#to get pity points from her what. three or four friends.

[xetswan]

Youngest Shadow- Chapter One, Two Sisters, Dad

One | two | three | four | five | six |

I was never a people person, not wanting to rely on someone.

Especially family, I didn’t need help.

I am not vulnerable, I couldn’t be. I saw how it affected people on a daily. High schoolers in relationships getting dumped, cheated on, having to many dramas in between them.

It was unnecessary.

I had my small circle and most of them were blood related to me.

My mom, my sister, Bella, and my father who lived across the country.

Oh, and my best friend. But practically family.

I’m content in my lifestyle too. I didn’t need pity from anyone. Either way that’s what I get from everyone. Even my older sister who tried to act like she understands.

My life was consistent. Making sure my mom was happy, helping my sister from losing her mind because of mom needing so much adventure. Other than doing that I played sports, practicing everyday.

Trying my best, not to be the best but to keep up my adrenaline. Running helps the most.

Adrenaline kept me alive, if I could jump off an airplane I would. I would do every crazy thing imaginable just because of the adrenaline that came with it.

Even little things can entice me. My piercings, having to make them a secret from coaches to play sports. Riding my motorcycle anytime was the best feeling after getting it.

I snuck out a few times, not even to do crazy things but to just say I did it.

You would think living in Arizona helped me with keeping my adrenaline up but you’d be wrong. It’s the same thing everyday now. I know what’s around.

And the heat, don’t get me started.

As much as I love my mom, I wanted to be in a forest hiking, see a fucking wild animal that could attack me. Jump off cliffs for the hell of it. Ride my motorcycle on different roads.

Seeing my dad, maybe join him in action. Hunt with him even.

Speaking of which, I stood beside Bella, my older sister by 10 months. She had just said goodbye to some “friends” who seemed like they could care less that she was leaving.

I turn to see our mom walking out of the house, so much energy balled into one person. She had hints of sadness and anxiety pulled on her face, trying to hide it with being happy for us.

She thrusts a phone into the hands of my sister, “It won’t work again, baby.” She frowned, her face always looked like it moved with every feeling she had. Never being able to hide how she felt. “You put it on hold.” Bella points out, the tiniest bit amused.

“I did?”

I smirk, trying to stop myself from laughing.

As much as it is funny it is worrisome, how will we reach her if she doesn’t even know how to work a phone.

“Look, you also called Mexico.” Renée pushes Bella, nudging me as well as the three of us laugh.

“I’ll figure it out. You gotta be able to reach me and Phil on the road.” She exclaims right before she gets excited. “I love saying that,” she grins, “On the road.”

“Very romantic,”

“Very.”

Bella and I both say, silently glancing at each other.

Phil comes up behind our mom, “If you call crappy motels, back water towns and ballpark hot dogs romantic.” He jokes, well partially since he was serious.

He places a Phoenix Desert Dogs baseball hat on Renées head, along with kisses her.

Looking at them partly soothes my nerves about leaving mom. I’m sure Bella feels the same since we practically took care of her for so long. Even though it should’ve been the other way around.

Phil walks away, to finish packing the car with our things. Renée grabs a hold of both of our arms, clinging to us as we walk to the vehicles.

I’m driving my motorcycle, mom wanted to get a trailer for it since it’s a really long drive but I convinced her not to. I couldn’t sit in a car with them for that long.

Plus I have a feeling Charlie is going to force me to anyway.

“Now you know if you two change your minds, I’ll race back here from wherever the game is.” Her face strained trying to hide how even though it would be a sacrifice she would still do it for us.

“You don’t have to worry.” I force a smile, Bella doing the same.

“We won’t change our minds mom.”

“You might, Bella. You’ve always hated Forks.” That’s true, I usually visited more than her. I had a closer relationship to dad, due to my interest of hunting like him.

“It’s not about Forks, it’s about dad. I mean unlike [Name], I went two weeks a year. We barely know each other.” She explains but I think it just worsened our moms worried expression. “Mom, I’m fine. I want to go. I got [Name] there with me.” She looked between us, hugging her eldest, whose face drops once she knew her mom couldn’t see it. It was full of dread and doubt. I also noticed the regret but kept quiet when she wants to bring it up she will.

They let go and Bella climbs into the car, moms attention going to me.

“I want you behind us at all times, you do not pass this vehicle. And no swerving.” She furrows her eyebrows, staring at me. “And don’t be stupid.” I add with a smirk, she rolls her eyes in a humorous way.

“I just want my baby girl safe.” She pouts, pulling me into a tight hug. “You don’t have to worry with me.” I miss her cheek, pushing out of the hug as I knew it would’ve been longer if I didn’t.

“Alright helmet and jacket and let’s go!” She pats my butt, reaching over and getting my helmet to give it to me. She gets into the van and I adjust my wired earbuds so one goes into my ear, stuffing the rest into my jacket and zipping it up.

I pull my helmet on and I press play on my iPod.

Getting to Washington State was a breath of fresh air, not only for my tired hand but the change of view and weather. My sister called it gloomy, never paying attention to the beauty of it all.

Dad surprisingly let me continue driving my bike, it was bittersweet for me. Really it was because he forgot the trailer. I kind of wish he did bring it because slouching like this for hours is not exactly fun. My back will be aching for weeks.

I’m just glad I didn’t have to sit in the awkward atmosphere of them two in that cruiser.

We passed a sign that said “The City Of Forms Welcomes You. Population 3246.”

I smile to myself.

Passing all of the familiar buildings I was missing felt amazing.

We pulled into Charlie’s driveway, I take my helmet off, sitting up straight for the first time in a few hours. Charlie comes over and messes with my hair as I climbed to his torso like a little kid. We laugh and he hugs me back.

I was the first to get into the house, putting my things right in my room. Really throwing them on the ground and rushing back out to see if Bella needs any help. My room was the only one downstairs. Dad had to make add it onto the house when they found out they were having me surprisingly.

I was truly the accident out of the two. Only three months after Bella was born was when I came around.

“I put Grandpas desk in your room. And I cleaned some shelves in the bathroom for you two.” He was mainly speaking to Bella. I watched her grimace. “That’s right, one bathroom.”

I followed her eyes around the house, going straight to a picture of our parents when they were younger and in love. “I’ll put these up in your room.” Charlie motions to her bags.

“I can’t do it.”

I silently stand there as they both reach for the bags, awkwardly bumping into each other causing me to cringe at the scene.

She backs off, letting him do it anyway. Which she should’ve done in the beginning. And I wouldn’t have seen that go down.

After that… experience, I followed my dad to the living room. “That was, nice.” He pauses for a minute before sighing. I place a hand on his shoulder. “It’ll get better. This is just new for both of you.” I smile sweetly and he nods, swinging an arm around my shoulders. But internally I’m just hoping I’m right. It’s going to be a long two years if I’m wrong. “What would I do without you?” He nudges me.

He lets go of me, telling me about how Billy and Jacob should be here soon to drop off surprises they’ve been working on. The one for Bella I knew about.

And right after it was spoken into the air we heard a honk outside.

I stand up straighter and run outside. A boy my age hops out of the red truck, rushing to give me a hug. “Jacob!” I laugh, this was the best friend I was talking about. My absolute best friend.

“Bella, you remember Billy Black.” Charlie speaks up, obviously Bella came outside after hearing the honk as well.

I let go of Jacob, “Glad you two are finally here. Charlie hasn’t shut up about it since you two told him y’all were coming.” He teases our dad, both Jacob and I snicker at the two who have always acted like this.

“Keep exaggerating, I’ll wheel you down the hill.” He tells the man who’s in a wheelchair.

“Right after I ram you in the ankles.” Billy goes after Charlie who dodges. Jacob shakes his head, I take him up to Bella. Poking him to say something.

“I’m Jacob, we made mud pies together when we were little kids.” He exclaims, she squints almost unnoticeably. “Yeah I think I remember.”

“Are they always like this?” She points to the two dads. “It’s getting worse with age.” He jokes.

Jacob always had a crush on Bella, so it was cute watching him finally be able to interact with her and not be a nervous little kid.

Cutting us out of our small silence Charlie pats the hood of the truck. We didn’t even notice they stopped messing around. “So what do you think of your homecoming gift?” He grins proudly. I watched my sisters face contort to confusion to happiness. “No way. The truck is for me?” Turning my focus to my dad who was soaking in her excitement. “Just bought it off Billy here.”

“I rebuilt the engine.” Jacob adds in.

“It’s perfect.” Her smile grew bigger, and more genuine. It was great to see her eager and happy about something. Her and Jacob rush to the truck so he could explain everything to her.

My dad snuck up to me, handing a small box. I look up at him confused. “Open it.” He motions. I stare at it for a minute, glancing over to Billy who puts his hands up as to say he knew as much as I did.

I bit my lip, opening the box carefully.

It had a locket inside, the same locket I would stare at in the window of an abandoned antique store that no one would clean out. The place I begged my dad to go into just to get me that necklace.

“The place finally got cleaned out and I just happened to be on patrol before they got rid of it.” He tells me.

“It doesn’t have a picture in it yet but I thought you could pick one you’d like.” I threw my arms around him, “it’s beautiful.” I pulled away to look at it in my hands again as it was a delicate flower.

#bella swan #carlisle cullen #jacob black #jasper whitlock #twilight #alice cullen #alice cullen x reader #jasper hale #jasper hale x reader #twilight x reader #esme cullen #rosalie hale #rosalie cullen #emmett cullen #twilight imagine

[kingtomura]

Deja Vu | 1 | January Embers

summary: Your best friend died years ago. He went up in flames until there was nothing left — so why does it feel like you can still see him sometimes? content: touya todoroki x female reader, childhood friends au, reader has a quirk, time skipping, flashbacks, fluff, heavy angst, bullying, eventual smut, eventual meaning next chapter, soft touya, hurt/comfort, tragedy, mdni wc: 4.5k | Chapter 2 | m. list | read on ao3

You meet Touya Todoroki when you are four years old.

He was a redhot firecracker that demanded the attention of you and all those around him. 

Touya Todoroki was also the first in your class to have his quirk maifest. It was the talk for about a week, everyone expecting nothing less from the son of the flame hero, Endeavor, himself. 

You would watch him some days, flaunting his newfound power on the playground in front of others, knowing he would be some great hero one day. Even better than All Might, he would yell to anyone that would listen. It was a decent dream, you believed. Maybe someone could actually be better than All Might. 

It didn’t seem like that would be in the cards for you, as it became more apparent as the days went by that you may not have a quirk. The excitement of watching every other child’s quirk manifest began to fill you with a pit of dread.

Quirkless. 

It’s something you never thought you would have to think about. The realization hadn’t caught up with the rest of your class yet and you could only thank the stars.

But it was only a matter of time before a group of three noticed. 

They cornered you while you tried drawing shapes in the sanded area of the playground. 

“Hey,” one kid dragged, horns proudly peeking out of his head. “What’s goin’ on with you?” 

You spared him a glance before going back to your sand, gliding the stick you found through the yellow grains. “What do you mean?”

One girl behind him pipes up, curly pigtails bouncing with the tilt of her head,  “Where’s your quirk? Aren’t you turning five soon?”

The emphasis on five makes you jolt a little and you try to play it off — offering a little shrug to the trio. “I dunno. Mom says I'm a late bloomer.” you pray they will be satisfied with your answer and leave you alone. 

The third kid finally speaks, sporting a new pair of bat-like wings. “No way, I bet you’re gonna be quirkless!”

The other children erupt in a loud laugh that calls the attention of your other classmates — much to your dismay. 

“That’s so sad for you!” the girl yelled, grin on her face showing not an ounce of pity. 

“Yeah, really!” The first boy laughs, taking a step forward and kicking the sand you were drawing in towards you, effectively ruining your picture and your day. 

You go to stand, brushing the sand off of your dress before the girl rushes forward to push you, sending you down to land flat on your bottom. Your bottom lip wobbled as you tried to hold back the tears and humiliation threatening to spill over and out. 

The bat-winged boy pointed to you, “Look, guys, she’s gonna cry!” Yelling out to anyone who could hear, only causing you to dip your head in shame, now unable to stop the warm tears from trailing down your cheeks. 

And you thought today couldn’t get any worse.

“Hey! Knock it off!” You hear a voice yell, familiar. “Flashfire fist!”

You feel the heat before you see it, hot and swift.

The screams make you look up. Its Touya, red hair and fist aflame, standing in front of you and effectively blocking you from the trio of bullies before. 

“Ouch, Touya! You could have really hurt us!” the girl with pigtails cried, holding her own wrist as tears flowed freely down her cheeks.

The boy who kicked sand at you spoke up next, voice wavering on the verge of tears as well, “Yeah, you jerk!”

Touya shrugged, flames dissipating and points a finger at them, “I don't care. Bullies’ feelings dont matter!” 

You could only stare with wet lashes as the trio ran off — no doubt to tell the teacher. Touya didn’t seem to mind, as a matter of fact he seemed proud as he turned to you and reached out a hand to help you up. He was all smiles and warm eyes, “Are you alright?”

You take his hand, noting how warm it still was from his previous quirk use and nod, “Mhm, thank you.”

“It’s no problem,” he helped you to your feet before continuing, his smile almost blinding, “I’m Touya Todoroki, the next number one hero.” 

You nod and introduce yourself, cheeks warm and smile dancing across your face. His mood is infectious. “Nice to meet you, Touya, next number one hero.” 

Later that day you realize Touya does get in trouble for improper quirk use and can’t help but apologize. 

“It’s fine!” He returns, not bothered in the slightest. “I’d do it again and again, if I had to.”

After the incident Touya insisted on being by your side the rest of the day. During lunch, arts and crafts and even nap time. He would go where you would go and you couldn’t say you minded. Once school had finished for the day and it was time to break apart Touya insisted you both hang out more.

Even going as far as to introduce himself to your parents as they came to pick you up. 

His foot tapped in excitement as he told them about your days and how you should hang out more. 

That’s how you both find yourselves in some forest on the weekend, walking together through the fresh snow, because Touya just had to show you this cool training spot. 

“But, don't you think we’re going too far, Touya?” You ask, nerves trembling as you look around the forest. You wouldn’t know your way back without him and you’ve never been this far out alone. 

“No,” he singsongs, “C’mon– don't be such a baby,” 

You puff your cheeks, running to catch up with him,  “Don’t call me that, but okay!” 

He grabs your hand once you are by his side and it's warm. Touya is always warm. 

“We’re almost there, anyway!” 

This special place looked the same as any other place in these woods, but you wouldn’t let Touya know. He’s so excited to show you what he came to do. 

“My dad and I train here sometimes.” He starts, smiling as he backs away from you to show you a flame in his hand. “He thinks my flames will be hotter than his one day.”

You can’t hide the way your eyes fill with sadness as you look to the ground. 

“I don’t think I’m gonna get a quirk, Touya.” 

The boy’s smile drops instantly, as he rushes over to you, taking your face in his tiny hands. Still so warm, like always. 

“Hey, don’t say that! Maybe you aren't trying the right things.” He dips behind you before you could turn to stop him, “Maybe you can see in the dark!” His hypothesis being tested by covering your eyes. 

You bite back a laugh, “No, Touya, I don't think it works like that.” 

The boy lets you go and runs to a rather large, fallen log – climbing atop it and looking down to you. “Well, maybe you can fly. Have you tried that?” 

You shake your head, unable to hide the worry in your face. Touya was up pretty high. “Hey… you shouldn’t be up that far.” 

“What do you mean? It’s fine!” he reassures, continuing his musing while walking along the fallen log. “Besides, it’s not like I'm clumsy or anything—!” 

The boy’s words were cut short by his shoe stepping down and slipping on the ice below it, sending him crashing down to the patch of snow and debris below. 

In that moment, your hand shoots out before you can think and there’s ringing in your ears. Your eyes squeezed shut as you wait for the impending crash. But it doesn’t come. 

You slowly open your eyes and see… Touya. He’s okay. Better than okay because he’s floating above the snowy patch of grass below, debris and everything brushed away. Your hand is still out as you meet Touya's wide eyes. 

“Whoa!” You finally pull your hand back and watch his feet gently touch the grass below. “Dude, you have mind powers! So cool!” 

You will your breathing to go back to normal as you take in the new information. You do have a quirk. All hope was not lost. 

The feeling of warm liquid creeping down your nostril catches your attention. Bringing a finger to your nose, you pull back and see the crimson drop. Blood. The sound of Touya’s steps through the snow breaks your focus. 

“Hey, what happened? You're bleeding.” He takes your finger in his hand, red brows furrowed and cerulean eyes filled with worry. 

You shrug, taking your hand back and wiping your nose with your sleeve, unaware of the tiny smear of blood you left across your face. “I dunno. I’m not hurt, though.”

At this, Touya smiles, bringing his own hand to your face to wipe the remainder of what you smeared. “You better not be! We’re gonna be heroes together — you and me!”

It’s so infectious, the way he lights up with a smile, you can’t help but return it. “Yeah, we sure will.”

—----------------

The first time you think you see Touya it’s while you are on your way home from the bustling area of downtown. 

The shops are crowded with people trying to get their last minute gifts for the holidays and you promised your parents you would be home hours ago. It’s a flash – so quick you almost miss it. 

Almost. 

Through the crowd there's a glint of white hair and blue eyes. You stop, sending the people behind you nearly barrolling into your backside and profusely apologize, half heartedly hearing their grumbles as you make your way through the flurry of people. 

The snow white hair is a little further ahead, but you can see bits and pieces where the sea of heads will naturally move. 

Was that…

It couldn’t be. Your heart picks up as you nearly chase your way through, mumbling faint excuse me’s and pardon me’s to those around you as you lock onto the moving person. It's becoming harder to keep up and you break out in a light sprint. 

The person takes a sharp left into an alley and you follow behind, only to be met with the emptiness of a damp back alley. 

There was no way it could be him. Your mind was playing tricks on you. 

You shake your head, hoping you could physically shake those thoughts from your brain and turn to head home. It had been a long day.

There is a battle raging in your mind — one that you are not sure is formed from grief or from anxiety. it is an all consuming inferno of blackened dust in your heart and you cannot stop yourself when you bring it up to Fuyumi.

You both have been sitting in silence for a while, wrapping gifts for the upcoming holidays. She has been in her own little world, humming christmas tunes, while you have been in a fit of inner turmoil. 

“Hey, Fuyumi,” you start, instantly catching her attention in the otherwise quiet home. 

“Hm?”

Your nerves are eating your confidence and you start to second guess yourself. Only the warmth in her gray eyes gives you the resolve to continue. “Something weird happened at the market the other day.”

She tilts her head, flowing ponytail following the direction, “What’s that?”

“I was walking and,” you stall — unsure if bringing up your friend's dead brother before the holidays would be a good move. “I swear, I thought I saw Touya. It was a flash, but the guy had his white hair and,” unwanted tears are blurring your vision, “and his eyes were so much like Touya’s i don't—” you're choking up, tears fighting their way through your throat, “I thought i was going crazy.”

Surprisingly, Fuyumi takes it well, reaching a hand out to touch your shoulder, a comforting motion you’ve grown to know over the years. 

“Hey, it’s okay. That could have been anyone, you know?” She smiles, and it’s bittersweet like the flowers at a funeral, “it’s the holiday season so everyone is out right now.”

You nod, reluctant, but logical. “Yeah, yeah you’re right. It was pretty crowded in that area.” the tears would force their way through your resistance whether you fought them or not, so you give up – letting them flow down your cheeks. “I’m sorry for bringing it up, Fuyumi.”

“No, it's okay! Don't worry about it." She looks to the side. “It’s only been three years since it happened, and the anniversary of his death is coming up too. It's harder around this time of year. For all of us.” 

You can only nod as Fuyumi brings you into a tight hug. Your resolve melted away in her arms as you cried, it felt like things would never get easier. 

A life without Touya wasn’t a life you could see yourself living happily in.

You wished and prayed for him everyday — unwilling to believe your best friend was really truly gone. It felt so surreal. Like something that happens in movies and not to you.

Fuyumi said nothing as she held you and rubbed soothing circles on your back. She has been a pillar for you in these times and you couldn’t be more grateful. Only wishing you could show your gratuity in a more effective form than just sobbing into her shoulder. 

There is an anguish in your heart that will not go away. A part of you died when Touya did, there was no denying that. 

Fuyumi pulls away, holding you by the shoulders as her eyes meet yours — she's started crying too and it's enough to make you shake with sobs again. 

“Hey, hey,” Fuyumi starts, her voice unwavering despite the tears. You wish you were strong like her. “We’ll get through this, okay? We just have to be strong.”

You give her a pathetic nod, one more for her sake than yours, and try to sit up straighter. 

You knew that Touya wouldn’t want to see you like this.

—-------------------

When you are five years old, you notice there is a change in Touya.

You gasp when you see him again, “Touya! Your hair!” 

His eyebrows scrunch at your pointing and then widen in realization. “Huh? Oh, don’t worry about that.” Touya huffs, “were you even listening?”

The question startles you and you quickly nod your head, knowing you didn't hear a word he said. “Mhm!”

Touya keeps talking, now bringing a hand to his hair, rubbing a lock between his forefinger and thumb, “Okay, so what’s the deal?” 

You can't stop the confused look in your eye as you watch him, cheeks rosy from the cold. It snowed again yesterday, and Touya never seemed bothered by the cold. You were freezing though. 

Somehow you let him bring you back to this forest — it’s become your go to hangout. A place where the both of you could practice your quirks in peace. 

“Do you like All Might or something?” 

You shrug, indifferent to the well known hero. Your parents weren’t heroes and neither was anyone in your family. He seemed more like a comic book character than an actual person. 

“Well, it doesn't matter. My dad told me I’m gonna be even better than All Might! So he better watch out.”

You smile, seeing his eyes light up, “Oh, yeah? How are you gonna be better than him, Touya?” 

You don’t know why but it makes your heart dance when he gets this way. Stars in his eyes and world in his hand. He’s your hero, you absently wonder if he knows that. 

Touya shrugs, scrunching his nose in thought, “I dunno. I haven’t gotten that far yet.” He snaps his fingers and turns to you, “I know! I’ll look it up. It can’t be too hard, right?”

You laugh now. Of course he doesn’t have a plan.

“Don't you think if it were that easy he wouldn't be the number one right now?” You test, and Touya gives you a look, pout strong on his face.

“Hey, whose side are you on, anyway?”

“Yours! So, I don't want you to waste your time on silly stuff.” You offer, looking at the leaves you're making dance in your hand. 

He groans, the frustration evident in his voice, “Whatever! I’ll figure something else out.”

In that moment, there’s a great gust of wind — whistling and blowing the leaves in your hand away. It’s chill makes you wrap your arms around yourself, shivering. 

“Touya, don’t you get cold?” You ask, arms doing little to warm yourself as you continue to shiver. 

The boy looks at you, brows furrowed and eyes confused. “No, do you?”

“Yes!” You shout, “all the time! It’s so c-cold out here. I don’t know how you do it.” 

He walks over to you, pondering and examining your face. “Yeah, your nose is all red. Rudolf.” 

He takes your face into his hands and closes his eyes, rubbing his nose against yours back and forth. It’s warm and it makes you flush. Your cheeks burn when he pulls away, stunned at the smile on his face and stars in his eyes.

