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parksunghoonbro · 3 years

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come here》 p.sh {pt.3}

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<3 pairing: chaebol!stepbrother!sunghoon x chaebol!fem!reader (some chaebol!bestfriend!soobin x reader)

<3 genre: angst, fluff

<3 warning: sunghoon gets jealous, he is unwillingly an asshole, making out, mentions of love (sorry if any of you guys are triggered by anything else)

<3 word count: 1.9k

<3 summary: park sunghoon, the most popular rich boy around town, who you are super attracted to becomes your stepbrother. what happens when you realize that he is also extremely attracted to you?

<3 xtra stuff: Soobin is the same age as Sunghoon. They are both 20 while y/n is 18 (2 years older). If you guys have watched Tempted/The Great Seducer y/n and soobin’s hang out is inspired by Shihyun, Sooji, and Sejoo’s (the three friend’s) hideout. (Soobin and y/n have been friends since y/n was born. Like 2-year old Soobin held y/n when she was a newborn)

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You wake up to being surrounded by a comforting warmth. You felt Sunghoon’s muscular arms wrapped around your waist and your face against his chest. After a couple of minutes of admiring the face of the man in front of you, you remember that you had an appointment with your stylist at 10:00 to plan an outfit for an event that your mother’s company has every year. It currently was 8:13, so you tried to squee yourself out of Sunghoon’s tight hold. Finally being able to sit up you were about to get out of his bed, but you suddenly felt two strong arms pull you back into bed. “Where do you think you’re going?” Sunghoon asked in his raspy morning voice. “I have to get ready to meet with my stylist later.” You responded snuggling back into his hold. Sunghoon groaned softly shoving his pace into the crook of your neck smelling your addictive scent. “Just cancel and stay with me,” Sunghoon whined. You wish you could stay but you had to go. This event was a pretty big one. ”What are you meeting your stylist for anyways?” Sunghoon asked curiously. “My mom has this big event that she hosts every year and I need to go to a fitting for the brand I am representing today.” You answered in a soft tone. Sunghoon thought for a little and then jokingly asked with a small chuckle, ”So who’s gonna be the lucky man who gets to be your date?” You suddenly remembered something. You were going to have a date! You blanked out wondering who it was this year. Of course, you wanted it to be Sunghoon, but it was obviously not him. the Assuming from a joking tone you’re sure that he doesn’t know that you’re going to have a date. “I don’t need a date.” You said with a flip of your hair. “I’m perfectly fine by myself.” Sunghoon grinned, “That’s my girl” After cuddling a bit more you finally got out of the bed and got ready. «───────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ─────────» Arriving at the salon you met your stylist. “Y/N!” You heard your names being called so you turned around. “Sohee unnie!” Your stylist of 8 years smiled. “Are you ready for this?” You smiled,”Yup! I’m ready” After hours and hours of looking over dresses, makeup, and hairstyles you finally finished your look. Since you were done you started to pack up. “Oh right! Before you go I have to tell you who your date is!“ Yoy looked back in anticipation of who it was although you already had someone you were almost 100% sure who it was and Sohee continued,”You’re date this year is the one and only Choi Soobin as always.” Yup. That’s right. Your date and the person you were expecting was Choi Soobi, your date since you were children. Choi Soobin was your best friend and although he lives in Jeju now you guys are still very close. He comes and visits every once in a while for events, meetings, and of course just to see his best friend of 17 years. When you finished your small conversation with Sohee you went home.

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Walking through the door all you saw was darkness. The lights were off. No one was home. You wondered where Sunghoon was, but you didn’t worry because it was only 5:30 pm.

-2:00 am-

Its already 2:00 am and Sunghoon isn’t home yet. You’ve called him a couple times and he didn’t pick up. You were worried sick and you were waiting on the couch.

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It was the next morning and you woke up in your bed with the amazing feeling of warmth next to you. You smiled Sunghoon was home. You turned around and saw Sunghoon looking back at you. He smiled at you and pulled you in closer to kiss your forehead. “Why did you wait for my love? When I got home you were asleep on the couch in your clothes and without a blanket! I was so worried that you were gonna get sick.” You put your hands on his stomach and started to touch it. “I was worried!” Sunghoon had an amused face by now, “Worried enough to fall asleep?” “Shut up” You answered back. Sunghoon raised his eyebrows. “Is that a challenge?” You panicked and jumped out of bed. Sunghoon laughed at you and stood up. “Let’s get ready and eat breakfast.” After getting ready you came down to the kitchen to see Sunghoon already sitting at the table with breakfast ready waiting for you. “Where are you going today?” Sunghoon stroked your head, ”Yesterday my stylist informed me that I would be attending your mom’s event. Today I have a fitting.” You smiled and shortly after it faded. You realized that he would have to have a date. Everyone brought a date that their stylist chooses and of course sometimes with the assistance of the person, but the thing that irked you the most was that his date wasn’t going to be you and it would be some other girl. Sunghoon noticed the change and mood and asked why you were upset. “What do you mean? I am not upset.” You said in a normal tone. Raising his eyebrows in confusion Sunghoon decided to not ask questions and answer with a simple “ok”. After a breakfast of hand-holding and flirting Sunghoon left.

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Being at home alone was becoming a little boring. You thought it was surprising that you weren’t enjoying it because you’re a homebody, but maybe it was because you had spent so much time with Sunghoon. You were about to go out alone, but suddenly your phone rang. You checked the caller id. 🐰Binnie 🐰. Soobin was calling you. You excitedly picked up the phone.

“Soobin! I missed you.”

“I missed you too. I heard auntie is getting married again. Are you okay cutie?”

“Yeah, I guess. Surprisingly I hope this marriage doesn’t last.”

“Why? Isn’t your mom getting married to Park Sungho, Park Sunghoon’s dad?

“That’s why Soobin!”

“Ohhh. Even though you don’want them to last they seemed pretty happy Y/N. I met your mom and Mr. Park in Jeju before I left.”

“I know I shouldn’t be selfish. WAIT rewind. You are in Seoul!?”

“Yes, dummy when am I ever not in Seoul before the gala? I have moved away from you for 2 years already and you haven’t remembered my schedule.”

“Well Soobin I am a busy girl”

“More like distracted. But let’s meet up now. I wanna hang out with my date!”

“Hmph. Alright, let’s meet. Our place?”

“Of course see you there”

“Bye”

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-Flashback-

(7th grade y/n)

“Soobin look at it! It is perfect!” you exclaimed looking at the place in front of you. You guys’ mothers had built a hang out for you and Soobin in a secret room behind a big painting on the first floor of their newly merged company building. “It is. This is our place from now on!” Soobin said back providing the same energy.

Soon even as you guys grew older it stayed as you guys’ place where no one else knew the password and was allowed not even your parents. It became a comfortable place for both of you guys where you guys would go to find each other no matter what.

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-At the Hideout-

“Soobin? Come out! I know you’re in here” You stated in a loud voice. “Boo!” “AHHH!” Soobin laughed at you until he was on the ground. “Choi Soobin you’re dead!” You said annoyed. Soobin realized that he had messed up and ran for his life up the stairs to the loft. You chased after him. When you got to the too you couldn’t see him. Then all of a sudden you felt a pair of strong arms pin your hands to your back. “Ha! Got you!” Soobin said with his signature smile. He let you go and hugged you which you gladly returned. You guys hung out for the rest of the day getting food, shopping, and playing video games in the hang-out. What felt like 10 minutes was 10 hours. You didn’t realize it but soon it was 1 am. Soobin looked at the clock and his eyes widened, “I should get you home now little one. It is late.” You looked at the clock shocked, ”Yes, I should get home now.” You guys turned off the TV and the lights and started to walk home. Yes, walk home. This wasn’t an uncommon occurrence with you and Soobin. Starting in high school you guys would always hang out until late into the night and walk home even though you only had to have one call to get home by car. Your houses were close to the hangout and it gave you a taste of what it felt like to live like normal kids. Not heirs to big companies, not kids who were born with silver spoons in their mouths, not brand ambassadors, just normal kids. You have always felt safe around Soobin. Soobin was your haven and will always be your haven.

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When you guys got to your house Soobin walked you to your door and you hugged him bye as always. Not until you get to the door did you start worrying about Sunghoon. Unlocking the door, you quietly took off your shoes and started into the house. Not even getting halfway to your room you were stopped by a fuming Sunghoon. “What were you doing out this late!? I was worried sick! And who was that guy who walked you through the door!?” You were taken aback. Sunghoon had never raised his voice at you. Suddenly feeling vulnerable you answered in a nervous, small voice. Studdering you said, ”M-my friend came back from Jeju to visit. We were just hanging out.” Sunghoon in a loud and intimidating voice said, “There is no reason for you to be hanging out this late! Especially with another boy. Are you even hanging out!? What if you’re doing something else? You said you wanted to see where things go with us, baby!” “How could you say that?” Your eyes filled with tears. You couldn’t take it anymore so you ran into your room and started sobbing. Realizing that he had hurt you Sunghood ran upstairs. Sunghoon felt a pang of guilt hit his heart hearing your sobs outside of your room. He knocked on the door. “C-come in,” you said quietly from inside your room. “Oppa is sorry princess. I just got worried and jealous and I couldn’t hold it in. I didn’t mean to make you cry. Please don’t be upset with me.” Sunghoon said his eyes brimming with tears seeing how he had hurt you. “It’s okay oppa. I understand.” You said as you came closer to him cuddling into his side. He grabbed you tightly and pulled you into his chest as he laid next to you. Sunghoon suddenly had an urge to kiss you, so he landed his lips on yours, and you guys passionately made out until one of you guys had to pull away for air. “I love you princess.” Sunghoon seriously stated. “I love you too, oppa.” you said back, and that night you guys fell asleep happily and full of love.

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#sunghoon #park sunghoon fluff #enhypen sunghoon #park sunghoon #sunghoon smut #park sunghoon angst #sunghoon imagine #sunghoon series #come here》 p.sh

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beginagainunsolved · 3 years

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RYAN: This week on Buzzfeed Unsolved, we’ll be talking about the mysterious “death” of Jason Todd.

SHANE: Why is death in air quotes there?

RYAN: You’ll see.

SHANE: I love it when you get all mysterious. Really draws me in. You’ve got me on the edge of my seat here, Ryan!

RYAN: Oh, it gets edgier.

SHANE: Don’t think that works in this context, buddy.

RYAN: It does. You’ll see. This guy’s a real edgelord.

SHANE: Gross.

RYAN: Shut up. Anyway, this is actually one of our most highly requested cases. We get comments to do this one every time we post a new video, so —

SHANE: You guys can SHUT UP now. We’re DOING IT. Get off our BACKS.

RYAN: Okay, maybe don’t — maybe don’t yell at them.

SHANE: Hey, I’ll yell if I want to yell.

RYAN: Okay.

RYAN, NARRATION: Jason Peter Todd was the second ward of billionaire Bruce Wayne, adopted shortly after his first ward, Dick Grayson, was emancipated and moved away from Gotham city.

SHANE: Why is this guy always adopting kids? Can that be the next episode?

RYAN: That would be so boring. “This week on Buzzfeed Unsolved: A Billionaire is Lonely.”

SHANE: There are better ways to deal with loneliness, Ryan.

RYAN: I don’t know. He seems to like his way.

SHANE: I guess.

RYAN, NARRATION: Not much is known about Jason’s life prior to his adoption. Unlike Wayne’s previous ward, Dick Grayson, it doesn’t appear that Todd had any sort of public persona. Most reports claim he was born to a poor family and largely grew up on the streets, but it’s difficult to confirm.

SHANE: You mean you couldn’t find it on Google?

RYAN: Yeah, I couldn’t find it on Google. I typed in “Jason Todd - Street Youth?” And nothing came up, so I called it a day and got a smoothie.

SHANE: (wheeze)

RYAN, NARRATION: Most accounts of Jason’s life begin shortly after his adoption. During this time, it appears that Dick Grayson and Bruce Wayne weren’t on speaking terms, at least to the general public. Shortly before Jason’s adoption, Dick stopped making public appearances and attending galas with Wayne. Many speculate that Jason’s adoption was Wayne’s attempt to fill the void left by his first ward’s departure.

SHANE: Oof.

RYAN: Yeah, oof.

SHANE: And I thought my family had drama!

RYAN: Your family has you. That’s enough drama.

SHANE: Didn’t your dad cut someone’s head off once?

RYAN: Please stop telling people that. Someone’s gonna believe you! The FBI are going to show up at his door!

SHANE: I hope they do. I hope SHIELD interrogates him.

RYAN: NO!

RYAN, NARRATION: People who knew Jason Todd in the years immediately following his adoption into the Wayne family paint the tale of a troubled young man vying for the attention of his newfound father. After his supposed death, many of Wayne’s high status acquaintances who had met the boy at galas and public events were quick to come forward with their own accounts of his demeanor and personality.

SHANE: Ryan, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…

RYAN AND SHANE, IN UNISON: Rich people fucking suck.

SHANE: Rich people fucking suck!

RYAN: On this, we absolutely agree.

SHANE: This one thing!

RYAN: This one thing, yeah.

SHANE: Anyway. Eat the rich!

RYAN: Okay.

RYAN, NARRATION: The real mystery of Jason Todd, of course, doesn’t lie in how he became associated with Bruce Wayne. The real mystery comes from how this association ended.

SHANE: Here we go!

RYAN: Here we go.

RYAN, NARRATION: Then, in 2010, not long after his adoption into the Wayne family, Jason suddenly disappeared from the public eye. Much like Dick Grayson before him, he stopped attending galas and public events. Unlike Dick Grayson, no one seemed to know where he ended up at all.

SHANE: So this wasn’t a “I’m mad at my dad so I’m gonna crash on my buddy’s couch” type situation.

RYAN: Oh, no, definitely not. This kid seemingly vanished into thin air.

SHANE: Like Amelia Earhart! We all remember her!

RYAN: Don’t say anything about the —

SHANE: She was eaten by crabs.

RYAN: Jesus Christ.

RYAN, NARRATION: This went on for some time, with Jason out of the public eye and Bruce largely dodging questions about him when asked. Then, one day, Bruce Wayne called a press conference and made a startling revelation: Jason Todd was dead.

SHANE: Not a fun press conference.

RYAN: Not really, no. It’s — You can still watch it on YouTube. It’s bleak, man.

SHANE: Well, he’s announcing his son’s untimely death, Ryan. There’s not gonna be confetti.

RYAN: Yeah, but I mean — he pretty much just gets up on stage, makes a depressing ass announcement, and leaves right away.

SHANE: Imagine being a reporter there. Just standing out in the rain. Was it raining? I bet it was raining.

RYAN: I think it’s just, like, perpetually raining in Gotham. It’s got those kind of vibes.

SHANE: Depressing noir detective vibes, yeah. That’s why all those people dress up like bats and clowns. Nobody does that in L.A.

RYAN: No, we don’t get a lot of bats or clowns in L.A.

SHANE: We had the flame head guy! Miss him.

RYAN: He comes up in this.

SHANE: HE DOES?!?

RYAN: Spoiler alert!

SHANE: No, she lives in Gotham, too.

RYAN: Shut up.

RYAN, NARRATION: Life seemed to move on for the Wayne family after this. Jason was buried in a Gotham cemetery following a private funeral. Dick Grayson and Bruce Wayne seemingly reunited. Some time down the line, Wayne adopted Tim Drake, a boy whose recently deceased parents ran in his social circles. Jason continued to be a rarely mentioned subject in any public appearances made by the Wayne family and their close associates, and any time he was brought up in interviews, journalists were categorically shut down.

SHANE: This is getting depressing, but I want to circle back around to this guy’s kid adopting addiction. Nobody should have this many orphans, Ryan.

RYAN: I mean, he’s helping them, right?

SHANE: Is he? He’s just replacing one with the next! Like a congo line!

RYAN: A congo line of — You know, I say this a lot, but this time I really mean it. You are going to get us so sued.

SHANE: It’s like the Macarena. You put an orphan in and take an orphan out.

RYAN: That’s the Hokey Pokey.

SHANE: And shake ‘em all about.

RYAN: Please stop.

RYAN, NARRATION: With most cases, this would be the end of it. A bleak end to a bleak story. But instead, this is where things get weird.

SHANE: Hooo boy. This is where the air quotes come in.

RYAN: This is where the air quotes come in!

RYAN, NARRATION: A few years after his death, Jason Todd seemingly reemerged. He was spotted leaving Wayne Manor, a few inches taller and with a new hair do.

SHANE: I’m just gonna put this out there, like, as an unofficial theory.

RYAN: Oh god.

SHANE: Are we sure this wasn’t just some other random orphan? The guy likes orphans, Ryan. He has an orphan problem.

RYAN: If it was another random orphan, it was a random orphan that looked exactly like Jason Todd.

SHANE: Wouldn’t put it past him!

RYAN: How would he even manage that?

SHANE: I don’t know! He’s rich!

RYAN: That can’t be your answer to everything shady you accuse someone of doing.

SHANE: It can, and it is.

RYAN: I really hope Buzzfeed has lawyer lined up for us. We’re gonna need so many lawyers.

SHANE: I’m sure we’ll be fine.

RYAN: (long sigh)

RYAN, NARRATION: When asked about Todd’s sudden reappearance, members of the Wayne family dodged the question just as thoroughly as they once dodged questions regarding his death. Their excuses, typically flimsy, varied from person to person with some saying the man who appeared to be Jason was actually someone else, and others saying said man didn’t exist at all.

SHANE: Pfffft. “Oh, no, there’s no man here! No man at all!”

RYAN: I actually looked up a lot of the denials, and some of them get… wild. Dick Grayson once claimed that no one ever said Jason Todd died at all.

SHANE: The press conference is on YouTube!

RYAN: He said it was a prank.

SHANE: A prank? Man, fuck this guy!

RYAN: I think he just panicked.

SHANE: He can panic more smoothly than that, at least! Have a little respect!

RYAN: (wheeze) You’re telling people about respect now?

SHANE: I’m very respectful, Ryan.

RYAN: You told a ghost to eat your ass last week!

SHANE: We’ve been over this. I don’t respect ghosts because they aren’t real. I told an empty room to eat my ass. And it did not comply.

RYAN: You accused Bruce Wayne of stealing orphans three minutes ago!

SHANE: I don’t respect rich people, either, because fuck ‘em.

RYAN: (wheeze)

RYAN, NARRATION: So, what ever happened to Jason Todd? Let’s get into the theories.

SHANE: I’m sure they’re all perfectly reasonable.

RYAN: As always.

SHANE: Oh, no.

RYAN, NARRATION: The first theory is that Jason Todd’s “death” was a coverup for a ransom attempt.

SHANE: That kind of makes sense.

RYAN: Yeah! Like, obviously Wayne wouldn’t want people to know his kid was abducted for ransom. Especially if he was going to plan on paying it.

SHANE: Well. I don’t think he’d say “yeah that kid’s dead” if he was planning on paying the ransom.

RYAN: You think he left him to die?

SHANE: RICH PEOPLE SUCK!

RYAN: God. I can taste the lawsuit.

RYAN, NARRATION: This theory is a rather straightforward one: After receiving a ransom note for his son some time after his disappearance, Wayne announced Jason’s death to cover it up and prevent the kidnappers from getting the publicity that would have made them infamous.

SHANE: Like a big ole fuck you!

RYAN: Yeah, I mean, you’d get a lot of clout for kidnapping a famous billionaire’s son. Especially in Gotham, right? Out there, it’s like… Crime is currency, almost. You build up a reputation like that, you can rule the city.

SHANE: Exactly! So by taking that away… Kind of ruins their whole thing.

RYAN: Right! And then they’ve got no use for Jason anymore and, you know, killing somebody’s a lot harder than kidnapping them, so…

SHANE: Oh, I don’t think they let him go. That kid was scrappy. He probably gave ‘em all rabies and ran.

CAMERAMAN, IN BACKGROUND: Guys. Defamation —

SHANE: Yeah, yeah, we know. Let’s move on!

RYAN, NARRATION: The next theory ties back to Jason’s alleged life before his adoption as a street kid. This theory states that Jason, like many young people in Gotham, got tangled up with some of the neighborhood’s local gangs and got in over his head.

SHANE: His sordid past as an eight year old came back to haunt him?

RYAN: Well, presumably he stayed in contact with people he knew at the time and got pulled into the gangs later.

SHANE: Nah, I want an eight year old with a shiv. He’ll shank you… but only from the waist down. Can’t reach any higher.

RYAN: (wheeze)

SHANE: Except for on you! You’re, like, the size of an eight year old. Man, he’d crush you.

RYAN: Yeah, well, you’d be fine, Gumbo. He wouldn’t be able to reach anything above your foot. You’d be like a giraffe stepping on a thumbtack.

SHANE: I keep telling you, Ryan, I am average height. You’re just abnormally short.

RYAN: Fuck you, buddy.

SHANE: Ouch.

RYAN, NARRATION: According to this theory, Jason’s death was faked in order to save his life from mobsters associated with famed Gotham gang leader Oswald Cobblepot, otherwise known as the Penguin.

SHANE: Why does everybody in Gotham have a stupid name?

RYAN: You don’t like the Penguin?

SHANE: I don’t care for it, no, but I also don’t love the name ‘Oswald Cobblepot.’ Like, that sounds ridiculous.

RYAN: Maybe that’s why he chooses to go by the Penguin.

SHANE: He should choose to go by Stan.

RYAN: Stan?

SHANE: Stan.

RYAN: No clarification there?

SHANE: I don’t believe it needs any.

RYAN: Okay.

RYAN, NARRATION: Our third theory is by far the most simple: Tired of the life of a billionaire’s son, Jason asked Bruce to fake his death in order to allow him to disappear from the public eye.

SHANE: (wheeze)

RYAN: I will admit… There are probably better ways to duck out of the public eye.

SHANE: YOU THINK?

RYAN: Like, faking my death might not be my first resort.

