aware of that. 

“Yes, yes I am. Dress up, or you're going to get sick.” She stops the topic before you can ask her more questions, not wanting to fall into a hot mess in front of you. 

After you both get dressed and leave your stuff secured in the locker, just in case, you take Kate's hand and tell her to follow you. Her palm is soft but cold to the touch, instinctively you start to rub her hand with your thumb to warm it up and comfort her a little, sensing her nervousness. She’s still playing with her hands, grabbing onto her jewellery and loose strands of fabric fraying off of the partially torn jumpsuit. Your touch seems to bring her a little bit more back into the present. You can hear her taking a big breath in when you soothe her hand, and it seems like her arms are starting to relax a little. 

You moved further into the building, which leaves you in front of a massive, heavy looking reinforced door. Something straight out of the teen wolf series. As you open them, you are both hit with too much sunlight coming out of the skylights. Your eyes take a second to adjust and get past the sting of it, Kate tries to blink the pain away too. As soon as her vision is clear, she gets what all of this is about, and she doesn't know how to feel about it. 

“Wha…what? Y/n I don't think it's necessary.” She comments as soon as she sees a table covered in lots of different kinds of mugs, plates, dishes, boxes and bottles. It's warmer here than anywhere else in the building, probably because of the sun coming through the windows. She understands now why the doors are so thick. She waits for your answer, but you leave her in silence. You move to the deep right corner of the room and grab two aluminium bats and two helmets secured in the covered box. Your weapon is strictly for looks, you are not going to participate in breaking today, this day is all about Kate and you need to focus on her. 

“Take it.” She shakes her head, refusing to do so. 

“Kate, take it, please.” She does see that you are being really serious about it. It feels heavy in her hands at first, but her muscle memory is trained on such a good level that it takes her just a minute to get used to the handle and balance of the bat. 

“I don't need it. I know you think I'm sad and heartbroken but I'm not, okay?  It's for the best and we both know it yn.” She pleads with you, it all seems really unnecessary for her. 

“Kate..” you come close to her and put  your free hand on her cheek. “ You are heartbroken, you are tired and you are sad, but most of all you are angry. I can see you holding your fist together every time someone mentions your mother.” Exactly the thing she does as soon as the words leave your mouth. “ I know that you feel betrayed by Val, it doesn't matter if you loved her or not. She abused you for so long, just as your mother. Dont hate me for it but I think you chose her for a reason.” She looks at you not believing your words, and takes a step back. Her eyes ask you what you mean by that and you know she felt a sting because of your assumption. You straighten out your posture and keep going, gambling your friendship in the name of her sanity. 

“You have been controlled since your father died.”

“Stop.” Her voice is low but the tone of it is threatening.

“Your mother uses you as her personal project, to be honest I'm not sure if she was ever a real mother to you.” You continue not letting yourself back up no matter what. She needs this.

“I said stop.” Her voice is louder letting emotions take over a little.

“ Were you saying stop when Val hit you? Or when she was pouring alcohol in your system so she could take advantage of you? You didn’t deserve any of this” She is crying at this point and it pains you to see.

“All those times I was picking you up from her apartment seeing a new bruise on you, all those times when you got hell from your mother or from your girlfriend because you had to choose one and there were no other options in your life. This is not love Kate, it never was.” 

“Nobody asked you to take care of me!!” She is screaming now and you decided to match her energy. 

“BUT I DID! I was cleaning the fucking cuts, i was holding the ice bags and i had to watch you being broken everyday! I had to restrain myself of fucking her up everyday because of your feeling towards her!” Kate never knew about this, so that information is shocking, her head unfortunately for both of you took a defensive state so everything you say is taken personal. !!!

“ If that was such a fucking issue for you you could’ve just told me! I would never ask you for help if I knew!’ The bat in her hand is flying around, she always uses her hands while speaking so it's normal, in this situation though it's a little dangerous. 

“It's not about me ! Its about you Kate, about people fucking you over and over again and you allowing them. It's about the fact that you are angry and you don't let yourself go!”

“I'M NOT ANGRY. I'M IN PAIN! AND THEY’VE PUT ME THERE” With that she delivers a first hit to the stack of plates. It's not in the center so plates end up falling from the table while  breaking a couple of them. It's hard to aim when your face is covered in tears. You grab her arm before she can do a second strike stopping her mid flight. She tries to get out of your hold pushing you away with her other arm but you are one step ahead and you let go of your bat to grab both of her hands. You take her into a strong embrace letting her totally break down in tears. She cries, and it sounds like something she loved, someone she loves has died, maybe a part of her. Her voice is broken and you can hear her asking why, while you drop with her to the floor not letting go for even a second. She is still fighting to get out of your arms but you know that she is not fighting with you. You put your hand on her head closing any space left between you and you try to calm her crying a bit.

“I got you Kate… I'm right here with you, I'm not leaving…. ever. You can let go… just let go, I'm holding you.” And she does. She lets go of all the pain she feels at the moment, lots of memories coming back to her in a big feeling of chaos. It is hard for her to focus on one feeling, one problem, one pain so she grabs on to you tighter trying to ground herself in your touch. She starts paying attention to your fingers tracing patterns on her back, on your breathing being slow and deep and she tries to match it the best she can with her own. She focuses on the vibrations she can feel on her head that are coming from you humming her favorite melody. She finds peace in it and after a little while she slowly lets go of you to take a deep breath in and look at your face. You smile at her with the most genuine smile that she ever saw. 

“Why are you so happy?” She is teasing you, you know she is.

“Because I'm proud of you Katie… so proud.” Your voice is low and soft, like the silence after the storm, like the moment when the rain stops falling abruptly after ripping the sky open with its force. 

You help her stand up and that's the exact moment that she sees blood on your face. Her breath hitches while she points at your cheek. You touch the place and realize that while she hit the plates one piece of them got stuck in your skin. You take it out with almost no force and wipe already dried blood off of you. 

“That's why we wear helmets.” You pick up the gear that was left on the floor, and help her put it safely on her head. After doing the same you hand her a bat and let her have an outlet for all of the forgotten feelings hidden inside of her for so long. Sounds are loud, rapid but so satisfying. Pieces of glass are landing on the walls, the floor and your clothing. At first she was shy with her hits, but you can see that she got more comfortable with the whole idea and actually put some work into it. You hold your cold bat in your left hand, it's only a prop, because today it's about Kate…. today is about Kate yn… You tell yourself trying to suppress any emotions you might have with this whole situation. Stacks of beer glasses seem to have your name written all over them. The bat you are holding gets a little bit heavier in your hand when you tighten your fist around it. Your veins become visible because of the pressure and your eyes are focused on the target, never looking away from it but holding yourself back as much as you can. Just when you start to feel yourself going into emotions, all of the glasses break in front of your eyes. A big hit delivered by Kate crashes them into pieces and powder, and with that she says that it's the last one that she needed. It brings you back out of your head and you nod at her, pointing to the door. 

After leaving the room you give some time for Kate to change into her clothes while you are sweeping the floor to make it nice and tidy, mainly safe. You put down all the equipment and as you move into the room with a locker you can hear Kate humming the same melody you were trying to calm her down with. It warms you from the inside, the fact that you understand her and she trusts you enough to show you the most raw parts of herself. While you change Kate decided to look around some other rooms in the building. Some of them are holding more stuff to break, some of them have camping equipment, making her acknowledge that you probably spend some nights here. As you catch up to her you see that she found one of the most important places for you. The biggest room in this whole building has two chairs in the middle of it and 5 plastic boxes on the right side of it. Chairs are facing one wall, a wall covered in graffiti, with big sentences written in the middle of it. You lean on the entrance while Kate is trying to take it all in. 

“What's that? Ver- Verba Vo…” “Verba Volant Scripta Manent. Spoken words fly away, written words remain.” You explain to her, trying to get her to understand what this place is about. “And what's all over that?” “All the reasons why me and Shuri were coming here. Tony Stark, Loki, work, even when I was arguing with you guys.” You laugh a little at the memory. “Even your mom.” You see her go closer to the wall as she eyes your mothers name written on the wall in the most chaotic way she ever saw. She puts her hand on the cold concrete and touches it lightly, collecting some dirt on her fingers by accident. She doesn't seem to care though. She turns with glossy eyes to look at you and a second later you are holding her in your arms. She is not angry anymore, but sad. Tears flow out while you hold her and allow her to feel all the emotions at once. She doesn't have to pretend with you, she never should. She lets you go and look at your face. Her cold hand lands on your cheek as she is trying to take care of you, leaving some of the dirt on your skin. It throws you off guard for a second because you didn't realize you were crying with her. As soon as you do you whip off the tears that escaped and hand her spray can from one of the plastic boxes.

“Write Katie, everything that's on your shoulders, write it out of you. It will stay here, and you will move on without it.” “Verba Volant Scripta Manent.” She repeats your mantra butchering latin pronunciation, making you laugh. 

“Exactly.” You give her a nod and encourage her to start letting go of all the things that are in her heart. She is a little shy at first but gets a hold of it really quickly. She writes dates, names, words like work, comfort, cheating, fear. With each word she seems to be lighter and you enjoy the view. Carefully she writes everything down avoiding your drawing, your motto, which you really appreciate. As she finishes her work she takes a couple of steps back and enjoys the art of it. You join her, kiss the top of her head and take out of the box the last can, red one to put one last statement. She watches you really carefully as you go to her part of the wall and above everything she has written, you spray a big red word, saying “Rebirth”. As you turn around, a little bit dirty and tired, you feel happiness filling you in as she is smiling at you, in a way you haven't seen in a long time. 

After closing up everything and making sure that the whole place is secured and tidy you make your way to the car. Kate is surprised to see an emotional hangover setup at the back of her car. Bottle of water, her favorite snack and tissues waiting for her, set down with love and care. It always amazes her how you can think in the future. There were countless situations in both your lifes when something unusual, tragic or just really out of nowhere came up and you are always ready for it. At least you seem to be. You are not talking much to each other while going back, no words needed between both of you. Kate can sense that it took a hold on you too so she provides comfort by playing with your hair on the back of your neck while you drive. 

“I texted her.” Kates breaks the silence for a second, her voice barely above whisper. 

“What did you say?” 

“I broke up with her, I officially ended it, and I blocked her.” You put your hand on hers, letting her know you are right next to her. She expected you to be happy but you were always better for her then she anticipated.

“And how do you feel about it?” You ask tenderly. 

“It hurts… I know she wasn't good, she never was, but she meant a lot and it… it just hurts.” You nod your head waiting for her to continue, giving all the space she might need. 

