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ssa-daddyhotchner · 3 years

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Undercover - Chapter 9

Chapter Selection

I was awakened by Hotch's alarm. I turn around and reach for his phone to turn it off. My headache pounding. It had only been a few hours since we drank. Honestly I was still a little drunk.

I collapse on him waking him up. "Ughh", I mumble into the crook of his neck. "What is it", That was a dumbass question he knows I'm not a morning person. "Do you really have to ask me that."

He chuckles, "Yes how would you feel if we took a shower. The hot water would be nice."

I get up and walk into the bathroom and turn on the water. As I'm waiting for the water to heat up I brush my teeth. I feel hands around my waist and lips on my collarbone.

I look into the mirror and he's standing behind me looking hot even when he first wakes up.

His head rests on my shoulder then I tug at his hand to get into the shower. I turn him into the water first, he needs it more. I put shampoo into his hair and massage it in.

"You're good at that", I giggle and then wash it out. "Your turn", he turns me around and washes me.

We step out of the shower and into the bedroom and I shiver. "Here wear this", He tosses me one of his hoodies. I put it on and I'm met with the smell of mint.

He gets dressed first and leaves while I get ready. I finish up and walk into the kitchen where he's making breakfast. "Whatcha making?"

"Pancakes, eggs, and sausage patties. We have a long day ahead of us and this might be the only thing we eat for a while."

"True, did you start the coffee already." He hands me a cup answering my question.

We talked for a while til we had to leave at 5am for the strip.

_____________________

When we got there it was 5:45am and Aaron told the pilot that we could leave. The team would be heading down later in the day. I sat on the couch my head resting against the wall. My legs in Aarons lap his hand writing his name up and down my leg.

"When we get there remember we don't have to hide from the team." The thought brought a smile to my face even though I still didn't want them to know.

"When we get there, my ass is slamming onto the bed and taken a fucking nap." Aaron chuckled and agreed.

The rest of the fight were spent with small naps and causal conversation.

We arrived in New York at 7am and it wasn't as busy as it usually is. There was a car waiting for us when we got out the airport and they drove us to the Penthouse.

Through the street we saw the luxurious building we were staying at. It was 30 stories and our place had two floors. The driver dropped us off and we walked in.

I put my hand in his and continued walking through the lobby. It had black and white marble floors, a mirror ceiling, gold pillars on the sides with a red carpet going down the center leading to the elevator.

We walk to the man behind the desk, "Amelia Perez." The man behind the desk began typing into his computer. "You're on the top floor, here's the key card. You need this to use the elevator; It only works for your floor."

"Thank you, have a nice day." I say while walking away, "You too."

He gives us a smile as we walk into the elevator. The floor numbers slowly rising as we got closer.The doors open and I'm in awe. There are hardwood floors, white walls, a chandelier greeting you once you enter.

Their was a very large balcony with huge glass doors that led outside. With leather sofas and fire pit in center.

In the living room; white couches, a fire place in front, and one wall is solely for a window. The window extends into the kitchen giving a full view of the city.

There was a clear view of everything. The sun still rising lighting up the sky with virous colors.

The stairs start from the entrance and go up a wall and the loft extends to the kitchen as well. There is a skylight pointing directly into the living room and another one in the kitchen.

The loft has a queen size bed, a couch on one wall and a 60 inch tv on the other. The bathroom is black with a single shower and a jacuzzi bathtub. I'm definitely using that later.

I'm laying down on the couch when I smell something. "What do I smell!", I yell across the room.

"I'm making food", he yells. "What kind of food, its smells so fucking good"

"You'll have to see", I didn't wanna get up but I do. Picking myself up off the couch.

I walk into the kitchen and I see tomatoes, eggs, flour, basil. I see him rolling out a dough and making an alfredo sauce with chicken. I gasp; he looks at me and chuckles. "Chicken alfredo?"

He nodded continuing to roll the dough out.

"Are you making your own noodles?"

"Yes I am." I take a seat on the bar stool watching him. "Well you're just full of surprises aren't you."

He looks at me and smiles, "You have no idea." I walk behind him and wrap my hand around his waist and kiss his neck. He turns around and nips my cheek.

He finally finishes dinner and we eat. I got a huge bowl almost eating all of it.

It's 10am when I walk back upstairs and collapse on the bed, falling asleep. I toss and turn until Aaron walks into the room. "Cant sleep?", I groan in response. He sets an alarm for 4:30pm.

He climbs into bed next to me and pulls me close, his arm snakes around me. I nestle my head into his chest and take a deep breath taking in the smell of his cologne.

He kisses the top of my head. I feel his warmth and it makes me relaxed. I fall asleep to the sound of his heart beating. Aaron falls asleep to the sound of my steady breathing.

*beep*beep*beep*beep*

I grumble, "Shut that shit off." Aaron turns off the alarm. "We gotta get up, party is at 6", he says as he nudges me. "Fine", I get up and start getting ready.

I look through the closet and find a red dress that reaches my calves with a slit up the side that stops at my mid thigh and a pair of red 2 inch heels.

I throw them on and start to curl my hair loosely. Doing my makeup with a stubble red color lipstick, black eyeliner, and putting on false eyelashes. I get ready in an hour.

I take a step forward walking down the stairs and Aaron looks at me in awe.

His mouth opens a little, "You look amazing."

"Thank you, you look great." I say with a smirk. He has his hair set back, wearing a black tuxedo with a bow tie, and black dress shoes.

He adjusts the Rolex on his wrist. "Take this", he hands me an ear piece to wear for communicating with the rest of the team. "Can you guys hear me?", I ask hoping it works.

"Yeah we can", the whole team responds. We walk to the door, I put my hands on his bicep going into the elevator.

When we get outside he opens the limo door for me and I climb in with him.

"Where too"

"172 Madison Avenue."

The ride was quiet until Aaron spoke up, "Remember when we get there I'm Christopher Harris, and your Amelia Perez." I nod my head and that's when we get to the party..

The driver stops the car, "Thank you." We smile at the driver.

Hotch opens the door for me and helps me walk out. I grab his hand and he walks me through the lobby. I am approached by the man at the front desk. "Here for the Stalone?"

"Yes sir and which floor is it on?"

"Top floor."

I press the top floor and we ride up. The doors open and I notice all the people. He guides me through the crowd, they're all dressed in gowns and suits.

"Let me guess the bar", I nod eagerly at his words. We get to the bar and he orders us a drink not asking me what I wanted.

"Do any of you have your eyes on Carmine." I feel a nudge on my right and its Hotch handing me a vodka and coke.

"How'd you know my drink"

"Lucky guess."

He says while sipping on his scotch. I'm enjoying my conversation while scanning the room searching for Carmine.

"We have eyes", JJ says into the earpiece. I smile through my words, "Where."

"Outside in the gazebo, hes guarded by 2 people. You're gonna have to get his attention if you wanna talk to him." Morgan states.

"Well that's just great isn't it, ok follow my lead." I say tugging on Aarons arm.

__________________

I went outside and noticed Carmine was sitting with a few girls and he had two bodyguards in the front.

Hotch was walking behind me when I pushed him back, "Don't fucking touch me asshole." I said loud enough for Carmine to hear; Aaron quickly realized what I was doing.

"Amelia don't be that way come on give me one more chance and if I mess up again I'll leave you alone", I saw Carmine start to stare at me from the corner of my eye.

"Fine but talk to me or do that bullshit again and you'll find yourself in the ground." I said sternly and I flipped him off. "Leave me alone, we'll talk later", I walked to the ledge and looked at the skyline.

Hearing footsteps behind me I turned my head slightly. Got you dumbass. "I noticed the commotion a little while ago, you okay sweetheart?"

I felt his cold hand on my back. I started to cry, having a tear in my eye when I looked at him. "Yeah I'm okay just pissed off at him. He had the audacity to do that to me, I deserve better."

"Yeah you do. How about you come and sit with me so we can talk a few things over."

Carmine looks at my neck easily knowing the necklace I'm wearing is worth a few 100 thousand. He sits me down, "After that whole thing, do you have a place you can stay or are you gonna go back home with that asshole."

"I'll probably go back with him, he might be a dick but he's my boyfriend and it's our place. I'm not gonna leave after one fight."

"So what do you do for a living."

"I do off shore business." Throwing him a smirk, "If you don't mind my asking. What kind of offshore business."

"I more or less invest in some privately owned places that do... certain things." He smiles at me while talking into my eyes. The feeling unsettles me making my skin crawl.

He gets up and puts out his hand and looks at me. I grab his hand, "Let's talk about this in private. You can call your boyfriend after we chat", Carmine says with a smirk.

Rossi walks over to Hotch who is sitting at the bar. "Do you see y/n?"

"She was with Carmine outside, they were talking that's all I saw." Morgan looks around from the dance floor with Emily, "We don't see her, she's not outside neither is Carmine."

Rossi talks into the earpiece, "Garcia I need you to hack the cameras find her now." Garcia searches most of the cameras when she sees me for a few seconds.

"Second floor far right corner, they're going into a room."

"Can you get eyes in there", Garcia says no.

I walk into the room following Carmine, he takes a seat on the couch; points telling me to sit.

"Now I assume you know what my family does for a living", he waits for my answer.

"I do", he looks at me sternly.

"How would you like to make some money and invest a little bit", he asks me. I'm just happy he got straight to the point. Maybe this will be over with quicker than I thought.

"One how much would you like, two maybe i'll think about it", I shrug and look away.

He had curiosity written all over his face. He speaks up, "I'll give you a call, see how you feel about the arrangement."

I give him my number, then tells me I could leave. I stand up and walk out through the door and try to find Hotch.

Garcia spots me on the camera, "She's back and walking towards you Hotch." I see him looking around trying to find me. "Miss me", I walk up to him.

He looks at me and his face relaxes and he exhales deeply, "Mmm maybe a little". We smile at the comment and he puts a hand on my waist and grabs my hand. "Wanna dance?"

"I'm not the dancing type"

"Well you are tonight." He pulls me to the dance floor. "What'd he say to you in there"

"Just that we could invest in his little company you know the usual."

I hear JJ over the mic, "Well that was fast how'd you get him to talk."

"What can I say? I'm very persuasive", I smirk. Aaron looks into my eyes and turns off our mics.

"What are you doing", he doesn't say anything. He leans into my ear and whispers. "You were a good girl today maybe I might give you a reward."

My face turns red at the words and he pulls away to look at my reaction. I don't say anything but I give him a kiss on the cheek and I turn the mics back on.

"Ok babe I'm tired, what do you say we go home", I grab his hand and guide him to the elevator and leave. "You guys stay, behind to track his movements, we are gonna go."

The team says ok and we get into the car and head back to the penthouse. During the drive we don't say anything. He slides his hand up my leg and places his hand on my thigh.

I shift a bit and my breathing hitches. He notices and gives my thigh and squeeze then slides in higher up.

I close my eyes and put my head back against the seat. I felt a sudden cold spot on my leg when I opened my eyes he removed his hand and went to open the door. "Were here", he walked over to my side and guided me out of the car and into the building.

In the elevator I grab his hand and our fingers intertwine. He smiles but doesnt look at me.

The doors open and I walk straight upstairs, he goes to follow behind me but I stop him, "You know baby I would really love to fuck but honestly I'm tried."

He looks at me and chuckles, "Ok princess." He turns around and goes downstairs. I sit on the bed and take off the dress and place it back into the closet.

I go to take off my bra and there's a sudden relief. I turn on the shower and I smell food but I ignore it. I wash my hair, body, and brush my teeth.

When I get out of the shower I see the time I was in there for over half an hour. I put on a tight white crop top and some red and black shorts.

Going down the stairs I noticed Aaron had changed also into some striped pajama pants, he didn't have a shirt on.

My eyes locked onto his body and I looked him up and down, when my eyes met his there was a smile on his face.

"Enjoying something", He was holding back a laugh. "Nope nothing, did you make food?"

I walked over to the couch and turned on a movie. "I did but that's gone now sorry did you want something."

My stomach grumbled but I wasn't too hungry.

"Yeah can you get some wine, please and thank you." He walked into the kitchen and grabbed two glasses and poured some wine and gave me a glass.

"You're welcome", He sat down next to me but I put my legs on his and we started to watch the movie.

The wine was gone now and we're both a little tipsy. Gradually he would shift on the couch like he was uncomfortable. I nudged him, "Come here." I pulled him up and I opened my legs so he was lying in between them.

He was moving so his arms were wrapped around my torso and his head was on my chest listening to my breathing. "Better?", he looked at me and hummed

I brought my hands up and put them on his head and started to stroke his hair. His hair was soft and smelled like coconut.

I noticed he had closed his eyes and was sleeping so I turned off the movie and decided to not wake him up. I set up an alarm and went to sleep.

I wake to the sound of my alarm; Aaron still laying down on my chest. His breathing is steady, I wrap my arms around him and just hold him. He wakes, sits up, and goes to the bathroom.

"Well good morning to you too I guess", I mutter but he doesn't hear me.

My phone starts to ring, "Hey y/n, he already has your number so now we just wait for him to call you guys. You have the day off I guess." JJ said over the phone. I look over at the kitchen and my stomach growls.

"Ok thanks for the update." From there I hang up the phone and yell out to Aaron

"Yo!", I don't hear him answer so I yell again. "What!", He finally calls back.

"We have the day off, did you wanna go out or stay in!?", he yells to stay in.

He walks out of the bathroom and into the kitchen for some water. I walk over and sit on one of the stools.

"So Mr. Chef what's in store today?", his eyes shift over to mine and he chuckles.

"Well I was thinking something simple like", he pulls out a box of mac and cheese from the cabinet and places it on the counter.

His phone starts to ring and he steps out of the room.

I hear shuffling and whisper yelling. I walk over to the door but I don't open it. I hear a quiet stuttering. Then he ends the call and Aaron starts to walk back towards the door.

______________________________

@mac99martin @appleblossoms-posts @oreogutz @donttellanyoneireadfanfiction @marie1115

#aaron hotchner x reader #aaron #reader x aaron+hotchner #aaron hotchner #aaron hotch hotchner #hotch x y/n #hotchner x reader #hotch smut #ssa hotchner #fanfiction #criminal minds #smut #hotchner

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horrorslashergirl · 4 years

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Chromeskull x Ghostface!Reader- “Playing with the bad boys“

CHAPTER 1: Looks can be deceiving

CHAPTER 2: One cut of information (You are here)

A smile was on your face as you exited work, finally, it was weekend, your free weekend and you couldn't wait to get home. You just parked into the driveway of your apartment complex, walking upstairs to the third floor and opened the door to your apartment, getting inside and letting your bag fall on the floor, too lazy to put it on its place. You stretched your arms above your head, your muscles sore from sitting down on a chair into an office 8 hours.

You really needed some workout; a smirk plastering on your face at the thought of it, your steps moving towards the closet where your killing gear was. Yes, tonight would be just perfect.

You had tracked down two girls that lived together, they were probably from the local college, the usual dumb bimbos who begged their daddy dearest for money, so they could buy more drugs or use the money for cheap botox. It was still earlier, so you made yourself some fast dinner, before going hunting.

Later 11:25 AM....

It was a suburban neighboorhood, the kind where nothing interesting happened, a good reason for why you choosed it for your next game. The two girls lived in a two story modern home, the other neighboors were either away because of the weekend, probably on vacation or a trip, alas, you liked when none was around. You weren't fond of witnesses, only when they find the dead bodies. That was always the fun part, imagining the people finding the dead bodies, all mutilated and guts falling out.

The two girls were, Angelina and Fionna, you remembered seeing them at the coffee shop, talking about the Ghostface murderers and how they could beat him, that they aren't scared of a weirdo in a costume. You raised an eyebrow at that statement.

Oh, really? Let's see when they feel it on their own skin.

You were hiding in the shadows, behind trees and bushes, a perfect view of the kitchen and the girls. That's a reason you loved modern homes, nowdays they used more wall glasses, giving no privacy, meaning anyone could see what they were doing if they so desired.

In one hand you were grasping the mobile phone, while the other one had the hunting knife, the grip on the handle of the blade getting tight, imagining how you could end their lifes; maybe pull their eyeballs out? Or hanging them from the tree with their intestines out?

Hey, a girl needs a hobby.

It was time; you dialed the number of Fionnas phone, waiting for her to answer, your eyes always on them.

Into the house...

Angelica and Fionna were ready for a movie marathon, preparing popcorn and getting the sodas out of the fridge.

"I can't believe she colored her hair red, she looks like the nose of a clown." Angelica said, looking over her manicured nails.

"Ughh....You tell me. She's like so overrated." Fionna said, rolling her eyes, then her phone ringed, the called been unknown.

"It's probably Tony, he sometime calls me with unknown number just so he can hear my voice." Fionna said with an arrogant smirk, answering the phone.

"Hello. Who's there?" she asked, putting the cans of soda on the kitchen counter.

"I don't know. Who's this?" the raspy manly voice spoke.

"Look Tony. If you wanna jerk off to my voice at least record it, will ya?"

"This is no Tony." the stranger on the other line answered, making Fionna furrow her eyebrows.

"I got to take more ice from the freezer in the garage and stop talking with that weirdo." Angelica said, a disgusted look on her face as she went out, leaving Fionna in the kitchen.

"Look. I am busy. I have to go." Fionna said, her voice wasn't so confident anymore, then she hung up. The nerve of that bitch. You will take care of Fionna later. Right now, Angelica was into the garage and the oportunity was too good.

With stealthy moves, you went over there, and you couldn't believe how easy this was. She had her back turned to you, earbuds in, listening to music. Gripping the knife tightly you stabbed her right between her shoulderblades, making her gasp and tremble, the blood pouring out as you took the knife from her flesh.

She turned around, her eyeballs big and full of fear. Another stab, right into her stomach, your hand dragging the blade up until it reached her chest, then you pulled out, blood dripping on the cement ground of the garage, her body falling on the cold ground, shaking a little as she gave her last breath.

You took your phone out and dialed Fionnas number. One down, one more to go.

Fionna was on the couch, the movie had started and she was waiting for Angelica, when her phone was ringing. She looked up and saw it was Angelica.

"What happened? Got your head stuck into the freezer?" she asked in a sassy tone.

"Something like that." the raspy voice spoke, making Fionna stand up fast, the bowl of popcorn falling on the floor.

"Who's this? What did you do to Angelica?" she asked, her breathing picking up as she went into the kitchen.

"So many questions at the time. The important question is...Will you make it to the sequel?" the voice taunted, Fionna whimpered as she slumped down against the kitchen counter.

"Hey, hey! Stop whining like a little bitch. With that attitude you won't make it past half the movie."

"T-This isn't funny." she said in a shaky voice, the deep voice chuckling.

"Of course is not. It's a horror movie, altough I find myself laughing at guts spilling."

"W-What do you want?"

"To see what your insides look like. I bet they're way prettier than you caked down face." the raspy voice hissed.

"I-I know you're here! Y-You killed Angie!" Fionna screamed, more tears running down her face.

"Looks like you're not all silicone and paint. Maybe you got some brains floating inside that skull of yours."

"Where are you?"

"Above you." the answer made Fionnas eyes widen as she looked up.

You were dressed in all the Ghostface costume, right on the kitchen counter, then your gloved hand grasped Fionna by her hair, throwing her across the floor and before she knew it, she was stabbed three times into her back. Still, she crawled on the floor, trying to get away.

"You got some fight into you." you said, the voice modulator inside the mask, making you sound like a male.

You were ready to go over to her and finish her up, but a blur of black and silver knocked you down, making you stumbled on the floor. Your eyes from behind the mask looked up from polished black shoes to a pair of long legs clad in black slacks to build form in a black coat and finally settled on a silver skull mask and a bald scalp.

"You got to be fucking kidding me." you said, getting up, knife in hand.

In all your life as a killer you meet all kinds of possibilities of getting screwed over. You almost got shot by the boyfriend of one of your victims, another victim who had a black belt in martial arts. You dealt with them, but nothing could prepare you for coming mask to mask with the infamous Chromeskull. Still, you weren't going to back out.

"Screw over, GhostRider! This is my movie." you snarled, the camera on his broad shoulder filming your every action.

You lunged at him, knife in hand, only for him to pick your body up and throw you against the kitchen cabinets, making you fall on the hard tiles, a groan leaving your lips. You saw how he went over to the crawling girl, the knife he held much larger than yours and you saw how he pretty much decapitated her, fisting her hair and dangling her head, mocking you.

Quickly, you got up onto your feet and you saw how he lunged at you, swinging his knife at your form with expertise moves. You managed to dodge his hits, until he slashed across your chest. It wasn't a deep wound, but it stung like a bitch.

You knew you were powerless and you weren't ready to lose or be caught, especially by a killer, so you did the only thing you could, you run, straight out the glass walls, your body hitting the porch, but getting up and sprinted into the shadows.