SHANE, IN AN EXAGGERATED IMITATION OF A CHILD’S VOICE: Oh, I’m tired of people taking my picture. Papa, will you tell them all I died a gruesome death? I’m going to Fiji!

RYAN: (wheeze)

SHANE: And then Wayne, what, just went along with it?

RYAN: Well, I guess he was due for another orphan soon anyway.

SHANE: I’m so glad you’ve warmed up to these jokes.

RYAN: I’m getting sued anyway, I might as well have fun with it.

SHANE: I am loving this development for you, Ryan!

RYAN, NARRATION: The next theory ties into a legend that some of our viewers from the Los Angeles area may be familiar with, —

SHANE: OH HELL YEAH! HERE IT COMES!

RYAN, NARRATION: — the Ghost Rider.

SHANE: (cheering)

RYAN, NARRATION: This theory states that Jason Todd’s anonymity exists to cover up his identity, and that the initial ‘death’ occured when he took up the mantle. Some believers of this theory claim that Wayne may have actually believed Todd was dead at the time, as he may have dropped off the radar entirely in order to pursue work as the Ghost Rider.

SHANE: This is my favorite one.

RYAN: I don’t think there’s any merit to it.

SHANE: Oh, absolutely not. But you’ve gotta love the theater of it!

RYAN: It does have a certain level of aesthetic appeal, yeah.

SHANE: Just some random rich kid out here with his head on fire, killing guys with crowbars.

RYAN: (wheeze) Why crowbars?

SHANE: I don’t know. Crowbars feel right here.

RYAN: That doesn’t make any sense.

SHANE: And the rest of this does?

RYAN: Good point.

RYAN, NARRATION: Perhaps supporting this theory is the fact that Ghost Rider tends to go after gangsters much like the ones Todd would have been dodging as a young man in Gotham. It also seems to tie into the rash, angry personality that many people claim he displayed. According to this theory’s supporters, Todd became fed up with the state of the city.

SHANE: And… what? Decided to light his head on fire?

RYAN: Well, maybe he was a metahuman.

SHANE: I guess that’s why he didn’t stay in Gotham. Doesn’t Batman kick them all out?

RYAN: That’s what people say, yeah.

SHANE: Man. Dick move of Batman to kick Bruce Wayne’s kid out of the city. (chuckles.) Get it? Dick?

RYAN: Oh my god.

RYAN, NARRATION: Our fifth and final theory is that Jason Todd was abducted by aliens.

SHANE: Nope.

RYAN: Don’t you at least want to hear the full theory?

SHANE: Absolutely not.

RYAN: Well, they do.

SHANE: Who is ‘they’ ?

RYAN: The people!

SHANE: They don’t want to hear your alien theories, Ryan. No one does.

RYAN: Well, it’s my video. And I’m going to tell the alien theory.

SHANE: (long sigh)

RYAN, NARRATION: This theory states that aliens, in an attempt to gain power and intel in preparation for an invasion, targeted Jason because of his close relationship with one of the richest and most prominent men in Gotham.

SHANE: So they interrogated him and then just spat him back out?

RYAN: Let me finish!

RYAN, NARRATION: According to this theory, the Jason Todd who returned after his ‘death’ was not Jason Todd at all but, rather, was an alien clone.

SHANE: I regret letting you finish.

RYAN: (wheeze) I knew you would!

RYAN, NARRATION: Believers of this theory claim it’s supported by the physical differences between the Jason Todd who disappeared and the one who lives in Gotham now, including his hair and his height.

SHANE: Or, hear me out. He grew. And he dyed his hair.

RYAN: Aliens seems more plausible to me.

SHANE: I hate you.

RYAN: (wheeze)

RYAN, NARRATION: So, what really happened to Jason Todd? Did he fall in deep with the wrong crowds and have to give up his life to find his way out? Was he kidnapped in an attempt to get money and influence from his wealthy adoptive family? Or is there something otherworldly about his disappearance and reappearance into the world? With the Wayne family refusing comments and no other sources to consult, it looks like the truth behind the scenes of Gotham’s most prestigious family will have to remain… unsolved.

WHAT UNSOLVED MYSTERY DO YOU WANT TO SEE NEXT?

#beginagainunsolved #episode: jason todd #true crime

55 notes · View notes

hlcreators · 4 years

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“I have really great friends. Do you remember Louis? You guys were always hanging out when you were growing up.” Harry remembers Louis. Harry remembers Louis. Suddenly, his throat feels way too dry, despite the ice cream he keeps licking at. He chokes a little on a chocolate chip before saying, “I, uh. I remember Louis.” Her face brightens. “We have dinner every Sunday. He owns the house now. His parents moved further north, and he wanted to stay here, so they just gave it over. Now if you want to worry about someone being lonely, that’s who I worry about.” inspired by watermelon sugar, featuring picnics on the beach and boys being dumb

daydream about me (21k)

“Anything else going on for you at the moment?” she asks, leaning forward on her elbows across the table, mindful of the radio equipment in front of her. “What about you and that Louis Tomlinson?” Harry sputters, mouth moving but no words coming out. She can feel her cheeks heat up, darkening with embarrassment. “It’s not, Louis and I, we don’t—” Harry can’t finish the sentence, tongue heavy in her mouth. She takes a deep breath, thankful they’re not being videoed, and tries again, “We’ve never even met, actually.” alternatively titled 'harry styles does not have a crush on louis tomlinson and other lies she tells liam payne'

robbers and cowards (33k)

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d almost think that you’re enjoying yourself.” The familiar voice immediately gets Louis’ blood boiling, shoulders tensing as he calmly spins around, trying not to draw any suspicion to the pair. “You don’t know me at all,” Louis spits, managing to maintain the polite smile he’s been wearing all evening. “You’re just some asshole who always ruins my nights.” “If I keep ruining your nights, why do you keep going home with me?” Harry asks, taking a sip from his own wine glass. “I don’t go home with you by any choice of my own,” Louis says. “I think you’re annoying and I have no idea how I keep ending up in your bed.” “You end up in my bed because you knock on my apartment door at two in the morning.” Louis wants to punch the smirk right off of his face. “Maybe you should move,” is what he says instead. or a modern day robin hood au where louis and harry (don’t really) hate each other but they hate greedy billionaires more

I’m a Rocket Man (47k)

All he could hear were the faint sounds of Pina Colada coming from the radio and his own heart beating erratically against his chest.

“Oops,” he heard coming from the other side of the front window. He quickly pushed the grey rubber towards the back of the car, the rubber of the thing groaning and squeaking as he did so. Finally, after wrestling the thing away from him, Harry came into view, face pressed against the other side of the window.

“Hi.” Louis smiled, looking towards Harry, eyes curious. He almost got lost in the way Harry’s face was so cutely pinched, green eyes glowing in the sunlight. He was brought back to reality when Harry tried to move, causing the grey whatever it was to push against Louis again. “What the fuck is this?”

“Uhh... it’s Randy?”

or, Niall is an investigative journalist, Liam is his biggest fan, Zayn is just along for the ride, and Harry probably isn’t an alien. A roadtrip au no one asked for.

sip it slowly and pay attention (12k)

“So I’ve got a guy I think you might like,” Louis says. He’s standing in the doorway of Harry’s office, drinking from what is most definitely Harry’s mug. “You’re going to set me up?” Harry asks, rightfully wary. He can’t imagine that this could end well. “Don’t look so afraid.” Louis takes a sip from his mug, wincing as it burns him. Harry rolls his eyes. He’s always warning Louis to be more patient before he loses all his taste buds. “I know you better than anyone else. Who better to set you up on dates than me?” “I guess you’re right,” Harry says, still slightly hesitant. It’s not that he doesn’t trust Louis, but. He doesn’t trust Louis’ taste. Louis has about the same track record with men that Harry does, if not quite as extensive. or, harry is a guidance counselor, louis is an english teacher, and harry just wants to go on one successful date

i hope that you won’t slip away in the night (13k)

He turns back to Maybe Jessica. “Who’s going to be here?” “Harry Styles,” she says. “The one-” “I know who he is,” Louis snaps. “Who invited him?” “Uh, you did, sir.” Louis didn’t think that was serious. When he had responded to Harry’s cheeky tweet about the gala with his own cheeky ‘You should come - I’ll put you on the guest list’ he hadn’t expected anything to come of it. Least of all for Harry to show up. or the one where louis is a prince and harry is a popstar

feels like we’re finally free (13k)

louis just wants to write a breakup novel. falling in love was never part of the plan, but the cute barista at his favorite coffeeshop makes him think otherwise.

who’s that girl? (13k)

“So, do you want to tell us a little bit more about why you’re here?” “What do you mean?” Harry asks, furrowing his eyebrows together. “I’m here because I need a place to live and you guys need a roommate.” “I guess let me rephrase that,” Leo (or maybe Liam) says. He taps his pen twice against the notepad, drawing Harry’s attention away from a large hole in one of the walls. “Why do you need a place to live?” “Oh, that’s easy.” Harry sits up straighter in his seat. “I walked in on my boyfriend of four years banging my boss. I couldn’t very well keep living with them, could I?” harry is canadian, louis owns a bar, zayn comes and goes as he pleases, liam's just trying to keep everyone alive, and nobody knows what niall does. a new girl au.

we’re not who we used to be (30k)

“Harry…” Louis’ voice catches in his throat, thick with tears threatening to fall out, so he coughs to clear it before trying again. “Harry is Liam’s best man?” “You didn’t know?” Harry is standing at the entrance of the garage, mouth slightly open and face pulled together. He sets his bag on the ground and puts his hands on his hips. When he does that, he looks just like the Harry that Louis remembers (and loves, he thinks with an aching heart). “I’m sure I mentioned it,” Liam says, but Louis can tell he’s lying by the way he chews on his lower lip and twists his fingers together. “You’re all a bunch of dick heads, I’m getting in the car.” Louis isn’t sure if he’s being unreasonable. He has no idea what the protocol is when your ex-boyfriend shows up after three years and nobody bothered to give you a heads up. He’s pretty sure he’s allowed to be upset about it, even if it’s only for a bit. or an exes to lovers canadian roadtrip au

old macdonald had a farm (5.1k)

Louis is a hedgehog, Harry is a fish, Niall is a parrot, Liam is a golden retriever, and Zayn is Zayn. It’s a crazy twenty-four hours.

or are you giving it to someone else (3.3k)

“Dude, last night I couldn’t tell if he was being murdered or having the best sex of his life,” Louis said, taking a sip of his beer. He tried to say it as quietly as he could in the loud pub, worried about who may overhear him. “Is this your neighbor?” Liam asked. He was newer to the group, and therefore, newer to the situation. He had only heard a handful of the stories about the strange things Louis heard his neighbor doing, as opposed to the book Louis could most definitely write about the man. In the hallways, he seemed perfectly normal. He would smile at Louis and sometimes make polite conversation. He didn’t seem like the type to be having loud, kinky sex every night at the craziest hours of the day. But he was. or, louis hears his neighbor having loud sex through the walls and it's not a problem until it is

The F Word (23k)

When Louis finds himself at a party for the first time after his boyfriend cheated on him, the last person he expects to meet is Harry. They hit it off immediately, conversation flowing all night. Louis finally thinks he’s ready to jump back into the dating scene, when a wrench gets thrown in his plan.

Harry has a boyfriend.

Or, a movie AU based on the F word

tonight’s not over (come over and stay) (16k)

Zayn doesn’t say anything for a moment, pausing and worrying at his bottom lip. Finally, he asks, “Have you heard that Cox guy is coming out with a new song?” Louis freezes, fingers hovering over his keyboard where they had been typing his password. “No, I hadn’t,” Louis says truthfully. “Where did you hear that?” “Tell anyone this and I’ll kill you, but I’d consider myself a big fan,” Zayn says. His face doesn’t change in expression, completely serious as he admits this to Louis. “Big fan? Like run a blog and everything?” or, harry is a famous singer and louis is a student who just wants to write his novel

honey, honey (7k)

another sorority au that no one asked for - featuring squirt guns, copious talks of marriage, and more useless lesbians.

fall in love with the moon (and everything beautiful) (10k)

“It’s adorable that you think you can compromise with me on this,” Louis says. He places his hands on his hips and tries his best to look intimidating. “But I am not budging on this. Every book pun you say will result in one quarter in the jar.” “What jar?” Harry asks. He furrows his eyebrows together. Louis rolls his eyes. “Like a swear jar, but now I’m going to make yours ‘Harry’s dumbass pun jar.’ Maybe I’ll have you put a quarter in for every pun you say, not just the ones about books. Niall was right - you tell the worst jokes.” “One time Niall told me I’d never said a funny joke in my life,” Harry says casually. “Funny. He told me that too.” or, louis and harry work in a bookstore together and harry tells dumb jokes and they fall in love

get a little bit nervous (14k)

Liam goes to say something, probably something dumb, but he chokes on his spit, coughing loudly. The man in front of him is one of the prettiest people he’s ever seen in his life; he’s got thick eyelashes that fan out and frame his dark eyes and tanned unblemished skin. Liam forgets all of his previous thoughts. “You okay, mate?” he asks, concern filtering into his voice. “Yeah, yeah,” Liam says, still choking and coughing. “Sorry.” “We all reacted the same way we saw Zayn for the first time,” Niall says from next to him, laughter evident in his tone. “He’s a god, isn’t he?” or, ziam farmer's market au where liam, louis, and niall work at the produce stand, harry and zayn work at the bakery stand, and nobody's straight

i’ve heard it both ways (26k)

“I, uh.” Harry is scrambling, trying to think of something believable on the spot. He remembers the woman from reception and her phone call and says the only thing he can think of. “I’m a psychic.” Everyone stills. Zayn laughs, Detective Edwards looks confused, and the officer holding the door open looks mildly frightened. “A psychic?” Zayn gets out between his laughs. “I’ve heard it all. You’re definitely spending the night in the holding cell now. You’re wasting all of our time here.” an au based on the tv show psych where harry is shawn, louis is jules, liam is gus, niall is mcnabb, and zayn is lassie.

i just know you (got to taste like candy) (3.9k)

Harry seduces the cute cell phone repair girl with her phone's wallpaper.

i just want you to dance with me tonight (7.6k)

The sorority au no one asked for. Featuring a prank war, Lirry friendship, and useless lesbians.

beautiful wreck, colorful mess (4.4k)

Harry's been desperate to try out the toys she bought for her and Louis.

she says she doesn’t love me (don’t believe her) (17k)

Harry is a disaster gay who works in a coffee shop and Louis doesn't want to admit she's in love.

only you know me (4.5k)

“It’s just unfair.” Louis can’t help her complaining. “You always get these opportunities I would die for to throw parties. I’ve got, like, a billion siblings, so I never get the house to myself. You’re home alone at least three times a semester. Your parents wouldn’t even be mad or anything.” “That’s not even the point,” Harry says, calmly and evenly. Sometimes it’s frustrating to Louis just how easily Harry keeps her calm. “And what is?” Louis asks, throwing a goldfish cracker in Harry’s direction. It misses. “That I don’t want to.” - Based on the prompt, "Nothing really specific just a harry/Louis sleepover while Harry's parents are out of town involving sexy lady times? "

#writer appreciation week #hljournal #1dsource #fics #author rec

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scribble-blog · 4 years

Text

Black Cats and Robinettes part 2!!

First

BACK AGAIN WITH THE ROLE REVERSAL EVERYBODY!! As some side notes, despite trying super hard to keep Damian and Marinette’s core personalities intact despite them having very different origin stories, I’ve definitely made Marinette- a bit tougher I guess? This Marinette isn’t going to curb her words, especially not for people she doesn’t know at all (who are hanging off a liar hurting her friends). Likewise, Damian is definitely a bit softer around the edges. It comes from the years of having loving and present parents without a super hero life to keep his edge. That being said, I hope you enjoy!!!

“Lila!” He watched as Marinette approached their class, the bulk of them looking over towards her distrustfully. So, Lila has already been spinning bullshit about the girl, despite the fact that she was the Wayne heiress Lila claimed to be practically a sister to. “I don’t know why you didn’t tell me you were in town. I would’ve made sure to clear up my schedule to spend time with you!”

“Just watch this, Damian. She’s vicious.” Adrien told him, leaning over.

“I’m sorry? I think you’ve got the wrong person,” Rossi simpered.

“No?” Marinette tilted her head slightly. “I mean, I know it’s been a while, but surely you remember me. Marinette Wayne?”

Rossi’s eyes went wide.

“I thought you said her name was Maria?” Kanté questioned.

And then, before Damian’s eyes, Rossi did the stupidest thing he’d ever seen her do.

She doubled down.

“A childhood nickname,” she explained away, eyes narrowing slightly at the girl who’d come to cast her from her throne. “I’m so sorry, Maria, it’s just been so long! I didn’t recognize you.”

“But- like you said, it’s only been four months since your mother brought you to Gotham.” Marinette’s eyes had blown wide open, innocence dripping from her every word. “I haven’t changed that much, have I? I haven’t even gotten a haircut...”

Lila tried to laugh it off, but Damian saw several of the class giving her confused looks.

“Remind me how we met, Lila.” Marinette said suddenly. Her tone was still sweet, but something in her face had shifted.

“It was- at a Wayne Gala,” Césaire volunteered. “When you were both five. Your parents let you play together.”

“An incredible feat, given that my usual bedtime was right when the gala started until I was twelve, and I wasn’t even allowed to attend the gala until age ten.” Marinette’s voice was still honeyed, but she spoke like a cracking whip. The class was silent. “And about the “work” you’ve done with my family? Those green initiatives you helped us plan in coordination with Prince Ali of Achu?”

“The- the green initiatives?” Lavillant trembled. “The ones to plant trees in deserts and man made wastes to combat the destruction of ecosystems?”

“Oh, poor girl,” Chloé crooned lowly. Damian snorted.

“They don’t exist. The Wayne Enterprises website can direct you to a full list of every charity act committed by my family’s company. It lists every fundraiser and nonprofit organization that is founded, funded, owned or supported by us. You will not find those initiatives there.” Marinette was lethal. Whatever inner sunshine she carried within her seemed to have frozen over.

“Every word about knowing me or being my friend. Every word insinuating that she either is dating or is being courted by my brothers. Every implication that she has any sort of sway in this building or any connection in the slightest to my father- all lies. Despite what Lila has been telling you, I’ve never met her before she started lying about me and my family in front of my face today.

“I don’t care what else Lila has told you. I don’t care what she has promised to do for you. I don’t even care that you believed her. But if I ever hear another word about my family slip from your venomous mouth, snake,” Marinette spat contemptuously, “you will be served with several lawsuits for defamation from my family alone, ignoring what I’m sure I could rustle up from the plethora of names that you tried to claim a connection to in this building in my range of hearing.” She finished with the air of someone who knew she hadn’t landed the final blow, but was waiting for one last misstep to give her a reason to deliver it.

“How do we know that you’re actually Marinette Wayne?” Alya called out angrily. “You could just be someone who’s jealous after hearing about Lila and all of the things she’s done and the people she knows!”

There it was. He watched the unrestrained glee in Marinette’s eyes as she dismissively delivered her last shot.

“I don’t know. Try googling me.”

And then, without another word, she turned and walked very neatly back to their table, ignoring the attention she had garnered from the rest of the dining room. “So guys, do you have any free time during your trip? I feel like we should do dinner? We should do dinner.”

“That was incredible,” Damian breathed.

And then to his complete surprise, she flushed bright red. “Oh my god. I shouldn’t have-“

“You absolutely should have,” Chloé cut her off. “Rossi’s been lying about you for days now. It’s a miracle this is the first actual consequence.”

“Are you sure I wasn’t too harsh on everyone else though?” She asked. Her eyes were still on him.

Damian shrugged in response. “We’ve tried to tell them before. They chose her. This is their reward.”

“Think about it this way, Mari,” Adrien consoled her. “At least with your put down they have the chance to start being better people. If you had been nicer Lila could have turned it around somehow, like she always does.”

A sudden eruption of shouting came from across the room, and Damian looked over just in time to see Césaire throw a strong punch straight across Rossi’s cheek.

“Oooh, that’s gotta hurt,” Adrien said sympathetically. “Skulls are hard. Alya’s fingers could’ve broken.”

“I think she’s fine,” Chloé said dismissively as Césaire wound up for another, to be held back by Lahiffe.

“Dick’s gonna kill me,” Marinette groaned.

“I’m gonna do what, Sunshine?” Their other tour guide’s voice said brightly. “Congratulations, I sent a video to the family chat and now everyone is losing their minds.”

“Ghhhhhhh,” she moaned further, head sinking into her hands. “Tell my sisters I love them. Cass gets everything. Every brother is disowned.”

“Heartbreaking,” he said dryly, reaching out and snagging a french fry from her tray. Her hand stopped him with a quickness that startled Damian.

“Don’t touch.”

“Sheesh, Mari, alright.” He turned away, to face them. “Adrien, Chloé, good to see you again. Who’s this?”

“Damian Dupain-Cheng,” He introduced himself. “It’s easier to just say I’m their friend than it is to explain everything.”

“You are our friend, idiot,” Chloé threw a fry at him. “Honestly.”

“Hmm.” Richard- Dick? Marinette’s brother’s eyes lingered on Damian. He could feel himself being judged.

“Tell you what. I’m sure Alfred wouldn’t mind a few extra plates at dinner tomorrow, and honestly, I think any time spent away from that group is probably better-“ he sent a look over towards the class, now being barely restrained by Mme. Bustier, stepping between everyone. Her quick, quiet plaintive words were followed by an even louder, “You KNEW?” from Alya - “so how about I okay it with your teacher and you all come visit with Mari at the manor for the evening after your tours tomorrow?”

“You’ll okay it by Bruce too?” Marinette gave him a grin.

“It’s usually Dad,” Adrien said. “Why the name switch?”

“She’s upset with him for something, and since she’s the only one of us who actually calls him that, this is her best weapon,” Dick said with a grimace. “Yeah, yeah, Sunshine, I’ll get the okay for it.”

