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eddies-house · 1 year

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California Dreamin’

Chapter Two - Milkshakes & Sunburns (18+ ONLY)

Ch. 1 | Ch. 3 | Ch. 4

Modern!Eddie AU - In which Eddie travels to California searching for something more out of life. And then he meets you.

Warnings: mentions of drug use and alcohol, reader being insecure, mentions of a deceased parent, eventual smut in future chapters, let me know if I missed any :)

8.8K words

Eddie x Reader, Friends to lovers, Slow burn

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Note: So I got carried away and just kept writing. Also got a bit discouraged but that’s ok cause I kept writing anyway 😅 I’d love to know what you guys think about it. I’m trying to better myself as a writer and I figure the only way to do it is to write what I want and post it even if I’m scared. Also it’s like a fanfic so who tf cares it’s just fun.

Masterlist

The mornings in summer were cool and a blessing before the hot California sun seized the rest of the day. Birds chattered in the distance and lawn mowers hummed, giving off the scent of fresh cut grass. The smell of bacon and the clatter of pots and pans snaps Eddie out of his slumber.

Wiping drool from his mouth, he sits up throwing the sheets off of himself, his unruly curls sticking up in every direction, bangs smashed to each side of his temples.

Stretching with a deep groan, he swipes up his shirt off the floor and tosses it on. In the last few days he fell into routine with the household. Breakfasts at the table rather than in a rush on his way out the door, assigned chores, and of course a phone call to Wayne every other day, providing him updates on how he’s been doing so far.

—

Wayne had been worried about Eddie prior to him leaving Hawkins. His nephew wasn’t doing so well or at least that’s what it looked like in between all the drinking, smoking, and restless nights, hearing Eddie in his room every evening, doing anything but sleeping only for him to emerge in the morning with purple eye bags and bloodshot eyes.

It got to a point that Wayne didn’t know what to do anymore and god forbid, he wasn’t going to let his nephew, practically his son, drink himself to death. Smoke himself out of reality. Disappear right before him.

Wayne was never one to bring up emotions or ask for help but he sure as hell wasn’t going let this continue. Cringing at the thought of asking for any type of help or advice, he forced himself to call up the one person who might understand and be able to offer a smidge of hope to him. Maybe tell him that his nephew isn’t too far gone and that he can get out of this rut. Anything.

That’s when he called up Marlene, one of his oldest friends. “Mar, I just don’t know what I’m sposed’ to do. He’s walkin’ around damn near lookin’ like a corpse.” He explains through his flip phone. She suggests getting him professional help, therapy, something. Wayne sighs, shaking his head. “Y’know we don’t got the money for that.” She then offers something that Wayne sees a glimmer of optimism in.

She brings up an idea to have Eddie come stay with her, as long as he needs. “He should get out of there, it won’t help if he has to be faced with harassment every day. I think all the drinking and drugs provide him an escape. If we get him out of there it could help. He could find something out here, figure himself out.” She says. Wayne is hesitant not because he doesn’t trust Marlene but he doesn’t trust people.

People have always made Eddie feel like the freak, the outcast, the murderer’s son. Everywhere he went he was met with unforgiving stares, individuals whispering about him as he walked by, men of the town would even start fights with him. Just to assert their dominance over him as if to say “know your place”. Although they wouldn’t always win, Eddie was lean but he was strong. Growing up in the trailer park had its perks and being able to pummel someone to the ground when he needed to was one of them.

Wayne knew Eddie could hold his own physically but mentally he knew it destroyed him. Being held to a standard that his father set when he was only seven stuck with him, Wayne knew even if Eddie never talked about it. Refused to talk about it.

So when Marlene awaits an answer on the other end of the phone, all Wayne can think about is how wrong it could go should someone out in California figure out Eddie’s past and treat him how he’s always been treated. But then he envisions how right it could go too. Eddie could start fresh, he’d have Marlene and Jocelyn and wouldn’t be completely alone, experiencing something other than Hawkins all by himself. All he knew his whole life was Hawkins AKA Bigot Central.

He agrees and from there, he has to prepare to bring up the concept to Eddie. It would only work if he was on board. The idea of conveying his worry to Eddie in words was terrifying. Munson men didn’t talk about feelings.

That evening when Eddie stepped into the trailer after work, kicking his heavy oil covered boots off, Wayne sat up from the couch. “Ed, I need to talk to you.” He demands, gesturing to the spot next to him. Eddie gives him a suspicious stare, pulling his hair out of the low bun he sported. He slowly makes his way next to Wayne, plopping on the couch, the springs squeaking in protest.

“Now, m’ not gonna get mushy with you but here’s what I will say.” Wayne starts. “What you been doin’ lately ain’t good for you. Drugs, drinkin’, work, repeat. Comin’ home all banged up and bleedin’.” He explains, blue eyes staring straight into Eddie’s. “Wayne we don’t need t—“ “I’m talkin’, son. And you’re gonna sure as shit listen cause it’s what’s good for you.” Wayne is firm with his words. Eddie’s lips press into a tight line as he waits for Wayne to continue.

“I get it, this town hasn’t been good to ya. But that don’t mean you get to act like a goddamn college kid every night. I figure there ain’t really any way to stop you but I talked to Marlene—“ “You called Marlene! Why the fuck—“ Eddie is cut off again. “She thinks it’d be good for you to stay with her for some time, however long you want. Get away from these people, figure yourself out without havin’ to confront a mob everywhere ya go.”

“Wayne I can’t even afford to live in this shit hole of a town, how am I gonna pay rent out on the west coast! Are you trying to set me up for failure!?” Eddie seethes, hands grabbing at his curls in distress. Wayne feels hurt by his insinuation at first but comes to the conclusion that Eddie is scared, having known nothing but this small town his entire life.

Wayne closes his eyes and exhales. “Ed, we’re tryin’ to help. Marlene isn’t chargin’ rent, you just gotta help out. Y’know chores. Earn your keep. She wants to help. She knows how these people can be, she experienced it firsthand too.” He says. “I’m not charity—I-I’m not—“ Eddie struggles to find words. “You’re family to her, Ed! Remember! Her and your mom, they were there for each other and that also means she’s there for you too.” Wayne voices, attempting to keep the emotion to a minimum. Eddie’s big brown eyes soften and he slumps back against the couch.

He has no words and he refuses to go into this territory. He can’t. Without another sound, he stands up and heads to the bathroom, slamming the door to signify that this conversation is over.

Wayne feels defeated and hopeless. The rest of the night carries on, he eats one of his TV dinners on the couch watching Jeopardy like every other night. Eddie is still in the bathroom, the sound of the shower is heard from where Wayne sits, the pipes singing through the walls. Eventually the water turns off and minutes go by. Eddie emerges from the bathroom, curls dripping and a towel around his waist. He focuses on Wayne with intensity before softening his features ever so slightly. “I’ll go.” He states before padding off to his room.

He’ll never admit it but the smallest smile graces Wayne’s face.

—

Downtown is much busier than back home. Cars are constantly speeding past, traffic builds up at the lights, and there’s a man selling fruit on the corner. Eddie has witnessed so much in so little time as he walks along the damaged sidewalk. So far he’s handed his resume to four auto shops. Jocelyn assisted him in creating one that would stand out and highlight his skills.

He finishes handing in the last copy to one more shop before they hire him on the spot, letting him know he starts on Monday. Things are okay, things are going to be okay, he reminds himself through his doubt.

On his way out he bumps into something, another body, shorter than him. You let out a small chirp as you attempt to enter the shop but instead collide with something firm.

“Sorry-“ you both say simultaneously. You look up to find none other than Eddie Munson, now grinning down at you. He smells like tobacco and something wood-like you can’t quite put your finger on. It’s nice. His curls are as wild as when you met him a few days ago. “Hey.” He greets you, his eyes have a twinkle in them and you’re in a trance. “I was just—“ you begin to stumble over your words. “Something wrong with your car?” He asks. “Y-yeah it’s making all this noise and I put off taking it in so… that’s what I’m doing…now.” You awkwardly answer.

He leans in toward you before quietly saying “I could take a look at it. If you want. I won’t overcharge you unlike some—you know maybe we should talk outside. I don’t wanna get fired when I haven’t even worked a shift yet.” He ushers you back out the front door of the shop, the air conditioning vanishing as the heat takes back over. “You sure? You don’t have to.” You fiddle with the car keys in your hand.

“Yeah it’s no problem. You can drop it off at Mar’s and I’ll take a look at it when I get back.” He assures you. “Wait, did you say you work here?” You backtrack. He’s squinting at the sunlight as he answers. “Yeah, just got hired actually. Just don’t tell em’ I stole one of their customers.” He raises his brows and gives you a stern look although you can tell he’s playing around. “Noted.” You agree, your face feeling hot and it’s not just from the sun.

There’s a silence among the two of you, you awkwardly shuffling your feet on the concrete. “Not gonna lie, I don’t have shit left to do til’ Monday.” Eddie breaks the silence. “So I could just take a look at your car now.” He admits. With that, he follows you in his van back to Jocelyn’s house. Meanwhile, you’re giving yourself a mental pep talk the whole way back, simultaneously scolding yourself for being so uncool.

—

Condensation drips down the tall glasses of lemonade as you carry them out from the house to the front yard where Eddie’s head is tucked beneath the hood of your car, the mid-afternoon sun blazing.

Except when you left a few minutes ago to get him and yourself something to drink he was wearing a shirt. Now he’s all sweaty, tattoos littered along his torso and chest, his hair in a low bun with some strands escaping to frame his angelic face, and his happy trail on display. His rings are discarded on a small workbench he found next to the house that he had dragged over.

He’s gorgeous, lean but not pumped with muscle. His arms aren’t bulging but the flex in his bicep when he moves his arm a certain way does things to you. He has a rag hanging out of his back pocket, covered in grease. The image before you is nothing like you’d ever seen before.

You try and shake the thoughts forming about him in your head, setting the glasses down on the workbench. “Mar made some fresh lemonade with the lemons out back, so I brought you some. Hope that’s okay. Or I could get you water instead.” You watch as he tinkers with something in the engine, his tongue poking out the side of his mouth in concentration.

“No, no, that’s perfect. Thanks—fuck.” He grunts out of frustration. “I’m gonna need to get a new part for your car. Sorry about that, Peach.” Peach? “Probably not gonna be able to use it for a couple days til’ I find what I need.” He finishes. You nod in understanding. “Why—why Peach?” You ask timidly. He shrugs. “Just seem sweet is all.” He smiles and glances at you for a brief moment as he messes with something else in the engine. “Like a peach.”

“Jocelyn’s got a nickname too.” He continues, voice somewhat muffled since he’s hovering over the engine again. “Oh?” You urge him to complete his thought. “Yeah, fuckin’ grumpy ass.” He turns to you, a playful smile tugging at his lips. At this you laugh. “Do you know the shit she’s given me in the short time I’ve been here? Almost beat me to a pulp for taking too long in the bathroom. I mean Jesus Christ.” Eddie’s rolling his eyes dramatically. “She has a way with words.” You state, watching as he finishes up and closes the hood.

His hands are covered in black streaks, some sneaking their way up his forearms as well. “Well, so do I.” He says, taking the rag out of his back pocket and wiping his hands off. As he turns his face to the side you can’t help but notice a little silver hoop earring dangling from his ear.

There it is again, that hot and heavy feeling. You feel your cheeks starting to tint pink and you can only hope that he doesn’t notice. “But I’ll—uh let you know when she’s done.” He taps the hood of your car twice with his hand. “If you’re okay to leave it here. Really wouldn’t recommend driving it home at this point. Could’ve fallen apart on you at any moment, Peach.” He enunciates the nickname with a grin. This is so embarrassing, you can’t stop the color from taking over your cheeks, can’t even look him in the eye with how charming he is.

“Yeah, no for sure. It’s not like I drive to work anyway.” You say crossing your arms nervously. He grabs his shirt from the workbench, draping it over his shoulder before grabbing the glass of lemonade, taking a long gulp. And god, how could he look so good doing the most mundane things?

“Well I’m gonna go get cleaned up. You need me to drive you home or are you gonna hang here?” He asks. “I uh, think I’ll just hang out til Jos gets home. She should be here soon.” You take a sip from your glass. Eddie gulps down the rest of his lemonade, some of it escaping the glass and trickling down his chin and to his chest. Why was everything he did so erotic to you?

“Thanks for the lemonade.” He says, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, a small smile appearing. His face is flushed from the heat, lips a pretty shade of pink. You can’t seem to respond before he’s sauntering back into the house, leaving you a flustered mess in the yard.

—

You’d been waiting around for Jocelyn in the garage for around an hour before texting her, asking her where she was. Her college classes should have ended already. She responds letting you know that she was at the library with a study group, not sure how long she’d be.

Sighing, you kick your feet up on the coffee table. Guess you were going to have to find something to do with your evening which wasn’t uncommon. You always hung out at Jocelyn’s even if she wasn’t there, busying yourself with playing with the dogs or helping out Marlene, even working from your laptop.

Jonathan would probably also be at the study group which meant Argyle would follow him and Will and El wouldn’t be coming around tonight since he was their ride. In a way, you felt like everyone had a pairing or a group. Jonathan, Argyle, and Jocelyn were always on campus together, always exchanging inside jokes from classes or something that happened that day. Will and El, while they were a little bit younger, both being 19, they were also taking courses at another campus a few cities over. And then you just had work.

Sometimes you couldn’t help but feel that your decision not to go to college hindered your social life but it wasn’t even that. Everyone was around all the time regardless of their class schedules. If they weren’t at their classes they were almost always in the garage. It had to be the dynamic set out from the very beginning.

You were the quieter one, the more soft spoken one, the tie breaker if Jonathan, Argyle, and Jos got in an argument over something and couldn’t make a decision or if Will and El were bickering about where to eat. Your role was essential when Jonathan and Will got into disagreements however those never seem to end seeing as they’re brothers. Something in you just felt that while Jos was considered your best friend, you just weren’t bonded to everyone in the way that they were bonded to each other. Will and El were inseparable but it didn’t feel that way with yourself or anyone in the group.

It wasn’t to say you didn’t feel loved by your friends because you did. There was just something missing, a void that wasn’t being filled no matter how hard you tried. No one would ever notice but you were drowning in self doubt and lacked the confidence to swim back to the surface and ask for help.

In the distance, the sky is fading into hues of purples and pinks, a cotton candy mess of clouds consuming the skyline. The day is coming to a finish as the city just beyond the view of the reservoir glimmers like a jewelry box. You can just barely see it from where you’re sitting but it's still hypnotizing. Life still continues even into the dark of the night, the hustle of people working their night shifts prominent among the millions of lights in the distance.

“Hey, where is everyone?” Eddie strolls into the room, breaking you from your provoking thoughts. His hair is damp and he’s wearing a black muscle tee and some black basketball shorts. Some small tattoos are scattered throughout his legs. His curls look fresh and not as frizzy as before and he smells faintly of aftershave. Not the gross kind that’s too strong but just a subtle scent.

“Class, I guess.” you mutter, taking your legs off the coffee table and sitting up straighter. “I was just gonna get going.” Before you can stand up Eddie is slumping onto the couch next to you, a beer in his hand that he had just grabbed from the fridge in the kitchen. “I don’t bite y’know, Peach.” he pops the cap to the beer off and tosses it onto the coffee table as he takes a sip. You shift uncomfortably, unsure of how to answer. “You’re just gonna leave the second I sit down?” he continues, brow raised, offense in his voice. “Well I uh–no–” his eyes narrow and then travel across your face as you stutter before he displays a huge grin. “I’m just fucking around, don’t let me tell you what to do. I was just gonna chill out here for a little bit. If that’s cool with you.” he settles back into the couch, resting his head against the back of it.

“Yeah, it’s basically your house isn’t it? At least while you’re here, like you live here.” you manage to say. “I mean, it seems like you basically live here too and you’ve been here longer so you have the authority to kick me out if anything.” he mentions. You just nod in response, focusing your sight on a rip in your denim shorts rather than his face.