“Better?” He asks, innocent question ringing in your ears and you realize yes, you do feel better, but you also feel warm and fuzzy like there are butterflies dancing around in your belly and you can’t get them out — so, you just nod instead, slow smile creeping on your face and Touya grabs your hand again.

“Good! Now let’s keep going! There’s this cool new move I wanna try.” 

And you follow behind him. He was your best friend after all. You feel as though you would even follow him through the icy storms of Antarctica if you needed to. 

—-------------------

Christmas with the Todoroki’s has always been interesting. For one, half of them were not present during the dinner. Rei being sent to the facility, endeavor choosing to work on his hero duties and little Shouto desperately trying to eat with all of you without Enji coming home to find him out of his room. 

The silence is eerie – other than the sounds of metal clinking against porcelain plates. 

You couldn’t help but break the tense air, words sounding loud in the quiet of the room, “Thank you all for inviting me over. The food is really good, Natsuo.”

At this, Natsuo perks up, a smile so wide on his face it makes his eyes squeeze shut. “We love having you around! You’re like the big sis we never had!”

“Hey!” Fuyumi squawks, ready to scold her little brother, “I’m the one who knows where you sleep Natsu, so watch it!”

You can’t help but laugh at the threat, knowing Natsuo has been a victim to many of Fuyumi’s pranks. Shouto only watches on, eating as much as he could before he would inevitably go back to his side of the home. There wasn’t much expression to his face, but he seemed content to watch his older siblings bicker back and forth. 

Times like these were nice, you decide. It pulls your mind away from the reality and into the more lively parts of growing up.

After the dinner was done, and the gifts were passed out, there was a somber air growing about you all once more. 

Shouto went back to his room and Natsuo found his place in the living room, playing video games and insisting that since he cooked most of the meal, he shouldn’t wash dishes as well. 

Much to Fuyumi’s dismay, you agreed with Natuso, but offered to help her with the dishes. It was something to prolong the inevitable walk home. 

“What did you get for him this year?�� Fuyumi asked, passing you another plate to dry.

You glanced at her, noting how she avoided your gaze, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth instead. “It’s something I’ve been working on for a while. A necklace — with charms and things I think he would like.”

She nods, bringing an arm up to wipe her eyes with her wrist, “Yeah, I’m sure he would love that. He always liked your gifts.”

It’s impossible not to find yourself tearing up. 

Once you were done washing dishes with Fuyumi, she went to join Natsuo in the living room, offering unwanted tips on the current game he was playing and receiving groans of irritation in return. 

You take that as your cue to leave and make your way to the place you’ve dreaded all night.

Touya’s shrine.

His memoriam stared back at you as you dropped to your knees, lowering your head in prayer and then placing the small decorated box onto the shelf of his shrine. 

“Oh, Touya… it’s been three years.” You say to his photo hanging above the shrine. It’s his school photo. You were both in the same class, already talking about what high schools you would be choosing in the upcoming years.  

It doesn’t feel like three years. It feels like everyday is the same — you wake up and he’s not there. Like a day you’re doomed to repeat until the reality of it all finally sets in. 

What would he look like now, you wonder. Would he have gotten taller? He had always been smaller than the other kids. Would he still have dreams of being a hero? You didn’t know. You wished you knew. 

Your fists clinch in your lap and the tears flow freely from your eyes. Even with your head bowed you can’t stop seeing his picture etched into your brain. Those blue eyes staring into your eyes. 

A sob escapes your lips and it all comes crashing down after that. 

“God, Touya..!” Your words break down, sending your resolve with it. It feels like your heart has been ripped out of your chest and you’ve been openly bleeding out for three years. 

You are only sixteen years old and expected to spend the rest of your life without the boy who would put the moon in the sky for you. 

Unthinkable.

You’re not sure how much time has passed once you’ve calmed down, but you know it’s late now. 

It was time to head home, and you wished Fuyumi and Natsuo well as you hugged them. They wave you off, faces somber and words tight. If they heard you crying, they didn't mention it and you’re thankful. 

The trek home would not be not a long one, but you couldn’t stop yourself from taking a detour. 

The forest where you and Touya always hung out was nearby and you can't stop your feet when you make a sharp right turn and head that way. 

It was getting dark and snow was beginning to fall, but you felt at home.

There's a river you like to walk along. It's such a small little stream that never seems to freeze over, no matter how cold it is outside. It is where you find yourself trailing beside. The water being the only noise breaking through the quiet of the forest.

It kept you company until you reached the familiar open patch of grass, which was currently covered in snow. 

Some trees were still charred from the incident, but others were still standing proud. It’s strange how that works — some things can remain the same through adversity while others are damaged beyond repair. You wonder if things could ever grow back from such tragedies.

Maybe the growth of something new could come from the ashes of the old. Like a phoenix.

The snapping of a twig snatches you from your thoughts. 

It's a forest, yes, but this area doesn’t have much food for the animals. You stand to your feet, absently wondering when you had taken a seat in the first place, and look around. Maybe it was a trick of the wind, or something falling. 

The snow crunches under your feet as you begin to take your leave — you’ve been out long enough. 

You make your way through the thick of the trees until something brings you to pause. 

Your steps were not the only steps you were hearing. 

“Hello?” You call out into what you hoped had been an empty forest, only to be met with silence. It is not a comforting quiet, it was a quiet that crept underneath your skin and gave you goosebumps. 

It felt like you were being watched. 

“This isn’t funny!” You yell, taking cautious steps backwards, preparing yourself for a sprint in the opposite direction. 

You turn, ready to take off when a glimmer of silver catches your eye, the flicker making you halt your movements.

Your heart hammered against your chest.

There was no way. 

It was so faint, but you knew the necklace you crafted like the back of your hand.

“Hey! Stop fucking around, whoever you are!” You don’t know where this brave face is coming from, but you aren’t backing down. You could fight if need be.

Against your better judgment, you take a few steps forward, and like you thought, whoever was around took those steps with you. Your breath hitches when you see it. 

A flash of white hair. 

You break off into a sprint, and the person is already off, having a headstart and leaving you behind. 

You couldn’t see as well through the snowfall, but you didn’t need to. White hair and the shimmer of a necklace around the person’s neck has you chasing them deeper into the woods. 

“Stop..!” You cry out, reaching a hand forward in an attempt to activate your quirk. 

The force of it causes branches to fall from a tree further ahead of the person and he only changes direction. 

You follow behind, lungs burning as you struggle to keep up. There was another attempt, bringing an already leaning tree down in front of the running man. It still did not work, he simply jumped over it and continued on. 

You were approaching your limit with your quirk and desperate. If you let this slip through your fingers it would drive you mad. 

“Wait!” You try again, reaching both hands forward and focusing all you had on the man before you. It was hard to ignore the blood trickling from both nostrils with your quirk use, but you had to, this was your only chance. “Touya..!”

And in that moment, the man stopped — whether it be from your quirk holding him in place or his own will, you weren't sure. All you knew was that the man stopped, and turned.

Your vision began to blur as your head pounded from the overexertion — your quirk was difficult to use on a living being, but it didn’t matter. You would know those eyes even in your darkest hour.

The cerulean blue was the last thing you saw before your world went dark. 

And in your final moments, only one thought rang in your mind.

Touya is alive.

#todoroki touya #touya todoroki #todoroki touya x reader #touya x reader #dabi x reader #dabi #touya todoroki x reader #my works #mha x reader #dabi x you #todoroki touya x you

[toasttt11]

accident

June 6, 2021

Viola got into her car quickly trying to not get wet from the rain that was starting to come down. She waved once more at her friend who was waiting on her porch before she started the car and drove away.

Viola was humming tapping her fingers against her steering wheel to the music as she waited for the light to turn green, the rain was starting to come down and it look like it was pouring buckets outside.

The light turned green and she waited a second before starting to cross the street when she she saw in her left peripheral view bright headlights she turned her head just in time seeing a car coming flying towards her and smashing right into the side of her car.

Viola felt like everything just slowed down as suddenly the car was turning with her in, she felt the glass breaking hitting her, the air bags deploying, a weight against her side and just pain.

Her ears were ringing as the car smashed onto the ground landing onto its roof, Viola felt her eyes fluttering and black spots filling her vision and little wheezes leaving her mouth.

Viola thought she was dying and she had no clue how long she was there hanging from her seatbelt not being able to move.

Viola felt a hand touching her cheek and her eyes flutter opened seeing a woman before her eyes shutter closed and her head turned to her left.

The Hughes family were sitting in the living room all together watching a movie waiting for the youngest one to come home.

Ellen felt her phone buzzing and she furrowed her eyebrows seeing the unknown number but felt she needed to answer it, “Hello?”

“Is this Ellen Hughes?” A woman spoke on the other side sounding pitying, Ellen felt her stomach tightening in worry not liking this.

“It is.” Ellen comfimed, she now got the attention of the rest of the family as they paused the movie.

“I’m from the Michigan General Hospital and your daughter was just in accident and is in surgery right now.” The nurse’s voice seemed to just fade from Ellen’s ears as she gasped and her phone fell her hand, holding her hand to her mouth.

“El?” Jim asked worried having never seen his wife this distressed, Jim put a hand on her back.

“She.” Ellen tried to gasp out feeling the tears in her eyes and only heard her heart in her ears.

Jack, Luke and Quinn all looked incredibly worried seeing their mom so upset.

“Ellen.” Jim sternly spoke snapping Ellen out of her trance.

“Vio, she- she was in an accident.” Ellen emotionally choked out, her words put the room into a stunned silence.

“She’s in the hospital in surgery , we- we’ve got to go.” Ellen shook her head pushing back her emotions and standing up hurrying to put her shoes on and looked over seeing the four all frozen, “Boys!” Ellen snapped, making all four of them snap out of and rush up. Ellen grabbed the keys and hurried to the car hopping into the drivers seat and the rest got into the car.

Ellen held onto to the steering wheel tightly as she drove the drive that isn’t far but felt like it at the time.

Ellen pulled the car into the spot half off the line but didn’t even notice she jumped out of the car the other four quickly behind as they all rushed into the hospital, “Viola Hughes.” Ellen all but spit out as she got to front desk.

The nurse looked up seeing a family all looking anxious and she recognized the name having seen how bad she came in, “She is in surgery currently right now, and you can wait in the lobby in the surgery wing so when the surgery is done the doctor can fine you. She is stable right now.” The nurse spoke in a soft voice.

“What happened.” Jim cleared his throat resting a hand on his wife’s back.

“She was in a car accident, a drunk driver had ran through the red light and hit her.” The nurse looked at the family in sympathy, being able to tell the other three are siblings and see how they are all holding onto each other.

“You can go down that hall to the surgery wing.” The nurse gave them a soft smile pointing to the hallway. Ellen nodded and started walking down the hallway.

They got into the waiting room and all silently sat down, Jack’s leg was bouncing up and down anxiously, Quinn was zoned out looking at the wall, Luke was picking at his fingers in worry, Ellen was clenching her jaw trying not to break out in sobs and Jim was just looking at his shoes intently.

It could’ve of been a few minutes or days they couldn’t tell but the door opened and a doctor stepped out with a file, “Viola Hughes?” He called out looking at the waiting room.

“Yes.” Ellen quickly jumped up rushing over to the doctor, the rest of the family quickly following.

“Your daughter is stable and is on her way to recovery.” The doctor smiled reassuring the family seeing them all let out a sighs of relief.

“What are her injuries?” Jim questioned.

“She had a broken rib that had punctured her ribs and that’s why we rushed into surgery, a broken collarbone, her left elbow and wrist is broken and her right wrist is badly sprain and many cuts and bruises some that we needed to stitch.” The doctor grimly told them, “She will recover but it will be a long road and a lot of therapy.”

“Will she be able to play hockey again?” Jack spoke up looking desperately at the doctor hoping that she can or her heart will forever be broken.

“I’m not saying yes yet but i’m not saying no. She is experiencing incredible bad breaks and a sprain but she is young so healing from those injuries will be more likely for her.” The doctor told the family.

The doctor kindly smiled at the family and gestured to follow him, “Why don’t i take you to her, she will be awake soon.”

The doctor led them to another floor and towards her room, “Here you are, if you have any questioned there is button on her bed that will call the nurse.” The doctor sent one more smile before walking away.

Ellen walked in first and took a slight intake of break seeing her beautiful daughter in a hospital bed, Ellen slowly walked over and her hand was trembling as she reached up and gently pushed back her hair, Ellen frowned seeing the stitches at her hairline and under her chin, the little cuts littler across her face and the bruise that was already forming under her eye.

Jack took a deep breath looking away from his sister, Luke tighten his grip on Jack’s hand as he saw their little sister in a hospital bed. Quinn closed his eyes briefly thinking it was a bad dream seeing his baby sister looking so hurt. Jim looked away rubbing a hand over his jaw.

#violahughesau #vh5 #jack hughes #luke hughes #quinn hughes #maveric lamoureux x oc #maveric lamoureux #cole caufield x oc #cole caufield #jack hughes x oc #luke hughes x oc #quinn hughes x oc #nhl x oc #trevor zegras x oc #trevor zegras #clayton keller #logan cooley #nico hischier x oc #nico hischier #new jersey devils #arizona coyotes #vancouver canucks #nhl blurbs #nhl au

[sumplys]

things i wish you said — c. leclerc

drowning in heartache, you decide to take your broken heart elsewhere

cw: alcohol, language switch (english to french), angst with a happy ending

I think about these things at night, before I fall asleep

as you stepped into the bar, you were hit with a gust of hot air and the strong scent of liquor.

it was a sunday night, the abu dhabi grand prix finished, the season finally at an end. your mind had already been mellowed from the two shots you and your friends had taken before arriving.

seeing him on that podium called for a night where you could completely let loose and let your head go numb.

you weren’t a wag anymore. you and charles had broken up in mexico, following a bad crash and a family emergency, charles told you that you didn’t fit his schedule any longer, and it would be best if your relationship came to an end.

ending a three year relationship because of “unfortunate circumstances” felt like a stab to the heart. it felt less like his inconvenient schedule and more like… maybe he has just given up on trying to love you. of course it was hard, especially as all of your closest friends stayed wags, which meant charles was forever encapsulated in your circle. but, with due time, you could travel with them like you used to, attending races once more, but it wasn’t easy, i mean, it hurt seeing him. running into charles everywhere, all the time wasn’t at all ideal. your heart was surged with past memories when you would accidentally catch his eyes on the circuit, but he would break eye contact as soon as it began.

maybe it is best this way, is what you tried to tell yourself, but no matter how much you reassured yourself that this was fine, the tears still fell as soon as you could escape his presence.

it had been four months since the break up. he’d gone through two girls since then and you were still going on pathetic half dates with men who refused to pay the check.

“hey,” your friend lily murmured, putting a hand on your shoulder, “are you gonna be okay? i mean, i don’t think he’s here but my sources but my sources could be wrong.”

you looked over across the room at her “sources,” and alex waved at you guys, quickly excusing himself from the conversation he was previously having.

you smiled, “oh, yeah. i’ll be good, don’t worry about me.”

“silly girl, i’ll always worry about you,” she said with a half pitying smile.

alex beamed at you from behind lily and you gave him a smile in return, his presence still unbeknownst to his girlfriend.

“i’m gonna get a drink, okay?” you asked, less of a question and more of an excuse to leave alex and lily alone, without her being worried about you disappearing.

“okay…” she said begrudgingly, “keep your phone on though!”

you winked at her, already getting lost in the crowd.

you order your drink, starting a tab as you let your mind get lost in the noise and overwhelming warmth of the nightclub.

you used to hate the grand prix after parties more than anything, especially at the season finale, but at this point in your life, they were something you more or less looked forward to. being able to let go and be more or less stress free was a luxury, one that you could not easily afford. instead of a chore, it had begun to feel like a treat.

you took shots two at a time every few minutes for god knows how long, drinking until the room was hazy.

a song began blaring through the speakers, one that, even in your state, reminded you of him and you quickly spun to scan the room.

your eyes narrowed as you saw him.

he was in his godforsaken white linen shirt, looking great as ever, as he danced with a familiar brunette. she was probably a model or something.

you watched as all of his senses seemed to come alive at once as you stared at him, quickly straightening his back and scanning the room.

when your eyes met his, he didn’t break eye contact. instead, he kept his eyes on you, pulling from the embrace he had held with this mystery woman, whispering something in her ear as he disappeared into the crowd once more.

what a dick.

your mind was too scattered, with all of the alcohol in your system you couldn’t seem to form the thoughts you needed to in order to not cry. you were about to head to the bar to close your tab and head out for the night, hoping there was a taxi situation that wouldn’t take too long to arrange as a cool hand pressed against the small of your back.

you spin, getting bumped from behind and falling into the mystery person.

you look up, only to meet the most familiar haunting green eyes from this side of hell.

you pull back quickly, “sorry,” you whisper, stepping to the side as you try to let him past you, but he doesn’t move.

“did you see that?” he whispered.

you blinked, feeling especially dizzy all of a sudden, “the girl?”

he shook his head, “i’m sorry, that wasn’t fair. it’s not fair of me to be here.”

“no, it’s fine. you have every right. i mean, i should have expected you would be here. you made podium after all.”

“yeah,” he murmured, a little breathlessly, “i’m not… with her.”

“‘s fine,” you slurred, “i mean, i don’t care. ‘it’s not fair of me.’”

charles’ face went blank as you mocked his words, “i get you’re mad…”

you let out a shaky breath, “oh, you get it? sure, i’m sure you do,” you glared at him, all possibility of tears gone with the boiling rage in your stomach, “no, fuck that. and fuck you.”

“okay… i deserved that.”

“no, you didn’t. what you really deserve is for me to actually slap you right now, but lucky for you, i’m not the cruel one in this relationship.”

his hands slipped into his pockets, nodding and looking down, “you can go ahead, i can take it.”

you scoffed, “are you stupid?”

“yeah,” his eyes met yours, “maybe a little bit.”

your eyes sparkled with the remnants of tears and the memories of your past. maybe part of him wanted this as bad as you did.

he pulled you into a bathroom in a blur, turning to lock it, almost in one swift move.

“look…” he trailed off, pressing his hand to the back of your neck.

you seemingly pooled at his touch, immediately feeling the comfort of his warmth. you pressed yourself against his chest, arms wrapping around his waist as you looked up at him with pleading eyes.

“oh, ma douce… non… that’s not why i pulled you over here.”

you face flushed as your your arms went limp, returning back to your sides. you bit your lip, looking down, tears forming in the creases of your eyes once more.

how could he make you feel this much?

“non…” he pulled you to him in an embrace, “why?”

“no… it’s okay… i’m just stupid.”

“no, no… merde,” he swore, “i want to. you know i want to, don’t you? it’s just you’re so… ivre. we can’t. we shouldn’t. you’re mad at me remember? please get mad at me.”

your tears still fell, but you understood. charles was always serious about the right time, the correct circumstances. it was a quality you were grateful for in your relationship, but now it just felt like a slap in the face.

you shook your head, “it’s okay. i’m sorry.”

your hands reached behind him as you tried to swing the door open, but he quickly grabbed your wrists and brought them to his sides, wrapping your own hands around his torso.

the hug felt good. it didn’t feel right, but it felt amazing. you, in your far gone state, could not control yourself from getting lost in the comfort and warmth of it all.

he leaned back against the wall, letting you rest there, ready to wait as long as it took for you to regain control.

“i wanted to talk,” he whispered.

“i’m not sure what there is to talk about.”

he laced a hand through your hair, not holding your face to his chest with force, but with enough strength to make it clear he wanted it to stay there, “i wanted—i want—to stay with you forever. you must know that. it was just hard for me. the car was shit, life was bad, and i didn’t want to drag you back down. i didn’t know if we could take it another time.”

you blinked.

the ‘time’ he referred to was the first year of your relationship, one of the darkest ages of his career. in all honesty, it wasn’t a bad season in terms of his performance, it was just a bad year—family problems, and then the P6 in the championship was just the cherry on top of it all.

it was a hard year for him, and in turn you too. he shut you out a lot of the time, and it left you spiralling, grasping onto threads of him that took every ounce of your strength to keep hold of.

you nodded, this explanation made sense.

“but… you had to have known that i would do it again… i don’t care about all that.”

he cupped your face in his hands, the warmth of them coursing through your body in waves, “i know. but i didn’t want you to.”

“why did you just have to leave me? shut me out so entirely? i reached out to you when your sister told me you got in that accident, i—i was so worried,” you stared into his eyes, “and you wouldn’t even text me back.”

“but, god, i was watching everything you do. i tried so hard to forget it all, for your sake, but, i mean, i couldn’t even get your hair out of my room.”

you tried to wipe the emotion off your face as you looked up at him but he just shook his head and smiled, “i had so many people tell me so many things about where you were.”

you smiled, and he pressed his lips to yours once. you tried to grasp at more but he just grinned.

your face fell back against his chest and your eyes shut.

#charles leclerc #f1 #formula one #formula 1 #f1 imagine #f1 fanfic #ferrari #charles leclerc smut #fluff #angst with a happy ending #light angst #sumplys

[ledalasombra]

The Granddaughter - Chapter 4 - Little reveals

"Media? If he's famous, the paparazzi must have made a mess of the relationship," Tim commented as he took a sip of his coffee.

Alfred noticing the matter, called attention to the preselnce of the two at the door, causing the room to be silent.

"He was a model…" Marinette replied in a low tone when she noticed the silence and everyone's attention on her. "He gave up his career when his father disappeared."

"A pity the boy had to go through that. Adrien is a good boy, and he didn't deserve to lose his father so soon after finding his mother and no matter how bad his father was, the boy should try to keep the good memories…"

"Gabriel Agreste is probably the worst person I've ever met in my life Jagged." Marinette spoke calmly, taking a deep breath "I'm sorry to cut you off, but after I had to take Adrien to the hospital at least three times in less than a year because of the absurd diet his father made him follow and of the countless times he's come to my house hungry because he's gone more than 12 hours without a proper food, I refuse to hear anything good about him."

"Oh Mari I'm sorry. I know you don't like talking about him, it's totally my fault" Jagged tried to apologize but she just shook her head slightly.

"Water under the bridge Jagged, don't worry." She looked at Alfred who rubbed her hand lightly to assure her that everything was fine. "Excuse my rudeness, good night everyone! Mr. Wayne, Damian, it's nice to see you." She smiled slightly, cutting the subject short. "Jagged didn't inform me that we would be coming here today, as usual I'll just find out where I'm going when I get to the place."

"Hey, that's not true.." he spoke with his hand on his chest pretending to be offended

Penny smiled looking at her husband beside her "unfortunately she's right, she only found out when she got in the car. I didn't know you knew Mari"

"Oh! Penny, Jagged, let me introduce you to my grandfather Alfred Pennyworth. He is Julia's father" Marinette spoke with a wide smile and a lot of pride, looking at her grandfather, hugging him from the side. "He is simply the best person in my life. I certainly would not have survived the last 5 years without him."

Alfred returned the hug, lightly rubbing his granddaughter's head. It wasn't common to see him so openly show affection, not that the older one didn't show it in general, but he was very attached to etiquette in front of other people. "You're going to be fine" he spoke softly in her ear seeing her just nod positively. He lightly rubbed her head with his hand, turning his attention back to the couple.

"No way Alfie! How could that be? And I thought I was going to surprise him…."