“Thank you!” She gave him a hug that looked bruising but Dick seemed to give what he got. A few joints cracked.

“Siblings,” Adrien sighed longingly.

“No thank you,” Chloé said disparagingly.

“Do I get a say in this at all?” Damian wondered to himself.

And he was resoundingly answered but four very emphatic No’s.

TAGLIST:

@thestressmademedoit @noirdots @ash-amg @ranger-gothamite @persephonebutkore @zalladane @athena452 @mewwitch @vixen-uchiha @redscarlet95 @mochegato @justafanwarrior @catcusxx @indecisive-mess-named-me @resignedcatservant @marinettepotterandplagg @myazael @mochinek0 @shizukiryuu @loveswifi @gm-nasai @peachedpocky @whatthefox22 @jardimazul @ladybug-182 @schrodingers25 @athena452 @dramatic-squirrel

#black cats and robinettes #maribat #daminette #daminette role reversal #fanfic

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eak8753 · 4 years

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May 15: Marriage OR meet the family

Bruce: He knew of her, he knew of every hero. Every Titan and every magical being on Earth; in some cases off Earth too. He hadn’t seen what she could do, not like the rest of the League had, he was unconscious before he could witness the extent. He did see some of her powers, though. He assumed that she was far stronger than the demons that had wished to possess him years ago. He found it strange that Damian had fallen in love with the empath. For being the “world's greatest detective” he couldn’t believe he hadn’t seen the signs before. But knew first hand how great love could be. He was glad that his son had the opportunity to have these emotions, and those emotions were reciprocated. There was this bittersweet feeling he had as he saw the way his son helped her out of the limo. He was growing up, experiencing a world outside of masks and assassins. He liked Raven, liked the way Damian always felt more calm around her. Like that she carried herself with this grace and elegance. Most importantly, liked her hope; that despite everything that had been said -to her and damian- that they rose above everyone else's words. He didn’t doubt for a moment she would make a great addition to the Bat Family.

Dick: He had fought alongside the two birds for years now, so it came as no surprise when they announced they were dating. The thing that had shocked him was how long it took for them to realize their feelings, but apparently he wasn’t as good of a detective as he thought. The two had been going out for six months before they had officially told anyone. Everyone -including Kori, Bruce, and him- had been kept in the dark of their growing relationship. Even after everyone found out about them they still acted as they did the day before. He knew that they weren’t exactly normal but they were still teenagers, he expected them to be all over each other. But even now, as they all stood in front of the couple, they didn’t even hold hands. But Dick knew that they had a connection that ran far deeper than physical contact; they had a bond, as Damian put it.

Jason: He didn’t know her, had never seen her face or abilities. It was safe to say that he knew absolutely nothing about Raven Roth, except that she was crazy enough to go out with the baby bat. He pondered on the different types of mental problems she could possibly have to go out with him. He briefly wondered if they should take her to Arkham Asylum. As he looked her over he couldn’t deny that she was very pretty. He noted that she was different then most girls he and his brothers took home. While they were more fond of colour haired girls -white, red, blonde- and girls who had a slight edge, girls who civilians would think undesirable for their beauty. That wasn’t Raven, she had black hair and he didn’t doubt that most men wouldn’t approach her out of fear. While all the women The Wayne men dated were dangerous, Raven was intimidating. A lot like the women Bruce had brung back. Grinning from ear to ear as he looked the couple over, he could already tell that he would like her, even if she was a bit insane.

Tim: He also had yet to meet her, of course this was the first time Damian had brought her home, or any girl for that matter. He had all of thirty seconds to evaluate her. He had seen videos of her fighting and was amazed at the way she handled herself, but that was as much as he knew about her. Honestly he was shocked when the demon spawn said he’d be bringing his girlfriend over for dinner last Friday. He remembered Dick saying something about Damian and a girl from The Titans but he had brushed it off, thought it would flame out in a couple of weeks. He knew first hand how insufferable Damian could be, and thought he would have driven her away. But here she was, standing beside him, and was that a smile he saw from the little brat.

Alfred: He could read body language better than they gave him credit for. He had to be able to notice the very subtle changes in a person when he was raising Master Bruce. Although Master Damian kept a neutral face, he could tell the young boy was very tense. Despite never meeting her, he had read her file over and over again after he found Master Damian to be romantically involved with the young sorcerer. And he had to say that she was quite the girl. He didn’t doubt for a moment that she would make a great addition when it came to fighting. That she would handle her own and voice her opinions in a stern yet respectful manner. No, he knew that she was a great hero, he wondered though, if she could be a Wayne. If she could deal with the fame and attention, the galas and charity events; if she even knew what she was getting herself into. Because if she didn’t, then she would leave, and the young boy would be broken once again. He had seen too many of the young men that he cared for, including Master Bruce, succumb to heartbreak. But as the empath rested her hand on the fifth Robin’s shoulder, seeing all the tension in his body dissipate, he knew that she would either be the cause of a heartbreak beyond repair, or the love that everyone marvelled at. And if Master Damian was willing to take such a risk, so was he.

Raven: She had avoided this for months. It didn’t matter to her that they had been dating for eight months -although it was only made official to the rest of the team eight weeks ago- she did not want to meet his family. Sure she had met Batman before, worked alongside Nightwing for years. But she had yet to meet Bruce Wayne or Richard Grayson, the men behind the mask. To be honest, Raven had been surprised that Damian let her get her way for so long. After they had announced that they were dating, he had asked her to come have dinner at the manor. Of course she had thought it to be a joke and laughed accordingly. When he had told her he was in fact serious she looked at him with a face full of shock. She wasn’t ready to meet his family, she had never wanted to make a good impression on someone. Most saw her powers, her heritage, before they saw her. She didn’t see why she would need to sway another’s opinion of her, if they had already made up their minds of who she was based on stereotypes than that was their own ignorance. She never made an effort for someone to like her, but Damian's family was different. She wanted them to like her, to see that she was more than her powers and heritage. So she had put it off, until he had practically begged her. Knowing that he had been patient and that she would have to do this unnerving milestone eventually, she caved. So here she was, standing in front of Damian's Father, Brothers, and Butler. Now that she was here? She didn’t feel the fear she had before, or the uneasiness, it was all being overshadowed by love; there was a mild amount of apprehensiveness coming at her in small waves from Damian though. Love she felt from everyone for the boy standing beside her, the one they were all here for.

Damian: He wanted to tell his family all about Raven the moment they had begun dating, but thought better of it. He wanted to see what they had first with no regrets, if they would sink or swim; and he knew if they jumped right into it they would undoubtedly sink with many regrets and what if’s. So they had been cautious and waited until they felt comfortable enough to reveal the reality of Raven and his relationship. After that day, he asked if she would like to join his family and him for dinner every week. She had alway politely declined, opting to stay and meditate instead, and he always left with his head hung low. He had asked her one day, and she had given her usual answer, but he was not backing away so easily this time. Now, as he stood in front of his family with the girl he was in love with, he wish he had. He suddenly became very aware of the fact that his brothers would do just about anything to embarrass him. He tensed, knowing that this dinner was a huge step in their relationship and that it could very well decide whether or not she wanted to stay with him. Then, almost as if it was a gift from the heavens above, he felt her hand rest against his shoulder. As he looked into her smiling face he knew that no matter the outcome of this dinner, she would always and forever be his beloved.

“I would like you all to meet Raven, my girlfriend”

#damirae week 2020 #damirae-week #damian wayne #damirae #raven #raven roth #damian x raven #fanfiction #demon birds

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helloalycia · 4 years

Text

noise complaint [three] // alycia debnam-carey

summary: after becoming friends with the neighbour you really like, you decide to come clean about who you are. You didn't expect it to result in something else...

warning/s: none.

author's note: it's literally been a year since I posted part 2 to this. I never even intended for there to be 3 parts, but here we are! Hope you like the lil conclusion to this :)

part one | part two | masterlist | wattpad

"...write their full names down and don't forget to give them a leaflet. They're more likely to give that way."

"You done, mom?"

I gave my friend and colleague a knowing look. "Ty."

He rolled his eyes playfully, holding the door to my building open. "I won't forget, Y/N."

"You did last time," I reminded him as I gladly walked through the door.

"Well, I won't this time," he promised, before checking his wristwatch. "I gotta go, shoot."

"Thanks for walking me," I said, giving him an appreciative smile. "Now, if you screw up, please tell me before the event and not after."

"I will." He laughed as he gave me a hug. "See you later, Y/N."

"Bye." I waved him goodbye with an amused smile.

When he left, I headed to grab my mail, seeing a familiar brunette already there, grabbing her own mail. The same teasing smile that adorned my face when I was around her appeared and I headed over there confidently.

Alycia and I were kind of friends now, though it was very obvious I liked her. I tried to tone it down for her sake, but sometimes it was funny watching her glare at me playfully.

"ADC, to what do I owe this pleasure?" I said, stepping beside her to open my mailbox.

She cracked a smile, eyes sparkling with amusement. "You approached me, Y/N."

"My point remains."

She laughed, rolling her eyes as she continued looking at the letters in her hand. "Just checking my mail, like you."

I kept smiling as I glanced at her, before looking to see what letters I got.

"So... was that guy your boyfriend?"

I quirked an eyebrow as I tore my eyes from my letters. "Huh? Oh, Ty?" I laughed when it dawned on me what she thought. "If he was, I definitely didn't know."

She seemed to relax a little, an embarrassed smile on her lips.

"I'm gay," I clarified with a humoured expression. "I've got the hots for a certain Australian neighbour, remember?"

Alycia rolled her eyes, suppressing a smile. "Seriously? Besides. I didn't want to presume. You could've been bisexual or something."

"Not in this life," I said, shuddering at the thought of being with a man. I suddenly grinned as I looked at her though. "Why d'you ask anyway? You jealous?"

Alycia glared at me playfully, though her cheeks were getting pinker by the second. I refrained from laughing, loving teasing her until she usually slapped me on the arm and changed the subject. As funny as this was though, I guess I did secretly wish she was jealous. But Alycia wasn't interested, that much she had made clear.

"Ladies, it's lovely I caught you both here!"

Alycia and I spun around when we saw our landlady, Mrs. Khan, approaching us with a smile.

"Mrs. Khan, hey," I greeted. "Did you need something?"

She shook her head. "I just thought I'd check in since the last time we met." Her eyes fell to Alycia's. "Any complaints, Miss Debnam-Carey?"

I looked over to Alycia with a cheesy grin on my face, causing her to crack a smile and roll her eyes.

"No complaints on my end," Alycia told her honestly. "Y/N seems to be behaving herself."

"How lovely," Mrs. Khan said, almost with relief. "That's great to hear. I guess I'll leave you both to it."

With that, she left us in the hall with our mail.

"She's totally warming up to me," I said with a knowing nod.

Alycia chuckled as she closed her locker. "I'm sure she is."

I closed mine too and followed her as she walked up the steps. "Hey, if you hadn't tattle-tale-d on me like a kid a month ago, she would have no issues with me."

"You're forgetting the part where you blasted your volume whilst playing video games," she said with an amused smile, her green eyes bright as they stared at me.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever..." I waved her off dismissively.

She laughed when she knew she was in the right, and I watched with a smile, admiring how beautiful she looked when her eyes were closed and her teeth were showing in a wide smile. The sound was contagious, making my stomach do somersaults, and it made this whole thing a little worth it. She was ethereal.

–

That same evening, I was going around the whole building and collecting some last minute donations for the charity gala I was attending on the weekend. The charity I worked for raised money for schools in deprived countries to help them afford supplies, textbooks, computers, the whole lot. My job was to help fundraise in schools, offices, even on the street, and I was doing some last minute fundraising to help the kids in our local schools increase their donations.

People were quite generous in our building, and for the most part, weren't rude. There were a few who may or may not have shut the door in my face, but otherwise it was going well. I purposely saved Alycia's door for last however, wanting to see her face when I asked her.

She didn't know what my job was, just that it was office-based, which technically wasn't a lie. I just wanted to have another excuse to tease her, so I headed over to her place and knocked on the door with my clipboard and envelope in hand.

When I knocked on, it took her a moment to open up, but when she did, a confused smile appeared on her lips.

"Good evening, miss. I was wondering if you would be interested in donating some money to [a charity name], to help children in deprived countries have a better education?"

Alycia quirked an eyebrow, resting a hand on her hip as she met my eyes with confusion. "Huh?"

I chuckled and lowered my clipboard, cutting the act. "How do you do, m'lady?"

She stepped to the side to let me in and I walked in, casually taking a seat at her kitchen counter. I'd been over at her place a few times in the past month, and vice versa, so this was pretty normal for us.

"What's with the clipboard?" she asked, grabbing a glass and pouring some lemonade in it.

"Thanks," I said, accepting the drink, taking a sip before explaining. "Part of me was trying to pull your leg, but the other part is actually trying to raise money for charity."

"Wait, you're serious? This isn't you being your dorky self?"

"No, I'm serious," I said, though I was laughing. "I'm in charge of organising donations and making sure the kids raise enough. I've been going around the building, asking for donations. Just thought I'd see if you wanted to donate? Of course, you don't have to, but yeah."

Alycia was still struggling to believe me as she studied me curiously. Eventually, she sighed and went to grab her purse from the coffee table.

"How's... thirty dollars?"

I raised my eyebrows with surprise as she held it out towards me. "More than expected. People usually give, like, ten."

She chuckled and waved the money towards me again. "Here's thirty. Can't deny kids their education, right?"

I accepted the money, an appreciative smile on my lips. "Wow, thanks, Alycia." I filled in her details on the clipboard and put the money in the envelope before jumping off the stool.

"So, you do charity work?" Alycia asked, as if still trying to believe it.

"What? Do I not seem the type?" I teased, before finishing the lemonade off in a quick gulp.

"No, no, that's not it," she reassured, a little embarrassed. "I just, I don't know. It's strange seeing you serious about something. You usually take the piss."

"Only with you, Alycia," I said with a grin. "Besides, this is a good job. It helps people. I love it."

Alycia smiled as she listened, nodding in agreement. I bit my lower lip as a thought crossed my mind, but I wasn't sure whether to push my luck. Then again, we were friends, so it wasn't really...

"Hey, Alycia?"

"Yeah?" She was at the dishwasher now, filling it up with dishes by her sink.

I ignored the nervousness I felt and said, "All this money is gonna get counted up and announced at this gala this weekend. Everyone who works with the charity will be there, and I've got two tickets. I was wondering if you, maybe, wanna go with me?"

Alycia stopped what she was doing and looked up, raising her eyebrows as if she'd misheard. "You want me to go with you?"

"As friends, of course," I clarified, offering a small, nervous smile. "It could be fun! It's for charity, and it's gonna be all fancy and stuff. You like dressing up, right?"

Alycia began to smile. "It sounds lovely."

I felt my heart fluttering nervously. "So, that's a yes?"

She chuckled. "Yes, Y/N, it's a yes. I'd love to go with you."

I tried to hide the excitement in my voice as I said, "Yeah, great, that's great. Er, yeah. Okay. I'll let you know all the details tomorrow."

"Sounds like a plan," she agreed, flashing me a heartwarming, weak-in-the-knees smile.

I swallowed hard, returning the smile, before grabbing my clipboard. "I should go get this sorted out, but yeah, I'll see you tomorrow. Thanks again, for the donation."

"Anytime."

I tried not to trip over my own two feet as I let myself out, a massive grin on my lips. I'd wanted to ask Alycia since the gala had first been announced at work, but I figured she might say no since we'd only just recently established our friendship. She didn't though. She said yes!

I was thrilled, knowing it was my chance to share another part of my life with her, an important part. Yes, I'd been teasing her and annoying her since we'd met, but I began to trust her as a friend, and I wanted her to know everything about me, now that I knew she liked me for me and not for anything else.

–

I played with the edges of my blazer nervously, constantly checking the door of our building to see if Alycia was there.

The weekend had come by soon enough and Alycia was finishing getting ready, telling me she'd meet me outside. I was super nervous though, unable to keep still as I thought about whether the car and driver was too much.

I just wanted Alycia to have a great time and be treated how she deserved. It's not like we would stand out – everybody at the gala had much more glamorous modes of transport.

After what felt like forever, I saw Alycia's figure stepping outside, an apologetic expression on her face. I lost my words though, my mouth going dry as I looked at her. She was radiant, wearing an off-the-shoulder black dress that hugged her curves perfectly, paired with some high heels that accentuated her legs. It's like she was purposely trying to make me have a gay panic attack, honestly.

"I am so sorry for taking a little longer than I said," she said when she approached me. "I couldn't find my shoes and then I lost my purse when I found them."

I was still awestruck by how gorgeous she looked, her dark eye makeup making her bright green eyes stand out and sending shivers down my spine.

"You look amazing," she complimented, eyes looking me up and down. "You clean up nice."

She was smiling playfully, and I tried to find words as I nodded.

"I... thank you. You look... wow. Like, good wow. Really good wow. Really good wow."

She looked down bashfully as she smiled to herself. "Thank you, Y/N."

I swallowed hard, before clearing my throat. "I, er, yeah, we're taking the car." I nodded to the Porsche parked out front. "I hope that's okay."

She looked to where I was and her eyes widened. "You're kidding, right? That's a bit too fancy isn't it? I didn't mind getting a taxi."

I smiled, finally catching my breath, holding out my hand. "Now what kind of date would I be if I made you get into a taxi dressed like that?" She looked to me with an unreadable expression, and I quickly added, "Friendly date, of course."

She pursed her lips, suppressing a smile, and placed her hand in mine. "That's sweet. I don't even know what to say."

I began to lead her to the car, opening the back door. "Don't say anything. Just get in and enjoy the ride, yeah?"

She paused by the open door, directing a small smile my way. To my surprise, she leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to my cheek, making me melt on the spot.

I closed the door after her before going around to the other side, sliding in beside her.

"Straight to the gala, Miss Y/L/N?" the driver asked, glancing at me in the rear view mirror.

"Please, Jerry, thank you."

Jerry nodded and set off. Alycia glanced at me with a raised eyebrow, a surprised smile on her lips.

"What?" I asked, refraining from chuckling.

"You better have not spent a lot on this," Alycia warned playfully, though I sensed truth to her words. "And don't say your work arranged it because nobody's work arranges stuff like this."

I laughed, meeting her intoxicating gaze. "I promise you that everything was completely in my price range."

Alycia narrowed her eyes, attempting to figure out the grin on my lips, but when she realised she couldn't, she sighed and leaned back into her seat.

"You're off the hook," she gave in. "For now."

When Jerry reached the gala, I escorted Alycia out of the car and watched as she took in the vastness of the building.

"This is... wow," she muttered, looking around at the high ceilings and carved-out wall work in the entrance.

"Wait until you see the inside of the ballroom," I said with an amused smile. "You'll love it."

She glanced at me with disbelief, before allowing me to lead her further inside. I handed in our tickets, received two champagne flutes for Alycia and I, and led her in the main ballroom that was bigger and brighter than anything even I had ever seen.

It was elegantly decorated, with beautiful flower arrangements lining the walls and sitting on the tables, and fairy lights were strung across the ceiling, twinkling above like stars. The room was packed with people who worked with me and some parents of the children who had been raising money in the local schools. I also recognised some sponsors and partners of the charity, but ultimately, I was subtly watching Alycia to see what she thought.

"You were right, this is even better," she admitted, intrigued by everything we walked past.

"I knew you'd love it," I said, staring at her with admiration. Even when she was distracted like a kid in a candy store, she still looked so beautiful, leaving me with butterflies in my stomach and tingles up my arm from where hers was touching mine.

She turned to me, eyes brighter than any of the fairy lights above. "I didn't think you liked events like this."

"I don't."

She cocked her head to the side. "Then why did you come tonight?"

"Well, there's two reasons," I admitted. "One was because it's for charity. I thought I'd show my support."

She smiled adorably. "And the second reason?"

I gave her a knowing look. "You agreed to come with me. How often do I get to take you out?"

She rolled her eyes, but I saw her fighting the smile from her lips.

"Y/N, hey!"

I turned around at the mention of my name, a little disheartened that they interrupted Alycia and I's conversation. It was Ty, all dressed in his best clothes, a grin on his face.

"Great to see you," I said to him, smiling at him nonetheless. He hugged me as I said, "You doing okay?"

He nodded. "Amazing. Apparently we raised a lot this time 'round."

"Fingers crossed," I said hopefully, before glancing at an awkwardly smiling Alycia. "Ty, this is Alycia. She's my date."

I laughed when Alycia smacked me on the arm playfully.

"I'm her friend," Alycia corrected, before shaking Ty's outstretched hand. "It's nice to meet you."

"You, too," Ty replied with a friendly smile. "You must be the Australian neighbour she's always talking about."

I rolled my eyes, knowing my face was heating up as they both looked to me with humorous expressions.

"Huh, I must be," she agreed teasingly.

"Anyway, Ty was just leaving," I said to Alycia, ignoring the playful smirk tugging at her lips.

"Actually, I came to tell you that your parents are looking for you," he said matter-of-factly. "And they're heading over here as I speak."

I knew I'd be seeing my parents tonight, since it was their charity after all, but I was expecting to prep myself a little beforehand then speak to them. So, when Ty sheepishly told me they were walking over to me, I may or may not have panicked a little.

"Your parents?" Alycia asked, furrowing her eyebrows.

I nodded, seeing my parents approaching me with smiles on their faces. "Yeah. I was supposed to mentally prepare for this, but I guess we're gonna see how this goes."

Alycia opened her mouth, a questioning gaze on me, but my parents suddenly stopped by and spoke first, silencing her.

"Y/N, there you are!" my mum said, before pulling me in for a quick hug. "You look lovely!"

"Thanks, mum," I said, smiling with embarrassment. "You both look great. And this gala is the best you've done yet."

"It's certainly a stand-out event," my dad agreed with a shrug, before he noticed Alycia, who was still looking between my parents and I as if piecing us together. "And who might this young lady be? A date?"