You don’t know where it comes from but before you can even think your mouth is already running. “Have they shown you around yet? We could like–take a walk and I could show you around the area…I don’t know.” you offer. Mentally, you’re now kicking yourself because why would he be interested in hanging out with you for the night? Why would he entertain the idea when he was probably waiting for everyone else?

“Let’s go.” he smiles, finishing off his beer and throwing his shoes on. You’re surprised by his answer, not because you think he would just simply tell you no but because you’re you and he seems enthusiastic if anything. But you’re boring and that enthusiasm won’t last long, you know it. That’s how it usually goes, right?

Eventually the gravel is crunching below your heels as you walk alongside Eddie down the driveway. The air is dry and it's still warm despite the sun no longer hanging in the sky. Eddie’s hands are shoved in his pockets and as you sneak a quick glance at him from the corner of your eye, you notice a chain with a guitar pick dangling from his neck, the jewelry reflecting off one of the street lights as you approach the road.

“Do you mind if I smoke?” he asks, pulling out a carton of cigarettes from his pocket. You shake your head in response as you decide to veer off to the right, the street crumbly from not being maintained for a while. Eddie follows your lead. “Been trying to quit so I only let myself have one a day. You smoke?” he questions, you hear the lighter flickering before he inhales as you keep your gaze on the broken asphalt beneath you. The scent of tobacco soon fills your nose. You take slow steps in rhythm with him, lazily shifting from one foot to the other. “No, I don’t. Never tried before. Cigarettes, at least.” you say.

He just nods in understanding. “I used to smoke so much, we’re talkin’ like chain smoker. Shit was nasty. But I’ve been trying to cut back and quit. Mostly been smokin’ weed.” he explains. “Well you’re gonna love what Jonathan and Argyle smoke. The stuff you find out here is unreal.” you tell him. You almost frown at the thought. It seems like so far you have had the opportunity to hang out with Eddie one on one more than anyone else but you’re certain that will change and once again you will be on the backburner.

“Good cause I’m gonna need it.” he laughs. You haven’t gotten very far, the house still a couple yards away behind you as you both had been leisurely making your way along the street. He clears his throat, cigarette hanging in between his fingers, there’s a look in his eye. You can’t quite pinpoint what it is, maybe a bit mischievous? “I don’t mean to hijack your tour or anything but let's go over there.” he chimes in, pointing to the reservoir, the concrete part at the opposite end of the field. There is a ‘no trespassing’ sign displayed a few feet away and a sparkle in his eyes as he looks from you to the sign and back.

You’d crossed the field a few times in the past to sit on the part that appears to be like a dam with no water to block. No one’s ever said anything but you feed into Eddie’s antics. “If we get caught–” “I’ll go down for the crime, don’t you worry.” he smirks, throwing the cigarette butt on the ground before stomping it out and then picking it back up, putting it back in his pocket. You give him a questionable look before he elaborates. “Bad for the environment…” You can only laugh in response.

—

The city stares back at the two of you, lights sparkling as a treasure chest filled with gold and jewels would. You stand on the concrete dam overlooking the sight before you. Eddie’s eyes are filled with wonder, huge pools of honey taking it all in. “Can I be honest?” he says next to you. “Sure.” you respond. “I’ve never seen something like this before. I mean I’ve seen a city before but it didn’t look anything like this.” he says, his stare remaining in front of him.

“That’s fair, Indiana’s a lot different than here.” you say. “A lot different.” he emphasizes. He sits himself down on the ground, bringing his knees to his chest. You join him, sitting criss-crossed. Eddie finally tears his gaze from the city, shifting it to you. “So tell me about everyone.” he says. “What do you mean? You’ve met them.” you respond. “Yeah but what’s everyone like? I’ve only known them for like less than a week.” he elaborates. “Well, you know Jos. She’s my closest friend. And then Will and El are like the twins around here. They’re always together. El acts like Jos’s little sister and she’s a party animal once you get her started. Will’s shy around new people but he’s super funny.” you explain with a small smile. Eddie’s full attention is on you, listening intently. “And then there’s Jonathan and Argyle, they’re complete stoners. Will is Jonathan’s brother if they didn’t tell you yet. Sometimes they don’t tell new people they’re brothers and wait to see how long they can go without telling them, it’s super weird. Argyle is super chill, he’s usually up for anything.” you finish.

Eddie tilts his head to the side. “What about you?” he asks. His voice is quiet, almost as if he could disrupt the calm atmosphere you two created. You stare down at the ground, fidgeting with a pebble. What about you? What was there to tell about you? Not much, you decide. But he wasn’t going to make this easy and you knew that.

“I’m just me.” you sigh, giving him a sad smile. His face falters at this. “Yeah, you’re you.” he says intrigued. “Tell me about you.” he pushes. What were you supposed to tell him? I have deeply rooted emotional trauma which makes it hard for me to get close with others? No, he would run for the hills. “I’m–” you try again, unable to find the words. “I have to get home.” you could punch yourself for the words that involuntarily left your lips. You panicked and now you’re going to regret ending the night early.

“Do you really?” Eddie challenges you, almost as if he can read you like a book. His eyes are burning a hole in you. It’s hard to look at him because you know you’re lying and he knows it too. “Yes.” you lie again. He looks at you in speculation and sighs, giving in as he stands up. You follow, dusting your legs off. “I can drive you then.” is all he says.

Now you worry that you’ve angered him, that you pissed him off and now he’s never gonna interact with you again other than when he’s forced to when everyone else is around. The fear that you’ve ruined another good thing because you couldn’t get over yourself bubbles within you.

Eddie walks in front of you, making his way down from the dam along the slope of concrete and onto the field, you’re not far behind. He’s giving you the silent treatment, you think to yourself. You barely even know him and he’s already done with you. That is until you hear his voice speak up as he glances behind at you, a smile on his face. “Thanks for trespassing with me.” He’s not mad? “No problem.” You respond confused.

The two of you make your way back to Jocelyn’s in a quiet but comfortable silence, now that you know he’s not mad, or at least not showing it. Approaching the open garage, you hear voices laughing and bantering. Everyone must be home. Sure enough, you and Eddie walk into a room full of your friends. “Heyyyy!” Jonathan greets from the couch he’s melted into. His eyes are bloodshot and a grin seems permanently etched into his face. Looking at Jocelyn and Argyle also attached to the couch, Jocelyn cuddling a pillow to her chest, you realize you just missed their post class smoke sesh. You’d usually be a participant had you been around but you don’t mind.

Will and El are seated on the cushioned bench on the other side of the garage doing homework. Will seems reluctant to participate but does so anyway as he shuffles through the flashcards he’s holding. Highlighters are scattered among the binders littered on the floor next to them. Will offers a “hey” while El greets you with a “hi” and a wave.

“What’s up?” Eddie asks as he plops himself next to Jonathan. “Where have you brochachos been?” Argyle questions looking between you and Eddie. Jos gives you a quick look as if something’s up but you return a stern one back to her so she drops it.

“I was showing him around and he wanted to see the reservoir.” You explain. “Why the hell did you wanna see that out of all things?” Jos just about yells at Eddie with a puzzled look. “It said no trespassing so you know I had to.” He smirks. “Fight the man, dude.” Jonathan fist bumps Eddie. “Thanks?” he responds.

“So, Eddie The Wise…” Argyle begins before Will chimes in. “Hey! It’s Will The Wise!” Argyle chuckles mischievously. “I love riling that little dude up. His eyes get all big and he starts freakin’ out, it’s classic man.” He laughs a little harder than necessary. “Whew!” He wipes the tears of laughter from the corners of his eyes while Jos and Jonathan laugh along with him. “Anyway, how are you liking Californ-i-ay?” he asks.

“Can’t complain so far.” Eddie replies, and you swear he shoots a glance at you for a brief second. “Peach has been showin’ me the ropes.” he jokes. So he definitely glanced at you. “Who’s Peach?” Jonathan questions, confusion evident in his features. Eddie gestures to you with a tip of his chin, his lashes are casting shadows over his rosy cheeks, no doubt sunburned from being outside more than he’s used to this past week. “She’s too nice to everyone!” Eddie explains. Jos, Argyle, and Jonathan all share a look, Jonathan wiggling his eyebrows before shrugging it off. You shoot each of them a glare as you speak up. “I’m gonna head home now, it’s starting to get late and we have a long day tomorrow.” you remind them of the trip to the beach that was planned.

Eddie drove you home that night just like he did the first time just days ago. And hopefully there would be many more, you think to yourself. If you were lucky enough, if you were strong enough to let him in. If that was even his intention.

–

“Sunscreen, towels, sandwiches, drinks, and where is my…” El lists off the necessities until she’s looking around puzzled, lips in a pout and eyebrows scrunched. “My book!” she yells as Argyle mindlessly flips through the pages while he leans against Eddie’s van, back doors wide open as Jonathan is tossing in an umbrella. El snatches the book from Argyle’s grasp, tucking it into her canvas tote bag hanging off of her shoulder. “I wasn’t gonna hurt it!” Argyle defends, shoving his hands into the pockets of his bright teal swim trunks. Scoffing and rolling her eyes, El makes her way back to the house to gather anything else they may have forgotten.

Eddie passes her through the doorway carrying two beach chairs. “Good morning, Sunshine!” he just about shouts in her ear. She flinches, her bangs momentarily falling into her eyes. “Good morning?” she responds as he continues walking. “If I have to be up early and ‘get glad’ as Mar says, then so do you!” he sing songs from down the driveway. She waves him off before making her way into the kitchen where you and Will had been making the rest of the sandwiches for the day.

“You won’t catch me making a bologna sandwich, I’m not doing it.” Will cringes as you’re handing him the container of meat, all processed and packaged in perfect circles. “Well I’m working on the turkey ones.” you whine, dropping the container in front of him, returning to your task of smothering mayo along the white sandwich bread. “And I’m working on the peanut butter and jelly ones.” he puts on an exaggerated frown. “Will, you’re literally on your last one.” you argue. Will starts to mimic you in a high pitched voice. “Oh my god, I’ll do it!” El chimes in with annoyance, dropping her tote bag on one of the chairs near the table, making her way next to you at the kitchen island.

“Who even requested bologna anyway?” El questions as she steals the butter knife from you to slather some mayo on the bread. You give her a glare but she pays no mind so you drop it, grabbing another knife from the drawer. “Who do you think?” Will finishes off his last PB&J, pushing the pieces of bread together and packaging it in a sandwich bag and then into the small red cooler on the counter. “Argyle.” El seethes as she pulls a piece of the over processed meat out of the container, a disgusted look on her face. They didn’t hate each other by any means but he knew how to push El’s buttons and she did nothing to hide it.

You finish off the sandwiches just as Jocelyn stampedes down the stairs wearing her black denim shorts which used to be jeans but she cut them at the knee and a cropped white band shirt, showing off a hint of her torso. “Let’s go, losers!” She grabs her sunglasses from the counter and heads toward the door. “Be safe!” you hear Marlene yell from the top of the stairs.

Everyone meets up at the end of the driveway, piling into the van with the beach essentials. There are no seats in the back so you just grab a spot where space is available. Eddie drives and Jonathan calls shotgun. The engine is rumbling to life and before you know it you're on the road, only a 30 minute drive around the mountain and through the coastal cities.

–

The air is more crisp than inland and it's still overcast since it was still early. Families walk along the sidewalks, dads carrying foldable lawn chairs and pool toys, moms herding the kids while carrying diaper bags and other miscellaneous items. The chatter in the car was continuous throughout the whole drive, the seven of you leaving no room for silence. Except for of course when you all stopped for a mandatory gas station run, leaving everyone with their selected snack and drink before heading down to the beach. It was a ritual you all had.

The parking lot comes into view and so does the open ocean along with the sand you couldn’t wait to dig your toes into. The water is a deep blue compared to the lighter blue of the sky. You spot the pier and the little diner at the end, hoping you’d get to treat yourself to a milkshake later on. Eddie had to circle the parking lot a few times before actually finding a spot. “It’s baby’s first beach trip!” Jos yells as she crawls toward the front of the van, slapping her hand on Eddie’s shoulder. He rubs his shoulder, putting the van in park and not even a second later everyone is rushing out of the van.

You can hear the waves smacking the shore, smell the salt in the air, you can almost feel the cool water against you as you play in the waves and even taste the saltwater when you get hit in the face by one that was bigger than you estimated. But first you have to help with carrying everything from the van down to the sand which is the worst part. But not as bad as having to lug it all back at the end of the day. You opt to carry one of the smaller coolers and some towels, everyone else finding something to carry. It was nice having so many people though, you didn’t have to make multiple trips. Unlike the time you, Jocelyn, Jonathan, and Argyle went to the beach and overpacked, the four of you had to make two trips out of it between the beach toys, a tent Argyle insisted on bringing, chairs and food, among other things you can’t even remember.

The shore was populated with families and groups of people seeing as it was a Saturday in the beginning of Summer. The sand was warm, almost hot on your feet. Jonathan managed to point out a spot that would fit your group perfectly among the crowds. It was a little ways down from the pier but not too far, complaints were still heard from Jos and Argyle though, they just wanted to drop everything and run into the water. Towels were laid out, the coolers were set in the sand near the foldable chairs, and a colorful umbrella was propped up. Everyone claimed their respective spots to lay out for the day in between swimming and playing in the sand.

El situated herself on her towel underneath the umbrella, pulling out her book as she laid back. You decided on a faded Star Wars towel, setting your bag on the corner and pulling out some sunscreen to apply to your face and body. Will held his hand out for some as he claimed the towel right in between you and El. You obliged, squeezing the bottle of lotion onto his palm as you spread it along your cheeks and nose. Jonathan and Argyle were already throwing a frisbee back and forth, not even shedding their shirts yet. Jos sat in one of the beach chairs with her shirt discarded in her back pocket, now sporting a neon orange bikini top with her sunglasses sitting comfortably on her face while she basked in the sun.

With another glance around at your friends, you can’t help but notice one is missing. That is until you shift your gaze toward the water where Eddie is already standing just before the very shallow part where the tide rises up and down. The sun is starting to overtake the overcast morning, bringing with it a bright Summer day. There’s a slight breeze and with it, the occasional mist of sea water. His curls are dancing with the wind as he overlooks the water. He hasn’t even taken his black converse off yet, wearing a ripped up black muscle shirt with ‘Metallica' across the chest and black swim trunks.

You avert your gaze as he begins to turn back around toward the beach towels. You remember what Jos said in the car and gather that he’s probably never seen an ocean before. He kicks his shoes off and lifts his shirt over his head, tossing it at Jocelyn’s face and yelling “come on!” before running back down to the water, this time stopping until it's at his waist. Jos throws the shirt down on the chair next to her, tugging her shorts off and then running to the water as well. She reaches Eddie and without hesitation, pushes him forward, sending him face first into one of the waves. You laugh to yourself at the sight but when you don’t see Eddie resurface for a few seconds your heart drops.

Suddenly he pops up from beneath the water, shoving Jos into another oncoming wave which causes her to lose her balance and land ass first as the water rushes over her. Their shouts and giggles are muffled by the sound of the crashing waves as well as Will chattering next to you about some new movie he wants to see.

With courage, you decide to join them inviting Will and El as you stand up and discard your shirt and shorts. El declines, too engaged with her book but Will agrees and follows. The water is ice cold and shocks your body as you take your first steps along the wet sand into the water. But in contrast to the hot sun blazing from above, it also feels refreshing. As you approach Jos, a splash of water meets your face causing you to gasp. “Shit, sorry!” Eddie apologizes. “Yeah sorry, Peach!” Jos emphasizes the nickname, this brings a blush to Eddie’s face but he’s hoping the sun has already burned him enough to cover it.