“ But it's going to heal, and as much as it pains me I also feel lighter. I need it. Thank you yn, for everything.” She interviews her fingers with yours and allows silence to take over, leaving you both in each other's comfort. 

Next chapter

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[hurt-care]

The Wedding Date

I've had this idea for a fic for a few weeks and I just had to write it! It's been AGES since I've written and I got this one out pretty quickly, but I hope it's fun to read.

OCs, M/F relationship M, allergies Scenario - old college friends reconnect at a wedding. One of them is suffering from some spectacular hayfever. The other has a thing for sneezing....

-----

Pulling at the waist of her dress, Katie fidgeted as she looked around the gathering crowd. It was a warm spring day in Austin; not too hot but still brilliantly sunny. It was her first time visiting Texas and while she knew that she would eventually run in to some people she knew at this wedding, for now the people nearby were all strangers. She was in town to celebrate the wedding of her college friends, Ashleigh and Tim. They'd all met in Chicago but had since all moved away. Katie had continued on to Utah for a graduate degree and had since settled in Colorado. Ashleigh and Tim had moved to Austin where Tim had grown up. Katie was one of a handful of people who had flown in from out of town for the event while most of the guests were local friends and family of the couple.

Suddenly, Katie saw a familiar face across the lawn. They were all gathered on the grounds of a local museum in the midst of a beautiful five-acre property with sprawling gardens and trees. There, standing alone at one of the scattered cocktail tables, was Ben.

The last time she'd seen him was their graduation ceremony over six years ago. He'd lost some of the boyish roundness to his face and was sporting an unfamiliar scruffy beard, but he otherwise looked just the same as she remembered. Her heart skipped a beat as he looked up and met her eyes. She'd had an impossibly huge crush on him for all four years of school but she'd never had her chance to act upon it. He'd arrived at college already attached to a girlfriend from high school and they'd been together on and off all four years that Katie had known him. 

He started to cross the lawn towards her. He was wearing a navy linen suit with a green tie and as he got closer, she could see that he looked...upset? His eyes were red and puffy. Suddenly, he paused his stride and turned his head away, tucking his face into the crook of his arm.

Katie froze as she watched him jerk with a sneeze. Oh god.

She's had a weird kink as long as she can remember. She always found sneezing to be strangely endearing and now her college crush was walking towards her and he was clearly suffering from allergies.

He recovered from the sneeze and approached her.

“Hey Katie!” he said. “Didn't know I'd see you here!”

His voice was subtly congested and he sniffled audibly at the end of the statement. She tried not to stare too intensely at him but it was hard not to notice his swollen eyes and nose.

“Hi Ben!” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady as they embraced in a swift hug. “So good to see you! How're things?”

He was smiling at her but his expression was faltering and his eyebrows furrowed while his mouth hung open and he panted with a few shallow breaths.

“Sorry,” he said haltingly. “I have to---teh...ehTSGHH!!”

He turned away again, catching the sneeze with steepled hands.

“Ugh, sorry,” he reiterated. “Allergies. It's my first time in Texas and I didn't really realize how bad it would be here.”

“Ah,” she said, feeling her cheeks burn and she hoped she wasn't visibly blushing as bright red as it felt like she was. “I hear they're awful here. Cedar or something.”

He nods, fishing in his pocket and retrieving a bit of a well-used tissue. “I should've taken something stronger than my regular stuff but I guess it's too late now. Anyway, how're you? You look great! Whereabout are you living these days?”

She feels herself blush more. “Thanks! Um...I'm in Denver, actually. Finished grad school last spring and moved there in the fall. So it's been about six months. I like it, but I miss Chicago. Are you still there?”

“Yeah, I'm still at the bank. It's good. I saw Tim and Ashleigh in the fall actually. They came up to visit, which was nice. Tim was in town for work so they made a week of it.”

He pressed the tattered tissue to his nose as he spoke. Katie bit her lip, watching him with a mix of awe and embarrassment. His bright blue eyes, the feature that had first attracted her to him, were still beautiful and stood out thanks to his navy suit. But they were bloodshot and puffy today, clearly irritated and itchy.

“Maybe we should find our seats for the ceremony?” she suggested, glancing towards the rows of folding chairs where much of the crowd was gathering now. “See if we can find anyone else from school? I heard Mark was coming. And I think Amy too.”

“Sure! Yeah, I talked to Mark and he can't make the ceremony but he'll be coming to the reception after dinner. I'm not sure about Amy.”

They made their way over to the chairs and picked out seats. Beside her, Ben sniffled thickly and rubbed at his nose. She took out her phone, subtly checking her appearance in the camera to ensure she wasn't beet-red. Witnessing him in the midst of the allergy attack was doing her heart-rate no favours. He groaned quietly and put a palm to his eye, wiping away some tears as they watered. 

When the ceremony music began, she gave mental thanks for the distraction from the spectacle at her side. The bridal party processed down the aisle and the crowd rose to stand for the bride. Ashleigh looked radiant as she walked towards the front of the ceremony space and stood opposite Tim. The officiant welcomed the crowd and invited them to be seated.

At her side, Ben turned and stifled two sneezes into his arm. Eh-GHXT! Tsh-GXHT!

He sniffled wetly and pressed his knuckles to his red, swollen nose. Out of the corner of her eye, Katie could see a damp spot around his nostrils. Digging in her purse, she retrieved a small folded tissue and held it out to him. 

“Oh god, thank you,” he whispered.

“I brought it in case the vows made me tear up but I think you need it more,” she whispered back. 

He pressed the folded tissue to his nostrils and almost instantly sneezed again, barely managing to stifle the sound.

Ehh-TSGHXXT!

Katie crossed her legs, feeling herself flooding with arousal and hoping that the ceremony would be short. Thankfully, it was. As the bride and groom were announced, the crowd rose to their feet and cheered the new couple.

“They look great,” Ben said as the bride and groom walked by. He turned and smiled at Katie.

“They do,” she agreed. His smile at her gave her a sudden jolt of confidence.

“Hey, she asked. “Are you still dating Amelia? Why isn't she here?”

“Oh,” Ben said, sounding a little surprised. “Oh, no, we broke up ages ago. When we were still in school actually. Close to the end of our last year.”

“Oh,” Katie replied, feeling herself growing bolder. “Are you seeing anyone else now?”

“No,” Ben said. “I've been single for a bit. Work is busy and all that. I'll get back out there eventually. What about you?”

“Err..no one at the moment,” she replied.

“Well then I hope you'll agree to be my dance partner tonight,” he said. “If I can stop sneezing long enough to dance.”

She was sure now that she was visibly blushing.

“I'd like that, yeah,” she stammered. “And it's fine. We know it's not contagious. Anyway, let's go find the cocktail bar. I need a drink.”

“Agreed,” he said. “My throat is so dry. Hopefully a few glasses of wine knocks the hay-fever out of me. Shall we?”

He extended his bent arm to her. She was surprised by the gesture but took his arm and smiled.

“Lead the way!”

They walked across the sunny lawn towards the bar. There was already a small line formed and as they took their place at the end, Katie could hear Ben's breath catch.

She tried not to turn and stare, but she couldn't help it. He steepled his hands over his nose and bent at the waist, sneezing forcefully.

Hehh-TSCHOOO!

He sniffled with a wet sound and didn't remove his hands from his face. She heard his breath gasp and he pitched forward with a small fit of rapid sneezes.

Nghh-TSGHT! Ehh-TSCHHT! Hehhh....ehhh-TSCHIIHEHHH!

He kept one hand over his nose as he fumbled for the tissue she'd given him earlier. A tear from his irritated eyes fell down his cheek.

“Bless you,” she said softly, feeling as if she was saying something much more flirtatious. 

“Sorry,” he muttered, trying to clean himself up a little.

“Why don't you go find us a quiet spot to sit and I'll get the drinks?” she offered. 

“That would be great,” he said, his voice cracking hoarsely. “White wine please. I'll get a spot over by that gazebo.”

He gestured to a sheltered spot on the far side of the lawn and she nodded. “See you in a few.”

With Ben gone, she can let her guard down for a second and she exhales, fanning her face with her hand for a moment. The spring day suddenly feels much warmer. She gets two glasses of white wine and carries them towards the gazebo.

Ben is sitting on a bench looking miserable. His eyes are more swollen now and he is dabbing his nose with the rapidly-disintegrating tissue.

“Thanks,” he said as she handed him one of the glasses. He took a long sip. “Sorry I'm such a mess. It's really nice to see you, Katie.”

“It's fine,” she said. “Really.”

“You look great. That dress is perfect on you.”

She looked at him in wonder. Was he flirting with her?

“That suit is great on you too. Blue is your colour. I always thought you had the nicest blue eyes.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I'm glad you're here. To be honest, I wasn't even sure I was going to come because I wasn't sure I'd know anyone besides Ashleigh and Tim. They're the only ones I've really kept in touch with besides Rachel but she just had a kid in March and couldn't come.”

She was momentarily distracted by the flaring of his nostrils and she stared as he built up to another sneeze. He gave a faint growl of frustration before he turned and sneezed into his arm.

Ehh-TSCHEHH!

“Goddammit...ahh, sorry,” he said with a sniffle. 

For a moment he stared at her and she stared back, unsure of what to say. In the distance, the DJ turned down the cocktail party music and announced that everyone should take their seats for dinner and the introduction of the bridal party.

“I guess we should find our seats,” Ben said. 

They were seated at the same table they discovered upon examining the seating chart. Also at the table were a few university friends and a few of Tim and Ashleigh's friends from Austin. The dinner conversation was casual and fun, but Katie found herself distracted by Ben's continued battle. He excused himself to the bathroom at one point halfway through dinner and he returned with a much redder nose, evidently having blown it multiple times. 

With dinner over, the DJ put on a popular song and encouraged the crowd towards the dance floor.

“I know I said I'd dance with you but I don't know how much longer I can stand this,” Ben said in Katie's ear. He gestured towards his face.

“Just a few songs and then I'll leave you to the mercy of an Uber to the drug store before it closes,” she said boldly. “You promised.”

They went towards the dance floor, joining the crowd. They started to dance and she moved her body closer to him, emboldened by the glasses of wine in her now. He was warm and his breath was hot against her skin as they embraced, swaying to the beat.

Someone came by with a tray of shots and they joined a group of cheerful bridesmaids, swallowing the tequila in one swift go before resuming their dancing.

“I can't believe I'm saying this but I had such a crush on you during school,” Katie says into Ben's ear. 