For once, Alycia was too confused to correct them, so I did.

"This is Alycia Debnam-Carey," I introduced her. "She's my friend and neighbour. She donated and so I thought I'd invite her to show her a bit of what I do."

"The glamorous parts of it," my mum joked, before smiling kindly at Alycia. "It's lovely to meet you, Alycia, dear. I'm Y/M/N and this is my husband, Y/D/N."

Alycia suddenly cleared her throat, eyes darting to mine with surprise. She plastered an easygoing smile on her lips as she shook my parents' hands.

"Y/L/N as in..."

"The founders of this charity?" my dad finished for her with a quirked eyebrow. He suppressed a laugh. "Yes, that's us. Didn't Y/N say...?"

Alycia licked her lips, shaking her head. "Er, no... you guys are amazing though. I've read a bit about the work you do and I've even donated a few times."

"Only a few?" my mum teased.

Alycia smiled, a little flustered. "Well, I'm actually a regular donator to The Salvation Army. It's a postal thing that I don't really know how to stop, but yeah."

I contained a smile as my parents chuckled at Alycia's truthfulness.

"Your honesty is refreshing," my mum admitted before glancing at me. "I see why you're friends with her."

I glanced at Alycia, noticing she was smiling politely at my parents and giving them her full attention.

"Well, Alycia, I hope you enjoy the the evening, and on behalf of the whole organisation, I thank you for donating to a great cause," my dad concluded with a grateful smile. He looked to me and said, "Enjoy yourself, Y/N, you deserve it."

"See you both later," I said, giving them a nod, before watching them walk away.

When they were gone, Alycia breathed out shakily, looking to me with an unimpressed look.

"Were you planning on telling me that you're the daughter of billionaires and that this is your parents' gala, or were you gonna wait until I made a fool of myself in front of them?" she asked, raising an eyebrow with disbelief.

"Bit of an exaggeration," I said playfully, before losing my smile when I saw her serious expression. "Alycia, you didn't make a fool of yourself. They loved you."

"Y/N."

I sighed, offering a small, nervous smile. "Look, I don't really think of myself as a billionaire's daughter. I mean, you've seen where I live. I just work for them. I barely see them. I prefer to stay lowkey."

"Clearly," she noted, making me chuckle.

"I don't really tell people who my parents are until I trust them," I told her truthfully, eyes softening as they met her unreadable green ones. "I never know if people want to be my friend for me or for them. So, it was better this way. I know I lied, but I hope you understand."

She breathed out slowly, nodding. "I get it. I do."

I smiled hopefully. "So you're not mad?"

She chewed on her lower lip as she smiled, shaking her head. It seemed like she was distracted, but I didn't think too much on it as I realised she wasn't as bugged out by the whole thing as I thought she would be.

"Thanks," I said, breathing out calmly. "Sorry, again. Come on. You're hungry, right? The appetisers here are practically main courses."

She didn't argue, so I grabbed her hand and led her to the appetisers table to make a small plate.

–

A few hours had passed and the evening was in full swing, with some rich people drunk enough to do very YouTube-worthy embarrassing things and others judging them immensely. It was my favourite bit at events like these.

Alycia seemed to be enjoying herself, I think. I introduced her to some more of my colleagues, as well as some parents I'd befriended when visiting the schools, and she was her lovely, charming self. Yet, something seemed a little off.

I didn't know what it was. Ever since she found out about who I actually was, she'd been acting quieter. Not distant, but quiet. I didn't think anything was going to change since I was clearly the same person, but she didn't seem to think so. And I was beginning to regret telling her at all because I was missing our signature back and forth very much the rest of the evening.

It got to a point where even Ty was noticing how off she suddenly seemed, so I decided to pull the brunette aside and talk to her. There was no point forcing her to stay tonight if she didn't want to.

"Is everything okay?" she asked with confusion when I pulled her into a quiet hallway outside of the ballroom.

I pursed my lips, feeling nervous the longer she stared at me. I was scared that she'd admit she was pissed because I lied, and I'd lose a friend.

"You don't want to be here anymore," I said, eyes flickering to the ground, unable to hold her gaze. "It's because I lied to you, isn't it?"

I heard her sigh quietly and I knew I'd made a mistake.

"Alycia, I'm sorry," I apologised again, meeting her eyes. "I shouldn't have lied. I–"

"Y/N, no, it's not that," she cut me off, shaking her head.

I relaxed my shoulders subconsciously. "It's not?"

It was her turn to look nervous, as her eyes looked up to the ceiling with discomfort. "It's just– you had to go and tell me and ruin everything..." she mumbled with agitation.

I furrowed my eyebrows. "I– er... huh?"

She clenched her jaw, eyes meeting mine. "I had it all planned out, for God's sake. Now it seems like I only like you because you have money and that's far from the truth."

I widened my eyes, second-guessing myself. "You like me?"

Alycia groaned aloud, rolling her eyes. "Of course, you idiot!"

Still unable to believe it, I asked, "Like, like like me?"

She glared at me. "Yes, but now you've–" She shoved me in the shoulder, "–gone and ruined it because the timing is all wrong and now you're gonna think I'm using you!"

My stomach was raging with butterflies as a grin appeared on my lips. I couldn't help myself as I realised she liked me back. I'd been teasing her this whole time, but the feelings were real. I never actually thought there was a chance she'd reciprocate.

"Y/N, please be serious," she said, crossing her arms and staring at me with a firm expression.

She looked really freakin' cute with her jaw tense and eyes darkened with annoyance.

"Just to clarify," I said, ignoring her for a second, "the other day, when you thought Ty was my boyfriend... that was you being jealous, right?"

Alycia breathed out slowly, uncrossing her arms and straightening up. "Are you really gonna make me say it?"

My childish grin was on my lips, making her roll her eyes and sigh.

"Fine. Yes. I was jealous. You happy? Now look. I know you might think that I–"

I moved forward and kissed her, cutting her off from saying anything else. I closed my eyes and felt her slowly reciprocating, lips moving against mine. Her hands rested on my shoulders as I caressed her cheek with mine, the other pulling her closer by her waist.

I'd wanted to kiss her for so long, but I was so afraid of the rejection. But here was she was, kissing me back...

I pulled away when we needed air, opening my eyes and feeling my lips tingle. I was submerged in green instantly, a smile curling on my lips. Every inch of my skin felt like it was on fire, in the best way possible.

"I feel like you did that to shut me up," she spoke first, voice soft as she pulled back to take a breath.

I chuckled. "Partially."

She licked her lips and stared at me expectantly.

I stared at her with serious eyes, grin fading into a smile. "Alycia, I know you'd never use me. You're not like that. I mean, you put up with me for this long, didn't you?"

She opened her mouth to speak, but I cut her off.

"Look, I only told you the truth about my family because I realised I wouldn't have a chance with you," I admitted, and saw she was hanging onto my every word. "I thought it was best to come clean. If I could only have you as a friend, I wanted to do so right. I trust you to know the truth and still like me for me. You liking me back doesn't change that. Just makes me extremely lucky."

She cracked a small smile, but still seemed uncertain. "Are you sure?"

I couldn't help but laugh. "Do you want me to not trust you?"

"No, no, I'm not– ugh." She was flustered, her cheeks going an adorable pink colour. "I just want you to be sure. I know how I feel about you... I know that was before you told me. I mean, I don't really care about any of this." She motioned around her. "You were annoying at first, but it grew on me. I just... I want you to be sure."

I smiled genuinely, stepping forward and grabbing her hands. "I'm sure. Also, you know you can never live this down now, right? You like me."

Alycia raised an eyebrow playfully. "You can't tease me about liking you, you idiot."

"Why not? You were supposed to hate me, remember?"

She rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at her lips. "I never hated you."

"Pretty sure you filed a noise complaint against me," I recalled, pulling her closer to me, getting goosebumps when her body touched mine.

She gave me a knowing look. "That was because your volume was way too–! You know what? Forget it."

I grinned, staring at her even though she was avoiding my eyes to prove a point.

"You're doing it again," she mumbled, finally lifting her gaze to meet mine.

"Doing what?"

"That thing," she said, as if I should know. "Where you act like you've won this thing between us."

I chuckled. "Once again, I didn't think there was anything between us. Well, I guess now there is... if you want there to be?"

Alycia wrapped her arms around my neck, eyes looking between mine thoughtfully.

"I'm going to regret this, aren't I?"

"Probably."

She breathed out, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yeah. Probably."

She leaned forward and closed the gap between us in a soft, sensual kiss. I closed my eyes and revelled in her warmth whilst wondering how on Earth I got this lucky.

#alycia debnam carey #alycia debnam carey imagine #alycia debnam carey x reader #alyciajasmin #Alycia debnam carey x you

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stories-sometimes · 4 years

Text

I’ve Made A Huge Mistake {8/?}

Peter Parker x Reader, Quentin Beck x Reader

Summary: Peter just wanted to enjoy his trip to Europe, maybe even confess his feelings to his best friends.But along came a mysterious new hero to ruin those plans. Peter and his class are aged up and in college.

Warnings: Violence in later chapters, manipulation, age gap, smut

Word Count: 2697

Main Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Morning light flickered through the blinds of the hotel room. She laid on her front, the blanket only covering her lower legs. She was completely relaxed, sinking into the bed. In the background, she could hear the shower blasting. A couple of minutes later, the water was shut off. Beck walked out of the bathroom, rubbing a towel against his hair, but otherwise shamelessly naked.

“Like what you see?” He commented as he watched her trail her eyes over him.

“Can’t complain.” She replied, shutting her eyes soon after, ready to drift back into sleep for a few more minutes. But hardly a few seconds went past before she felt a sharp slap to her ass.

“Couldn’t help myself.” He mumbled as he draped himself over her, kissing over a mark he’d left last night.

“Get off,” She giggled, “you’re gonna get me wet.” She inched away from his wet hair on her face.

“Oh, am I?” He replied playfully, only pushing his head further into her neck. Slowly he trailed his hand down her stomach, reaching her core. “I’m definitely making you wet.” He slipped two fingers into making her moan out in shock. “Want me to get off now?” He asked as he began to move his fingers.

“Oh god no, keep going Quentin.”

“Call me sir.”

“Yes sir.” She never thought that would be a thing that would turn her on so much, but something about the power he had over her right now only made her want him more. Beck leaned up, pulling her hips up with him while holding a hand over her back to keep her chest down. “More.”

“What do you want?” She only moaned in response, he slapped her ass again, “Use your words baby”

“I want you sir.”

“You want my cock?” He taunted, rubbing it over her folds.

“Fuck, please sir, I want your cock.” She begged. He thrusted into her in one fluid movement, giving her that delicious burn she craved.

“So good baby,” He grunted, “fucked you last night and you’re still this tight.” He slammed his hips into her repeatedly, relishing in the sounds of her moans. He snaked his hand further up her back, grabbing her hair in his hand to pull her up against his chest. “You’re taking me so well, aren’t you baby?”

“Yes sir.” She whimpered between heavy breaths.

“So happy you’re here, all mine. Say it.” He said, voice calm with an underlying demand in it.

“I’m yours sir.” She weaved her hand into Beck’s hair, tugging lightly, remembering just how much he’d liked it. “So close.”

“Go on, cum for me.” The hand on her hip moved to flick over her clit. She was finally pushed over the edge, crying out. Her body went limp, being held up by Beck as he continued to fuck her. Soon after he came, collapsing into the bed, bringing her with him. Instantly he wrapped his body around her, cocooning her as the two of them attempting to catch their breath.

“That’s one way to wake up.” She laughed, turning to see the blissed-out look on Beck’s face.

“I could fucking get used to that.”

“You could fucking get used to fucking me.” She joked.

“Definitely.” They only managed to stay there for a few more minutes before Beck had to leave.

“Do you have to go already?” She whined. He thought she looked like an angel, sitting up in the bed seeming as innocent as always despite being naked and the previous activities.

“I’m sorry, I have to go to this meeting. Afterwards, I’m all yours, I’ll make it up to you, promise.” He justified, grabbing a bag containing his suit.

“I guess,” She pouted. Right before he left he leaned down to kiss her. She grabbed his bottom lip between her teeth, tugging on it as he pulled away.

“You’re a fucking tease you know that.” She only smiled in response. After he was gone she settled back down into the sheets, already exhausted. She allowed herself to bask in the moment of pure relaxation, falling back into a slumber. The urgent message on her phone remained unseen.

Beck made his way to the warehouse his crew had set up in Berlin. Everything was going as smoothly as he’d hope until part of the illusion lagged behind the rest.

“What’s going on with my hand, why’s that happening?” Beck asked.

“One of the drones that came back from the plaza was missing a projector, it’s fine.” William explained nonchalantly.

“That projector is evidence. It's going to tell people what we're doing and how we're doing it. I am trying to fool seven billion people here, including Nick Fury, who happens to be the most paranoid and most dangerous person on the planet. And if he catches on before I've killed him, then he will put a bullet in my head. And nobody wants a bullet in their head. Right?” Any cool in his voice was gone. Two drones flew up to where William was sat, pointing the hidden guns at him. “Pull up EDITH.

“Hello Quentin.”

“Hi, I need a level 5 search full resource protocol for this device.” A map of the streets of Prague appears in front of him. A video of MJ picking up the projector is then shown, moments later there is the footage of Peter and MJ walking across the bridge, the two of them inspecting the projector. “You know William, one day, after I've had to kill Peter Parker because of this, I hope you remember, that his blood is on your hands.” He became more deranged by the second, his crew now afraid of his unhinged nature. “Victoria, tell me you have the gifts.” She nodded, passing him a large Chanel box before quickly scuttling away. “And if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a girlfriend to fool.”

Beck made his way back to the hotel, taking a deep breath to fall back into the charming demeanour he had to uphold. Unlocked the door, calling out for her.

“I got you something.” His voice smoother, miles away from what it had been mere minutes ago.

“Jesus christ Beck, you didn’t have to do this.” She stared in awe at the obviously expensive gift.

“I wanted to spoil my girl.” He reached one had up to her cheek.

“Your girl?”

“Well aren’t you?” She moved into his touch, failing to hold back a grin. “Well go, try it on.” She took the box and moved into the bathroom. As soon as she’d left his face dropped back to the angry scowl. He picked up her phone, thankfully no messages had been opened.

“EDITH, block any messages from Peter or his associates reaching this phone.” He couldn’t allow for her to see any cracks in his plan. He placed the phone back down, exactly how she’d left it. She came back out of the bathroom, now dressed in a stunning, floor-length dress. It was just tight enough to be sensual while still remaining classy, the deep-v only adding to the appeal. “Goddamn baby girl, what did I do to deserve you.” He complimented, taking her into his arms.

“Thank you so much, it’s beautiful.”

“There’s a gala being held in a few weeks, to properly introduce me to your world,” He began to explain, “I want you there by my side.”

“I’d love to be there.”

“I know you’ll hate me for this, but duty calls and I’ve got more meetings this afternoon.”

“I get it, it’s fine,” She reassured him, “I’ve dealt with years of Peter having to drop things to go save the day. I’m not going to complain about you putting being a superhero before me.”

“How are you this perfect?”

“It just comes naturally to me.” She joked.

Across the city, Peter was swinging out of the train station, only to be met with black Audi pulling up in front of him.

“Get in.” Fury instructed after he lowered the window. “You’ve got a lot of explaining to do.”

“No, no, Mr Fury, listen, Beck’s lying, she’s with him, she’s in -” Fury simply raised a finger to cut the younger off.

“Wait until we’re secure.” Peter nodded, shutting up. Fury cough, gesturing to the seatbelt. In his panic, Peter momentarily forgot his own strength, managing to accidentally snap the belt clean off. They pulled up to a sleek white office space, entering a room Agent Hill was already waiting in.

“Look, I know I made a mistake, but Beck is lying. Mysterio, the elementals, they’re all fake. He used some kind of illusion tech, it’s all projectors.” Peter explained before either agent could start reprimanding him. “That’s how he tricked you guys and tricked me into giving him EDITH.” Peter then pulled out a damaged projector, sliding it along to Fury and Hill, “I pulled this off the fire monster in Prague.”

“So all the death and destruction we witness, was with this?” Fury asked skeptically.

“No, I think he’s using drones.”

“If this is true then Beck is very dangerous, who else did you tell about this?” Suddenly Peter’s sense flared up, he looked around the room, trying to find signs of the drones. “Parker?”

“It’s Beck, he’s here.” Hill, along with the office around them, began to fade away. It all disappeared from around them, revealing a bare concrete building, devoid of any real life. “It’s all an illu-” Peter was cut off by a drone shooting at Fury. He watched the older man drop to the floor instantly. He was prevented from running towards Fury by another drone shooting, sending him flying down a few floors.

“Wow Peter, I thought we were close.” Beck's voice rang out, hidden from Peter’s view. He scrambled up from the floor, spluttering as multiple drones aimed for him. “Fury always had to die, but not you. She’s gonna be devastated that her best friend died in a tragic accident.” The mention of her only added to Peter’s rage. It was bad enough that he tricked him and Fury, but manipulating someone as trusting and kind as her, in a much more intimate way made Peter’s blood boil.

“Show yourself.” Peter demanded. Each web he shot out to try to disable a drone turned out to be another hologram. Soon everything around him turned black, his regular suit replaced the one he was wearing.

“I tried to help you walk away, but you made me do this.” Beck taunted. A school corridor now surrounded him, Mysterio began to walk towards him. Peter went to shoot webs at Beck, only for them to be puffs of pointless green smoke. “You told me you just wanted to have fun with your friends.” Beck’s voice was now behind him. When Peter tried to punch him the projections momentarily disappeared, leaving Peter to punch a thick concrete wall. “You wanted them to be happy, well what a shame.”

“Peter, what’s going on?” He turned to see his best friend with the most fearful facial expression he had ever seen on her face.

“Beck isn’t who he says he is, he’s lying.”

“No.” She whispered, in disbelief over the revelation. “He wouldn’t do that,”

“Please, you have to trust me.” Peter begged, following her as she ran in another room. The door brought them to the top of the Eiffel Tower, he watched her run to where Beck now stood, wrapping herself around him. “I know this isn’t real.” Peter shouted at Beck, both trying to convince himself and the other man of this fact.

“Oh but this is.” Beck replied, placing his hand over the illusion of her, his thumb wrapped around the back of her neck as the rest of his hand lay comfortably over the top of her chest. “You really thought she wouldn’t eat up every perfect lie I feed her.” He mocked, the calmness in voice completely unnerving.

“Leave her out of this.” He screamed, the anger building up inside of him was threatening to overflow, and Peter would be prepared to do anything if it did.

“Why would I when she mine to use,” A puff of smoke covered the two of them from Peter’s view. When they became visible again she was naked, on all fours in front Beck. “And dispose of when I wish.” The puff came back, now his hands were wrapped around her neck, throwing her off the building.

“No.” Peter cried out, lunging off the tower to try to catch her falling body. He fell into green smoke, her body vanishing as he slammed into another floor. Before he could regain his bearings he was being blasted backwards through the streets of Queens. A giant hand grabbed him, throwing him in the ground, which shattered like glass around him. He fell through layers and layers of spiderwebs, screaming as he lost sense of what was real.

“Wake up!” Peter landed on a car, denting the roof of it. His surroundings looked real again, but he couldn’t let himself fall into a false sense of security. He tried to keep his guard up. Seconds later it all turned black again. Shards of glass came raining down around him.

“I mean look at yourself.” Beck shouted out, hidden again. Peter stared into the reflection of one of them, hesitantly reaching his hand out. The image reached out to attack, all other reflections soon joining in, pilling on top of him. When they finally went away Peter was dressed in his very first suit, his haphazardly home-made suit. “You’re just a scared kid in a sweatsuit.” Huge fallen statues of the lost heros surrounded Peter. “I created Mysterio to give the world someone to believe in.” The only statue still erected was Mysterio’s. “I control the truth, Mysterio is the truth.” Any hint of rationality was gone from Beck’s voice, his unhinged nature showing through. Mysterio flew out from behind his statue, firing at Peter. He dodged the blasts, sending webs back towards him. When he had thought he’d grabbed Beck, he brought a crane falling down, almost crushing himself in the process. He rolled out from under the contraption, finding himself in a graveyard. The one image he’d truly been dreading faced him. In front of him was a moss covered gravestone reading ‘Anthony Edward Stark’. “Maybe if you’d been enough, Tony would still be alive.” The faux concern Beck spoke with only added to the torture of the illusion. A hand burst through the ground, the zombie-like corpse of Tony, still in his Iron Man suit, came crawling towards Peter. Spiders flooded out of the rotting orifices of the body. “You made your choice, all you had to do was step aside, but now, I have to -” Beck was cut off, all the projections disappeared and Peter was back outside the building. Beck fell to his knees, now dressed in a morphsuit rather than his Mysterio costume. Fury stood behind him, lowering the gun in his hand. Cars pulled up to the scene, multiple agents Peter recognised leaving them, keeping their guns aimed on Beck.

“Beck’s people are trying to find anyone who could expose them, I need you to say who you told.” Peter remained silent, trying desperately to calm his racing heart. “I know you told somebody, so who was it?”

“Just Ned and MJ, from my class. And maybe Ned told his girlfriend Betty.” Fury crossed his arms over his chest, a cruel laugh leaving his lips.

“You are so dumb.”

“What?”

“I mean, you’re as smart as a whip, just a sucker.” His voice morphed into that of Beck, soon everything once again revealing itself to be fake. “And now your friends have to die.” Series of objects were being thrown down at Peter, making me trail backwards to avoid them. “For what it’s worth Peter, I really am sorry.” Things went back to normal for a split second until Peter heard the train coming towards him. The powerful impact was the last thing he remembered before blacking out.

“EDITH, access files to Peter Parker’s class trip. I need them to fly home from London.”