Scooping up some water with your cupped hands, you toss it at Jos but it does little damage since she’s already been engulfed in the waves and you’re still halfway dry. She starts doing the same, cupping her hands and flinging the water at you, your skin slightly stinging at the cold shock. “Jos, it’s cold, it’s cold, okay—okay!!” You surrender, throwing your arms up in front of you to shield yourself. “Get in dummy!” She splashes once more.

Eddie is standing near you, pulling a piece of stray seaweed out of his curls, his face wrinkled in concentration while his torso is glistening with seawater, sparkling even as the sunlight beams off of him. His chest and arm tattoos are on full display and you subtly try and take them in, your attention drifting to the black widow just below his collarbone. As you scan over the artwork, Jocelyn is now peeking behind Eddie at you, gesturing that she was going to push him yet again. Except this time she pushes him straight into you.

The next thing you remember is slimy skin on skin, the sand scraping against you as your back crashes against it along with some making its way into your swimsuit bottoms, and the loss of breath from the impact of another body on top of you. Eyes scrunched shut and hands clenched, you realize just who is on top of you can you can’t seem to face reality. The tide continues rolling in, covering everything but your face, however you did manage to ingest a large mouthful of seawater on your tumble down, leaving you with a salty aftertaste and sand particles wedged in between your teeth that you might still feel in a few days.

Exhaling a deep breath, you convince your eyelids to flutter open and above you is none other than Eddie, arms on either side of your shoulders and stomach touching yours, a little too intimate for your comfort. His large deep brown doe eyes are looking directly at you with surprise in them, seaweed still hanging from one of his curls. You could swim in his eyes if the world around you paused and he allowed it.

“Um—“ you begin, slowly sitting up. He takes his weight off of you and starts to back up on his knees. “I’m—she pushed me—I’m so sorry.” He stumbles over his words while running a hand through his tangled hair, his fingers getting caught. “No it’s okay—“ “Here.” As he stands up he offers you his hand which you now notice is naked without his chunky rings. His grip is firm but somewhat gentle, you could feel that he was trying to be careful. As his fingertips graze your wrist while he pulls you up, you note that they are slightly rough, most likely calloused from playing guitar and his work as a mechanic.

“Thanks” you mutter almost under your breath, brushing some of the wet sand off of your legs. Eddie still appears to be flustered, his stare not once leaving the water in front of where he’s standing. Everyone else seems to have already moved on from Jocelyn’s stunt, continuing to play in the waves as you recover from the awkward interaction.

Jonathan sneaks behind Will, a beach pale in hand while he silently fills it with water and then dumps it over his head with a maniacal laugh. They’re now the center of attention as they wrestle in between the waves. You’re thankful since it seems no one is going to mention what just happened. What was an innocent joke to Jos and your friends was actually a huge embarrassment in your eyes and your heart was still racing at any attention it may have brought to you.

—

Everyone took a break from crashing into the waves and messing around in the sand to eat lunch when the sun reached its peak in the sky. El started passing around sandwiches, asking each person what kind they requested for the day before delicately handing it to them along with a bag of potato chips. Jonathan tossed beers to Eddie and Jos, offering one to yourself and Argyle but the two of you declining. Argyle opted for a more natural substance whereas being under the influence of anything in public made you anxious.

By this point, Eddie’s shoulders, face, and torso were as red as a lobster since he neglected putting on any sunscreen. Everyone else's faces were sun kissed and slightly pink but nowhere near as bad as Eddie’s wicked sunburn. Your skin felt warm even being sat in the shade of the umbrella, taking Will’s spot next to El. Tan lines began forming, your hair was filled with sea salt, and it officially felt like Summer with the smell of coconut suntan lotion and hotdogs on a grill nearby filling your nose.

Will and El finished off their sandwiches and raced towards the water and not long after everyone else was wrapping up and scarfing down the last bites of their lunch. “I’m gonna go grab a milkshake from the diner, anyone want me to bring anything back?!” You shout as you throw your clothes on, not even bothering to button the denim shorts since you’d be back in the water soon enough anyway. “We’re good!” Jonathan shouts back with a thumbs up just as Argyle dunks him underwater.

“I’ll tag along if that’s cool.” You hear from behind you, not even realizing Eddie had still been lounging in one of the beach chairs with a beer held between his fingers. “What, so you can get even more burned?” You joke as you fish some cash out of your bag. “Ha. Ha. Very funny.” He deadpans. His hair is twice as big as it normally is, the seawater giving him some added volume and his curls are extra coiled. Freckles are starting to appear more prominent along his nose and dusting just under his eyes along the tops of his cheeks. He almost looks like a surfer, the ones who are out every morning waiting to catch the biggest wave and you wouldn’t guess that he was from a small town in Indiana just by looking at him. Except for the fact that he has a massive sunburn, that’s what gives it away.

“Let’s go.” You nod toward the pier, sliding your sandals on. He throws his muscle tee back on but leaves behind his shoes, opting to walk all the way to the pier barefoot. “The grounds gonna get really hot.” You warn him as you start making your way over. “Psshh I grew up barefoot, especially in the Summer, I’ll be fine.” He waves you off.

The walk to the pier took about five minutes and you smiled to yourself every time Eddie let out a “shit!” under his breath. He may have underestimated the power of the California sun on the sidewalk that runs alongside the beach. Reaching the pier, you step onto the dark wood and head for the diner at the very end. Men are fishing on either side as you pass by, their poles resting against the railing.

The diner is small and can only seat so many people on the inside. It appears to be older with the wallpaper peeling and the cushions of the stools coming apart, the foam peaking through. Despite this, it’s as popular as ever. Every table is filled and the counter is fully occupied as patrons sip on their milkshakes and stuff themselves with burgers and fries. You can smell the grease from the kitchen, your mouth watering even though you’d just eaten. But the idea of a cookies and cream milkshake is far more enticing at the moment, creamy and delicious, your go to treat.

“Hi, what can I get you?!” The cashier behind the counter greets you with a grin. She’s a small enthusiastic woman with her sandy blonde hair clipped up and wearing a t- shirt with the diner’s logo on the chest. Sandra, her name tag reads. “Just a cookies and cream shake please.” You request kindly. “Make that two.” Eddie slaps down a $20 on the counter. “Oh you don’t have to—I wasn’t expecting you—“ “Already done.” He smirks as the cashier counts out his change, handing it back to him. “I’ll have those out in a few.” Sandra says as she returns to the kitchen window, shouting out the order for two milkshakes.

“Why’d you do that? I have money—here.” You try to place the cash in his hand but he just crosses his arms, hiding them from view. “Consider it compensation for knockin’ you over earlier.” He chuckles. You huff out of frustration, returning to people watching throughout the diner as you wait.

—

Walking down the pier with your milkshake in hand, you and Eddie slowly make your way back. The afternoon is just now shifting into golden hour and with it, Eddie has never looked more gorgeous. At least in the little time you’ve known him. The sunlight brings out new hues of caramel from his irises, a swirl of golden honey and a hint of molasses evident in them and while his skin is bright red he still has a glow to him. Lips plump and pink, he wraps them around the red straw while he enjoys his shake.

“So I’ve never been to the beach before.” He pipes up while he stares at a fisherman reeling in a large catch. “And while it should suck cause this sunburn hurts like a bitch, it’s been fuckin’ cool. Your friends are cool, y’know that?” He asks, dipping his finger in some whip cream from the top of his shake and licking it off. You can’t help but feel insecurity bubbling to the surface within you. Your friends are cool. Which meant that he didn’t include you, right? “Yeah. Yeah they’re pretty great.” You agree with your best smile.

“Yeah it’s way different than back home. It’s kinda like no one really gives a shit what I look like or how ‘scary’ I am.” He uses finger quotes. “Scary?” You ask. He nods as he gulps down some more of his shake. “I won’t get into it but let’s just say Hawkins is probably the worst place to live if you’re me.” He explains simply. “Actually… It is the worst place to live.” He decides. “I’m glad you’re liking it here at least. Are you planning on staying then?” You question as you come to a stop at the pier railing, deciding to remain there until you finish your shake. The horizon is now transforming into a burnt orange as the sunset just barely starts, still enough daylight left but the sun is slowly making its way down, bringing with it hues of pinks, purples, and oranges.

Eddie gazes out into the ocean before him, his shake now finished as he tosses it in a nearby trash can and rests his forearms on the worn down wood of the railing. “Dunno yet.” He says honestly, his eyebrows raising slightly as if to question himself. “There’s no plan. Just trying to figure shit out.” He admits, a melancholy undertone to his words. You take in his body language, his shoulders sunken in some kind of defeat and a barely there pout to his lips. “I think we’re all in the same boat believe it or not.” You try to offer him some comforting words with a sympathetic smile. He doesn’t give up much more to you as he returns a small smile. “I think we should get back before they leave us here.” He chuckles, trying to lighten the mood.

But you know. There’s something darker lurking below his surface. But who are you to want to uncover those parts of him if you can’t even offer those parts of yourself to anyone? Why should you be so curious as to what darkness clouds over him when you can’t even confront your own?

Eddie Munson was unknowingly making you question everything you knew. And whether that was a good thing or not was something you couldn’t determine right now.

~end~

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Masterlist

#Eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #eddie Munson x fem reader #eddie munson x female reader #eddie munson fic #eddie munson fluff #Eddie Munson smut #Cal dreamin’

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snelbz · 1 year

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‘Til Death Do Us Part {Chapter Fifteen}

Elorcan. Rockstar Modern AU.

@snelbz x @theladyofdeath collab

‘Til Death Do Us Part Masterlist

This chapter is 18+.

A distant banging pulls me from a heavy sleep. I didn’t even drink that much, how do I have such a pounding headache?

Lorcan’s body is covering over mine, his leg draped over my hip and his arm over my waist. His breath still smells like whiskey and I want to go back to sleep. I have no idea what time it is.

The banging sounds again and I realize that’s my front door, not a headache. I sit up, my husband barely stirring as he rolls over to the other side. Hopping out of bed, I shove my feet into slippers before opening our bedroom door and hurrying down the stairs. I see Vaughn is still passed out on the couch and I wonder where Gavriel and the twins ended up.

I reach the door, just as a third round of pounding starts up and yank it open.

I was expecting a groupie from the night before or even a fan that had gotten our address from the party. Maybe even paparazzi.

I was not expecting my best friend and her boyfriend, laden with familiar coffee cups and bags of groceries.

“Who wants brunch? Gavriel texted Ro last night and said everyone was crashing here.” Aelin says, brushing past me, shoving an iced chai latte in my hands. She looks around. “This place does not look like a rager took place here last night.”

I blink, staring after her as Rowan chuckles and follows her inside. The tea in my hand is a gift all in itself so I don’t bother asking too many questions.

“The drunk idiots cleaned up before they went to bed,” I say, and shut the front door behind them. I follow them into the kitchen. “Except Gavriel. He just told everyone what to do. Such a gift.”

“He really is,” Aelin agreed.

“Lor still sleeping?” Rowan asks, starting to take food out of all their bags.

“Oh yeah.” I laugh. “I don’t see him moving any time soon.”

“I hope you weren’t too mad about last night,” Rowan says, giving me a sympathetic look. “They may be idiots but they have good intentions.”

As I look at Aelin, she rolls her eyes and subtly shakes her head. I laugh as I shrug. “Lorcan and I talked it out. I don’t think that’ll be happening again. Ever.”

I help gather a series of pots and pans to make sausage, bacon, eggs, pancakes, and hash browns. As Aelin and Rowan start cooking, I go back upstairs to check on Lorcan.

He’s right where I left him, though one arm is reaching towards my pillow. I set the coffee they brought for him on his night stand and two aspirin beside it before sitting on the edge of the bed. Lorcan’s hair is all over his face, so I reach over to brush it back.

And promptly freeze. I’ve never woken someone up, aside from Aelin after the occasional drunken sleepover, but certainly never my hungover, rockstar husband.

“Lorcan?” My voice is hushed, not wanting to scare him, but he doesn’t stir. If I couldn’t see his back expanding with his steady breathing, I might be worried. “Lor?”

Deciding to give him a few more minutes of sleep, I slip into the bathroom and see to my needs before brushing my teeth, putting on a bra under my tank top, and pulling on a pair of leggings. I can’t be bothered to do more than pile my hair in a bun on top of my head. Stepping back out into our room, I sit by Lorcan’s head again.

This time I don’t hesitate. Brushing his hair off his face, I softly say his name. His eyebrows twitch, which is more than I was getting a moment before. “Wake up, baby.”

The pet name slips from my lips before I can decide if it’s a good idea or not but then his eyes are fluttering open.

And good gods, my rugged, handsome husband looks like shit.

His eyes are bloodshot, with deep, dark rings beneath them. He’s pale and looks like he could use a shower, but he also looks like he might fall over if he tries to stand up.

“Good morning.” His voice is gravely and rough. I have to remind myself that he’s hungover and is not asking to pick up where we left off on the bathroom counter last night. “What time is it?”

“Ten-thirty.” I push the rest of his hair back and his eyes fall closed. “Aelin and Rowan brought coffee and are making brunch.”

“Want coffee, don’t want brunch,” he says, turning his cheek into my palm, eyes still closed. I hadn’t been cupping his face before but I am now. “Want you, don’t want Aelin and Rowan.”

I laugh, quietly. “Well, I do want brunch because I didn’t drink half my weight in whiskey last night.”

He groans at the memory. “I never want to think about alcohol again. I haven’t drank that much in a decade.”

I run my fingers into his hair and scratch at his head. He sighs contentedly, his cheek still resting in my opposite hand. “I find that extremely hard to believe,” I tease.

He nips half-heartedly at my hand with his teeth but he doesn’t have enough energy to play right now so that’s as far as his reaction goes. “Coffee?”

“Sit up,” I gently say. As soon as my fingers stop scratching his head, he frowns. With that frown, he opens his eyes and pulls himself into a sitting position. “Fuck.”

I purse my lips to keep from laughing. It’s not funny, it’s really not, but this side of Lorcan is certainly…new.

And adorably pathetic.

I give him his aspirin and he washes it down with a gulp of his coffee before falling face first back into his pillow. I start rubbing his back and a muffled curse slips from his mouth, which makes me smile.

I should not think that someone this hungover is cute, but here we are.

“You know, it kinda sucks that you feel so shitty,” I say, and a grunt greets me in response. “Yeah,” I go on, as if he’d just asked me why. “I had so many plans for us today.”

A second passed before he turns his face to the side. Eyes still closed, dwelling in my back massage, he asks, “Like what?”

I nearly forget to reply as I memorize how his back muscles feel beneath my palms. “Oh, I thought we could go down to the farmers market and get some fresh fruit, then I thought we could go exploring a little more in the woods behind the house, then I thought we could make use of our new hot tub—”

His eyes open at that. Although still red, they look a little bit clearer. “Oh, yeah?”

“Mhmm,” I croon, my hands finding their way to his shoulders. “But since you don’t feel good, I guess I’ll have to do all those things alone.”

“Brunch and a nap and I’ll be fine,” he says, sitting up to prove it.

The only thing it proves is that he’s not fine.

As soon as he’s on his feet, he sways for a second and then he’s rushing to the bathroom. Before I can ask if he’s okay, I hear retching and cringe. Some people like emotional support while they puke, some don’t, and I’m not going to find out where Lorcan falls on that spectrum while he’s getting sick. It goes on for another minute or so before I hear the sink turn on and Lorcan’s electric toothbrush a second later.

I’m waiting on the edge of the bed when he comes out. He’s washed his face, brushed his teeth, pulled his hair back, and he almost looks human again. I can tell he wants to come collapse next to me on the bed, but instead, he pulls an old band shirt from the dresser and tugs it over his head.

We can already hear the murmurs of multiple voices from downstairs and Lorcan takes my hand, pulling me to my feet.

Leaning down to kiss me, he apologizes for last night again. Wrapping my arms around his waist, I tell him it’s okay, as long as it doesn’t happen again. Jealousy is okay in small doses, but the territorial bullshit he pulled isn’t.