He looked at her and grinned.

“You did not!”

“I did!” she shouted back over the music. 

“Funny how things work out,” he said into her ear. 

The music shifted to a ballad and the crowd thinned a little as couples joined up to dance. Ben put his hands around Katie's hips and they embraced, moving to the music. 

“Would....is it okay with you if I kiss you?” he asked.

She didn't bother to respond, instead simply pressing her lips to his. Their noses touched and she could feel a bit of moisture from his. He pressed his lips back more firmly, getting lost in the moment. They broke the kiss and he turned his lips to her neck, kissing there. She ran her fingers through his hair, somewhat lost in disbelief that all her college fantasies were coming true tonight.

He froze in her arms suddenly, his lips leaving her neck. He didn't have time to react and she can feel him shudder as the sneeze bursts out of him unexpectedly.

Hehh-TSTZHHTT!

He managed to stifle it enough to avoid completely spraying her but she felt a small bit of moisture hit her skin.

“Oh my god I'm so sorry,” he gasped, pulling away and putting a hand over his nose. “I'm so sorry Katie. Fuck, this is so embarrassing.”

She burned hot from her own embarrassment and desire.

“Let's go somewhere else for a minute,” she suggested, taking his arm gently.

He let her drag him away and when they were out of sight of the other guests, he turned to her, looking humiliated.

“I'm so sorry...I didn't feel it coming and....”

She reached out and touched his cheek affectionately.

“It's okay,” she assured him. “I know it's not catching. I'm just sorry you're uncomfortable.”

He nods, staring down at his hands. 

“Damn it. I was really having a good time.”

His cheeks were flushed red now too.

Maybe it was the tequila or maybe it was the knowledge that tomorrow he'd go back to Chicago and she'd go back to Denver....but whatever it was, Katie found herself making a bold proposal.

“I have a suggestion,” she said. “It's....well, it's pretty forward but we've established that the crush is mutual, yeah?

He looked at her curiously. “Yeah.”

“I have a room at the hotel to myself. And I don't think the pollen count is going to improve tonight and you're just going to keep suffering if you stay here. So.....would you want to come back to my room?

His red, swollen eyes widened.

“I....well, yeah, sure....I'd like that. Can't be that attractive for you though, can I? There's a lot of snot happening, well...like all over here.”

He gestured to his face.

She remained silent for a moment, biting her lip. She'd never admitted her kink to a partner before. 

“I don't know if I can tell you this, Ben,” she said. “It's really....it's awkward. I don't know if I can say it out loud.”

“You can tell me. I promise I won't laugh.”

“It's...I have a thing. I guess you could say it's a kink. I...I don't mind sneezing.”

“You don't mind sneezing?”

“I guess I mean I like it.”

He stared at her a moment and then a grin split across his face.

“Oh!”

“Yeah...”

He laughed and shook his head. 

“I know I said I wouldn't laugh but I'm not laughing at you. I...jesus, Katie, I'd say you're in luck tonight!”

She grinned back at him.

#dustyfic #sneezefic #snzfic #snzfucker #snzblr

[some-of-us-watch-the-sunset-too]

hi i am re-entering into my outsiders era a bit so i have a lil request - the gang being friends w an art kid? like drawing and painting and sculpting and stuff

The boys with an art kid reader

A/N: i know the second req said hcs but i really wanted to write a little piece for this! also i’m in that mid-year phase where i want it to be christmas already so this is set at christmas. Y/N and Two-Bit are a bit of a thing cause i love two bit and i wanna write cute things with him so shush

Tags: fluff

Warnings: none!

It was Christmas eve at the Curtis house, the gang had a tradition of doing their gift-giving then rather than Christmas day so everyone could spend the day with their families, though they normally met up later in the day anyway. “Woah Y/N this is amazing!” ponyboy stared in awe of the bookmark y/n made for him with a sunset painted on it with watercolour. “I’m glad you like it.” Y/N gave Pony a warm smile and handed a bigger package to Darry. He opened it and smiled to himself. “A new baking bowl! just what i needed!” Soda laughed. “Grandma Dar and his baking.” Darry set the bowl down carefully far away from them so it wouldn’t get broken before pulling Sodapop into a headlock. “i won’t make you cookies no more then, see how you like that!” The two wrestled on the ground before Soda gave up. Y/N laughed and handed presents to the rest of the gang.

Johnny gasped when he opened his present. Dally looked over at him and could’ve sworn he was close to tears. “Y/N this is beautiful.” He looked at the small piece of paper in his hand. it was a pencil drawing of all the gang together, it was small enough to fit into a wallet, which y/n knew johnny carried around because all the gang had pitched in to buy it for his birthday. Y/N smiled but was interrupted before they could say anything by soda stomping his feet. Y/N had made him a watercolour painting of a horse, he recognised who it was right away. it was his horse, mickey mouse. “Y/N how did you get this!!” He was also close to tears but he was smiling from ear to ear. “well it’s a long story, yknow the way my parents own a ranch? well they somehow knew who bought mickey mouse all those years ago and i got in contact with them. i went to their ranch about 4 hours drive away. obviously i didn’t have the money to buy him off the rancher but i got a picture and painted it, that way you’ll always have him.” Y/N smiled. in reality mickey mouse had died about two years ago and that was just a picture the farmer had but Sodapop didn’t have to know that.

Dally opened his gift. “what is it?” Dally looked confused. Y/N laughed. “They’re fingerless gloves, crocheted. that way your hands might be slightly warmer than ice like they normally are, but you can still have full use of your hands cause let’s be honest the fingers are always annoying in gloves.” Dally smiled, he’d never admit it, but he appreciated the thought. “Y/N! This is so cool!” Y/N looked at him and smiled. Steve held up a sleeveless denim jacket with the back panel painted black with “you can’t handle the randle” painted on in big red letters and fire painted at the bottom. The front had little embroideries on it too. all things that meant something to Steve. “Glad you like it!”

“You’re so talented Y/N! But uh- where’s my present?” Two-Bit chuckled, he’d been surprisingly quiet up until now. Y/N gasped “Oh shit. i forgot your present.” They laughed about it and Y/N promised to give it to him the next day. After a while Two-Bit went out to the front porch to smoke a cigarette and Y/N followed him a few minutes later. Once they knew the two of them were alone they turned to Two-Bit. “I didn’t forget your present, i just wanted to give it to you away from the others.” They pulled a small box out of their pocket. it had red wrapping paper and black ribbon on it. Two-Bit took it from them and opened it carefully. Inside was a ring with ‘i love you’ engraved on the inside. On the outside intricate patterns were also engraved, but it didn’t look too busy or cluttered, just pretty and detailed. “i didn’t make this one, but i designed it” Two-Bit put it on and when he rubbed his thumb along the surface he realised it could spin. he played with it for a moment before Y/N spoke again. “it helps to calm you down or distract you when, y’know-” Two-Bit nodded. Y/N knew he struggled with anxiety, all the gang did to a degree, but he had it the worst by far. “it’s beautiful darlin, it really is. Thank you.” Two-Bit hugged Y/N before looking around to see if anyone was there. when he was sure there wasn’t he gave them a quick kiss. none of the boys knew about the two of them, and they don’t want any of them finding out this way. “Happy christmas my love.” Y/N whispered. “Happy christmas.” Two replied, smiling to himself.

#i love Two-Bit don’t you dare give out abt him being the love interest #the outsiders #ponyboy curtis #dallas winston #darry curtis #sodapop curtis #johnny cade #steve randle #two-bit mathews #dallas winston x reader #ponyboy x reader #johnny cade x reader #steve randle x reader #darry curtis x reader #sodapop x reader #two bit x reader #darry x reader #sodapop curtis x reader

[claiestve]

hiii clai 💗

was wondering if you could do a story where pickle hasn't enjoyed/celebrated their birthday in the past, due to their parents not seeing it as important (this totally isn't me), and isaac helps them make them feel like their day is actually special <3

it's my birthday this friday so I was just wondering

(btw ilysm and your writings are so scrumptious mwah <3)

𝐀𝐬 𝐈𝐟 𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 ꨄ Isaac

˜”* ❝𝘼𝙨 𝙞𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚'𝙨 𝙣𝙤 𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬, 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚.❞

⎯⎯ ୨ ୧ ⎯⎯

ꜱʏɴᴏᴘꜱɪꜱ: ɪꜱᴀᴀᴄ ꜱᴜʀᴘʀɪꜱᴇꜱ ʏᴏᴜ ᴏɴ ʏᴏᴜʀ ʙɪʀᴛʜᴅᴀʏ!

⎯୨⎯ " " ⎯୧⎯

You hear music coming from Isaac’s study. Like, loud, happy music. It was really unlike him to play music so loud and so happy especially this early in the morning. You tried to think what would be different today. End of the week? No, Isaac doesn’t care about that kind of stuff. Maybe he’s doing something super happy? Well, no. You skipped over the fact that it was your birthday. You never cared too much for it, even as a kid. So that couldn’t be it… or could it?

You shrug it off and go back to work, enjoying the company of the music. The more you worked though, the more curious you got. Eventually, you had to go to his study to see just what he could be doing. 

Knock knock

“Isaac?”

You knock a few more times before twisting the knob. 

“I’m coming in, okay?”

As you open the door, you can hear shuffling and the music turning off. Your eyes meet Isaac’s and he looks… crazy. 

“What are you doing?” You ask him, giggling. 

He catches his breath, “Happy Birthday, Pickle! Ah-” 

You stare at him with confusion. Was this man seriously out of breath and playing loud music just because it was your birthday? That’s new. 

“Thank you? Does that have anything to do with, um, this?”

He looks at you dumbfounded. As if it wasn’t painfully obvious that he was going to surprise you. To be fair, he wasn’t even in bed when you woke up. 

“Of course! Here, I got you a gift too,” He rummages through his things and finds a small box with a bow on it, “Here.”

You take the box into your hand and open it to see a bunch of Polaroids of you and him. You dump them into your hand and look through them, smiling. Some of them were candids you didn’t know he took of you. 

“Isaac… thank you.” 

He wraps his arms around you and rocks the both of you back and forth. 

“That’s not all though. Do you remember when we were looking at places to go to?”

“Oh yeah, a few weeks ago.”

“Remember the fancy one that you were obsessing over?” He asks with the biggest smile on his face. 

“Uh huh…”

“Well, I may have made a reservation.” 