Taglist Open:

@cool-ontherun-world

@eleventhdoctorsangel

@chubby-tink

@eridanuswave

@squishychar1ie

#peter parker #peter parker x reader #peter parker imagine #peter parker x you #peter parker x original character #quentin beck #quentin beck x you #quentin beck x reader #quentin beck smut #quentin beck imagine #mysterio x reader #mysterio imagine #mysterio #marvel #marvel fic #ive made a huge mistake #spiderman #spiderman far from home

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theydontknowaboutusimagines · 4 years

Text

Outside the Rain - Harry Styles Series (Part 17)

Part 16

“Hottest Couple of 2019? Y/N and Harry Styles have been photographed together a lot this year. The first time was during the Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame where both were there to honor Rock Legend Stevie Nicks. The two were then seen together at the Met Gala and the Gucci Cruise Show over the summer. They were both seen at the VMA’s, where Styles was not performing or nominated for an award. While the two didn’t sit together, they were seen at the same after party. Most recently the two were seen in LA, first Harry was seen attending Y/Band’s/Name’s concert, and then again arriving together at the after party. A few days ago, they were photographed leaving a cafe with Y/N’s famous drummer father, and her songwriter mother.

While they could simply be just friends, it seems they are extremely close. We’ve reached out to both parties and are still waiting on a comment regarding the status of their relationship. But what we can confirm is that we are here for this coupling and are ready to declare them the Hottest Couple of the Year!”

Meetings, meetings, interviews, and more meetings. That is what your schedule and life had entailed over the last few days. The album would be coming out soon and you all were going over the promo plan. When you received your schedule for the remainder of the year, you couldn’t be happier at seeing some dates in London and the UK. You just hoped that Harry’s schedule worked out for those dates.

Speaking of Harry, it had been almost a week since he left, and while you were distracted with work during the day, at night it was strange coming home to an empty house. What’s even stranger is that that used to be your norm. It never phased you before coming home and it being silent or that you’d cook dinner for just you. But after having Harry here off and on over the last few months, it changed what you were used to.

Even though you and Harry had only really been official for a little under six months, you couldn’t help, but wonder what the two fo you would do once you two moved towards the moving in stage. Of course, that was a long away, especially since you’d be going on tour for the majority of 2020, even if you wanted to move in together, that wouldn’t be an option.

After the photos of you and Harry leaving the restaurant with your parents, dozens of articles were written up and posted online. All of your and Harry’s fan accounts quickly started reposting the pap photos and photos from the events you two had attended previously. There were also accounts that were bad to prove your relationship was fake and being used for publicity.

You weren’t exactly shocked by this, it happened all the time, but it felt like this relationship was thrown out into the internet more than any of your previous relationships. You had the day off, so you decided to head into the city to go do a spin class and get run some errands before doing things around the house to get ready for the start of promo season.

You had an assistant that helped with most stuff, but there were a few things you still wanted to do yourself. You had just finished your class and sipped on a green smoothie as you walked around the city. You looked at your phone for a bit before looking back up and when you looked up, you saw something that caught your eye.

Black posters with the words, “Do you know who you are?” written on them were plastered up on the wall.

You took a picture with your phone before sending it to Harry with the text, “Excuse me, but what the fuck is this? No heads up for your girlfriend? Rude! ;)”

You shook your head with a laugh before taking a quick selfie and sending it to him too before heading to your next stop. By the time, Harry replied to you, you were back home, unloading the contents in your bag. Your phone rang as Harry facetime you and you quickly answered it.

“Do you have something to tell me?” You smirked as soon as you saw his face on the screen.

“Surprise! My single’s dropping Friday!” He cheered into the camera.

“Isn’t the whole point of being your girlfriend is knowing these types of things beforehand?” You laughed.

“So, that’s the only reason, huh?” He raised an eyebrow. “It has nothing to do with my charm, handsome face, talented, gentleman qualities, or the sex?”

“Yeah, none of that,” you joked. “So, I take it you’ve decided on Lights Up for the single?”

“I have,” he nodded. “That’s why I was in Mexico filming the video.”

“The video you still won’t let me see?” you laughed.

“I’ve got to keep some things a surprise,” he laughed.

“Well, then I guess I’ll be keeping some things hidden from you too!” You smirked.

“No fair!” He groaned.

“It’s extremely fair!” you laughed sticking a chip in your mouth.

“Anyway, so how’s the meetings been going?” He asked.

“Great,” you said. “I got my schedule for the rest of the year and there are some dates over in your neck of the woods.”

“Really?” He smiled. “When?”

“Well, you’ll just have to wait and find out,” you joked.

He laughed shaking his head.

“Are you going to have any promo coming up?” You asked taking the phone out to the backyard.

“Yeah, Jeff and the team is getting everything finalized,” he said. “There’s some talk with SNL.”

“Oh, fun,” you smiled. “Musical guest?”

“Actually, double duty,” he said.

“No fucking way!” You gasped.

He smiled, “Yeah, I’m shocked. It’s still in the works and a date hasn’t been set yet, but it most likely will happen.”

“Okay, I really hope it’ll be when I can be in New York,” you said. “I can’t miss that.”

“I hope you can be there, too,” he smiled. “But I’ll understand, if you can’t.”

“So, have you seen all the articles about us?” You asked. “Apparently, we’re the Hottest Couple of the year.”

“Well, I mean, we kinda are,” he joked.

You laughed, “I miss you though. I know it’s only been like a week, but it’s weird you not being here. Suddenly this house feels huge.”

“I miss you, too, baby,” he sighed. “And it’s weird knowing you’re so far away.”

“At least we’re in the same boat together,” you smiled.

He nodded, “That we are, that we are.”

It’s a few days later and you were currently at a video shoot in the middle of the night. You were tired, your legs were swore from dancing, and it was starting to get a little chilly. But it was nice being surrounded by people during the late hours instead of being home alone. While you were waiting for your next take, you sipped on hot chocolate, trying to warm yourself up a bit.

“Why did we agree to this?” Rachel groaned. “I’m freezing my tits off!”

“It could be -25 degrees out here and your tits would still be well intact,” you laughed.

“Hey! It’s not my fault my mother gave me these,” she laughed.

You giggled, “But in all honesty, we were going for the aesthetic this brings.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” she mumbled taking a seat next to you. “So, when are you going to give me some details?”

“Details?” You asked.

“About you and Harry! We haven’t heard many updates recently,” she said. “How’s everything going?”

“We’re great,” you smiled. “We’re really happy and enjoying our time together.”

“I’m glad,” she smiled. “I know I say this every time, but I’m really happy you two met and you were willing to give him a chance.”

“I am, too,” you smiled. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy in a relationship ever or this soon.”

“Well, it could be that you’ve finally found the one, babe,” she smiled. “It won’t always be easy, but it’ll be worth it.”

A few hours later, you were finally finished with the filming and able to head home. You were practically dead on your feet and were happy you had previously arranged for a driver to pick you up. When you got to your house, you got out of the car and practically dragged yourself down the driveway.

You put your keys in the door to unlock it and as soon as you were inside, you shut the door and dropped your things. When you walked further in, you noticed a large bouquet of roses on the kitchen table that weren’t there before. To say you were a little freaked was an understatement, but you were so tired, you didn’t really think anything of it. Maybe those were already there and you just didn’t remember.

You grabbed some water from the fridge and headed upstairs, ready to undress and slide into bed. Luckily, you were off in the morning and could sleep in before your lunch meeting. When you got up to room, you heard something coming from the bathroom. You stopped in your tracks, trying to figure out what it was or who it was. You held your phone in your hand, ready to call the cops, in case it was someone who broke in.

There was a shoe nearby, so you grabbed it as you walked over to the door. The door wasn’t shut all the way letting you open it without whoever was in there hearing you. The sound of the sink turning on confirmed that you weren’t just hearing things. You pushed open the door, closing your eyes, and throwing the shoe in the person’s direction before rushing out into the room.

“Ow! Fucking hell,” you heard them groaned.

Just as you were typing 911 on your phone, Harry walked out into the bedroom, with only a towel around his waist while holding your shoe in the other hand.

“Uh, is there a reason you hit me with a shoe?” He laughed rubbing the top of his head.

“Is there a fucking reason you just showed up at my house in the middle of the night without telling!” you groaned. “How was I supposed to know it was you and not like a robber or something?”

“Well, if I was, you’re first choice of taking me down was a shoe?” He asked.

“It was the first thing I grabbed!” you groaned.

He laughed walking over to you, “I’m sorry, I scared you. I was hoping I’d be done with my shower before you got home. I was going to greet you at the door.”

You wrapped your arms around him, “Seriously, I can’t believe you’re here right now,” you smiled. “I mean you are really here, right? This isn’t just me being sleep deprived?”

“I’m really here, baby,” he smiled, kissing your head.

You smiled looking up at him, “How’s your head?”

“I’ll survive,” he laughed. “But you on the other hand, look like you’re about to pass out. Let’s get you into bed.”

“Oh, would you?” you laughed jumping up into his arms.

He laughed holding you with one arm, “Only if you kiss me first.”

“Don’t have to ask me twice,” you giggled pressing your lips against his before he carried you over to the bed.

#One Direction Imagines #Harry Styles Imagines #Outside the Rain

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loljulie · 4 years

Text

flicker; {010} finally free

(what do you mean i can’t update a fanfic that’s over a year old?? yeah, so, i wasn’t rlly planning on this, but i had the idea when i first wrote the original fic and somehow got an inspiration for it. also, the first part of this chapter is from a year ago, so hopefully you can see improvement as it progresses. anyway, i decided to still keep the taglist because,, idk, why not? and in case it wasn’t obvious, this is the official finale, and everything written here is original content so i had to make up a lot of stuff for post-uprising political stuffs. i hope y’all like it!)

genre: detroit: become human

deviant!connor x reader

word count: 6300 (literally wtf??)

▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓　 d̯̱̝̠̘̙͙e̼̯̣̗͈͇̳v̥̗̭̹̫ia̘̝͔͙͙̜ͅn͈t͇͓̦̻s̙̗͉̜͕ 　▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓

@dragonempress123

@itstrashleydude

@chisooyaaa

@help-i-need-a-social-life

@shadows-echoes

@mavvsmm

@sygin

@wonders-of-the-multiverse

You leaned back into your snug couch, your eyes closed as you let your muscles relax against the cushions. Spending the night in a hospital bed had made you miss the comfort of not just your soft couch, but everything else in your home, as well.

“Up,” Connor commanded, causing you to open your eyes. He was fluffing one of your throw pillows on the coffee table in front of your injured leg. Without question, you did as you were told and rested your leg on the pillow.

The two of you had just gotten dropped off by Hank, who made you and Connor promise to call if you needed anything. While Hank went back to the station to work, Connor had taken some time off to help you recover.

“Whenever you’re resting, try to keep it elevated,” he said to you as he took a seat beside you. “Are you in any pain?”

You chuckled softly at his question. It was only the 5th time he had asked you since you woke up earlier that day.

“No, Connor,” you reassured with a small smile. “The painkillers they gave me are really good.”

Suddenly, Connor blinked several times. “I placed an order for the prescription painkillers your doctor gave me. I’ll see if Hank can pick it up after work.”

“Would you like anything? Tea? Water?” Connor’s next question came so abruptly that you didn’t have time to comment on anything else. “Are you cold? Would you like a blanket?”

Instead of answering, you shifted your body toward him and placed your hands on his cheeks, forcing him to meet your gaze. You could see the concern and worry in his brown eyes and furrowed eyebrows. You pulled his face to yours and engulfed him in a kiss.

It was the first kiss you had shared with him since he left your apartment. That night - only a few days prior - seemed like ages ago, and this kiss was long overdue. Though he was hesitant at first, due to your injured state, Connor eventually wrapped his arms around you and moved closer to you.

There was something raw in this kiss that was difficult to describe. The last kiss you had was filled with so much uncertainty and worry, and now all of those anxieties could finally be released. It was a catharsis that neither of you had ever experienced before, and one you desperately needed.

When you pulled away, you rested your forehead against his, not wanting to break away from the intimate moment just yet. Connor closed his eyes at the gesture. You noticed his clenched jaw, and knew something was wrong with him.

“Connor,” you whispered, causing him to slowly open his eyes. “I know you want to help me, but I’m fine. I promise. All I want to do is rest. ”

He pulled his forehead away, but then gripped your hands in his lap tightly.

“I understand. I’m sorry if I came on too strong,” he replied. You squeezed his hand, and felt him rub his thumb gently into the back of your hand.

“You can tell me if there’s anything wrong,” you said softly.

“It’s just - ,” Connor started, then stopped himself. He gripped your hand tighter, as if needing the comfort of your touch before being able to continue. “I was so worried when I heard what happened and I-I didn’t know what condition you were in and-”

“I...I kept thinking that the last time I saw you, I didn’t even tell you that I loved you.” You took a deep breath as you remembered the day you were shot. You just then realized that you had told him you loved him before he left for Jericho, but not the last time you saw him. “If something bad happened- if you had-”

Connor stopped, but in his silence you knew the word he couldn’t say. It was your turn to absentmindedly rub your thumb over the back of his hand, silently expressing comfort.

“It wouldn’t have been worth it,” Connor continued flatly. You raised an eyebrow, and he seemed to understand your confusion at what ‘it’ meant, and went on. “The uprising, the protesting. Nothing would’ve been worth it if you died. I’d deactivate myself.”

Your stomach tightened at his words, rousing you to speak up. “Connor, don’t-”

“It’s the truth,” he cut you off, his voice strained with sadness. He looked at you intently. “You’re the reason I deviated. I wouldn’t need - or want - anything to do with this life if you’re not in it.”

Your eyes widened at his sentiment.

“So... I’m sorry if I get lost in taking care of you during your recovery,” he went on, “I just… I can’t lose you, and I’m going to do everything I can to make sure I don’t.”

You let his statement process in your mind for a few moments. While you knew you would need some help for the first couple of weeks during the recovery, you were worried that you would take him away from the civic duties he’d undoubtedly been piled with ever since the uprising ended. As you looked at his concerned expression, however, you knew that for that moment, he wouldn’t take no for an answer.

So, as a gesture of approval, you leaned forward and planted a kiss on his cheek. His tense shoulders relaxed at your touch.

“Okay, then the first thing you can do is help me to my bed so I can take a nap.”

Naps were what took up most of your time during the first two weeks of your recovery. If you weren’t at physical therapy, the painkillers you were prescribed in the early days were so strong that they kept you in a perpetual slumber.

Some days, Hank would stop by and eat dinner with you and Connor. You’d ask endlessly about what was going on in the station, and he’d in turn pester you about your health. Connor mediated occasionally, but for the most part he enjoyed seeing the two of you banter and converse. It felt normal again.

As time went on, your therapy appointments showed more progress and you began to regain more mobility of your leg. Soon enough, the pain became minimal and much of your energy had returned. Instead of following the at-home physical therapy routines, Connor would walk with you around the block.

Occasionally, the two of you would go out for a couple of hours a day. Connor would insist they were for your leg, but you had a feeling he enjoyed having lunch out at a restaurant or walking around the park with you. Now that the two of you could be public with your relationship, you began to think of those day outs as dates.

Eventually, months passed, and you were cleared to return back to work. As soon as you were essentially injury free, Connor practically immersed himself in legislative work at the capital. You saw less and less of each other - first, he’d spend weekends away at negotiations and meetings; then, he’d be gone for weeks at a time.

You couldn’t fault him for it; he was working tirelessly to ensure civil liberties for all androids, and you knew he was passionate about fighting for them. It did, however, take a toll on you, and you noticed it the most when you’d sit in your empty apartment most nights.

So, when you - and Hank, you later found out - received an ornate invitation to a gala in D.C., you jumped at the chance to accept, knowing that it meant finally being able to see Connor again after weeks of only video contact. He had been away for much longer this time, and while he couldn’t disclose all the details to you, he giddily hinted that it was one of the more major acts he was working on.

The gala was to celebrate the anniversary of the uprising and the various legislations that have been passed since then. You knew of them all, of course; and you knew that this night was more of a pat-on-the-back the government was giving itself for their cooperation with androids.

While the importance of the night wasn’t lost on you, the fact that the gala meant seeing Connor after weeks of separation weighed more heavily in your thoughts.

“This damn tie is all messed up again,” Hank’s gruff voice interrupted your moment of reflection. You lifted your head from the window of the car and shifted to be closer to your backseat companion.

“If you stopped fidgeting with it, it wouldn’t be messed up,” you quipped as your fingers adjusted the navy blue tie Hank wore. He grunted before responding.

“I’m not comfortable in these things,” he replied, gesturing to his black suit. “If it were up to me, I’d be here in jeans and a comfy shirt.”

You chuckled at your partner. You’d endured his complaints and whines for the last week leading up to tonight. When you raided his home for suitable black-tie attire, and found none whatsoever, you had to all but drag him to the nearest clothing store to find an appropriate outfit for him.

“It’s one night,” you reminded him, just as you had whenever his complaints met your ears. “And then you’ll be back to your gruffy jacket and decades-old jeans.”

“One night,” he repeated, glancing down at his now-fixed tie and nodding to you.

Soon, the car pulled to a stop outside the civic center where the gala would take place. Night had already fallen on D.C., but it only served to make the exterior of the center seem all that much grander. The building itself was mostly grey concrete; but the large glass windows that made up most of its front was breathtaking to say the least. Lights adorned the walkway to the entrance, and from what you could see, they continued inside.

“Ready?” Hank asked you, holding his elbow out to you. With a nod, you slid your arm into his, and the two of you began walking toward the entrance. “The sooner we get to that open bar, the better.”

You rolled your eyes playfully, but said nothing. The open bar was on the list of reasons you gave to Hank to persuade him to attend with you, along with disappointing Connor by not showing up.

Under your grey, long coat, your navy blue gown flowed around you as you continued to walk to the entrance. Hank was adamant that the only splash of color he’d wear would be the same as his tie, and you wanted to coordinate your outfits as best as you could. The sleeves of your dress were off-the-shoulder, and as you walked, the high slit on one side of your dress allowed one of your legs to show.

You may have been showing off a little bit, but you couldn’t remember the last time you had an excuse to dress up so nicely for something. You also wanted to look as good as possible for your long-awaited reunion with Connor, and it wouldn’t hurt if he couldn’t take his eyes off of you for the whole night.

The room you entered was little more than a wide hallway. A counter nearby was in the midst of collecting larger coats. As it was the midst of November, many guests were taking advantage of the complimentary coat-check, shedding their warm layers to reveal expensive jewelry and designer wardrobes. It was clear just how high caliber this event was; you doubted anybody here, aside from invited guests, was anybody but a politician or high-ranking government official.

Hank shifted and you felt his hands around your shoulders, gently guiding your outer coat off. He had already removed his own black coat, and he draped both of them over one of his arms.

“I’ll go check these in. Don’t stray too far.”

You nodded your thanks to him, but kept your eyes scanning through the crowd of people. A large part of you knew Connor - one of the more important people in the gala tonight - would already be further inside the ballroom, mingling with guests. Still, it didn’t stop you from searching with bated breath and a quickened heart rate.

You barely registered Hank until he was back at your side. Noticing your distraction, he nudged your shoulder with his own.

“He won’t be out here, ya know.”

You nodded, and wrapped your arm around his again. Without his outer coat on, his full suit was visible; black jacket, black pants, and of course, his navy blue tie, still in the immaculate position you had left it in. Under the more visible lighting of the hallway, you could more easily see the fruits of your labor when it came to his hair, as well. He wouldn’t let you do anything too “ridiculous” to it, but he allowed you to style it mostly back and out of his face with the most minimal amount of mousse.

Your heels clacked along the polished floors while you glanced at every passing face in vain. All you were met with were various looks thrown your way, ranging from curiosity to thinly veiled disgust. It didn’t take much to realize you weren’t the typical crowd these guests were used to, but the occasional stranger managed to give you a smile or a friendly nod.

Hank must’ve noticed as well, for right as you entered the threshold into the ballroom, he leaned closer to you. “I already need a drink.”

The room you entered was massive, to say the least, and the crowd of people it currently housed managed to fill up most of the available space. Tables were spread across the space, though barely any guests made use of the free seating. Many were scattered throughout the room, coupled off in pairs or in larger group circles. Even with the added height your heels gave you, it was impossible to look over the crowd or even into it to continue your search.

You let Hank guide you to the bar, where some guests gathered around the standing circular tables with drinks in hand. Clearly, Hank wasn’t the only one with the idea to start the night off with a bit of a boost. You noticed workers carrying around platters of bite-sized foods maneuvered between groups, and made a mental note of which items looked the most appetizing for later.

“You need one, too; it’ll help with your nerves,” Hank remarked as he gave you one fleeting glance when you reached the bar.

You let out a slight scoff while Hank ordered for the both of you. “I’m not nervous.”

“No, no, of course not,” Hank replied, his tone higher and carrying a playful hint to it, “Why would you be?”

“Exactly,” you agreed, crossing your arms over your chest.

“Except for, you know, the fact that you haven’t seen him in almost a month,” Hank paused to receive the two glasses from the bartender before continuing. “And, he clearly has some fancy friends now.”

Your arms dropped from your chest as you looked over to Hank. Your eyebrows furrowed just slightly, and the corner of your lips tugged downward. You had tried your best to keep those thoughts away, but you couldn’t deny that they twisted your insides when Hank spoke them aloud.

“I can read you like a book,” Hank brought the extra drink forward to you. “And you have nothing to worry about. But, you still will, so here.”

You took the drink from his hand and took a deep sip. Once the dark liquid hit your tongue, you easily identified it as a mixture of alcohol and soda. It was a gentler taste than had it been a whiskey alone, which you spotted Hank drinking himself.

After knowing Hank for so long, it didn’t surprise you that he could identify your thoughts before even you could. And, while the drink helped quell your nerves a bit, its effects were nothing compared to the reassurance from your long-time partner.

“I should know better by now,” you quipped, holding your glass out to Hank. You both had already taken your own sips, but nevertheless, greeted your glasses together with a clink. “Cheers.”