We make our way downstairs, finding brunch almost done and everyone awake, even Fenrys, sitting in a chair in the corner, Anneith in his lap.

As the food is served, champagne popped for mimosas, and laughter shared, Lorcan presses a kiss to my temple. “Looks like we got our family meal after all.”

………………

Lorcan comes into the bedroom without a shirt on. I swear the man never has a shirt on at home.

Not that I’m complaining.

“Yrene’s ready for you,” he says, heading towards the bathroom. “I’m gonna shower.”

He finished his workout before hopping onto his video call with Dr. Towers. I may have gone downstairs to watch him for a minute. No shame.

“Good,” I say as I hop off the bed. “You stink.”

His eyes narrow as he steps back towards me and pulls me in for a kiss, purposefully covering me with his giant, post-workout body. I squeal as he nuzzles his face into my neck. Once I’ve giggled and squirmed enough, he seems to be satisfied and disappears into the bathroom as I walk down the hall and into the room that I’ve started turning into my office.

Yrene is already up on the screen from Lorcan’s call and I sit down with a smile. We do our usual dance with one another. She asks me a multitude of questions and I answer her honestly. With each call, my answers get more and more positive which seems to make us both happy. After five minutes we’re already saying goodbye and I’m making my way back down the hall to our bedroom with a yawn.

It’s been a long ass day and I’m more than ready for bed.

I can hear the shower running on the other side of the bathroom door and sit on our bed to wait my turn to get in. I wait five minutes before deciding this must be one of his obnoxiously long showers that he has a habit of taking.

Not wanting to wait an hour to brush my teeth and wash my face, I turn the knob to grab my stuff and go down to the guest bathroom. Surely he won’t mind.

We’re not exactly to the point of sharing a bathroom yet, seeing as the only time I’ve seen him naked was last night when he stripped off his soaked underwear, so I try to be quick. I poke my head in, thinking if I’m quiet enough, he may not even know I slipped in, but my eyes catch on the reflection of the glass shower doors in the mirror and I freeze.

I should turn around and close the door, but I can’t even look away. I’ve forgotten how to move my eyes, much less my feet, so I do nothing but stand in the doorway and stare.

The doors are slightly frosted from the steam, but there’s no obscuring his muscular frame, his head bowed, long hair hanging down around his chest, blocking his face. I have the sudden urge to braid it at some point, which is ridiculous for about ten different reasons, the least of which being my dislike for that hair when we got married. One hand is pressed firmly against the tile in front of him, but the other…

The other is fisting the most massive erection I’ve ever seen.

I’ve only seen a few in person, but the internet is a thing, and suddenly, I’m worried for my own well-being whenever I decide to have sex with him.

I take a shuddering breath, watching as he strokes his cock. It’s…mesmerizing. After a minute, he leans back against the other tile wall, tipping his head back and revealing his face, mouth slightly parted, as his hand pumps faster. My gaze finds his cock again, just as he grunts and thick ropes of cum shoot into the water spray. His hand slows, gliding up and down the thick length of his shaft, reveling in his own ecstasy as he moans and then lets out a deep sigh.

Realizing that I’m still staring, I quickly bolt before he catches me.

I’ve never watched a guy jerk off before. I can honestly say I’ve never been interested in the idea, until this exact moment. But damn, that was the hottest thing I've ever witnessed in my life, and now my panties are soaked, there’s a throbbing between my legs, and my heart is trying to beat out of my chest.

I don’t need to brush my teeth. I don’t need to wash my face. I just need to change into my pajamas and get in bed before Lorcan gets out of the shower, because there’s no way I can face him right now.

I shut the door behind me as quietly as I can before taking off my shorts and panties and shoving them into the bottom of my hamper. The need to touch myself is overwhelming and I hate every second that passes as I slip on pajama bottoms and turn off my bedside lamp before crawling under the blankets.

My heart is beating ridiculously fast as I try to close my eyes and fail. As soon as my eyelids flutter shut, I’m picturing his cock. Gods, it was massive. Long and thick and inviting. I rub my thighs together in hopes of some sort of relief.

I need to calm down.

I need to get my shit together.

As the shower turns off, I start to panic. Pulling the blankets up over my chest, I bury my face in my pillow and become still as the bathroom door opens.

I don’t see if Lorcan is looking at me or not but I hear his dresser open and close. I wait, my eyes shut, my heart nearly beating out of my chest.

One would think that my panic would stop the throbbing between my thighs but it doesn’t and I really wish it fucking would.

Lorcan crosses back to the bathroom and hangs up his towel before turning off the light, putting our bedroom in utter darkness. A second later, the opposite end of the bed dips and shifts as Lorcan crawls onto the bed. He’s soon behind me, his bare chest against my back and I know he’s wearing those damn sweatpants low on his hips.

It’s quiet for a moment and I think he thinks I’m asleep. Good. At least I’m fooling him because I sure as hell am not fooling myself. I don’t think I’ll be sleeping at all tonight.

A few minutes pass and I think he’s asleep, but then he leans in close and whispers into my ear, “Did you enjoy the show?”

Continuing to be asleep is probably the best move, but I’ve never been the smartest person. I decide to play dumb. “What show?”

His deep laugh rumbles through his bare chest and into my back as his arm wraps around my waist. “You’re the one who said you didn’t like playing games last night, Elide, so don’t start now.” His lips find the spot where my neck meets my shoulder and my head lulls back. “Besides, you and I both know I can play them better.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I’m not only playing dumb at this point, I am dumb, but that’s because my resolve is crumbling. I no longer give a shit about how I feel about my husband as long as I get to feel him inside me.

I can feel his breath on my neck, mouth hovering over my skin. “You should have told me you wanted to watch, I would’ve given you a much better view.”

Gods, help me. I clench my thighs together, praying he doesn’t notice.

His arm tightens around me and despite the fact that I watched him cum in the shower less than five minutes ago, I can feel him getting hard again against my backside.

“Do you want to touch me, Elide?” he asks, voice low and sensual.

More than anything. “No.”

The chuckle and kiss Lorcan presses to the back of my neck tells me he knows I’m lying.

I don’t think I’m breathing.

His mouth trails from the back of my neck to my shoulder where he bites down softly. I suck in my bottom lip to keep from giving him any vocal response. His hands remain around me, against my abdomen, and I long for him to touch me. I want it. I want him.

But not now, not yet. I need more.

Even though my body thinks otherwise.

His hardened cock is all I can think about. It takes everything within me to keep from grinding my ass against him. Especially when his fingers dig into my sides and he sucks at the base of my neck.

I imagine what those lips would feel like sucking on my nipples, or even better, my clit.

Gods, I’m soaked again. It’s agonizing.

Suddenly I’m on my back and he’s above me, his damp hair hanging around us like a curtain. He whispers, “I don’t believe you.”

And then his lips are on mine, but it’s not the bruising, claiming kiss from last night like I expected. It’s slow and languid and sweet. His hand cups my face and his tongue brushes against mine and then…it’s over.

As quickly as it began, Lorcan pulls away and I wait for him to lean in again. I’ve let him go further and further every time we end up kissing, and while I’m not ready for sex, I want more. Despite what I said, I want to touch him and I want him to touch me. My pussy is practically quivering with need and it’s getting worse with each passing second.

But he doesn’t lean back in, not for more than a quick peck to my lips. “Goodnight, baby.”

He smiles and then settles in behind me, his arm going over my waist just as it has every night we’ve gone to bed together.

I lay there in shock for a solid few minutes, half staring at the ceiling and half staring at the wall. His breathing evens out far before mine even slows down and I’m left wondering how the hell he turned the tables on me.

I’m still wildly turned on, but the throbbing between my legs has become a more bearable ache. My heart is still trying to beating out of my chest, but I focus on Lorcan’s breathing and the beat of his heart against my back.

Before I know it, I’ve drifted off to sleep myself.

#elorcan #elorcan tddup #TDDUP #til death do us part #throne of glass #sjm fanfic #snelbz x theladyofdeath collab #snacmc collabs

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cyborg-franky · 2 years

Note

HEYYYYY how are you beautiful person??

So I was thinking what if the op characters were in a band??? What would they play or sing???? What kind of music would they play???

HELLO my looove and I did some fics headcanons like this for the wbp.

Modern band AU WBP [headcanons]

Modern band AU WBP [fic]

Ace

- Would play drums

- Maybe back up singing

- Like punk rock type things.

Marco

- Bass guitar.

- Can play drums too

- Ukalaie [fucking spelling man]

- Banjo

- Likes alt music, punky stuff.

Thatch

- Sings

- Plays guitar

- Banjo

- Likes 50s style music, rockabilly type stuff. Seashanties.

Izou

- Plays the triangle

Deuce

- Claps his hands

- Flute

- Whatever, he’s easy.

Law

- Guitar

- Singer

- MCR covers only.

Kid

- Drums

- Singing [screaming]

- Guitar

- METAL

- His band would be one of those logos that loo like barbed wire.

Killer

- Drums

- Guitar

- Bass

- Metal along with Kid.

Barto

- Scream/sings

- Drums

- Punk and all things alt.

Corazon

- Harmonica

- Folk music

Roger

- Guitar

- Bongos

- Anything that sounds good.

Rayleigh

- Violin

- Singing

- Most string instruments.

- Classic, rock, classic rock.

Luffy

- Only trusted with a penny whistle.

- Any music!

Sanji

- Guitar

- Singing

- Romantic songs and mushy covers.

Robin

- Anything she wants

- She can plate everything and be a one-man band.

- She likes industrial, folk, pop, she’s varied.

Chopper

- Nothing

- Loves his kpop and jpop

Brook

- There is nothing he can’t play, he’s insanely talented.

- Singing

- classic and his own stuff

Nami

- Violin

- Piano

- Upbeat melodies.

Usopp

- Drums

- Kazoo

- Bass

- Sings

- ska and indie

Zoro

- BANGS POTS AND PANS

Jinbei

- Saxophone

- Sings

- Anything he vibes with.

Franky

- Guitar

- Singing

- 50s, rockabilly, classic rock

Apoo

- HIMSELF

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philtstone · 2 years

Note

Anne/Gilbert, "skillet"

Gilbert doesn't yet have the apartment keys but he knows where they're kept. He takes them out of the flower pot -- flower pots have whimsy, though this one hasn't kept any flowers in a while -- unlocks the rarely locked door, and goes inside. It's April; exam season. The weather is springy and hopeful at intervals and then, suddenly, cold and snappish at intervals too, reminding them of sad things.

Anne is at the kitchen table wrapped in an old blanket and staring at her laptop. She's kept company by the expected empty Frappuccino cups he is sure Diana's been graciously leaving her (like a cat might) over the last twenty four hours and has clearly been crying.

He drops his bag against a table leg, clears dirty skillet on the stove into the sink, and puts the kettle to boil. The document containing Anne's thesis is open in front of her.

"Oh, Anne," he says, and pulls her into a sidelong hug.

"I should be home with Marilla."

"I can take you," Gilbert says. "I've got Dad's car for the week. I was going to make the drive."

"I called. Marilla says I should be here." Anne blinks, pressing her face closer into his sweater. "Oh -- Gil -- this will sound terrible of me. Why can't it have happened longer than a year ago?"

And it is weird, isn't it? Navigating grief that is so recent yet so far away.

"Aren't they having a memorial?" Gilbert asks gently, slipping into the chair beside her. The kitchen is filling with the kettle's whistle. He has a lab exam tomorrow at six, but perhaps he can make the time to stay and cook dinner. Anne's last chapter is due to the committee on Thursday.

"Oh," says Anne, "yes. I made the Power Point. Stella helped. You know how she is with --"

"Graphics and art, yeah," says Gilbert. He rubs a thumb over curve of her delicate cheekbone. "It's alright to be sad, Anne."

"You know I know that?" Anne agrees, still looking at her laptop screen. "I'm perfectly happy missing Matthew something awful. It's just very impractical, right now."

He says, "Do you want grilled cheese?"

"Gil. You've got your exam."

"I have time for grilled cheese."

A year ago, she wouldn't have accepted his presence, let alone his help. It's a tender sort of gratification, in Gilbert's heart, when Anne's head nods against his collar. He gets up, to tend to the kettle and get the bread out, and presses a kiss to her hair as he does.

#idk what this is but its happy to be here #[bangs pots and pans] modern au!#also i cant remember what the month matthew dies in the book is but for au purposes lets say april #my writing #3 sentence prompt meme #anne shirley #gilbert blythe #anne x gilbert #anne of green gables #shirbert #them my beloveds

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oletherois · 4 years

Text

anakin sky.walker has a prosthetic arm in all his modern verses.

#anakin sky.walker has a prosthetic arm in all his modern verses.#banging pots #and pans like ! ! !! !#its fact.#just general modern verse? yes.#high school au?#yes.#marvel / dc verses i havent written up yet?#ye s .#thank u for coming to #my ted talk #› 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 ––– anakin stan blog first ; roleplay blog second.

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evanescent-epiphanies · 5 years

Photo

we’re falling apart, still we hold together

we’ve passed the end, so we chase forever

‘cause this is all we know.

#ons #owari no seraph #mikayuu #yuumika #yuumikayuu #hyakuya mikaela #hyakuya yuuichirou #eva-epi-arts #modern au #*bangs my pots and pans* MORE!!! MIKA!!!! IN YUU'S!!!! LETTERMAN FUCKING JACKET!!!!

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tpnimagines · 3 years

Note

Hello! I noticed your requests were open, and if it’s not to much to ask could you maybe do HCs of the main trio with a musician S/O. Thank you in advance!

Okay but this sounds like an adorable idea, so here we go!

(Part Canon + Modern!AU) - Spoilers for manga

~-~-~

-Ray-

(Canon) - Takes place in the Paradise Hideout

+ Ray noticed his s/o would hang around Nat when they weren’t with him. Ray didn’t mind all that much + But one day he passed by Nat and his s/o sitting together playing the piano together, which to him was one of the cutest things he has ever seen in his life + From then on he saw his s/o fiddling around with anything around them that could make some sort of note, and even if it was something like a potato they could figure out how to make a melody... + “Hey, what are you doing..?” + ^ he spotted his s/o craving holes out of a potato + “Norman showed me this book about making instruments out of vegetables... Listen.” + they blew out a little toot from the potato -> “Isn’t that cool?” + “..and what happened then? Well, in Paradise they say that Ray’s small heart grew three sizes that day.” + Ray found his s/o extremely talented, and he too learned how to play a potato with them + bonus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXfnrEguhxA

(Modern!AU)

+ Despite being his s/o, Ray spent little time with them... Why? Cause they were always in their little music room tooting away at their 12 instruments + That’s right, his s/o played t w e l v e i n s t r u m e n t s + Twelve... FUCKING TWELVE + Every time he would come back to their shared apartment he would find them violently banging on a drumset or strumming on a broken ukulele + Ray found it a little noisy, but he knew it made his s/o happy so he let them do what they wanted + Ray joined in occasionally, but unlike his s/o he only played the mandolin (his mom gave him one when he was little) + He encouraged his s/o to compete in musical competitions or play in a band, but he admired their dedication to music regardless of what they chose to do + His s/o did make one suggestion, a hard rock band + ^ ... Ray denied that idea

-Norman-

(Canon) - Takes place in the Paradise Hideout

+ Norman was a quiet guy, he wasn’t the biggest fan of loud noises + ... so it is pretty funny to see him walking around with his s/o who was strumming a guitar while yelling: “I LOVE YOU BITCH. I AIN’T EVER GONNA STOP LOVING YOU BITCH!” + The Minerva was cooped up in his office often, and despite his wanting to be alone for the most part, his s/o played the giant piano in his office + Norman found it relaxing, and made it easy for him to work when he was stressed (so his s/o is always in his office... no questions asked) + When he had free time, his s/o would try to teach him how to play something + ^ Norman struggled a good bit, but his s/o was very supportive and when he was able to play Hot Cross Buns on the violin he got many hugs from his proud s/o + Norman will always love his s/o’s music, when they get out into the real world the first thing he is going to do is help his s/o get into a musical career :) + plus, he really wants to improve with the violin so he can play his s/o music when they are stressed

(Modern!AU)

+ Similar to if they were in the Demon world, but instead his s/o is already in a musical career and Norman opted to be their manager of sorts + While his s/o makes the music, Norman helps them to decide best how to distribute + While he is somewhat sad that he cannot help his s/o make any actual music, he is happy he can help his s/o in what they are passionate about + He dreams of a day when he and his s/o can stand on a stage and play a duet together, he thinks that would also be the perfect time to propose... But that is a thought for another day, they’re quite young after all...