Jesse huffed in annoyance. The small killer managed to get away, but unlike Ghostface, Chromeskull has much up his sleeve. This was just a first meeting and he managed to cut Ghostface. It was a 1-0 in Jesse's point of view.

Back at your place...

You groaned as you started to patch yourself up, the dezinfectant making you hiss at the paint, it surely would leave an ugly scar. This was bad, very bad in your opinion; you never would have guessed that you would challenge Chromeskull, at last he didn't knew your identity.

The thought of crossing him again settled an unpleasant feeling into your gut, knowing damn well that he had more skills than you, way more advanced technology and he was way smarter than you. You felt pretty much humiliated, but you were glad he didn't cut you somewhere else, more visible. You didn't particulary were up to explaining to work what happened.

After finishing up to stitching your wound, you poured yourself a glass of wine, feeling so stressed and tiered, you almost gulped down the whole wine. You had to be more carefull, because if the universe arranged the things so you would meet up with Chromeskull again, you didn't knew if you would make it out alive.

Your mind assured you that there was nothing to be afraid. Everyone thought Ghostface was a male and nothing would pull on the pieces together that there is a small chance you are Ghostface.

Your idenity was safe.

Somewhere else in Jacksonville...

The huge black desk was thrown across the room, the strength behind the action conducted by pure anger. Jesse was huffing harshly, single brown eye filled with rage that the organization hadn't gattered any other information about Ghostface.

Spann and Preston were looking at their boss, used to his brutal anger. Angry Jesse wasn't pretty, but they knew better than to try to calm him down, unless they wanted to fall victims to his blinded carnage.

The meeting with Ghostface hasn't got the way he exactly wanted, the single wound hadn't done justice to that rookie killer and to think Jesse almost had his hands wrapped around that neck. He wished he could have snapped his neck, that would have been a pretty scene for his collection of tapes.

A knock was heard on the door of the office, one of the medics from the organization entered, large frammed glasses perked on his nose as he cleared his throat.

"The results of the blood from Mr. Cromeans knife have arrived." he simple said, handing the file to Spann, then leaving without another word. Spann looked over the files, her eyes widening a little, but she quickly pulled on the emotionless facade.

"Sir, I think you wanna see this." Spann said, Jesse was looking out the window, his hands in tight fists, then he turned to look at Spann, taking the files from her hands and dismissing both her and Preston, who just huffed in annoyance, but didn't said anything.

The last thing Preston needed was to end up with a black eye from Jesse, so he followed after Spann, closing the door.

Jesse pulled up his armchair that he threw across the office five minutes ago and slumped down on the comfy leather, taking out a pack of cigarettes and lighting one, taking a drag. He was stressed, and anyone who knew Jesse on a more personal level could tell by his posture.

His gaze moved to the file in hand and read over the results; the blood type, the antibodies in plasma, the antigens in red blood cells and finally the gender.

His scarred lips parted as he read over the gender one more time, making sure he wasn't hallucinating.

Female.

Quickly, all the tension flew out of Jesse and a smirk that could make anyone shake in fear formed on his disfigured face, a silent chuckle rumbling deep within his chest.

Oh, this changed a lot of things.

So, the infamous Ghostface who tauned his victims on the phone with menancing and horror trivia question was actually a SHE?

Oh, Ghostie, when I will get my hands on you...

To be continued...

#Chromeskull: Laid to rest 2 #Laid to rest 2009 #chromeskull x reader #Chromeskull #Jesse Cromeans #jesse cromeans x reader #chromeskull x ghostface #ghostface #ghostface!reader #horror movies #slasher #slasher x slasher

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this-is-a-podcast-fanblog · 4 years

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Happy Birthday @rudzik-art!

As many of you know, Robin (@rudzik-art) is turning 20 today. As a surprise gift for them, I took an AU we talked about and turned it into a fic! (So, today is not only a celebration of Robin’s birthday, it’s officially my return from fic hiatus.)

But that’s not enough to mark an occasion as important as a 20th birthday, so I got some of our favorite artists involved as well! Read it on AO3 to see it with the art.

Fic Summary: Juno Steel, pirate of the ship Carte Blanche, did not expect to net a mermaid today.

I give you: Juno Steel and the Brine of Deception

The day seemed ordinary when Juno woke up. He lay in his hammock, watching the square of light on the floor waver as the Carte Blanche rocked in the waves. Or maybe just because he was still really hungover. The crew had stayed up late making toasts and singing shanties last night, and that had involved quite a lot of rum.

“Ughh.” Juno sat up and began to unwrap his hair.

"Mornin', Mate Steel!" His roommatey, the exceptionally clever Rita, beamed at him from her hammock. "How are ya feeling?"

"Sick," Juno grumbled. He climbed out of his hammock and padded over to the washstand. "I've got to get off this rum."

"Yeah, Mate Steel, I told ya that swill Ms. Vespa brewed ain't good for ya."

"I know." He glanced at her in their broken mirror as he lit a candle, which hung from the ceiling in a glass bottle. "Did Buddy say if we're docking today?"

"Nah, she said last night that we’re just doin’ chores again." Rita watched Juno adjust his eyepatch in the mirror and rocked forward in her hammock. "Why? Did you wanna go ashore?"

"Eh, not especially." Juno tied his eyepatch on and started towards the door. "It's not like I mind being on this stinking ship where my legs feel like jelly and…." He sighed. "You know what, Rita, let's talk about this later. I've got a busy day to start on."

“See ya, Mate Steel.”

Juno stepped out into the hallway of the ship. He stuck his head into the galley to grab an orange from a bowl on the counter and plucked away the curling peel with his rough, uneven nails as he creaked into the hall. Down the hardwood floors and the few puddles from leaks, he bounded towards the staircase that led from the ship's quarters to the main dock.

“Captain’s waiting for you,” snarled Vespa as soon as Juno’s head appeared above decks.

“Morning to you too, Vespa.”

Vespa frowned and went back to twisting a knife around in her teeth. A briny sea breeze rustled the bandana tied around her forehead. “Good morning,” she muttered, like it was a concession. Then abruptly she crossed her tattooed arms and cleared her throat. “Now get a move on. The captain doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

“Duly noted.” Juno ducked past the first mate’s glare and strode down the deck. He tossed his orange peel overboard, but a breeze caught it, and spun it back onto the deck, where it was pinned abruptly under a heeled leather boot.

Captain Aurinko’s dark eye studied Juno from under her hat. In her broad-shouldered coat, criss-crossed with belts that dangled swords and pistols, she was intimidating with a streak of devilish intrigue, and she smirked as she lifted the orange peel from the deck. “You ought to clean up your trash, Juno.”

“Captain A.” Juno rubbed the back of his neck and sheepishly plucked the peel back from the captain. “Sorry about that.”

“Not to worry, darling. Shall we sit down?” Captain Aurinko neatly unfolded a scroll from her belt and spread it over one of the barrels nearby. She and Juno perched on surrounding barrels. “Our schedule is fairly lowkey today.” Her leather-gloved fingers traced Juno’s name, written in ink on a list. “I want you to check the nets and get some fishing done. Don’t complain,” she added, as Juno rolled his eye. “You’re the best at it, darling. After that, go over the stores with Jet, and then I’m sure Rita would appreciate it if you tied up your shared room a bit.”

“Seems like a slow day,” Juno observed. “What happened to ‘high adventure’ and all that?”

“That’s taking a back seat at the moment.” Captain Aurinko pursed her lips. “To be honest, darling, I worry that our current crew isn’t… properly equipped to handle missions of the capacity I have planned.” She rolled the map shut. “But that’s no concern of yours. On your way, darling. Come find me if you need anything.” The captain stood, dusted off her coat, and glided away to take her place at the ship’s wheel.

This job is somehow way more than I expected and not what I expected at all. Juno sloshed through the inch of water in the cargo hold. The nets lay all tangled together, and it took a few long minutes of blistering his fingers on their ropes to untangle them. Hell, I probably should have just stayed on the Mars continent.

And yet the Mars continent had never been home to him, not really. Not since the constables and the law had seen to condemn him over a few childhood tavern brawls and turn him into a wanted lady. As a child, Juno had always promised his brother (may his soul rest in peace) that he’d leave and be an explorer one day. That just ended up looking different than he imagined.

Still, Juno reflected as he dragged a net up the stairs. It felt like something was missing from his life. Some final adventure he needed to conquer, or maybe some event that would set a grand adventure in order. Right now he just existed, drinking rum in the mornings and evenings and sloshing about on the sea with all the rats and the treasures and people he didn’t know if he could trust. Rita aside, of course.

The net rigged into the pulleys, Juno cast it over into the ocean. Within a few seconds, it vanished beneath the rolling blue waves. Juno rested his arms on the railing and sighed. What he needed, once he finished his tasks today, was a good long nap, and maybe a cup of coffee instead of rum, assuming they still had coffee in the stores. Then he should mend the patch in his work breeches, and afterwards -

The weight in the net shifted abruptly. Juno frowned and stood up from his slouch. Sure enough, when he tested the rope, there was an uncommon weight to it that hadn’t been there a moment ago. A large school of fish? A small whale? Maybe an octopus. They’d caught an octopus last week, and Captain Aurinko still wrote with the ink they’d extracted from it. Whale oil could be useful too, plus good for trade too. Juno eagerly tightened the opening of the net and began to pull it up. It was heavy, but Juno was a strong lady. He ground his feet firmly to the deck and pulled again, harder, heave-to heave-to against the struggling of his catch. Finally, a splash confirmed that the net had risen above the surface of the water. With a few more final pulls, Juno hefted the net alongside the ship. He quickly tied the rope around a wooden post nearby, to secure it taut, and ran over to see what he’d netted; and there, lying in a tangle of rope of seaweed, was the most supremely beautiful man Juno had ever seen.

No, not a man, or at least, not a human one. Because, Juno realized upon closer inspection, humans didn’t have a silver-blue tail where legs should be, or gently pulsing slits along their throats, or webbed ears, and they certainly didn’t have nails as long and sharp as knives. The mermaid turned his head. His ink-black hair sat plastered to his face with dripping seawater, and when he opened his eyes, Juno saw that they were the same ink color all the way through. Blue scales glimmered along his cheekbones. His face and body sparkled with droplets of seawater, like small diamonds, and here and there wet strands of seaweed clung to his bare chest and arms. He was utterly terrifying, and yet, Juno had never seen anything so exquisite.

“Well?” hissed the mermaid.

Juno blinked. “Well, what?”

“Oh, honestly.” It was hard to tell with no irises, but Juno thought the mermaid might be rolling his eyes. “You pulled me out, you quite clearly wanted me for something. I suppose you’re one of those humans that eats mermaids, aren’t you?”

“Huh? What the hell, of course not.”

“Hmmm.” The mermaid plucked a lock of seaweed from his neck and flicked it back into the sea. “Now you’ll say you’ve grabbed me by accident.”

“Obviously.”

“Obviously.” He imitated Juno’s tone and smirked, slightly. His teeth were just as sharp as his nails. “You’ve never seen a mer before, have you?”

“‘Course I have,” Juno scoffed, suddenly on the defensive. “In… storybooks and stuff.” The mermaid lifted his eyebrows. “Listen, I’m new to this whole pirate thing, okay? I just wanted to grab some fish for my crew’s larder. You weren’t exactly part of the plan.”

“Ah.” The mermaid shuffled forwards and wrapped his hands around the ropes above his head. “So you’re not going to eat me.”

“I’ll chuck you back in, if you want.”

The mermaid giggled. He leaned forward and reached one of his hands through the net to grab Juno’s chin. Juno jolted and, with instinct, brought up his knife and pressed it to the mer’s sternum. “So defensive,” the mermaid purred. His thumb swiped over Juno’s jawline. “You have a shaving nick right there.” The very tip of his nail pressed into Juno’s skin for a minute, and then he retreated. “Well,” he said. “I’m afraid you can’t chuck me back in, love. You see, in your eagerness to haul me up onto this rowboat of yours, you tightened your net quite fiercely. Now my poor tail is injured. I can’t possibly swim.”

“What?”

“So you may as well cut me down. It looks like you’ll be stuck with me for a while.”

Juno narrowed his eyes. “How do I know you’re not lying?”

“Oh yes, because I would lie so I could spend several days hanging around with a crew of pirates? You’re not that cute, love.” He reached out his hand again. “But, if you’re so determined, I’ll tell you my name. You may call me Glass.”

“Glass. Hi, I’m Juno Steel.” Juno sighed heavily. The Captain’s gonna love this. He pulled the net over the railing and lowered it carefully to the deck. Glass smiled up at him as Juno freed him. Juno stepped back and rubbed his forehead. “Great,” he sighed. “What the hell am I supposed to do with you now?”

“That depends, how adventurous are you?”

“God damn it.” Juno tossed the net aside. “It’s too early in the morning for me to have a mermaid hitting on me. You just - stay there while I go get the Captain.”

“I don’t have much of a choice,” Glass called after him, but Juno pretended not to hear.

II.

“So,” said Buddy delicately. “This is quite a predicament.”

“I’ll say,” Vespa snarled, smacking her fist into her palm. “We have a crowded crew already, and then Steel goes and lands us with an injured fish to take care of.”

“Hey, don’t drag me into this.” Juno raised his hands innocently as Vespa shot a glare in his direction. “Listen, I’m not the one responsible for this. It was this guy who swam right into my net.”

“Oh sure, the fish is to blame for your stupidity.”

“The fish can hear you,” Glass trilled.

The crew stood in their spare hold, positioned awkwardly around a basin of seawater. Glass lay primping in the water, finger-curling his hair and watching the five pirates from under his long lashes. Juno couldn’t help but notice that the mermaid’s gaze seemed mostly to be fixed on him. Rita, who watched countless plays about mermaids, hung star-struck at Juno’s elbow, clutching her face in her hands.

“Ain’t he so preeeeeetty, Mate Steel?” she whispered into Juno’s ear as the captain and the first mate deliberated amongst themselves. “He’s just like one of them old paintings, or like, like something right out of a play, ya know? He’s kinda scary too, though, but in a really nifty way, don’tcha think! It just - just -” She scrunched her forehead as if searching for the words.

Frannie, the parrot perched on Rita’s shoulder, squawked, “Shiver me timbers!”

“Yeah, exactly!” Rita beamed. “It shivers me timbers! Shivers ‘em real good, don’t you think he’s pretty, Mate Steel?”

Glass lolled in his basin, running his sharp nails over the fine webbing at the end of his tail. He winked at Juno. Somehow, the lady got the sense that Glass could hear everything Rita was saying; but more than that, it was as if he could hear everything Juno was thinking. Like those solid black eyes could see things normal eyes couldn’t.

“He’s something, alright,” Juno murmured.

“What I do not understand is how he came to be injured.” The quartermaster, Jet, stood by Rita’s other side with his arms crossed. Jet always wore the same thing - baggy brown breeches, a ragged white shirt, and a brown jacket so enormous that it could probably serve as a backup sail if the Carte Blanche ever needed one. He wore his long silver hair tied up in a ponytail. Despite their difference in personality, pirating ability, and three feet of height, Jet and Rita were close friends, second only to Rita’s bond with Juno. “I do not believe our simple fishing net would be strong enough to damage a mermaid’s tail.”

“Well, you’d have to ask him about it.”

“There is no need to be defensive, Juno.”

“Whatever, you’re all on my case, and I’m getting pretty tired of it, big guy.”

Across the room, Vespa and Buddy drew away from each other and turned to face the rest of the group. “Alright, darlings,” said the captain. “We’ve thought this over -”

“More like we’ve argued it,” Vespa muttered.

“Peace, love.” The captain laid her hand on Vespa’s arm. “After some deliberation, Vespa and I have decided that we cannot abandon the mermaid back to the sea with an injury. We may be pirates, but we are not monsters. He will stay here until he recovers from his injuries.”

Glass giggled and slid his tail back into the water. “So generous of you.”

“You’re welcome, darling.” Captain Aurinko smoothed back a stray lock of her hair. “Additionally, since Juno was the one that injured him, Juno can be the one to attend to him.”

“What.”

“You heard me, dear. You’ll bring him his food, refill the water in his basin, and see to any medical needs he may have before he’s recovered. Any questions?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ve got a question, how come I’ve got to -”

“Then if there are no questions, the meeting is dismissed.” Buddy smiled and took Vespa’s

arm. “We’ll see you all later. First we have some things to... attend to.” Vespa shot one last glare in the others’ direction before following the captain away to their cabin.

“Well,” said Jet. “If that is all, I will return to my repairs of the Ruby 7 lifeboat.”

“Hang on, you can’t all just -”

“I’ll go with ya!” Rita said, ignoring Juno’s protests. “Bye-bye, Mate Steel and Mistah Mermaid!” And she skipped after Jet, Frannie flapping behind them both.

Juno sighed heavily and turned back to Glass. The mermaid had his arms folded on the rim of the basin, and his head cocked at an inquisitive and seductive angle. He smiled. “Well,” he said. “It seems that it’s just you and me.”

“Don’t get too used to it, I’ve got lots of chores to do.”

“Oh, but the Captain said you needed to look after me,” Glass beamed. “Doesn’t that mean I’m at the top of your chores list?”

Juno glared down at the mermaid. “Fine. Tell me what you want and make it quick.”

“Oh, it’s quite simple. I just want someone to talk to.”

The pirate blinked. “Are you kidding? You want me to hang around here and talk to you?”

For a moment, the mermaid’s flirtatious smile vanished. His inky eyes narrowed, and he glanced away from Juno before speaking again. “I’m not trying to force you if you don’t wish, Juno, I simply… hoped to get to know you better.” He glanced back at Juno quickly, and Juno started.

He’s not… no. He can’t be. Not me.

So he shrugged and grabbed a nearby stool. “Sure,” he said. “Great.” He leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms. “What do you want to talk about?”

“I’d like to hear more about you, of course.” Glass lifted his eyebrows. “Juno Steel. Juno. A goddess on the high seas. Although - pardon me - you don’t seem entirely suited to this profession.”

“Yeah.” Juno fiddled with a spare thread on his blouse. “Didn’t plan to be a pirate, originally. I wanted to go into law, but then I found myself on the other side of it. With my brother.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “We’d always planned to leave the Mars continent together, but then...” The pirate sighed deeply. “He… he’s not around anymore.”

Glass watched Juno quietly. “I’m sorry.”

“Yeah. Thanks.” Juno cleared his throat. “Anyway, Rita and I have been friends for decades. Business partners. She’s a locksmith, and I’m an informant, so sometimes we worked together.”

“I see.” Glass leaned forward on his elbows, and his smile sharpened a degree. “Not such an upright lady, are you?”

“Hey, careful. I still have my morals.” Juno crossed his arms behind his head and leaned back. “Anyway, she did a job for Captain Aurinko and put two and two together that she’d been hired by a pirate. Suggested that I could give the Captain any information she needed, and together Rita and I got her out of a tricky spot. So, the Cap offered us spots on her crew.”

To Juno’s surprise, as he narrated to the mermaid, he found himself enjoying the conversation. Glass was a good listener, and seemed interested in Juno’s life in a way that few people had been for a long time. Every lady needed to feel special every now and then, and Juno was no exception.

“So,” he said eventually. “Mermaid. What’s your life story?”

The mermaid still smiled, but something about his demeanor had changed. “Oh, Juno,” he said. “I don’t have a story, and even if I didn’t, I wouldn’t tell it to anyone.”

“Huh.”

Glass sighed and leaned back in the water, lounging with his arms on either side of the basin. “I’ll leave you be,” he said theatrically. “Thank you for keeping me company.”

“Yeah.” Juno got up, feeling strangely regretful. “No problem.”

Juno finished up his chores and took a nap to sleep off what remained of his hangover. Afterwards, it was time for dinner, and for the first time since joining the crew, he didn’t eat with everyone else. Instead, he brought two plates to Glass’s room and they ate together, chatting about things they’d seen on the sea.

“I swear, it looked like an underwater city. Whole thing, made of coral.”

“Oh, I’ve been there. It’s not a very long swim from here.”

“Really?”

“Mmm. Pretty place.”

And Juno kept thinking about the mermaid that night, as he lay in his hammock. The ship’s rocking and Rita’s snoring usually lulled him to sleep, but tonight felt different. Every time he tried to doze off, he was struck by the thought that Glass lay just down the hall, with his dark eyes and his sharp smile. Maybe the mermaid was lonely. Maybe he was having trouble sleeping, too, and would want company.

Finally Juno’s curiousity overpowered him, and he got out of bed. Rita and Frannie were both deep asleep, but he put on his slippers to be extra quiet, then lit a candle. He was about to slip out the door when he heard a loud thud. But not from the direction of Glass’s room. It sounded like it came from the ship’s treasury.

What the hell?