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

The rest of the day, Isaac wasn’t letting you do anything. He would’ve volunteered to be the ground you walk on if he could. You kept getting texts from people Isaac works with wishing you a happy birthday. Of course, he forced them to but you appreciated it either way. At the restaurant you two went to, he took more and more pictures of you while smiling the whole time. He really knew how to make a day like this special for you and you loved it. 

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

I love how the isaac's listener is pickle now

HAPPY BIRTHDAY @youngwriterofthecentury <3 im sorry this was so shortt

know i normally do ariana gif but lisa fit sm better

#zsakuva #asmr #sakuverse #zsakuvaxreader #isaac #isaacrhodes

[marleyybluu]

Hi I have a request for Rio (sorry it might be a bit long)

So the reader is like the queen of the empire (she's his wife) along with rio being the king obviously like in the show and yk on like the first or second episode when he's in Beth's house interrogating Beth and the girls his wife is there to, in a badass outfit and she doesn't like Beth at all no matter what rio says about her so she's talking really calm and stuff and interrogating Beth more than the other girls and rio let's her have her moment. (They have a daughter around 3 or 4) When they get home rio goes and puts her to bed. He comes back to reader and she's like mad because she doesn't like Beth and the way she looks at him, it leads to an argument that wakes up they're daughter and she's scared that they will get a divorce since her bestfriends parents did from an argument. They reassure her and everything that they aren't getting a divorce and never will then they put her back to bed and they make up with soft makeup sex. Sorry it's kind of out of order in a way

Pairing: Rio x black!reader Warnings: smut, my writing skills, cussing, bit of jealousy, mentions of guns, attempted murder on Beth (?), bit of choking but in a loving way

Word Count: 3.9k

sn: I know this probably wasn't exactly as the request was written but ... I guess it's close? sorry. Also dk what to title this either.

reader's outfit

(not my pic. got this off pinterest.)

"Where's my money Elizabeth?" A question that seemed to be asked at least once or twice a month. And it was a question that YN was sick of asking, all her other plugs, and cash cover-ups never had this problem. Just Elizabeth.

The desperate housewife sat around her dinner table in fear as she, her sister Annie and their friend Ruby came face to face with the consequences of their actions. The three wives and mothers robbed a grocery store almost a year ago, in this shitty economy YN understood the reasoning but she couldn't excuse it this time because the money that they stole, belonged to her and her husband Rio.

The couple had worked hard for what they had, no they didn't have a regular 9-5  that wasn't their thing they were more into fast money and money that couldn't be taxed. They had drugs and fake cash that was laundered through stores just like the grocery store the girls hit. They moved weight through the States and sometimes Canada. They built their empire from the ground up, falling out with each other once in a while but it never lasted long.

When they first hunted down the women YN wanted her money and to be done with them, however, Rio had different plans despite his wife's warning that one day they'd rat him out. More specifically Elizabeth. YN didn't like her. Didn't like the way she looked at Rio, talked to him, or playfully touch him but he always reminded her that it wasn't a big deal and he had no feelings toward the older woman. But she didn't care, she felt disrespected... it was disrespectful.

Elizabeth was on thin ice.

YN sat down with her pistol in her lap, her leg draping over the other, a scowl on her face. She watched as Beth's eyes ran down her body, taking in who was in front of her YN was covered in an all-brown set, she wore a dark brown top paired with light brown pants, her brown leather thigh-high heels and her long brown coat-- she flipped her hair over her shoulder and leaned forward.

"I'm waiting for an answer."

"Why don't we wait until Rio gets here?" Beth bit. YN smirked. "Because I'm here, bitch. This is my money sweetie in case you forgot. And if I ever feel like it I could clip you right now."

Beth swallowed and darted her eyes over to Annie. Annie quickly shook her head declining any offer to speak. Beth sighed reaching behind her chair and dropping a heavy black duffle bag on the table, YN nodded for Mick-- their right-hand man, to go count the money and see if it was all there. Beth and YN never broke eye contact, it was like a catfight was going on without anyone ever physically fighting. She noticed the sly smirk on YN's face, almost the same one Rio always had.

Just then, the back door opened causing everyone to turn around thinking Beth's husband had come home early but it was just the man of the hour and the one Beth was waiting to see. "Sorry, I'm late, Elora is hard to bribe." He chuckled at the statement about their daughter. "How'd she shake you down this time?" YN asked changing from her work voice to her home voice, which was a lot softer. When it came to him she was lovesick, a softie, a simp. And the feeling was mutual from his end. Rio planted a quick kiss on her lips before explaining his story. "She said to me if I don't give her some Cheetos before I left, she won't talk to me again." YN stifled a laugh, the five-year-old knew how to guilt trip her own father. "You gave her the small bag?"

His sudden silence was the answer for her. "You are a sucker."

The three women watched in a mixture of amazement and shock, it was like they'd forgotten they were in a room full of people. It amazed Beth to see YN go from intimidating to almost submissive. He delivered another kiss, this one lingering for a while. He couldn't get enough of her. "This a new outfit? You look good ma." Rio pulled back to ask, his breath tickling her chin. "Thank you." She smiled pinching his nose. The mood changed as Rio finally acknowledged the women in the room. "Ladies, I hope all our money is there."

"It is." Beth squeaked. Mick counted the last of the cash and turned around shaking his head. "Oh, so close," YN said sarcastically as she pouted. "Be nice." He nudged. Rio wasn't blind to the bit of jealousy that his wife expressed, but she knew that business was business and usually kept her attitude to herself at his request. She stood up from her seat and sashayed over to the table where the women sat, she placed her hands in her pockets and shrugged. "You're short," Said YN. "No, we're not," Annie replied.

She tilted her head. "Yeah, you are love."

"Actually, we're over." Annie pulled a shoebox from under the table, it's assumed she had it there the whole time, she opened the box and presented YN with... "Dolls?" YN looked over her shoulder at Rio and raised her eyebrows. "They brought us dolls. Maybe Elora can play with them."

Rio chuckled and nodded. Annie began to take out a few and line them up on the table. "These are super rare collectibles." She continued. "Treasures." Beth slyly chimed in only to receive sharp daggers from the woman. "These rare treasures go from ten to fifteen G's on eBay." Annie persuaded. "And you don't even have to worry about legwork because we've done most of it for you."

YN liked Annie, she was amusing and if she had to sell you a story she would go all out for it. It was Ruby's turn to speak, she slid a folder toward her, she liked Ruby as well-- she didn't say much. "These are the username and passwords to our eBay accounts, plus auction tips to maximize your profits."

She took a moment to really comprehend what they were telling her, her shoulders bounced as a petty laugh followed. "So, you want us to sell your dolls?" Still not calling them by their correct name. Beth squinted. "Tell her about Hans."

YN gasped playing along. "Oh, I would love to hear about Hans."

"Let me show you our little drummer boy," Annie nervously chuckled, YN leaned down resting her arms on the table presenting the palm of her hand, her brown stiletto nails tapping against the wooden table. The figurine was placed in her hands and she began to examine it, "Hans here is one of only twelve- AAAH!" The girls screamed in unison as Hans was smashed to pieces and scattered in every direction. YN closed her eyes, her nostrils flared as she tried to calm down. "This some kind of joke to you?" Annie opened her mouth to speak but realized the question was rhetorical. YN stood up straight and crossed her arms, she looked over at Elizabeth who had pure fear in her eyes, and that is what she fed off of. "I'm done playing with you guys."

She turned to walk away and nodded at Mick and another man, Ricky, giving them the okay to trash the place. They got straight to it, tossing over flower pots, and decorative plates that sat on top of a mini China buffet and in the process they tipped that over as well smashing anything inside. As the men wandered around the first floor breaking everything in sight the couple sat next to each other watching the chaos. "Hey did you talk to Maurice about that order?" She asked nonchalantly. Rio snapped his fingers. "Knew I was forgettin' somethin'." He responded equally unbothered.

"What are they doing?" She heard Annie ask. "They're making it look like a home invasion."

"So they could kill us." Beth finished. She looked over at the couple who were invested in a different conversation, she scrambled trying to figure out a way to appeal to both of them. "You think we should pick up food on the way home?" YN asked absentmindedly. Rio nodded a bit too distracted by his phone to vocalize his answer. "Wait! Please we can get you the rest of the money!" Ruby begged. "Please! We have children, we have families!"

Mick proceeded to screw the silencer onto the barrel of his gun. YN leaned back waiting for the job to get done, the first person with the barrel to their temple was Elizabeth. A smile crept on YN's face. She was trembling, shaking, her eyes shut tight as she silently begged for a miracle. Ruby and Annie held onto each other as they watched, seemingly reminiscing on all the time they had together as it looked like it was all coming to an end.

Mick looked back for approval from either of them to pull the trigger. Beth noticed YN looking over at Rio waiting for him to put away his distraction enough to give an answer. She wanted to make sure they agreed on what was going to happen. Elizabeth took this opportunity to blurt out, "You guys are idiots."

"Beth!" Annie shouted. YN's head snapped in her direction. "The fuck did you just say?"

That tone was Rio's cue to step in otherwise she'd take this job into her own hands and he needed nothing more than the mother of his child getting her hands bloody. That was his job. "What are you gonna do? Blow our brains out all over the room? That's how it works? Someone shorts you and gets tossed out like trash." She wept. YN didn't need to hear this nor did she want to.

But Rio. Rio let her continue to talk. "No one cares, no one notices. But that's not us. We pay taxes, we... take our kids to P.F Changs. We take orange slices to soccer games."

In the monologue she was delivering not once did she look at YN, all her focus was on Rio. YN sat up with her arms crossed, her eyes shifting between her husband who was drinking in every word and the woman who was feeding them to him. "And when bad things happen to good people, it gets around. News outlets, social media gets a hold of it and there are hashtags everywhere... so if you want all that attention over a few grand, then you're not the smart businessman that you think you are."

She could see her husband taking what Elizabeth said into consideration, as always. She was boiling inside. "So go ahead," Beth challenged. "Tell him to pull the trigger and we'll see what happens."

YN opened her mouth but Rio shook his head, Mick slowly brought the gun down from Beth's skull and she let out a sigh of relief. But YN was pissed, she sucked her teeth and stomped out of the home. What was so good about Elizabeth that Rio spared her life? For as long as they'd been working together she had never seen him let anyone go not even for the smallest things, if he didn't kill them they'd learn their lesson a different way but for Beth he just excused her. She was infuriated, her skin so hot she had to remove her jacket once she got inside her car, she didn't wait for him or the other guys she just sped off to go deal with other business that they had.