-Emma-

(Canon) - Takes place in the Paradise Hideout + after the canon ending

+ Oh my gosh music?!?! Emma is a sucker for entertainment so when she found out her s/o was into music she was happy to help craft a few makeshift instruments + She too went with the whole potato and carrot flute idea, and so the two would spend hours running around Paradise and tooting their flutes for the others to hear + When Emma walked in on their s/o playing a beautiful melody, she encouraged them to practice more and create a career out of it once they escape + After they all escape, and they finally find Emma, her s/o constantly sticks around with her and plays her music + One time they even showed her how to make a potato flute, and shed a few tears towards the end when Emma expressed joy in the small vegetable + Emma never remembered anything before their escape, but she did start to love her s/o all over again + Together they continued to run around and play vegetable instruments, just like the old days

(Modern!AU)

+ Emma had a bit of musical talent herself, she loved to rhythmically bang on pots and pans as she was cooking + Her s/o gifted her with a kazoo on one of her birthdays, in return Emma gifted them an ELECTRIC GUITAR + oho, how her s/o loved that guitar, they constantly praticed it and wrote songs, etc etc + Emma ended up getting a drumset and shared the idea of forming a band with her s/o + and thus, the two formed a cute smol band + her s/o played her a song they had wrote for her birthday once :) + pure bb energy

#the promised neverland #the promised neverland manga #emma tpn #ray tpn #norman tpn #tpn norman x reader #tpn emma x reader #tpn ray x reader #the promised neverland imagines #imagines #x reader #oneshot

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ackerfics · 3 years

Note

Hiiii is it okay to request something? I just really love your fics 🥺 I saw that you did song fics, so I was thinking Still Into You by Paramore mixed with Thinking of You by Katy Perry since I legit couldn’t get those out of my head. Also I’m having Mikasa brainrot rn, so maybe a fic about exes getting back together? Where reader is like already in a new relationship with Historia, but they still love Mikasa, and the pining is mutual. Thank you so much 🥺

we sang along to the start of forever — mikasa ackerman

— mikasa ackerman x female reader (modern au)

— warnings: angst but it transitioned into fluff in the end so we’re fine :)))

— summary: you still love each other and like puzzle pieces, the two of you thought about trying out the relationship thing again.

— word count: 4.8k

— author’s notes: i’m so sorry this took so long, we have so many backlogs but i thought that writing would be a great thing to unwind so here it is !! i also made the reader a girl because as soon i started writing, mikasa with a girlfriend just keeps popping in my brain and i can’t help it sjjkjksjs and thank you so much for requesting !!

reblogs are greatly appreciated !!

< you said move on, where do i go

“Hey, there you are.”

A melodic whisper got you out of your daze from looking at your laptop screen. Exams are around the corner and your professors thought that it was the perfect time to dump more work for you. Tomorrow, you have a deadline coming up for a 2k-word essay about a topic that you could care less about, it wasn’t even under your major. Yet here you are, in one of the study areas of your university, trying to squeeze your brain just so you could reach the word count without caring for the outcome of your essay. But it seems like the gods graced your prayers because a small figure with golden blonde hair appeared in front of you, her blue eyes shining under the lights of the study area.

You started dating Historia Reiss not too long ago, it was probably ranging for three months at most. It was quite rocky at first, with you being out of a long-term relationship and Historia balancing out her time between extracurriculars and academics. The long-term relationship that got you all wound up was with a close friend back in high school and it sucked because you were such a good pair together — maybe fate wasn’t by your side that time. The two of you were immature and young but your time together was golden, having known each other way before asking one another out. You promised each other you’d move on and clearly, you did, your eyes finding your current girlfriend sitting in the neighboring study desk, taking out her stationery and color-coordinated notes.

Historia was a sweet person, always patient and caring when it comes to you. You met during a lecture that you two happened to share. She forgot her Apple pencil and luckily, you still had yours in your bag, lending the gadget to the blonde since you already have your laptop perched in front of you. With small smiles, the two of you gradually became friends, sitting next to each other during that lecture. Those small moments grew and later became study meet-ups in cafés or hanging out in one of the university’s libraries. The best thing that connected you two was your personalities, it matched so well that people sometimes thought you knew each other way longer before college. When you noticed Historia showing some signs that she likes you more than a friend, you couldn’t quite believe it at first. It was Historia being so understanding of you that made you say yes to her dates.

And now, here you are.

“Yup, you found me,” you told her, stretching your arms above your head before smiling at your girlfriend.

“Is that essay for Mr. Smith’s class?” Historia asked, leaning over to your side to get a glimpse of your screen. She patted your shoulder at the number of words you wrote. “Wow, you already got past the 1k mark. That’s amazing! Don’t forget to take breaks, though.”

“Of course, Tori,” you smiled. “You, too. I know your exams start four days from now. How is that holding up?”

Historia opened her readings, sighing at the thought of the dreaded season of the student body. “I don’t know if I can answer anything that well. I mean, we’ve been having study dates every day but I get so nervous just thinking about the exams. I know I’m going to be prepared but my anxiety said ‘no’.” She buried her hands through her hair, eyes softening when your face started showing how worried you are for her. “I’ll just think that this will be over a week from now.” Historia reached a hand out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind your ear. “Hey, why don’t we go to that restaurant just outside of uni for dinner?”

You took her hand in yours, squeezing it affectionately. “I think that’s perfect.”

The two of you proceeded to work on your separate tasks until you both agreed that it’s time for a good dinner. Historia helped you tidy your things up, occasionally smiling softly at you when you yawn. You bid goodbye to some of the students in the study area you know and the two of you went out of the room with joined hands. It was a nice walk around the university, the golden glow of the Sun bathing everything in orange, and making you relax despite the many backlogs still on your to-do list. That was until you saw a familiar figure going out of one of the many buildings of the Business Department. The blonde beside you even recognized the young woman hiding her face behind her scarf, blue eyes darting to you with a worried air.

It also happened that Mikasa Ackerman looked up from adjusting her scarf, her stormy gray eyes meeting with yours by chance.

Her eyes slightly widened at the sight of you, her gaze then dropping to your hands still joined with Historia’s before pursing her lips. Looking up to tangle your eyes again, she rose her hand in a little wave. You reciprocated the gesture weakly, never leaving your stare off her retreating form. You noticed that her shoulders became tense after that little encounter, fists enclosing the straps of her backpack and steps hurrying to get to her apartment that was just a walking distance from the university.

You felt a light squeeze coming from the girl beside you, knocking you out of your reverie.

“Let’s go?” Historia asked, eyes knowingly roaming your face.

“Mm-hmm,” you only hummed, following your girlfriend out of the campus.

You thought there wasn’t anything left but why were you still stuck in a limbo that you couldn’t get out of when you stared into those gray hues haunting your dreams?

< recount the night that i first met your mother

Mikasa had her life figured out.

Everything was perfect. She has the most amazing people she can call her friends. She has the most supportive parents (and brother, but he can be a little shit sometimes but that’s beside the point). She has the perfect grades that can maintain her standing in the university, earning her great credits from various professors on the campus. She has scored a good apartment with her best friend, Sasha, all equipped with the best rooms and views that she can pay for a reasonable price. She is still a member of the university’s track and field long-distance running team, a regular and a manager at the same time. She also had the most beautiful girl as her lover and confidante, someone she could be herself with (not that her closest friends and brother didn’t see her real personality but being with her lover was a different kind of bliss compared to hanging out with her friends).

Well, had a girlfriend.

Ever since meeting you again earlier that night, suddenly Mikasa’s schedule for the night seems to blur.

It was her turn to cook for dinner but she couldn’t do anything properly. First, she managed to burn her sauteed vegetables, something that she had never done before knowing that this is her favorite go-to dish. Second, she boiled the pasta too long and now they’re too soggy. She nearly threw the pot down the sink but she didn’t want their neighbors to call the cops to their place, she just didn’t want to have a repeat of the first time that happened. (The first time their neighbors called the cops because of them was all Sasha’s fault, it appeared to the brown-haired girl that Mikasa’s cooking is one of the best in the world that she screamed bloody murder in the middle of the night.) Now, the gray-eyed girl had no choice but to start from scratch with the pasta, it was a good thing it was only the pasta though.

The front door of their apartment opened with a bang while Mikasa tried to concentrate this time. Without looking up, she can see a brown-headed blur dashing towards the kitchen. “Stop right there, Sasha,” she said while stirring the alfredo sauce in the pan. “If you reach for the chicken one more time, I’m going to skin you alive. I don’t have the energy to hold your hungry ass back right now.”

Sasha backed away at the look of her roommate who was ready to commit violence if she steps out of line. “Whoa, who pissed at your day?”

Mikasa blinked, realizing that she might have been unreasonable with her remark. Of course, she wasn’t the only tired one in their apartment right now. Sasha was also struggling with academics and extracurriculars, not to mention, her love life is perfectly stable despite being in a relationship for a year. Not that Mikasa felt slightly jealous but she did everything she could to save their relationship but it still ended on a consensual note. The black-haired girl relaxed her tense posture, sighing deeply to expel the negativity accumulating her mind at the moment (Sasha called them dark forces after Mikasa told her about it, it took everything not to leave the room when the words came out of her friend’s mouth). Turning back on her sauce, Mikasa stated, “I’m sorry, I’m just stressed. You know, with the exams coming up and my track team entering this meet at the end of the month for official records. It’s just,” she sighed, “too much right now.”

“Aw, Mikasa,” Sasha empathized, going around the countertop to wrap her arms around Mikasa. She placed her head against her friend’s, petting the latter’s hair until they became a mess on her head. “I know just the thing to make us feel better. Let’s watch some of those anime movies that Armin recommended while eating dinner. Or anything that you want to watch if you don’t feel like watching anime right now.”

Mikasa smiled a little, resting her head on top of Sasha’s and relishing the comfort her friend gave her. “Thanks, I appreciate it, Sash.”

The moment she shared with Sasha reminded her of when you two were in high school. At that time, Mikasa was one of the star athletes that belonged to the track team. After the rigorous training their coach gave them, Mikasa’s knee started to hurt. This was dismissed by the head coach, saying that this wasn’t serious at all. You witnessed it when she ran more laps than what was written in her training regime to the point that her knee gave out. It was a good thing that her knee only acquired a sprain and a good rest from physical activities for some time will heal it gradually. Mikasa never had anything against it because getting some time off from her club meant that she could spend her free time with you. It was spent staying on her family’s couch, watching movies to pass the time while making small talk about her friends. The reminiscing continued until Sasha helped her prepare the living room for their movie night. She just couldn’t help but associate every little thing with you. You were a great part of her life since middle school.

She missed everything about you.

While the movie played out, her mind went to a time when it was time to introduce Mikasa as your girlfriend to your mother.

It was in the first months of being first-years in university. There was an issued academic break set by the faculties, taking the time to invite Mikasa to your home. You were so excited that that’s all you can talk about while the gray-eyed girl drove you two to your hometown. That was the only thing enjoyable in the entire trip. Everything went into shit when you blurted out that Mikasa has been more than a friend to you ever since high school. The look on your mother’s face was enough for the two of you to tell that this shouldn’t go on as planned.

“So, you’re telling me that Mikasa has been in our home, doing God knows what to you since high school?” Your mother flatly questioned.

The coldness of her tone made you stiffen in your seat. You can see Mikasa from the corner of your eyes trying to calm herself down by rubbing your hand under the table. It couldn’t be helped that your father, the only understanding person in the family, was absent because of his job. This is why your father chose to live separately from your mom, seeing as she was the kind of authoritative parent and wife, always hovering around each of her family members to keep them in line. You now understand why your father left her because God forbid, it was tempting to cut off ties with the person who gave birth to you as she threw degrading words at Mikasa left and right. You furrowed your eyebrows, tightening your hold on your girlfriend’s hand, which was trembling on your lap. The first time you saw her this shaken was when her knee got injured during her track training. Her skin was so pale like that time that you wanted to pull her out of the house and stay at a nearby hotel to get away from your mother’s wrath.

“Mom, please,” you pleaded, tears prickling your eyes.

“No, [Name], don’t you say another word,” she pointedly snapped at you. “I feel like I have become a failure of a mother. I don’t understand why you have a woman as your lover. It’s just not right. I support it but not if it’s with my daughter.”

You abruptly stood up with half-lidded eyes that never strayed from your mother’s similar shaded ones. Your hand still gripped Mikasa’s, your thumb stroking the back of it in a soothing circle that contrasted the indifferent gaze you gave your mother. When you were a child, you understood her sentiments because you’re her only child, the only person left in her life. But when she started badmouthing the little things observed from other people, you started questioning her parenting. You were told that people who love others of the same sex were sinning the word of a divine being but if that’s the case, you’d gladly be condemned to the pits of Hell if it meant protecting Mikasa from your mother’s harsh words. “We’re leaving.”

“What—?” It was Mikasa.

“Come on, Mika. Let’s find some restaurant downtown. This place is becoming stuffy and I don’t want you to suffocate any further.”

“Hey, Mikasa? Are you alright?”

Mikasa jumped, looking around at their apartment’s living room as if she was confused as to why she was there. She slightly shook her head before turning to the concerned brown irises of her roommate. Trying for a convincing smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, Mikasa forced a laugh as she mindlessly twirled the pasta on her plate with a wistful air surrounding her. “Yeah, I think I’m alright. Just saw my ex earlier when I got out of my last lecture for the day. I feel like that’s the reason why I don’t feel like myself today.”

The movie was then forgotten when Sasha positioned her body so that she could give Mikasa her undivided attention. With a serious expression that the gray-eyed young woman didn’t see in a long time, Sasha asked, “That gorgeous beauty?”

A nod was all Mikasa could answer. Gorgeous was an understatement when it comes to imagining you. You’re practically the most beautiful girl Mikasa saw in her lifetime.

“Damn, it’s been what? Half a year since you guys broke up?”

A nod from Mikasa. She wrapped her arms around her knees, pushing them further into her chest, feeling so small at the moment. “It would have been fine if she’s alone but…”

Sasha’s mouth parted with realization; eyes wide as she stared at her roommate. “Oh,” she breathed.

Scooting closer to the gray-eyed girl, Sasha wrapped an arm around her shoulder to let the former lean against her side. She always viewed the two of you to be endgame, seeing as you were dating since you were in high school. It sucks that no matter how much the two of you proved that you belong to one another, it just ends inevitably. Sasha even liked you when Mikasa introduced you to her new roommate when you were first-years. You were shining in the brown-eyed girl’s eyes; smile so bright that she couldn’t help but think you’re pretty, hair perfectly mussed by the wind during the ride to the apartment, casual clothing fitting you in the most pleasing way possible, and personality that one could describe as amazing. You even gave her some of your food when the three of you ate out together. (Mikasa always scolded you for giving away your food when you’re barely even eating regularly.) And when you guys broke up, Sasha saw how Mikasa ended up at the lowest point of her life, locking up inside her room and only going out when Sasha’s asleep. It was only recently that Mikasa slowly became herself again.

Now, Mikasa became that closed-off version of herself after the break-up, and Sasha instantly pulled her in for a hug.

The television kept playing the movie they chose to watch, Mikasa’s silent sobs blending with the movie’s dialogue and seeping through the night.