You both took another sip each. Hank let out a sigh after giving his alcohol a chance to warm his throat. “Not bad; this whiskey is probably the only good thing I’ll enjoy here.”

”Oh, really?,” you began sarcastically, and nodded your head to one of the waiters, “I was sure vegan finger foods were your absolute favorites.”

When Hank chuckled at your obvious joke, you mirrored him briefly before taking another sip from your glass and letting your eyes wander the crowd for a split second.

A split second was all you needed to spot him.

It must’ve been the way the crowd had shifted at that moment; a waiter had just ducked between two larger groups, revealing just enough space for you to spot Connor in the middle of a big group himself. Well-dressed men and women alike were listening intently to something he was saying, nodding along with eagerness plastered on their faces.

You thought you wouldn’t be able to get his attention before the crowd shifted again, but you were wrong. He broke eye contact with one of his group’s members and, in a passing glance, found your gaze. Your heart stopped for a brief moment when your eyes met - and it felt like you were seeing him for the first time all over again.

There was something different about him. He wore a fitted black suit that clung to his body in a different way than his usual uniform did. Under his jacket was a plain white button up, and a silver tie. It wasn’t just his attire, though, it was something else, too. The way he held himself while he spoke to the others, the confidence he exuded, was palpable even from your distance.

He continued to keep eye contact, and all you could think to do was quirk an eyebrow at him over your glass, still pressed to your lips. A shadow of a smile - no, a smirk? - crossed his lips, and you watched as his gaze flittered up and down your ensemble for just a moment.

Oh, he had definitely noticed how well your gown looked. Especially when you were leaned against the bar, allowing the open slit in your dress to reveal your bare leg.

He had been quiet for some time now, and you could tell someone near him started to speak in his lull. As he was brought back to his suddenly trifling conversation, you saw him wet his lips just slightly before meeting your eyes for one last moment.

You’d only been gone from each other for a month, but it felt like more than that. Before this latest trip, your time together was sparse, too. What precious time you did have together was usually overshadowed by a phone call or text he had to respond to. Not to mention your own job at the station pulling you away from your home every chance you got. This last year was hard for both of you, and now that this gala was here to mark the various legislations passed, it meant Connor would finally have more free time on his hands. But you would be lying if you said you didn’t think about where that left the two of you; and if things would be the same.

And now seeing the energy he radiates you realize that things have changed a bit - but for the better. There’s something different in how he holds himself, that’s for sure. It made you all the more intrigued and restless to talk to him; see how he is when there isn’t deadline after deadline on his plate and he’s able to relax as his new self.

He clearly is, however, just as infatuated with you as before, if the look he gave you was any indication. It had been a while since any of that took place, and you silently thanked yourself for having the foresight to book you and Hank separate hotel rooms for the evening.

Just as quickly as it happened before, a waiter passed by, some groups shifted, and Connor was lost in the sea of conversations.

Luckily for you, one of the coordinators went on stage, and announced that the live band they had for the evening would begin their set. Guests were encouraged to dance, of course, which meant the floor where most were currently talking would become exclusive for those who would dance.

As the crowd dispersed, the jazz band already set up on stage began to start their set. Slowly, pairs started to fill up the dance floor once again.

You looked over to Hank. “Would you like to dance?”

“That’s funnier than the last one,” he replied, then took another sip of his drink. “Dancing was not why I agreed to come.”

“One dance won’t kill you,” You had already set your drink back down on the bar, and leaned over to grab Hank’s drink from his hand. He gave you a disgruntled look, but did nothing to stop you as you placed his glass next to yours.

You led him to the dance floor, and settled into a free space amongst the dancing pairs. The music was cheery and light, meaning you could adopt a more casual form with your partner. One of your arms wrapped loosely around his shoulder, while his came to rest on your back. Both of your free hands were clasped together as you swayed to the music.

Hank was stiff and guarded in his moves at first; a byproduct of his forced attire and the company he was surrounded by for the night. Yet, as you led him through the motions, he seemed to ease up.

It was an odd thing, really, to see Hank ever relax in your presence. Work at the station was always stressful, and even during the occasional meals you shared outside of work, there was a certain weight he carried on his shoulders that made you wonder if he ever relieved his tension aside from the obvious alcoholic solutions. Your concern for his health was always a constant stressor ever since you first got to know him, and his lack thereof frustrated you to no end.

A comfortable silence fell between the two of you; one that could only be shared between long-term friends who didn’t need words to express themselves. You knew Hank wasn’t truly relaxed, but you could tell from your grip around his shoulders that he was allowing himself to try. Even if it was just to appease you for the night, his actions brought a genuine smile to his face.

“I’m proud of you, you know.” His voice stopped your movements; instead of leading the both of you around the dancefloor, you paused and looked into his eyes.

“For what?” You managed, the smile still on your lips, as if waiting for a punchline or quip.

“Everything. From your police work to risking your life to help Connor and the rest of the droids, and everything in between. You’ve done a lot, kid. And I’m proud of you for it.”

You shook your head lightly, an attempt to brush off his praise. “You’re selling yourself short, Hank. You helped me with a lot of that.”

“Maybe so,” he nodded, smiling briefly. “But you still did it yourself. And you’ve stuck around to help an old man like me for longer than you needed to, and for that, I have to thank you.”

Your eyes began to sting with the threat of tears. Hank had expressed his thanks to you in his actions before; good performance reviews to your higher ups, free meals, and the occasional back-handed compliment, but he had never explicitly said such kind words to you.

You would’ve made a clever comeback, but you found your throat was too tight to try to speak. So, instead, you dropped your hand from his and wrapped it around the other side of his shoulders, embracing Hank in a hug, the dance long forgotten. Tears still threatened to leave your eyes, so you held them back by closing them altogether and buried your face into Hank’s suit jacket.

You weren’t sure how long you had stood there, but when you heard the coordinated shuffling of couples going off the dance floor and new ones onto it, you realized the song had ended and Hank’s favor had been completed - even if it was a little less than one dance.

Hank pulled away from you, but left a hand on your shoulder. You waited for him to say something, eyeing his face intently, but noticed his eyes focus on something behind you. Before you could get a chance to turn around, your partner finally spoke up.

“Looks like we’ve got company,” He gave you a knowing smile, and nodded to the spot behind you. As you turned around, you heard a fleeting statement from your partner.�� “I’ll be at the bar if you need me.”

Your heart fluttered in your chest when you saw him up close. He was just as breathtaking as he was when you spotted him across the room, but the fact that he was closer to you now made your knees weak and your stomach twist in excitement. Maybe a month apart wasn’t so long to some; it wasn’t really to you, either, but the distance between you two from his political work had lasted longer than a mere 4 weeks. This night marked a return to what you hoped was a normal life with Connor, but you wouldn’t let the time you were forced to spend apart go completely.

“Hello, stranger,” you spoke, accompanied with a light laugh that was music to Connor’s ears.

“Hello,” he greeted, his mouth twisting into a smile at the sight of you. With your new proximity, he could fully appreciate the ensemble you had put together for this night, and he loved every inch of it. He decided to play along with your teasing sentiment; it may have been selfish, but there was something pleasing in the notion that, just for a moment, he could pretend to be a complete stranger to you, and still get picked in a room of a hundred others. “I’m Connor.”

An eyebrow quirked on your amused face, already speaking the question before you did. “Just Connor?”

You had heard his old introduction countless times and, naturally, it would make sense that he wouldn’t refer to himself like he used to anymore. He was different now; much different from the man who helped sparked the revolution all those months ago. Gradual changes you missed during the past year seemed to culminate into the man standing before you know; different in stature and poise but still the same person who deviated because of his love for you.

A nod. “Just Connor. And you are?”

You gave him your first name, and he repeated it back to you slowly as if hearing it for the first time. The way his lips smiled around your name caused another flutter in your chest.

“- would you like to dance?” His hand stretched out toward you. You gently placed your hand in his.

“I’d love to.”

Your position was similar to your dance with Hank, although Connor’s hand was placed lower on your back. Due to your brief conversation, the song had already started, though it was slower in nature than the previous one and therefore easier to settle into.

“I didn’t know if I’d get a shot alone with you tonight,” you admitted while you swayed to the music. “You seemed quite popular earlier.”

Connor chuckled. “I’d much rather be in your company than any of the other people in here.”

You raised an eyebrow at him again. “Strong words for a woman you hardly know.”

“Maybe so,” Connor leaned in, his lips just inches from your ear. Your breath hitched. You couldn’t tell if your heart was beating faster or if it had stopped altogether. “But, after I saw you earlier, I couldn’t keep my mind off of you.”

He pulled away, and you could’ve sworn he was gauging your reaction as you did so. The shock must’ve been apparent on your face, because he continued without giving you a moment to form a response.

“Although, I’m surprised someone as beautiful as yourself didn’t already have a date.”

“I-I do,” you fumbled over your words and cursed yourself for it. How were you so nervous? “I mean, I came here with my work partner. As friends.”

You knew Connor knew that already, so you weren’t sure why you suddenly had to express it. Something about Connor’s ability to pretend he had no clue who you were, but still charm you like he desperately wanted you, flustered you to no end.

He was enjoying all of it; the chance to flirt with you, to win you all over again, as a new version of himself was an opportunity he’d regret not taking. Of course, seeing you so clearly affected by his advances was a bonus, and it was somehow all the more rewarding to know you were still his under it all.

“A friend?” He hummed, taking an opportunity during your movements to pull you slightly closer to him. “Nothing I should be worried about?”

“No, no,” you shook your head, possibly too eagerly. “He’s like a father to me; he’s also grumpy, hates almost everything except alcohol, and my partner at work.”

“Sounds like he’d be hard to get along with.”

You chuckled at that, and saw Connor’s own smile peek through. Though he hadn’t seen your first interactions with Hank, he would be correct in guessing he wasn’t all too happy getting assigned to work with you in the early days, either. Babysitting was what he referred to it as, if you could recall correctly. It was similar to how Connor and almost every single person was treated by Hank.

Sharing such a reference could break the illusion of unfamiliarity the two of you had just created, but somehow it added a new layer of enjoyment to the whole situation. Being able to find humor and recognition in a statement that, discussed between two strangers, could mean nothing but a passing comment was satisfying. It reiterated the simple fact that, despite whatever it was you were partaking in, you were still each other’s at the end of it all.

You leaned in closer to Connor, nearly hugging him entirely. Your already leisurely-paced dance movements slowed even more with your new position. You rested the side of your face against his chest and closed your eyes as you breathed in his cologne.

“I missed you,” a content sigh escaped your lips as you spoke. Connor’s grip around you tightened; a gesture to reassure you that he was here, now, and that he had missed you just as much as he had missed you.

“You do look beautiful tonight,” he murmured in a voice only loud enough for the two of you to hear. You smiled then, a gesture he couldn’t see from how your head was rested on his chest. “I still can’t believe I’m lucky enough to call you mine.”

You wondered for a brief moment if “luck” was what you’d really call it. Was it luck that assigned his specific model to be Hank’s partner? Was it luck that you had taken an interest in the deviancy to begin with, giving you the perfect excuse for the two of you to meet outside of work? Was it luck that you even began working at that police station in the first place, all those years ago? Something told you that luck had little to do with it; that, somehow, your love story was one that was fated from the very beginning - that you were meant to be the flicker that sparked the deviancy in Connor, and in turn, helped the android uprising.

Maybe that was wishful thinking; maybe, in reality, your love story was one of chance - of every single possibility in the universe bending and twisting in an impossible way to create the circumstances of your relationship. There was no higher power guiding you two to each other; rather, you had found each other in the organized chaos that was life - accidentally, but with purpose.

Maybe your relationship was unlikely to happen in the first place and it miraculously did against all odds, or maybe your fate was written and sealed in the stars themselves. You weren’t sure which you preferred; you only knew that you were thankful for whatever it was that brought you here, in this moment, embraced by the man that you’ve loved for over a year.

You pulled away a bit, rousing yourself from your thoughts to instead look up at the man who so consumed them. From your periphery, however, you noticed a shock of blue hair to your right. Without even realizing it, you turned your head to get a better view of the familiar sight.

They looked different than they did on that rainy night outside of Eden Club when you last saw them. You could still differentiate between the two Traci models by their hair; one electric blue and the other a soft brown. The former was dressed in an elegant, slim silver dress while the latter wore a vibrant blue, flowy gown.

The brown-haired Traci had her head pressed against her partner’s chest, eyes closed as the two of them drifted together to the tune of the music with soft smiles on their faces.You noticed some other guests glance their way often; but if the two noticed it at all, they paid no attention to it. After being on display for most of their entire existence, the looks they got tonight were trivial when they knew they were finally living the life they so desperately craved a year ago.

“I invited them,” Connor’s voice caused you to tear your gaze from the couple. You must’ve been watching for longer than you realized, if he had the time to notice and give an explanation. “They’re going to finalize their re-birth registration soon, and be given new names they choose.”

The re-birth registration was the biggest project Connor spoke about to you. It had taken months to formulate, and even at its debut, there was a limited amount of androids that would be allowed to register. It essentially gave all androids the chance to create their “birth” registrations to be officially recognized as citizens. While all androids still have the emergency rights given to them from the uprising, this act was the first step in making those temporary powers more permanent.

You nodded slowly, and took one last look at the Traci’s. You’d most likely never see them again, and you wanted to remember the two androids - who taught you more about love than you realized - in the way they wanted to be remembered: together, in love, and happy.

“And what about you?” You asked, looking back at Connor. “Any thoughts on a new name?”

He gave a light laugh before answering. “I think I’ll stay with ‘Connor’.”

If he’s being honest, he fell in love with the way you spoke his name and it didn’t make sense to change it. Maybe he should’ve admitted that to you, and maybe one day in the future he will, but instead he was content with your bright smile that he felt no explanation was needed.

“I do get to pick my birth date, though.”

“Yeah?” You asked, your eyebrow arching to reflect your peaked curiosity. “What date did you have in mind?”

“11/05.”

Though it had been a year, you’d never forget that date. It was the day you first met Connor, and the night Connor had come by to your apartment, asked for your notes on the investigation, and left you confused and guilt-ridden from the kiss you shared. Your first ever kiss, and as accidental as it may have been, you couldn’t deny that it’s when everything started.

You must’ve worn a shocked expression, for Connor continued with an explanation.

“I think that’s when I felt like I really started living instead of existing. Even if I tried to deny it afterwards - I know that’s when it all started to change for me… It seems right to make it my birth date.”

You kissed him then. It was the first kiss you’d had in a month, and to be honest, you were surprised you could hold the urge back as long as you did. The feeling of his lips were soft on yours, yet held an underlying force that let you know he craved more of you than would be appropriate at a public function. His hands slowly drifted to your waist as the kiss lingered, while yours snaked their way around his neck. Both of you did your best to keep your longing kiss proper; but when he coyly nibbled at your bottom lip and caused a light moan to sound from your throat, you knew that task would be impossible.

You pulled apart, nearly breathless. He looked at you, eyes alert and filled with a desire that made your knees weak.

“Looks like I already missed your first birthday.” Your attempt at grounding your thoughts and bringing back some form of cohesive conversation fell short when he leaned closer to your ear. You already felt your composure crumble before he even spoke.

“It’s alright; you’ll make it up to me later.”

You most certainly did.

#detroit: become human fanfic #detroit: become human #detroit: become human fanfiction #connor x reader #rk800 x reader #detroit: bh fanfic #detroit: bh fanfiction #flickerfanfic

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nanamicide · 4 years

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Red Butterflies - chapter 3

Here is the update, even if I still don’t think anyone is reading this fic here.

Read on AO3

Juzo Sakakura was sitting on a chair, watching his friend pacing around the room. This was quite an usual occurrence, but this time, Kyosuke seemed more nervous than he usually was. He kept staring at him for a few more minutes, until the white-haired man returned his glance. Then, Juzo lowered his gaze and stared at his hands. Dammit, he thought, he knows exactly how I feel about him but I’m still acting as if I were supposed to hide it – as if he hadn’t told me that it was okay and he did return my feelings, but that I just had to be patient. On top of that, I’m just sitting here, in silence, when I know damn well that something is bothering him. It’s both because of and thanks to me that he’s in this position, but I’m still useless. I really don’t deserve to be his right-hand man, especially not when I’m acting like a silly school boy with a crush on the popular guy. I need to snap out of it.

He did eventually snap out of it, but as always, it was a second too late. Gekkogahara-san, their former classmate, had already made her way into the office. Kyosuke gestured for her to come closer, having her sit across from him, and right next to Juzo. As every morning, it was also Kyosuke who started the conversation going, while Juzo just sat there silently, cursing himself for not being more assertive in his presence and when he needed him:

“How was Kamukura-kun this morning?”

The question remained up in the air for a few more seconds than usual, as if Gekkogahara-san was thinking about what to say. Juzo was once again about to speak when she began typing. The voice of the avatar she used to communicate soon filled the room:

“I think we’ve finally begun to make progress. Kamukura-kun had a very light dream last night, but he didn’t want me to tell you about it. From what I understand, it’s related to video games. He said he saw a pixelated spaceship. There’s only one problem though, he said he doesn’t want to play video games again today. You know, the usual complaint about how boring it all is. Except he’s never made such a request about anything else you’ve had him do over the past year, so there has to be something going on.”

“Thank you, Gekkogahara-san. Was there anything else?”

“Well, I have a request, you know, as your former classmate.” Juzo noticed that she made her avatar, Usami, wink at Kyosuke. Even though she was constantly hiding behind that pink rabbit, he almost envied the confidence she’d gained through it.

“What would that be?”

“Don’t ask Kamukura-kun to play video games—”

“But you said they’re the reason for the recent progress.”

“If you force it on him, you’ll ruin that progress,” Usami’s high-pitched but soft voice explained. “I am as excited as you to see that Kamukura-kun may be secretly experiencing something other than boredom, but I don’t want to rush it. We don’t know what any of it means yet. It could be dangerous.”

Juzo threw a quick glance at Kyosuke, who seemed slightly annoyed with what he’d just heard. Despite that, the white-haired man complied, and told Gekkogahara-san that he would see her tomorrow morning at the usual time. And just like that, their former classmate was gone. It was just the two of them again. Juzo stared at one of the immaculately white walls of the office until he finally decided to speak:

“Are you going to listen to her?”

“She knows better, doesn’t she?”

“But you said that when the Kamukura ordeal would be taken care of we could finally—”

“Enough, Juzo,” Kyosuke snapped. “While it’s true that intend to step down from the position of chairman and to give it back to Kirigiri-san so that I can focus on my….” He paused, swallowing loudly, as if what he were about to say was wrong. “Personal matters, it doesn’t mean that I want to rush any of this. It would be bad if I handed this back to Kirigiri-san without making sure everything has been thoroughly dealt with. Kamukura-kun may not be a threat now, but that doesn’t mean he won’t become one in the future. You know how Kirigiri-san is. He lacks the strength of a true leader. I care too much about this academy to leave it before fully fixing it.”

Juzo’s heart sank as he heard his words. He felt like screaming at him, only to ask him if cared about anything other than that damn academy, and if he even cared about him. He wanted to tell him that they should forget about this academy, but he did none of it. Instead, he just nodded and went back to staring at the wall. He was tired of constantly having to put on this tough guy act, as if nothing affected him, but he had to. He was the Former Ultimate Boxer; the epitome of manliness. He couldn’t afford to let his feelings get the best of him. It had saved them against Enoshima, but it wouldn’t save them again. The only problem was that ever since he had confessed to Kyosuke, it had become harder for him to repress it.

“Very well, what can I do to help?”

Kyosuke slowly paced towards one of the shelves, pulling a file from it. It was labelled ‘Class 77’ and contained the profiles of all the students from that class, as well as Yukizome Chisa’s, their homeroom teacher. He placed the file on the desk and started flipping through it, and stopped on one page.

“This is Nanami Chiaki,” he spoke. “She’s the Ultimate Gamer. From what I have gathered from Matsuda’s notes on the Kamukura project, Hajime Hinata, Kamukura-kun’s vessel, used to be very close to her.” He tapped a finger on her picture, pointing at the hairclip. “I think that’s the spaceship Gekkogahara-san was talking about.”

“Why didn’t you tell her?”

“Because, I plan on going against what she said,” he whispered, now pointing towards the door and making Juzo understand that it was possible their former classmate was spying on them. He didn’t think she was the type to do that, but he knew how careful Munakata-kun was. “I will make sure they keep playing together, even today. But I need you to find out what game that hairclip comes from.”

Juzo wanted to ask him why, or how to go about it, but decided against it. He finally had a good opportunity to impress him again, and he wasn’t going to let it pass. After almost a year of constantly screwing up, he was grateful he had been given a simple enough task. He stood up, facing Kyosuke and lowering his gaze so as to stare in his deep blue eyes.

“I will bring that information to you before the end of the day,” he promised.

“Just don’t be reckless, I don’t want Gekkogahara-san to figure us out.”

Juzo gave his friend a quick nod, and stepped out of the office. In the hallway, he looked out the window. The sun was shining bright, bringing him that extra hope he needed to carry on with his task.

XXXXXXX

The bell rang, letting everyone know that the day was over. Chiaki stood up and waved goodbye to her classmates as she walked out the door. She stepped outside of the building, smiling as she felt the sunlight hit her pale skin. There was something else she wanted to do today: go home and play video games with Izukura. Despite the fact he’d been calling the games boring the entire time they were playing, she had a feeling that he would be online again tonight, and that she would finally get to beat him and show him that video games were fun. She wasn’t too sure why, but even though she didn’t know anything about the person hiding behind that username, she was intrigued by them. If she were entirely honest, part of her couldn’t believe that they were actually bored last night. Maybe it was wishful thinking, but she felt as though it was all an act. No one around her had ever been bored playing video games after all, not even her most inexperienced classmates.