Rio could hear the tires screech from inside the house, he hung his head knowing he was in big trouble once he got home. He left the women in Beth's destroyed home, hoping they considered this as a warning and went on his merry way.

The rest of the day was nothing but cold, he only received icy looks from the meeting that he had with his wife. Choosing not to shoot Elizabeth wasn't something he wanted to do but he had to, he didn't want to admit it but Beth was right-- he was just thinking about what would happen if all of it tracked back to them. It was something he worried about constantly especially after having their daughter but he usually had a contingency plan and this time he didn't. At least not yet.

He didn't say anything to her in regards to what happened earlier, his work was his work and the home life he'd deal with at home. Rio checked his watch as he pulled into the driveway of his home, all lights were off except for the light radiating from the television in the living room. He softly smiled knowing Elora was probably awake watching a movie while his grandmother was asleep next to her. The driveway only held his car and her own, there was no site of YN's yet.

He decided to wait in his vehicle until she popped in, he scrolled through their messages. Nothing new. A few minutes later her headlights flashed in his side mirror, he opened his door and stepped out standing with his hands in his pockets. YN sighed stepping out of her car and wandering over to the trunk as if Rio's eyes weren't boring into her every move. The rustling of plastic was heard as she reached for some grocery bags.

"Need help?" He offered, but she ignored him and trudged past him. She unlocked the door leaving him in the dust. "Mommy!" Elora squealed. "Hi pumpkin, how was your day?"

"Great! But Grandma fell asleep again when we were watching Shrek."

Rio shook his head, just like he predicted. Elora turned her attention to her father, running straight into his arms. She was a daddy's girl there was no denying it. She held onto him as he sat her on his hip, and they followed YN into the kitchen. She noticed the big pot on the stove and silently celebrated the fact that her in-law cooked. "Did you get ice cream?" Her daughter asked enthusiastically. "I did, but it's soft. Think you can save it for tomorrow?" She pouted. "Okay,"

"You get anything for me?" He teased, "Mhm."

He rolled his eyes heading back into the living room to wake up the older woman, he had offered her to stay the night but she declined informing him that she had something going on at church the next day. He told her to call so they'd know she was safe and bid her goodnight. The air was still, the tension thicker than cold peanut butter. Elora was all clean and in fresh new pyjamas laying in her bed with a book in her hand, YN and Rio were only one bedroom over. She sat on the edge of their bed putting her bonnet on her head and moisturizing her body. "What did you want me to do baby?" He asked almost in a pleading voice, he hated when she gave him the silent treatment. "You already made your decision Rio."

He huffed. At work he was Rio, at home he was Christopher or baby, or honey, or even baby boy. "Why you lettin' business and jealousy mix mamas? I am yours, I been yours. You know I have no feelings for that bitch."

"Christopher I have told you over and over that this woman is going wait for the right time to turn you the fuck in and it seems like you don't want to hear me." She retaliated raising her voice a bit. "When Beth turns you in do you think it's just you that's getting fucked over? Everything we worked hard for will be gone! Elora won't have her parents anymore because you want to play Captain Save a Hoe. It seems like you're not thinking this time."

Rio clenched his fists. "You don't think I know that? I did that shit because I'm looking out for my family aight? You know I got a plan with all this."

Unbeknownst to them, their daughter stood behind the ajar door holding her stuffed Elephant tightly. She'd never heard such loud volumes from her parents and it was causing her to panic, her small mind suddenly drifting off to her best friend who recently informed her that her own parents weren't together anymore. Elora whimpered, she didn't want that for her family. "Why are you guys yelling?" Her soft voice spoke.

They both turned to the little girl, guilt read on their faces. "Are you guys getting divorced too?"

"Divorced? Baby, no one's getting divorced. Where's this coming from?" Her father asked motioning her to come inside, she was lifted off the floor and into her mother's arms as she sat on her lap. "Nia said her parents used to yell at each other too and now they live in separate homes. Are you guys going to live in separate homes?"

The string of questions crushed them, they never wanted their child or future children to think that about them. Yeah, they had little disagreements here and there but it wasn't enough to hate each other. "Ells, we are not Nia's parents okay? Some adults have disagreements that can't be solved but we always solve ours right?"

YN looked up at Rio, "Mama's right LoLo," He laid down on the bed to get closer to her. "You know how long it took me to make your mommy my wife? Too damn long. I'm not letting her go, trust me. I love her way too much, I love you even more and our family is not going to change."

The reassurance made her feel a bit better, the kiss on her head from her mom softened the blow. "Does that make you feel okay?" YN asked and she nodded. "Alright, bedtime booger," Elora whined. "I'm not a booger."

Rio laughed scooping her in his arms, "Yes you are. Say, goodnight mommy."

"Goodnight mommy."

"Night honey."

He winked at her and ran off with their child. She smiled sincerely hopping off the bed and grabbing their laundry basket, she'd do at least one load before she went to sleep. YN snuck off to the basement and into the laundry room.

Meanwhile, upstairs Rio had fallen asleep in his daughter's bed. A small shift from her turning around woke him, he glanced at the clock in her room it was almost midnight. He carefully slid out of the bed, tiptoed to the door and closed it going unnoticed. He walked down the hall stepping into their bedroom only to be greeted by its emptiness. He turned around and headed down the steps, he peeped inside the living room still no sign of his girl.

He ran down the basement steps to see his wife folding some laundry that had been forgotten in the dryer, her back was turned and she was unaware of his presence. She reached over grabbing another shirt to fold when she felt a sudden trail of fingers run up the sides of her thighs. His chest pressed against her back, the small friction he received was enough to make him grow.

His lips gently pressed against her neck. "You smell good." He mumbled. YN acted as if she was unphased by this but he caught on. "Don't be like that baby, you know you still love me."

She put down the shirt she was folding and turned around to face him, his hand resting on her lower back, pulling her as close as he could. Her hands rested on his face, "You need to listen to me." She poked. "I am." He answered looking down at her, all the love and joy he felt for her could be seen in his eyes. She hated that she couldn't stay mad at him, she could barely last one second, let alone one hour.

He leaned down planting a quick kiss on her lips before saying, "You know I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize you or Elora. I'll do everything to protect yall." 

"I know." She breathlessly replied feeling his lips ghost over hers, she leaned forward softly pressing their lips together, her hands cupping his cheeks pulling him in as close as possible. With no hesitation, Rio dropped his hands under her thighs lifting her off the floor and onto the table in the laundry room where she still had a pile of unfolded clothes. His hands explored her silky smooth skin while they fought feverishly through their kiss. She softly moaned feeling his clothed bulge against her bare clit, he caught on and repeated the action. "Rio... take them off, please." She begged using her feet to pull them down. He chuckled deciding to give her what she wanted. 

Her eyes glued on the hem of his boxers, her brown orbs followed them down to the ground and back up at his girth. She reached down carefully taking him into her hand, she gently tugged him closer to her heat, where she dripped for him. Ached for him, to stretch her out. She ran the tip between her lips, tapping it against her clit before sliding it down and guiding him inside. "Baby..." She whimpered, and he captured her in another kiss. They melted into each other, moaning between smooches until he was fully inside her cove. 

Rio pulled out and pushed back in, her eyes rolled, and he started thrusting agonizingly slow. Her head tipped back and he took the opportunity to connect his lips to her neck, sucking under her jaw as she cried out. "Christopheeeerr..." Lustfully dragging out his name. He covered her mouth whispering, "Do you want Elora to wake up?" 

She shook her head, giggling under his palm. With every hard stroke he gave her the table shook, she was sure it was going to break. YN's nails dug into his biceps, her legs locked around his waist, he could feel her thighs trembling. Her erotic moans went straight to his dick, his hips snapping against hers as he went harder, the sounds of bare skin slapping bounced off the walls. The two silently prayed it'd go unnoticed. 

Rio's hand glided its way up her torso, following the straight path to her neck, she held back a smile as his fingers gently wrapped around the column of her neck. 

He didn't necessarily want to choke her too hard, he just liked the view of it all. Her lips parted as her whimpers came out broken, her eyes closing in absolute pleasure and bliss. He leaned down, whispering sweet nothings to her-- about how much he loved her, how pretty she looked when she was like this. She finally uttered the words, "I'm cumming baby." He continued. Encouraging her to, "Cum all over this dick, mamas." 

YN's body stiffened as a wave of ecstasy washed over her, he smirked easing up on his strokes. "Oooh, yes daddy!" She whined. He delivered one more thrust burying himself in a deep spot, she convulsed around him, she was soaking. He kissed her forehead, down her nose bridge and finally her lips, suppressing her growing moans. Her mind drew a blank as he lay inside her seeping pussy, her constant convulsing around him was enough to bring him a bit closer to his own edge. "You love me?" He muttered. 

"Yes," YN replied. "You trust me enough to know I got us?" 

She nodded.

"Good. You'll always be my priority." 

I don't think yall understand how long this was in my drafts, I did not want to post it but I'm in my "fuck it" mood right now. if you liked this fic feel free to like this fic reblogs and comments are appreciated. I will be deleting some of my fics and rewriting them, some of them just don't feel right to me for some reason, so if you see something with a familiar title it's a re-write.

peace and love

tags: @rio-reid-whoreee @skyesthebomb

#rio x black!reader #rio #goodgirls #rio fanfic #marleysfanfictions #marleywrites #good girls rio #rio good girls #fluff #viewer discretion is advised #rio x reader #smut #rio smut

[thirstyforcharacters]

Healing

Part 3 of the Mistakes Series

Part 1: Mistakes. Part 2: Reconnection

Summary: The past repeats itself, but Joel refuses to make the same mistake twice.

Warnings: angst!! canon typical violence, brief description of gunshot wound, Joel is finally getting good at emotions :)

WC: 1279

Notes: Hellooooo! I wasn’t sure if I was going to write a part 3, but I was inspired, so I wrote the entire thing this morning! Finally, we get to the fluffy stuff, but of course I still had to sprinkle in some angst! This is definitely the last full installment of the series, but I wouldn’t mind writing some blurbs and whatnot about these two, so if you still want to see this pairing, you can totally send me some requests for that :) or if you just want to send requests in general, feel free to do that as well! thank you all so much for reading this series: I’ve never written this much angst before, so I was afraid it wouldn’t turn out well, but I’m super thankful that you all enjoyed Mistakes!!!

PS: anything in italics is a flashback :)

Things were awkward for a while.