< she kissed my lips, i taste your mouth

You nearly pulled away when you tasted lemon instead of strawberry.

You nearly looked away when you saw azure instead of metallic gray after the kiss.

You felt so bad for thinking of midnight tresses instead of spun gold every time you lay in bed after hours of studying. Guilt bloomed in your whole torso like a giant wad of roses prickling your insides with their thorns, images of Mikasa plaguing your mind a week after you saw her again after six months. And every time you close your eyes to let sleep pull you in their embrace, arms so secure would wrap around your middle in your dreams, the smell of a rose-scented soap enveloping you in a warm cocoon. It was so contrasting to the minty scent you tried so hard to get used to in those three months you were together with Historia. You promised yourself you’d never date someone else after Mikasa but you tried because she told you to find someone who will treat you better than her. As much as you pleaded with your rationality to not follow her advice, Historia was a breath of fresh air.

It was a rainy night the time you and Mikasa broke up. Funny how you always love the rain and yet the one moment tormenting your daydreams occurred in a thunderstorm.

“Mikasa, what are you talking about?”

Your favorite-colored irises couldn’t meet your stare. “I said you deserve to be with someone who can make you glow with happiness.”

“Where is this coming from?”

She only shook her head, short black hair moving along with the movement. “I feel like I’m not giving enough in this relationship. I noticed how happier you look when you hang out with your friends from your department but when you’re with me, you’re mellowed down and so drained that I’m starting to feel like I’ve done something wrong.” Mikasa buried her hands in her hair, elbows placed on her knees, making herself feel smaller in front of you. You stood up from your bed to kneel in front of her, covering her cheeks tenderly with the palms of your hands. Yet she continued, “My mind is telling me these thoughts that I denied a long time ago since we started university.”

“What thoughts, Mika?”

“That our spark had died down for good.”

You searched her face for any sign of a joke but you could only stare at her downturned eyes.

“That I think we should break up for you to be happier with other people.”

“No,” you murmured, tears starting to blur your vision. “Mikasa.”

“I love you so much to see you unhappy with me.”

“I’m never unhappy when I’m with you. Where did you get that idea?”

Mikasa smiled despite her wobbly lips, gingerly placing her lips on your forehead. “I love you, [Name], I hope you’ll find someone bright enough to let you shine even more.”

It hurts just thinking about that but something pinched it even more when you stared at Historia in front of you, Facetiming someone on her phone. You two were celebrating the end of your exams in a café, treats covering the expanse of your table. It was a breather from all the stressful weeks draining your energy and now you feel refreshed. The book you recently bought was snug in your hands, eyes skimming over the words as Historia animatedly talked to her friend, Ymir. Hearing her laugh at something the freckled girl said, you couldn’t help but look up from a paragraph you were engrossed in. Historia looks so happy, cheeks flushed and giggles so clear that she couldn’t even contain them with her small hand. She never looked like this with you and as much as you anticipated the pain brought by the sight, it didn’t come.

Now, you understood what Mikasa felt, only this time you had to let Historia go because she already belonged to someone else.

Historia just said goodbye to her friend and you knew you had to hold on to this chance.

“Hey, Historia, I have a question.”

She sipped her iced tea. “Shoot.”

“You like Ymir, don’t you?”

The silence and flustered reaction that followed was all it took for you to smile.

< no more mistakes ‘cause in your eyes i'd like to stay

Getting out of a four-hour lecture was bliss to Mikasa. She stretched her arms over her head, letting out a deep breath of relief at the thought of spending her weekend without any backlogs. Finally, she can relax without feeling guilty. After all that hell her department professors gave her, she deserved this break.

Mikasa walked down the hallways with a slight spring in her steps, feeling her phone vibrate with a text message in her bag. Stopping by a little bit at the side of the hallway, Mikasa opened the outer compartment of her bag and turned on her phone. A smile instantly overtook her confused expression.

armin

hey, wanna watch a movie tonite?

eren suggested we could unwind after the exams

figured you needed it

you can stay the night here too !!

Her fingers typed out a reply almost giddily.

Sure.

Let me just text Sasha that I won’t be sleeping in the apartment tonight.

Another message from Armin appeared.

armin

yey !! see you later, Mikasa

At this point, her smile couldn’t be erased on her face.

See you later, Armin.

Then, another message from Armin popped out that made Mikasa laugh a little.

armin

this is eren

mikasa, can u bring dinner PLS

armin and i are too lazy to cook

plus, you love us 🥺🥺🥺

The gray-eyed girl rolled her eyes, typing out a ‘fine’ before closing her phone. Her brother was sometimes too hard to handle but he can be sweet as well and saying that he needs dinner is just a way for him to say that he misses Mikasa’s cooking. When she looked up, a very familiar blonde and one of Mikasa’s classmates in a general subject came into view in one of the gazebos. Confusion was an understatement while she continued staring at Historia and Ymir laughing as if they were the only ones in the world. It was only a few weeks ago that she saw the blonde girl holding hands with you after a whole day of lectures. Maybe it was because she was staring too long at the couple that Ymir turned in her direction. As the freckled girl recognized the black-haired, stoic girl in one of their general classes, Ymir rose a hand in the air as a greeting. It also didn’t help that Historia looked at where Ymir was waving, with Mikasa tensing at the attention. She hastily waved back before turning in the direction of her car in the parking lot.

Several theories flickered through Mikasa’s head as she pulled out of the parking lot, the department store in their part of the city as her destination. Her mind was still a questioning mess the whole time she roamed the vegetable aisle until she bumped into another shopping cart, the clang of the metal breaking her trance.

“I’m sorry,” she told the person holding the other cart without looking up from her groceries.

“It’s fine.”

Mikasa quickly lifted her head at your voice. She probably looked like an idiot gawking at you in the middle of an aisle. You were dressed in an aquamarine shirt tucked in a pair of black slacks; your hair slung over one of your shoulders but for her, you looked so pretty. She concluded that you also got back from one of your lectures since your bag was placed inside the shopping cart, leaning beside a carton of strawberry milk. At the sight of the beverage, Mikasa’s chest pounded with her loud heartbeat, all the memories of you saying you like the taste of strawberries because of her entering her mind. Even after a full minute of you staring at each other, Mikasa couldn’t bear to look away. You’re so beautiful and she misses you so much.

“I miss you, too, Mikasa,” you murmured with flushed cheeks. “And you look good as usual.”

Mikasa’s face burned with embarrassment, reaching her ears, as she realized that she said her thoughts out loud. She was acting like she was in high school when she came to terms with her feelings for you. “U-Uhm, how are y-you?” Fucking hell, what is she stuttering for? It’s not like she got a below-passing score on one of her majors.

You softly smiled, tucking a stray lock of her behind your ear. “I’m doing fine. I was just thinking of making some homemade dinner tonight.”

Mikasa nodded, recalling that you got a single apartment. “Me, too, but Eren asked me to make dinner for our movie night with Armin.”

At the mention of the two men, your face brightened. “How are they?”

The gray-eyed young woman reciprocated your smile. “Armin is still reeling Eren from doing anything stupid. You know how that dingbat is.” Your laugh made her day better. She faintly noticed that the two of you started walking side by side, pushing your carts to who knows what section of the department store. “The last time I saw them was before the exam week and we were studying so we didn’t do any catching up. Speaking of exams, how are yours?”

You hummed. “I think I got a passing grade on Parasitology and Microbiology. Those were the only subjects keeping me up for how many nights in a row.” You chuckled at your caffeinated state the previous weeks. “But the others were all papers so I guess I’m fine as of now.”

“Don’t tell me you got yourself palpitations from all the coffee.”

“You know me so well, Mika,” you laughed. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to order coffee every time I go out this time. I don’t want a repeat of that night when I studied for Para. It was worse because I don’t have a roommate. How is Sasha doing, by the way? Still a ball of sunshine, I hope.” You spotted a cereal box you wanted to try so you mindlessly reached out for it but it was on the top shelf. Mikasa noticed your struggles, stopping behind you after chuckling to herself at how adorable you looked to reach the cereal box. You visibly tensed when you felt her front brush against your back, the box of cereal greeting your vision with Mikasa’s hand brushing on yours. “Thank you,” you whispered.

“You’re welcome,” she answered, patting your head before taking her cart and pushing it in the direction of the dairy section. “Yeah, Sasha is still as rowdy as the day you last visited. I threatened her again when she tried eating what I was plating for dinner. It was not a lovely night.” Mikasa paused, looking behind her when you’re not following close. She slightly panicked when she saw you looking down and gripping on the handle of the shopping cart. “[Name]? Are you okay?”

“Mikasa, I’m still into you.” You faced her with a smile. “Will you let me love you with all my heart again?”

Mikasa was speechless, her throat clogging up with overflowing emotions. She let out a delighted light, looking at you with eyes full of love.

“Yes. Will you let me in your heart again, [Name]?”

“Always, Mika.”

Their song of forever played once again and it felt so right that they wondered why they stopped it in the first place.

#aot #snk #attack on titan #aot x reader #attack on titan x reader #shingeki no kyoujin x reader #mikasa ackerman #mikasa #mikasa ackerman x reader #mikasa ackerman x you #ex to lovers #modern au

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shadow--writer · 3 years

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Requests are Open!

*banging pots and pans but it’s to the tune of happy birthday* guess what bitches it’s my birthday. Fuck n*x h*dra and all that jazz, requests are open again

If you didn’t see yours answered from the last round it’s just because it’s been sitting in my inbox due to no motivation lmao. I promise I’m getting to them, at a snail's pace but getting to them.

Now, I’m gonna expand on my rules a little bit. Of course these are subjected to change and I will reblog the changes when I make them.

PLEASE BE SPECIFIC. There was this one headcanon thing I really wanted to do (about the MC’s family) but it wasn’t specific enough and it was too much work for me to do to make it fit with everyone. If you want a headcanon specific to you and your MC (no names, will be gender neutral unless asked for) then ask it! I am totally okay with doing that

Look I’ll reiterate but smaller: if you have stuff you want written about something specific with your MC I will do that

I take forever to write so please keep in mind I write as I have inspiration and motivation. Be patient with me lol

Being passive aggressive will lead to me deleting the ask. I had this happen once and now they are all gone, so do not be that person

I am LIMITING it to THREE CHARACTERS MAX. I am so sorry but doing all the main six + other characters is super time consuming and really hard for me since I tend to write long stuff. If you see a headcanon you like with three characters and want another three, feel free to ask!

Aka if you say main six i’ll pick my top three favs. All of the main six is grating since I write like I’m running outta air

OH YEAH.

I will do headcanons for Fictif’s LAST LEGACY (more fantasy and I adore the characters. It’s written well and fun!)

If you want a fic be specific with what you want. Can you see a pattern here? If you aren’t specific then I will not do it because I don’t like reaching in the dark. Not fun for me or the asker if I didn’t really do what they wanted

I will write:

Main six + familiars

Headcanons and fics with Sage, Anisa, and Felix

Platonic headcanons/fics

Romanic headcanons/fics

Gore and violence (major character death as well and they will be tagged as such as well as under cuts.)

Will write in game ships (i.e. Nadia x Portia, Asra x Muriel, Julian x Asra, etc etc etc)

Mild jealousy. Nothing overboard, but something like a character’s reaction to their partner being flirted with or somethin

I will write stuff for Valerius now! He’s a bitch but lowkey really fun character. They might be a bit shorter as I’m still working on him. Courtier content won’t make itself

COUTRIER REQUESTS OPEN AS WELL! Romantic or platonic (I feel like I can tackle some of em!)

Platonic stuff for other side characters (i.e. Nadia’s sisters)

I WILL WRITE AU’s. Western? I’m all over that. Specific modern au you want to see? Heck yeah, send em over!

I will do Poly stuff now! I’m sorry I couldn’t do it before, I am not poly and I don’t want to write something I am not familiar with. I asked around and did research into it. Don’t want to get it wrong ya feel? But now I will write it. Just be specific with who!

Won’t write:

Sexual nsfw (haaaaa a beast I am not ready to even think about trying just yet lmao)

Possessive jealousy/yandere type stuff. It makes me personally uncomfortable.

Most side characters for romantic headcanons. I will do platonic stuff (depending on the character, still need a handle on some of them)

Rape, underage, cheating. Anything like that. Those WILL get deleted.

(please note that I will delete asks that I do not want to answer without telling anyone to save myself the headache. My reasoning behind not answering asks is mine alone and I’ve learned I don’t have to defend myself if I am not personally able to answer some because of what the ask wants from me or if it makes me uncomfortable. Follow my rules please and thanks)

(I also take asks for my OC Maeve but I doubt people will ask so here’s a tiny notice)

Ask away! I prolly will close these and reopening them here or there to clear out inbox. Just check my little notices and posts to see if they’re open or not. I won’t close or open them without warning.

#the arcana #the arcana game #the arcana headcanons #requests be open #fictif last legacy #last legacy #fictif headcanons #my rules!

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mdzs-fic · 4 years

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Additional Tags:

Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Midnight Diner AU, The sixth love language is feeding the people you love, Some plot some slice of life some angst some fluff, Warnings: some eating and sleeping problems, (not explicit but they're made light of by the character), In which the writer misses chinese food, banging pots and pans together: wwx you are cared about!! and loved!!, Happy Ending

Word count: 62k

Summary:

And then. Something slots into place in his brain and he turns, bit by bit.

"Lan Zhan," Wei Wuxian says. "It seems that you've found me."

#the untamed #mdzs #wangxian #modern au #second chances #reconciliation #friends to lovers #insomnia #disordered eating #cooking au #100k #seagaze #completed #hurt comfort #teen #food

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vorcotec · 7 years

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something that i first brought up in this drabble (warning 4 ill-advised gayness) is the presence of jack in jane’s disasterless verse, and it’s something i’d like to throw out there like, 2 everyone:

if your character knows of jane, then they know of jack, even if they don’t know his name. if your character is in a close or otherwise intimate relationship with jane, then they might even have met jack.

basically, following on previous changes to disasterless verse, jane’s major project is not the vortex chamber, but her highly advanced prosthetics. jack agreed, in essence, to be her guinea pig, and the first major breakthrough was his replacement heart. this was a Big Deal in terms of ~~~science~~~ and whatnot and definitely got jane and jack in the news; esp. because as in jane’s default verse, jack has lost three of his four limbs and jane is replacing them with prosthetics, all of which are cybernetic/interconnected/super cool like all her inventions. so it’s a big story filled with The Science and This Weirdo Renegade Science Lady With Her Magic Prosthetics and also her surgeon ex is there, grumbling REALLY LOUDLY the whole time.

so if you google jane’s name? jack’s name comes up. if you’ve only heard of her/her project but don’t know all the deets? you probably know of jack, even if you don’t remember his name; you probably just think of him as “the guy who got those magic prosthetics.” if you spend significant amounts of time with jane? she will mention jack. he’s probably considered part of the family at this point tbh. dorothy without a DOUBT knows him and has spent time with him (although it’s anyone’s guess if the two Loudest And Most Emotional People In The World get along).

#∴ headcanon tag.#∴ disasterless ( modern au verse. )#∴ science mom and her tin boy ( jane and jack. )#he is her son she lov him #u: but in this verse he has no reason to be separate from his parents and consider jane a surrogate mother #me banging pots and pans: HE! IS! HER! SON! SHE! LOV! HIM!