He snatched his pistol and slipped out of the door. Juno crept along the hall, keeping close to the wall with his candle outstretched before him and his pistol at his side. He moved along the right-hand side, so that nothing could creep into his blind spot, but still the creaking of the ship and the uneven sway of it unnerved him. Again, the clinking noise sounded from the treasury. He could see the doorway. Juno took a deep breath, counted to five, and whipped around the corner.

Glass looked up from the chest he was elbow-deep reaching into and frowned. “Ah,” he said. “Well, hello.”

It was Glass, but… human. As far as Juno could tell. He had legs, normal ears; his eyes were regular eyes, with gorgeous dark brown irises. He wore a short white dress belted with a corset, as well as a knife strapped to one of his distractingly gorgeous thighs.

The pistol trembled in Juno’s hands. “What,” he breathed, “the hell.”

“Careful, now, there’s no need to wave that thing around.” Glass raised his hands, both of which clutched long ropes of pearls. His teeth were less prominent, but still looked thrillingly sharp. “I can explain everything.”

“Yeah?” Juno stepped closer and pointed his gun at the mer’s - the human’s - heart. “Start talking.”

“I understand this is confusing, Juno. In some ways, I’m glad you’re the one who caught me. It means we get to have a secret.” Glass stepped closer to the pirate. “Just for the two of us.”

“You were a mer,” Juno sputtered. “You were injured.”

“Looks can be deceiving.” Glass covered the quivering barrel of Juno��s pistol and pointed it away from himself. “Juno, listen to me. Whatever you think I am, you’re wrong. But I can tell you. I will tell you. I’ll tell you everything, if you want to know, but you must promise me you won’t alert your captain.”

“Why not?” Juno snapped. “You’re robbing us. You lied your way onto our ship and - and just so you could get our shit while we slept?”

“Well, it’s not really yours, now is it?” He was so close now. Juno could feel Glass’s warm breath on his cheek, followed a few seconds later by his knuckles. A shiver ran through him involuntarily. Glass chuckled. “I trust you, Juno, and I can’t have you giving me away now. Please.” He leaned down and whispered in Juno's ear, “I’ll give you whatever you want.”

The words drifted into the pirate’s mind and melted over his senses like slow honey. He shivered in the brine-aired night, and in the warmth radiating from Glass’s presence. It was a sensation so strong, so all-encompassing, that for a second Juno didn’t even notice that warmth had retreated. He snapped to his senses just in time to watch Glass disappear out the door.

“Hey - HEY!” he shouted. “Get back here!” Juno sprinted after Glass as the long-limbed thief bounded up the stairs towards the deck, and into the open air. The deck’s rocking motions were more obvious here, swaying Juno back and forth on his own feet as he fired a warning shot into the night air. “Glass, you bastard -! get back here!”

Glass paid him no heed. Dripping pearls and laughing, he crossed the deck in a burst of speed. Juno stumbled after him. He can’t get away, the pirate thought, he has nowhere to go - and as soon as the thought entered his mind, Glass leapt over the edge of the railing and out into the open night.

“NO!” Juno shouted. His momentum carried him the rest of the way, and he ran right into the banister, wrapping his arms around it. Below, he saw a flash of silver scales as Glass disappeared beneath the rolling waves. Juno stared, dumbfounded. He had no time to process, or to call for the captain, before suddenly the ship lurched again beneath his feet and sent him tumbling headfirst into the waves.

III.

The water crashed into him. Juno gasped as the cold ensnared him, but the gasp let in a rush of frigid water into his lungs, making him sputter. His arms struggled weakly. His fists clutched handfuls of seawater as the weight of his clothes and the tossing of the waves dragged him under. For a singular moment his head parted the surface of the waves, but before he could even taste oxygen, the water closed over him again. Juno couldn’t breathe. His lungs burned. All he could feel was that burning and the numbing coldness. And then, suddenly, he felt something wrap around his waist.

Juno looked down and gave a garbled yelp of surprise. Glass was at his side, holding him close. He wore the strings of pearls around his neck, and he wrapped one of them gently around Juno, holding them together in the tumult of the water. Juno fell still. Black dots swam before his vision, and the cold seemed to sting his bones, but the mer’s arms were warm, and Juno instinctively drew closer to him.

“Juno?” Glass murmured. His voice sounded distant. “Juno, stay awake. I can help you breathe, but you have to stay awake -” His hands clutched Juno’s shoulders, but the detective could barely feel them. Glass’s face moved closer to his. “No, stay awake - I can only help you if I breathe for you, and I can’t do that if you’re not awake to say so - no no no, keep your eyes open for me! Please, Juno -” His grip tightened in almost frenzy. The black dots blurred the edges of Juno’s vision. His entire body felt made up of this pain intensifying in his lungs. “Juno, I can save you, just give me a yes, please don’t black out, please don’t -”

Juno could barely feel, but with what little strength he had left he tried to nod. His forehead tipped against the mer’s shoulder. Glass drew back and cradled Juno’s face in his hands, and then, strongly, he pressed his warm lips onto Juno’s mouth. Oxygen entered his body slowly, like warmth dripping slowly down his throat. Juno felt something like life beating in his chest, and he almost tasted sea salt, but before he could reflect on anything he was feeling, the black dots swelled to cover his vision, and everything faded away.

When Juno came to, he found himself lying on a cool stone. The world above him slowly came into vision: a cool, dark cave, striped with damp vines that dangled from the ceiling. He felt cold water lapping at his ankles, and heard soft singing in the air in a haunting language he didn’t recognize. Weakly, he lifted his heavy head and looked around to get his bearings. Through the mouth of the cave, Juno could see the sun rising on the horizon, and the golden glow bled into the cave as if it were paint spilled across the water’s surface. Glass lounged on another rock, drawing ripples in the water with his fingertips, still in his mer form and glistening with pearls. After a few seconds all of Juno’s senses fell into place, and he realized the mermaid was the source of the music.

“Glass?” he called weakly.

Glass stopped singing and looked over. His shining face lit into a smile. “You’re awake.” He rolled off of the rock and vanished with a faint splash into the water, and then a moment later emerged dripping wet by Juno’s side. The hand shifted and a moment later Glass’s face appeared above him.

“Juno,” he sighed. “Here, let me help you sit up. How are you feeling?”

“Unghh.” Juno rubbed his head as the mer helped him into a sitting position. “What the hell happened?”

“You blacked out.” Glass shifted back a few inches to give Juno breathing room. “Are you feeling alright now?”

“Yeah, I think so.” Juno sat up higher on the rock. Glass leaned on the side, with his arms folded and his head tipped to one side. His scales shimmered. “You saved my life,” Juno said. “Didn’t you?”

“Well, I wasn’t going to let you die, Juno.”

“You kissed me.”

Glass stirred his fingertips through the foam brushing up against the rock.

“You kissed me. You stole from my crew, and then you saved my life. Why the hell would you do that?” The water lapped quietly at the edges of the cave.

The air misted before Glass’s lips while he breathed, and his gills pulsed. A drop of water slid down the slope of his forehead.. “I had a very straightforward plan,” he murmured eventually. “I’d been tracking your ship for a while now, you see. I saw that big fellow rowing above me one morning, so I swam to the surface to see what was going on. When I noticed that chest he was loading onto your ship, I decided to track you all. I knew you must have some kind of treasure, and I wanted it. I hid under your prow, or swam near you. Then one morning, a net dropped, so I seized my chance and swam into it, and then….” He turned his head and fixed his black eyes on Juno. “Well, then you messed up my whole plan.”

Juno started to speak, but Glass talked right over him.

“You, all fascinating and charming, with your fed-up attitude and your adorable pout.” He smiled. “I don’t meet people very often. I’m usually on the move, either on land or in the water, and I never have time to… to chat with someone I find attractive. And then,” he chuckled, “I decided to forget you and go through with my plan anyway - and you came to stop me! Leaving me to save you, in the end.” He shrugged delicately. “What can I say, darling? You are beautiful. I want to know everything about you.”

Glass closed his eyes and rested his head on his folded arms. Juno watched him, with his heart drum beating in his chest. Around them the water was turning golden. Juno watched him, and thought, He thinks I’m beautiful.

“What are you, exactly?”

The mermaid lifted his head. “Hmm?”

“I mean, you’re a mermaid, right? But then when I saw you in the night, you had legs, your eyes were normal -”

“Ah. Weren’t you listening?” Glass smirked. “Shapeshifter, love. I can be a mer or a human as it suits me, but I’m never just one for very long.”

“Huh.” Juno thought about that for a moment. He could feel his pulse in his throat. “And you’re a thief, apparently.”

“You can have your pearls back if it bothers you that badly.”

“Honestly?” Juno took Glass’s hand in his. “Right now I kind of just want to pay you back for saving me.”

Glass looked up. He met Juno’s eyes and let the pirate draw him up onto the rock, and as the golden light spilled far enough across the water to light them up, they kissed.

It was like oxygen-giving, but better. Glass’s lips were soft and sweet, and he tasted like the ocean. Juno felt the sunlight falling across their shoulders, and both of Glass’s hands twisted gently in the front of Juno’s shirt. He dragged him closer and their kiss grew deeper, with Glass’s tongue slipping into Juno’s open mouth, and Juno wrapped his legs around the mer’s waist. They didn’t break apart until it was physically hard to breathe, and even then, only far enough for the mermaid to press his forehead to the pirate’s.

“Glass isn’t my real name,” he said, breathless.

“Yeah, no shit,” Juno gasped. “Christ, you’re a good kisser. Okay. What is your real name?”

“It’s in Mer. You won’t be able to pronounce it.”

“Oh yeah? Try me.”

“Nąuhréyęvhve.”

“What the fuck kind of name is that.”

The mermaid with the unpronounceable name laughed and dropped a quick kiss onto Juno’s cheek. “It means dancer.”

“Yeah, I still can’t pronounce it. I’m just gonna say Nureyev.”

“Nureyev.” The mermaid tried it, head tipped to the side. “Nureyev” He turned to face Juno again and smiled. “Hmm. That does have a nice ring to it.”

And they kissed again while the sunlight grew around them.

IV.

Captain Aurinko liked to think of herself as a level-headed person, but right now, Juno Steel had her worried. “It’s no big deal,” Vespa had told her. “He vanishes at the same time as the mermaid, so what? The mermaid guy probably talked his ear off, and Steel just got annoyed and chucked him overboard.”

“Then where is Juno?”

“It is possible we overlooked some part of the ship when we checked,” Jet suggested.

Vespa smirked. “Or he’s screwing the mermaid somewhere.”

“How would that -” Rita had begun, but Buddy decided that Rita should go check the stores, and Vespa should go check the crow’s nest, before they could have that conversation.

Now, she stood on the deck by the ship’s wheel and watched the horizon through her telescope. All she saw were the unchanging waves. Buddy sighed and lowered the telescope from her eye. “Come on, Juno,” she murmured. “This crew won’t work without you.”

Behind her, the deck creaked under footsteps. “We checked the crow’s nest,” said Vespa. “Didn’t see anything.”

“Us, either,” called Rita as she and Jet emerged from the lower stairs. “Mate Steel just ain’t here at all.”

“Rraw! Mate Steel ain’t here!” squaked Frannie.

Jet furrowed his brows. “I think,” he began heavily, “that perhaps we must consider -”

“No,” said Buddy. “We’re not giving up yet.”

“Buddy.” Vespa laid a hand on her arm. “Listen, we don’t know what this mer guy might have done, okay? We should start makin’ the assumption - Rita? Are you okay?”

Rita had begun to cry, holding the end of Buddy’s long coat and using it to dab her eyes. “I-I’m sorry, matey,” she sniffled. “It’s just, I’m rememberin’ that in plays mermaids eat people sometimes, and I don’t want Mate Steel to get e-eaten, ya know? An’ that mer-guy had such really sharp teeth an’ I don’t wan Mate Steel to di-i-i-ieeeee.” She sobbed loudly and blew her nose on Buddy’s lace trim.

At that moment, a loud splash sounded from the ocean. The four turned around in time to watch the Juno and the mermaid course up on a jet of seawater and collapse onto the deck, where they lay sputtering in a puddle. Juno’s clothes clung to him, soaking wet, and the mer wore a tattered white dress. “Hey, guys,” Juno coughed.

“What the hell?!” exclaimed Vespa.

“MATE STEEL!” Rita ran across the deck and threw her arms around Juno’s shoulders. “You’re alive! Oh, Mate Steel, we was so WORRIED, I thought somethin’ terrible’d happened to ya, where’ve you BEEN Mate Steel? Did he kidnap ya? Did he hurtcha?” She glared at the mermaid and fumbled for her little dagger. “I swear, if you hurt one curl on my Mate Steel’s head, I’m gonna -”

“I’m fine, Rita.” Juno sat up and helped the mermaid to his feet. Buddy blinked, sure she was seeing something wrong - perhaps the rum had gone to her head. The mermaid had legs now. “Guys,” said Juno. “Nureyev’s here to return some stuff he took.”

“Oh.” The mermaid laughed nervously. “I thought I was just dropping you off.”

“Nureyev.”

“Fine, fine.” He reached into his pockets and pulled out all the strings of pearls that should have been in the Carte Blanche’s treasure stores. Buddy raised an eyebrow as the mer-turned-human - Nureyev - held them out to her. She took them from his hands and eyed him.

“I was under the impression that mer usually only have tails,” she said lightly.

“I’m a shapeshifter.”

Vespa and Jet said, “a what?”

“A SHAPESHIFTER?!” Rita exclaimed. “Wow!!! That’s so COOL, Mistah Nureyev! Like, like in that really great play that came out last month, Squares and Triangles and Also Sirens? Wow, that play is so GOOD! Can you turn into anythin’ you want, or just a mer and a human?”

“More importantly,” said Buddy, “how long were you planning to use your abilities to rob us?”

Rita fell silent. Nureyev smirked. “Quite a while,” he admitted. “Juno simply… altered my initial plan when he spotted me last night.”

“Ah. So that’s where you’ve been.” Buddy smiled as Juno blushed and ducked his head. “Well, it seems there’s simply one way to resolve this whole mix-up.”

“Yeah!” Vespa drew her scimitar and pointed it at Nureyev. “I say we tie him up and make him walk the plank!”

“Rraw! Walk the plank!” agreed Frannie.

“That is impractical,” said Jet. “If he walks the plank, he will simply transform underwater and swim away. I propose that we throw him in the brig until we reach port. We can decide from there.”

“Hey, c’mon, none of this is making sense,” snapped Juno. “He gave all the pearls back.”

“You’ve certainly had a change of attitude.”

“Yeah, well you could use one, Vespa, and here’s another thing -”

“Enough, darlings!” Buddy held up her hands. “That’s enough. I have an alternative proposition.” She marched across the deck and stopped before Nureyev. “You possess interesting skills, Nureyev. Skills that I think our team would find very useful. And, since I’m sure Juno will vouch for your character, judging from the fact that he’s wearing your lipstick -”

“Hey-”

“- you have an in.” She held out her hand. “If you want it, darling, there’s a place for you here aboard the Carte Blanche.”