You didn’t feel as though you could fully trust him yet. You were too afraid of him hurting you again. But you adored Ellie, and because Ellie insisted upon you coming over and sharing her stack of comic books, Joel slowly became a more consistent figure in your life again. As spring became summer, you learned to trust him more. You told him about your solo travels, how you had taken out a raiding party single handedly and survived more than one encounter with Infected. He opened up to you as well, telling you the tale of how he and Ellie came to Jackson just a few months ago. You really felt for him: the things they had been through were terrifying, and you could see how much the two had grown to care for each other throughout their journey. And seeing the way Joel loved Ellie gave you hope. That maybe he could love you and not shut you out.

Little did you know that that theory would be tested sooner than you expected.

The two of you were paired up for patrol often (which Tommy said was because “you’re one of the only people he tolerates in this town, and I need a break sometimes.”), and today was no different. You were trudging along the craggy mountain path, stepping over long, broken branches, dodging wildlife, and trying not to make too much noise. During this part of the patrol, you always walked in silence, not wanting to attract unwanted attention. There would be time for talking once you got to the safehouse, a cabin that you were now about halfway to.

The silence was broken by a gunshot. You barely remembered what happened next.

You collapsed to the ground, pressing your hand to your stomach as it became coated with red.

Joel couldn’t speak, couldn’t breathe as he saw you fall. He could only think of the first time.

“Sweetheart, please.”

His pleas fell upon deaf ears. Your eyes had fluttered shut as you lost consciousness, unable to reply.

“JOEL!”

Tess’s shout was the only thing that pulled him from his own head. He had never moved so fast, scooping you up without a second thought and sprinting after Tess, carrying you the entire way to Bill and Frank’s without rest.

“Y/n will be okay, Joel,” Tess assured him, “Frank will take care of things.”

Joel nodded, barely hearing as he ran. He needed you. Holy shit, he needed you. More than he needed anyone else in this god-forsaken hellscape. He loved you too much.

He shook it off, seeing the concealed figures through the bushes. He saw red, going after the raiders with a rage he had only felt a few times. When Sarah was shot. When he killed an entire warehouse of Fireflies for Ellie. And now, for you.

The raiders had no chance. They dropped like flies under Joel’s thunderous fury, with knives sunk into their stomachs, gunshots to their hearts, and fists breaking in their faces until they could speak no more. When they were all dead, the threat of any danger to you taken care of, he ran to your side, seeing your eyes were already closed.

“Shit,” he hissed, quickly tearing off strips of his shirt to tie around you and attempt to staunch the bleeding, “I’ve got you, sweetheart. Not fuckin dying on my watch.”

He picked you up, not unlike the first time, as he ran to Jackson. The year and a half between the first time he did this and now was affecting him: his legs burned and his breaths were ragged. But he didn’t stop. Not for a goddamn minute. He needed you.

It felt far too long before he saw the towering, wooden gates to the town, which swung open almost immediately as the gatekeepers saw the scene before them. Joel sprinted down the streets, carrying your limp body to the infirmary.

The doors burst open as Dr. Casey and two nurses saw Joel, frantically looking around with you in his arms.

“Raiders,” was all he could get out, but they understood.

“Here,” the doctor said as calmly as she could, gesturing toward a table, “we’ll get the bullet out and stitch Y/n up. Don’t worry.”

Joel grit his teeth. Don’t worry? How in the absolute hell was he supposed to do that? But he didn’t say a thing as Dr. Casey got to work. He trusted the doctor fully: she was one of the few people who actually was a doctor before everything went to shit, so she knew what she was doing. But he was terrified. He just got you back, and he could lose you again.

One of the nurses, Allen, who had been there when you were first brought to Jackson, looked at him and said, “Joel. Y/n will be okay. We promise.”

He nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat as the door swung open again.

It was Ellie, who for once, didn’t speak. She just gently took Joel’s hand and led him to their home. And he broke down, holding one of his girls as he cried for the other.

It was a few hours before a knock sounded as his door.

It was Allen, who had a soft smile on his face.

“Y/n’s fine. Lost a decent bit of blood, so she’s still weak. But she’s okay. Do you want to se-”

He couldn’t even finish his sentence as Joel bolted past him in the direction of the clinic.

Ellie giggled, “Sorry, he’s just excited. So I’ll thank you for the both of us.”

Allen nodded, smiling a little wider, “Whole town thought he’d be a grump forever. But having both of you in his life seems like it’s helping.”

She smiled, “It’s not just helping him.”

The door to the infirmary burst open again, but with a much different purpose. You were in the corner. You were bandaged and pretty beat up, but you were alive. You and Dr. Casey looked up at the sound of the wooden doors banging against the wall. You couldn’t help the fond smile that made its way onto your features as a blur of a black flannel and blue jeans burst onto the scene, wrapping you up into his tight embrace.

“I’ll leave you alone,” the doctor whispered before disappearing into a back room.

“‘M okay, Joel,” you murmured, your voice muffled into the fabric of his shirt, “you saved me. I’m okay.”

Hearing your voice confirm the very words he needed to hear allowed him to catch his breath.

“Thought I lost you again,” he said, gripping your shirt with calloused hands.

You shook your head, “Didn’t lose me.”

He pulled away, gently cupping your face in his hands. You could see the wetness beginning to gather in his eyes.

“I-” he swallowed hard, “I can’t lose you.”

“You won’t,” you assured him, “I won’t leave you.”

There was still a bit of fear in you. There was still a chance of him pushing you away as soon as you were healed. You were terrified of that possibility.

But any fear you had immediately washed away as his lips pressed to yours. It was years in the making, and the way you felt when you connected made you wish it had happened years ago. He cupped your face so delicately, and his lips mirrored the softness of his hands, kissing you so tenderly you could cry.

It ended too soon, Joel pulling away to whisper, “I’m not leaving you, either. Ever again.”

And you knew it was safe to believe him.

#joel miller #joel miller tlou #joel miller angst #joel miller fluff #joel miller the last of us #joel miller imagine #joel miller fic #joel miller fanfiction #joel miller fanfic #joel miller x reader #joel miller x you #joel miller x y/n #joel miller blurb #joel miller series

[siriannatan]

Ghost of Tumble Town - one shot

Yeah... @doodleshrimps' Bandit AU inspired me to write something about this idea of mine.

Warning, it is a bit sad at the start.

AO3 link for anyone who prefers to read there.

Canon differences (might contain spoilers):

warden wasn't brought to Tumble Town by fWhip,

it killed Jimmy, respawn is not a thing in this au, not for most. Joel and Scott can respawn but that's a god/fae thing and Scott's keeping it a secret,

totems are a thing and can stop you from dying. Very valuable and rare,

Norman and Flick returned as ghosts with Jimmy and the rest of the citizens.

Jimmy missed the hermits' 'visit' while dead/ getting used to being a ghost, not wanting to freak them out.

Scott didn't care how many jabs Joel tossed at him for still visiting Tumble Town even after Jimmy was gone. It wasn't like the 'god' knew Scott was a fae and how distant and foreign concept death was to him. Fae are immortal. He would never die. As long as he had access to magic it is… But that wasn't really death. Not how mortals understood it. A fae without magic just fades away until there are just faint memories of them left. Why Scott was so careful with keeping his real identity a secret? Being known as a weirdo with llamas was better than being known as a powerful fae. Especially with a witch around. As un-witchy as Shubble was it was better to be safe than risk his wings. 

Jimmy, the sheriff was probably the only one who figured him out. Shockingly, considering how dense he was. And didn't treat him any differently. Mostly. He did keep iron away from places Scott would visit in town. Would put his badge away when Scott was around. He did not mind how particular Scott was about specific order of things, and names, and greetings and… and all the fae stuff. Even if Scot never showed him his wings.

Which is probably why he never hid them when visiting Jimmy's grave. It was nothing special. just a mound of mesa sand with a crude cross marking the stop. No one wanted to stick around after the Warden just out of nowhere, seemingly, showed up and wrecked the town. Killing all the citizens and the sheriff. Vanishing without a trace soon after. Only then did the other emperors dare to come and check for survivors. There were none. Not even Jimmy's cats…

It was nearly two months ago. Before the rift business happened. And yet, despite never caring much for mortal races, humans even less than others, Scott found himself coming back again and again. To leave fresh flowers and take away the dry, ruined by howling wind old flowers from the last visit. And quietly tell the silent grave what has happened in the past week. Followed by sitting quietly until the silence and lack of colour drove him almost insane. 

Just to repeat it next week.

And so, Scott sat, his wings covering the grave in pretty colours with the light of the setting sun. Thinking it's about time to go back to Chromia. Not that they couldn't survive one night without him. Owen shouldn't be too much of an issue for some time…

"You brought poppies today…"

A sudden, familiar but impossible voice had Scott jolting to his feet and looking around. No one was on the ground so he looked at the full of holes ruin of Jimmy's house. There, on the roof, sat Jimmy. Looking almost as he did the day he died. But not quite. There was something off. Something unnerving but Scott ignored it. Too happy to see him.

"Jimmy? But you…" if he wasn't a fae and didn't have complete control of his emotions he'd probably crumble down crying. "You said they're your favourites once…"

Jimmy shrugged and jumped down. There was no sound as he landed, and Scott could swear he saw him sink into the ground a little bit. "I got better, I think…" he hummed. There was this weirdly distant quality in his voice. Like he was both here and somewhere else. "You weren't kidding, your wings are really pretty," Jimmy hummed going to touch Scott's wing but… his hand passed right through the fae. "Yeah… still figuring that out…" the sheriff chuckled taking a step back.

Scott didn't need to be told what 'that' was. What Jimmy was now. He did die. And now was back, as a ghost. And not just some ghost. As the blonde idly floated a few inches off the ground, likely forgetting to keep himself on the ground, Scott could see the magic radiating off of him. Cold and dry, neither good nor bad. Death didn't take sides. It just took people away. The good, the bad and all in between. "It's okay. I was a bit lost and overwhelmed when I left fae realms," Scott shook his head, smiling a bit. He was just happy to talk to Jimmy again. "It's good to see you again," he said reaching out to at least try to touch Jimmy's face. 

It worked and he could feel Jimmy's face. It was like cold wax. Not budging in the slightest under his touch. Scott met a few ghosts before settling where Chromia is now but Jimmy was different. Slightly translucent but not at all see-through. And much more present. Most of the other ghosts Scott knew would already forget who he was and move on to different things. Not Jimmy. He was staring at Scott even if his glassy, dead eyes occasionally glanced at the simple grave.

"Must have been a chock with how much you like colours…" Jimmy hummed tearing his eyes off the grave.