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hollywoodx4 · 4 years

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Thanksgiving-Modern AU

Hi I’m finally here! I’m Danielle, and I’m the coparent to this modern college AU-So this one of the moments @dilforpheus and I have talked about over and over again and it is one of my most favorites, so I had to write it. I’ve been sitting on this for a long time but I’m excited for this AU to find air other than us screaming at each other all hours of the day even though I love screaming about it. I am so happy that ten years later we’re still on our bullshit. It is SO special to me. - The only thing you need to know is that Orpheus and Eurydice go to college together-she studies in a coffee shop on campus and he notices her there. They both end up going there just to see each other but not saying anything, until Persephone invites her favorite student with nowhere to go for the holiday over to her family Thanksgiving. This is the result. -

The doorbell rings and Orpheus looks up from the mashed potatoes with curiosity, scanning the room. It seems as though they’re all here; Hades stirring one pot and monitoring another, Hermes sitting on the island stool transferring roasted carrots to a different plate. Orpheus has been mashing the potatoes for a while now, the back-and-forth motion making him feel useful in a kitchen commanded heavily by his culinarily anal uncle. He can hear the soft click of Persephone’s footsteps moving across the floor of the entryway, then the slight squeaking of the front door and a bright greeting. The voice that responds is familiar, but in a distant sort of way; Orpheus stops his mashing in hopes of hearing the conversation better-there’s slight laughter, distant but sure, like a music that pulls him.

Persephone enters the kitchen first, reaching an arm out and pulling a girl in beside her. The girl, small in stature, smiles slightly and waves at Hades, who gives the first greeting. Orpheus is frozen; the cropped haircut, bangs just above her eyebrows-the sound of her laughter and the soft, lilted timbre of her voice…this is the girl from the coffee shop. She orders dark coffee with extra espresso, always has her nose in a book or her feet hurrying her somewhere. This is the reason he’d started playing more in that coffee shop, lugging his guitar halfway across campus to somewhere with poorer acoustics and more chatter. This is the girl he’d been thinking about since the beginning of the semester, always a song on the tip of his tongue. When she turns her gaze to him and flashes him that friendly smile, Orpheus lurches at the feeling of his heart skipping in his chest.

“I’m Eurydice,” She steps toward him, leans slightly on the counter in front of him. Eurydice-he can feel the way her name would roll from his lips, four syllables in absolute melodic harmony, a sigh of thanks straight from his soul. He realizes that it’s been too long after everyone else has introduced themselves and his hand shoots away from the bowl of mashed potatoes and reaches to hers. In a flurry he realizes the residue on his hands and quickly wipes them down the old kitchen apron he’d put on. A quick heat rises to his cheeks as he attempts again, and she takes his hand and shakes it.

“I’m Orpheus.” It’s about all he can manage to get out through the near magical feeling of her hand touching hers, even in something as cordial and demure as a handshake. Her dark eyes meet his and he almost forgets to let go-that this is just a handshake and nothing more. It’s a tiny voice that interrupts them, Junie’s light figure bumping against his leg and breaking their eye contact. He takes in a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding.

Junie’s gaze is fixated on Eurydice, who bends down to her level and introduces herself again. The toddler, in all her amazement, lunges forward to hug her. Eurydice laughs-the sound of music and light-and hugs her back before asking her name.

“I’m Junie, are you a princess?” Eurydice can’t help but feel herself warm to the question; she’s dressed simply, a thrifted shirt slightly too big for her small frame with ornate detailing tucked into a pair of dark skinny jeans. She’d taken her boots off at the door, and was left with a pair of mismatched socks thrown on when she realized she’d be late if she didn’t leave her apartment soon enough. The back of the hand she’d shaken with everybody still had remnants of a list written with ballpoint pan; things to do, a new work schedule. She felt like Eurydice, with the arms of the toddler of the mysterious, beautiful musician from the coffee shop wrapped around her.

“No, I’m not a princess,” She brushes the girl’s hair back instinctively, gently. “I bet you are, though.”

The little girl claps, clearly satisfied with that notion, and begins to skip around the kitchen. She holds the hem of her big dress with two hands, lets her soft ringlet curls bounce up and down as she parades. Persephone calls her name, warns her about running in the kitchen as she weaves between Hades carving the turkey and Hermes with a stack of dishes in his hands. Junie then calls for Orpheus, pulling on his hand, and he follows dutifully behind. Persephone shakes her head, sipping from a glass of deep red wine.

“Our daughter-man she’s a firecracker. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. We waited eighteen years for her and it was worth every heartbreak.”

There’s something tiny, indescribable that shifts through the air at this notion; Persephone’s daughter, not his. They race across the edge of the kitchen singing some kind of princess song, Junie’s tiny, powerful voice and his softer one, laughing and playing. Eurydice bites at the corner of her lip, shifting on her feet as she watches them skip by, finally looking away to flash a smile at Persephone.

“She’s beautiful,” They’ve gone into the adjoining room and so Eurydice turns back to the three adults standing around the kitchen island, accepting the offer of a wine bottle and a glass wordlessly held up by Persephone.

When dinner is served Eurydice ends up on one side of Orpheus, who pulls out the chair next to her with the slight turn of his lip and a nod. She nods back, turning her focus to Junie climbing her way into the empty spot on his other side, fitted with a booster seat in the big chair. Her big dress settles around her like a cupcake, all tulle and frill, but she settles her cloth napkin in her lap as if its second nature.

Persephone begins the dinner with a speech-something about being together “just like Sunday dinners,” thanking a quiet, grinning Hades for orchestrating the entire dinner.

“You might’ve made too much, but you’ve been up for a month planning and researching this menu so I can’t say that.” The family laughs, and Eurydice does too-this man with his white-grey hair and large presence is feigning offense, gesturing to the table full of elaborately plated dishes with pride. Once Persephone gives the go-ahead the meal is served, plates passed back and forth around the table. More than once she bumps hands with Orpheus, who hands her dishes of food after serving both Junie and himself. More than once she feels color rise to her cheeks, dismisses it with the warmth of the room and the wine just beginning to hit her system. But the electric feeling lingers between them all night, bumping elbows and making jokes, and she barely remembers the meal she’s eaten when everyone gets up from the table.

She moves to the kitchen but Persephone stops her, shaking her head vehemently.

“You’re our guest, you’re not washing dishes.” She shoos her away and Eurydice finds herself in the living room, where Junie has settled herself with a large bin of dolls. She sets her wine on the coffee table and sits cross-legged on the floor next to her. Junie immediately pushes a group of dolls her way and gives her instruction, babbling on in her tiny voice as she scoots herself closer to Eurydice.

In the kitchen there is a hum of activity, instantaneous and simple from years of practice. Persephone washes and Hades wraps up the leftovers. Hermes dries and Orpheus puts the dishes away, stacking them neatly back in the wide expanse of cabinets the gourmet kitchen is filled with. The dried dishes begin to stack next to the counter, however, and when Hades is done wrapping his eyes catch the pile. Orpheus is leaning against the kitchen island, one finger tracing mindless patterns on the granite countertop. He calls for his nephew but receives no response. Hermes and Persephone turn around-the water is shut off, the dishes done, and the adults watch the boy they raised stand idly, uninterrupted.

“Are you even listening?” Hades raises his voice a bit, prodding his nephew with one giant hand on his shoulder. Orpheus’s lean frame lightly sways in response, but he does not turn to face his uncle. Persephone chuckles from beside him, bringing her glass of wine to her lips.

“It’s the girl,” she points to the pile of toys on the floor, a trail of them leading up to the ornate Victorian-style dollhouse in the corner of the living room. Eurydice is lit by the glow of the fire, her voice changed to match the doll in hand, putting herself in the elaborate story they’ve created. Junie leans up against her, her body nestled in the crook of Eurydice’s elbow. Their backs are turned to the kitchen but he catches glimpses of her turning her head, leaning down to speak to Junie. There is something more to the way she cradles Junie’s sitting frame close to her, the way her voice changes to match the characters she’s set out to play from the endless expanse of dolls. Her full attention is focused on the girl, who’d just met her only hours before. He finds himself transfixed by the scene, by the girl he’d only admired from afar until she’d walked through the door. He wonders briefly what kind of strange magic had brought her to this Thanksgiving, and then remembers Persephone’s brief wording days before.

“She doesn’t have family-she doesn’t have anybody. She’s my favorite student-brilliant, quick as a whip. I invited her over for dinner. She’ll have us.”

“Go talk to her.” Hermes finally pulls him from his daydream, her voice startling him and causing him to jump slightly. Persephone laughs, moving to stand alongside him and putting a hand on his shoulder. “Go.”

“She’s the girl I’ve been telling you about-the one from the coffee shop.” It’s almost breathless, the disbelief in his voice as he looks into the living room at her small frame and warm smile. Of all of the people on their college campus-of all of the students Persephone teaches-he can’t believe that she is sitting in his aunt’s house, playing with his niece. He can’t believe the luck-the coincidence that feels more like fate to his poetic translation. But as much as he feels the pull toward her he cannot seem to move his body, rooted to this place in the kitchen by an unrecognizable force.

“Here,” Persephone pours him a hefty glass of wine, much to Hermes’s warning glance-their boy is a lightweight, but the woman with beautiful rolling curls and a coy smile does not take his overly-cautious caveats; this is typical of Hermes, who’d always been the more serious in raising their boy. “Take a little sip of liquid courage and just go over there. Speak your truth.”

“No,” Hermes interrupts with his slow, careful wording in the most delicate and intelligent of voices. He narrows his eyes at Persephone, turning to Orpheus with a caution in the back of his eyes. “Go on and talk to her, but don’t come on too strong.”

He looks then to Hades, who’s polishing off the pieces of the gas stove, reading glasses perched neatly on the tip of his nose. He chuckles, shaking his head.

“Just talk to her, boy. It’s as simple as that.”

Orpheus, taking a long sip of red wine, finds the confidence to saunter into the living room. At least, it feels like a saunter. His long limbs perform the action with less grace and poise, certainly. Junie turns to him first, hearing him coming, and reaches his arms out to him. He sits on her other side, nodding again at Eurydice, who grins back. She’s completely illuminated by the warm glow of the fire and his heart nearly stops there, the words he’d practiced on the short walk completely forgotten. All he can muster is another hi, spoken through a gentle tenor knocked over by her presence. The words he wants to say get mixed up, and he’s not sure where to begin; I feel like I’ve known you forever-I’ve seen you at the coffee shop before-I’m the one who bought you coffee and sent it your way last Monday-I haven’t been able to find the words to say to you-I

Persephone calls Junie’s name, appearing in the doorway. The toddler pouts, crossing her arms-she knows what’s coming before Persephone can tell her.

“No bed.” She shakes her head, looking between Orpheus and Eurydice. She doesn’t want to miss the fun; she’s sure her uncle has come to join their play. But Persephone gives her a pointed look and she groans, little yet sure, then tugs at Orpheus’s arm.

“Ophie put me to bed.”

“No, sweetheart, let me do it.”

“No, Ophie.” All Junie has to do is look up at him with big, adoring eyes and a refusal is out of the question; he shrugs at Eurydie, an apology more to himself, and picks his niece up, cradling her in his arms.

“Queen Buggy has spoken,” He coos, kissing her forehead and hugging her close. “I’ll be back. Say goodnight.”

Junie lays her head on Orpheus’s chest and waves, then he turns and moves to bring her upstairs while speaking to her in a silent, slightly singing voice. Eurydice watches them go, still clutching both barbies in her hands, until Persephone begins to pick up the mess around her.

“She’s a good girl,” Eurydice offers, tossing her dolls into the large toy chest against the wall. Persephone merely grins, with a hidden sort of prodding within the mask of outward happiness that causes Eurydice to blush in immediate understanding. Persephone gestures to the couch and she sits, hanging Eurydice her glass before taking a drink from her own. The older woman sits on the coffee table, one leg crossed over the other.

“I’m glad you could come,” Persephone softens upon looking at the girl-really looking at her. With her soft, rounded features and fringed bangs over tired eyes, she is a thing of beauty. Exhausted, intelligent, hard-working beauty; she is effortless in her posture, humble in the way she thanks Persephone for giving her somewhere to go. She has to work later-the Black Friday rush-and Persephone wonders briefly if this is the first Thanksgiving she’s spent with the company of a family and warm food. It seems so; her frame is tiny, and she’s debated heavily on the topics of humanity and the reality of family ties in class before. Her papers have been moving, completely compelling. She wonders now, with the girl sitting with her body toward the front of the couch, if her arguments had been born from experience.

Orpheus returns then, standing awkwardly in the doorway, and Persephone jumps from her place on the coffee table and pats the couch.

“Here, Orpheus,” She prods, with a pointed look so natural to the blatant nature of her personality. “I don’t think you’ve had a chance to talk much yet-keep her company while I settle some things with Hades?” She’s nodding, not giving Orpheus a chance to give in to the bustling anxieties living underneath the pull in his heart. She bustles quickly from the room then, moves to stand behind the kitchen island, just barely out of sight. She watches as her nephew sits, Eurydice laughing at whatever introduction they’d given themselves. She pulls Hades and Hermes to stand next to her, watching the younger adults talk.

“I have a good feeling about this-look at him, he’s gone.”

Orpheus leans back on the couch, taking practiced breaths as he attempts light chatter. She volleys answers back to him-she’s a communications major, spends most of her time in Persephone’s classes. He’s a music major, a year older. The more she talks the more he’s hinged on her words, the tonality of her voice and the warmth of the room-the crackling of the fire, the soft music coming from the speakers in the dining room-wrap Orpheus in a consuming serenity. She’s just finished telling him about a final paper when he loses it, that restraint he’d been so surprised with having for so long.

“I’ve notice you before-in the coffee shop.” He stammers over the words that spill themselves involuntarily from his lips, and he immediately feels the overwhelming heat that reaches his cheeks. Eurydice lets a soft smile reach her lips, her head tilting slightly.

“I’ve noticed you too-you always have your guitar. Working on something important?”

“A few things-I haven’t finished anything yet, though. The coffee shop is always busy-the acoustics aren’t the best. I used to work more in one of the practice rooms, but you have to stay where your inspiration is.”

“Oh,” It’s all she can muster-she isn’t sure what to make of Orpheus’s words, the meaning she thinks she deciphers behind them. He looks at her with a gentle nature unfamiliar to her, speaks in a voice so light she feels as though it could carry her away at any moment. She thinks of him with his guitar, settled in the corner of the coffee shop with a notebook balanced on the arm of an old chair. She thinks of her abandoned notes, the time spent watching his careful concentration as he plugged away at combinations of chords that felt like otherworldly symphonies. Her intention of drinking dark coffee with extra espresso had been laced with the promise of the possibility of seeing him again, hearing more of his musings, and now he sat next to her on the couch talking of inspirations and bad acoustics. There’s a flood of pictures in her head-him and his guitar, him chasing his niece around the kitchen earlier in the night, him chasing other children with her dark hair and his light eyes. She blinks the vision away, frightened at the strange intensity that draws her to him. Instead of drawing back, however, she feels herself pull closer toward him. Setting her glass on the table beside them, she shifts her weight on the couch, turning her body to face his. Her request is wordless-she’s not sure she can speak at this point, so enraptured by his soft eyes and the visions in her head. When she puts a hand on his jawline he meets her lips, eager yet slow. She moves against him instantly, pushing herself against him as the immediate spark flies to the forefront of her mind. He holds her then, hands gentle and soft, encompassing her in warmth as she moves her hands to the hair on the back of his neck. There is nothing else-just Orpheus, the name she breathes as she lowers his body to the couch. Her musician has a name and it is beautiful just as he is, with his hands holding her hips and his lips brushing her neck.

He isn’t sure what’s come over himself but once her lips meet his, Orpheus feels impulse kick in. He wants to hold her; hear her voice sighing his name, feel the hitch in her breath as he kisses her neck. He wants to lose himself in the song of her action, her body, her soul. It’s as if he’s known her for years, but is kissing her for the first time, familiar yet so new, and something he wants to do until his lips turn blue and his lungs give out.

“Come home with me,” He whispers the words as she presses his forehead against his, feels the strength and rapidity of her heart beating in her chest. She nods, wordless, and takes pause to catch her breath. They’re interrupted by the clearing of a throat from the kitchen, voices speaking louder than need be, and as they sit up Persephone appears in the doorway.

“We were just going to take out some cards-want to play?”