"Mr. and Mrs. Stone, Mari is my only blood family and, after hearing all the stories possible from her about the interaction between you, I can only thank you for the care you both have taken with her." Alfred told the couple "actually the family didn't know about her existence until yesterday…"

"So let me introduce you to my friend of many years. Bruce Wayne this is my niece Marinette Dupain-Cheng aka Marie from Luck Charm, my fashion designer for the last four years…" Jagged spoke excitedly. Marinette smiled, greeting the older Wayne again.

"It's nice to see you. Jagged has been talking about you and your family for some time now and I can tell you it's nice to be able to put a face to every story. However, I must say I can't put you in most of the situations he described. "

"Should I care about what was said?" Bruce commented smiling and looking towards Jagged.

"Only if I decide to talk about them" Marinette completed looking at Bruce and smiling genuinely.

"Then I shouldn't worry about what Jagged and Alfred say about you. Let me introduce you to my children." He turned around pointing to the others in the room "This is my oldest, Richard Grayson-Wayne…" he said pointing to him.

"You can call me Dick, short for Richard… " Dick spoke cutting off what Bruce was saying. "You really look like Julia. Your mother was an amazing person from what I remember of her."

"Thank you. I don't remember her very well but Alfred always talk about her."

"This is my second oldest Jason Todd-Wayne" Bruce said.

"Oh… you were the guy from yesterday, who talked about the curves… of my motorcycle" Marinette spoke slowly, with a playful smile, which earned a few chuckles from around the room.

"It's a pleasure sunshine… " Jason replied laughing and shaking her hand.

"The one with the coffee is my second youngest Timothy Drake-Wayne" she smiled slightly greeting Tim from afar, where he looked at her a little scared.

"He is fine?" She spoke looking at Alfred and then Bruce

"You're Marie…" he said still on cloud nine "...and Alfred knew all this time?" Tim looked at the older man and only received a slight smile in return.

"It's not a secret of mine to tell master Tim" commented the butler….

Tim approached looking at Marinette in the eyes and then taking her hands. "Marry me?" She looked at him with wide eyes "You're the best designer I've ever seen in my entire life! You're smart, beautiful and Alfred's granddaughter…"

Marinette looked at him desperately hearing Jagged and Jason laugh behind her. She looked nervously at her grandfather who just shook his head. "Um… I don't think that's a good idea?"

"Master Tim, I suggest you sleep after dinner and I'll be clearing out all the coffee until you get a decent amount of sleep…."

Marinette frowned, looking at him sympathetically… "I'm sorry about that…" she said watching him walk away, looking at Bruce who pinched the bridge of his nose in a clear sign of tiredness.

"My youngest, Damian Wayne, who you met yesterday…" the young adult just nodded slightly towards her in greeting.

"It's a pleasure to see you Damian." she smiled slightly towards the boy.

"I'm going to finish setting the table for dinner. If you can all make your way to the dining room, everything will be ready in a few minutes." said the butler.

" Do you need some help?" Marinette asked, looking at her grandfather.

"Don't worry my dear, you are a guest." the older one responded by patting her hand, then moving away. The young woman just nodded, turning her attention to the other members of the room.

"Jagged mentioned yesterday that you moved to Gotham to study, correct? With so many universities in Europe and the region being so well recognized, why come to America?" Bruce asked, seeing the young woman take a seat next to Jagged.

"Actually, it wasn't such a difficult decision. My grandfather lives here, I spent my whole life away from him, for me it was the most logical thing. My parents are great people, but I always missed him by my side." She paused as if thinking briefly about what to say, "Besides, Paris has become a city with a lot of memories that I'd like to leave in the past."

"Hawkmorth left a deep mark on everyone." Jagged completed by speaking seriously for the first time.

"But people are healing, that's what matters. Plus Gotham has one of the best universities in the world which will certainly help me a lot with Luck Charm."

"It must have been pretty hard living all that time under the pressure of not being able to release your feelings in a decent way" Dick commented sympathetically.

"Everyone did what they could to not get akumatized. And those who couldn't or didn't care... people just wished it wasn't so bad." She spoke with a faraway look

"And how it is?" Damian asked, causing her to turn her attention to him, not understanding the question. Dick looked at him scolding him "What's it like to be akumatized?" She looked him in the eyes, but before she even answered, Penny did.

"I don't think Mari is the best person to answer since she has never been akumatized" Penny commented, hugging the young woman from the side.

"There were some very close situations... in one of the most extreme cases he called the akuma back. Not being akumatized is probably the hardest thing to do, but I managed it and I believe meditation and my family at the time were what got me helped. I also talked to Alfred quite often. I think knowing how to address stress and feelings was what helped me the most." She commented with a tight smile.

"I believe it's best that we direct the conversation to the dining room." Alfred spoke completely cutting the subject. Everyone got up, following Alfred to the dining room, not being able to notice some exchanges of glances between the family.

Dinner passed with light conversation about Jagged's tour accompanied by delicious food served by Alfred. Jokes and puns were thrown in during dinner, setting a mild mood, very different from earlier in the evening, where the atmosphere was tense.

“Hey Alfie, dinner was wonderful. I already missed your food, there's no place that can do what you do…” commented Jagged excitedly “I'll invite myself to eat here whenever I'm in Gotham…”

"Jagged... you can't just invite yourself into people's homes..." Marinette commented, rubbing her forehead and shaking her head.

“Oh M, I already do that with Tom and Sabine. You know very well that this is true. Your parents and Alfred are the best…”

“I'm glad you enjoyed the food, Mr. Stone. I suggest you finish your conversation in the living room and I'll bring you all tea in a minute." the butler commented getting up, watching the others leave next. Marinette watched the others leave, gathering some plates to help her grandfather.

“Do you think you can come to lunch with me tomorrow? We really need to talk…” the young woman said gathering all the dishes and taking them calmly to a cart that was in the corner of the dining room.

"I'll be there. Did anything happen besides the pending conversation?” the older one replied looking at her intently, studying her reactions. She looked at him without answering and they were both silent for a few seconds.

“I need to have a breakdown before answering this question, but we can say that the night has not been very easy… The conversation with Adrien was difficult and all the questions today were not very helpful…”

"I'm going to make you some tea to help you relax… In the meantime, we'll talk and you can explain to me what's going on in that head of yours that's always full…" the eldest smiled lightly, heading towards the kitchen with his granddaughter right behind him.

–

"What possessed you to ask those kinds of questions Damian? I think it was clear that Parisians have a hard time with the whole Hawkmorth situation… We're not in an interrogation…" Dick spoke to the younger one when they both fell further behind when left the dining room.

"Tt. It's obvious to me that she knows something… The whole situation in Paris was very closely guarded, we don't have much information about what really happened these years…"

"Damian… Alfred asked that there be no involvement on our part. We all agreed not to delve into her life… "

"I, as an outsider of the situation, was trying to understand what went on in Paris. I wasn't looking at anything in her life… " the young man stopped to look the older one in the eye "I just think from the way she spoke and her reaction, she was involved..."

"Where is she? I didn't see her go by with the others…" Dick asked looking where they came from.

"She was talking to Alfred." Damian ended the conversation and walked back to the living room. He didn't intend to stay long, but he didn't want to be lectured by his father. Dick stopped for a few seconds, going back the way he did earlier and going to the kitchen, where he could hear part of their conversation.

___

"Adrien is trying to convince me to go back to London." She spoke as soon as they entered the kitchen. She was clearly uncomfortable with her conversation with her ex. "My presence wasn't doing him any good grandpa"

He sighed looking at his granddaughter "You need to worry a little about yourself too Mari. You need to be sure of what you want and what you need." He paused, reaching over and holding both of her hands. "Let's try to explain it piece by piece. Why do you think your presence hurts him?"

"He has nightmares seeing me… " she stopped talking closing her eyes “...during the last encounter everything got out of control and…"

"Calm down my love. Take your time…" he rubbed her hand lightly trying to be supportive.

"He thinks that because he couldn't protect me on the last day, because he saw me... he thinks that being by my side is putting me in danger. He pulled away and when he said it was better that we broke up, I ended up accepting it." she opened her eyes letting a tear fall. Marinette was going to continue but before she could say anything, she looked her grandfather in the eyes and stopped, pressing her lips together. "It's better if we talk when we're in a place where no one can hear us…"

"Hum…" the butler paused looking at her "we'll talk better tomorrow, ok?" She nodded.

"I'll understand your calmness about this whole situation as a vote of confidence but I don't like it…" He smiled slightly with the younger girl's sentence moving away. He put the water on to boil in the kettle, watching as she approached and stopped next to the marble cupboard in the center of the kitchen. He walked over to her, holding her hand "Do you trust me?"

"My life and more" she answered honestly and without hesitation.

"Then get that worry out of your head… " he said placing his index finger on her head. Marinette just pursed her lips, looking at him "Worry about what is necessary. I'll be by your side to solve what you need" Alfred caressed her face, seeing his granddaughter nod positively, leading them both to the door right away. As soon as he got to the door, both stopped and Alfred addressed the guy who was on his back playing with his cell phone "do you need anything Master Dick?"

….

Dick returned to the kitchen, stopping in the hallway when he heard the voices of Alfred and Marinette.

"He has nightmares seeing me... during the last encounter everything got out of control and…" 

 "Calm down my love. Take your time…"

"He thinks that because he couldn't protect me on the last day, because he saw me... he thinks that being by my side is putting me in danger. He pulled away and when he said it was better that we broke up, I ended up accepting it." Dick heard Marinette talking, noticing that they both stopped talking for a few moments. He was going to move, but stopped when he heard the young woman continue "It's better if we talk when we're in a place where no one can hear us…"

Dick was standing next to the kitchen for about 5 minutes and he was sure no one heard him coming, so how? He never understood how Alfred managed to sense his presence even when he didn't make a sound in the dark. Even after years he had come to simply accept that his grandfather just managed to be always present. Finding out that her granddaughter could do something similar was intriguing to say the least. Was it a family thing? Dick took the cell phone sending message in the group chat that has only his brothers.

Group Chat: The war zone

The First One

She certainly knows about what happened and from what I understand, so does Alfred.

It's scary how they manage to talk without saying anything...

I think it runs in the family, she knew I was down the hall in less than 5 minutes….

The Best One

I said she knew something. Pennyworth must explain to us later.

Richard was about to respond to the group when he heard Alfred speak behind him. He noticed that the cell phone started to be bombarded with a lot of messages, keeping it in his pants pocket.

"Do you need anything Master Dick?"

"Alfred! I came to get Marinette, she wasn't with the others…" he said smiling gallantly as he looked at the two. Marinette looked him up and down, taking a deep breath...

"And here I thought only Mr Wayne was like that…"

"Marinette…" Alfred spoke in a scolding tone.

"What? Seriously grandpa, Mr Wayne acted exactly the same yesterday… This family is very strange…" she said as she walked a little further ahead and Alfred shook his head negatively at the interaction.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello everyone... sorry for the delay but life is hectic... 

I'm still trying to finish editing the other chapters of "My not so normal little sister" and it's complicated... I won't even start with the others WIPs that are in my head and partially written. thank you for your patience, feedback and a thousand apologies if I forgot to tag someone. And again, english is not my first language, it's actually my fourth so I am so sorry for the grammar mistakes... the goal is always to improve

@fusser90  @night-ngale  @missmadwoman  @prettylittlebutterflie @babylovebug18 @its-maemain @iglowinggemma28 @the-church-grimm @kp-names @iamablinkmarvelarmy​ @starling218  @battybatbat  @atiredartistandacat @serasvictoria02 @read-fantasy-to-escape-reality @alice-hazelwood @maybeanalien0-0 @stella17luna  @sknerd101 @kathygene @waffleyunsure @nightfallsthings @taewinterbear95 @occulta-lacrimarum13  @kathygene  @tinybrie​  @kitsun369​  @iglowinggemma28​  @crazylittlemunchkin​  @nightfallsthings  @fangirlingfanatic​  @nightmarewasteland​   @laydeekrayzee  @the-ruler-of-death​ @sarcasticbambi

#marinette x damian #mlb x dc #dc x mlb #maridami #damimari #damian x marinette #maribat #daminette #damianette

[jiminrings]

four seven eight; intermission 02.

wordcount: 3k

glimpse: sometimes, blood doesn’t have to be thicker than water.

alternatively, sora protects you and jungkook from eunwoo.

[ part one + intermission + part two + intermission 02 + finale ]

as always, lmk what you think <3 send in feedback n love to my askbox anytime!! even replying to this post sends me over the moon :) | series masterlist

Sora tries her best to be a good person.

She tries her best to become a good person even when fate hasn’t been good to her growing up. She tries her best to maintain the kindness in her bones even when they’re weary from the work of trying to amount to anything.

Sora willed her heart to endure seeing her mom, the only prominent figure in her life back then, pick up jobs left and right just so they could keep living underneath a roof no matter how small it was for the two of them. Her mother’s far too kind for her sake, too kind to the point that with barely nothing left for herself, she took in her nephew to live with them years ago.

Her mother is too kind and as much as she hates it, Sora’s inherited the pitiful goodness. Kindness was barely advantageous for people like them back then. It was a pitiful word for being resilient to each ounce of shit they’re supposed to last through, all for the path of making something of themselves when they have nothing to begin with.

Sora’s enduring, that much she prides herself in. Her heart is patient when she had to take care of Eunwoo, her little cousin, despite coming home from fast food jobs she could snag as a teenager. Her heart is kind when she understood that the fare for the field trip she wanted to join is two months’ worth of gas money for her mom who needed it to get in between jobs, and just resigned from attending altogether.

Sora wishes she was born and raised through more favorable circumstances; circumstances wherein she had more to lose. It’s not her fault and neither it’s her mom’s. Fate was just shitty like that — it’s destiny for the right people, and misfortune for people who need it the most.

The only people Sora feared of losing back then was her mom and Jungkook.

She grew up with Jungkook, the only person who questioned her lack of food for recess in school. He’s there for her, she figured — 12 year-old Jungkook wasn’t off-put when she answers that the lunch money she gets from her mom is foregone for the purpose, and actually goes straight to her money jar because she wants to help with the cost of moving to a house; one that isn’t an apartment, had proper heating, and more than enough room for three people.

Jungkook pitied her, it was unavoidable, but he channeled the pity he had for her into helping her make something of herself, something Sora hadn’t seen before.

He was the friend that picked up hiring fliers from bulletin boards and lamp posts, gathered it in an envelope, and handed it to her for them to look through. He was the friend that came along occasionally for the jobs she were hired at, not because he actually needs the job, but because he didn’t want Sora to be lonely.

Jungkook reminds Sora of all the hardships she’s endured and was far too kind for. He reminds her of the tiny apartment that would freeze when her cousin used up all the hot water for a month in one shower because he didn’t know any better. He reminds her of the crying she’d do at midnight when everyone’s asleep because that’s the time she’s awake the most, wondering how much cruel fate could be before it turns for the better. He reminds her of the raw happiness she and her mom felt when things just slowly started picking up from them, until they finally got to move somewhere better and live better.

Jungkook reminds Sora of her pain, her endurance, and her happiness.

They’re no longer together — it’s been years. Sora’s much better in life because fate pitied her and she didn’t stop working herself to the bone until she booked it to the highest-paying job one could get with a degree in engineering. She’s much better now that she managed to make her mom retire early, give her a house in a gated community, and spoil her to no end.

She’s better, even if Jungkook’s no longer part of her life. It’s only days ago when he called her to finally say goodbye and give them the closure they both needed; to fully let go of what they had and only recognize each other as figures of their pasts, never to seek one another again.

Sora accepted that. Sora continues to accept that.

Sora wishes to remain a good person and as much as she’s been one for almost her whole life, there’s only so much she could take; so much people she could endure before she loses all of her composure.

“Sora!”

She hears a familiar voice that booms even louder than her intercom, making her queasy even before she could confirm who it was by walking to her penthouse’s front door.

“Eunwoo,” she says less than enthusiastically when she sees her cousin eagerly waving from outside of her door, more than reluctant to open the door to see him but does it anyway. “What? What are you doing here?”

She hasn’t seen Eunwoo in years, her cousin moving out right after he graduated which was just years ago. She didn’t want to really stay in contact with him because something about him was unfavorable, no matter how rude it sounds from one family member to another.

She didn’t hate Eunwoo, no. Eunwoo’s a victim of fate too because he didn’t choose to be undesired and passed around relatives until her mom finally took him under their wing. She couldn’t help but think that life would be better if only he didn’t live with them because that way, they had more to themselves and worked a little less. The thought’s always lingered but Sora always tried to avoid it because after all, she’s kind.

She didn’t bother reaching out to Eunwoo after he moved out because although it was a lingering feeling she had at the back of her mind, Eunwoo was just off to be around with. He was a little overbearing — a little too protective, a little too insufferable to be around with. Whichever friend she met up with, he wanted to join. Whenever Jungkook came over, he’d insert himself into the background.

It boggles her to no end why Eunwoo’s even here, much more know where she lives. It’s probably because he’s asked her mother, and despite living in better circumstances now, she still hasn’t outgrown being kind; kind enough to let her nephew know about her daughter’s address.

He looks a little stupid, a large camera slung around his neck. His job is a little stupid because from what she’s heard of, Eunwoo’s apparently an intern for a big media compony who’s notorious for starting smear campaigns.

“I’m here because — hey!” he whines, rolling his eyes when Sora blocks him from entering past her to let himself inside the space. “Aren’t you going to let me in?”

“No.”

“What’s with you?” he mutters but quickly lets go of it, shaking his head to get the thought out. “Whatever, you’ll want me in anyway once I tell you this.”

“I highly guarantee there’s no news good enough for me to let you in,” she scoffs, her disdain for her cousin apparent now that she’s grown a little tougher. Learned how to show her lack of kindness for the people who don’t deserve it.

Eunwoo finds it weird because he didn’t think this would be the type of attitude he’d receive from his older cousin he practically grew up with, but he learns to ignore it. She’ll become warm eventually, counting on what he’s about to say next.

“Sora, it’s gonna be fine! Look,” he grins, pulling out his phone from behind him. “I did this.”

She has to squint to make out what he’s showing her, the shock slowly starting to pile behind her eyes when she recognizes the woman in the picture. She recognizes the pretty woman in the picture, the famous guy beside her, and the words that describe a man she was once acquainted with.

“I can get you and hyung back together.”

It makes Sora sick. It makes her physically sick that the article that’s been floating around since last night is none other than the work of her cousin. What makes her even more sick is the words that Eunwoo utters, his intention clear as day that it’s the motive of the article that’s been released of you and Yoongi.

“You took these?” her lips quirk to the side, her exhales usually more drawn-out but this time they’re heavy, chest rising quicker in between. There’s no kindness that registers behind her quip, long outgrowing the composure she used to keep in hearing disturbing things. “Do you know Y/N?”

She asks before she sees red because when that happens, nothing but unadulterated anger overtakes her. She mentions your name with warmth like she’s always known and have always been her friend, her vague familiarity with you being the only thing that keeps her stable at the moment.

Sora feels another warmth for Eunwoo but it’s not the familiar kind. The warmth she feels for him is burning with nothing but rage, the kind that flows through her clenched fists.

Eunwoo is pleasantly surprised to hear Sora utter your name because he didn’t even expect her to know it, but the initial shock he feels turns into ignorant bliss.

“Oh, you know her too? Well I don’t know her personally, but I’ve met her twice! That’s not the point. The point is, you can-“ he babbles, still smiling when he points to his phone that Sora’s still holding.

“Did you know that Jungkook and Y/N are married?” Sora interrupts, voice with an edge. She says it clearly with no bitterness, the sharp tone to it meant for getting the point across through Eunwoo’s thick skull.

Eunwoo came to surprise her, not the other way around. The shock’s visible in his features, brows knitting in confusion. He knows Jungkook blocked him after seeing him at the grocery store because he couldn’t find him anywhere on social media. It meant that he didn’t even know if the two of you were still together. He hoped not; that by the time in Jungkook magically just decides to unblock him, he’d come to know that you are out of his life.

That’s clearly not the case.

“W-what?”

“And you took these because you thought it would ruin them?” Sora persists, relentless even when she sees that Eunwoo’s still reeling in from the truth she’s just said.

“Are you serious right now? I don’t– I don’t know if what you’re saying is true. Jungkook blocked me a few years ago, I don’t know shit,” he breathlessly chuckles, shaking his head.

But this is good. Jungkook being married to you is just one silly, little obstacle. It doesn’t mean anything — it shouldn’t mean anything. The realization that comes to him makes him grin from ear to ear, eyes squinting in joy.

“But wait, no, no. Sora, this is good! If Y/N’s with Yoongi then that means she’s cheating on Jungkook! You can — you can still be together!”

Rage fills Sora before she even knows it, any remaining filter she has completely disappearing. She gives no concerns for her neighbors now that her voice raises, door still shut for Eunwoo to remain outside.

“Are you fucking sick?!”

“Why are you so mad at me?” Eunwoo whines, unsuspecting of the full picture of anger that comes from his cousin. He’s starting to get angry too, hands gesturing to get his point across. “Don’t you want this? Don’t you want that bitch out of the picture?”

“What? No, Eunwoo!” Sora spits, shaking her head fervently. “I’m happy for Jungkook and Y/N! I don’t fucking like Jungkook anymore. I’m engaged, for god’s sake.”

She barely recognizes Eunwoo now. He’s grown and changed, clearly for the worse. The Eunwoo she remembers at first glance was a sweet kid, one that didn’t fit into their home but eventually grew into it that he became less and less of the endearing family member.

“I moved on. We moved on!” she grits out, Eunwoo’s phone still on her hand but refusing to looking at it.

“I didn’t move on!” he yells, nostrils flaring as if what he’s said is the most obvious truth to ever exist. “You and Jungkook were perfect. But he cheated on you with Y/N and-”

“That didn’t happen! Stop making up false memories just because you can’t accept what happened to us!” Sora points her finger menacingly, scoffing in disbelief. “And what do you mean you didn’t move on? Who are you to move on from my breakup?”

Eunwoo’s always been off-putting, now that Sora sees him in a different light. He’s always been a little too keen, a little too suffocating.

“To be honest, I don’t even know why you’re so invested in this, Eunwoo. It was Jungkook and I in that relationship, not the three of us. God, you’re really so weird.”

Eunwoo can’t take it. He could only take so much belittling from every person he comes across with. He wants to cry but he swallows the lump in his throat, his frustration instead manifesting to an exasperated yell.

“How is caring about your parents’ relationship weird?!”

Sora stops.

The air thickens and Sora just stops, her ears ringing from pure disbelief and rage. She’s eerily calm when she starts out, voice meek from the way her teeth are grinding together.

“What did you just say?” she steps closer, head tilting. “You think Jungkook and I are your fucking parents?”

Eunwoo groans, putting his head into his hands. He doesn’t even know why Sora’s questioning him, thinking that his truth is everyone else’s.

“You raised me! You practically raised me!”

“Yes, Eunwoo, because I’m your older cousin and felt sorry that no one was there for you besides me and mom!” she yells even louder, her finger dangerously close to his face.

Sora’s disgusted, way beyond disgusted that she’s derailed for a few seconds, closing her eyes to try and get the the nausea that crawls in her skin out of her whole body.

“Fuck, god! Is this why you’ve always been so off around me and Jungkook?” she sneers, looking down on him. “This is why you’re so mad at Y/N? You think we’re your goddamn parents and Y/N’s the fucking mistress, is that it?”