"Eh, winter fae's lands are always covered in snow, all in shades of white and grey with some green at best," Scott shrugged making a bit of snow whirling in one hand. "How are you feeling?" he asked letting it disperse. "We saw the aftermath… it was even worse than now…"

Jimmy shrugged, forcing himself to the ground. "I saw it, I think… the just after is a bit fuzzy, I was being pulled away but… something kept me here… It felt like the after is not meant to me for some reason…" he hummed walking out into the ruined town. Slowly more and more ghosts appeared, greeting their sheriff as if they were not all dead. "Like this was the end and there was nothing more…" he carried on talking as Scott silently followed. Watching the ghosts clean up the rubble.

The biggest shock was when two cats ran out of the sheriff's home, through a solid wall, and meowed, in that distant ghostly undertone. Rubbing against Scott's legs. They always liked him. Part of being a fae is being loved by all animals. Alive or dead, it turns out.

"Should I tell others you're…back or give you some more time to settle back into things?" he asked glancing at the sun. It was getting really low. Maybe he could stay the night now that the sheriff was back in town?

"Maybe wait a few days? Until this place isn't as much of a mess?" Jimmy grimaced stopping in front of the bank. It was pretty ruined, but, shockingly, nothing that was inside when the Warden attacked was missing. Scott heard some of the other emperors whisper about the place being cursed. "You can stay the night… if you don't mind all the ghosts…" Jimmy offered saving Scott asking.

"I don't mind," Scott grinned. "It's still the same Tumble Town, and it's not like I can die anyway," he shrugged as a dead bird flopped right next to him.

They were silent for a second, staring as the ghost of the bird left the body and dodged the ghostly cats that wasted no time pouncing at it. And laughed as it flew to a tree. They probably should have been worried about it but at the moment watching Norman and Flick chase it was funny. And fae had a rather unique sense of humour anyway and found dead birds very amusing even when they didn't leave ghosts behind.

#my stuff #my stories #fanfiction #fanfic #empires smp #empiresshipping #flower husbands #empires jimmy #esmp jimmy #empires scott #empires au #ghost of tumble town

[starlitangels]

Drive to the Department

Needless to say I’ve had a lot of thoughts the past couple days Yes I did just barely write this you can’t stop me 1.2k words

—

David was quiet for most of the drive. The leather steering wheel of his truck creaked with how hard he was clenching it. His knuckles were blanching.

I sat and fidgeted. Picking dirt out from under my nails and biting at dry skin on my lip. Sam would meet us there. He’d already promised before David got to the house to pick me up.

David, not taking his eyes off the road, reached for the central console of his car and popped open the compartment. Inside, I caught sight of his usual bag of homemade trail mix—he didn’t trust the store-bought stuff—a microfiber cloth for his mate’s computer glasses, a couple old CD cases, a phone charger cord—

And the thing he’d been rifling around inside to find.

He passed me the Rubik’s Cube. “Sorry it’s not the six-by-six. I know that one distracts you better because you decided not to learn how to solve it. My mate took that one to their office a couple months ago during a stressful project and haven’t brought it home yet.”

“It’s fine,” I said, taking the 3x3 from his hands and immediately starting to flick it in the pattern that would solve it no matter how scrambled it got. Ever since David first got his own car, he always kept at least two fidget toys in it. One for me, and one for Asher. I grew distant and the two toys became one for Asher, and one for his mate. Usually if all three of us were in his truck with him now, we fed on each other’s chaotic energy and didn’t really need the fidgets. The two sufficed, for the most part.

The drive was still quiet. David, who was the best and most cautious driver in the pack, was wound tight and taking turns that normally he never would have. He had good reason to be cautious in cars, of course, but this was unlike him.

I couldn’t blame him.

While we drove, I buried myself deep in my head, trying to think of what I would say to Quinn—if, in fact, I got to say anything. God only knew how much red tape there would be in the way.

Good thing my claws were sharp enough to cut through it.

What would I even say to him? What could I say? Was there anything I hadn’t already said last time?

When Sarah was bleeding on the ground and he was covered in her blood and I’d shouted at him before shifting and lunging—

I clenched my jaw and tightened my grip on the Rubik’s Cube.

I was still angry at what he’d done to her. By the time the Department got there, the Investigators and Enforcers were hesitant to do anything about Sarah besides send her to the unempowered hospital. But she was so badly injured that the healer who’d been trying to tend to me was bound by their oath to save her.

And even then, it had taken her three days and two transfusions to wake up.

A mountain lion attack while she was hiking was all that she could remember.

Yes. I still hated him for that. I hated him for what he did to her more than I hated him for what he did to me.

What more did I have in me?

Would I be able to lean against a wall on the other side of a ward, tossing the Rubik’s Cube idly in the air. Would I get to say, “Well. This feels familiar,” as sarcastically as possible. Would I continue, “Granted, this time I’m not bailing you out after a blood bar argument broke out in fisticuffs, but still familiar.”

Would he give me that broad smile—the one that really showed how much of a monster he was that I’d been too hurt to see the first time—as his fangs lengthened in his mouth? Would he cut his tongue on the tip of one like he’d done before? Just to watch the look on my face as he licked the blood off? Would he croon in that silky, lying tone of his, “Good to see you again, my precious,” with a look on his face that revealed the opposite?

Or would I lay eyes on that smarmy, smug bastard’s face and see red? Would the wolf erupt out of my skin without thinking? Would I put his throat in my jaws before he could even make a snarky comment?

Or would none of that happen?

Probably that last one.

And that was probably for the best. I’d been... better, recently. Happy. Better than I’d been in years. Healing slowly—but still healing.

I wasn’t sure I wanted to know what I’d do if I saw him with nothing stopping me from ripping his damn head off.

William would probably give me a medal if I did. If everything Sam had told me about the Old Blood king’s response to Quinn’s attack on Sam’s progeny on William’s territory was anything to go by.

But there was still the Department to contend with—and I didn’t need to be the next monster on their Wanted list.

I finished the Rubik’s Cube and gently put it back in the compartment of David’s center console. “If I keep holding that with where my mind is wandering, I’m gonna break it,” I said.

David grunted. “It’s been broken before.”

“I know. But I mean shatter it.”

He bounced a brow. “I wouldn’t blame you, to be honest.”

I shut the console lid and swallowed. “Thank you, David.”

His eyebrows lowered in the corner of my eye. “For what?”

“Coming to get me. I don’t think I could have made the drive myself.” I waved my hands vaguely. “I’m shaking so bad.”

He reached over and set a hand on my shoulder. “It’s okay,” he said. “It’s okay to be shaky. It’s okay to be pissed or scared or nervous or—or whatever you’re feeling, got it? I’m not going to judge you for any of your emotions.”

I looked out the window quickly so he wouldn’t see the tears pricking my eyes. “Thanks,” I muttered. “Remind me when all this is over to tell Ansel I owe him a big one.”

David actually chuckled. Just a bit. “I’ll hold you to that.”

I nodded. “I know you will. That’s why I’m telling you.”

We reached the Department office. I took such a deep breath through my nose that my neck popped. Just once. You can do this. You can do this. You will do this, I thought to myself. I balled my fist and shoved the heel of my other hand over my knuckles, popping them. Repeating the motion with my other hand.

“Take your time,” David said. “If you need a minute before we go in—”

I popped the passenger-side door open and jumped out of the truck.

“There’s the wolf I know,” I head David mutter before following me out.

He was taller than me and caught up to my quick stride easily, falling into step beside me. Matching me pace-for-pace, hands shoved in the pockets of his leather jacket.

He grabbed the door to the building and yanked it open. “After you.”

I rushed in. He followed.

—

Tag list: @zozo-01 @darlin-collins @shellssstuff @thegoldenlittlerose @icedunderwaterroom 

[lilpotatjj]

A/N: My first Pedro fic *cries in gay* and it's sooooo sweet and lovely♡♡♡ writing this was soooo much fun. I hope u enjoy it and by the way I just ad non canon story just for the plot.

WARNING: if u can't handle fluff and sweeeet sweeet pedro skip, otherwise enjoy and scream silently 🤭 reader is shy, lots of kissing and did I say sweet pedro? Ehm...hint of a panicattack

Wordcount: 1,6k

Proofread? I tried xD

Masterlist

Dirty Coincidence

"1:30 pm fu'ff'(ck)! I'm 'f'(t)oo la'f'(t)e!" Cars and people pass you by as you run along the path with a Hot Dog in your mouth, without looking back or paying much attention to the road. *I'll never have a chance at one of these roles if I get there too late!* you thought.

With a bang you run into someone big and you both crash to the ground. "fuuuuck.......!" your eyes fall first and foremost on the mess you have made. "oh my god I'm so sorry!" Your eyes widen as you realise whose jacket you have just soiled. "ah....o....oh my.....holy sh.....I'll clean the jacket I'm really really sorry!"

A light laugh is the only response from the man facing you.

"I don't believe it. I just ruined Pedro Pascal's jacket...." you whisper to yourself and still can't believe who is standing in front of you.

"It's not that bad. Leave it, but you should look where you're going in the future, pretty lady!" You turn bright red at his words and look at your watch in shock. "Damn it! I have to go! I'm really sorry, but it was nice to meet you!" A thoughtful Pedro looks after you and just shakes his head in amusement.

"The day is off to a good start huh?" He smiles and continues on his way.

You stand in front of a large building and stare at the huge windows. "Let's go then...if it's not already too late"

With big quick steps you look around the entrance hall and walk briskly to the reception.

"I had an appointment 10 minutes ago...I'm really sorry I'm late but I had a little accident on the way here..." You literally have a cold sweat running down your face. The lady at reception looks at you and smiles kindly as she holds a phone to her ear.

"Neil, your 1:30 appointment has arrived, shall I send them to you?.............ok" After a short pause she looks at you. "You can go to the back, aisle 2, room 4, left side. Neil is waiting for you there. He says you shouldn't worry. Your audition partner for the text samples hasn't arrived yet either".

A deep sigh comes out of your mouth and you nod, walk towards room 4 and knock. The door opens and Neil looks at you with a relaxed smile.

"Welcome, step in" The two of you are talking about the first scenes and script while you are waiting for your co-worker when the door suddenly opens.

"there you are, then we can start now!" Neil says and your jaw almost drops to the floor when you see who is coming in.

Immediately the blood rushes to your cheeks as the handsome, attractive man looks at you in surprise. "What a coincidence, we meet again so soon" Pedro comes to you and gives you his hand to greet you.

"ah....ehm...hi...." That's all you can say and smiling speechlessly, too uncomfortable with the whole situation, grabbing his hand.