As she was thinking about which games they would play tonight, she bumped into someone. Chiaki absentmindedly apologized before looking up at the person. All she saw was a mass of muscles, tan skin, and short, wavy green-ish hair. She quickly realized that she’d bumped into Juzo Sakakura-san, the headmaster’s right hand man. At that moment, she almost envied Komaeda-kun’s luck. This would have never happened to him.

“Are you okay?” Chiaki’s eyes widened, as she processed these words. Those were exactly the first words Hinata-kun had exchanged with her when they had first met. In spite of what she had promised herself yesterday, the memories that were suddenly flowing back made her upset.

“Yes, I should have watched where I was going. I’m really sorry,” she replied, walking away as quickly as possible. She didn’t want to be here. The sky was starting to turn a bright orange, just like it had on that evening. The setting was so similar that it was unbearable.

“Wait, you’re Chiaki Nanami, the Ultimate Gamer, right?” She nodded, still unable to face him. “This may be a weird question,” he continued, “but I remember playing the game your hairpin is from as a teenager but I can’t remember its na—”

At that point, Chiaki’s brain tuned out. Why was he asking her about Gala Omega? Why did this moment seem to mirror her first encounter with Hinata-kun? Why was one of the most important members of the academy’s staff so interested in her all of a sudden? Had she really bumped into him, or had he been standing in her way so this would happen?

“Nanami-san, are you okay?”

“I’m sorry, Sakakura-san, what was the question?”

“What’s the name of the game this is from,” he replied, pointing at her hairclip.

She tried to speak, but no sound came out of her mouth. The air she had inhaled in order to speak seemed to be stuck in her throat, forming a lump that made breathing harder than it had ever been. Chiaki wasn’t sure what was happening to her. She could faintly hear Sakakura-san calling her name, but the world around her seemed to be spinning. She dug her fingernails into her palms, as though she were trying to anchor herself to something. Her vision became blurry and, as she lost her balance, she was surprised not to crash onto the solid concrete beneath her. Instead, she felt something warm. A few seconds later, everything around her turned black. The last things she remembered were thinking about how much she wished she’d never met Hinata-kun, and hearing Sakakura-san muttering something about messing up.

XXXXXXX

Juzo cursed himself as Nanami-san’s small frame collided with his arms. He had no idea what had just happened, but he got that familiar feeling that always occurred after botching whatever mission Munakata-kun had assigned him. Yet, he knew it wasn’t too late. With all the buzzing from the students of the academy walking back to their dorms, his conversation with Nanami-san, and her eventually fainting had seemingly gone unnoticed. That meant he still had time to take her to the nurse’s office without being questioned by any of his former classmates. If he were lucky enough, Mikan Tsumiki’s shift would have started by the time he would reach the office. The Ultimate Nurse definitely lacked the confidence to go against orders, or to ask any type of question to anyone who gave them to her. It would be easy enough to ask her to hide this from others. Having a more concrete picture of what he was supposed to do now, Juzo rushed to his destination.

He eventually reached the nurse’s office, after what had felt like hours – though in reality, he knew it’d only been a few minutes. He had been on edge the entire time, scanning his surroundings before every step to ensure that he wouldn’t run into Gekkogahara-san, or worse, Yukizome-san. While it was the former that Munakata-kun had asked him to keep this a secret from, Juzo knew that he could always make up a story explaining why he had been with Nanami-san when she passed out if he saw her. That would probably stop her from being too suspicious or reporting anything to their boss. Besides, it was unlikely that she would even recognize Nanami-san, or know who she was. She hadn’t even mentioned her in her report to Munakata-kun. This would be okay. Yukizome-san, however, was too close to Munakata-kun to hide anything from him. She was still, even though he knew the other man had been avoiding her, his girlfriend, and she still called him every night. Juzo knew this because he usually was around when his crush’s phone would ring, and hearing him pick up and talk to her always made his stomach turn. He used to be able to deal with their relationship, but now that Munakata-kun knew how he felt and seemed to reciprocate, things were different.

Juzo gently opened the door to the nurse’s office without knocking, taking a glance inside. Once again, he ruined everything.

“Fuck,” he breathed, just loud enough for the head of blue hair that was inside the office to turn towards him.

“Wh-what happened to Nanami-san?” Tsumiki-san asked, rushing towards him.

Having lost all his composure after seeing Gekkogahara-san in the room, Juzo was unable to lie. “We were talking and she suddenly passed out,” he mumbled before pausing. The Ultimate Nurse had him lay the young girl on one of the beds. “It may be that she’s not eat—”

“Well,” Usami’s voice chimed in, “this may be nerdview, but maybe whatever you were talking to her about stressed her out. You’re one of the higher-ups, it would make sense. I’ll do a little check-up when she comes to. Munakata-kun is waiting for you, anyway.”

“…Really?” Juzo, hesitated. He wanted to tell Gekkogahara-san that she was wrong, but he knew it was pointless. Besides, despite the fact she was communicating via her avatar, he felt like she knew something already. If she didn’t, she would have asked him what he had been talking to Nanami-san about. Staying here and protesting would only make things worse, so it was better to comply. Things were already bad enough as they were, but there was still a chance that Munakata-kun would never hear about this. “I’ll go then. Thank you.”

#kamunami #izuru kamukura x chiaki nanami

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sunsetcurve · 4 years

Text

Waves of Thunder * Family Danger Chapter 3

Sorry, at work right now but I know a big chunk of this chapter was Thunderbolt related, so I just inserted the whole thing. 😬

The Man Cave was in shambles ever since Charlotte left. At least that was exactly how Henry made it out every time he called her for an emergency. She went with it a while. Henry was pretty dependent in some aspects and she had only given him a couple of weeks to wrap his head around the changes. Eventually, though, she simply had to tell him very firmly that she couldn't continue to do this.

She had a job search. She had weekly labs. She was going out for an internship. She just… couldn't coddle him. “Henry, Schwoz is standing right next to you. I can hear him breathing. The man taught me practically everything I know about the place. Turn to him for this help…”

“LAAAAAME!!!” Henry practically shouted. She just held the phone and blinked her eyes, with a sigh, staring ahead. He was about to say something when she started speaking to someone in her background.

“Hey. What're you doing here? I thought our thing was tomorrow?”

“I got here early for some meetings. Want me to go?” A guy said.

Henry suddenly and oddly felt bothered by this call intrusion. “Who dat?”

“No. I was just saying goodbye.”

“No you weren't,” Henry claimed.

But, she didn't hear him. Instead, she said into the phone, “Bye, Hen. Good luck on your mission.”

“Oh, that's Henry? Heyyy, Henry!” He said into the mouthpiece.

She giggled the way that she had when she met Captain Man at Jasper's birthday party. Henry noted this because he didn't hear that type of behavior much from her. She wasn't very giggly. “Get outta my personal space, Max!” She said. Henry doubted she meant it from her giggling, and WHO was Max? “Max says 'Hi,’ but also 'Bye’ because you've got an emergency and we've got science things.”

“What kinda science things?” Henry asked, but Ray shouted,

“Like, right now, Kid!” He punched the enemy, but held onto his phone.

Before Charlotte hung up he heard her say to this Max, “From the sound of it, he's the fight. Probably wouldn't remember you anyway.” Her voice was fading as the phone headed for her bag. “He'll remember your sister.”

“He still crushing on her?”

“Who knows?” And she hung up.

Henry was fighting as he put his phone away. He'd definitely look into this later! Who the jack was Max? And who was this sister of his that he had allegedly crushed on? And was she still hot? But more importantly, whether or not she was, who was that Max guy to Charlotte?

Science things were usually not discussed between them. To be frank, they bored him and she didn't need to waste her breath, for both their sakes. But this sounded suspiciously like science things, but being enjoyed with a guy. A guy that made her giggle. A giggle with zero effort. It's not like he was jealous, but he probably should at least size this dude up. Charlotte never dated in school. Her parents didn't allow it. She could hang out with friends all day every day if she wanted, but no boyfriends and no dates. Only high school graduates could date in her house, an unfair stipulation, considering that she was an only child.

But, Henry was distracting himself. He and Ray bagged their bad guy and he headed home shortly after that.

…

He and Charlotte spoke a few more times, while playing on their live video games, and he called her a few times, but she apparently had gotten the internship she was shooting for. All she'd texted was, “Got my internship. Yay!”

But, her social media post had, “So grateful for this opportunity. The youngest intern for this program in a decade. The only freshman this year. Big ups to my parents, teachers, mentors, and special thanks to Max for so many nights of helping me with my entry project. #TheScienceBroIBeenWaitnFo” Then she included hearts, hugs and kisses emojis. Why hadn't his text been so impassioned?

Henry stared at it for a while before going to the comments and reading an entire 46 comments thread of exchange between her and this guy.

To sum it up, Dude was super excited for her, and said so, and included a bunch of emojis of his own, and they spoke science here and there, some simple, some went over Henry's head, but the thing that didn't was Max's use of parentheses when he repeated Science “Bros.”

Now… it was very much so possible that in the short span of time that Henry guessed she knew this dude, he'd quickly caught on to her penchant for not being a “bro,” but since in this rare instance SHE used it, he figured that Max was hinting at something else and honestly, it was on his nerves.

He checked out the guy's page. “Maxy-T. Corny,” he muttered. But, he looked familiar… Then, Henry saw photos of he and the sister. “Phoebe? This is Phoebe's brother, Max???” That dude was a villain, last time he knew of. Oh, but in his profile, it clearly stated that he'd left villainy behind to be the best hero he could be. Henry groaned, but couldn't force himself to leave the page. Mainly because there were a lot of photos of Char there. She wasn't tagged, so he hadn't seen them before, but they were like… uncomfortably cozy.

One was of her in a lab of some sort, in her pajamas and protective gear, side-by-side with one of her at a science gala, all dressed up and… surprisingly hot, Henry had to admit. The caption said: Get you a girl that can do both. And Charlotte had liked the post and commented with a smile and a wink. “Oh! Okay.” Henry said, nodding as he continued stalking the page.

One was a video of Charlotte in this field of sunflowers, wearing sunflowers and doing one of those dance challenges. He… didn't know Char could dance like that! And then she levitated? Must have been with Max's help. The caption said: Hope floats. #DoYouLoveMe #SheGotMeInMyFeelings “EXCUSE ME???”

While he was yet stalking, dude went live. “Hey, we're here at Char's lab, working when we should be celebrating…”

She giggled from the background and said, “Oh, so you're gonna shade me like this? I steal your lab?”

“Charlotte's lab, that Charlotte built with her own two hands and is at working, everyday…”

Her face appeared to interject, “He totally let me borrow his lab everyday. I was only pushy the first time!” They both laughed and exchanged looks and whatever the look was, Henry hated it.

…

Whenever they talked, she didn't mention Max, and whenever Henry brought him up, she laughed it off and changed the subject. One of the times that they were talking, Henry was in the Man Cave and Ray came upon their conversation. “Is that Charlotte?” He asked and rushed over, jumping into Henry and Charlotte's video call.

“Dude!”

“Hey, Ray!!!” Charlotte cheered and waved both hands.

“Charlotte,” he folded his arms, “I've been told you're fraternizing with the kid that turned us over to a room full of villains.”

“It's not that serious, Ray. We hang out. Besides, that's in his past. He's legit Z-Force, now. Actually, he loves pranks. I think that you'd get along with him, now.”

“Oh because he loves pranks?” Ray asked.

Henry chimed in, laughing, “Yeah, just because he loves pranks.”

Ray: I mean… I also love a good prank.

Henry: Yeah, a good prank is worth a lot to me.

Charlotte: He'll be here soon, if you wanna chat

Henry suddenly remembered his frustrations, “No! I was checking on you, because you two seem like you're dating. This guy's older, has had way more dates, probably. Probably has a lot of groupies.”

“Superpower groupies,” Ray added.

“The absolute most desperate of groupies.”

“That isn't a lie,” Ray bragged.

Charlotte told them, “The most insulting thing about this conversation is that both of you think that there's something that you would think of that I wouldn't.”

Ray informed her, “We know how guys think.”

“Oh yea? What do you guys think he's thinking about?”

They both stuttered and Ray finally answered, “Well, grown up sleepovers, for one.”

“Yeah!” Henry seconded, then shuddered, “Gross.”

“Oh, it's gross that someone would be interested in me?” Charlotte snapped. Henry tried to explain that wasn't what year meant, but she had ran with it, “For your information, I love grown up sleepovers and I'm told that I'm excellent at it!”

“I'm out,” Ray said, leaving the conversation. Busting Charlotte's chops, maybe even giving that Max kid a hard time, he had been ready for, but one of his “kids” having grown up sleepovers? That was where he tapped out.

“Charlotte, that isn't what I was getting at, but wait, what? You've… slept over with that dude? Do your parents know?”

“Do yours know about your… things?”

“That's different. My parents are super not attached. Yours used to have you keep tabs of where you were and who you were with in Goofle Drive.” He laughed, remembering that.

“My parents know that I'm seeing Max and they support me, unlike my so-called best friend who hasn't had anything nice to say to me in months.”

“Char.. I have had plenty of nice things. I just kept them to myself.”

“That's helpful.”

“What do you want me to say?”

“Match the wingperson energy that I gave you for every single girl you were interested in during the course of this friendship.”

“I don't recall.”

“I encouraged you to ask Bianca out, and after you made me regret it by basically making a fool of yourself, I still motivated you to tell her how you felt before the world ended. And because of it, when the world kept existing, you'd gotten a kiss and a girlfriend!”

“Okay, that did happen, but…”

“Then you rejected my very helpful advice to NOT try to do a dual identity date with her and Chloe. And after you didn't listen, you spent most of the night isolating me from my other friends to try to advise you through a problem that I never would have been stupid enough to find myself in.”

“Char…”

“And you never even said thank you, or more importantly SORRY!”

“I see your point.”

“Henry, you once told me that you would never date me because I was like a sister to you.”

“You said that you wouldn't date me because I was a dishonest idiot and it already complicated your life enough just being my friend!”

“And… that was true then and is true now. But, you're acting… not like my brother. You don't pull this with Piper.”

“I don't feel the same way about Piper as I do about you,” he blurted out.

“Precisely. And like the idiot that I said you were, you waited until I found someone else to acknowledge this. I'm not Chloe, Henry. I'm not giving you a shot because you decided that you don't want to see me with someone else. Especially when I was there to witness herbe neglected until she left for Kids in the Woods.”

“I don't want to date you.’

“Good. Then there's no reason that you can't be supportive.”

“Yeah. Well, I gotta go. Swellview emergency.”

“Cool. Be careful out there.”

“Will do.”

…

Flashback:

Charlotte told Henry, “We should come up with a backup story. We'll need cover if Jasper is ever going to buy that we're dating. My cover is that we're keeping it a secret because my parents won't allow me to date. Easiest fiction is something steeped in the truth.”

“Oh, yeah, your parents don't let you date. Now, you ewwwing at me makes sense.”

“We made the sound at the same time, and that's not the reason that I did.”

“Friends should never date. First off, you might ruin the friendship and on top of that, I mean, I see you like a sister. You understand.”

“I don't understand any of that. If I were going to date, I'd definitely want the person to be my friend first. I want us to have common ground. I want us to have things that we can share together as friends even though we're dating. And, I have literally never thought of anyone as a sibling. Maybe it's because I am an only child, or maybe it's just because we have such different ways, you couldn't have possibly ever grew up as my sibling. My parents would have disowned you by now.”

“Harsh, but realistic… WAIT! Then why'd you say EWWW?”

“I said ewww, because you're a dishonest idiot and it already complicates my life enough just being your friend.”

“Charlotte, that's the rudest thing you've ever said to me… but it's maybe true, possibly.”

“I don't need you to tell me that I'm making sense. What about your cover? Jasper will have so many questions and most of them, I'm sure he'll ask you.”

Henry waved her off, “Between the two of us, no matter what we say, he'll believe us.”

…

Having a hectic schedule, but still no paycheck was a bummer. Charlotte really needed one of these searches to come through. As she played videogames with Henry and Jasper, she complained about it on the headset.

“Why don't you see if Ray has something you could do from there?” Henry wondered.

“He's been a lit.tle. fussy with me since my notice. Henry, do you really think Ray might consider that?”

“Don't see why not. He often asks me 'Are you and Charlotte talking again? I have wanna ask her something!”

“When were we not talking?”

“He only means that he knows I'm no longer a priority.”

She paused for just a moment and her character was almost killed! She took a moment, put her head back in the game, and practically whispered, “You’ll always be a priority, Hen.” He smiled to himself, and even though she couldn’t see him, she countered, “Don’t be smiling.”

A/N: I usually do these at the front, but I wanted to just tag this bit of info in here… I do not know WHO I got the idea of Charlotte + Max Thunderman, and I’ve seen very little of the Thundermans, so Idek none about them. If I’m OOC with him or whatever, charge it to my head and not my heart.

#NESHA THIS IS SO GOOD #okay like. i’m such a sucker for a little jealous!henry #and it definitely doesnt seem like you don’t know max #i really LOVE the sciencebros thing its so cute!!!!!#ugh. i’m really just being dragged into thunderbolt huh.#it’s CUTE #ahh #thunderbolt #chenry #henry danger #the thundermans #charlotte page bolton #max thunderman #henry hart #submission

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intothestarkerverse · 5 years

Text

Time of Our Lives (Part 8)

Based on a prompt from @geekymarvel

Peter is tasked with an important mission that requires him to go back in time. Finding himself at a gala for Stark industries in the 1990’s, he comes face to face with a young and incorrigible Tony Stark who considers Peter’s attempts to deny his advances a challenge. Now, dogged by a horny young CEO who won’t take no for an answer, Peter’s task has become much more difficult….

(STORY CONTAINS ENDGAME SPOILERS)

Read on AO3

Peter was panicking. Tony could tell by the look on his pretty face. He was excited, vibrating in his seat, but the size of his eyes and the shallow breaths he was drawing into his lungs suggested that Peter didn’t know if he was allowed to be excited about meeting his parents or terrified of the ramifications. “What…what about the timeline? What if I screw up the future by meeting them? What if they don’t like me?”

“Peter, you’re the most lovable person I’ve ever met.”

Shit.

He’d done it again, and Peter’s smile had taken on that same, ridiculous, dopey quality it always did when Tony slipped and found himself subconsciously using the ‘l’ word. Tony chose to ignore it. “There’s no way they’re not going to like you. As for the timeline…you gonna warn them about their future deaths or introduce yourself to them as their future son?”

“Well, no…”

“Then, I think we’ll be fine. There have got to be some perks to time travel, Pete, and if meeting your parents who you barely remember isn’t one of ‘em, than I refuse to ever invent it. There goes your timeline, then, right?”

Peter’s eyes suddenly seemed to darken. “Yeah, then I’m as good as dusty again.”

Tony paused as he tried to decipher that statement. Clearly, it was a comment he was not supposed to understand, but something in the way that Peter said it and the slight tremor in his voice had set off alarm bells in Tony’s brain. Something very bad had happened to Peter, and even the vague idea of it was enough to send Tony’s blood pressure skyrocketing.

Fuck.

He really had to get a handle on this.

“Good, so, it’s settled, Beautiful. Operation Meet the Parents is a go. But before we go off and make some memories, there’s a few things we need to go over. Just for the sake of full disclosure.” Tony shifted in his seat to give Peter his full attention. It had not been easy to get Peter to open up about his parents so that Tony could go about locating them. It had required Tony to share quite a bit about his own as well. In the end, it was worth it, and completely necessary for Peter’s present…but it had also been painful. Never mind the fact that Peter now knew things about his relationship with Howard and Maria that no other living person had ever heard him say. Not even Jarvis. Now, however, he had the wonderful task of telling Peter that most of what he thought he knew about Richard and Mary…was wrong. “You said your parents worked for the government. Couriers, I think, right?”

“That’s what Uncle Ben said, yeah.”

“And your dad was in the army.”

“Yes…why?” Peter looked so bewildered, it made Tony’s heart clench.

The billionaire cleared his throat. “Yeah…see. About that. Your father’s military record is full of holes. I can find his enlistment information, a record of his additional training in special forces and then…big fat nothing. His activity is so black ops, there’s no digital record of it. Do you know how clandestine that shit has to be for the government to be afraid to leave an electronic footprint for any of it?”

Peter was completely motionless in his seat. He wasn’t speaking. Wasn’t moving. Wasn’t even fucking breathing. He was just staring at Tony like he’d been physically frozen.

“Peter?”

Nothing.

“Baby?”

Still nothing.

“Did I break you? If I was going to break you, I was really thinking it was going to be in the bedroom…”

Not even a response to that.

Damn.

Tony grimaced, but continued. “So…uh…he served under a friend of ours. Nick Fury. Remember him from the gala…”

“Nick Fucking Fury knew my dad!” Peter had almost launched himself into the windshield at that piece of information. His reaction and the strong language were so unexpected that Tony cracked his head on the roof of the sports car from jumping in his seat.

“Fuck, kid.” He was going to have a lump, not that Tony was too concerned about that when he saw Peter’s reaction.

Peter was actually shaking. At least his hands were. “You don’t understand, Tony. I know him. In the future. You know him too. Everyone knows him…even my dad, apparently. And Mr. Fury never said anything. Nothing. How could he not say anything? He has to know who my dad is. There’s no way he doesn’t know…”

“My best guess? He hasn’t said anything because he had something to do with why they died and he doesn’t want to have that awkward conversation.”

Peter was back to sitting completely still again. “Tony…what are you leaving out?”

He was almost afraid to go on, but there really was no going back now. “Last year, your father was recruited into S.H.I.E.L.D. by his former C.O…Fury. He’s been an active field agent ever since. Your mother…she was recruited into S.H.I.E.L.D. right out of college…”

“My mom is a secret agent too!” Peter fell back in the car seat, hands covering his face with a small, muffled moan.

“Kind of…she’s actually where you get your smarts. She’s an up and coming star in the science division, if what I found through a bit of hacking is any indication.”

Peter was peaking through his fingers now. “She is?”