Nureyev glanced over at Juno, who stood watching him with hopeful eyes. A smile grew across his face. “Well,” he said. “I must say, it’s nice to finally be appreciated.” And he shook Buddy’s hand.

~~~~

“...aaaand that’s my idea for a stream about us!” Rita set down her stack of papers and beamed around at the rest of the crew. “Whaddaya think? It’s good, ain’t it?”

“It is exceptional,” said Jet in a grave tone. “I am moved to tears.”

“I dunno, I think it’s a little unrealistic in a few parts.” Juno gestured to the portion marked as chapter five. “I don’t really see why I’d let a mermaid kiss me while I’m drowning.”

“You totally would, Mistah Steel!” Rita clutched her story defensively. “You’re just horny for death!”

“I’m what?”

“In my case,” said Nureyev, over the laughter of the rest of the crew, “I don’t see why I’ve been characterized as a mermaid.”

“Every pirate stream has to have a mermaid, Mistah Nureyev? Ain’t you ever seen High Seas of Saturn? The Ghost Ship that Also Has Zombies? Pirates of the Carribean 207: Oh My

God When Will This Franchise End?”

“Hmm. Doesn’t ring a bell, I’m afraid.” Nureyev shifted Juno’s position on his lap and rubbed the lady’s thigh. “My introduction scene was on point, though. After all, Juno does love me in fishnets.”

“Shut up,” Juno mumbled, blushing. Nureyev chuckled and kissed his neck.

Buddy took another sip of her tea. “You’ve created quite an interesting story, darling. I’m glad it’s kept you entertained. I know our long periods between heists can get tedious, but I’d say this has been fun for all of us.”

“Oh yeah, this part.” Vespa waved a section of Rita’s script. She’d been writing notes on Rita’s finished pages throughout the reading process. “Where it says my arms are covered in tattoos. I’ve only got twenty tattoos and only six of them are on my arms, so I thought that was kind of unrealistic, kid.”

“I’m taking artistic license, Miz Vespa!”

Vespa narrowed her eyes and grabbed her knife. “Are you saying my tattoos aren’t already artistic?”

“N-no! Fine, I’ll change it!” Rita snatched the page back and began to doodle furiously on it. Jet leaned close.

“Do not listen to the haters,” he whispered. “You have created a masterpiece of television.”

“Thanks, Mistah Big Guy.”

“You are welcome.”

“Well, this has been entertaining.” Nureyev tapped his fingertips on Juno’s knee. “If there’s nothing else that you require, the two of us will probably go to bed…”

“No, you can’t go to bed!” Rita frowned. “Whaddaya mean? We’re just gettin’ started!”

“Rita, you’ve read us your entire story,” said Juno. “What else is there.”

“I’ve read you the pilot episode.” Rita reached behind her and grabbed an enormous stack of blank notepads. “But now, you’ve all got to help me plot the rest of the first season!”

The rest of the crew looked at each other. Juno sighed and got up from Nureyev’s lap.

“Fine,” he said. “I’ll get some coffee started. Looks like we’re gonna be here a while.”

The End

Big thanks to @in-consist, @awalkingparadox11, @scintillart, @hemaris, and @acadieum for all the incredible work they did!

#happy birthday @rudzik-art!#love you #the penumbra podcast #juno steel #peter nureyev #rita penumbra #jet siquliak #buddy aurinko #mermaid AU #the art in this is incredible #do yourself a favor and go see it on AO3 #or see if the artists have posted it here on their personal blogs

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katierosefun · 4 years

Text

Random Tag

thanks @obirain for the tag! (also i just decided to post this as a sep. thing because i didnt want to clutter up the reblogs)

1. Do you make your bed?

yes! although i always fail to put my stuffed animals away. (i know im not a thirteen year old anymore i still need my stuffed duck leave me alone)

2. What’s your favorite number?

uhhh probably 12?

3. What is your job?

currently out of work, but once i go back to school, i’ll be back to being a costume stock keeper.

4. If you could go back to school, would you?

well, considering i’m still in school...but after college, i plan to go to law school, so let’s see how that works out!

5. Can you parallel park?

nope, i don’t know how to drive (yike)

6. A job you had that would surprise people?

hmmm, i dont really know anyone would be ‘surprised’ by any jobs i had, but i guess something semi-interesting is that when i was 8 years old, my dad asked me to make his powerpoint presentations--which i did. (and he would later show the presentations and use my picture at the last slide to say that i helped, which apparently got him a lot of “aww”s. i dont think i can put that on my resume though.)

7. Do you think aliens are real?

considering how big the universe is, i would be very surprised if there was no other life.form out there, so sure.

8. Can you drive a manual car?

nope rip

9. What’s your guilty pleasure?

ummm idk?? probably watching/listening to asmr eating channels?? (which is so?? bizarre? because i dont really like hearing people eat in real life like ughH no i dont want to hear you spitting and chewing that close to me, but like on a youtube video?? it’s different?) idk there’s something just relaxing/satisfying about someone eat mochi i dont know either leave me alone

10. Tattoos?

hmmm, i’ve kind of always wanted one on my ankle, but then i remember im not too thrilled with the idea of something permanent on my skin.

11. Favorite color?

purple. like, either that pastel or the indigo purple right before the sky turns dark.

12. Favorite type of music?

i really love orchestral movie music, and that’s kind of what i’ve been listening to the most lately, but i also really love indie, alt/rock.

13. Do you like puzzles?

uhhh not really. idk i know that a lot of people do puzzles to calm them down, but puzzles stress me out even more.

14. Favorite childhood sport?

swimming! i hated being on the swimming team, but i loved swimming a lot as a kid. (and i still do! one of my favorite ways to move around!)

15. Do you talk to yourself?

not aloud, but yes, i talk to myself quite often. or i talk to the characters i’m writing (and writing takes up about 75% of my time these days), which i would imagine count as talking a little bit to myself. (ie. me screaming at my laptop, “tell mE WHAT YOU WANT YOU CAN’T JUST KEEP STARING SADLY AT THIS PERSON FOR TWO PAGES--”)

16. What movie do you adore?

a lot of movies! but right now doctor sleep has been a movie i just keep drawing back to. i think it’s a crime that this movie isn’t talked about more, because it’s such a gem?? especially dan and abra’s relationship im--

i will admit that i prefer the book’s ending more than the movie’s ending, but stephen king himself gave the blessing to the movie (which he didn’t with the shining), and tbh that reassures me more than what the critics have to say about the movie.

17. Coffee or tea?

preferably tea, but will drink coffee when i’m desperate.

18. First thing you wanted to be growing up?

a jedi (i kid you not, i found a letter 8 year old me wrote to ‘the jedi temple’ asking if they could pretty please come down to pick me up). in all seriousness though, i really wanted to be an author as a child! (nothing’s changed)

Tagging: @60sec400, @pandora15, and @sonderwalker! feel free to do the tag, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to! <3

#tag game #thank you!!

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yukiwrites · 5 years

Text

Looking Forward to the Future

Thank you so much for the support, anon! I’m,,, SOFT FOR DIMILETH...

Summary: Neither Dimitri nor Byleth had good thoughts regarding childbirth -- their mothers had died giving birth to them, after all. And yet... they couldn’t help but feel the bubbling happiness of finding out they would be parents themselves.

Commission info HERE and HERE!

_______________________________

Byleth couldn't say that she led the healthiest life around -- she preached on how to take good care of oneself and how to take proper breaks... But she hardly ever did it for herself.

It was no wonder that she had been feeling sick for quite a while now, but being so lightheaded she almost fainted? That had been a first. Now that she amassed the positions of both Queen of the Unified Kingdom of Faerghus and Archbishop of the new Church of Seiros, Byleth had her work cleanly cut out for her. A lot of it.

Regardless, startled by her blink of consciousness, a soldier brought her to the infirmary whence the former professor Manuela held the highest position of Chief Physician inside the castle.

"Oh my, that's an interesting color you have on your face, Your Majesty! Do sit down before you throw it up all over the place, please." Was how Manuela welcomed her former colleague and now Queen, smiling while she looked for the proper tools to start the examination. "Now, tell me how you're feeling. And don't hide a single detail, hm?"

Byleth slowly curled up into a ball of misery over one of the beds, her breath shallow. "I feel so sick I could- ughh..."

Manuela gasped, quickly flinging a washbasin to the floor right beside Byleth's bed. "Try not to make a mess, please! Take your time in explaining, dear, and don't force yourself. I'll be here patting your back very, very lovingly until you feel better."

"Ugh, I feel even sicker now." Byleth gurgled a laugh under her sickness, holding the basin as though it were her own child, ready to vomit inside of it at any moment. Manuela threw her head back in laughter.

"The nerve!"

After the good half of an hour passed, Byleth started to feel better. She managed to sit up on the bed, the color of her skin still a bit off, but much better than before. Wasting no time, the Queen started explaining her symptoms, fully aware that they were due to stress and exhaustion, but nevertheless wanting the opinion of a professional on the field.

The more she explained, the brighter Manuela's eyes shone, her smile turning into a huge, unsettling grin.

"And you have a history of missing periods for this long?" She asked here and there as the twirled her long smoking pipe with one hand, fiercely taking notes with the other. "My, I'm afraid I have quite the news for you, dear..."

Frowning, Byleth opened her mouth to protest, but was interrupted by a loud bang, followed by a thunderous cracking sound. Startled, both women turned to the door only to find it hanging by only two hinges, its handle nowhere to be seen.

Ah, no, wait. The handle was still in Dimitri's hand, who had rushed to the infirmary once he had heard his wife had collapsed, not paying attention to keep his strength in check. Huffing and disheveled, the King looked from the physician to his wife.

"Are- I heard that you collapsed-" he panted, meaning to walk towards her, but Manuela's laughter made him flinch out of his skin.

"What an entrance, Your Majesty! Was breaking the door to my infirmary not worth of an apology?"

Blinking, Dimitri looked from the door to where he stood, then to how he still firmly gripped the broken handle within his fingers. "I, uh-" realization started to sink in, making him blush, "forgive me for my manners, I shall have it, well, replaced within the week." He cleared his throat, walking towards the bed Byleth sat on, meaning to sit right beside her. "More importantly, what has happened?"

Watching Dimitri change his behavior entirely was always so amusing to Manuela: first, he was so flustered and worried he quite literally ran through the door, then turned to red with embarrassment Manuela had to blink and then wore a worried and fulfilling smile as he sat beside his wife, his eyes deep with worry.

"Well, now that you're here, it's gonna be much easier to give my diagnosis!" She winked to the couple, who turned their attention to her.

"Diag-" Dimitri started, but Manuela's pointing her long smoking pipe right into his face made him stop himself.

"Congratulations, Your Majesties!" She pointed it to Byleth, "you're pregnant!"

"Pre-" both Dimitri and Byleth choked on the word, yet another loud cracking sound breaking the silence like a thunder.

Widening her eyes, Manuela once again looked at the King's hand only to find that the remains of the handle he somehow still held turned to dust into his surprised grip.

"Pregnant- Byle- I-" Dimitri blabbered, his eye unfocused as his hand shook as it tried to control its strength.

Byleth silently brought one hand over her stomach, resting another one by Dimitri's right hand. She looked down as her heart thumped and her mouth ran dry.

Pregnancy.

A child.

Hers and Dimitri's.

Blinking, Byleth couldn't understand how she received such blessed and wonderful news with dread inside her chest. What was it?

"Is that a... sentence?" Dimitri blurted out under his breath, his grim thoughts taking over the happiness he was supposed to feel. Would he have to lose yet another precious person of his? There was no way he could simply be happy to have a family of his own -- undeserving as he was, there had to have some kind of exchange for such joy.

Byleth breathed in slowly, closing her eyes. So that was it... so that was how she felt.

"What?" Her brow furrowed, Manuela leaned over to listen more closely. "A sentence, Your Majesty?"

Snapping out of it, Dimitri quickly raised his chin, "I! No- of course not! This is a happy moment, yes? I should not be thinking such terrible thoughts- Everything will be fine, will it not? Indeed!"

"It's... fine, Dimitri." Byleth squeezed his hand in hers, needing its warmth. "I can't say I haven't had the exact same thought as you just did."

Manuela crossed her arms and legs in annoyance. "Will you two lovebirds stop with the telepathy and tell me what's going on?"

"Hah," Byleth chuckled before lifting her gaze to her former colleague. "I suppose it can be silly to someone with a... lot of life experience," she started.

"Well, that's a nice way to insult someone, but go on." The physician rolled her eyes.

Clearing her throat, Byleth felt the minimal squeeze Dimitri gave on her hand as support, leaning on his shoulder to feel it even more deeply. "The both of us, well, we don't have many examples of what to look forward to during childbirth -- in fact, we only have one. Our mothers died giving birth to us."

"Ahh, I see it now. No need to go on, darling. I've got the picture." Manuela took a long whiff of her smoking pipe. "So now you're holding yourself back from feeling happy about your own child because you think you'll die when it's time to deliver?"

Both King and Queen lowered their gazes to their shared handhold.

"Humph, you insult me!" Manuela bonked the both of them with the round end of her smoking pipe, making them snap their heads up to look at her. "I never once lost a mother during the delivery, and I am no stranger to such things, I'll have you know! No one will die on my watch, darling, so don't go on worrying your little heads about it, okay? Besides, you are not your mother, dear Byleth. You're so much stronger than that, it'll take much more than a single childbirth to bring you down!"

Byleth opened her mouth to retort, but the icy grip of dread started to melt inside her heart, making her unable to speak. She lowered her head once again, digging her face into Dimitri's mantle. "Can I... truly be happy about this?"

Dimitri felt a lump grow in his throat, his breathing shallow. Manuela winked.

"Of course, dear. Both of you can. It's a wonderful time for a parent to prepare for their little bundle of joy to come to the world, so enjoy it to your heart's content. Now, where's that smile we all love?"

Byleth pressed her lips into a thin line, trying not to grin like a fool. She dug her face even deeper into Dimitri's cloak, sneaking her hand through his waist to start a hug. Trembling, the King reciprocated the gesture, his eye burning with emotion. Was it alright for him to hope? To look forward to a future whence he had both Byleth and his child?

To anticipate being with his beloved through and after her term; to carry their crying child and soothe them to sleep; to watch over their growth alongside Byleth and see them grow up in a land free of war and oppression...

Was he really that fortunate? Could he- could he simply... enjoy the moment?

"Don't cry, Dimitri..." Byleth whispered by his neck, his silent, choking sobs setting her off as well. He held her ever so tenderly, nudging her neck with his nose, his drenched face matching her own.

"Th-there are happy tears, my love. Happy, wonderful tears..." He sniffled, taking her warmth into his, uncaring -- or rather, forgetting -- about watching eyes.

"You two keep on playing nice," Manuela whispered under her breath before getting up to give them some space. She would lecture them about their usual overworking behavior and what to expect during Byleth's term, but that could wait until they had digested the news.

As per Manuela's instructions, Byleth and Dimitri both were forbidden of working past usual work hours -- after all, if one was seeing working, the other would follow suit. So, no overworking for either of them.

Also, Byleth needed to have a complete nutritional makeover, so the physician had to be kept in constant contact with the royal cook and with the handmaids. Constant walks were recommended, but no more weapon or body training! Riding was also banned, though a slow, short ride could be done only if they were together.

"Professor Manuela being so strict is a sight to behold," Dimitri commented one evening after they had been scolded about being up late. Byleth giggled, squeezing her hand on his.

"She's not 'professor' anymore, though."

"Oh," the King took his free hand to his lips. "You are right as always, my love. Although I wager Manuela would relish on being called 'Professor' again."

"Because of her age? My, Dimitri, I never thought you were such a shrewd man..." Byleth teased, enjoying how a shade of red covered her husband's entire face.

"Now you are simply making fun of me! That will not do." He cleared his throat, picking his wife up in his arms. Under an 'eek', Byleth held onto Dimitri's mantle to her dear life.

"Dimitri! What's this about-"

"No more walking for you today -- time to rest, my adored Queen and mother of my child." He tried to smirk, but the bubbly happiness in his chest from simply calling Byleth 'mother of his child' made it look like a foolish grin.

Snorting, the Queen wrapped both arms around her King's neck, nudging her face on his. "Is that a royal decree, Your Majesty?"

Dimitri adjusted her on his arms, his heart quite literally on fire due to his wife's teasings. "Why, it very much is." He chuckled, turning his head ever so slightly to touch her lips with his. "I will be your support through all of this, my love," he whispered as their lips still touched, his eye comfortably closed. "Through your term; everything. For all eternity."

Byleth bit his lower lip, their breaths as one. "Then, will you heed a request of mine, O eternal protector?" She whispered solemnly in between kisses, trailing them from his mouth to his cheek and ear, making him shiver where he stood.

"Anything, my Queen." He huffed, not realizing he had stopped walking since a while ago, distracted by his wife's adorableness.

Byleth pressed her forehead on his. "Please, I beg you... take me to the kitchen. I'm craving a very specific kind of fish and I think I'll die if I don't eat it right this instant."

"Pfft-bwaha!" Dimitri snorted, then full blown laughed. "Your wish is my command, dear wife!"

Giggling, Byleth strengthened her grip on him as he started running through the halls towards the kitchen. "My hero!"

The sound of their dissolving laughter could be heard through the echoes from the large palace, bringing a smile to its residents' faces.

#dimileth #dimitri #byleth #dimitri x byleth #fire emblem three houses #fe 3h #spoilers #3h spoilers #my writings #manuela #yuki's commissions #SLAMS TABLE I LOVE HIM!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE!!!! DIMITRI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!#lies down sobbing i love him

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gaamagirl565 · 4 years

Text

Matters of the heart Ep 5

Matters of the heart Episode 5 Love is blind {OPENING CREDITS} {cut to morning in Old Corona; a rooster crow is heard and pans to Varian working in his lab; in the background we see Isaiah poking his head around the corner} Isaiah: heh..gotta do this right..2 minutes and I’ll come back in… {He starts sneaking over to the door making sure not to alert his father} Ruddiger: *spots him and chitters alarmed* Varian: *turns around* Isaiah! Just what do you think you’re doing? Isaiah: I was just...ya know it’s...kinda stuffy in here sooo.. {Varian gives a dad glare} Isaiah: Okay! Okay! Fine! You caught me… I was trying to go outside… Varian: Isaiah we’ve been over this! Isaiah: I know but- Varian: No! You’re still injured! I mean for pete’s sake you’re still wearing bandages! You can’t just go roughhousing outside like you always do! Isaiah: I’m not gonna do that! I swear! Varian: Ya know I wish I could trust you not to but what you did was reckless enough! I’m not taking any chances! Isaiah: ughh!.... {He looks at Ruddiger} Isaiah: hmph! Tattle tail… Varian: No he’s a good boy… {Isaiah walks over to the window and looks out at the other kids playing} Isaiah: please? Just for a little bit? Varian: *sigh* no Isaiah i’m sorry… Isaiah: but- Quirin: I don’t know what’s going on here but i’d listen to your dad Isaiah… Isaiah: Grandpa! {Isaiah runs over to hug him and Quirin lifts him, tossing him in the air} Quirin: haha! There’s my boy! Now, what’s the trouble? Isaiah: I really wanna play outside but Dad says I can’t. Varian: Not yet Isaiah… you just got over a fever… Quirin: sorry Isaiah, but your Dad is right. Isaiah: What? Varian: What? I mean….yeah… Isaiah: Graaanndpaaa you’re supposed to be on my side!

{Both Varian and Quirin chuckle; yelling is heard outside} Quirin: Now what on earth? {They all go to the door and people are rushing to the main road} Varian: What’s going on? Villager: I don’t know! Apparently, there are a lot of horses coming our way! {Quirin and Varian look at each other} Varian: Isaiah take Ruddiger and go to your room! Lock the door and don’t come out until I say so! {With fear in his eye Isaiah nods grabbing ruddiger and rushing up the stairs; Quirin had his sword at the ready and Varian grabs his alchemy bag; cut to Both making their way through the crowd and to the front where a man stands in front of the crowd} Varian: A...Caravan? Quirin: phew… Stoica: Hello...My name is Stoica… Quirin: And how may I help you, travelers? Joseph: by sending them away if you ask me Varian: *rolls eyes* Seriously, is there anything about you that is likable? Joseph: oh shut it… Quirin: ahem...please let him speak. Stoica: My people have been on the road for a long time. We wish to set up in Corona for a time before moving on. We are willing to pay for food and supplies as well. If you’ll have us. Quirin: hmm...I see no issue with this… Joseph: Eh-wha-Quirin!? Are you kidding!? We don’t know these people! Varian: oh for the love of....Joseph shut up! My father has made the call. Leave them be. Quirin: If you desire there is a field we are currently not using. You may set up camp there. Stoica: You are too kind. Thank you for your hospitality. {He gives the caravan the signal to move when Joseph’s eyes widen} Joseph: Wait! {Everyone stops and Joseph walks over to a wagon and pulls a woman from it} Woman: AH! Stoica: LET HER GO! *unsheaths dagger* Joseph: You see!? This one is wearing a cloak! In the middle of a sunny day! Awful suspicious! And Stoica here dares to pull a knife on me! Quirin: you grabbed a woman from her wagon Joseph! Of course, he’s going to do that! Joseph: That still doesn’t explain the cloak! I bet she’s a criminal...hiding her face. We’ll soon see. Woman: No! I beg you! Stoica: Leave my sister be! You’ll harm her! {Joseph grips the hood} Woman: Please no! Varian: ENOUGH! {Varian runs out and stands between Joseph and the woman} Varian: Are you normally this stupid or is today a special occasion? Joseph: What are you saying, traitor? Varian: If you had taken a minute to look at her you’d know by now! She’s albino! Joseph:..A what? {varian rolls his eyes} Varian: Seriously am I the only one that reads? An albino. A rare skin condition that causes a lack of pigment. That’s skin color, eyes, and hair. The sun can physically hurt them! You take off that cloak and you’ll be causing her great pain. {they stare each other down} Quirin:...Stand down, Joseph… Joseph:...*spits* this town is going to the bloody dogs… {he leaves} Varian: Let me help you m’lady… *he helps her back onto the wagon* Woman: thank you...how may I repay you? Varian: I’d settle for your name {Stoica narrows his eyes} Woman:...Zapada...and I’m sure you’ve met my brother Stoica… Varian: I’m Varian… Zapada: well Mr.Varian...hopefully we meet again. {Stoica signals the caravan to move.} Varian: Yeah...so do I… {cut to later in the Village; Isaiah is looking excitedly at everything} Isaiah: Never thought I’d miss the outdoors so much! Oh, look! The stinky fish merchant! Merchant: Hey! Varian: The queen spent 18 years in a tower you only spent 2 weeks inside! Isaiah: Felt like 18 years… {Varian sees Zapada walking and reading} Varian: *gasp*...hey uh Isaiah...here’s some coins go explore a bit I have...errands to run… Isaiah:...free money and time to myself? I’m gone… {he takes the money and leaves; Varian takes a deep breath and goes to talk to her} Varian:...M’lady..no..uhh..hey ther-NO!...ZA-PA-DA hows it going? That’s stupid… ok Relax...ahem..Hello, my little snow an- {He’s hit in the face by the baker’s door; Zapada jumps and turns around with a yelp} Baker: huh? Oh. Watch it, Varian!... Zapada: *gasps and drops her book running over* Mr.Varian! Are you alright!? What on earth was his problem? You have done nothing to him! Varian: well hows that for an entrance? {They stare at one another for a second before Zapada hands him a cloth} Zapada: y-your nose is bleeding...I...I must go!... Varian: Hey wait! {She runs off} Varian: smooth Varian...Smooth… {Cut to Isaiah walking around the Caravan camp} Isaiah: Wow...this place is amazing...so much cool stuff… {As he’s walking he stops and sees an animal trader feeding his animals} Isaiah: Oh cool! Look at all of these! No way! Is that an alligator from the new world!? Trader: Indeed it is! I’ve gotten many offers on her. Isaiah: WWOOOWW! It’s so big and scaly! Just like in my books! {he walks around looking at all the creatures but stops at a wooden box} Isaiah: Hmm? {he goes to open the box} Trader: Ah! Boy, I wouldn’t-... {A golden cobra with red accents slides out hissing with its folds up} Trader: ah! Okay boy...just back away slowly… Isaiah: A Saporian Jeweled Cobra… Trader: Back away child! Isaiah: why are you so freaked out? Just relax...if you respect the snake...he’ll respect you… {he cautiously puts out a hand; the cobra sniffs it then slithers up his arm and around his shoulders} Isaiah: hehe! Hey! That-haha! That tickles!...you’re not evil, you’re a little noodle…