Eunwoo’s silence is the only answer she gets, the angry tears that pour down his cheeks not making her feel apologetic the slightest bit.

“You’re sick. You’re so fucking sick.”

Sora snarls before she throws Eunwoo’s phone to the ground, smashing it into pieces. It’s only rage and repulsion that flows through her, harshly tugging off the camera from his neck and hurling it to the wall beside his face, her cousin narrowly dodging the throw.

She repeatedly kicks the camera, stepping onto it to make sure that it’s just as wrecked as his phone, if not more. She’s not content at that, picking up the camera to aim and throw it to Eunwoo but he shields himself weakly with his arms, the heavy device surely leaving bruises on his arms.

“You stop, Eunwoo. You fucking stop,” Sora drills a pointed finger into his temple, still as angry. “You’re not a hero. You’re not avenging anyone. Jungkook loves Y/N and nothing can change that.”

“Stay away from them,” she grits out, voice dangerously low. “Stay away from Jungkook. You mean nothing to him. I can’t even stomach you.”

Sora doesn’t know how she can even try to process Eunwoo’s adoration for her as if his mother all this time without shuddering, the anger unable to leave her even if she’s beaten it into his devices.

“And you stay away from Y/N,” Sora adds, serious in the way she talks. “She’s done nothing to you.”

“If you try something like this again — if I just hear a single peep that you came close to Y/N or Jungkook again, I’ll end you.”

Sora feels no remorse when she sees that Eunwoo’s head is still hung low, sobs audible for her to hear. She pays them no mind as she forces him to look at her, staring him right in the eye.

“I’ll block you. I’ll tell my mom to block you. Whoever else you have in your life, I’ll make them disown you.”

It’s not an empty threat. Another thing about Sora is she doesn’t stop until she gets what she wants, nothing else that she’d spare to protect you and Jungkook from Eunwoo.

“Get help, Eunwoo. Fix yourself. You hear me?” she asks rhetorically, not waiting for an answer.

Her cousin nods albeit shaky, eager to appease her and actually come through with his agreement because he doesn’t want to disappoint her. He feels unbelievably small but he feels like he deserves it, Sora’s words inevitably about to start sinking into his little brain soon.

“Now get out of my face. I don’t want to see you again.”

#whew.... how r we feeling :O #jungkook imagine #jungkook imagines #jungkook oneshot #jungkook oneshots #jungkook angst #jungkook angst imagine #jungkook fluff #jungkook x reader #jungkook x y/n #jungkook au #jeon jungkook imagine #jungkook scenario #jungkook fanfic #jungkook x you #bts jungkook imagine

[whatisreggieshortfor]

Obaasan

Bokuto x gn!reader

You just wanted to save up money before you finished high school.

Working the register at a convenience store should’ve been fairly easy, pretty straightforward.

Customers got annoyed about prices, you stood your ground that you didn’t set them and offered no discounts.

Sometimes their attitudes got to you.

But days like today made you feel like you were in the right place.

You had been ringing up an older woman- a regular you adored because she was the definition of sweet- the line behind her growing, when she suddenly tried to grab onto the counter as she got dizzy. Snapping forward, you dropped the items in your hands in favor of catching hers. You couldn’t get around the counter to assist without letting her go, many disrespectful patrons complaining about how they had to wait, when you caught sight of boys you knew from school, “Akaashi-San! Bokuto-senpai! Could you please give me some assistance?”

The old woman still had apologies spilling off her tongue as the two of them came forward- Akaashi began to offer his arm to her when Bokuto opted to scoop her off her feet. Akaashi tried to scold him, tell him it was inappropriate because he hadn’t even asked permission to touch her let alone pick her up- but you were already speaking to the woman.

“Obaasan, I’m gonna keep all of your things right back here, okay? Do you think you could ask your neighbor to come buy them for you later?” Her neighbor was a nice boy, you were pretty sure you’d seen him around school but never spoken outside of the store.

“You don’t need to do that.” Bokuto noisily, but politely, cut in, big grin on his face, “I can buy her stuff and make sure she gets home okay.”

“Oh, I couldn’t ask you to do that, young man.” She offered, the four of you were essentially ignoring the annoyed customers in line.

“It’s no trouble! Just let me…” Bokuto paused, shifting a little bit before pouting at his teammate, “Akaashiiiii, I can’t reach my wallet without setting her down.”

“I am not reaching into your pocket, Bokuto.”

“But Akaashiiiiii-“

Your eyes widened, you knew what was coming as the tips of his hair started to deflate, “I can do it for you, Bokuto.”

“L/N, you really don’t have to-“

“Really? Thanks!” Bokuto cut Akaashi off, turning toward you so you could reach across the counter.

But you should’ve let him finish whining to Akaashi.

Because on assumption you shifted his bag out of the way and reached into the pocket of his sweats.

And then his face turned red, “L/N- my, uh, my wallet is in my bag.”

Recoiling like you’d been burned, you shooed them away from the counter, shoving the bags into Akaashi’s arms, “On second thought I’ll just ring it up for the manager as a tab! Just send your neighbor over to pay the bill when you can, Obaasan!” You ushered them out the door, your face on fire, but you only had a moment for self pity before the grumbling line made their annoyance known.

When you got to school the next morning, you had marginally forgot about your accidental groping of the volleyball team’s star player.

At least until you saw him on the way to lunch.

You immediately spun around, trying to avoid the conversation, what was he even doing here? This is the second year hallway!

“L/N!” His voice called, of course someone his height could find you in the crowd. “Wait!”

Heaving a breath, you halted your steps, there was no point in trying to avoid or outrun him. He definitely had a physical advantage over you, and his best friend was in your class. There would be no escape. It was better to just deal with the awkwardness. Let him yell at you- or whatever someone as genuinely nice as him would do.

So you stood, waiting for him to catch up- and it seemed like it only took him three steps to make it to your side.

“Is your grandma okay?”

Your face screwed up in confusion, your grandmother? How did he know your grandmother? “Uh, she’s fine? I mean i haven’t spoken to her since Sunday dinner and it’s Friday now but-“

“Wasn’t she at the store last night?” His gold eyes were wide, confusion and curiosity mixing, but you finally understood what he meant.

“Oh! Oh, no! She wasn’t-“ you laughed, “Obaasan isn’t my grandma. She’s just a regular at the store, sometimes on my days off I’ll help her around the house. She only lives like a block from me. She’s kind of… my grandma who’s not my grandma? Does that make sense?”

Bokuto laughed, as long and loud as he usually did, “I get it- she was really nice! Kept talking about how sweet you are when I was helping her home.”

Why did his ears turn red?

“She likes to embellish,” you rolled your eyes, ignoring the embarrassment of her clearly trying to set you up.

“Bokuto-San.” Akaashi approached from his classroom, “Did you remember to give it to them?”

“Oh! Right!” He pulled an envelope and a container out of his bag, “She wanted me to give this to you, since we’d see you today. The money for her shopping, and some cookies she wanted you to have.”

“Oh, no way! Her cookies are legendary!” You nearly crushed the container to your chest before you caught yourself, “Would you guys like to… share them with me?”

“I’m okay, thank you L/N-san. Bokuto, you go ahead. I’ll see you at practice.”

Bokuto flushed deeper as Akaashi waved, walking away before the spiker could stop him.

When the regular came in again, she had Bokuto with her. “Y/N! Sweetie, your boyfriend has been so helpful.”

“My- HUH!?” You’re face erupted, befuddlement filling you.

Bokuto pouted at her, even as she hugged his arm to walk, “I told you I haven’t confessed yet!” His eyes widened, “I mean- not that I would- no, I mean- dang it!”

“Language, mago.” She sternly tapped his hand, “And you promised you would! It was why I gave you the cookies!”

He swiftly guided her down an aisle, but didn’t take into account how his voice traveled, “I know, I know, but we were finally actually talking! I couldn’t do it. People don’t… people think I’m too much.”

“Nonsense, sweetheart. You are a catch. The right person will know that, just as your friend does.” You could hear her soothing voice over the quiet music your manager played through the store, “You need to take the chance- just as you do in that sport you play! You told me about taking the risk to perform a dump, right?”

“But that’s different.” Bokuto argued, “Volleyball is what people expect of me. Outside of that, I’m just the loud idiot.”

“No, you aren’t.” You heard something fall, rounding the corner to see him stacking boxes back on a shelf before you continued, “Bokuto-senpai, you may be loud, but you’re also empathetic. Kind. Compassionate. You helped Obaasan when all the other customers just complained that she was holding them up. That’s so much more important than whether or not you understand what an inside voice is or if you need a tutor. Academics can be hard, but it doesn’t discount the kind of person you are.”

Your neighbor patted his hand again, “Take the risk, dearie. I think you’ll realize it’s worth it.”

“Yeah… maybe it is.” Bokuto gave you a shy smile, shyer than you knew possible for him.

Obaasan was one smooth woman.

Masterlist

#haikyuu #haikyuu x male reader #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu x gender neutral reader #bokuto koutaro x reader #bokuto koutarou #haikyuu bokuto #bokuto x reader

[latoyalestrange]

THE FOOL

p. pascal x f!oc

Masterlist | Playlist

Summary: Pedro takes every chance he gets to cheer Naela up. After filming an intimate scene, he finally starts to make some progress.

Words: 2.1k

Warnings: Innacurate portrayal of acting career (idk i’m not an actor) Pedro fluff, lil angst, not edited

Taglist: @marvel-sw-lover , @lokislittle , @red-red-rogue

comment if you want to be added to the taglist!

CHAPTER THREE — CIGARETTES AND APPLE JUICE

The next few weeks were hard for Naela. She was in a different country, bound by contract to stay until filming was finished. She felt violated, disrespected, and taken advantage of. And she was disgusted by the fact that no one was angry except for her and Pedro. But what was she supposed to do? Leave and then get sued? Naela had to be honest with herself. She would make this sacrifice, pick herself back up, and get through it. She needed this opportunity. And if she were really honest, she probably would have said yes if she were given all the information at the start. She would be reluctant, sure, but this was all she’d ever wanted.

Pedro was making it bearable. So were the other friends she’d made on the cast so far. Today, however, Naela was sure no one could prepare her for. Episode four, scene 18.

She had to admit, she preferred her outfit for this scene to her usual jeans and fitted t-shirt. PJ shorts and an oversized crew neck was much more her style.

She took her place on the couch, trying to ignore the giant camera placed to the right of the retro TV she was meant to be watching. She took a deep breath as the crew made the final adjustments and Pedro took his pace on the other side of the fake door.

“Okay, everyone’s in there places, good…” Tom was muttering to himself as he checked off his mental list. The flourecent lighting switched off and everyone was left in the warm glow of Lucia’s apartment lighting.

a/n: listen i know this is from season two but just pretend okay

“For this scene, after Javi witnesses Colonel Carrilo kill a child to prove a point to Pablo’s young informants, he finds himself at Lucia’s house after drinking. After countless lingering touches and passionate glances, he gives in to his desire. He needed someone who understood,” Tom read off of the script to help them get into character.

“Alright, everyone.” This was always the most nerve wracking part for Naela. The silence as everyone watched. “Episode four, scene 18, take one…Action!”

Naela took one more deep breath as she shifted in the couch, trying to get comfortable. She half-watched what the crew put on the TV for a few second before she heard her cue.

Knock, knock, knock.

She instantly opened the drawer next to the couch and withdrew her pistol. She kept it tight at her side as she crept up to the door, the camera following her as she did so. She certainly wasn’t expecting anyone at this hour, and frankly, she would be a good target for any of the members of Pablo’s cartel.

She put her eye up to the peephole and sighed, putting the saftey back on her gun. She unlocked all three of the locks on her door and swung it open.

There stood Pedro, looking up at her with a pitiful and defeated look.

“Javi…what are you doing, it’s pouring—“ She didn’t finish before he let himself in. Making himself at home, he started rummaging through her liquor cabinet.

She scoffed, “Go right ahead.” She rolled her eyes and joined him in her kitchen as he poured himself a glass of what was supposed to be liquor, but was really apple juice.

He poured himself a double and downed it in one go, planting his strong hands on her counter as he let his head fall. Naela had a second to take in his outfit, a light blue button up tucked into his tight jeans and chunky holster. She stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder as he continued to look down at his feet.

“What happened with the Colonel?” He turned to answer her question, and in that moment, he realized how close they were. Their lips, in particular. He paused for a moment, this was the moment where he chose if he cared about breaking the rules. If she was worth it. And she was.

He connected their lips softly, hesitating at first. He turned his body towards her and snaked one arm around her back, deepening the kiss. He tasted like cigarettes, and, you guessed it, apple juice. He smelled much better, though, like cedar wood and cardamom.

She let herself enjoy it for a moment, then broke away, “No, no, no….we can’t.” She was breathless and her mouth was already puffy. Pedro brought his hand up to cup her cheek, looking into her eyes intensely.

“Don’t pretend I can’t see the way you look at me.” His voice was low, almost like a growl. To her surprise, he slowly sunk to his knees, letting his hands wander as he did so. “We can take away each others pain…let me make you feel good, princesa.” He lifted up the hem of her sweater to pepper kisses along her stomach, his hands resting on her hips.

God, it was so hard to focus. If she had a line, she couldn’t remember what it was. The only thing she could think about was the overwhelming tingling sensation below her stomach. Why did he make her feel this way when she already loved someone else? Sure, he was difficult at times, but she loved him. She’d spent the last three years committed to him and she wasn’t about to let it go to waste.

Regardless, she pulled herself back into character, “J-javi—“

“Please, Lucia…you’re the only one who understands.” She followed his eyes as he straightens his spin to tower over her. His hands found their way back around her waist and she understood why Lucia gave in in that moment. She couldn’t say no. He connected their lips once more, this time more firey than the last. The director let them go on for a few seconds before calling it.

“And cut! I am really liking these one-take scenes you guys are doing. Keep it up!”

All Naela heard was “cut”. She was ripped from her fantasy as Pedro withdrew with his hands still lingering.

“Good job!” She choked out after a few seconds of awkward silence and staring.

“Oh, that was all you, Naela. You killed it.” His hands finally dropped, and she hated to admit she missed their warmth and the magic of the scene as the bright lights came back on. Reality always set back in during these moments, and she was reminded of how much trouble she would be in if Josh were to watch the show.

“Thanks,” was all she could think to say. Over Pedro’s shoulder, she spotted Boyd making kissy faces mockingly at them. “I think Boyd is calling for you.” She teased, pointing behind him. Pedro turned and witnessed Boyd trying to play it off by smoothing his new mustache down with his fingers. Pedro chuckled and shook his head.

“I’ll take care of him. See you around, Naela.” She giggled as he jogged off.

“See you.”

Naela was particularly excited to turn in that night. They had the weekend off to explore Columbia if they wanted, go to the beach, or just sleep in. Naela’s plans, you ask? Stealing food from the buffet and watching the telenovela she was binging.

To prepare for such an event, she took an everything shower, feeling like an entirely new human when she stepped out. Next step was putting on her favorite lotion and pajamas, then heating up her dinner. She was just settling in on her fouton when she heard a knock at her trailer door.

She was hit with a disorienting wave of deja vu, but regardless, she got up to answer. “Pedro?” By that time, the sun had set and the image was entirely too familiar. This time, he had a bottle of wine and two glasses. His usual button up and flared jeans was replaced with a slim-fitting t-shirt and pajama pants. She instinctively bit her lip, she liked the casual look on him. She was still getting used to the haircut and mustache, though.

The feeling she had was entirely different than while filming, though. Realizing he was probably put up to this, she sighed.

“I thought we didn’t need to do this until after we were done filming—“

He shook his head profusely, “No, this is just me, I promise. I just wanted to see how you were doing, considering…” Her expression softened to a smile as she stepped aside. He smiled back at her as he stepped into her trailer, having a look around. He noticed her looking at the wine in his hands.

“I ran to the store after the last scene and got this. Thought we could use something to unwind before the weekend.” He set it down on the counter and staged the glasses next to it.

She nodded “Yeah, of course. Very thoughtful of you.” She didn’t even need the alcohol, she was already blushing and he hadn’t opened it. She watched as he peeled off the wrap and stared at the cork.

“Shit, I didn’t think this through,” he joked as he tried prying it out with his fingers. Naela thought for a moment. Showing him her party trick could either impress him or turn him severely off. She wanted wine, though, so she decided to take her chances.

“Here,” she reached out for the bottle and he oblidged. He watched her, curious to see her solution. Like it was muscle memory, she brought the bottle up to her mouth and bit down on either side of the cork. It didn’t take much effort to slide it out.

“A woman after my own heart,” Pedro mused, taking the bottle back as she placed the cork on the counter.

She chuckled, “My brother taught me that.”

“Really?” He laughed. “Well, thank you, Sebastian, for teaching Naela to save the night.” He poured a reasonable amount into each glass and handed her one.

“Cheers to a wrap on week three of filming.”

“Cheers,” she added before taking an indulgent sip, peering over the rim of her glass to keep eye contact.

The tension subsided as the hours passed and as glasses were filled and then emptied again. They talked about any and everything that passed their minds. They might’ve said a few things they shouldn’t have, but the night was mostly filled with laughter and stories of their childhood.

It was getting late, and Naela felt herself getting giggly and delerious.

She had no problem saying “You’re way cooler than i thought you would be.” By this time they were slumped on her couch, her knees resting on his thigh as she held her head up with her hand. Pedro’s head rested on the back of the couch, unable to care about good posture anymore. It turned toward her once she said that, though.

“Oh, yeah? Why’s that?” His tone was playful, almost teasing.

“The characters you play are so different from the real you.” She elaborated.

“What, you don’t think I’m a womanizer?” He joked, gesturing to his form.

She giggled and nudged his shoulder gently, “No, not at all.” They were quiet for a moment as their laughter subsided. “I think you’re really sweet, Pedro.” She let her head fall to his shoulder, showing her sincerity.

“Good…” He looked away, wanting to hide his nervousness. “I try to be.” She lifted her head to look at him, and at that exact moment, he turned to face her again. They were inches away just like they had been earlier in the day. This time, the awkwardness and then hesitation was real. The mental war they were going through not to do what they so desperately wanted to was real. She blinked away her rose-colored glasses and leaned back, finishing her wine.

“Thank you for this, Pedro.” She smiled genuinely at him. “It felt nice to talk to someone who knows exactly what I’m going through.”

“Yeah, it helps.” He gulped down the rest of his wine and collected her glass. He stood and made his way to the door, turning back to look at her as he opened it.

“Goodnight, Naela.”

“Night, Pedro.” He hesitated for a second, their eye contact lingering as he gave her a weak smile. Why did a profound wave of sadness always wash over her when he left? It was always a surprise and seemed to hurt more every time she felt it.

To hopefully help her forget, she immediately tried to fall asleep. She was restless for a good hour or so, but she felt herself nodding off eventually. It was like she blinked and it was suddenly her favorite time of the week: the weekend.

reblog if you made it to the end!

#pedrito #pedro pascal x oc #pedrohub #pedro pascal smut #pedro pascal fanfiction #pedro pascal fluff #pedro pascal x reader #pedro pascal fanfic #pedro #pedro pascal fandom #pedro pascal characters #pascal #pascalispunk

[fandom-imagines-stories]

Months of Moving On

Season Two Premiere 

Dr. Spencer Reid x Reader (Aaron Hotchner’s Sister)

Words: 3181

Series Masterlist

Summary: The reader tries to convince everyone she’s fine. Spencer and Aaron worry about her when they’re away on cases. All three face demons of their own. 

Notes: AGHHHHH! It's finally here!! I'm so excited for you all to read season two! As always, let me know what you think! (So much happens in season four, so I want to involve more episode plots in this season.)

Warnings: PTSD, anxiety, mentions of alcoholism 

-

You stood over the stone, lights and voices lining your vision and making your focus fuzzy. The letters were blurred. You wiped your eyes. The tears cleared away long enough for you to read. 

Tabitha Cunningham. 

Loving daughter and friend. 

Your hand came away from your face red. 

“You have to let the paramedics check that.” 

When did Spencer get here? His hands were on your arms. 

“Please, Y/N, you’re bleeding a lot and you could have a concussion,” he pleaded. His hands were gently guiding you away from the grave towards the ambulance. “Let them help you.” 

“Reid’s right.” 

Aaron was here too?

You let both of them lead you away, but stopped when you saw her. She laid, mangled and broken in the grass, her clothes soaked with blood from the gunshot wound in her chest. People were putting her in a bag. 

“I…” You swallowed. “I did that.” 

Spencer put himself in your line of sight, leaning your head on his shoulder. “Don’t look over there.” 

“But, Spencer, I did that.” 

“Shhh, it’s okay,” he soothed. “You’re in shock.” 

“We’ll take her to the hospital-” Aaron started. 

You shook your head, making it pound even more. “But I’m fine.” You looked at him with tired eyes. “I want to go home.” 

“We’ll take you home,” he said. “After they make sure you’re alright.” 

You twisted your body around, pointing to Sarah. “But what about her? Are they helping her?” 

Spencer looked at Aaron. 

He nodded, wrapping his arm around your shoulders a little tighter. “Yeah. Yeah, they’re helping her.” 

She stood in front of you. You don’t know how she got there or when she moved or how she moved, but Sarah Cunningham stared at you with the hole in her chest you made. 

“You don’t deserve to live.” Blood seeped out of her mouth as she talked. She held up her hand. Suffocating powder sat in her palm. She took an impossible breath and blew. 

“Y/N.” 

Your eyes refocused. Blinking, you stared into glasses framed eyes awaiting your answer. 

“I’m sorry. What was the question?” 

Your therapist shifted in her chair, a sympathetic smile crossing her lips.  “I asked you what you’ve been reading.”

“Oh.” You pulled pieces of memory together to cover up the thoughts your mind couldn't keep away. Like layering puzzles on top of each other. “Spencer’s been reading the Narnia series to me.” The thought was able to bring a small smirk to your face. “He thought something lighthearted would be nice.” 

She chuckled, twiddling her pen between her fingers. “I like the way he thinks.” She made a note of something. You tried to analyze her body language. Was she bored? Did she have somewhere to be? Maybe she was just tired of you. “You’re doing it again,” she said, not even looking up from her notebook. 

“Right,” you sighed. “Sorry.” 

Apparently trying to psychoanalyze your therapist was frowned upon in the profession. 

“How is your brother doing?” 

“Explosion has rocked New York tonight…”

“Federal agents critically injured…” 

“Y/N, something happened.” 

“Y/N.” 

Again, you focused back on the woman before you. “He’s keeping himself busy, as always. I try to tell him to take it easy, but he just tells me the same thing. Siblings, you know?” Your attempt at light-heartedness falls flat. She gave you a pity-laugh anyway. 

“It’s hard when you’re both so protective of each other, isn’t it?” 

You nod silently. The clock on the wall ticks away, matching the beat of your heart. The long hand jolts to the twelve. You hopped out of the chair before she even had the chance to speak. 

“Thanks for the talk,” you said hurriedly. “I’ll see you next week.” 

“I actually wanted to…” She let out a low sigh. “It can wait until next week.” 

You didn’t wait for any more dismissal than that. The hallway stretched out before you, longer and longer, keeping you from the fresh air that you desperately needed. When your feet touched the cement of the parking lot, your chest heaved to take in shallow breaths. 