"you two know each other?" Neil looks back and forth between you.

"well....something like that" Pedro smirks and grabs his script. The two of you start working on the text phases and, despite the situation beforehand, you quickly get into your characters. Together you rehearse for over 2 hours and Neil is visibly thrilled by your natural appearance.

You take a break and go to the cafeteria together.

"your jacket....-" "Don't mention it" you were about to start, but Pedro interrupts you, stuffs some fries into his mouth and looks at you.

"you live here?" He asks

"I just moved here and I don't know my way around yet" you dig into your salad. "is that why you ran like that?" he teases you with a cheeky smile. "hehe......yeah. i got lost first. now i know where we have to go." You can't help but keep looking at him. "working with you is pretty entertaining so far" you try to stay relaxed and put some food in your mouth.

"I think you did a pretty good job" Pedro finishes his fries. Without noticing that you are smiling at him almost dreamily, you continue to eat. "thank you...."

You two can easily inspire Neil and start shooting a part of season 2 in The Last of Us together.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

It has been 4 weeks since you both got the roles and you are more than just a well-rehearsed team. Today we start filming a flashback for Joel 10 years ago in which he met another woman besides Tess because of the work situation.

The scene wants a kiss, which has to be shot as authentically as possible. For Pedro this is less of a problem as he has already shot different scenes with such a situation but for you? Primere! Great, and then also with him. You get into it and everything goes well until then. You can almost hear your heart beating, why?

You're excited.....about the scene? ...Pedro? The audience with all the cameras? Your gut feeling knows this quite well because it is totally tingling. Then it happens and the first kiss is perfect. For the shoot?....no not for that....Your breathing almost stops and you are far too nervous to continue, you run completely out of breath towards the toilet. A dumbfounded Pedro remains standing. Pedro looks after you silently and just stands there in confusion.

Once in the toilet, you gasp for breath, almost as if you are having a panic attack. You put your hand over your mouth, completely lost in thoughts, as you realise how you feel about Pedro. "not him......" There is a sudden knock at the door. "Y/N, are you okay?"

"y....yes...I'm f..fine" your voice totally shaky trying to put the words together.

"can I come in please?"

"n...NO!....i mean...fuck..." You finally open the door and look halfway at him with your cheeks all red. He comes in, closes the door behind him and looks at you calmly.

"Do you want to stop work for today? When you feeling sick we can take a break"

You just shake your head. "No...that's not it" You grab your left upper arm. Pedro eyes you piercingly, almost as if he hears all your dirty thoughts, and comes much closer to you.

Your heart is about to explode and you can't help but approach him too.

Your gaze full of longing to be closer to him, he silently granting and you slowly close your eyes. His breath is clearly perceptible, you kiss him tenderly on his lips, he continues to respond to the kiss without hesitation and plays along with your sweet lips. You detach yourselves from the kiss without looking at him. "I'm sorry....."

"you are a really sassy girl" he says with a sweet smile and carefully kisses again, more intensely and a little more dominant that you are both completely out of breath. "

We have to go back. The others are already wondering where we are" he winks at you, but you can't concentrate on anything else. Bright red, you return with Pedro and are obviously no longer in the mood for filming, so Pedro makes a deal with Neil to get the rest of the day off.

"Do you want to come to my place?" he asks you casually, without any ulterior motives. You nod shyly and the two of you finally head home to him. When you arrive, you just stand there, which makes him smile. "Don't worry, I won't bite, make yourself comfortable... I'll make us some coffee." He disappears into the kitchen and returns shortly afterwards with two coffees in his hands. Both of you sit on his comfortable couch and sip the coffee.

"we are making good progress with the work"

"yes........" you stare at your coffee. He senses your discomfort and looks at you sweetly. "in the kiss scene.... was that your first?" He scrutinises your reaction. "because you're so damn shy"

"Yeah...sorry...." you look down at your legs and pinch your jeans.

"it really doesn't have to....god damn it you're so cute"

Your head is already all messed up and you bite your lower lip, which is not hidden from him and he looks directly at your sweet lips. His fingers sneak under your chin, forcing you to look at him. Without asking you, he kisses you tenderly and carefully, which makes you relax and accept his sweet kiss.

The two of you can't detach each other, but you only separate to catch your breath and engage in another seductive kiss between your lips that screems for so much more. "you want more....?" he asks you but instead of awnsering you just kiss back, lick over his lips which makes him open his mouth and your tongues both fight for dominance.

You let out a sigh and finally you part, face to face, gasping for air. "You're a damn good kisser" Pedro looks at you, slightly messed up, but he signals for you to snuggle into his arms. Shyly, you lie down in his arms and rest your head in his neck, which is why you can smell his wonderful scent with every breath. "if you need anything just let me know" Actually you need a new panty right now but you just nod and cuddle up to him more. He gently strokes your back without being intrusive. "I can't believe I fell in love with you clumsy" he smiles.

You cling to him tighter. "I... think I love you too..." you say and he kisses you on the forehead, smiles cheekily.

All this just because of a bump 4 weeks ago!

If you want a part 2 with or without smut just comment or request me :3

#zaddy pedro #pedro pascal #pedrito #pedro pascal tlou #pedro pascal the last of us #pedro pascal fanfiction #pedro pascal x y/n #pedro pascal x reader #pedro pascal x you #romance fanfiction #fanfiction #fanfic #tlou #the last of us fluff #the last of us fanfiction

[callsign-bunnie]

So you wouldnt be happen to be open to the idea of writing smth about mj's selkie 'au'... Perhaps.... Pretty please :')

Here's something that's in a similar vein for a universe I was building a bit ago

--

Rodolfo danced around in the forest he was visiting. He was young, he should have stayed near his parents, he knew that. But... he was curious about the humans. He liked them. And his parents were busy with King and Queen stuff all of the time. They likely wouldn't even notice he was gone.

He did be slightly smart and take a human form, instead of his fae form. Those terms were still new in his head. Fae form... He liked how he looked. He liked his big mushroom hat, the mushrooms that grew on his skin.

But... humans didn't. He didn't know why. Wasn't he pretty?

Rodolfo stopped, hearing a noise. He turned to his right, seeing another child staring at him. A human. He could tell, they didn't shimmer like his friends at home did. "Hello..."

"Hello!" The human smiled brightly. Rodolfo couldn't help blushing. He was cute... He liked him. "Why are you in the woods alone?"

"I'm exploring..." Rodolfo answered, honestly. "Why are you?"

"My father and I were hunting but I wandered off and I got... lost..." He looked ashamed and Rodolfo wanted to giggle but he didn’t. He didn’t like showing emotion to the humans. “Have you seen an adult come through here? He looks like me…”

Rodolfo shook his head. The human’s clothes were nice. He liked them. “Why?”

“That’s my father… He’s going to be so angry at me…” The human groaned and then plopped down on the ground, dramatically.

Rodolfo really liked this human. He wanted to keep him. “Can I have your name?”

“Ale.” The human looked up at him.

Rodolfo frowned a little. “That’s not your full name.” He knew, he couldn’t hold the name in his hands. He wanted Ale’s full name.

“My father told me never to give strangers my full name.” Ale shrugged and pouted a little. “I’m sorry.”

Rodolfo went over and sat in front of him. “Why not?”

“He said there’s things that will use it to steal me. Or to enslave me. I don’t know what that word means.”

Rodolfo couldn’t say much since he had been planning to use the name to steal Ale. He just frowned at Ale since he also wasn’t quite sure what enslave meant either. “What were you hunting?” He decided to ask.

Ale responded quickly with. “Deer. Or a deer that my father had seen while he was traveling the other day. It had a pretty distinct pelt. We managed to track it to a small distance from here but something scared me and I wandered off.”

“Why did your father follow you?” Rodolfo frowned, his parents would never let him get scared and run away like that. 

“I don’t know. He hates me or something I think.”

“I doubt he hates you. I don’t think fathers can hate their sons.” His frown deepened, but Ale only laughed.

“You clearly haven’t met mine. I’m surprised he even let me go on this hunting trip. I’m not important to him since I’m not the oldest of the family. But my eldest brother is out doing business things or so that’s what I thought, so I guess I was the only one he could take with him.” 

Rodolfo felt sympathy for this poor human child. He couldn’t imagine feeling this way towards his own parents, but then again, he was sure his own parents hadn’t even noticed he was gone yet. It was clear though that Ale wasn’t going to give him his full name and he wasn’t up to how else to steal a human, nor was he confident enough to try. So he stood and dusted the dirt off of himself. “It’s been nice to meet you, Ale-”

Ale frowned and cut him off. “You’re leaving already?”

“Unfortunately,” Rudy replied, kinda feeling bad for it, “I do have to go.”

Ale pouted and looked up at him. “Can’t you stay just a little longer? My dad hasn’t found me yet and I don’t want to be alone in the woods.” Ale’s face turned bright red and he looked away.

Rodolfo hesitated and then sat back down. He supposed his parents hadn’t found him yet either and probably weren’t even looking for him, so he could probably stay just a little longer. Besides, he didn’t have many friends in his parents’ kingdom, anyway, so it was nice to talk to someone. “Okay, I guess I can stay just a little longer.”

Ale perked up immediately and then he was grinning, big and wide. “Perfect! What’s your name, by the way? So we can be friends.”

“Rudy.” Rodolfo smiled, finally. “That’s what my friends call me.”

Ale nodded. “Okay, Rudy. I don’t have many friends, so it's nice to have at least one now.”

Rodolfo flushed. “Then, we’re in the same boat, Ale. I don’t have many friends either.”

“In that case,” Ale started, “Why can’t you stay forever?”

Rodolfo hesitated. “I don’t know. I think my parents would miss me. I hope they would miss me.”

“Yeah, that’s fair.” Ale said quietly. He looked away for a moment and grasped at the grass near him. “I don’t hear my dad calling for me yet.”

Rodolfo looked at Ale and his heart hurt for the other boy. He clearly seemed so lonely and Rodolfo was lonely too. “Ask me to stay again.” Rodolfo said quietly.

Ale frowned and looked up at him again. “You just said you had to go soon.”

“I think I can stay just a little longer.” Rodolfo shrugged. “As long as I’m back eventually, I don’t think my parents would mind too much.” 

“Can you stay?” Ale asked quietly.

And Rodolfo nodded, carefully. “Yes, I can stay.” 

#Alejandro Vargas #Rodolfo Parra #Rodolfo x Alejandro #Aledolfo #rodolfo cod #alejandro cod #call of duty #alejandro x rodolfo