Trader: *practically shaking* Isaiah:...i have 5 gold pieces will that be enough? Trader: child, as far as I am aware he’s yours… Isaiah: Really!? Thanks! Do you hear that bud? Hmm..what to call you...I know..Draki...my serpent. {he pets his cobra; cut to late at night at Varians house; Varian and Quirin sit at the table drinking tea whilst Isaiah plays with Draki} Quirin: ...is it a good idea to have a cobra as a pet? Varian: *head in hands* is it a good idea to have a raccoon as a pet? Quirin: Fair point. Ruddiger: *chitters angrily* Varian: I’m just kidding bud… Quirin: Something wrong son? Varian: well...you know when you see someone and...you...can’t help but get curious about them? Quirin: mmhmm...are we talking about Stoica’s sister? *smirk* Varian:...there’s something about her...she’s so shy and...almost mysterious...I want to get to know her...have a least one conversation! But anytime we make eye contact she flinches or runs away! Quirin: *sips tea* well… the way I see it..she might be afraid...and I’m sure Joseph didn’t help...and anytime you’ve talked its been in a crowded public place. Varian: Then what am I supposed to do? Quirin: it’s dark now...she’s probably taken off her cloak. She’s probably more comfortable now that people are in their houses for the night...go..talk to her in a setting that’s comfortable for her. {Varian smiles at his dad and hugs him} Varian: Thanks dad… Quirin: you got this..and don’t worry i’ll watch uh..serpent boy here… {pan to Varian walking through the Caravan camp} Varian: her wagon had an emblem on it...of a hawk… {he looks around and spots it} Varian: there… {he walks up taking a deep breath and knocks on the door; after a few seconds Zapada answers and gasps; the moonlight shines off her white hair and she is in full view without her cloak} Zapada: M-Mr.Varian what are you…? Varian: I know it’s late and I’m sorry for this afternoon but I was wondering since the sun is down maybe you’d like to go on a stroll? Zapada:...me? Wit...with you? Alone? Varian: y-you’re not afraid are you? Zapada: well I… Varian: you don’t have to be afraid...not of me...I promise… {he takes her hand; she’s hesitant at first but nods and grabs her shawl before leaving; cut to later they’re walking in the orchard laughing} Zapada: so...you made a machine that almost literally blew away the entire expo? Varian: yeah not exactly the best idea in the world...so tell me about you… what’s your story? Zapada: well… Varian: well? Zapada: I was born into the Caravan...after our father Patrin died my brother Stoica took over. You know what people think of us...and with my...condition it doesn’t help...some see me as a curse...sometimes I think they’re right.. Varian: what? Zapada: My brother works so hard to protect me… I feel like a burden sometimes...my Caravan cares so deeply for me but...I don’t feel as if..I deserve it… Varian: But you’re so kind. And generous, and beautiful an- Zapada: what? Varian: You’re beautiful {Begin song “give yourself a chance”} {varian} You say people hate then so be it You say you’re not beautiful well I don’t see it People might judge at first glance But who cares what they think Give yourself a chance. How do I describe you to make you see All the things you do to me Your hair, your eyes, make my heart want to sing and dance It has me wondering… Is this romance? Even when the world looks down on you Look back at them with your eyes of rosey hue Stand up to them and tell them that despite your flaws You are perfect and no one can say anything because You made the choice to give Yourself a chance {end song} {Zapada cups his face with her hand and embraces him; Varian returns the embrace; they walk off into the orchard together; Later it shows them lying by a tree with the sun beginning to rise} Varian: Hey...Zapada? Zapada: hmm? Varian: I know the sunlight hurts your eyes...but have you ever watched the sunrise before? Zapada: I cannot say I’ve had the pleasure… {Varian takes off his goggles} Varian: put these on and look to the east… {Zapada puts them on and looks; she gasps and stares in wonder} Zapada: Varian...it is beautiful… Varian: yeah...the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen… {she looks back at him and smiles} Zapada: thank you, Varian… {Cut to the HQ of the cult; Cassandra is tied up with vines and screaming as magic surges through her} Cult leader: soon...the power will be coursing through her veins and take hold of her conscious. She’ll be strong enough to plan our next move after all these years… Noremoth: several if I’m not mistaken m’lady...but must the process of infusion be so..eck..hostile? {The cult leader glares at him} Noremoth: I’m only saying Zhan tiri’s power can only hold her so long before her true conscious breaks through every now and again. She is only a vessel we cannot completely erase...her true self. Cult leader: that maybe, however...that alchemist has something we need that will complete her transformation. When they destroyed the moonstone a singular shard was left. And it was placed in this alchemist’s care. Noremoth: so? Cult leader: ugh so naive...If we get the stone shard the infusion will be stabilized and Zhan tiri will become anew in a new body. And with the device that we are building combined with our sweet vessel’s power, all of the seven kingdoms will kneel before us. Noremoth: ooohhh I like that plan m’lady… Cult leader: of course you do Noremoth… Noremoth: so then what is our next move? Cult leader: simple… {she takes out a newspaper page from Corona; it has a picture of Isaiah and reads “Boy destroys marketplace} Cult leader: ..Ransom.. {She crushes the paper} {END CREDITS}

#Tangled #rapunzel’s tangled adventure #Varian #Isaiah #Quirin #tts #rta #tangled the series #MotH

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babysuccubus278 · 4 years

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So i remember in like 9th grade i had to write a creative story or something sooo here it is :)

Introduction

Hi my names Willow. This is my story. It all begins in a new neighborhood. In this neighborhood I felt safe. I felt welcome. I thought i could trust everyone. I always got a weird feeling around him but I always pushed it away. People were always right when they would say to ‘Trust your gut Willow, It’s the most credible source’. My mum would love to take me to the neighbors. She was good friends with all of them. What she didn’t know before all of this happened was that she was friends with him.

Chapter 1

This story shall begin when I was fifteen. We moved to this beautiful city. The trees bloomed so well. The house had two floors. My bedroom was on the top floor, it was the very back room. It had drawing my little brother Anthony. He loved to draw cartoons for me. He was very talented when it came to realistic drawing. Well, talented for a six year old. He can cook cause our mum and dad are always busy. My mums name is Susie and my dads is Mike. I loved them very much and listened. I was a star student in my new school. I always helped around the town. I was too young to get a job so I volunteered around. I would read to the little kids and tutor some. They enjoyed being around me. I would also mow other people's lawns. This town felt like home to me.

***

“Wake up Willow, time to go to school!”, My mum always would yell the same thing to wake me up. Banging on my door and coming back five minutes later to say it again ‘cause I would fall asleep. “Ughh, fine mum.” I would groan out dreading to go to school. I hated waking up early just to go to school.It’s so boring there. I mean, yeah I like my friends and I like my classes but it’s just the same old thing everyday. I finally get up and put on my clothes. A pair of black skinny jeans, my nemo shirt, a pastel hoodie and some black checkerboard vans my mum bought me last year. I go out and see mum cooking breakfast. I notice the time is five forty-five. I go and wake up dad, he has a business meeting today. I go in and wake him up.“My little Willow tree!! Good morning lovely!”, He wrapped me in his arms and pulled me onto the bed for cuddles before we all had to leave

***

I miss those times. Being able to hug my dad and mum. Being able to see Anthony’s cute smile on his birthday. I miss my friends. I miss being able to through rocks on the rainy days in the summer. We would always go to the creek and through the pebbles and see which ones skip. I wish I could go back and see them and tell them what happend. They seem so confused of why I’m dead. I mean, Mr. Ainsley was always on the news for stuff. They never listened when I tried to tell them. Mr. Ainsley was their best customer. They loved to deal with him. He would always tip them even though he didn't need to. They never saw anything wrong with him. Our dog did.

Chapter 2

This is the second part of my story. I was super naive when I first met him. I thought he was trustworthy when I met him. He treated me nicely. Always ruffling my hair when I would help him.

***

“Hey Willow! Get over here and meet Mr. Ainsly” My dad yelled at me while I was working on a painting outside. I loved to paint on the canvases my mum bought me at the store. I walked over mumbling something. I got over there and smiled.

“Hello Mr.Ainsly, Im Willow.”, I said forcing a smile and a hand shake wanting to go back to painting my sunflower on the canvas.

“Oh, Willow. I heard alot of good things about you in the newspaper and from your mum.”, He smiles and I smile back feeling creeped out. That statement made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. No one really reads the newspaper. I understand why he would. He does seem to be in his late fifties or early sixties.

***

If only I would’ve listened to my gut. This would've never happened. I watch over my mum and my sunflower canvas to this day. I miss being able to hold that paint brush and brushing that golden yellow onto the cloud whiteness of the canvas while music plays in the background. Of course someone had to take it away.

Chapter 3

The next thing in my story shall be my camera my dad bought me. Now this thing needed film and I had a bunch from me liking how they looked. It was my favorite color, light blue. It had a strip of gold in the center going horizontal.

***

“Woah! Dad this is for me!”, I was so happy when he handed me it. I wanted to scream but mum would’ve got mad so I just hugged him. “Yes my love. All yours”, He chuckled and rubbed my back as I hugged him. He pulled away and grabbed my jacket. “You wanna test it out?”, He asked; he looked more excited than me so I gigged. “Yeah lets go!” I ran outside and got on my bike and took a bunch of pictures within a few hours dad had to go again “Bye sweetheart, you know dad only has so many hours off today” He slightly smiles. It’s obvious he hates his job but he does it to feed the family. Anthony does like to hog food. I wave good-bye. “Bye dad! Thanks for the gift, I love it!”, I yell to him while he pulls out of the driveway in his Orange 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge. Since dad did all the work around the house he normally got the better stuff.

***

I miss that car. I miss riding in the passenger seat with dad to the gas station. I wish stuff was back to normal. I miss mums Jeep too. Being able to go offroad with that thing was the best thing we’ve ever done. Anthony would always stick his hand out the window and mum would yell at us and we’d laugh. I miss those times but he had to take them away. He was so creepy and I didn’t listen to my gut.

Chapter 4

This part of my story is about when I took a picture of him. It never got printed until after I died. I was so happy that my dad got me that light blue camera I took pictures of everything. I would take pictures of the sunset, our backyard, Cooper our dog, Anthony, and sometimes even mum and dad. I didn’t mean to take a picture a picture of him really. It just happened and now I’m grateful I did.

***

“Mum! Dad! Look at me” I giggled and clicked my camera as I rode my bike in the summer afternoon. Mum is trimming the roses while dad is working on his car. He always would grumble bad words when he got hurt and mum would help. That’s what she was doing when I clicked my camera. “Be careful honey! You know we can’t afford a hospital visit. Your dad like to waste money on his car.” Mum explained while she looked over at dad seeming angry. “Susie! I do not waste this house's money!” He yelled back and lifted his head up slightly and hit his head and mumbled a few curse words. I always knew not to curse like dad did. “Whatever Mike. Let her get hurt” My mum stutterd out. She seemed to be hurt that dad yelled at her. This was when I fell off my bike, skinned my knee and accidently took a picture of Mr. Ainsley. I got up and took my bike and went inside. I cleaned off the knee and put a few band-aids on it. “Willow? Are you there sweetheart?”, My dad called throughout the house.“Yes dad, I’m in the bathroom upstairs!”, I yelled back to tell him where I was I finish putting my last band-aid on.

***

Don’t worry, that's all you really needed to know. The next part of my story is the really main point. You would always think as a parent you can trust the neighbors around you with the kids. Apparently not Mr. Ainsley.

Chapter 5

This part of the story was my worst idea I’ve ever had, ever. I got invited to tea with Mr. Ainsley. I would’ve normally said no due to my gut feeling weird about this but mum and dad said it was okay.

***

I bicycle over to Mr. Ainsley’s house. I feel nervous. He’s always is very nightmarishly nice to me. I rode up and parked my bike into his driveway behind his old, rusty, black buick wrangler and knocked on his door. “Mr Ainsley? I’m here!” I yelled. He ran to the door and opened it and ruffled my hair. “Oh hey Willow! The teas not ready yet. You can come in and explore though.” He smiled and held the door open for me. I walked in biting my lip feeling uneasy from the smell. His couch was yellow. It smelled like cigarettes and febreeze. I walk around as he heads to the kitchen. I head up the creaky stairs. I notice as I look down that a board is missing. There was a book. I pick it up and ran outside to put it in my basket and cover it up with my coat. I go back in quickly and ran into Mr. AInsley. “You’re leaving already?” He asked intimidating me.“N-no sir. I just needed to check my bike.” I said gulping “Good. I’d have to do something if you leave.” he grins creepily. A few hours pass, the tea is drank. I am walking around in the basement alone. I feel a presence. Suddenly, my mouth gets coverd and I’m shoved down onto the ground. I don’t remember anything else

***

I wish I could go back in time and just ride my bike home. Sadly I didn't. I feel guilty. This will be the last piece of my story. I never woke up pass this. Now, I am watching over my family Mr. Ainsley. Mr. Ainsley got put away for murder thanks to them finding my body and the book. This is my story of how my neighbor made me leave our new neighborhood, maybe not the way I wanted to.

#short story #creative #writing #creative writing #free write #writblr #written #writeblr #reading #cars #carstory #fashion #fashionstory #darkstory

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groundcontrol21 · 5 years

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Taking Flight (M, Yuri on Ice)

Part 1 of a little sick!Victor fic, only his name is spelled Viktor bc, I don’t know really. This’ll be crossposted on the forum, but I hope my yoi whump fans/snez fans will enjoy it here. Pretend I know how Russian airports and first class work.

The only thing that rivaled the pounding of Viktor Nikiforov’s head was the pounding of his heart. His flight back home to Japan (and Yuuri and Makkachin) had started flashing “boarding” on the displays as soon as he had gotten in the security line what felt like hours ago, and he still hadn’t made it to the checkpoint! Dear God, they were going to start calling for him soon, weren’t they? He sniffled, rubbing his nose on the cuff of his jacket, far too preoccupied to think of pulling out a tissue, and rocked a little back and forth on his heels.

At this point, Viktor was contemplating sacrificing his pride, explaining his situation to the people in front of him, and begging to cut in line. He even stepped forward and opened his mouth to ask, for what it was worth, but what escaped his mouth wasn’t words.

“Heh’eh’KSSHH! Heh’KMPPHH! Ughh…” Surprised by the outburst, Viktor only managed to get a hand over his mouth in time for the second sneeze, effectively spraying the poor woman in front of him.

Viktor felt his eyes go wide, but he was too tired to feel the embarrassment he should have. He sniffled wetly. “Excuse mbe, sorry.” He sounded awful, he knew, anyone with ears surely knew, all creaky and congested, which surely did not help his case.

The woman glowered daggers at him and pulled the collar on her fur coat up higher, stepping as far forward as she could. So much for Viktor’s hopes of skipping forward in line; his damn cold had ruined that for him. His damn cold had ruined just about everything that day, actually. What had started as a sore throat and a bit of sniffling the day before had morphed overnight into the cold from hell, making him sleep through his alarms and get to the airport over an hour later than he had planned. His throat hurt, his ears hurt, his head pounded from his completely blocked sinuses, and he felt like he was wrapped in ice. He couldn’t wait to curl up in the plane seat and rest for a little while, but first he would have to actually get to the plane.

Viktor was about ready to jump out of his skin by the time his turn finally came at the checkpoint. He was so congested that he had to repeat his name twice before the security worker could understand that he was saying exactly what was on his passport, and even that short ordeal left him coughing breathlessly as he took his passport back, only able to spare the briefest of nods to the disgusted worker in thanks.

He had to shed his thick coat and scarf before going through the scanners, and even though he wore a thick turtleneck underneath, he had to resort to hugging himself and hopping from one foot to another to preserve some semblance of warmth as he waited his turn to walk through. God, he hadn’t felt this sick in years.

Viktor walked through the full-body scan without incident, and was about to shout with joy when a shrill beep made his heart sink. His bag. The security worker beckoned him over as he rifled through Viktor’s carry-on before pulling out the culprit: the bottle of cold medicine Viktor had nabbed from the hotel convenience store on his mad dash to the airport that morning.

“This is too big,” the worker said, shaking the bottle in his gloved hand, causing the liquid to swish. “You can’t bring it on the flight.”

It took Viktor’s shocked, fevered brain a moment to process what was going on. “B-but-but I need that!” He sniffled and thumbed at his nose, which had begun to run.

“It’s too big,” the worker said, slightly impatient now. “Dump it out now, and you can buy a smaller one before the gate.”

“But I do--ohh--ahh’KSCHH!” Viktor caught the, slightly messy, sneeze in his hand just as a voice sounded from the PA on high.

“Last boarding call for Viktor Nikiforov, flight 296 with service to Tokyo.”

“Fide, fide, just dump it out!” Viktor cried out, wiping his hand on his pants. He rocked on the balls of his feet as the worker dumped his precious medicine into the garbage. Once that was done, Viktor collected his bags and set out in a dead sprint toward his gate.

When at last he reached the gate, brandishing his phone to show the woman at the check-in his ticket, Viktor felt on the verge of collapse. “Viktor Nikiforov,” he panted, all but throwing his phone down on the check-in desk as he grasped the corner frantically for support, launching into a fit of wheezing coughs. He fought to get his breathing under control, but that run was the last thing he needed in this state and the fit lasted considerably longer than he would’ve liked. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes, and his nose ran profusely. He dragged his sleeve across his face in an attempt to wipe himself clean of both. By the time he could look up again, the check-in woman was holding out his phone to him.

“You’re all checked in, sir,” she said, her brow creased in worry. “Are you alright?”

Viktor tried to plaster on his paparazzi smile and wave her worries away, but he wasn’t sure how well that worked, his voice as thin and tremulous as it was. “Just a little under the weather. Thank you.”

He took his phone and boarded the plane, shoving his bag underneath the seat in front of him and collapsing into his as soon as he found it. He bundled himself back up in his coat and scarf, curled up in his seat, and leaned his aching head against the window, shutting his eyes. He felt worse than awful, and if he were honest with himself, all he wanted was to curl up in bed and feel Yuuri’s arms around him, but he had at least ten hours before he could do that.

“Heh’TSCHoo! Heh’TSCHuhh!” Viktor fished in his pockets and pulled out a tissue, crumpled and sodden almost past the point of usefulness. He dabbed at his nose with it, just enough to pick up any mess that had spilled, and then sniffled wetly once, twice, three times. He didn’t have another fresh tissue to blow his nose in, so this would have to do.

As the plane gathered speed to take off, Viktor rubbed the bridge of his nose and groaned, flopping back against his seat. He was flying first class, as he usually did, but even so there was still an unhappy passenger next to him who shot him the dirtiest of looks before pulling up the wall that divided their seats. Viktor couldn’t blame him; he truly was a walking cold and flu advert.

Soon enough, he was shivering, and Viktor reached for the bag with the blanket that was under his seat, cocooning himself with it. No sooner had he done that, however, than did his clogged ears make their displeasure known at the change in altitude. He moaned so loudly that it was halfway to a scream, and clutched his hands over his ears in an attempt to make it stop.

He didn’t know how long he stayed like that, but he didn’t look up until he felt a hand tapping his shoulder gently.

“Sir,” a concerned-looking flight attendant said. She chewed a bit at her colored lips. “Is everything alright?”

“Painkillers?” Viktor croaked out, rubbing at his ears. A violent shiver snaked down his spine. “And an extra blanket? Ih’hihh’hiISSHH! Isshoo!” He sneezed into the blanket that he already held around him. “Ughh...Snf! Snf!”

“Of course, sir,” she said, and Victor would be forever grateful for how soft and caring she kept her voice. “Perhaps some tissues too?”

“That would be lovely, thank you. Heh’sshoo! Nngghh.. Oh, excuse be.”

Viktor closed his eyes when she left, working his fingers into his temples, trying to massage away the ache. He felt unwelcomely close to tears, but he hoped the painkillers might take the edge off that. Oh, how he just wanted Yuuri.

“Here you are, sir.” Viktor cracked open his eyes and took the pills, tissues, and blankets from the attendant. She watched him with a careful, almost hesitant expression. “Are you… Viktor Nikiforov?”

“The very same.” He smiled and tried to laugh, but the sound quickly fell to congested coughs instead. “Sorry, I’d normally offer to take a picture but—snf!—I dod’t thidk you wadt a picture with be looking—“ Victor paused, gesturing to his face and pink, sniffly nose, “—like this.”