The car closest to you rumbled to life. A smiling face greeted you behind the steering wheel. Haley waved. 

Your shoulders fell. 

He had to leave again. 

“Hey,” she greeted as you climbed into the passenger seat. “The team got called on a case, but Dr. Reid packed a bag for you, so you don’t have to worry about it.” 

You nodded, your face void of any expression. “Great.” 

Haley started the drive to her house. “I think it’s really great that you’re doing this. Getting help, I mean. After everything you’ve been through…” 

“It was Spencer’s idea.” Even your voice was monotone. You watched as houses passed, the neighborhood having gotten more familiar in the past couple of months. 

Haley sighed. “I know that this isn’t ideal, but I want you to know that it really isn’t any trouble. We’re all just trying to make sure you’re safe.” 

“I didn’t know that meant handing me off like a couple of divorced parents,” you muttered. Her hands tensed around the wheel. The fog in your mind cleared and you processed what you said. “God, I sound like a bratty teenager again.”

She laughed, tension easing. “Oh, I remember.”  

“Haley, I’m sorry.” You put a hand on her shoulder. “I know you’re just trying to help.” 

“You don’t have to apologize,” she said. As you pulled into the driveway she gave you a sisterly smile. “I’m just worried about you. So is Aaron and I’m sure Dr. Reid is too.” 

“I think ‘worried’ might be an understatement with those two.” You opened your door with a laugh. “Seriously, I’m fine.”

“Right,” Haley scoffed. She put an arm around your shoulders. “Hey, when you can convince the team of profilers doting on you of that, then I might actually believe you.” 

You held up your hands in defeat and went inside. 

-

The plane used to be one of his favorite places to think. The hum of the machinery, the anticipation of the case, the energy of determination from the rest of the team. Now, all he wanted to do was get back home. 

“Hey, Pretty Boy,” Morgan called. “You mind joining us?” 

Reid tore his gaze from the window and gave the team a tight-lipped smile. “Sorry.” 

He tried to keep his mind focused as the team shared their possible theories about the case, but every thought kept leading back to you. He hated leaving like this, dropping you off at therapy and then disappearing for days at a time. Especially when you were still pretending like everything was fine. You used to open up to him, used to tell him everything, but now you kept everything caged up inside. 

And he was afraid of what it’ll do to you when it finally breaks out. 

Every minute he wasn’t with you, he worried it would be when you needed him most. 

“He’s tactical with every kill which means he’s probably choosing his victims away from his neighborhood,” Reid said. “We’re most likely looking for someone living in the middle to higher-class districts of the city.” He seemed almost robotic, just taking in information and spitting it back out. 

“Reid, you work on the geographical profile, Morgan and Prentiss talk to the M.E, JJ see what you can learn about the victim’s families, and Dave, you and I will go to the latest crime scenes,” Hotch instructed. 

Everyone got to work looking into the case. Hotch took a seat across from Reid. 

“Haley called. She picked Y/N up and they’re back at her house,” he said. 

Spencer nodded, returning his eyes to the clouds. “That’s good.” 

Hotch sighed. “Reid, I know this hasn’t been easy for the two of you. Haley says that Y/N has been doing better. She hasn’t slept-walked in weeks, she’s acclimating to her new job, and she seems to like the therapist you recommended.” 

He turned to him, eyes burning with frustration. “What do you think?”

“Reid, I-” Hotch started, taken aback by the younger agent’s intensity. 

“Because no offense to Haley, but I think she is seeing what Y/N wants her to see. Y/N is trying to make herself as little of a problem as possible for everyone else’s convenience, even if it means neglecting her health when she is clearly showing signs of PTSD. She isn’t sleep-walking because she isn’t sleeping, she’s using her work to distract her from thinking about what happened, and I have to drive her to therapy to make sure she actually goes. She has yet to open up to her therapist because she doesn’t trust anyone anymore.Y/N could be getting worse, right now, while I’m on a plane to go help strangers when I can’t even help the person I love!” 

He inhaled sharply, having forgotten to breathe. Reid’s outburst caught the attention of everyone on the plane and he could feel their concerned eyes on him. He shrank back in his seat. 

“S-sorry, I didn’t mean to,” he gulped. After a round of worried, sympathetic looks, everyone went back to their work. He lowered his voice. “I just really wanted to be with her this week. Especially because tomorrow would have been Tabby Cunningham’s birthday. Her parents used it in one of the crime scenes and I know that she’ll be thinking about it.” 

Hotch leaned over to him. 

“I’m worried about her too, but I know what happened last time,” he said. Now it was his eyes that picked a spot in the rolling white expanse outside the plane. “If we push her now, she’ll retreat even further and-” He took a deep breath. “Well, you know what she’s struggled with in the past.” 

“But if I could just be there for her…” Spencer’s voice was laced with heartbreaking guilt and terror. “Maybe we’ll be okay.” 

Hotch noted his plural use, but decided not to press further. 

He wished he could tell Reid that everything would be okay, that you were strong, and that you’d dealt with this all before, but truthfully, Aaron was just as scared as he was. His whole being ached to help you, but he knew that if they both left work you would have one more thing you blamed yourself for. 

Still, not doing anything was killing him. 

“Maybe when we get back, you could take some vacation time. The two of you could get away for a weekend,” he suggested. “It won’t solve everything, but some time off might be what you both need right now.” He knew the toll this was taking on the young agent and this idea was for his benefit as it was for yours. 

The corner of Spencer’s lips tugged up just a little. “I’ll think about it.” 

“Did somebody say romantic getaway because I have so many ideas saved on my computer!” Garcia chimed from the laptop on the table. 

“I don’t know, Garcia,” Morgan smirked. “I think there’s a Dr. Loooove buried underneath all that brainiac.” 

“Morgan.” 

“Right. Sorry, Hotch.” 

-

“Why do you get to live?” Sarah screamed. Her face hovered over yours. It morphed, her eyes changing to those of your mother.

“Just go to sleep,” she smiled. Her fingers ran through your hair. “Go to sleep, Y/N.” 

“My baby should have lived!” Sarah’s face appeared again. “It would have been her birthday, you know. She should have lived. My baby deserved to live more than you.” 

The two images fought, morphing and merging until both women were an unrecognizable creature. You had to turn your head away. 

“Y/N… help…” Spencer lay next to you, gasping for air as his body turned against him. His arms and legs jerked and painful, breathless cries clawed out of his throat. 

You reached for him, but your arm painfully spasmed away. Your lungs stopped working. Your body died before your mind, so you couldn’t even cry as Spencer stopped moving. His eyes went cold. 

The woman pinning you disappeared, replaced by blue and red lights filling your vision. You tried to cry, to scream, to do anything. Someone placed a hand on your cheek and turned your head. 

Aaron stared down at you, his face not overcome with sadness or grief, but disappointment. 

“There won’t be a need to investigate,” he said to the team behind him. “She killed him.”

You woke up when you ran out of breath, your throat raw from screaming. You fell forward, the night sky spinning over your head. Dizzy, sweating, and breathless, you gasped against the grass. 

Lights from the houses around you switched on one by one as Haley’s neighbors rushed outside to see what happened. 

“Y/N?” Haley saw your crumpled-up form on the lawn and hurried inside to grab a blanket. “Oh my God.” She wrapped you up and helped you to your feet, pulling you back inside.  

You groaned, your head still turning the backyard into a blender. “What happened?”

Haley sighed. “You had another nightmare.” She sat you down on the couch- and temporary bed- and filled a glass of water. She sat down next to you and helped you lift the drink to your lips. “I thought you weren’t sleepwalking anymore? You seemed fine last night.” 

You shrugged your trembling shoulders. 

“Do you need me to get anything? Should I call Aaron?”

“No, I’ll be okay.” You set the glass on the coffee table, unable to bear the terrified panic in her eyes. “Haley, I’m really sorry. You didn’t sign up for this.” 

“That sounds familiar,” she smiled sadly, putting a hand on your knee. “I just want to make sure you’re-”

“Mommy!” Jack cried from upstairs. 

“One-second honey!” 

You jerked your head to the side. “You should go check on him. I’m sure he’s more than a little freaked out.” 

She gave your leg a squeeze and stood up. “I’ll be right back.” 

As she ran up the stairs, you started packing your things. Your hands were still shaking so stuffing everything into your bag took more effort than it should have. Your nephew’s scared cries fueled your movements, slinging your bag over your shoulder and rushing out the front door. 

How many times could you interrupt their lives? Spencer and Aaron saw things like this every day, but Haley and Jack were just trying to lead normal lives. It was part of the reason Haley left your brother. She just couldn’t do it anymore. Now, you were just dragging her back into the darkness. 

You stepped into the night and breathed out the final sob from your nightmare. 

This wasn’t the first time this has happened, but you would make it the last. 

-

All he wanted was to crawl into bed and bury himself in your arms, but the late hour forced him to wait until morning. Spencer scaled the stairs to the apartment with heavy, exhausted footfalls. Just turning the key took an unbelievable amount of energy. 

The apartment door swung open and he tried to welcome the silence within, but now it just felt lonely. 

Spencer crossed the room and set his bag on his desk, rolling his shoulders back to work out some of the soreness from sleeping on the plane.

“I didn’t think you’d be back tonight.” 

The voice in the quiet had him reaching for his gun. It wasn’t until he whipped around and saw you laying on the couch that he could catch his breath. 

“Sorry,” you giggled. Your feet slowly fell to the floor and you slinked towards him. “I’m just happy to see you.” You lifted yourself up to his lips before he really processed what was going on. 

“Wait. Y/N. Hold on,” he muttered in between kisses. He put his hands on either side of your face and held it in front of him. “God, you’re freezing. What are you doing here? I thought you were at Haley’s.” 

You shrugged. “I walked.” 

He swiftly shed his blazer and wrapped it around you. “What do you mean you walked?” Spence exclaimed. 

“Well, I walked until I could get a cab. And then I walked some more because I felt like it.” There was something about your tone, a disassociated dreaminess that frightened him. 

“Have you… been drinking?” 

Your eyes changed and your bubbly demeanor dissipated. He realized there was probably a softer way to broach the subject, but at this point, sugarcoating wasn’t getting either of you anywhere. 

“No.” You didn’t sound defensive. You sounded scared. “But I thought about it.” 

He didn’t say anything. Spencer just nodded and waited for you to fully step into his arms. You closed your eyes, your cheek against his chest, and sighed. 

“I just want to forget. Even if it’s just a little while, I just want to not think about my mom or Sarah Cunningham or…” your voice cracked. “Or Tabby. I want to be me without being afraid for once.” 

Spence kissed the top of your head. “You want to escape.” 

You looked up at him with a small smile. “Yeah. Something like that.” 

“You know,” his nose rubbed sweetly against yours, “Hotch said I could take some vacation time. Do you think you’d be able to get away?” 

“With everything going on, I think my boss would be relieved. She hasn’t let me go on any interviews because she’s worried I’m not stable enough.” 

His face dropped. “You didn’t tell me that.” 

You just shrugged. “I don’t necessarily blame her. One of the toughest things about dealing with the people we deal with is not letting them get in your head. So when you aren’t in a good headspace, things can get messy.” You blew out a long, heartbreakingly frustrated breath. “I’ve just been doing so well lately. I mean, of course, things aren’t great, but today everything just…” 

“I know.” He kicked himself for nothing being able to be here. You could see and hear the struggling guilt inside of him. 

“Maybe we both need to escape.”  

“Then it’s settled,” he said. “For the first time in probably ever, we are going on vacation.” 

“Sounds perfect,” you smiled, once again standing on your tiptoes so your lips could meet his. His arms tightened around you, deepening the kiss. You pulled away. “I should call Haley. I left in a hurry and she’s probably freaking out.” 

He nodded and you scurried off to the bedroom to grab your phone. 

He hadn’t really thought about it until now, but with the exception of visiting his mom, he’d never taken himself anywhere. And now, the idea of going somewhere with you away from the horrors that both of your lives revolved around sounded heavenly. 

And you felt the same. Being here, going over everything in your head over and over until it seemed it would burst was only making things worse. The burn of old cravings lingered in everything you did. Maybe this trip would be what you needed to finally begin to heal.

-

The In-Betweens series: @amywright; shesoperfectt;  hereforsmutbcicantgetenough;  violetbossler;  hyper-half-blood;  i-bitch-you-bitch; xcastawayherosx; preciousbabypeter; @jori21; @sol-48;  @murdermornings

#criminal minds #dr. spencer reid x reader #criminal minds imagines #the in-betweens #dr. spencer reid #aaron hotchner #spencer reid series

[storiesfromafan]

Moral of the Story

Mattheo x Fem!Reader

A/N: so I tried something different with this one. Also posting on my phone, will fix it up when I can get on a computer.

Summary: don't hate me for this being about Mattheo and the reader.

Moral of the Story

So I never really knew you

God, I really tried to

Blindsided, addicted

Felt we could really do this

But really I was foolish

Hindsight, it's obvious

It’s funny how an attraction to someone can turn to a crush, which can lead to liking that person. And before you know it you’re in a relationship. All the while barely knowing them. Though over the course of a relationship you are meant to learn about that person you have chosen. Learning their likes and dislikes, hobbies and interests, if they are a dog or cat person. But for you it hadn’t been like that. Blinded by the Angel face of the Slytherin heartthrob Mattheo Riddle.

Like many girls before, and probably not the last, his chocolate brown eyes and curly brown mop caught your eye first. Then there was that smile that made butterflies flutter in your stomach. And not to forget that charm he just radiated when he talked, eyes focused on his prey, drawing you in whole heartedly. Every ounce of the male screamed sex appeal, every girl's fantasy. The bad boy, heartbreaker of Slytherin. He would blindside the girl he was interested in, causing them to become addicted to him. He was the drug of choice, and every girl became a drug addict on him.

You had believed you could be end game, claiming his heart just as quickly as you had offered up your own. But the fool you were. Mattheo had done it time and time again. Showing interest in a girl, becoming infatuated but really it was a game. Seeing how long it took from the first flirty look he sent their way to obtaining that first date with them to Hogsmeade. Round two in his game was to see how long it took to kiss them, which usually only took half their date. Extra points if he could get a make out session out of them before getting back to Hogwarts. Round three was for those that he found himself interested in for longer than a month. That was borderline full relationship status. Only a few had made it there, yourself included. 

You were the exception though. For he chose to go full relationship with you, shocking all that watched your dalliance closely. Y/N L/N, the first girl to make Mattheo Riddle her boyfriend. That day was the happiest moment of your life so far. But with it came the looming shadow of those that wanted your head, though not literally. You had a target on your back from the moment you accepted to be his girlfriend of four months. Everything should have been obvious; Mattheo and his ways, the target on your back. You should have seen it coming.

Talking with my lawyer

She said, "Where'd you find this guy?"

I said, "Young people fall in love

With the wrong people sometimes"

Some mistakes get made

That's alright, that's okay

You can think that you're in love

When you're really just in pain

Some mistakes get made

That's alright, that's okay

In the end, it's better for me

That's the moral of the story, babe

Sitting in the Great Hall for lunch surrounded by your friends, you pushed your food around your plate. You were hungry but had no appetite for what was on offer. But you ate a few bites, which had been hard to swallow. The conversation your group was having was like white noise; you could hear it but did not focus on it, wanting to tune it out. If attendance wasn’t important you would have stayed in bed, wrapped in your blankets wallowing in self pity.

“What do you think Y/N/N?” Pansy asked drawing you from your mind.

You looked at her with a confused look. “Ah, come again?”

She sighed. “I asked what your thoughts on Snape’s pop quiz. But I think your head was somewhere else, no doubt dwelling on the sorry excuse of an ex”, her tone had been sharp.

You weren’t the only one hurting from your break up, though it was more Pansy wanting to hurt Mattheo for the number he had done on you. Pansy thought the world of you, after just clicking in second year over putting a couple Gryffindor girls in their place over your house; Slytherin.

“I know you cared for him Y/N/N” Pansy said with a pointed look, “mistake made, that’s alright. In the end it's better for you, save yourself true heartache. Once a player, always a player unfortunately”.

If only she truly knew that ship had already set sail. For this was true heartache. Stupidly on your part handing over your heart freely, though you had thought Mattheo was doing the same. Wrong. 

It's funny how a memory

Turns into a bad dream

When running wild turns volatile

Remember how we painted our house

Just like my grandparents did?

So romantic, but we fought the whole time

Should have seen the signs, yeah

Looking down the Slytherin table you saw him sitting with both Draco and Blaise, all three in a heated discussion. How you longed for those moments. Sitting by his side as they conversed on a number of topics. You would even weigh in on the discussion with your own two cents. And they all seemed to enjoy your input on their banter. Those moments were a fond memory. Along with the stolen moments between the two of you. Such as a snog session in a corner of the library. Or lazing under a tree in the courtyard, Mattheo’s head resting on your lap.

But with the good there were always those that were turbulent. In the beginning there were a few moments that had been rough, and maybe a red flag, but the happy moments outweighed the bad. The last month of your relationship there was more turbulence than ever. It started out as small things; comments on your friends, conversations with friends or others from different houses, being late to meet him, etc. You had words with each other before turning into full on arguments, that many thought would lead to one of you hitting the other. It was all so toxic.

Talking with my mother

She said, "Where'd you find this guy?"

Said, "Some people fall in love

With the wrong people sometimes"

Some mistakes get made

That's alright, that's okay

You can think that you're in love

When you're really just in pain

Some mistakes get made

That's alright, that's okay

In the end it's better for me

That's the moral of the story, babe

Sneaking out that night you found yourself in the Astronomy Tower, cigarette between your lips as you lit it up. The first draw hit the back of your throat in familiarity, holding that burn for a few seconds before releasing it in a puff of smoke. With the lack of appetite, cigarettes became an addiction, bringing you some twisted comfort. As he was the reason you found yourself smoking. You consider it a parting gift of some sort.

Leaning against the railing of the tower, you looked up at the night sky. Grateful you never brought Mattheo up here. Or else this space would be tainted, like everywhere else you used to like to go. The stars in the sky seemed dull tonight, possibly mirroring your melancholy mood.

With the silence of the tower you heard the footsteps clearly, faintly coming up the stairs and growing louder as they came closer to you. It had to be one of your friends. No one else knew this was one of your hiding spots.

“Here you are” signed Pansy. “I have been looking everywhere for you”.

“You caught me” you sighed, releasing another puff of smoke before taking another drag of the cigarette. A soft, sympathetic look crossed Pansy’s face. Which you didn't like one bit. “Don't look at me like that. I don't want or need your sympathy”.

“You got hurt Y/N/N. He hurt you” she said, refusing to use his name. A true friend to the end.

“Yeah, and my dumbass knew what it was getting into. I saw it all before I stepped up to the Quidditch pitch. I ignored the red flags Pansy. It’s on me”.

“No!’ She said, raising her voice. “It’s on him! He took it further with you, he made you his girlfriend. If he intended to be serious he needed to work on himself”.

She had a valid point, you know that. You had changed for him, he should have done the same for you. Be the best version of himself for you. That wasn’t his plan. His plan was to be himself, you change for him and he would take from you while finding his next play thing.

“Well they say it's better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all. That could be a load of shit” you said with your cigarette hanging from your lips while lighting it once more and taking another hit. “But that’s how it goes. Blinded by affections of the heart”.

“I understand that. But it’s still no excuse” retorted Pansy. “He could see how you felt, he chose to abuse that”.

But I just need to tell you all

Some mistakes get made

That's alright, that's okay

You can think that you're in love

When you're really just engaged

Some mistakes get made

That's alright, that's okay

In the end it's better for me

That's the moral of this story

Some mistakes get made

That's alright, that's okay

You can think that you're in love

When you're really just in pain

“True, but I need to tell you some mistakes get made. That's alright, that's okay. In the end it's better for me, that's the moral of the story, babe” you said looking her in the eyes. “Chalk it up as a learning experience”.

“I don't disagree with your words. But I hate seeing you like this. It worries me” Pansy said, worry shining through her eyes brightly.

You gave her a soft smile that didn’t meet your eyes. “I know Pans. Honestly I am hurting, it sucks. But in time I will get over it, maybe not completely. Yet just enough to be some version of the old me. Promise”.

With those words, and a promise, Pansy let it be. And shortly after headed back to the Slytherin common room, you said you wouldn’t be far behind her. Alone once more, you continued to smoke your cigarette, your now old friend. You thought over what you had said to Pansy, the promise made. You weren’t sure if you believed your words or not. But hoped it was somewhat true. It gave you hope. Hope needed in a dark moment in this chapter of your life. Your first heartbreak, at the hands of Mattheo Riddle.

With the final drag of your cigarette, you put out the tip before flicking it over the edge of the tower. Taking one last look at the night sky, you saw a shooting star, a small sad smile forming on your lips. Taking your leave, you headed down the quiet staircase, along the portrait covered hall ways and back down into the depth of the castle, and the Slytherin common room.

Oh-oh, oh-oh (that's the moral of the story, that's the-)

(Oh-oh, oh-oh)

(Oh-oh, oh-oh)

A/n: any constructive criticism welcome 😊

#mattheo riddle x reader #mattheoxreader #mattheo x you #mattheo x y/n

[dimdiamond]

As a Greek Tintin fan, I have a very dumb theory about Tintin’s real name. In French, Tintin is a nickname for names that end in -tin like Augustin, Martin, Constantin etc. There’s a Greek movie titled «Σούλα έλα ξανά» where the protagonist is raised by her three aunts who all want her to have the nickname Soula so they legally give her three names (Anastasia, Aspasia, Athanasia) that can all have the nickname.

My silly little head canon is that Tintin was raised by an extended family so he has a ridiculous amount of first names, all of which are adjacent to the nickname Tintin.

Okokok first of all my dude you just became my favourite asker ever! No one before managed to cause me three strokes at once and so many conflicting feelings in one rollercoaster message and In the end you just made me realize how much I lovehateBUTLOVE this movie! I love this headcanon for so many reasons, first of all, Augustin Quentin Martin Remi slaps and second, it led me to draw this:

It is inspired by this clip from the opening sequence of the movie, trust me, you want to watch it:

"https://youtu.be/RMTz8Pfxrdo"

For you guys who have the big misfortune of not knowing this movie and reference, I'll try to make it more clear under the cut!

This movie is a romantic comedy, called "Σούλα 'Ελα Ξανά" (Soula Ela Xana= Soula Come Again, yes it is basically an acronym for sex, bare with me), released back in 2009 and it shaped who I am now and I wish I was kidding.

The plot focuses on Soula, a 30-year-old elementary teacher who receives gifts from her four exes on her birthday, which leads her to revisit the diary she kept as a child. When she finds a page where she promises she will be married by 30, she panics and decides to act. Said action is planning a game of who from the four exes deserves her second chance and she will marry the winner. For that, she invites them to the island she works (without them knowing her game) and calls her two girl best friends to help her. Before you pity the four gorgeous men, take into account that one is pathologically jealous, one is a cheating casanova, one is a momma's boy, and one is tight-fisted, so really they asked to be dumbed. Who among the four will reach Soula's heart and maybe it has already been reached by her friend who vouches to never get married?