“No-uh-no thank you, Seph. We-we’re going to get going now.” Eurydice nods, biting her lower lip and clearing her throat and trailing Orpheus to the coat rack by the front door. He holds out her coat to her first, helping her slip it on before finding his own.

“Thank you so much for inviting me-it was a beautiful dinner, and it was so nice to meet everyone.” She’s still near breathlessness, a slight giddiness in her voice as she and Orpheus move to hug everyone goodbye. He wraps a hand around her waist then, and she falters as they make their way for the door, waving one last time before the cold air of the night hits them as brisk as their impatience.

#hadestown #modern au #orpheus #eurydice #the entire family

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knightowl725 · 4 years

Text

Healing in a Graveyard, Ch. 4

Fandom: Critical Role

A continuation of my work for Fjorclay Week 2020′s modern au prompt. I make some important notes about really the whole fic on the ao3 post. Short version: Landlords dating tenants is not cool, at all. I’ve been writing this with the knowledge that Caduceus wouldn’t abuse that power dynamic. But in the real world? Everyone should make their own choices, but I, personally, do not condone it.

Read on ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/23828932/chapters/57397261

Chapter Four: Pink Blossoms

He awoke in the morning to the sound of metallic clanging.

“It’s breakfast ti~ime,” Jester’s cheery voice sang from outside his door as she banged - what? Pots and pans? - together. “It’s time to wake u~up!”

He heard distant, high-pitched cursing from the direction of Nott’s room, followed by a giggle from Jester and her thudding back down the stairs.

Fjord threw himself out of bed, slinking into the bathroom for just a few moments to wake himself up. He’d slept like shit. Hadn’t he set an alarm to wake up early? Caduceus had said he could help out later in the day so he could sleep in, but he’d still wanted to be up for meditation.

So much for that.

Fjord made his way downstairs and through the kitchen into the dining room, where everyone but Nott was settling around a wide array of breakfast foods. There were tall stacks of pancakes, waffles, piles of fruit, syrup in different flavors, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and more laid out, all in their vegan varieties. Fjord wasn’t sure about the vegan version of some of these items, but after everything else he’d eaten that week, he was willing to try.

Caduceus stood nearby, having just set down the final plate of food. He looked rather pleased with himself in his purple apron. A bit of light from the window was falling on his face just so, and Fjord thought that he looked rather handsome in that image.

Which was a weird thought, and one he squashed back down. He didn’t need to get into that weird admiration-crush area right now. In fact, it might be the exact last thing he needed.

Fjord took his seat, Nott following shortly after. They all tore into the food, shockingly quiet for a few moments as everyone was lost to the joys of breakfast. What had seemed to Fjord like a ridiculous amount of food turned out not to be, as the Nein neatly polished it off.

“That was so good Caduceus,” Beau said, slouching a bit with a hand on her stomach.

The others echoed their thanks to a pleased Caduceus. Fjord couldn’t help the thought that Caduceus was the kind who needed people to fret over. He supposed the Nein was about as perfect a match as any.

Fjord considered spending his day studying, maybe trying to look at job postings. The thought reminded him of his rough night, of regretting ever leaving The Champions’ house even temporarily. But now, in the light of day and with a stomach full of pastries, he wondered if maybe it wasn’t the right choice. Maybe, if there was such a thing as fate, he was meant to be here now. Surrounded by friends, with the only stranger becoming a fast friend as well, in a beautiful nature escape, under the eye of a goddess that asks you to protect and preserve rather than consume and destroy.

Any of his plans for the day were dashed by his friends, who coaxed him into joining them at a pop up carnaval. It was a day full of Jester-levels of chaos, spurred on by Nott that he gave up trying to contain after about an hour. At one point, Caleb had gone off to read, Beau was trying to impress Jester by winning her a giant unicorn plush at a game, Nott was on top of a popcorn stand, and Yasha was showing a juggler how to actually perform.

He took a deep sigh, pulled out his phone, and recorded a clip of all of his friends in their shenanigans to send to Molly. Then, on a whim, he sent it to Caduceus as well. He was kinda part of the group now, right? That was the impression Fjord got, even if Caduceus couldn’t join them today. Visiting his sister, he’d said.

By the time they made it back to the Xhorhaus, everyone still laughing and jostling one another, it was nearly sunset.

Caduceus was sitting in his rocking chair, wearing an endearing straw hat that made Fjord smile instinctively.

“Caduceus~!” Jester called out. “The carnival was so much fun. Look what Beau won me!”

She raised the over-stuffed unicorn plush high overhead with pride.

“You should join us next time,” Fjord said.

He smiled wide, eyes crinkling. “I’d like that.”

He stood up, a little slowly as though he’d been sitting for a while. “Would you all mind very much if we fended for ourselves for dinner? I’m rather tired today.”

There was a chorus of, “of course!” and “no problem!” from the group as they poured inside.

“Ah, Fjord? Could I speak with you for a moment?” Caduceus asked. Fjord paused, then stepped out of the way of the others. Had he done something wrong?

Ah, shit. He’d forgotten.

“Right. I still need to earn my keep for today,” he said with a little laugh. “What should I work on?”

“It’s not that,” he said, distracted and gazing off across the Grove. “Actually, I’d like to skip our project work today, if you don’t mind. We can call it even.”

“Caduceus, are you alright? I mean, it’s not that I’m not grateful for a break, but you seem...tired.”

He met Fjord’s eyes to smile. “I am a bit worn out today, I’m afraid. But just tired. Calliope’s gym is very busy on the weekends. Too many people.”

Ah, that made sense. Fjord wasn’t bothered by crowds too much most days, but it was obvious that Caduceus, while sociable and friendly, was a more introverted man. In fact, it was a little strange to imagine the towering pink firbolg anywhere other than in the Grove.

“Of course. Is there anything I could do to help?” Fjord asked. “I could try making you something to eat? I’m, uh, not familiar with much vegan cooking, but I’m sure I could put together some of those sandwiches you left out the other day? The moss ones?”

“Oh, no, I couldn’t impose--”

“I insist. We could call it my work for the day, if need be.”

Caduceus considered it. “Well, alright. I would appreciate it, Fjord.”

Fjord stepped towards the door. “You get settled again. I’ll bring out some food and tea, and then we can talk.”

“Right, thank you.”

Fjord disappeared indoors, suddenly daunted by the idea of cooking anything for Caduceus. And he offered to make tea? Caduceus was the type to make tea properly, to brew it at the perfect temperature for the exact amount of time that particular tea required.

He ventured into the kitchen, carefully sifting through the shelves so as not to upset Caduceus’s inscrutable system. He found the sandwich ingredients easily enough - it was the kind of recipe you could piece together just by looking at the meal. The tea he relied on the Internet for. A search told him honey lemon tea might be an easy one to make. He watched a quick tutorial and made himself meticulous notes.

After a bit of time, he had two plates of sandwiches, neatly cut in half, and two cups of tea. He placed them strategically on a large tray with a little saucer of honey, a tiny spoon, and a sliced lemon. He’d noticed Caduceus often added them to his teas, so hopefully that would be enough if he hadn’t gotten the flavor right.

Caduceus was still outside, his empty tea cup on the little rounded table, slightly unbalanced. Fjord set down the tray, shifting it so Caduceus’s half was closest to him, then sitting on the bench.

“Thank you, Fjord,” Caduceus said.

“I hope I did it justice.”

“I’m certain you did. You’re a quick learner.”

They enjoyed a quiet moment, the warmth of the day beginning its shift into a cool night.

“Did you enjoy the carnival?” Caduceus asked after a few moments, his sandwiches gone and tea between his hands. He always held it up to his chest like that, especially when he was sitting idly. It was a little cute.

“Yes, though it was tiring in its own way,” Fjord said. “You may have seen the video I sent.”

Caduceus chuckled. “I showed Calliope, and she got a good laugh out of that. Still can’t puzzle out why Nott was up on the popcorn stand.”

“I think the vendor said something that offended her? I don’t know.”

“Ah, that reminds me,” Caduceus said, straightening a bit. “I needed to talk to you.”

“Right.” Fjord felt the pit in his stomach return.

“Calliope runs a gym, and she has a few people she’s brought on staff,” he said. “She’s very proud, we all are. She normally spends her time between all the tasks, training, running the business, working reception, and the like. But she’s gotten a bit overwhelmed with the gym’s success.”

“Understandable,” Fjord said.

Caduceus nodded. “She told me she’s been having a hard time finding people she likes to help her out more. She really wants to find a part-time receptionist. I think she had one already, but she needs another. I mentioned I knew someone looking for work, and how you’d been helping me all week.”

“Oh,” Fjord said, unable to form any words beyond that.

Caduceus tilted his head thoughtfully. “She asked a lot of questions, most I couldn’t really answer, but she wanted to know if you’d like to speak with her about the job.”

“Oh, wow. Okay.”

“I told her I would ask, but that you might have other things planned. I don’t want to assume or push anything on you, but I do think you would like working at the gym. And it’s important to Calliope that her employees be, at least, accepting of the Wildmother, and I know you’ve been respectful of Her.”

“Of-of course.” Fjord took a deep breath. A job? The pay couldn’t be worse than it was at the cafe, so as long as he got the same minimum hours...Which it sounded like the gym was doing well enough to need him around a bit...And wasn’t it close by?

“I, um, I’d certainly like to talk to her more about it,” Fjord finally said. “I can’t promise anything, but I am interested.”

Caduceus brightened. “Good! I know it’s far from decided, but wouldn’t it work out just so nicely? I’d like for Calliope to have trustworthy folks around her, and she could use someone who is good with people on her staff. She’s a little rough, but she’d be much better to you than some of these other folks have.”

“Oh, yeah, of course.” Fjord had always had some level of charm, even in his more awkward moments. It wasn’t a surprise to hear, but somehow hearing it from Caduceus made him flush.

“Here, let me get you her number.”

Fjord entered Calliope into his phone after a few attempts at getting her name right.

“I’ll send her a text tonight. Unless you think I should call her?”

“I think a text is fine. I’m the technology-challenged one of the family, not her.”

Caduceus smiled at Fjord’s laughter. They finished up their tea, talking a little more about their day. Soon it was dark, with speckled stars overhead and invisible crickets chirping away. They said their good nights, and Fjord breezed through his nightly routine. Wash his clothes, brush his teeth, file at his tusks, check that his assignments were all in order, plan what he might need to study tomorrow, finish laundry, then crawl into bed.

Lying in the dark of his room, he pulled out his phone and stared at the new contact.

It didn’t hurt to ask about the job, right?

In the dark of night, all alone, he felt those familiar hooks dig into his chest, like something weighed him down. Avantika would be so angry if he took another job. It was as good as saying he wasn’t coming back. He might lose all his other things. All that time invested. All the comfort in having someone else to make his decisions.

But it was so damned warm here. The Blooming Grove, the Xhohaus, it was like a dream. Was it even possible that it would stay? If he reached for it, would it just vanish?

Mind shifting between possibilities, the cold comfort of pain well-known versus the warm but terrifying unknown, Fjord fell asleep with his phone on his chest and a single text message he didn’t quite remember sending.

Hey Calliope, this is Fjord, the guy Caduceus mentioned. He said you might have an opening for a front desk role at your gym, and that I should contact you. I’ve got a few years of experience in customer service, and I spent years on various ships doing all kinds of odd jobs. If you still have that opening, I can send you over my full resume if you’d like to talk more.

He dreamt of the ocean. He was standing on the edge of a rocky outcropping, staring out into the softly turning waves. They stretched out before him, intimidating. Awe-inspiring. Eternal. Powerful.

He looked up into a bright blue sky, watching as it shifted. A cloud, or a face? A face made of a cloud, maternal, grew to encompass the sky.

When Fjord awoke his mind raced with the...conversation he’d had with the cloud, the promise he’d made. His heart raced with his mind, and he took a moment just to breathe. Process.

The sun was just beginning to fill the room. Fjord looked around. It was the same room he’d woken in, what, six times now. It was his seventh day in the Xhorhaus. It was his last day in the Xhorhaus.

He planted his feet on the wooden floor, seeing his phone discarded face-down on the floor. He ignored it for now, facing himself in the mirror as he had done merely days ago. Days and yet a lifetime.

He looked disheveled. His hair was still too long, too gray for his age. His face was clean, fuller. His eyes were clear, his slouch more natural and less burdened. He looked...stronger. Somehow. Maybe not physically. Those kinds of changes didn’t happen overnight, after all, but still.

A flash of pink caught his eye, and he looked to the houseplant sitting on the dresser. It had flowered overnight, from nothing to a vibrant pink, pointed sort of flower. He stood and approached the plant, barely grazing the flower with his fingertips. He knew that shade of pink.

It was surreal. He didn’t know if he was still dreaming or experiencing a mental break, but some deep, certain part of him knew it was neither. He dressed and went through his morning routine with a strange calmness over him. When he returned to his room, another shock awaited.

He turned back to his bed, intending on gathering his phone and making his bed, but more color caught his eye. Outside his window, that large, beautiful tree he’d come to admire had burst into color. It’s usually vibrant green leaves were now overwhelmed by bright pink flowers.

Caduceus stood beneath the petals, dressed in the long teal-pink robe-esque coat he’d worn earlier in the week. His back was to Fjord, a staff in one hand while the other extended out to catch a falling petal.

Fjord pried open the old window and leaned out. “Caduceus!”

Caduceus turned at the shout of his name. “Fjord? Look at this! I’ve never seen--”

“It’s amazing! Wait a minute, I’m-I’m coming downstairs.”

Fjord hurried from his room, leaving his window and door open in his haste. He tore out the front door, leaping down the porch steps to jog to the tree.

Caduceus was waiting, smiling with childlike delight as he was gently showered in pink. Petals had caught in his hair, a near-matching color. He laughed.

“I’ve never seen this happen, never heard of it happening,” Caduceus said. “I… I should take a picture. At some point. For my family.”

“I think I--” Fjord caught himself. Who was he to act as if he might be the cause of this? A minor miracle amidst another family’s home for centuries, where they had all worshipped a goddess he stumbled across in a dream, and he was going to try and claim it was about him?

“Do you know something, Fjord?” Caduceus asked in sincere curiosity.

“No, I couldn’t possibly. I just…”

Caduceus watched him expectantly, wise eyes waiting for him to come clean.

“I… I had a dream last night. About the Wildmother.”

Caduceus straightened, leaning towards him in intense interest.

“She asked me… To serve her, I think. Like you do, but different?” Fjord relayed the dream, the vision of the ocean, all that the Wildmother had told him, the promise he made, even the flower on his houseplant.

Caduceus’s smile slowly widened until it looked like it might split his face in his joy. “This is wonderful, Fjord!”

“Is it?” Fjord said. “I’m a bit nervous, if I’m honest.”

“You’ve been lost to this darkness for some time, I understand. Something drew you to it.”

Fjord looked down for a moment. “I...wanted guidance, I suppose. Purpose. Not to figure it out alone.”

“The Wildmother can give you those things, if you’d like for her to. And from what you’ve shared, I think some part of you might.”

“I’m sorry,” Fjord said. “I don’t mean to make this about me, I’m sure--”

“It is about you,” Caduceus said, almost confused. “She has chosen you to join her following, to take under her wing and her protection. There are no coincidences Fjord. This tree did not burst into flower for the first time in my life the night after you accepted its goddess by chance. She gave you a sign, several of them. First, when you were brought to her temple here, then when you met me, and more this morning.”

Fjord didn’t know what to say. He looked up at Caduceus. The man was smiling down at him, brimming with joy and pride. Was Caduceus proud of him?

He felt something push at his eyes.

Caduceus looked up into the tree. “This is a blessing, Fjord. I sensed you were meant for greater things than serving destruction, but it seems She has surprised me once again.”

Fjord managed a laugh. “She is certainly surprising.”

“Today is a special day,” Caduceus said, still smiling. “Would you help me finish breakfast? I think I’d like to bring it out here.”

“Of course.”

#my writing #fjorclay #critical role #teahaw #multi-chapter

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