“No, no it’s more than alright,” she said. Her expression softened from its previous hesitance. “You don’t sound like you feel very well, Mr. Nikiforov.”

Viktor gave a slight nod, too exhausted to be embarrassed by the comment. “I’ll be happy to get home and sleep.”

“I’m sure. You should try to sleep now, too. Call for me if there’s anything else you need.”

Viktor nodded and sniffled as he burrowed into his layers of blankets. As the painkillers gradually knocked the pain in his ears to a bearable ache, he couldn’t help but be lulled to sleep by the whirring of the airplane as it carried him home to Yuuri.

#sick #sickvictor #sickfic #yoi #yurionice #cold #whump #snezfic #Snezkink

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cryptid-bloodhound · 4 years

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can i just have some fluffy gibby and octane??? that's all i need in my life tbh

IM LATE BUT I GOTCHU FAM!

Thoughts Like Thorns

Ao3

Octavio was bored again. When he was bored, bad things tended to happen. He didn’t mean to cause so much havoc, honest! Well, most of the time he didn’t mean it. All that destruction and chaos was simply a byproduct of his endless hunt for his next adrenaline rush. He really couldn’t help it. That desire to do something - anything - was almost pervasive. It was a gnawing, clawing need that guided his day-to-day life. When he sat idle for just a moment too long, that feeling would well up inside of him again, like nails down his spine. If he didn’t know any better, he’d compare the uncomfortable sensation to anxiousness. It was like something inside of him telling him to ‘ go go go!’ and not doing that was something really quite awful.

Those quiet moments between drops when there was nowhere for him to run and video games just weren’t cutting it was horrible. He’d bounce in place, jump around, and use his fellow Legends as makeshift springboards. Anything to alleviate that need. For the most part, the others tolerated his constant frenetic energy. Sometimes, if the mood was bright enough, they’d join in on his reckless little games. It usually wasn’t a problem for the adrenaline junkie. Hell, he loved the rush so chasing these little highs was awesome! But, there were moments when it was all a little too much. When his attention felt like it was being ripped in every direction and his mind buzzed like a nest of angry hornets. When nothing could satisfy that need of his. It seemed like today was one of those unlucky days.

He was pacing back and forth in the complex, muttering under his breath rapidly as if he could chase away this feeling through cursing alone. His hands flexed, clenched, and beat an uneven tempo against his thighs as he moved on an endless loop. Sometimes he felt like clawing at himself because surely that would feel better than whatever this sensation was crawling under his skin, but he refrained. The last time he did, Ajay scolded him and gave him that ‘I’m-unhappy-but-also-worried’ look he’s so familiar with. He tried playing games but nothing would hold his attention or quell that buzzing. He tried hanging out with the others but found himself too...raw to handle them right now. This uneasy restlessness was killing him.

“Ughh, estoy a punto de enloquecer!”

Octavio was so engrossed in his own static-filled mind that he didn’t notice the rather large figure walking through the door. Really, it should be a feat all on its own to have Makoa Gibraltar of all people sneak up on you. The giant of a man wasn’t the type to sneak around. So, when a heavy hand landed on his shoulder, the borderline shriek that left his lips was all the more embarrassing. Gibraltar looked torn between amused and mildly worried. That expression made Octavio want to shrug the hand off of his shoulder and bolt for the door.

“You alright there, bruddah?”

It was a simple question. It should have been easy to answer. Should . But the nonstop racing thoughts and aching in his nerves told him otherwise.

“Yes. No. Yes! ...Maybe. UGH, I don’t know!”

His hands went from tapping his thighs to gripping at his hair as he fought himself for a moment of respite. After seeing the almost volatile reaction to his touch earlier, Makoa resisted the urge to lay a reassuring hand on the younger Legend. It wasn’t often that Octavio had a bad day like this but it happened just enough for Makoa to recognize the signs. After a moment of thought, Gibraltar shifted his presence, expression dropping from openly worried to casual friendliness. That same sort of warmth colored over the darker tones of his voice. He didn’t want Octavio focusing on the bad - especially if it was thanks to the way he was acting.

“Hey, I seen you’re pretty good at art, yeah?”

The question was so unexpected and lax that it actually threw Octavio for a bit of a loop. His grip loosened and he squinted in slight confusion at Makoa. When he spoke, his answer was drawn out and pitched as if it was a question.

“...Yes?”

That seemed to brighten up Makoa’s disposition immediately. He gave one of his famous thousand-watt grins and threw open his arms in a grand gesture.

“Perfect! I got a cake here that needs some serious decoratin’ and you’re just the guy for the job!”

There wasn’t a singular part of this shift in conversation that didn’t confuse Octavio. Granted there were a great many things that did confuse him. In his defense, however, he rarely bothered enough to pay attention to, well, anything really. So, he just let his arms drop back to his sides as bewilderment overtook his features. Seeing the shift, Makoa kept on going. Anything to keep him distracted was good in his books. As he spoke, he subtly herded Octavio toward the kitchen area where a tasty but objectively plain cake sat. Next to it was a slew of decoration tools and what looked like a rough image of what Gibraltar wanted on it. It was pretty, certainly something he could imagine giving to a significant other if he were feeling romantic. But his way of drawing was a bit more, ah, stylized than what was pictured. As he started imagining what it’d look like in his own design, Makoa continued on.

“It’s my anniversary soon and I wanted to do somethin’ nice. I made a cake but I don’t have an artistic bone in my body. Figured I’d ask ya for help, shortstack. We can work on it togetha ‘n you could tell me what’s botherin’ ya.”

At the reminded of his earlier unending nerves, Octavio frowned. Without meaning to he started bouncing back and forth on his feet as that prickling sensation started taking over his attention once more. Without wasting a second, Makoa barreled on as if nothing changed.

“Or, I could tell ya about that time I stole my dad’s motorcycle to go on a joyride with my boyfriend.”

Again, the switch up blindsided the younger Legend. The mental image of The Gibraltar doing something so reckless and immature as stealing his dad’s motorcycle absolutely floored Octavio. His jaw dropped and that jittery discomfort was replaced with a sort of giddiness. That sounded like something he would do and not the unofficial Team Dad.

“No. Way.”

“Way.”

There was a smug sort of smile pulling wide at Gibraltar’s lips as Octavio stared at him with wide eyes. He figured if there was a story to draw him out of a bad spot, it’d be a crazy one he could relate to. The air was filled with the rapid little ‘tinks’ of his feet as he danced in place with all that pent up energy he was so well-known for. He wanted to hear more about this crazy tale. It was drawing his mind away from all those sharp, intangible edges he could never figure out.

“Let’s do it!”

And so they did. They set up their impromptu cake station as Makoa spoke about the shenanigans he managed to get himself into in his wilder days. Of course, he left out the darker parts. No need to drag the kid back down. It warmed something in his heart to see Octavio calming down. His mind was distracted by the story and attention needed to detail the cake while his hands were busy drawing out lines of frosting. It was engaging enough to keep him entertained without being self-destructive (or any kind of destructive, which was a step up). So, when that story ended, Makoa conjured another, and then another, and another. However many it took until that frantic tension melted away from Octavio.

“So, when ya gonna pop the question amigo? Time ain’t waitin’ for any of us! We won’t stay this young and good lookin’ forever. Well, you won’t. I’ll always be this gorgeous. ”

It was Makoa’s turn to be surprised at the unexpected words. Maybe it was the shock, maybe it was the cocky, over-the-top attitude, or maybe it was just the irony that the usually oblivious one here hit the nail on the head. Whatever the case, Makoa let out a deep belly laugh and clapped Octavio on the shoulder. The force behind the gesture was still enough to cause the much smaller man to jolt forward.

“Ha! Keep it up, shortstack. I’ll remember that next time we’re on a team and the enemies are lookin’ for a punchin’ bag.”

Rather than respond verbally, Octavio just stuck his tongue out and gave a rather colorful hand gesture. Though the way his lips turned up at the corners in a grin spoke volumes of his current bright mood. After a moment, Makoa sighed in a way that Octavio could have sworn would be considered ‘dreamily’. He did very little to hide the amused snort at the action. ‘What a big softy.’

“To tell ya the truth, I been thinkin’ ‘bout it. I wanna do it soon. Hey, how’d you like to come ‘n help me pick out a ring, huh?”

The invitation was a surprise. Seems like today was full of those - mostly good, at least. It made Octavio smile wider than he has in a long time. Again, he couldn’t help but do an excited little jig in place, prompting Makoa to laugh at his antics once more.

“Hells yeah!”

His brain was already rushing ten thousand miles a minute picturing all sorts of expensive and fantastical bands. That led to him also picturing crazy wedding ideas and - ‘Oh! Wonder if I’ll get to be a groomsman!’ His colorful and exciting daydreams were interrupted by Makoa as he peered over his shoulder at the cake and spoke up.

“This looks great, Octavio, but uh...you spelled his name wrong.”

Sure enough, when he looked at the wonderfully decorated (in his humble opinion) cake, he had forgotten a letter in Makoa’s boyfriend’s name. With a groan, he slapped a hand to his forehead and accidentally smeared icing on his face.

“Mierda.”

#Apex Legends #Gibraltar (Apex)#Octane (Apex)#My Writing #Makoa Gibraltar #Octavio Silva #Gibraltar is a Dad #Octane gets overstimulated and needs help sometimes #also he's good at art bcus i said so #Cake is involved #Anonymous

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grownups-are-the-real-monsters · 5 years

Text

Blame The Eagles, Man

Summary: Eric’s drive home from Buddy’s house ends up being a lot more eventful than he expected it to be. He blames his stupidity on The Eagles.

(I tried my best to check the timeline - this takes place around ‘The Good Son’ hopefully. This is my first time writing for them so I’m still trying to figure them out! The rest of my Buddy/Eric content from now on will be posted to my account for them here! )

(This is not the fanfic for them that I’d been working on. I just got this idea like 2 days ago while listening to ‘Ol’ 55′ and I accidentally wrote it.)

‘That 70′s Show’

Words: 4,271

Ships: Beric? Eric x Buddy

The sun was setting and it left the most pleasing reflection on the hood of the Vista Cruiser and for once in the car’s sad little life, Eric really felt like it was cruising. There was no huffing or puffing, no off-putting sounds and not once had the glove-box fallen open (scaring the shit outta him) because Kelso had shoved more crap into it. None of that. Just a dead small-town road and a sunset he’d keep to himself. If he wasn’t driving, Eric might’ve curled his hands behind his head and lounged.

‘And he’d never had time to do that! There was always something. Some stupid little roadblock that became a new problem and sure, it was usually all his own doing but he just had bad luck.’

But today was a good day. He might not even call it just a good day, it deserved something better. He had that stupid little grin on his face, the one that Jackie said made him look high which he took as a compliment cause there really was no better feeling then that so anything that made him look it deserved praise. Eric wanted to stretch out the feeling for as long as he could before things got stupid again...before he got stupid again.

So he reached for the radio and was pleasantly surprised by the moment being instantly heightened. ‘The beginning of a good song. The beginning! He hadn’t missed most of it or had to change it because his friends! Life was good.’

‘So good it was suspicious.’ Eric felt like he was in a movie, the itch of a daydream was under his skin. The sun was leaving the most beautiful hues of orange as it fell closer to the ground as The Eagles sang to him. Thank God for small favors because if Hyde (who was with him more and more now that he’d moved into his house) had been with him or even Kelso, he would’ve had to change it. ‘It wasn’t one of The Eagles best songs. Too mellow’. Eric rolled his eyes and huffed.

'I'm on my way home from your place.... Now the sun's coming up, I'm riding with Lady Luck...’

The sun lowered in contrast to the song but left that same array of colors it would have if it were the other way around. Eric took it all in behind his windshield and smiled wider. “Yes, yes.” He spoke to himself in that smug happy tone he liked. The crushing weight of it being a school night dawned on him and it had the potential to ruin his mood but it fizzled out, much to Eric’s own shock.

The particular school night was Tuesday. So when the song faded out and Eric sighed, reaching out to change it, another Eagles tune kicked in. Two for Tuesday. “Oh Hell yeah!” He laughed, tongue sticking out momentarily for the sake of rock and roll, and sat back with his hands on the wheel.

‘Peaceful Easy Feeling’. That was again, eerily too perfect. That was his favorite. Well...not his personally...the ‘his’ in that sentence was referring to Buddy. Eric wiggled his eyebrows as he thought.

He’d spent the whole day with Buddy and it wasn’t the first time he’d done that but it was always a little weird when he didn’t hang with his gang. But he liked to keep Buddy separate and for now he didn’t think Buddy minded all that much either. Though it was becoming a struggle considering it had been a long time now since they fell back into their friendship. But It made Eric a little uncomfortable considering Hyde & Donna truly knew Buddy’s secret. He felt dirty about that, Buddy didn’t know they knew. Apparently Fez had known the whole time too. Kelso and Jackie might know but it hadn’t been confirmed for them. He wasn’t even sure they were aware just how much he’d been hanging with Buddy again.

So Eric didn’t want them all around Buddy again yet.

‘I got a peaceful easy feelin' And I know you won't let me down...’

But he sure liked being around him. Truthfully, Buddy kissing him had been so awkward that Eric wanted to avoid him. But, he wasn’t raised that way and that seemed like ages ago now. He just didn’t have a rude bone in his body, like his mother he was polite and kind....he had a smart-mouth but that was all. So it was never likely that he’d just never talk to Buddy again. He really liked him anyway. Plus it’d be hard to avoid your lab partner. So after an awkward period, Eric made sure to let Buddy know they were ok. They fell right back into that easy friendship and now months had gone by.

So here he was, one his way home from another day together. It was always different then when he spent the day with Hyde or Kelso or Fez. He felt like he could let more of his dorky side loose. Not that his friends didn’t like him for him, it was just more instinctual for them to make fun of him first. Buddy usually appreciated it and even laughed. It was that same kind of laugh he’d done in the school parking lot...when he called Eric cute. Eric didn’t really know why but that kind of encouraged him to say more things like that around him.

‘I get this feelin' I may know you As a lover and a friend...’

Maybe that meant something. Eric shifted in his seat, his back a little sweaty and sticking to his shirt. He’d think about it more if he didn’t feel oddly guilty about it. He wasn’t sure why but his mind always stacked Buddy against Donna...he blamed Buddy for bringing Donna up before he’d kissed him that night at the theater. They were on the same level in his head but different. If he thought about Buddy too long, he’d try and switch back to Donna, his girlfriend.

He audibly groaned as he turned the car down another street. Maybe it was that cinematic feeling the Eagles were really encouraging him with but Eric let himself stew in these thoughts. No switching to Donna.

Buddy was just...really fun to be with. That had to just be it. Eric nodded to himself. Although, he thought about that stupid little grin he had on his face just moments ago. It came with the memories of the day, naturally. No overthinking and no nerves. It was the same kind of smile he’d seen on Jackie’s face whenever she tortured them by talking about Kelso.

“Ughh.” He shook his shoulders, not liking his comparison to the bratty girl.

He drove around, feeling the need to pass his own street to buy himself some more time, not really sure why.

‘He was just confusing his feelings because he knew Buddy liked him. Yeah, that was it.’

Eric rolled his lips together and sighed, he could go home now. He’d thought about it enough and came to his conclusion and The Eagles were slowly fading out. He turned his blinker on, sat at the stop sign and waited his turn.

The sound of his blinker seemed to get louder, annoying him. “Damn.” He shook his head like couldn’t control his own stupidity and made the quick change to go forward instead, heading back for the busy street. It was suddenly important to him that the Eagles keep playing, maybe a dumb little attempt to grasp onto the movie mood a little longer. But with the desert vibe right there in the music and the sun setting on the cruiser...he really felt like he was on Tatooine. And Luke Skywalker would know what to do, wouldn’t he?

Maybe not. Luke hadn’t faced anything quite like his dumb Point Place problems. ‘There was no doubt he was meant to be with Leia just like him and Donna. Luke would never for a second wonder if he was supposed to be with-..with Han? Would he?’

‘Sure he’d been so happy when Han had come back and even basically jumped into his arms to hug him at the end. And yeah, Han had asked Luke to come with him before he left...’

“Ahhhh.” Eric waved his hand like he had company in the car, which he very clearly didn’t. He pulled into the store he’d been looking for and decided to make this a quick stop. So quick in fact, that he almost forgot to put the damn car into park. He didn’t even want to think about how bad that could’ve been.

He got in and out in a matter of just a few minutes and hopped right back into the cruiser with his small haul. The plastic bag shifted in his lap as he reached his hand inside and pulled out a Crunch Bar which had not been what he intended to buy but he couldn’t resist. He happily bit into that while he freed his new 8-track and got it ready to play.

When the Eagles kicked back in, he momentarily felt eager but when the sound of his own chewing became apparent and the fact that he was sitting in his car alone, he felt ridiculous again. “I should go home.” Eric spoke to himself as he put his car in gear.

But then he thought about actually going back home and having to pin his thoughts for later...and then eventually he’d just put it off forever. “Nah. I’ll drive around.”

Eric didn’t really know why he spoke out loud to himself but he did that a lot when he was stuck for a decision and it really annoyed his friends sometimes. He shoved the rest of the crunch bar in his mouth and drove right back onto the busy street and bought himself and the Eagles some more time by cruising.

The day had gone by pretty quickly and Eric found himself wishing it had all gone by a little slower. Buddy had insisted they take the Vista Cruiser instead of his awesome car for the day. But that was not an uncommon request of his, Eric noticed, Buddy really liked the cruiser. That was one of the most confusing things about him, Eric really needed to ask him why. Buddy was fascinating to him, it seemed. He already asked him why he liked him, which had been embarrassing but that was a while ago now....

Eric turned his wheel and wondered for a half second or so if Buddy still liked him. It had been a while now, hand’t it? About enough time for a crush to fizzle out. The thought that Buddy might be over his crush should’ve eased Eric but instead he found himself a little disappointed. ‘He couldn’t lie to himself, knowing Buddy had a thing for him made him feel good about himself. He found that many times he had made a real effort to look good in front of him and did straight people do that?’

Eric widened his eyes and attempted to push that questioning away. He didn’t have to think like that because he had Donna, so obviously...“Whatever.” Eric rolled his eyes.

‘Oh, loneliness will blind you in between the wrong and the right Oh, coming right behind you, swear I'm gonna find you, one of these nights...’

Eric sighed, the sky was getting to be a darker shade and his friends were probably waiting for him. But suddenly Eric wanted this to be the night he figured everything out...he stumbled over his own thoughts and pulled his confused face.

Things with Donna had been fuzzy lately. He really tried not to think about it though because for so long, Donna had been his dream. He just loved her from the minute he saw her and she became this-beginning & end in all his daydreams.

But some of that spark was gone. He wanted to tell her, badly, but he wasn’t good at things like that. He’d never want to hurt Donna so he consistently put it off until things felt good again and he could forget. ‘But then Buddy came along. It was such a new thing to him...not just Buddy’s sexuality but the idea that someone else might have actual feelings for him! Eric Forman! He just never really expected that. He was confused....and Buddy had said that was ok, didn’t he? Right before he kissed him.’

Eric shivered.

But his feelings for Donna had started so early, that had to mean something and he always guessed like soulmates or something. But maybe that was kiddie shit? Puppy love? The kind of love that made him want to carry her books for her or walk her home...a kind of love that wasn’t meant to live past thirteen. He just hadn’t wanted to let it go.

“-You know, we always had each other, baby I guess that wasn't enough Oh, but here in my heart I give you the best of my love...”

That hit too close to home. How long had he been driving? He’d tuned out into his thoughts for at least six whole songs. Maybe the Eagles were right. He kinda trusted them more than he did himself after all. Eric rolled his lips together and remembered the feeling of Buddy kissing him and then the way Donna felt.

“Oh shit.” He whispered softly to himself and before he knew it, he made another drastic decision and turned his car around.

He didn’t speed but he went as fast as possible and tried not to think too hard because this was a dumb idea, he was sure of it. But he didn’t want to go back on it again.

So he drove until he got to a familiar curb, pulled over and jogged to the front door. He almost pounded the door but thought better of it and knocked with manners. A man he’d only met once, that day too, answered the door and made a displeased face before calling back into his home

“Buddy, that friend of yours is back!”

He walked away from the door-frame only when Buddy came down the stairs and took his place. His dad really didn’t care for Eric all that much.

Buddy scrunched his face up a bit and squinted....Eric liked that face a lot and he felt a bit giddy. Sensing his dad’s displeasure, Buddy came outside and shut the door behind him.“Eric-?”

“Listen Buddy, I just came back to...” ‘Oh god, why did he come back again?’

Buddy crossed his arms and leaned back on his door, a little smirk pulling at his lips with amusement.

“I think I left my-?” Eric tried to think of a plausible excuse but found nothing “dignity at your house...apparently.” He rubbed behind his ear and sighed. He really was bad at facing his feelings and acting like a normal person. However, Buddy just seemed pleasantly surprised. He was giggling in that same way he always giggled at Eric.

“You sure lose that a lot, Eric.” He tilted his head to the side and smiled.

“Yeah, Yeah I do, don’t I?” Eric felt a little more relaxed as he laughed with him.

“What’s the real reason you’re on my porch?” Buddy gently poked his arm and let his hands fall back before habitually bumping his fists together (Eric had noticed he did that a lot).

Eric felt a blush threaten to bloom over his cheeks as heat rose in his body. He wanted to say something. He really did but he hadn’t thought about what it was clearly yet. “I’m an idiot.” He laughed, a nervous one and shook his head.