Spoiler: Soula decides not to marry any of the four but her friend- who found out about her marrying and made him realize his feelings for her- shows up and asks to marry him because he loves her and wants to share his life with her and so they get married. It's a typical happy ending in a Greek movie, what did you expect? At least it doesn't feel forced, believe me!

It is a very weird movie with some old dated jokes but damn it is entertaining and the main theme song is so catchy?! Despite the first impression, it has some very interesting points: Soula is a happy, independent woman, who shares her friend's opinion on marriage and having children aren't what they need, until society's expectations and mostly the pressure she puts herself crushes on her and her judgment, until the very end she manages to get her sense back and realize how wrong she was and how much she was unfair with these men but mostly with herself. The four men show how willing they are to change (especially the jealous one knows he has a serious problem and tries to surpass it) but they don't necessarily succeed, at least for Soula, and that underlines how some people's attributes can't be tossed away entirely and the effort must be first of all for ourselves and later for the partner that will be there to support us. Marriage is shown in different lights and for Soula in the end it means companionship and commitment but not happiness necessarily if there's no love. For her friend, marriage was something that would take his freedom and fun away only to realize that it doesn't feel like that with his friend, a woman he came to love and care.

Ok I have many thoughts on this movie and I didn't expect I would analyze it in a Tintin post in 2023 but here we are.

#DUDE THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS #i hope you like this artwork #sorry but you mentioned the movie and just couldn't stop myself from drawing tintin in that dress #i know that except us no one will truly get it unless they search for the movie but I don't care I had to #now i am thinking how chaotic and hilarious a tintin au would be with this movie's premise #sorrynotsorry my mutuals for this #tintin #the adventures of tintin #my art

[mydarllinglover]

Safehouse || Six

Previous

It was the last weekend before term. Harry had recovered, quicker than Draco, who "Coincidentally" took his bandages off the same weekend of the Quidditch match.

Draco, Theo and Blaise continued to taunt him ever since, when Ron finally had enough and threw a crocodiles heart at Draco's face in potions, therefore creating his new nickname from me "Crocface".

Lupin had dismissed Snapes set homework, and frankly I was pissed off.

"What?! Are you serious?!" I slammed my hands on the table, Theo laughing beside me. Turned out Hermione and I were the only ones who had actually done it and I made Lupin mark it anyway and say its for extra credit or something, he gave me five house points for it, probably out of pity.

The four of us, Draco, Blaise and Theo were sat in the three broomsticks each drinking a butterbeer.

I would still say we're not friends but I spent a lot of my time with them and I grew to accept their presence.

They were having a conversation about whatever as I focused on my parchment, scribbling random things down the list of my family members, trying to think about what Christmas presents I could get them, I was lucky enough to afford at least some what decent presents from my savings, saved up from my stay in France.

I had already got Mum and Dad some Sweets, Mum some more wool for her knitting and Dad a book about Muggle inventors. Percy some sophisticated novel, that I thought he might enjoy with some quills and inkpots, Charlie a pair of fireproof gloves, no doubt, if he even wore his they were probably tattered and ruined, Fred and George, i

I bought some random stuff from Zonkos and put them them in a bag, for each. Now all I had to buy for were Bill, Ron and Ginny.

I was going over things that Ron likes, and hopefully push him to talk to me, when speak of the devil, he, Harry and Hermione walked in.

"Was Ron carrying some bags?" I cut off the boys conversation when I pointed to the table Hermione and Harry were sat at, Ron had walked off to get drinks

"I don't know, I don't usually spend my time looking at Weasel" Draco drawled

"Quiet, crockface" I glared at him

"Where are you going?" Blaise asked me

"To see if Ron got me anything".

"Hey, 'Mione, Harry how nice to see you guys here" I grinned at them, then faltered "Wait- Har- how did you get here, I thought you wasn't allow- wow you learned how to apparate, thats impressive"

"you know thats exactly what Ron said" Hermione laughed

"No I didn't apparate" He rolled his eyes, then lifted a blank piece of parchment, like I was supposed to know what it did.

"Yeah, Harry, I know what that is, I have my own on my table, but that didn't get me here, I had to bloody walk in the snow" I pointed my thumb to the table I was previously sat at. Harry then went into a brief description of what it was and how Fred & George gave it to me

"How come Fred & George never gave it to me! I'm their sister!" I said

"He said that too"

"Anyways, the reason I'm here, you guys done your Christmas shopping yet, got some nice bits?" I asked them sweetly, discreetly trying to peer into the bags by the empty seat, guessing they were Ron's, apparently not too discreetly because Hermione caught on

"Keira, what are you doing? you can't look in that, you're ruining it"

"Hermione, you are so quick to assume the wor- wait he got me something?"

"Yes, why wouldn't he?" Harry asked

"I dont know, I just assumed cause he wasn't talking to me he wasn't going to bother" I shrugged my shoulders

"Oh, Keira, of course he would, you're still his Twin, and he love- Hey Ron!" I turned around, Ron was stood behind me with a tray full of Three butterbeers looking, not pleased

"Hi, Ron" I said

"Bye" He shrugged me off before side stepping me to put down the trays. Dropping my shoulders, I walked back to the table, Theo, Draco and Blaise's eyes on me

"Finally, you took blo- where are you going?" Theo asked as I started putting my cloak on

"I've got to finish shopping, where's my butterbeer? - Theo did you drink it?!" I snapped at him

"well you weren't going to drink it!"

"I was!"

"Was not!"

"Was too!"

"Will you both please shut up, you're doing my head in" Blaise told us, rubbing his temples

"whatever" I rolled my eyes and put my gloves on then grabbed my stuff "you guys going back to Hogwarts?" I asked them, when I noticed they had their winter clothes? back on

"No, Wealsey, we're coming with you, obviously" Malfoy rolled his eyes

"You don't have to-

"Shut up" he said.

We walked past Ron's table on the way out, I waved bye to them, Harry and Hermione only responding

"Bye Ron, I love you" I tried, but he just nodded and rolled his eyes, making me huff in frustration

Draco and Theo propped their hoods up and acted as if they were dementors until I smacked the back of their heads "Leave them alone, get a new joke" I rolled my eyes at their childish behaviour, them both giving me matching glares and rubbing their heads

"Ow, K, that hurt" Theo whined

"Good, that was the intention".

                                  •

"Its so cold" I moaned for the eighth time, on our walk back to Hogwarts, I had finished all my Christmas shopping, even picking something up for Harry and Hermione and was now huddled under Theo's arm, gladly accepting the warmth it brought

"Thanks for another reminder, I was worried it was suddenly summer again and I hadn't noticed" Draco mocked.

I dropped my bags and walked out of Theo's embrace, squatting down quickly to roll up a snow ball then threw it with all my might at Draco's unsuspecting back.

Theo and Blaise burst out into laughter when Draco whipped around to glare daggers at me, then copying me by getting his own snowball, knowing what he was doing, I let out a squeal and ran behind Blaise to use him as a shield.

"No, Draco! please i'm sorry, It was an accident" I screamed When he raced around to reach me, dumping the snow ball on my head, Theo doubling over, holding his stomach and wiping tears away as he continued to laugh.

"Whats so funny Nott?!" I shouted at him before gathering another Snowball and chucking it at his face, Draco doing the same, that soon stopped him.

"Hey, not the face! This is war!" He let out a battle cry before we all broke off to throw snowballs at each other, running around and laughing like maniacs.

We soon all got tired and had enough, I dropped down to lie in the snow to calm my breathing.

After catching my breath, I spread my arms and legs side ways, back and forth to form a snow angel.

"Help me up" I outstretched my arms to Blaise when I was satisfied with it, and he did, grabbing my wrists to pull me out of my snow angel

"What is it?" Draco wrinkled his nose when we admired my work

"Its a snow angel, duh" I rolled my eyes

"By the size of you i would say more like an snow goblin- Ow, okay, sorry"

"You will be Nott!".

                                      •

It was Christmas Day, knowing that the guys had left Hogwarts to spend the holidays at Draco's, I jumped out of bed, relieved to have a break from them all.

My eyes locked on the pile of presents, surprisingly a lot more than i expected.

I reached for the one from Mum first, tearing away the wrapping paper to pull out an knitted Green jumper with a grey K etched on the front and a handful of chocolate frogs, this was probably Mums way of saying she accepted that I was a Slytherin and loved me all the same, my heart felt warm with this and I quickly threw it on over my head, it being a bit baggy, just the way I liked it.

Then went about opening my other presents.

I had received presents from My siblings, Harry and Hermione.

Bill had got me some vinyls from some muggle bands that we both really liked, Charlie had got me an Book all about Magical Creatures, their habitats, facts, food and some of the pages even mentioned if you could keep them as pets or not, the best part was, it didn't try to tear you to shreds.

Percy had got a novel by one of his favourite wizard authors and a leaflet on Potential jobs to look into at the Ministry and the O.W.L.s you would need for them.

Fred and George had decided to team up by giving me a large bar of Honeydukes Chocolate.

From Ginny, She had got me some really nice tank tops, that without a doubt she had the intention of wearing.

Hermione had got me sugar quills and a box of chocolate frogs , Harry had got me a box of Honeydukes sweets and Ron had bought me a red hat with a gold bobble on the top.

I rolled my eyes,he was trying to dress me in Gryffindor colours even though I'm a Slytherin. Typical.

I was most surprised though, when I found I had a present each from Blaise, Draco and Theo.

Blaise had got me a Forrest Green diary, with New beautiful quills and ink pots, Theo had got me multiple pairs of Green and grey socks, all full of the sweets I pointed out I loved in Honeydukes, And Draco had got me the most beautiful silver necklace with a tiny snake pendent, a mini emerald as an eye that shone in the light. There was also a note in Blaises impeccably neat handwriting

Weasley,

We hope you like the gifts, Merry Christmas

From, Blaise Zabini, Draco Malfoy and Theodore Nott.

P.S The notebook was from me- Blaise, The Necklace from Draco and the socks were Theo.

I found myself smiling when I read the note, grateful that they even bothered to get me anything, but then gasped when I remembered that I hadn't even thought to get them something.

I rushed to grab a piece of parchment scribbling down in my new quills.

Guys, I am very thankful for my presents, but i'm pissed off! I didn't know we were exchanging gifts, now I have to go out of my way to get something for you lot, thanks a lot! and I noticed the theme of my gifts by the way, your not that sly. Keira x

I grimaced at my poor handwriting and actually taking notice of the messy scribble for the first time, wondering if I should even bother sending it and instead just thanking them when they got here.

Shaking my head and telling myself that I don't care for their opinions, I slipped it in an envelope then wrote out their names on the back of it.

I tided up the mess from my presents and let myself enjoy a few moments of peace, soaking up the fact that I had the dorm to myself.

I then got dressed, putting on a pair of the grey socks Theo had got me after emptying the sweets out, put the Necklace Draco got around my neck, picked up the Envelope and set off to the owls to send it off.

Walking into the the Great Hall at lunchtime I was surprised to see all of the house tables were moved to the walls and instead a single table stood down the middle of the room.

Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Sprout and Flitwick as well as Mr Filch were there.

There was also a first year, the only other Slytherin, a fifth year, who completely blanked me when I greeted him in the Common room, and Harry, Ron and Hermione.

"Happy Christmas, Keira!" Hermione greeted me

"Merry Christmas Hermione, Merry Christmas Guys" I grinned at the three, sitting opposite them on the bench

"Happy Christmas Keira" Harry said

"Happy Christmas" Ron nodded at me, thats when I knew we would be alright. Maybe the gift worked.

Christmas lunch was spent with the four of us in conversations about our presents, Me laughing at Ron for having another Maroon Jumper, Harry's Firebolt and coming up with names of who had sent it, the new year and Hermione noticing my necklace and asking who had got me that, pulling Ron and Harry's attention to it.

After Ron and I were finally okay, I didn't have the heart to tell them who it was from, telling them it was just a friend from beauxbatons.

The highlight was watching McGonagall and Trelawney bicker and McGonagall mocking Trelawneys superstitions.

Throughout the rest of the holiday, I was actually quite bored, I dare say I missed the Three Slytherin boys... but... I wouldn't mind when they eventually got back.

I spent some of the time with Hermione in the library, who had explained her falling out with Ron and Harry about the Firebolt and how she had reported it to Professor McGonagall.

I tried my best to reassure her that she was only looking out for Harry and that they shouldn't really be mad that she was being cautious.

                                  •

I was sat in the Slytherin Common room practising my handwriting in the diary Blaise had got me whilst snacking on the sweets I had received from Theo, when the three of them had walked in the day of their arrival.

Spotting me on the sofa they walk-swaggered over, Theo taking the seat next to me and throwing his arm over my shoulders, Blaise and Draco taking the opposite sofa.

"Weasley, how splendid it is to see you in the new year, Nineteen Ninety-four" Theo smirked

"Yes, and my birthdays in three months" I wiggled my eyebrows "shoot, I have no idea what to get Ron"

"get him a brain" Malfoy teased "Merlin knows he ne- Ow, ooh bertie botts bean"

"Speaking about presents ..." I slapped Theo's chest witch the back of my hand and threw two pillows, aiming for Draco and Blaises heads but unluckily they dodged

"Ow- K, what the hell?! Did you not like them?" Theo raised his brows

"No! of course I loved all of them, I said that in my letter, but I can't even get you idiots anything until we next go Hogsmeade" I complained

"Sorry, it was hard to read with your shitty handwri- Ow Zabini stop- Sorry" I grinned as Blaise elbowed Draco in the ribs for disrespecting my handwriting

"you dont have to get us anything, Weasley, we didn't tell you because we didn't want anything in return" Blaise told me

"Fine then, Butterbeers on me next time then" I rolled my eyes "How was your Christmases then?" I asked them, and Theo dived into the details of their Christmas at Malfoy Manor, Draco cutting him off occasionally when he missed out bits, I caught myself smiling and laughing along a lot throughout the explanations, and I knew Blaise had noticed as well, the way he was looking at me, as if like he knew how I was warming up to them.

                                  •

"Ow"I yelped and dropped my pile of dry wood.

We were in Care of Magical creatures.

Due to how cold it was, Hagrid had provided a bonfire full of Salamanders, and were collecting dry wood and leaves

"Whats wrong?" Blaise, who was by my side asked me

"I got a splinter" I pouted and kicked the pile

"Seriously? all that fuss for a splinter, your such a baby" Malfoy rolled his eyes

"Hey! I'm older than you, and may I remind you who was crying and wailing on the ground "Its killed me, It's killed me" Hm? Malfoy?"

"I was not crying! and I got attacked by a Hippogriff!"

"Which was your own fault! I'll point out and you were being a tad dramatic, dont you think?"

"I was not" He shoved my shoulder, I went to shove his shoulder back but got a jab of pain in my index finger, where the splinter was, letting out a cry of pain

"Keira, whats wrong?" Hermione overheard and asked me, from where she was stood not with, but near Ron and Harry, possibly still not speaking, who were looking to see why I was hurt, glaring at the guys

"Piss off Mud-

"Malfoy! Dont you dare!" I glared at him and then kicked his shin hard "I got a splinter" I whined to Hermione

"Oh, well, come here, I can help" She waved me over, I stepped over my pile, blew a raspberry at Draco who was rubbing his shin with a scrunched up face.

I gave Hermione my hand with my finger straight, she examined my finger and delicately pulled out the splinter, me mumbling curses to the stupid wood "There you go" she let go of my finger.

"Thanks 'Mione!" I hugged her "And sorry about him, just ignore whatever he says, hes a tosser" I told her and she laughed

"It's fine, I'm aware" she replied, making me laugh.

                                  •

When Blaise and Draco were at Quidditch Practises, preparing for their match against Ravenclaw, Theo forced me to sit in the stands and watch, but we spent most of it laughing and joking around or putting them off, which normally ended in Marcus Flint shouting at us and sending us back to the Castle, where we continued to joke about the look on all their faces how confused they were.

I was becoming very Fond of having Theo around the most and he was surely becoming my favourite person to be with.

Slytherin had managed to beat Ravenclaw, and I was surprised by myself at how I felt so proud that they did, and how Theo and I were probably the loudest cheerers.

Theo wrapped his arms around me and spun me around. But it wasn't awkward when he finally put me down, it just...felt natural, since they had got back from the Holidays I found that it just felt right, and natural for them to be around, I didn't know why but that thought scared me.

Sat in the The Great Hall for dinner, I was laughing along to something Theo had said, I looked over to see Ron moping, as usual, I looked to Harry who had caught my eye

"Whats wrong with him?" I mouthed to Harry

"Scabbers died" Harry mouthed back

"What?!" I burst out, dropping my fork

"Huh" Theo turned to looked at me

"What, Weasley?" Blaise asked, most likely seeing the shock on my face

Instead of replying, I ignored them and rushed up to go see My brother.

"Hey, Ron, how're you?" I asked, offering him a sympathetic smile when I reached his table. Not caring about the other's in the hall.

"Bloody brilliant, did you hear about scabbers?"

"Yeah, I'm sorry Ron, He was at a bloody brilliant age, especially for a rat, He was nearly as old as us"

"That's what I said!" Fred said

"Yeah, But thanks to Hermione's Mangey cat" he growled

"Wait Crookshanks did it?" I gasped

"Yes."

"Aw Ron, I'm sorry, R.I.P Scabbers" I hugged my brother, ruffled up his hair then walked back to my seat

"What happened with Weaslebee?" Draco asked

"I'm not telling you" I told him as i picked up my fork again

"Why not?" He pouted

"Because, I don't need the three of you using it against him and making jokes, He's really upset about it, and you'll make it worse, anyways, if he knew I told you he'd be mad at me".

                                   •

"Please don't tell me we're going to the match today" I whined, on our walk to the Great Hall for breakfast

"Why wouldn't we?" Draco asked

"Oh I dont know, maybe because its not even your team playing" I crossed my arms

"Yes, But the competition is, and we have to scope them out, it helps see what we can do to beat them and work on in practise" Blaise said

"Oh, That makes sense, so then who do you hope will win?"

"Ravenclaw, obviously, you saw who their seeker is! I am very much Patriotic for my house but, damn im the biggest Cho Chang supporter" Theo sighed as he stared at Cho with a wistful look

"Thats just, that weirdos reason, our reason is because we want to defeat Gryffindor, so obviously we don't want them to win, not really fussed about the other houses" Blaise said

"Oh, Well Fred hopes that if they win against Ravenclaw then beat us they could win, but George said that thats a very sli-

"What the hell?!" Draco

"Malfoy! its rude to cut people off! as I was saying-

"How the Hell has Potter got a firebolt?!" Draco barked, I looked over to Harry and the other boys in our year who was helping him carry his Firebolt in, everyone in the Hall was gasping and talking about it.

"Oh, McGonagall gave it back I guess- what, why are you looking at me like that"

"You knew?! You knew he had a Firebolt and you didn't even think to say anything?!" Draco said, he was pressing down on my shoulders as he shook me

"Woah stop- Ow Malfoy, your giving me a headache, yeah I knew, whats the big deal?"

"Firebolts are amazing, they only came out last year, and their insanely fast." Blaise told me

"Aw is Drakeykins going to cry to Daddy to buy him one?" Theo laughed at Draco and poked his cheek

"I'm going to go talk to him, you three stay here, I mean it!" I pointed a stern finger at them before I walked off to the Gryffindor table

"Hey Harry! So was your broom clear?" I asked him whilst Percy's girlfriend was holding his broom in awe

"Yeah, Its all good, nothing was on it" He grinned up at me

"Well still, its better to be on the safe side"

"Harry- make sure you win" Percy whispered when The girl walked off "I haven't got ten galleons. Yes, im coming, Penny!"

"Penny! thats it, i knew it started with a P" i snapped my fingers.

"Sure you can manage that broom, Potter" Draco had said from behind me, I twisted around to glare at him

"Yeah, reckon so" Harry replied, not giving him a piece of mind

"Got plenty of special features, Hasn't it? Shame it doesn't come with a parachute- in case you get too near a dementor"

"Pity you can't attach an extra arm to yours, Malfoy Then it could catch the Snitch for you" Harry said.

The Gryffindor team roared with laughter, me joining in before clapping a hand over my mouth when Draco's eyes glared daggers at me before he stomped off.

"Bye, Harry" I waved to him then rushed back to my table, Draco was huddled with Crabbe Goyle and Marcus Flint, discussing something.

"What did I say?!" I barked at Blaise and Theo when I sat back down

"What the hell did we do?!" Theo argued

"You could've stopped him! He just made a fool of himself and no doubt he will take it out on us" I crossed my arms

"What were we supposed to do, go "Here Draco, Draco, come here boy, thats a good spoilt brat, do you want a treat?" Theo exaggerated, patting his knees as if he were calling a dog.

"What do you thinks he's talking about with them?" I asked them as we looked over to Malfoy still huddled up, talking to the thuggish boys.

"Probably plotting revenge" Blaise said.

Next

#theo nott x y/n #theodore nott x you #theodore nott #theodorenottsafehouse #theo nott #draco x female reader #draco #draco fanfiction #draco malfoy x reader #draco x reader #hermione granger #ron weasley #harry potter

[ivegennedmylastloss]

hidey hodey neighborinoes i know i may or may not have disappeared for like half a fucking year but brain does what brain do. since i am now willing to admit that i likely will not find the motivation to write a full length fic like i would want, i wanted to post the “outline” (re: complete gibberish only past me could understand). at some point i’ll try to compile all the tidbits i had sprinkled across drafts and docs and try to clean it up a little but, well, im not even sure what i meant in some spots. hopefully ill pull the writers block out of my ass one day but until then, take this word vomit:

(for clarifications sake, r= red/ranboo, g= green/charlie, b= blue/sneeg, h= hetch, sfm= showfall media)

retelling of ep three from hetch’s pov. mask broke sfm doesn’t know. reset after stab still aware of what he’s doing but can’t control himself. hopeful ending with planning to save the trio and get them out?

the closet sfm is onto hetch so he has to do damage control ran receiving no instructions. things settle scenes been dragging he panics and basically controls r to kill ethan

maybe broadcasted to a different universe. problem w family and friends recognize

maybe broadcasted to rich assholes like in the purge/gladiator type deal?

the face of the hacker wasn’t actually supposed to do things but did anyways

follow up w/ rgb saving him g and b reluctant. r insist they won’t let anyone else die because of them. idk burn the mall maybe torch it like a fuckin wasp nest

employees stop at the door mannequins little nightmares two.

all four struggling down the road maybe r passing out carried by g or b

hot wire a car

traumatize gas station clerk

fire department from fire alarm

hetch flag down car 2 options:

car sped off but called police for them

offered ride to hospital

hetch the sidewalk isn’t wide enough fourth wheel type deal mostly unscathed compared to rgb but smol bean has anxiety and left over programming. weak little noodle arms can’t help shit. b sending hella death glares

b wouldn’t want to help hetch

r electrocuted from attempted mask removal

through the power of friendship and laws of physics or electrical plasma whatever it isn’t fatal hoorah

hetch stunned doesn’t help gb fuckin pissed at him

paramedics confused about what happened to these very dedicated cosplayers that are found half dead barely hours after the live finale

r wakes and is terrified thinking they’re at the box and start screaming for gb. hetch freezes g n b have to be held back by police

hospital r coma from noggin surgery (medically induced for healing cause wtf) g and b want to kick hetch’s ass only stop cause of r

prob not ccs maybe r foster kid hinted maybe

b needs to get to punch someone. american healthcare so probably a doctor or a nurse

hetch medically released first<irrelevant travel distance. hetch watching charlie and sneeg have friends and family going in and out but r has no on so hetch goes

others not allowed in camp out in waiting room. ran wakes up and freaks. competent doc allows them in and r calms down. good doc fights for them to be able to stay in the room psych health. special accommodations are made no tv in room gets a double room for more beds/couches <<needs special room post brain surgery op icu maybe nurse/doc maneuverability <<< maybe one allowed in at a time

^the nice doctor thrown in for pity maybe philza if crossover? detective techno? or both detectives that almost beat the shit outta the responding cops for fucking up the most important case they’d ever get

sfm sends an employee pretending to be ranboos mom. the others are scared but also she is acting like a mom that lost her kid so maybe it’s okay??<< others not allowed in the room since family only? nope ran wakes up freaks cause that bitch ain’t momboo (dead question mark? orphan? don’t tell techno)

employee tries to strangle r no loose ends: doc pulls her off; trio breaks in hetch proves himself?; r is a bamf and defends themself (hitting? reverse uno they strangle her? rips out iv and stabs her?< needle to weak would have to be in eye)

r scared to sleep from cabin electrocution and execution hold hand 👉👈?

carousel saved NO FIRE IF CAROUSEL perhaps a group meet for victims ranboo and hetch reluctant to enter cause they think they’re their murderers. eef spots r and runs to hug him others follow positive to r wary to hetch b says hetch is the one responsible for saving all of them bada bing bada boom happy ending

#generation loss #genloss #gen loss #generation loss ranboo #ranboo #yell at me if i need to remove some tags im still a newbie #this draft has been sitting on my conscience like a tungsten cube and i just wanted to get it out #hello person sorting by new scrolling through the tags i hope you have a good day

[betbeton]

✃ Let Sleeping Dogs Die

Derek Goffard × Reader

Warnings - All Derek Route Warnings (From the Game) can be Applied

18 + Minors DNI

·GN Reader·

·A/N- might make a part two, though this feels sorta like rambling in fic form. Hopefully it's not bad·

Other Versions

Lawrence · Strade · Mason -WIP

・❥・ Masterlist

The hot sand stung your feet as you padded behind the bottle blonde who called himself your owner, the choke collar that hung loosely around your neck a not so gentle reminder that thankfully you weren't the poor sods being hunted. Even if the pats to your head and condescending words thrown your way were infuriating there wasn’t anything you could do aside from force your tail to smack against the sand like a damn dog. Though with as angry as the situation made you this was your lot in life, a pet. Sold to the highest bidder several years ago by someone you used to view as a friend, mentor, the damn bastard waited till another monster came in to replace you. After all those years with you and teaching you how to navigate the world as a beast of a person he sold you to some damn bastard who gifted you to his son. A prize for his twenty fifth birthday. That was how you became a possession of Derek Goffard, a violent bastard with too much money at his disposal. At first he used you as a stress reliever when he was upset or angry, beating you to the point of near death day after day, but the worst had been yet to come. The first year he had taken you to the desert trip he had been excited for was absolute hell, first you had been abused in more ways than you had imagined, all physically and mentally taxing. The only consolation to have been had Derek didn’t allow the older man named Jack to force himself on you, Derek stating he didn’t want to deal with the aftermath of such abuse. After all what fun is a broken toy?

The cool metal links that made up your collar sinking into your neck and cutting off your air flow jerked you out of your head. Ears flattening to your head as you tucked your curled tail between your legs earning a cackle from your tormentor. Head jerking harshly backwards as Derek yanked on your half folded ear you allowed him to direct your gaze towards the people sat tied on the ground. Four people in total an older man with a black eye and three people who seemed to be near Derek’s age. One was a sobbing woman with blonde hair sat beside a man who was also sobbing, but unlike her he wasn’t nervously darting his gaze from person to person. The last person was Derek’s offering, poor sap had thought the person purchasing them wanted to go camping. What they lacked in the sense department they made up for with determination, if the angry glint in their eye was anything to go off of. You were so focused taking in the captives appearances that you didn’t register what Derek was yelling at you until he shoved your head into the sobbing girl’s chest, when had he dragged you over to them?

Any thoughts you had brewing were forced from your head when Derek left you after shoving you into the poor woman’s breasts like someone would a naughty puppy with its own piss. Tugging your face away from the sobbing woman you couldn’t help but to feel pity for her as you leaned in once more taking a deep inhale of her scent, sweat and something sweet peaches or maybe a flower you couldn’t pin point it. Repeating your actions you worked your way down the line until you came face to face with Derek’s offering. The intensity in their eyes had an itch at the back of you head urging you to cower away and whimper to show them you didn’t want conflict, though as you leaned in to sniff at them they spoke. The words were spoken directly into your one upright ear causing it to twitch as you listened.

“I’ll free you if you help me.”

They weren’t the first person to try and get your help, but something in their voice had your tail lightly swishing in anticipation. Sadly before you could respond the sound of someone screaming met your ears at the same time as the acidic smell of cigarettes and cheap cologne assaulted your nose, which had you reeling back away from the dead meat. Scrambling you slipped several times before coming to squat behind the closest people, the cultist creeps who called themselves Komodo and Dragon. Peaking out from behind the larger of the duo’s legs you watched as Jack dropped an irate woman onto the sand before directing his gaze to the group. A harsh whistle had you standing and taking a walk of shame back behind Derek, his hand reaching back to clip the leash back to your collar. After a brief squabble over who to use as first blood Derek dropped your leash as you struggled to suppress a whimper while you watched them drag the poor sobbing blonde woman away from the other captives, a pair of hands grasping your ears as they rubbed at them dragged your attention elsewhere. Despite finding them just as terrifying you were grateful for Komodo and Dragon’s fascination with you. They always seemed to demand your attention during first blood, at least when it was there one of their victims, almost as if irritating Derek by touching you was their revenge. Though it all came to a halt, the cold fingers rubbing your ears and the screaming, the later ceasing had your eyes darting over just in time to see Derek stomping over to grab your leash and tug you back behind him. Eyes watery as you were choked by your chain you could barely see what direction the captives ran off in. Though you were left to choke and gasp for air as Derek rummaged in his pocket snapping a tracker to your choke chain, the bastard smacked your legs with his bat when you were free of your leash yelling at you to sit in camp and be a good dog. 

Sadly some part of your mutt genes was fiercely loyal to Derek. How you wished you could will your feet the other direction, or maybe even sink your teeth into his throat or better yet rip out his intestines and devour them as he laid screaming on the sand gasping for mercy like all the victims he murdered.

You didn’t do any of that instead you obeyed like a good little dog, sitting down in the sand beside Derek’s bag guarding the camp as Jack liked to say. You weren’t guarding anything in truth if one of those poor sods approached camp while you were its sole inhabitant you wouldn’t stop them from pilfering it for food or water. Even if you were a dumb dog you still knew well enough someone would have to crave death to approach the camp, despite you knowing this it didn’t stop you from craving Derek’s hostage or better yet that strong looking woman Jack brought would show up. Even as Jack grabbed you collar yanking you towards one of the folding seats, mashing you head into the sand as he sat down on it only to laugh when you sputtered out grains of sand the dumb dog side of your brain held out hope someone anyone would murder these monsters.

When your hair was grabbed and you were forced face first into the older man’s crotch you fought the urge to sink your teeth into his cock as it harshly pressed into your mouth, resisted the urge to maim and kill the man before you as his erection sat heavily on your tongue. Though some idiot answered your prayers as you heard footsteps approaching the shit hole they called camp, Jack stood abruptly with a bitter laugh as he shoved you into the sand and took off after what you assumed was his captive. 

Crawling back to Derek’s bag you laid in the sun sleeping for several hours until the light grew low and the air started to chill, your que to wake and find your owner to help him with a final hunt for the day. Though as you stood up from the sand dusting off you legs you made eye contact with Derek's victim, dried blood smeared on their bottom lip and the metallic smell following them a clear indication they had an encounter with one of those bastards. Though when they rushed towards you hands grasping at your collar you panicked, clawed hand slashing at them only to stop short when the chain was lifted above your head and tossed to the ground. Even if it was just a simple loop of metal it still felt as if the weight of the world was lifted from your shoulders. As they grabbed the loose fabric of your top you couldn't deny their silent urging to follow them. On their heels you ran after them, it was all a blur even when they said you were safe to wait out the night in some dank cave you still didn't quite comprehend what was happening. Until the next day you had sat by the door like a statue, ears erect and tail stiff waiting for the final boot to drop.

At around midday was when you decided to wonder out of the cave, scrambling down the loose rocky earth to the harsh desert below. Your bare feet sinking into the hot sand as you wondered head tilted towards the earth sniffing for any traces of your bastards owner's scent. The wait wasn't long, just as you had caught the scent of something decaying the noise of a vehicle nearing startled you. Standing stock still your flight or fight response didn't register, you knew that running and hiding was your best option but you couldn't will you legs to move from their spot sinking into the blistering sand.

Head dipping down as you waited for the inevitable. And when it came in the form of a bat harshly smacking into your chest there was no resistance from your body as you buckled and landed in the sand. Mouth and nose inhaling a concerning amount of grit as you wildly thrashed once on the ground, though the thrashing and scrambling to gain purchase with your clawed hands and feet didn't last long. The tap of a bat against your back had you freezing yet again curled tail shifting to try and tuck between your legs as best it could as your terrified form laid trembling on the sand. The cackle that met you ears as you were smacked in the back of the head with that damned bat, the impact caused pain to bloom on the back of your skull eyes squinting as black spots sparked across your vision. Ears ringing as you tried desperately to comprehend and absorb what you tormentor was saying.

“Listen, I would hate to have to kill my favourite puppy. So why don’t you make it up to me?” Derek tapped at your spine harshly with his bat as he spoke.

Curling into yourself your mind disassociated, it felt as if you were floating far away from this situation. Even further away more like the past, before you had been thrust into this world of torment. Even before you met that fox bastard. Back when you were just you, a simple puppy of a person who only knew borderline suffocating joy and the normalcy of pretending to be human. That's all it was in the end even now as you were treated as a pet you still would pretend to be human when Derek brought you in public, when he paraded around like he was hot shit. Though that damned bat smacking against your spine had you rocketing back to reality, the old you who was happy and content a distant fading memory. What wasn't a fading memory though was the laboured and fearful breathing your ears had picked up. Part of you had thought that, when you first encountered the monster, catching the scent of Derek's victim had been a trick of boarder line heatstroke. It would seem you had been wrong. Very wrong. As you heard them level their breathing and stand was the moment you struck as Derek's focus shifted to his preferred victim of the moment you shakily hoisted yourself up to your feet once more. Looming beside Derek you could see the momentary fear that flashed in the eyes of his victim as they thought you might betray them.

It was absurd really. You had no loyalty to anyone. Not even yourself, you would gladly sell your soul to be free of this man. But the damn idiot dog side of your brain had you longing for the damn dead meat to reassure you, for them to say everything would be alright. It irritated you and grated at your already frayed nerves. However you didn't direct any anger at them it was all reserved for Derek.

You had turned to face him just as he had reached out to grab the back of your neck. In his arrogant and distracted state you took the moment to strike. Launching yourself at him pinning him beneath your body as he hollered and struck you. Still your didn't let up, leaning down and sinking your teeth into his neck in a panicked state of your own. The metallic twinge of blood flooding your mouth had you gagging as your head thrashed from side to side, much like a dog tearing apart a toy. The sickening gurgle of your tormentor trying to order you off of him and yelling most likely obscenities at you and the world had you clamping your jaw tighter. It was perversely invigorating to steal the life away from someone who regularly made you eat corpses on these damned yearly trips, or worse if he was feeling ... particular that day.

It felt like forever of you thrashing your head and wrenching his most likely shredded esophagus from his throat, but a set of hands grabbing at your thin shirt had you reeling back. Momentarily forgetting it was Derek you had been mutilating and not some poor sap who he had purchased. Whipping around with your ears perked relief flooded your body as you came face to face with Derek's victim. Their shaking hands frantically grabbing at your face as they tucked a finger into your bloody mouth to make sure you were unharmed. The anger and borderline blood lust you had felt mere moments ago was still very present at the forefront of your mind as you snapped at their hand, sharp teeth sinking into the meat of it in warning.

Instead of treating you with anger or annoyance they backed off which left you reeling almost craving they had struck you... If only to feel the sense of normalcy being reprimanded and punished provided. Even if they did respect your boundary they still kept a hand on your body to try and sooth you, the now bloodied hand that you had attacked. They gently rubbed at your ears cooing out genuine words, that you were safe and everything would be okay. You knew they were wrong, Jack and Machete were still out there somewhere. Plotting on how to catch and mutilate the victims who remained, but when the heat had cooled down and you sat with everyone actually engaging in conversation the topic of murdering Jack came up. And it left you hopeful, even if your face was practically cacked with Derek's blood and you had secretly gone back several times that day to mutilate his corpse beyond recognition you were still excited to finally taste freedom.

#tpof x reader #derek goffard #derek tpof #tpof #the price of flesh

[sunflowersoldat]

All is Fair~ In Fire & Failure

Chapter 6: All is Fair in Fires & Failure

Previous Chapter

Main Master List

Series Master List

Series Summary: Family is important, but so is the Family business. Everyone has secrets, some are deadly. Your the best in the business, but no one knows who you are. Tensions are high, will you raise the stakes or fold under pressure?

Series Warnings: 18+! Mentions of blood and violence, bad language words, smut, manipulation, gaslighting, death, trauma, please follow the warnings for each chapter.

Chapter warnings: 18+ Only! Bad language words, angst, plans of assassination, blood, implied smut (on top of the clothes stuff).

Pairing: Mob!Steve x Assassin!Stark!reader

Word count: approx. 6K

A/N: This took me way too long to write lol. I really hope yall enjoy it! feedback is always welcome, let me know your favorite part. Things are about to get really dicey really quickly, so enjoy the semi-calm we have.

With heavy eyes and a foggy mind you made your way through the House of Cards. You had taken this path so many times, you had entered a trance-like state. By the time you made it up to the security office, you didn't remember the journey up there. 

It had been a few weeks since the incident in front of the cafe, your arm not fully healed, but you were no longer required to wear the itchy, inconvenient sling that Dr. Cho suggested you wear for a single week. But between Steve, Bucky and Peter, you wore it longer than you probably needed to.

The three of them fussed over insufferably, you understood their concerns, but at one point you had to physically shove Steve out the door for a meeting, locking the door to the bedroom as soon as it shut. Bucky was just as bad, the self pity and the never ending apologies, you made a mental note to never take another bullet for the man. And Peter, sweet, sweet naive Peter, was probably the most tolerable out of all of them, he mostly ensured your ice cream needs were met.

You sighed as the elevator doors opened, you were grateful for the reprieve. Steve had taken Bucky and Sam on some ‘business’ trip for the night. So you were left to your own devices, having warned Steve you would be going to your own house and bed for the evening. He reluctantly agreed. You rolled your shoulder to relieve some of the stiffness, your lips curling in a grimace from the ache that still remained.

Entering the security office you leaned against the doorframe, watching Yelena as she sat in front of the computer screens, lazily clicking through the different feeds. A bag of candy rattling in her hand, she poured a handful, popping all of them into her mouth at once. You raised your eyebrows clearing your throat, she nearly jumped clean out of the chair, it teetered as she whirled around.

“What the heck–” her hand springing out to steady herself and the chair, “you could have given me a heart attack!” She placed her other hand, still clutching the bag of candy, over her heart. “It’s beating so fast…” her eyes grew wide. 

You chuckled softly, “You deserved that…” you wandered closer fidgeting with the junk that littered the desk, “if you’d like I can shoot you to make us even.”

Her green eyes clouded, shoulders sank, head bowing, “It wasn't meant for you…” setting the candy onto the desk, she rose from her seat, “Well, technically the client requested it to be you. but you… you and I both know the rules.” she walked closer, her accent becoming more prominent, “I’m sorry, did it hurt? I… I mean obviously it hurt, but did I ruin your shoulder?”

Your heart ached for her, her and the other Aces were the closest thing you had to real friends. You knew she would never intentionally hurt you, none of them would, and not only because it was against the Ace code, but the four of you were much like a dysfunctional family. “No, surprisingly. It went through-and-through, not a stitch of damage to the bones, arteries or any organs. Nice aim.” you lightly sock her shoulder.

She ran a shaky hand through her hair, “I was so scared, I thought… well I thought I killed you!”

You shrugged, you had been afraid of that too actually, the moment you felt the pain on the left side of your chest, you thought you were done for. You remained silent for a moment, “Well, I’m glad it was you shooting and not me.”

Rolling her eyes, she shoved you- pain seared through your shoulder again, you growled- 

“Oh fuck I’m sorry!” one hand shooting to her mouth, the other gently catching you, she winced apologetically.

She narrowed her eyes at you, opening her mouth to speak- the sound of heels across the tile floor cut her off, the two of you turning to discern who they belonged to, when Sharon came into view. Her blonde hair pulled into a professional pony. 

“Oh ladies, I’m glad I could catch the two of you, Смерт(smert) , you look good for a gunshot victim.” She smirked, quirking a brow, “you really pissed someone off.” 

You turned to her, “Any idea who?”

Sighing she shook her head, “Unfortunately no, that request came in anonymously… But you and I both know I couldn’t tell you if I knew.” sighing she shuffled through the paperwork in her hands, “The Dealer has an assignment for you-” she handed you a picture of a warehouse on the riverbank, “I need this done.”

Your eyes narrowed on the black and white photo, it was one of the commandos’ warehouses, you should have held your tongue, but the words slipped out too quick for you to stop them, “We are still fucking with Steve?” internally you punched yourself.

Sharon’s gaze flicked to yours, “We are doing what we are paid to do, Смерт (smert-death). And this particular client is paying us for arson…” she narrowed her stormy eyes at you, “Is there a problem with that?”

You shook your head ignoring her question, “Who's the client?”

Raising her brows she crossed her arm, “That’s above your pay grade. You don’t get paid to ask questions, you get paid to carry out orders, I get paid to give them. And right now neither of us are doing our jobs, so get to work before I lose my patience.” she snapped, before spinning on her heels and storming off.

Scowling in her direction you scoffed, “Someone is in a bitchy mood.” You could feel Yelena’s eyes burning a hole in your head, you turned to her, her steady gaze fixed on you, studying you, “What?” you asked casually.

She shook her head, brushing off your question, “nothing let's get going.”

—

Yelena sighed through your earpiece for the fifth time within the past three minutes, silently groaning, you rolled your eyes, as you pulled your tactical gloves on, “What’s on your mind Yelena.”

There was a beat of silence, she cleared her throat,  “Oh. Nothing…”

“Just ask the damn question, don't make me pull your teeth out.”

There were a few more beats of silence, as if she were trying to find the right words. You moved onto the infiltration point of the warehouse.

“Why’d you jump in front of my shot?”

Your heart stopped beating for a moment, “I don't know what… what you are referring to, I tripped on the curb, you know how clum–”

“Смерт. (smert-death)” her tone became serious, her normal playful attitude absent. “You stepped in front of that bullet, knowing it was meant for Barnes.”

“Who ordered the hit on Bucky?” 

You could hear her take a deep breath, “So he’s Bucky now? Since when do you call contracts by their names?”

You swallowed hard, ignoring her insinuation, “Are you in position?”

“Yes on the count of three.”

“One…Two…Three.”

The warehouse went black, the muffled sound of confused men reaching your ears as you slipped through the side door. One by one you knocked each one out, as you crossed the catwalk, coming to the main office, “Top floor clea–”

The air was knocked from your lungs as a punch landed in your gut, your hands instinctively blocking the next kick your attacker dealt with their knee, quickly grabbing their ankle, you flipped them. The backup generator flicking on, light flooding the room, momentarily blinding you as your assailant recovered, swiftly jumping into a defensive stance. His cerulean eyes meeting yours, before traveling to the weapons and black playing cards on your belt, his brow raising, chest heaving. Your heart sank as you recognized probably the most ruthless of Steve’s men.

Clint. Or as the underground called him, Ronin.

He cracked his neck as he watched you carefully, before lunging at you, dodging the attack, you landed a kick to his chest, the catwalk creaking under you, the flicker of flames danced beneath your feet; Yelena had done her job. 

“Are you still in there? Where are you?” her voice came roaring through your earpiece, you couldn’t risk responding, if Clint recognized your voice it was over.

He lunged at you again, this time when you dodged, you caught him around his throat, pulling him into a headlock, squeezing. He struggled in your grip, throwing his elbow back into your ribs, kicking and wiggling until your back hit the catwalk railing, almost shoving you over the edge. You tightened your grip, silently begging him to just go the fuck to sleep. He was strong, and your shoulder was beginning to give out.

The warehouse was in a full blaze when he slumped against you, you relaxed slightly, your shoulder aching at the slightest movement. Clint’s dead weight against you throwing you off balance. As you stepped forward to steady yourself, the catwalk creaked again, quickly dragging Clint as you moved for the door. The smoke clouding your vision, your lungs burning, as you crossed the threshold, the catwalk collapsed behind you. 

“I’m out Удача (udacha-fortune).” you coughed, “Dropping…” you coughed again, fighting to clear your lungs of the toxic air, “extra cargo at the fence.”

“Extra cargo? What extra cargo?” she snapped.

Dropping Clint at the fence with the rest of the security personnel, you quickly make yourself scarce, jogging across the street to a dark alley

“There was extra security tonight, the intel must have been off.” you wheeze.

Yelena met you in the alley, leaning against the brick wall “That could have gone a lot worse…” she gave you an apologetic shrug.

Glaring at her you scoffed, “Yeah well it could have gone a hell of a lot better!” you snapped.

Her body stiffened as she drew a deep breath, “Who was the extra cargo? And why not leave him to burn?”

Your eyes narrowed on her, “Fuckin Ronin…” her eyes widened, Ronin was known to be ruthless, bloodthirsty. As far as experience gose, he was on par with you and the rest of the Aces, but he didn't belong to a code, and he surely wasn't bought with money. He answered to Steve and Bucky alone, taking prisoners and letting Steve and Bucky have their fun before discarding them.

“He didn’t burn because that wasn't part of the assignment.” you hissed.

Yelena shook her head, “So what? When has that ever stopped you? His death would have been welcomed, he is a thorn in everyone’s side.” 

Ripping her mask from her face she stepped closer to you, “What the fuck has gotten into you?! You're questioning orders, sleeping with one target, stepping in front of bullets meant for another, and saving people who would be better off dead!”

“Sleeping with Steve Rogers was your idea!” you seethed, staring her down, “You said I was the original recipient for that bullet anyway, so I covered your ass! How bad would it have been for me to survive without so much as a scrape!? And don't even act like you’ve never questioned an assignment me and you both know–” Your argument abruptly cut short as  screeching tires and sirens filled the docks, your eyes flicked down the street.

Yelena’s eyes followed yours, shaking her head, she turned running down the alley, “We can finish this later. Let’s go before we get caught…”

You moved to follow her, but stopped, something pulling you back, you watched yours and Yelena’s handiwork as the flames devoured the product, and the building, the red painted name on the warehouse melting away, ‘Howling Commandos’ Shipping Co.’