Buddy was still standing against his red door with that look of amusement, his smile grew wider as he chuckled. “You really didn’t need to come back just to tell me that, I know that.”

Man, he really liked him. Because Eric knew he was an idiot and Buddy seemed to love that about him. He grinned and felt some more of the cinematic energy rise within him again. Maybe Luke did like Han. Maybe Eric had crushed a little on Luke. Maybe he crushed a whole lot more on Buddy now. He knew what he wanted to say but would he be able to? Probably not.

“Hey, do you still like me?”

Buddy blinked and his face fell a little bit, he looked away with embarrassment.

‘Nice going, Eric’

The sun was now almost gone but the hues of the sunset were nicely laying over Buddy, it was...nice. Eric felt bad for spoiling the sight by being an idiot.

“No, wait. Buddy I’m sorry. I-um...” Eric interrupted Buddy just before he began to speak and the boy turned with interest. “I came to tell you...that I think I might...”

Buddy’s eyes widened and he crossed his arms, Eric felt a bit like throwing up into his bushes but he highly doubted anyone would appreciate that. “But-I don’t know. I really thought I had this figured out in the car-” Eric pointed his thumb over his shoulder to the car. “-S’just with the music and I was really...huh.”

Eric sighed and rubbed his hand over his forehead and tried to pretend he couldn’t feel Buddy’s eyes on him.

“So, you came here to tell me that you might um, have feelings for me?” Buddy asked, subtly shifting on his feet. He might beat Eric to those bushes and for some reason that calmed him a bit.

Eric looked up and nodded. Buddy didn’t look too surprised nor did he look that troubled. In fact, he smiled a little. He took a small glance towards the sun and breathed in, turning back and licking his lips. And he laughed.

“You came right back to my house to tell me you might have feelings for me.” He repeated and laughed, not in a mocking way. No. Buddy looked absolutely delighted. He bounced a little on his feet.

“Ummm yeah. Yes I did. But I fully blame the Eagles for my stupidity.” He gestured and waved with his hands while he spoke, a nervous tick. “I mean, I was just really into the music while I was driving and It made me...think about some things.” He nodded, mostly to himself for reassurance.

“You came here while you still have a girlfriend, Eric.” Buddy reminded him and Eric felt extremely guilty. Not just for leaving Donna in the dark but for what now seemed like he was teasing Buddy.

“I-um...I’m confused.” Eric mumbled and finally looked him in the eyes, most likely coming across utterly embarrassed. Buddy could have easily been mad for the surprise visit or for Eric’s vague half confession or for the fact that he had a girlfriend while confessing what might be romantic feelings for him. But instead Buddy looked understanding and offered him a small smile.

“It’s ok to be confused, Eric.”

They were silent for a few seconds, both smiling a little at the familiarity of the situation. Buddy looked behind him at the closed red door and rolled his lips together. “Do you wanna talk about this? I mean, I really wish I had someone I could’ve talked to. We could go for a drive?”

Eric wondered how mad Red might be if he stayed out late but found it was worth it if he could have his head cleared at least a little bit. “That’d be great Buddy. Thanks.” He wasn’t sure how he felt about all of this but he wanted to get to talking. Buddy patted his arm before going back into his house, most likely going to talk to his father.

The sky was now a dusty blue color and the moon was slowly coming into his vision. Anxiety bubbled into his chest when Buddy came right back out with his brown jacket in his hands. He looked perky despite the serious situation which Eric couldn’t understand but he followed him and Buddy walked right over to the Vista Cruiser without a second thought.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As luck would have it, ‘Peaceful Easy Feeling’ happened to be the song that played next on Eric’s tape and when he turned the car on it filled the silence. He didn’t have to look to know that Buddy was smiling. Eric didn’t mind at all that this was the second time he’d heard it that day.

“So Eric, what were you thinking about that...brought you back to me?” Buddy suavely managed to make this conversation look casual. He turned his body to face Eric and rested his arm on the back on the seat, his head balanced on his palm.

“Do you remember when I said that sometimes I felt like I was playing a part with Donna?” Eric was glad he didn’t have to look at Buddy, just the road ahead of them.

There was a few seconds of silence in which Eric assumed Buddy had nodded before realizing he actually had to speak since Eric couldn’t look at him. “Yeah I remember.”

Eric felt his throat close up because he really didn’t want to talk about this. It felt wrong to talk with someone else before Donna who was not only his girlfriend but his best friend. He couldn’t bring himself to explain any further, a mixture of guilt and embarrassment. Buddy seemed to recognize that and didn’t really push the conversation forward. They just listened to the music for a while before Buddy spoke up again.

“I can’t speak for you, Eric, but I know this might be really heavy on you.” Buddy began softly, just over the volume of the music. “I remember what it was like for me and that was the most difficult time of my life...”

“You always seem so relaxed about everything. So comfortable with yourself.” Eric felt like he would never be comfortable calling another guy cute in the school parking lot ever in his life. Buddy buried his nose a little deeper against his palm and let out a small muffled chuckle. It sounded as if he had a million thoughts weighing on him, he sounded older for a second there.

“I am now, for the most part.” He lifted his chin and let his hand fall. “But it wasn’t the greatest time in my life when I had no clue what I was or what that meant.” He started picking at a loose threat on his jeans and looked back towards the windshield.

“It’s a scary time, Eric. Figuring yourself out in a world where it’s only really accepted to be that one thing you’re doubting yourself on.” Buddy laughed, a miserable laugh that made Eric’s stomach drop. “That’s why I really would like to help you...if you need it that is cause hey, maybe you are and maybe you aren’t, you’re a little confused on that.” he shrugged.

The cruiser rolled to a stop at the red-light and Eric felt a small smile come over his face despite the way he was feeling. “You thought I was.” He thought about that kiss again and he guessed Buddy caught his drift by the way his chipper attitude came forward again. He chuckled.

“Yeah. Maybe not my greatest moment.” Buddy shook his head and Eric suddenly felt the need to reassure him.

“It was smooth, I’ll give you that.” He laughed and Buddy rolled his eyes, blushing just the slightest.

“Oh yeah, Thanks a lot....you were really funny that night though.” Buddy giggled, rubbing his curled finger under his nose.

“Oh sure, Laugh it up.” Eric turned to look at him with the convenience of another red-light and mocked Buddy’s laughter which only made Buddy laugh way harder. And then they were both laughing so hard there were tears in the corners of their eyes.

“Don’t look at me again or I swear to God I’ll break a rib.” Buddy wagged his finger in the air and Eric held up one hand innocently.

“I’m driving Buddy. I couldn’t look at you even if I wanted to.”

Buddy figured it was safe and looked back towards Eric only to find him still looking at him with that look on his face again. A dopey little smile. Buddy could not for the life of him explain why he just thought that was so funny. There was just something about it. “Oh my God, I hate you.” He shook his head and held his stomach until he could ease out the laughter.

There was another silence before Eric spoke again. “Do you-..Do you still like me?” He knew it was a bad time to ask, not only was it inconvenient but it also ruined their moment of fun but he just had to know.

“How about we come back to that once you’ve got yourself figured out, Eric?” Buddy asked, softly and with earnest kindness. It made Eric feel a little guilty for asking him again. He nodded.

They were quiet again for the whole of the next song but Eric could hear Buddy tapping his foot and he felt some anxiety fizzle out. He knew they were ok. He thought about what his next steps were...figuring out what his feelings for Buddy were and talking to Donna. It was all very daunting.

But Eric relaxed into the front seat of his car and listened to Buddy humming along to the song. For a few moments, he really felt like he could just take it easy.

#i kinda hate this now #let me know if this is the mess i think it is #i don't think it worked out #eric forman #buddy morgan #eric x buddy #buddy/eric #erics buddy #that 70s show #my fanfiction #topher grace #joseph gordon-levitt #tell me how bad this is #beric

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sweeter-thejuice · 6 years

Text

Bound: I

OC x Erik

Warnings: smut, angst

Word Count: 6.2k

Sweat glistened off of my body while my legs pumped at full speed, half resistance on the elliptical. With music blasting in my ear, I pumped hard trying to drown out the stress and trepidation that resonated through my bones over these past five days. Coming back to my hometown gave me a certain uneasiness that I couldn't ignore. The gym being my main stress outlet, I made it my first priority, the second I got here, to get a weekend pass to work out until I was numb, physically and mentally.

It’s been three years since I left this town, unannounced. Mia, my best friend, being the only person informed of my whereabouts. I made the impulsive decision of moving from New York to California, 2,764 miles away from everyone, the day after my high school graduation. This weekend was the first time we’d seen in each other in years. Over the past years, the act of Mia and I interacting, physically, was forbidden and taboo. I wanted nothing persuading or swaying me to feel guilty of my selfish decision. We communicated through social media and FaceTime, keeping our connection strong. Now that I’m prepared, and my life in California is too established for me to leave, I decided it was time for us to have a reunion.

Minus the constant trouble, negative energy and depression, I did, unfortunately, have a good, oblivious life here in Brooklyn. The universe gave me friends that cared about me, a boyfriend who loved me, and, all-in-all, a family that I chose.

We’re called the fab five. Five of the baddest, black women in our hometown walking around like the world revolved around our satisfaction. Honestly, we’re just a bunch of rude bitches, dividing and starting unnecessary mess within our community. The fab five hosts all of the parties, keeps our grades top of our class, dresses to impress, keeps our hair and nails slayed and only dates men that were above or on our level. You had to be cute, to our standards, or rich to associate yourself with us. We didn't even know the damage we were causing to self-esteems and quite frankly, we didn't care. The group started in the ninth grade and lasted until our senior year, surprisingly.

Tori, a dark-skinned, beautiful demon is the leader of the group. With her being rich, powerful and smart, the name and rules of the group was coined by her. Jade, Tori’s right hand woman, is always cleaning up Tori’s mess and creating some of her own. Her light skin complexion got her in and out of a lot of trouble. Keiosha, another member, followed Tori and Jade. The most calm of the group, Kei made it a priority to stay out of mess and settle any beefs. Although peace is her mantra, she finds herself in a lot of sticky situations, you know, with her head being stuck up Tori’s round ass. Then there’s Mia, a sad, depressed, troubled young woman and my best friend. We are polar opposites from everyone else and try to stay as far away from their mess as possible. The only reason we joined the group is because of the connections and, although we hate to admit, power.

“Bitches, we’re getting dumb lit prom weekend!” Tori announced while stuffing chicken nuggets in her perfect mouth. The rich bitch payed the security guard to allow the fab five to leave campus for food. Her father owned an oil company and her mother was an investment banker. The influence that they had on the school and public officials around them were too real. There was nothing money couldn't get them. “My mom rented out this club in upstate New York and we’re going to have the time of our lives. Free drinks, an unlimited supply of weed, a DJ, food catering, you name it and it’s there! My dad set up the arrangement and he’s working on the flyers. We’ll be passing them out Wednesday.” A squeal came from the girls that sat next to her, Jade to her right and Keiosha to her left, both her little minions. Unimpressed, Mia and I gave each other a look and stood up from the table.

“Uh, sounds good,” I said picking up my bag and putting on my backpack, “we’ll catch up with you all later.”

Tori waved her hand, dismissing us like we asked for her permission. Just a couple of more months and I don't have to look at this tired ho ever again. If it was up to me, I would've beat her ass a long time ago, but my fear of jail and losing all of my life investments spooked me out of the idea. Being her friend wasn’t all that miserable. I got a bomb ass scholarship out of the situation, Bill Gates to be exact. Almost one million dollars for college that I can spend at my own leisure. No debt, all four years paid for and extra spending money is what heaven sounds like to the average college student.

“Is she trying to mess up our opportunities or something? Talking about alcohol and weed. Bitch, we’re barely eighteen!” Mia ranted beside me. We were headed to our sixth period, government class that we shared together.

“Girl, you know how that silly bitch gets, thinking she runs New York and shit. I’m not going to the party. I refuse to associate myself with her after prom.” Mia shook her head in agreement. Inches away from the classroom, Mia took my hand and pulled me backwards.

“Wait!”

I yanked my hand from her firm grasp.

“Girl, what the fuck is wro-” I was about to tear the bitch another asshole when the sound of the orchestra played beautifully behind me.

When you're feeling lost in the night

When you feel your world just ain’t right

Call on me, I will be waiting

Count on me, I will be there

Monica’s, For You I Will was being sung by our school’s choir. They all wore yellow, my favorite color. The smiles on their faces were enough to wipe my anger away and send me into a smiling fit. I turned to Mia to see if she had some information but my eyes immediately fell to the beautiful yellow rose in her hand. Holding it closer to my face, she shook her head and stuck out her tongue.

“Take the flower bitch and go in the classroom!” I took the flower from her hand as she slid my backpack from my shoulders. My legs moved hesitantly towards the classroom where I was instantly blown off my feet at the scenery inside.

Hanging from the ceiling were beautiful yellow lights and the desks were pushed against the back wall. Yellow flowers, dahlias, my favorite, were shaped on the floor in letters that spelt out the words ‘Prom, lil nigga?’. A chuckle escaped my lips as tears rolled down my cheek. Nobody but Erik’s weird ass would do something so thoughtful and romantic, yet so hood. My tears were cut short when I felt a couple of strongs arms wrap around me.

“Prom,” his lips grazed my ear, “lil nigga?”

Turning around to meet his gaze, I pecked his lips. “Sure, big nigga.” With the choir and orchestra still going, we swayed in the middle of the classroom to our favorite song.

I pumped a couple of more times before my music paused and started again.

bestfriend sent you a message:

-Bitch, the kick back starts in 10 minutes.

Honestly, I forgot all about that party. Going to the party was not apart of my agenda. There was going to be too many of my demons there for me to face, unfinished business. If it wasn't for Mia manipulating and threatening me, I would've blocked her number and called her when I got back to Cali.

Forcefully removing myself from the machinery, I shot her a quick text saying that I’d be there in thirty minutes. I walked to the gym’s restroom, wiped my body with a fresh towel then headed to my car.

The girls and I planned on going to NYU together before I broke the group up changing to UCLA at the last minute. The fab five was not true to my character or who I wanted to be as a woman. Being self-absorbed is not a bad thing but when it’s used to divide and single out other women, it reaches a new form of evil. The group was not the best time of my life and if I could erase some of the memories from it, I would and that’s exactly what I wanted to do. If it wasn't for the history, prior to joining the group, that Mia and I shared, I would've cut her off too, but she was my sister and we promised to always be there for each other.

I parked in front of the huge chateau, belonging to the leader of our dismantled group. It was supposed to be a small get together, only the fab five and their plus one, but the cars splattered out of the driveway and on the road said other wise. Glancing at my self in the mirror, I pulled my now frizzy silk press back in a ponytail, adjusted my sports bra and smeared lip gloss on my lips. Maybe, I should’ve brought a change of clothes. Opting out of being completely careless, I pulled my light purple jacket from my gym bag and placed it over my body. My gym outfit was colorful, but not too bad. Why do I even care?

I checked the time that read, 8:03. My plane departed around two o’clock so I had my escape plan ready. Everything was packed back at the hotel but that was going to be my excuse. I plan on gettting out of here by nine o’clock, amen. Before I even arrived to the door, it swung open letting out an aroma of weed and alcohol. It’s about to be a long night.

“BITCHHHHHH! I missed you!” Mia yelled out, fake because we’ve been with each other for the entire weekend. I squealed and pushed her off of me quickly, denying that type of physical contact.

“Leigha!!!” And just like that the other three members of the fab five were embracing my body, kissing, grabbing and tugging all over me. Some touchy bitches they were.

“We missed you so much!” Keiosha practically screamed in my ear while hugging me.

“Okay get off me!” I said pushing them, knowing how I felt about intimacy.

“UGHH, you couldn’t find some better clothes?” Tori asked with a disgusted expression plastered across her gorgeous face. She wore a light blue, fitted, thin spaghetti strap dress with some strappy, nude heels, showcasing all of her womanly curves and kick ass body. Her thick hair was pulled up into a curly ponytail, leaving her shimmery shoulders on full display. A whole meal and I wanted a bite. My mouth watered ready to taste the rich chocolate and if she wasn’t such a bitch, I would have asked, even begged to have a piece.

“You couldn’t find a darker foundation shade?” Her makeup was fine but I wanted to match her tone.

“Tuh, bitch, my makeup is beaT.” her arms found her chest.

“Yea-” my mouth was ready to combat.

“Alright, Leigha, everybody is here and they’re so excited to see you.” Mia took my hand and walked me through the foyer, up the stairs and down to the party room where the rest of the guest were. If it wasn’t for her, Tori and I would have stood there fighting for dominance with our words daring the other to make a move. The tension between us was sexual on my end but volatile on hers, which is not a good combination. She’s still mad I broke up the group. Mad because she can’t control me like she does the rest of these girls.

I greeted all of the guest individually, genuinely happy to see everyone. There were a couple of football players, dance members and ‘popular’ kids along with the boyfriends of the fab five spread out in the dim-lit room. I get sick to my stomach thinking about how much these people love to hang on to their high school glory days. That shit was three whole years ago, it’s time to grow up.

One thing I can give Tori is that, the devil knew how to throw bomb ass parties. The music was banging from the wall speakers and the decor complimented her home well. Rose gold accessories were spread out on the tables and floor with off white flowers creating that bougie feeling. It was a small party, to her standards, so there was no need for catering. She had a food table, with finger foods and a sweets table with cookies and brownies. To the far right of the room, there was a bar with pre-rolled blunts on a rose gold platters. I walked over to the bar and found a bottle of water. Making my way around the room, I stopped at the food table and viewed my options.

“Leigha, when are you going back home?” I was picking through the small selection of finger food when I heard Tori’s irritating voice over the soft talking and speakers. Of course everyone stopped when the queen began.

After filling my plate, I turned to her and stated bluntly, “At two AM.”

“So let me get this straight,” my legs worked their way to an empty chair, “You just got out here from California, today, after three years of no communication and now you’re leaving for California in a few hours?” Her hip swayed to the side and stayed, her hand meeting it.

“No,” I placed the plate on the table and took a bite from my cucumber, “I came here Thursday and I’m leaving tomorrow, which is Tuesday, at two AM.” I plopped my fingers in my mouth and sucked them loud enough for her to turn up her nose at my rude table manners.

“See! This bitch is a whole ass bird.” I chuckled at her choice of words and dug into my tuna sandwich. The chatter picked up again and the four girls pulled up some chairs close to me.

“Lei, why didn’t you tell us you were here?” Keiosha spoke, the mediator of the five. Her hair was in a blunt cut and she wore a silk, red pants, two piece. Her and Tori had on the same shoes. Jade, a light skinned devil, sat next to her with her gorgeous body covered in a cute, orange romper. Mia was trying to contain her laugh while she stared at me with the other set of eyes.

“I didn’t want all of the attention on me. We all know how Tori gets when people aren’t talking about her all time.” Mia lost it.

“Cut the shit. You know exactly why you failed to inform us of your arrival, exactly why you failed to tell us about you going to UCLA. Ex-fucking-zackly why we had to get updates about your life for three fucking years from Mia. You're a coward. You and Mia are two selfish ass bitches who only think about yourselves.” Rolling her long neck, she placed her arms over her breasts pushing them up a bit

“If you don’t get the fu-“ My insult was cut short when the chatter in the room picked up, volume increasingly high. We all stood up in unison, ready to defend each other from a possible threat.

Unfortunately it wasn’t a murderer or a thief, nope, it was much worse, Erik Stevens showed up. The way I left things off with Erik was nothing short of a disaster. He was in the dark like everyone else. Mia promised me that he didn't know about this party. She told me that she made everyone promise not to tell him about it. My stomach knotted and sweat built up on my already scorching skin.

“Why is he here?” fear was laced in my tone.

“I invited him.” Tori announced pulling down her dress and making her way towards him. Jade and Keiosha followed like puppies, waiting for their owner’s command. Me and Mia sat down watching the pettiness exude from their perfect bodies. I wanted to get up and smack fire into them greasy bitches, but my memory of Tori’s power slapped me out of the thought.

“I hate that bitch! She’s always starting some shit. I’m sick of her, man. How do you still hang out with her?” Mia touched my leg as it shook fiercely and looked down at her feet. Against all of my natural reflexes, I left her hand there and rubbed my thumb on her skin trying to ease mine and her nerves.

“They’re all I have, Leigha. You left me, remember?” My body couldn’t have turned quicker.

“That’s not fair. You could have came with me, you didn’t!”

“Tuh, you’re the one who got that Gates Scholarship, Lei, not me! I couldn’t afford a move to Cali and I for damn sure wasn’t getting into UCLA.” Her arms found her chest and her body slouched in the chair. My lack of problem solving skills and empathy made me turn back around in my seat and glance at the wall, all thoughts of Erik’s presence pushed out my head, guilt replacing it. “I missed you, you know? You’re my best friend. The only person who knows everything about me. You ju-“

“You told me this before, Mia. I don’t want to hear this shit.” Standing up, I walked to the door that led to the balcony and slammed it shut behind me.

What did they expect from me? I don’t live my life for them. I’m tired of being the backbone. They need to learn to survive on their own, I’m doing it. Pressuring me to conform to them and cater to their needs is only going to push me away further. Mia will be alright. She don’t need me, man.

My thoughts were cut short when I heard the door open and shut behind me. “Mia, it’s my last night with you. I don’t feel like this, okay?” My legs turned so my eyes could fall on a creature that was the exact opposite of my soft best friend. With his dreads pulled back in two braids that ran to the back of his neck, his firm features were on full display. The gold in his mouth glistened on his pearl, white teeth as his dimples made an appearance. He looked simple with a plain white, fitted shirt, light washed jeans and white Nike’s.

“Do I look like Mia, lil nigga.”

“Fuck no. Mia’s not nearly as ugly.” I turned around to my original spot and placed my arms on the metal gate that circumferenced the balcony. Shortly, he stood next to me, his shoulder touching mine.

“Now you know I’m not ugly.” I felt his eyes burning the side of my face. Naturally, I turned to meet his gaze.

“You may not be ugly but you certainly not cute so what is it?” Gorgeous, an angel, crafted from the finest soil and molded by Jesus himself? Yes.

He showed his grill again and put his hand on my hips pulling me into his chest. My nipple grazed his bumpy upper body and my vagina shuttered at the touch. Aren’t I supposed to be feeling some type of guilt or anxiety? Nope, I’m horny. The same feelings that ran through my bones three years ago resurfaced for this man and my previous nerves vanished at his touch.

“I missed your smart ass.” Surprisingly, I welcomed his embrace and we stood there for a while, silent. It was nice to be held by a strong, confident human again. I haven’t felt this feeling in a while. Hugging was such an intimate thing for me, being an empath and all. Auras and spirits are absorbed through hugging so I try not to do it too often. Emotions were transferred from their body into mine and I felt some of his strength radiating through my blood while his arms pulled me closer. I wonder what emotions he took from me.

“You feel so good in my arms, lil nigga.” His softness surprised me, why isn't he yelling, making a scene? Something big twitched near my lower region and I knew that wasn’t his leg. I pushed him off of me, breaking the contact.

“Alright, that’s enough.” My arms found the rail again.

“You wasn’t trying to come to this party, huh?” Closing my eyes, I prepared to get dragged. At his lack of words, I opened them and found his eyes on me scanning my body. I looked down and remembered my work out attire.

Relieved, I chuckled lightly and did a slow spin while swaying my hips. “You not feeling it? Straight from the clearance rack at Academy.” I stopped and met his expression.

“Oh, I love it. The color contrast is what really speaks to me. A purple sweater, a pink sports bra and green shorts. Girl, what you trying to do, taste the rainbow?” I cackled. He always came prepared with the jokes.

“Anyways,” My legs moved to the lawn chairs displayed against the back of the house, he followed.

“Speaking of rainbows, you still with that gay shit? Mia told me about you dating girls and shit.” I’m killing the bitch. My sexuality wasn’t something that I brought up to just anyone, so I trusted her with that information. I didn’t even explore the thought until I got to California but that’s beside the point. Let’s get into this nigga trying to invalidate my entire existence.

“What you mean ‘still into that gay shit?’ As if it was some kind of phase or act of rebellion? And I’m not gay, I’m bi-or- I don’t know, but boy, you can get the hell on with your dismissive tone.”

He pulled a blunt out his pocket and lit the end with the tip in his mouth. “Mmhm.” He took a drag and then held it out for me to grab. I swatted it and shook my head ‘no’.

“You’re still a square, I see.”

“You’re still annoying, I see.” I layed my head back on the lawn chair and stretched my body across the seat, memories of us in high school playing in my head.

“What if we get caught, Erik?” We walked behind the math building, going to Erik’s infamous smoke spot. It’s where all the rebels like Erik and his bad ass friends went to do God knows what. They smoked over here, had sex, shot dice you name it. No matter what it was, it was trouble and I had a reputation and scholarship to keep, so did Erik.

“We not going to get caught, relax.” His hand was soft in mine, making me swoon at his touch. Whatever he asked me to do, I did. I don’t even know why, honestly. He’s my closest friend besides Mia, but my feelings weren’t as strong for her as they were for him. We finally stopped at a spot hidden by an old raggedy storage unit. He pulled out a neatly rolled blunt and lit the end with the tip in his mouth. Taking a drag, he inhaled and let out the smoke then placed it in my hand.

“I don’t know what to do.” I admitted with no shame. Erik never made me feel insecure, everything was peaceful with him. I experienced a lot of firsts with him, this moment being one of them.

“Just place it between your lips, suck and inhale slowly, then let the smoke out.” He explained, simply. I did what he said but, somehow didn't have the same outcome as him. Instead, I was a coughing mess, cuffing and squeezing my chest. That stuff burned. I guess it was a comedy show to him because he laughed loud ass hell shaking and clapping his hands.

“Nigga, that’s not funny. I could’ve died.” I placed the death stick back in his hand and watched him in disgust. “But, I’m happy you’re amused.”

“Here, do it again.” He moved it to my face and I rejected his offer shaking my head ‘no’.

“I’ve had enough, thank you.” He took another drag and repeated the same action.

“Come on, man. I don’t want to do it on my own.” He made puppy dog eyes and fluttered his long lashes. I refused to succumb to his blatant manipulation and peer pressure.

“I said no, big nigga! Now hurry up before we get caught.” He laughed and finished off the blunt.

“Square.”

I smiled softly recounting that iconic moment in my life. Erik noticed my expression and spoke up gently. “What you smiling at?”

“You and how much shit you dragged me in.” He laughed sitting back in the chair beside me.

“Yeah, but you let me. I did as much as you allowed.” There wasn’t a lie in sight. If Erik asked me to jump, I didn’t even have to ask how high, I already knew. No matter what we did, I always knew that he had my back. I guess that’s why I followed him like a lost puppy, along with the attention he gave me that I so desperately needed.

“Yeah, I was stupid. But all that shit gone change when we turn forty, Craig.” Getting the reference, he laughed and placed his hand on mine squeezing lightly.

“You weren’t stupid, just in love.” Speechless, for the first time in my life, I was speechless because where is the lie? I couldn’t find it. Never have I ever been able to put how I felt about him into words and here he goes, with his all-knowing ass, telling me exactly how I felt about him. Telling me something that I would never admit out loud.

“Nigga, didn’t nobody love your wack ass.” My hand moved trying to lose his grip. He pulled it back effortlessly.

“Don’t lie.” His tone was serious now and I felt the tension from his body enter mine. This is why I hated physical touch. “Because I, unapologetically, loved your ass.” He sat up in his chair swinging his legs to where he was in between our chairs, staring at my body. His eyes were fixed on my frame, dancing over it, admiring my figure.

“You like what you see?” I tried to change the subject.

“Love it.” There he goes with that word again. “Sit up.” I did exactly what he said, my knees meeting his. “You loved me?”

“No.” He placed his hands on my thighs and pulled my legs open.

“Don’t lie, Leigha.” My body was off the chair as he picked me up and placed me on his lap.

“Erik, if- if you already know then why- why you need me to say it?” Pleased with my undoing, his lips turned up into a sinister smirk.

“Because I want to hear you say it with your words.” He kissed my cheek gently and took a puff from his blunt that I was suprised wasn’t finished yet. Keeping the smoke in, his lips met mine as he released the smoke in my mouth. I took it in like he taught me and then blew it out the side of my mouth. His lips met mine again and I instantly submitted to their passionate touch. A moan escaped my mouth while his groin touched my moist center. My body hasn’t been touched this way in years, his touch being the last, and it’s enjoying all of the attention. “Say it.”

Without missing a beat I uttered the three words I dread saying, “I love you.” With that, he pulled me closer to his chest, syncing our bodies together. I threw my arms around his neck deepening the kiss. His strong hands moved to my shoulders sliding the jacket off of my arms. The jacket hit the ground while his soft lips met my salty neck sucking and biting the exposed skin. Whimpers left my mouth and filled the air. One would think that him and my neck had a vendetta the way he smacked and chewed on it. Rocking me back and forth on his hard shaft, his firm hands squeezed my ass. Instantly accepting the stimulation, my hips moved to his pace and soon we were dry humping on the lawn chair. I moaned and whimpered as soft as possible trying not to signal someone inside.

“Erik, please, we can’t. Not out here. T-there’s- our friends are inside.” I sat up trying to escape his movement but he puled me back down deepening the initial contact. We needed this.

“If you be quiet, they won’t hear us, baby.” I shook my head in agreement and continued moving my hips on his covered member. It was rock hard while it grazed my soaked folds over my thin layer of clothes. His lips met mine again, instantly placing his tongue between them. His tongue found every inch of space in my mouth, his lips sucking and sinking on mine.

I broke the kiss, fed up with the teasing. “Erik, please fuck me.” He didn’t have to be asked twice. He stood me up, pulled down my shorts and placed me on his lap again in a matter of seconds. He sat up just enough to unbutton his pants and pull them down. Without hesitation, I settled down on the tip of his hard dick. His eyes met mine and my mouth opened wide. Trapping the moan I was about to let out, his lips crashed into mine. With his hands on my hips, he eased me down onto his long, thick shaft stretching every wall I had. My juices spilled all over his member, making it easier for me to slide down. I twitched and wiggled at the uncomfortable yet satisfying feeling.

“Mmmmmhhmm” I sat there for a while lips still on his adjusting to his length. He moaned into me and placed his hands on my ass. We stayed there for a minute before he got fed up.

“Move or get up!” Like the champ that I was, I pushed the uneasiness aside and moved my hips up and down his length. The man is a monster. His moan was deep and concentrated. After a while, comfort had me attacking his dick, moving to the rhythm of the muffled rap songs coming from inside. At that point, I didn't care if anyone heard us. I swayed on his dick, twerking and bouncing confidently trying to milk all of his love juice from his veiny friend. I wanted it in me. My body moved for him, trying to make up for the lost time and betrayal. My moans were sloppy like my riding, filling the dense air and encouraging my juices to spill all over his lap. My toes curled up and pressure built up in my stomach. He moaned into me neck as I reached my peak, cum shooting down his thighs. I shook at the orgasm that took over my entire body.

Before I could come down from my high, he flipped us in the chair, positioning himself on top of me. He slammed into me like a mad man, digging for lost gold inside of my throbbing center. His thrusts were powerful and strong making my legs, that rested on his hips, allowing him to hit my special spot with each stroke, shake and quiver.

“Say it, Leigha!” His lips found mine again. “Say it.”

“Daddy! Daddy!” I screamed unsure of what he wanted to hear. His lips traveled to my ear where he nibbled and sucked. Slowing down his strokes, his hands snaked around my body pulling me closer.

“No, not that, baby. Tell me you love me.”

“I love you, Erik.” He put his forehead on mine and a tear, that wasn't mine, met my cheek.

“Then why’d you leave me, huh?” His pace picked up and now he was attacking my slit. I felt myself getting wetter with each thrust, my orgasm coming on strong. More tears fell from his eyes and I moved to wipe them but he took my hand and pinned them above my head. “Why the fuck you left me, huh?”

“Erik, please? I-I don- OHHH!” My body shook under his fiercely, orgasm taking over. His strokes were sloppy as his warm seed traveled in my hole coating all of me. Still inside of me, he put his weight on me slowing his breaths, trying to gain his composure. My body twitched under him, wanting more. Going against my hunger, my hands moved to touch his back, rubbing up and down trying to help him with his recovery process.

A few minutes passed and he pulled out of me, pulling up and zippening his pants. I layed there, breathless, as he wiped me with my jacket and pulled me up helping me put on my shorts.

“Answer me.” He held me in his arms taking in my scent. “Why did you leave me?”

“Erik, I didn’t just leave you. I left everyone. I wanted to start a new life, I guess.” I closed my eyes and squeezed him gently, his sadness filling my bones.

“You didn’t think twice. We had plans and you just up and left without informing me,” he pushed me off of him gently. “ Do you know how fucking sad I was? My best friend, my girl, my fucking wife left me. That was selfish as fuck Leigha! You hurt all of us. We fucking needed you. I needed you. I love you!” Tears left me violently. I hated how they tried to villainize my decision of bettering my life. Why did they all try to control me? We don’t have to be stuck up each other’s ass our whole life. They can live without me.

“And I know what you’re thinking. No, we can’t fucking live without you. Tori was being a bitch, causing Kei to relapse. Jade went back to that abusive ass nigga that she won’t let me kill and Mia is just a sad, depressed, suicide case. Do you know how many hospital visits I had to make? The therapists, counselors. Nothing is working. You left us! We need you!” Quickly, my sadness turned into anger.

“How fucking dare you blame y’all fucked up life on me? Where the fuck were y’all when I needed help? Where were y’all when I was dealing with my crazy ass parents? Why the fuck am I always held accountable for y’all’s mistakes and life choices? I can’t cure depression or an eating disorder! Tori has always been a bitch and y’all know that! Y’all chose to stay here. Y’all could leave but y’all don’t!” The words left my mouth quicker than a freight train. I was not about to accept his abuse. None of that that was happening to them was my fault. We stood there for awhile staring and crying roughly. He tried to hold me but I rejected the contact. When he said nothing, I stormed through the door and grabbed my phone and keys.

“Leigha where were you?” Mia’s clingy ass asked. She saw my face and instantly softened her tone, “What happened? What’s wrong?”

“Fuck you, Mia!” That wasn’t the words that I wanted to say but that’s what came out. I was a mess.

“Bitch, what’s wrong with your dramatic ass?” Although the words were harsh, Tori was genuinely concerned as she ran after me with the other women while I ran to my car. I unlocked the car, opened the door and plopped down in my seat. Putting my key in the ignition I locked my doors, put the car in reverse and backed out. The women screamed words and beat on my car window begging me to stay and talk to them. I looked at the clock that read, 9:45. A few more hours and I would finally be back home. This place fucking sucks.

The ride back to the hotel was annoying and so was the ride to the airport. Surprisingly, Mia didn't show up, with the rest of them, at my hotel. I wanted to sleep away the emotions that Erik forced out of me, but I couldn't. Instead, I laid on the bed crying, for hours, begging the universe to take away the pain. I hated that he brought all of that up. He had no right to make me feel bad about their problems. I wasn't this kind of savior that they made me out to be. They needed professional help, all of them and I was just as fucked up as they were.

They all text me like crazy people. Between the five of them, I had over one hundred notifications: missed Facetime calls, audio calls, messages and even snapchats. These hoes were relentless.

One missed message stood out the most to me. It was a message from Tori, the wicked witch of the West:

-If you leave here without saying goodbye, make it a priority to not come back.

The words sat heavy on my chest. The audacity of her to think that I was going to come back, anyway.

Bound II

tags: @eriknutinthispoosy @theunsweetenedtruth @yourstrulyylauren @yoyolovesbucky

I wanted to keep going but 6k words was enough henny. Idk? lol but please give me some feedback and tell me what I need to work harder at.

144 notes · View notes

gwen-of-myth · 6 years

Text

Peter is not a nice man. There is little he wouldn’t do selfishly, and even less he would do selflessly.

Even so...

For a moment, he just looks at Stiles as he lays in a crumpled heap.

The boy’s remarkable loyalty is completely wasted on Scott and his little pack. They have once again forgotten Stiles. Forgotten that for all of his bravery and intelligence, it is all for naught if he has no support. The consequence is this: Stiles, bleeding onto the cold ground, alone.

Peter fights off the urge to vomit.

In an instant, he has the boy cradled in his arms. Peter winces as the pain hits, but doesn’t falter draining his pain as he begins his trek to the Stilinski house. Stiles is almost lifeless and the fluttering of his heart is a bit too weak for Peter’s liking.

His chest rumbles in a mixture of rage and, admittedly, a bit of fear.

What if Peter is too late?

He pushes that thought aside the moment he arrives at the house. Quickly, he gets Stiles laying flat on his bed and removes his shirt and pants. Peter immediately sees what his nose couldn’t pinpoint for all the blood--a large, deep set of claw marks traveling from the edge of his rib cage to the top of his shoulder. Bruises also tarnish Stiles’s skin all over, yellow and purple mottling his skin. Both are a dark contrast to his now overly pale skin.

Peter fetches gauze, peroxide, cotton balls, and anything else he could think of that could be of use and gets to work. It’s like riding a bike, Peter thinks to himself. Being apart of such a large supernatural family meant he was always taking care of scrapes and booboos, and apparently that skill stayed with him long after the fire.

“Ughh,” Stiles suddenly groans, and Peter lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. His heartbeat is getting stronger, and a bit of color is returning.

He wasn’t too late. It isn’t too late to save him.

It takes another forty minutes for Stiles to begin looking like the spastic teen Peter remembers. In that time, Peter finishes bandaging him up and contacts John. He isn’t happy about it being Peter to help his son, but it seems the man knows (or at least suspects) that if it wasn’t Peter, it wouldn’t be anyone.

“I can’t leave work now,” John tells Peter. “So just tell Scott--”

“I refuse to tell that failure of an Alpha anything.”

John is silent, undoubtedly picking up on the unsubtle anger in Peter’s voice.

“I’ll take care of him.”

“You better. Christopher has loaded me up with wolfsbane bullets, Hale, and I won’t hesitate to use them.”

Then Peter hangs up because he can hear Stiles’s heart rate increase. A lot.

Stiles’s chest is spasming and he’s making these small squeaky noises that are making Peter’s chest clench.

Peter pets up and down Stiles’s bare torso, trying to calm the panic attack away.

“I’ve got you, you’re safe. Nothing can hurt you here.”

He repeats these words until Stiles can breathe, and then he glances at the bandages.

Peter doesn’t understand why the thought of Stiles not being okay makes him so upset. At this point, he doesn’t think it matters, though, so he pushes that from his mind and focuses on helping Stiles.

“What--” gasp “--happened?”

Peter hesitates for a moment. Is it better to lie, to deceive Stiles into thinking his friends didn’t abandon him? No. He deserves to know. Even if it kills Peter to be the one to tell him, he deserves to know.

“They left you to die.”

Stiles’s flinch hits Peter hard, but he steels himself.

The boy swallows hard.

“Oh.”

He looks down at the bandages, and then the tears come. For the second time, Peter pulls him to his chest. He lets Stiles sob into his chest for a long time, occasionally wiping at his face.

It’s only when Peter notes how beautiful Stiles is (even as his eyes are puffy and face is shiny with snot and tears) that he knows he’s in trouble. Because Peter is not nice; never has been. He’s an asshole at the best of times, and a murderer at his worst.

He’s in trouble now because for the first time in a while, Peter is scared. He wants to kiss Stiles now, and keep him safe. Court him, date him, love him. He’s scared of the possessiveness he feels toward someone half his age, and as juvenile as it sounds, Peter is scared of the rejection that will surely follow if he tells Stiles any of this.

Stiles, unaware of his inner turmoil, presses closer as his sobs slowly turn into hiccups.

“Are you hungry,” Peter asks him once the tears have completely stopped and the smell of sadness has disappeared.

A loud rumble comes from Stiles’s stomach, making him go a pretty red.

“I’ll take that as a yes. Are pancakes good?”

"How is that even a question you're asking? Pancakes are always good."

"Point taken. Come on, let's make sure your father doesn't shoot me for not feeding you."

Stiles gives him a weird look then.

"Why would my dad shoot you? Wait, did you talk to him?! Bad idea, Zombiewolf! Possibly one of the worst ideas you've ever had!"

Peter snorts.

"I did talk to him, but," he says, lifting a finger to stop Stiles from interrupting, "would you rather John come home to a werewolf putting his hands on his injured son?"

"I hate it when you're right," Stiles mumbles.

"I get that a lot."

They make their way to the kitchen slowly. Peter guides Stiles with a hand on his hip, drawing pain whenever it comes. Stiles eyes the black veins on his arms with a guilty look on his face, but says nothing.

A silence falls over them as Peter starts on the pancakes. Stiles fidgets as always, flinching whenever he moves the wrong way in his seat. The scent of anxiety--bitter, but spicy--assaults his nose, making it hard to focus on the task at hand. He looks nervous, like something is bothering him, but Peter knows better than to ask. But he knows he made the right choice when Stiles blurts out what's on his mind.

"So...uh, what should I tell Scott when I see him next? I mean, when I show up to a Pack meeting smelling like you, that's going to raise some questions."

A low growl sounds through the kitchen before Peter can stop it.

"You're smarter than this, Stiles. You keep letting them have chance after chance, and when you do, you get hurt. Like this. You could have died today. If I hadn't been there, you would've."

He flips a pancake, eyes downcast as he hears the uptake in Stiles's breathing.

"Look, I don't get why you're doing this, but I know why I am. I'm the breakable, fragile human, I get that. But I'm not going to just sit here while my friends nosedive into danger just because I'm scared of a few bruises."

Peter gestures toward the bandages with eyes glowing blue, his grip on the spatula tight and angry.

"That is not just 'a few bruises'. Those are not your friends. Leave the moralistic bullshit to Scott and listen to me when I say I am doing this for you."

A blush spreads from Stiles's face down to his neck.

"You--"

"I like you, Stiles."

He turns around and leans over the table, into the boy's personal space. Stiles parts his lips, almost like an invitation, eyes wide and bright. They're breathing the same air now, noses brushing together.

Fuck it, Peter decides, never one to pass up an opportunity, and never one to pass up an opportunity that may never come again. It's selfish, this desire, and it's reminding Peter that no, he's still not a good person, and yes, he's still very much in trouble. He presses their lips together, relishing in the surprised moan Stiles lets out.

Then the front door opens and the smell of burnt pancakes hit Peter's nose.

He curses, quickly tending to saving his creations.

"Oh, uh, h-hey dad, how's it going, we're just...cooking. Want a pancake," Stiles sputters.

John rolls his eyes and inspects his son's wounds suspiciously.

"Depends. Is he using that recipe that uses soy, or is he making actual pancakes?"

In between Stiles's yelling about John's health, Peter assures him that he would never make pancakes from soy, and yes, of course he'll cook real bacon with it. While John is scarfing it down, Stiles and Peter share a smile, like a secret.

Traitor, Stiles mouths, grinning and pointing at the pancakes. Peter scoffs, mouthing back the word 'Bribery'.

And, well, if their hands somehow end up entwined when John isn't looking, that would just be Peter's selfish nature, wouldn't it?

#Steter #fanfic

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