Three black SUVs came to a skidding halt in front of the gate, and three men got out. First, Steve wearing a white button-down rolled to his elbows, shirt taught around his muscles as he ran his hands through his hair in frustration. Second, Bucky in his normal black button-down, his weapon holsters clinging to his broad chest, gun drawn. Sam was the last to emerge, immediately beginning to clear the area.

They looked pissed, a cocky grin lifted your lips as they turned to the burning building, this was the part of your job you enjoyed; watching as one of the most powerful men in New York floundered in awe as his warehouse went up in a fiery blaze. He was foolish to think your brother and Thor were the only possible threats in this city. Your stomach fluttered, this felt like a sick game, on one hand you felt bad for causing more problems for Steve, and wanted nothing more than to make it better for him. To be there when he got home, allowing his frustrations to be taken out on you.

On the other hand, the thrill of the chase coursed through your veins, it was tempting to let them catch you in the act, just to see him riled up. But you knew deep down it wouldn't end well like it did in your fantasies, no, you would be floating in the Upper Bay come morning if they found you. You needed to leave, to ensure you were not found, but you couldn't, your eyes glued to the man you were playing against in the biggest poker game of your life. You couldn't help but wonder who would make it out, who would fold, and who would take the jackpot. This was a game you would lose either way, this double edged sword was sharper than you had anticipated.

To kill the man you have begun to love or for him to kill you for your betrayal. But who said you were actually going to kill him, and there was no need for him to find out what your true purpose had been…You shook your head clearing the thoughts, you'd cross the bridge when you got to it. 

Steve’s ocean eyes were full of worry until they landed on his men cuffed to the fence. Barnes on the other hand looked like he was about to tear the whole city down, wary eyes never leaving the shadows that surrounded the building and across the street. The ever watchful, never trusting protector, eyes the color of a cloudy sky never missing a single detail.

Other men spilled out of the vehicles, pistols in hand as they rushed toward the building, indistinct chatter about finding their men trapped inside. Idiots. You may have burnt down a building, but it was only a diversion, you hadn’t killed anyone; at least not tonight. Clint was the first to wake, yanking at the zip tie you used to restrain him on the fence. Sam walked over, flicking his wrist effortlessly, the zip tie falling to the ground. Clint rose from the ground, you couldn't hear him, but from the look on his face, you knew you didn't want to be on the receiving end of whatever punishment they had in mind for the scapegoat. The rest of the men stirred from their stupor, some would get away with minor bruises, but others would need medical attention sooner rather than later.

Steve and Bucky converged on Clint, you could see them straighten, their jaws set as they looked around the area, instinctively you sunk farther into the darkness. You knew they couldn’t see you, but Bucky’s eyes narrowed as they landed on the alley you were in,

“Find them, they couldn’t have gotten far!” Steve’s voice boomed, reverberating off the surrounding buildings, and through your body, sending chills down your spine. His voice had a bite to it that had your heart racing, he was always the vocal one. The men split off in different directions to hunt you down. You’d stayed too long.

Bucky stalked toward the alley, he couldn’t see anything, but something in his gut was pulling him this way. He checked the alley with deadly precision.

You held your breath, as he rounded the corner, you were tucked into an alcove, slightly out of his sight as the barrel of his gun entered your vision.

Yelena’s voice broke through your earpiece, “We need to talk.”

When you didn't answer, she spoke again, “You are playing a dangerous game. Your personal feelings are beginning to bleed into business. This won't end well, you need to tell the Dealer to replace you.”

A few beats of silence passed, you prayed he couldn't hear her in your earpiece, “I’m worried about you kid, please just think this through–” Bucky’s head tilted, you ripped the earpiece from your ear, you crushed it in your hand, squeezing your eyes shut, slowly, quietly letting go of the breath you were holding–

“Bucky! Let’s go! We got a tipoff, they found one of Stark’s men a couple of blocks from here!” Steve’s voice echoed down the alley.

A small smile lifted your lips, relief flooded your body, he always had great timing, he was always the savior, even when he didn’t mean to be.

You heard Barnes exhale, his steps fading back down the alley. You heard the car engines start, and the sirens fade. Only then did you leave your hiding spot.

It was time to go home.

You pulled your motorcycle onto the street in front of your house, you stomped up the steps with your Ace uniform thrown hastily in your bag, now you wore a pair of dark wash jeans and a plain t-shirt. You toed your door open, then kicked it closed, tossing your keys onto the counter, you grabbed a beer from the fridge.

Slumping down onto the couch, you kicked your shoes off, and tossed your head back, finally able to relax–

Your phone vibrated in your pocket, a new text on the screen, ‘Come home? I need my Angel.’

Sighing you put your shoes back on, before responding to his text.

—

The elevator opened on the penthouse floor, as you exited, normally you would be stunned at the breathtaking view of New York, but instead, you were met with a group of men listening to Clint in the living room,

“No, I know what I saw, it was definitely a female, part of the Aces. I saw the cards on her belt. Wore a damn skull tactical mask covering the bottom half of her face.”

You continued to listen, Scott scoffed, “Give us something to go off Clint, eye color, hair color, anything! We can't chase a damn ghost!”

“Fuck you Lang! I don’t have details! They are trained to never be seen.” he stretched his neck, cracking it. The beginnings of a dark bruise stained his neck, “They wear blackout contacts in their eyes, have masks covering their faces, they don’t speak…” dragging his hand over his face he sighed, “Fucking bitch is trained better than anyone I’ve encountered before–” he broke off, lifting his gaze to meet yours. Your chest swelled with pride, you left a mark on Ronin, scared him shitless. Good. You were something that needed to be feared. His eyes flicked to the blonde sitting across from him, nodding his head towards you.

Steve rose from his seat, turning to meet you, your eyes traveling his body, his white button-down replaced with a regular tee, his knuckles an angry red, the remnants of cuts and bruises evident. “Come Angel, no need for you to hear any of this–” moving to look around Steve, you painted a look of concern across your face, 

“What happened? Are you alright Clint?”

He gave you a small smile, “I’m alright little Ace, don’t worry. Just business.” 

Steve nodded to him and the rest of the men, “Find out what you can, otherwise keep your eyes and ears open.” 

The men nodded in agreement, most of them heading to the elevator to leave, Bucky heading to the staircase on the opposite end of the room. Steve led you to the stairs closest to you, his hand at the small of your back, leading you up the stairs. 

“What happened?” you asked, you had to play the game, the concerned girlfriend, you were also interested in who they ended up picking up after they left you in the alley.

Shaking his head he sighed softly, “Nothing that concerns you Angel…”

“Did Clint get hurt? You seem upset…”

Steve stopped at the top of the stairs, “Clint is fine, just a little business, Angel. I didn’t ask you to come here to talk about work.”

Your head dropped, pouting, “Sorry…”

His finger crooking under your chin, lifting your gaze to his, “Don’t apologize, I’m glad you care enough to ask, but you don't need to worry about my men, they can handle themselves.” his nose nudged yours. 

You wanted to laugh, but shoved it down, his men were not prepared for anything you could throw their way, Clint on the other hand, you’d have to watchout for. If he fought you again, you weren't sure you would both survive it, your stomach filled with lead at the thought of killing any of Steve’s men.

“Angel?”

Steve’s voice broke through your thoughts, laced with concern, telling you that wasn't the first time he had spoken to you, you hummed.

“I asked how your shoulder was feeling.” his voice lowering, bordering on sultry as he walked you backward.

Your heart stuttered in your chest, “fine… great actually…” you started to chastise yourself, but were cut short when his lips met yours, in a fiery kiss, your back hitting the door behind you, your thoughts gone the moment his lips touched yours, replaced with the need to feel him against your skin.

“Good–” he whispered between kisses, “I’ve been dying to make it up to you.”

 —

Your phone went off in your pocket, it had been nonstop all day, and you couldn't wait to silence it when you finished closing the museum. Groaning you rounded the corner of the hall, heading to your office, skidding to a halt as a figure came into view. His slender frame leaned casually against the wall across from your office door, he looked up as the sound of your heels on the tile stilled abruptly. A soft smile brightening his shining emerald eyes, “We meet again, darling.” he purred as he leisurely pushed off the wall walking towards you.

Your eyes narrowed slightly, “Loki…I would say it's a pleasure, but every time I see you, your brother is not far behind.”

At your observation, his eyes flicked around the hall, ensuring there were no prying eyes and ears, “No, not today. You just get me.” a genuine smile split his lips.

Your body relaxed, at least you wouldn't have to deal with Thor’s grating personality, you didn't have the energy after last night, your body was sore, not only from your confrontation with Ronin, but Steve thoroughly tired you out. Blinking to clear your mind, you searched his face, waiting for him to slip, for something to give away the real reason he was here, “What can I do for you?”

Tilting his head, he walked a step closer, “I actually came to apologize for intruding on your evening the other day, it was quite rude of Thor and I to monopolize your time with..” he hesitated only slightly, “Mr. Rogers.”

You laughed lightly, “Ew, please don’t call him ‘Mr. Rogers’ that makes it sound like he’s ancient.”

Loki’s smile grew, laughing softly, “Well, ancient beings certainly tend to monopolize your time, you have a strong proclivity towards them…” 

You grimaced playfully, “So it would seem…” there was a comfortable beat of silence between the two of you, “I appreciate your apology, but honestly if it wouldn't have been you and Thor interrupting, something else would have.”

He nodded solemnly, eyes meeting yours again, the deep green orbs devouring yours, as if they could see into the deepest parts of your soul, “You actually love him…” the whisper so soft you almost missed it.

Your heart stuttered in your chest, blinking in surprise, you scowled, where the hell did that come from, “What?”

His smile fell slightly, his brows furrowing, “That’s unexpected, but I can see it in your eyes, the silent war you have raging within yourself.”

Irritation bubbled beneath the surface, a faint tremor starting in your hands, “Excuse me–”

Almost as if a switch was flipped, Loki’s pleasant demeanor turned into something sour, his expression becoming angular, eyes no longer soft, but all consuming and cold, “Tell me Ms. Carbonell, do you enjoy the dark?” he stepped even closer, his frame towering over yours as he began to circle you slowly, “Because everyone seems to leave you there.”

Your fists clenching at your sides, your body burning hot, “You dont know what you are talking about.” you snarled through grit teeth.

“Oh don't I? Things are happening in your own heart, right under your nose, and you don’t even notice…” his voice hot on your neck, “open your eyes.” he hissed, as he rounded to your other shoulder, tracing his finger along the curve of your shoulder and arm “How is the ol’ wound?”

Shrugging your shoulder, you side-eyed him, “Healed, hands off Odinson.” 

He huffed as he returned to the spot in front of you, he knew he caught you off guard, striking a nerve when you purposefully called him by Thor’s last name, “It’s too bad the bullet missed its true mark… and its Laufeyson, actually. I never took my stepfather’s last name…” he made a mocking face, “We never really saw eye-to-eye.” he winked.

“Is that why you killed him?” You shot back coolly.

He bobbed his head, frowning as he contemplated your accusation, then quirked a brow, neither confirming nor denying your words, “You need to use those skills of yours. Stop listening to what you’re told and listen to what you aren’t.” reaching forward he tapped your temple, you stood your ground, “Your eyes do not deceive you.” He circled you again, dropping his head close to your ear, “Those closest to you know more than they lead you to believe.” his voice reaching into the deepest part of your brain, itching the back of your mind–

Footsteps echoed down the hall, someone was coming.

His breath fanned over your neck, goosebumps fluttering down your spine, “You are looking, but you do not see. I cannot give you all the answers Death. But I can tell you, you have been lied to.”

You spun on your heel, eyes wide, knife ripped from your pocket, you were ready to attack, but he was gone the hall void of any evidence he was there at all. Taking a deep breath, you placed your knife back into your pocket as Steven rounded the corner, 

“Oh hello love, I was actually coming to give you some mail that was delivered earlier.” his voice light, a gentle smile on his lips, falling as he read the panic in your stare. “Love? Are you alright? You look as if you’ve seen–”

Steven was cut off abruptly, his entire demeanor changing, speaking with a heavy accent, “Muerte.”

Your eyes flicked to Jake, “Заря(zarya-dawn), where did he go?” panic lacing your tone.

Furrowing his brows he moved closer to you, cautiously looking around, “Who, Muerte? There is no one here…”

“Loki. He was just here…”

Jake shrugged, scoffing, “Not anymore, that bean pole has you this shaken?”

“He called me Death, Заря(zarya).”

He gave you a disbelieving look, “That’s impossible, only those in The House call you that. How could he–”

The sound of the main doors to the museum ripping open then slamming shut shook the hall, followed by a wet thud. The two of you sharing a look before sprinting down the hall into the main foyer, skidding to a halt when a curly headed heap comes into view, “What the fuck…” your voice a light whisper in the air, apparently loud enough for the unknown body to hear, his head lifting weakly red rimmed honey eyes meeting yours. “I’m so… sorry Ace… nowhere… else to go…”

Your stomach dropped sprinting the rest of the way to him, “Peter?! Pete, what happened?!” scooping him into your arms you cradle his head as you turn him over, his young face almost unrecognizable, beaten and bloody, eyes already turning a dark shade of purple, slipping shut, deep red stains seeping from beneath his shirt.

“Jake! Lock the front doors! Get me something to stop his bleeding–” Jake ran past you locking the doors, bringing Steven’s jacket from behind the front desk, kneeling he began ripping the jacket, applying pressure to the wounds.

Your throat burned, vision blurring from the tears welling in your eyes, no, not Peter, anyone but Peter. Clenching your jaw you willed the tears to subside, but the attempt was in vain, they began splattering down onto the already damp fabric, Jake’s hand found yours, squeezing lightly, you did not meet his gaze.

“Muerta, you can’t help him, he is not your responsibility–” 

“Shut up, go pull the car around and help me get him to safety.” you choked out, Jake didn’t move, “please go get the car–”

“Muerte, you cannot interfere. Nothing good will come from this–”

Your patience had run out, “Jake!” your eyes met his, a fire burned brightly in yours, full of rage, his face fell, there was no reasoning with you now. “He is a child, I will not allow him to die here, go get the car and help me load him!”

Without another word, Jake stood quickly leaving the room to do as you commanded.

You caressed his face, swiping the blood from his cheeks, “Come on Queens, stay with me…” your voice breaking, “please stay with me…”

Moments later, Jake burst through the side door, scooping Peter into his arms. You hurried in front of him, opening the door to the museum then the vehicle, helping Jake set him in the back seat. 

Jake fished the keys from his pocket, dangling them in front of you. As you reached for them, he pulled them slightly out of your grasp, “Where will you take him, Muerte?”

Meeting Jake's eyes, you leave your hand open, waiting, “Someplace safe.”

Jake let go of a resigned sigh, “You will have a target painted on your back now Muerte. Whoever did this…” he gestured to Peter in the back seat, “he wasn't meant to survive…” he lowered the keys into your hand releasing them. “they will come for you.” 

Grasping them tightly you walked around to the driver’s seat, “let them come.”

Jake watched you speed away down the alley, looking to the night sky he said a silent prayer for whoever had laid a hand on the boy. 

Once Death sets her sights on you, there is no escape.

—

When the agonizing screams died down and you finished patching him, Peter lay peacefully asleep on your couch, his screams now giving way to a soft snore. Whoever had gotten ahold of him knew what they were doing, his wounds were meant to kill slowly. It was an old torture tactic, like a cat playing with its food, he shouldn't have survived as long as he did. You thanked whatever gods were listening that he made it to the museum and that you were there to bring him to safety. 

Absent-mindedly, you stood at your kitchen sink, allowing the warm water to rinse the crimson stains from your hands, drying them, you reached for your phone, when Peter stirred. You walked to the couch, leaning over the back, his hazel eyes finding yours, “Ace? Where…Where am I? How did…” he trailed off, gaze leaving yours, his body fighting to put him back to sleep. But his gaze snapped back to yours, “please… please don't call Steve… he’ll kill me for putting you in danger again…” his eyes drooped shut, sleep winning the battle.

Brushing his hair back softly, you reached for your phone again, whispering to him, “sorry Queens…”

The line rang only once before Steve answered,

“Angel? You're up late, what’s wrong?”

“It’s Queens… he’s…” your voice betrayed you as your breath caught in your throat, you'd done worse to others than what they had done to him, but seeing Peter like that, something in you snapped. 

“Angel?! What’s wrong with Queens?!”

You swallowed the lump in your throat, “He was attacked, Steve…” on the other end you could hear him curse, the muffled command for Bucky to get the car, “He’s alright, injured, but alright. I have him at home. I'll send you the address and you can pick him up.”

Steve released a deep breath, “I’ll be there as soon as I can. And Angel?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

You hummed in response before the call ended.

Returning to your contacts you dialed again, the line rang a few times, longer than was necessary actually, before he picked up.

“Howling Commandos’ Shipping Docks, this is Waaddeee we are currently closed.”

You rolled your eyes, “Желать(zhelat’-desire) it's me.”

A slew of curses sounded on the other end, his voice muffling momentarily,“Shut up!” clearing his throat he returned to the conversation, “Heyyyy Deathypoo, what can I do for ya?”

“Your location and targets in the past twelve hours.”

There was muffled screaming in the background Wade sighed, “Shut up Paul! I’ll get back to you in a minute, then you're gonna tell me about Francis!… Sorry Death baby, I’m in the middle of an interrogation, I’ve been following leads on Francis all day.”

You sighed, “No one paid you to take out any of the commandos?”

He laughed on the other end, “Ha, no I’ve been faaarrr too busy.”

You chewed your lip, “alright thanks Желать(zhelat’-desire)”

He hummed, “Mhm anytime. Okay gotta go, kisses!”

The line died as a scream filled the other end.

Sighing you opened your messages, texting Yelena,

‘Are you working tonight?’

She replied instantly, ‘At HOC. Dealing a game to your brother and Thor.’ 

A few moments passed, when you didn't respond another message came through, ‘Why need a hand?’

‘No. talk soon.’

Clearing your phone you tossed it through your open bedroom door, watching it land on your bed. None of the Aces had been responsible for what happened to Peter. That was a plus, that meant you could figure out who it was and make them squeal, no red tape or codes keeping them safe from you.

Sighing, you walked back into the kitchen, sifting through your mail Jake had left in the passenger seat of the car, most of it was bills, but a promotional envelope caught your eye. 

‘Looking for a new deck of playing cards?’ ‘Order here’

Scoffing you broke the seal, within the envelope was another envelope with a wax seal, and a spade on the front. You opened it.

Again, like so many before, the plain white letter contained only a name with a location, date and time scrawled in black ink at the bottom.

Your next target. 

Three days from now.

*About three hours earlier*

The group of assailants came to a grinding halt, their target stumbling into the history museum in Queens. Growling as the door closed and you came into view moments later, they couldn't hear you, but the panic painting your face was enough for them to consider their mission a partial success. But the longer they watched the more they realized this had become an utter failure. You had saved the little vermin. 

“The boss is gonna be so pissed…” one of them said, as they watched you load the kid into your car, the tires screeching as you took off out of the alley.

“Guess we can tell him she is more of a thorn in our side than originally anticipated, the hit on her wasn't enough to scare her off…” the female admitted.

“Should we follow? Take them both out?” another asked.

“No.” the female spoke again, a vile smile splitting her lips, “We will teach her a lesson soon. One that will keep her out of the way.”

A chorus of dark laughter followed.

Soon little Stark, soon.

@dontbescaredtosingalong @texan-tazzy @tianamontag @daiseychaindisaster @silently-killing-you @buckyfan12 @leyannrae @justlovelifeblog @austynparksandpizza @captainson-of-coul @betareader7 @vicmc624

#mafia au #steve rogers #bucky barnes #marvel au #mob!steve rogers #mob!steve x reader #assassin!reader #all is fair in... #steve rogers x bucky barnes #bucky x steve #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers x reader smut #steve x reader #tony stark #stark!reader #Stark!sister #sam wilson #Howard Stark #the howling commandos #captain america #mob au #marvel #avengers #bucky #yelena belova #mafia!steve rogers #mafia!bucky #loki laufeyson #thor odinson #peter parker

[bindi-the-skunk]

More rambling from me about Jekyll and Hyde

Part of the reason I think it is so easy to woobify Jekyll well the other literature classic monsters usually get a good amount of bashing is body count (don't get me wrong there are at least two examples of evil!Jekyll (Penny dreadful and Once upon a time) but no one really talks about Jekyll and Hyde from those series so ....and I thought both where pretty bland and did nothing for the characters but that is for a later date...)

Jekyll gets ONE murder victim, Carew and one girl (who was not named and was stated to have not been hurt, only frightened) And the fact Jekyll was under the influence of a drug when he did both crimes, not an excuse, but something to at least note ) these characters are just a means to an end in the story, we only care about them as far as their respective chapter, we only care as far as "murder is bad" and "walking on a child like their a WELCOME mat is bad"

They are faceless, Utterson cares about Jekyll, so we learn to care for him too, in the end Jekyll is a drug addict who kills himself, both are reasons to also feel sorry for him, we are given just enough about him to build him up in our mind, so when we find out he did bad things, it is ultimately in the back of our heads and the fact he did TRY and quit the potion cold turkey does prove he is not a complete monster and did want to at least try and quit before it all crashed around him.

Dorian Gray caused several young women to be ruined and caused an unnamed guard boy to kill himself (back of the mind atrocities sort of like Carew and the girl, we know it is bad, but we don't KNOW them)

But we do get to see Dorian's fall from grace, we see his mind twist, the book is mostly from HIS point of view, we see him think his picture should go back to being perfect just because he THOUGHT about being good, he sold his soul for something as meaningless as beauty.

We see poor Sybil vane kill herself because of him after being cruelly rejected by Dorian, we empathize with her brother, wanting to avenge his sister's death and knowing he was so close to it, we know Dorian cried tears of JOY hearing about his death, and we know he, in his right mind, no drugs or anything, murdered his best friend Basil who we have grown to love.

Frankenstein refused time and time again to take responsibility for his actions and it led to the death of at least four people, he left his newborn creation to die (already not scoring PO points ) then refused to speak up at Justine's trial leading to her being HUNG (a pretty nasty way to die mind you and the poor girl was SIXTEEN when she was hung, and this was old time shit so she most likely suffocated to death from the noose since she would have been light (which could take over twenty minutes of her kicking and struggling for air) over a broken neck ) when just saying he had a fight with a large man who vowed revenge would have done wonders for her ) his little brother William (death of a child pity points) Henry Clerval and finally Elizabeth, both of which we learn of and grow to look at affectionately

And throughout all this, all Victor can do is bellyache how bad HIS life is (and the fact he thought "I will be with you on your wedding night" meant the monster would come to kill HIM did not win him any intelligence points either...)

But what do you think? What makes Jekyll the go-to for the lovable but flawed scientist? What put him a cut above the rest as far as being loved by so many of us? He is the main character of no less than three webcomics I'm watching and a secondary character in another (and my friend plans on drawing her own comic one day as well) Why is making the others evil not much of a consequence, but Jekyll being evil always seems to fall flat?

#lxg #once upon a time #penny dreadful #dr henry jekyll #henry jekyll #jekyll #Hyde #edward #edward hyde #strange case of dr jekyll and mr hyde #the league of extraordinary gentlemen #victor frankenstein #frankenstein #picture of dorian gray #dorian gray #the picture of dorian gray