“Oh yeah, genius level smart for sure. Tech. Forensics. She does it all…”

“That’s…Ben and May never mentioned that.”

“I’m not sure they knew, Peter.”

Slowly, the teenager sat back up, smiling just a little. “So my mom’s smart and my dad’s a hero…”

“The spider doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Tony couldn’t help but smirk at the flush that began to climb the teen’s cheeks.

“Uh…so…what…are we doing here?” Peter made a broad gesture at the park beyond the car.

“Ah, yes, well…we lucked out, actually. I was really worried I wouldn’t be able to come up with a good way for our paths to intersect. But, according to my PI…your parents are having their wedding rehearsal here this morning. So, I’m hoping we can find a reason to…be friendly.”

“I’m actually famous for how friendly I am.” Peter was bouncing in his seat again. “So…they’re getting married soon, then.”

“In a couple of days, yeah.”

“Wow, this is…this is nuts. I…don’t even know what to say, Tony. I never thought…I mean they’re names. To me they’ve just always been names. And pictures. Videos. Not people. Not to me. Not really. No real memories. Just…flat. And now they’re going to be real. I never thought they’d ever feel real… This means…it means a lot to me.” Tony was startled to see the kid actually blinking back tears.

Scrubbing a hand over his jaw, Tony tried to shrug the display of emotion off. “It was nothing, really. Just something I thought you’d enjoy…”

“Thank you.” Peter’s voice was actually choked up now and there were full fledged tears and Tony was at a loss for what to do so he just gave an awkward smile.

“I’d do anything for you, Beautiful.”

“I know.” He did? “And you don’t…you don’t have to actually say it, Tony, you know? Cause I know…it’s hard for you…and you do things like this…which are honestly just as good. I don’t know if I’m allowed to say it, either, but this once…cause it’s my birthday and you did all of this for me…” Peter’s rambling drifted off for a moment. Some part of Tony actually hoped the kid was going to drop it there, but he didn’t. “And I just want to say that I love you, too.”

Well, fuck.

He’d gone and said it and that tiny thread of denial Tony had been clinging to snapped.

He could actually feel himself falling. Right up until that moment he’d thought ‘falling in love’ was a euphemism. But, nope. He felt the impact to the depths of his soul. Despite this, Tony did his best to sound unaffected, but he could tell from the sparkle in Peter’s eyes that the kid caught the sudden thickness to Tony’s voice, the slight stutter before he found his words again. “Al…alright, Peter, enough of that. We have a wedding rehearsal to crash.”

—

Peter could hardly believe it was really happening. He was going to talk to his parents. Maybe get to shake their hands. He’d be able to hear their voices and their laughs and their personalities and he’d never, ever have to wonder what they were really like ever again. Not only that, but the things he’d learned about them already! His father was practically James Bond! How cool was that? Ned was going to lose his mind! And his mom, his mom was smart. If his dad was James Bond than his mom was totally Q and that might actually be even more impressive to Ned. Peter figured his ‘guy in the chair’ was probably going to be way more excited about Peter’s Mom being the ‘woman in the lab’. It was all so awesome, so unbelievable that he had absolutely no words to explain to Tony just how much this whole thing meant to him.

As the two men made their way from their car to the wedding venue, Peter casually let his fingers graze Tony’s hand, his gaze darting over to look for some reaction from the older man. Tony raised an eyebrow, rolling his eyes playfully before he took Peter’s hand in his own and gave it a little squeeze. “You’re so lucky it’s your birthday, Parker.”

“Nah, I’m just lucky period.” Peter would have never considered himself a lucky guy before. In fact, he’d always thought the ‘Parker Luck’ was always more on the bad side of things…but maybe luck could change because ever since he’d found himself in the middle of that ballroom being visually devoured by a young Tony Stark, he’d been the luckiest guy on the planet.

“Look alive, Kid.” Tony gave his hand another squeeze and gestured with a nod of his head towards the lone figure a few yards ahead.

No doubt to Tony he was still indistinct, but Peter’s senses were quite a bit more acute. He could see the man with crystal clarity and just the sight of him sent Peter’s heart into excitement induced arrhythmias. “Oh my God, it’s really him.” The man from the pictures. His dad.

Richard Parker was of average height and leanly muscled with dark hair that appeared to bear the hint of Peter’s curls underneath the thick layer of styling gel that was struggling to hold it in place. Peter had always thought he looked more like his mother, but he caught subtle pieces of Richard that reminded him of his own reflection now that he was looking at the man in the flesh.

Apparently, Richard had also seen them approaching. Brow furrowed questioningly, he waited for them to come closer before he called out. “Good morning. This is a far cry from Manhattan, Mr. Stark.”

Tony chuckled beside Peter, dropping the boy’s hand. “I hope we’re not disturbing anything, had an appointment to check out the Park and thought I’d get here a little early to look at things without an audience. Are you Mr. Seston?”

“No, my fiance and I are having our wedding rehearsal here this morning…or we were supposed to. The girls were stranded and my brother had to save them.” He glanced at his watch. “I’m afraid we may not have time to run through everything if you have an appointment with Seston, soon.”

Tony made a dismissive gesture with his hand. “I don’t want my appointment to interfere with your wedding. You probably got the whole song and dance when you booked this place, right? Why don’t you walk us around, then you can take your time with your rehearsal.”

Richard looked surprised by the generous offer. Actually, Peter was too. “That’s awfully kind of you, Mr. Stark. I’m Richard Parker.” He held out his hand which Tony took in a firm handshake before Richard turned his attention to Peter. He held out that same hand again and Peter suddenly felt overwhelmed. He meant to take the man’s hand. He really did, but some embarrassing instinct took over and before he realized what he was doing, he had wrapped his father in a tight embrace that had the man stuttering in a very familiar way. “Uh…well…okay…um…you’re…you’re pretty friendly, aren’t you?”

“He’s famous for it, actually.” Tony’s sardonic tone snapped Peter back into reality. Pushing back with a deep flush, Peter looked up at his father as he stepped back and the man spoke a sentence that made him wish he was dead.

“Yes, I know, he was extremely friendly at your gala.”

“Wuh…” In the fraction of a second, Peter went from a scarlet flush to a sickly pale hue at the implications. “You…you were…you were there?”

“Yeah…don’t worry if you don’t recognize me. You two seemed busy…”

Peter staggered backward into a tree, bracing himself against the trunk with one hand as he doubled over and tried not to revisit his birthday breakfast all over the grass at the implication of his father watching him bite the buttons off of Tony’s shirt.

“Is he okay, Mr. Stark?”

“Peter? Yeah, he’s fine.” Tony was clearly trying to cover for him, though even Tony’s voice seemed a little strained at that unexpected development.

“I admit, I was a little worried about you, Peter. Mr. Stark doesn’t have the best reputation…but clearly if you two are out looking at wedding venues, I didn’t need to worry about him taking advantage of you.”

“What?” Peter heard Tony echo his words as he straightened up to give his father his full attention.

“Oh no, we’re not…” Tony was chuckling nervously, a little too nervously.

“No, no no no no…definitely not.” Peter was shaking his head vigorously, a bit of color returning to his face.

“Definitely not?” Tony stressed the word definitely with an eyebrow cocked in a demi-scowl. “Kid, you’re breaking my heart. I think five ‘no’s’ was enough without the definitely.”

“Ah come on, Tony, you know I didn’t mean it like that! It’s only been four months and it’s not like you’re going to actually try to marry me or something so stop embarrassing me in front of my fa…new friend…” Oh God that was close. It was also really freaking lame.

Richard appeared to be well and truly amused. “Follow me, I’ll show you two around.” Tony let Peter walk beside Richard as the man began to lead them around the wedding venue. He was clearly trying to remember what he’d been told about the features, but gave up when he realized that neither one of them was really paying attention at all. “I don’t think I caught you’re full name, Peter.”

“Parker.” The word left his mouth before he’d even thought better of it. A fraction of a second later he felt Tony elbow his side subtly and let out a grunt of annoyance.

“Really?” Richard chuckled. “Small world, I guess. That a Queens accent I detect, too?”

Peter could only nod dumbly. He was saved from further embarrassment by the sound of approaching footsteps. “Oh, I think your wife’s here!”

It was several awkward minutes before two women and a man crested the hill.

Peter felt his heart stop again.

Ben.

He hadn’t realized until that exact moment that he was going to get to see Ben again, too. Oh, and young May. It was Peter’s turn to elbow Tony in the side when he caught Tony checking May out. His annoyance was forgotten, though, as his gaze moved to his mom.

His mom!

Yeah, Peter was now utterly convinced that he looked a great deal more like his mother than he did his father. He was only a little taller than her. Same chestnut hair, same honey-brown eyes. There features were even similar. Clearly, he wasn’t the only one who noticed, because Tony was looking back and forth between the two of them with an amused expression on his face.

“Baby, did you make friends while we were gone?” Mary took Richard’s arm and rose on her toes to plant a little kiss on his cheek as she surveyed Tony and Peter. “Oh…one of them is a billionaire! In that case, bravo, Richie. I should abandon you in public parks more often.”

Richard was chuckling, shaking his head and staring down at her with such a mixture of affection and exasperation that it took Peter’s breath away. It might also, kind of, maybe, but not really, but maybe kind of, remind him of the look he caught Tony giving him every once in a while in the lab when the billionaire thought Peter wasn’t looking in his direction. “Mary, Sweetheart, this is Tony Stark and Peter Parker.”

“Really?” Peter thought her giggle even kind of sounded like a little like his laugh. He had no idea he had his mother’s laugh! Before he knew what was happening, he was being drawn into a hug. “That means we’re practically family Peter!” His mother’s voice so close to his ear that it sent shivers down his spine as he held onto her and breathed in the scent of her perfume. Lilies and Amber. He was never going to be able to smell Lilies and Amber again without thinking of her…and that was so wonderful the thought brought tears to his eyes.

“Looks like you’re not the only hugger here, Beautiful.” Peter could read the subtext in Tony’s eyes as he was forced to separate from his mother’s hug. Apparently being friendly was also a family trait. His parents were just…they were awesome. They were perfect in every conceivable way!

They were shown around the rest of the venue, Mary holding onto Peter’s arm and walking ahead of them, pointing out all of her favorite parts. “And I adore all of the natural flora, it was what made me choose the park. We could save a lot of money on flowers this way.”

“And I agreed, because with fronds like these, who needs anemones?” Richard was quick to join in from Mary’s other side.

Peter let out a snort followed by a laugh that had his father grinning in delight. “See, Mary, someone likes my jokes!”

Peter heard twin moans coming from May and Ben’s directions. “Don’t worry, Richard, my chemistry jokes never get a reaction either.”

Mary swatted Peter’s arm. “Oh, Peter, that was terrible…don’t encourage him or we’ll never hear the end of his jokes!”

“Oh my God, as if one wasn’t enough, now there’s two of them!” Ben’s teasing was good natured, something so familiar to Peter that without even thinking about it, he turned around to stick his tongue out at the man.

“Are we sure he’s not an actual Parker? No brother separated at birth or something?” May’s voice this time. “If not…you may just have to keep the kid. He fits right in with the both of you.”

Ben seemed to be considering May’s suggestion a little too seriously, and for a moment Peter felt his pulse race. “Can’t keep me, May. I think Tony would miss me too much.”

“Couldn’t live without you, Gorgeous.” To Peter’s ears, that sounded almost a little too sincere.

“We’ll have to keep them both then.” Mary gave Peter’s arm a little squeeze. “You two really must stay for the rehearsal and then join us for lunch. Nothing beats wedding jitters quite like lovely distractions.”

“Oh, you don’t really want us there..” Peter could see the look of alarm on Tony’s face as he tried to make excuses. Maybe he was reconsidering his birthday gift after all.

Too bad. Peter wasn’t going to give up time with his parents, now.

“Oh, we’ll definitely stay!” Peter was quick to interrupt Tony. What was the man thinking? They’d gone to all of this trouble to get Peter memories with his parents, and now that his parents both seemed to want them around, Tony was trying to back out? “I mean, we don’t have anything else to do really. And it’s my birthday, so…”

“It’s your birthday!” Mary grabbed his arm again. “Well now we have two things to celebrate, a wedding and a birthday, and we’re not taking no for an answer!”

The rehearsal was short and before long the six of them were seated around a table at a little Italian restaurant near the park. It was very early in the afternoon and the lunch rush hadn’t started yet, so they had most of the place to themselves.

Peter was only too happy to quiz his parents on everything from how they’d first met to how Richard had proposed and what they’re plans for the future were.

“Oh we want kids desperately.” Mary’s expression looked just a little haunted for a moment and May reached out to give her hand a little squeeze. Peter’s head cocked questioningly at the gesture and Richard cleared his throat. “Mary had a few health problems when she was younger. They could…make it difficult for her to conceive. But, like I told her…we won’t know until we try…”

Peter had never known that. He’d never stopped to think about his parents’ age or how long they’d been married…or even Ben and May’s age come to think of it. “Yeah…you…you really shouldn’t give up. Nothing’s impossible unless you accept that it’s impossible.”

“Are you sure he’s not a Parker-Parker? That sounds just like one of your Parkerisms…like the responsibility schtick of yours Ben.” May was using a breadstick as a pointer, leveling one end at Peter. “He’s a cousin or something, I’m telling you!”

Tony cleared his throat loudly, “So, did I hear someone say you were writing your own vows?”

“Oh yes! We only just decided to do that last week, but I really do not want to promise to ‘obey’ Richard because that’s one promise I’m definitely going to break.” Mary smirked at them over her glass of wine. “Actually…maybe we could use you as a test audience? Make sure they’re just mushy enough without being too over-the-top? I’ll just run off to the little girl’s room for a minute and let Richard give you a taste of his and then we’ll trade. It’d be good for us to practice that too, and you two don’t mind, do you?”

“I’d love to hear them!” Peter was probably a little too enthusiastic about hearing a stranger’s wedding vows, but no one seemed surprised by his excitement at this stage and Tony was quick to echo the sentiment, even if he wasn’t quite as flamboyant about it.

Richard, on the other, looked nervous as he plucked the folded piece of paper from his wallet and cleared his throat about a half a dozen times. “All right, well, here it goes. I love you Mary Fitzpatrick. More than anything else in this world. I promise to give you every beat of my heart, every breath from my lungs. Even when there’s distance between us, nothing will ever separate us because you’re a part of me. The best part. I don’t want to kill for you or die for you, Mary, I want to live for you and I promise that every day of my life, no matter what it holds, will be spent with you, for you, and beside you until the day it ends.”

“That’s really awesome. And poetic. I think she’ll love that!” Peter was blinking away tears, clutching Tony’s hand under the table. When he hazarded a glance at the other man, Peter was surprised by the look on his face. Tony appeared…thoughtful. Distant. Perhaps even troubled by Richard’s words. He met Peter’s gaze and offered a small smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

A few minutes passed and positions were changed. Now, Mary prepared to recite her vows from memory while Richard hid in the bathroom.

“Richard Parker…you are the bravest, kindest, most honorable man I have ever known. I know that marriage isn’t easy and that life can be hard. I know that our careers may make it even harder, but I don’t care. My love for you is strong enough to conquer anything. Nothing will ever separate us. Not money. Not health. Not time. The universe itself could try to push us apart, and I would just push right back…because I promise to fight for you, Richard. I will fight for you and our love and our marriage…and someday, our family, because you’ve taught me that together we’re a force to be reckoned with. Together, there’s absolutely nothing that can stop us, that’s my promise to you.”

“Oh wow…Mary. That’s just..that’s really awesome! I don’t think you should be nervous about that at all.”

“Thank you, Peter, I’m sure if you like it that Richard will. You two do seem to have similar tastes, don’t you?”

“Yeah…I guess so.” Another glance at Tony and Peter was perplexed to see a grim set to Tony’s jaw and that same distant look as he stared down into his wine glass. He had no idea what the man was thinking, but a part of Peter was a little worried about it.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur. They parted with promises to meet for drinks after the Parkers returned from their honeymoon and with May demanding some information about Peter’s family so she could delve into his genealogy and prove that he was related to Richard and Ben. Peter had to keep repeating that he didn’t have a family or any access to his genealogy much to May’s chagrin.

Peter got a parting hug from the entire Parker clan, ending with Ben who held onto his shoulder after they separated. His voice was soft as he spoke to Peter, gaze trained on Tony as he exchanged numbers with Richard and mary. “Is that Stark fella good to you, Son? I know he has a reputation and you said you don’t have a family…”

“Yeah…no…yeah, he’s great. It’s not like the tabloids make it out to be, Ben. He cares about me…”

“Well, I want you to take our number and address, Son. If something happens, if someday he’s not and you need help or somewhere to go or even just an ear or a ride or a bus ticket…you call us, okay? You may not be family, but you’re a good kid and I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I thought you were going to get into trouble because you had no one to help you out.”

Peter blinked back tears and surged forward for another hug. “You’re a good man, Ben. Probably the best man I’ve ever known. I just…I want to make sure you know that before I go, okay? That I just…I want to be half the guy you are someday. Thank you…for everything…and I’ll definitely call you if something happens and I need help. I promise…don’t worry about me.”

—

Tony was remarkably quiet for the rest of the day, though he did try to make sure that the rest of Peter’s birthday was celebratory. It was only when they were laying in bed that night that Tony was finally able to gather his thoughts into something coherent and tangible. “Peter…” , The teenager stirred slightly. He hadn’t been asleep, but he had been blissfully relaxed, cuddled close to Tony’s chest lost in the blissful afterglow of steamy sex followed by a hot shower and the soft, languid touches that had become common place between them several months ago. He had only just stopped assuring Tony that this had been the best birthday of his entire life. The movement of Peter’s hand stopped at the sound of Tony’s voice, palm pressed flat against Tony’s chest as he propped himself up on an elbow to look the older man in the eye. “Yes?”

“I need you to tell me the truth.”

“I always do, Tony.”

Tony shifted, dislodging Peter and sitting up against the headboard. He scrubbed his hands across his face several times before he tried again. “I need you to tell me the truth about the future.”

“What?” Peter was sitting up in a moment, brown eyes wide with horror and disbelief. “I can’t! Tony, I can’t. The timeline…”

“The timeline is fucked, Peter. Don’t tell me you haven’t realized that. You’ve been here too long. You’ve changed too much. About me. You’ve changed too much about me.”

“I…I have?”

“You have.” He steadied himself with a deep breath, brushing the backs of his fingers along Peter’s jawline. “Baby, you’re right, I…I love you and I’m not going to be able to let you go. The Nullifier…we’re close. Baby, we’re a hell of a lot closer than I’ve been letting on, and I need to know what happens. I need to know how the Old Man becomes the hero you say he is. Your parents…they made me realize some things. I’m not giving in. We’re not giving in. I’m not accepting any outcome that doesn’t have you and me together at the end. I’m taking a page from Richard and Mary Parker. I’m fighting for you, living for you, all of it. You’re going to tell me everything. Everything, Peter. And then you’re going to trust me to fight for you because you and me…we’re endgame now, whether the universe likes it or not.”

#starker

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notimetoblog · 5 years

Text

Soft

Summary: A more sure and confident Bucky, enjoys the softness in life.

A/N: Hi guys!! I'm so happy to share this story with you! This is my entry to the lovely @sweetboybucky 1k celebration!! I'm a day late but I hope you can forgive me! My prompt was “So much more was said in the unsaid.” I hope you all have an awesome week and as always, thank you so much for reading and for all your kindness!

MY STORIES

Looking at himself in the mirror it was hard to recognize himself. There he was, staring straight ahead in his lowly lit room at a figure that seemed to mimic his movements. His hand almost instinctively reached up to push his long hair back, a habit that was yet to be broken. He had done what had, for many years, seemed impossible. His long locks had been shortened, a look that almost reflected what he used to look like before the war, before the fall, before the pain. Yet his hand seemed to not understand that there were no longer long strands of hair to fight and throughout the day he had often found himself slicking his hair back as if the strands still fell on his face.

It had almost felt like looking back in time when he first caught sight of his much shorter hair. Almost as if the Bucky that had once existed was looking back at him after so many years of being hidden behind harshness and pain. But he knew that although he was once again allowed to decide for himself, knew that even though his decisions were once again respected, that old Bucky was not all back.

He had changed.

Changed after so many years of a torturous experience. Changed so much so that the small decision to cut his hair, which to many might seem mundane, filled him with pride. The ability to freely express himself, even if it was just through a haircut, meant more to him than he ever thought possible. So, there he was, staring back at his still unfamiliar reflection, gathering his thoughts before showing the rest of the world what had he had decided to do.

Normally, he would hide in his room during nights like this. He chose to stay away form large gatherings where people could so easily stare and judge him from a far. Chose not to indulge at events where he could so easily become a target for gossip and harsh remarks. But his newly found empowerment, that came from a haircut of all places, caused a new feeling to spread throughout his system.

He could do this, he thought to himself.

He was more than capable of facing the crowd that was surely excited to catch a glimpse of the team. After all, a gala being held in their honor was something to be proud of. This wasn’t another Stark party, it was a gala being held at the Met to celebrate the efforts and victories of the team in their effort to save the world. And Bucky had been invited, he was being recognized as part of the team of superheroes he called friends. No longer was he being seen just as Captain America’s troubled friend. No longer was he just an afterthought, but he had been given his own proper invitation. His name and title had been elegantly scrawled on the invitation. And he knew Steve had also been proud of this as he had handed the small envelope to him with a large smile, almost beaming at the way the golden ink sparkled in the light.

Bucky looked around his room, knowing it was time to start getting ready for the event. He saw the tux he had chosen laid out neatly on his bed. He also found the shoes he had picked out, patiently waiting for him on the small loveseat by the window. His crispy white shirt and black bowtie rested next to his tuxedo.

He felt a small smile appear on his lips as he realized this was yet another way in which he was expressing his freedom. Gone were those constricting leather jackets they had once forced him to wear. Instead, he now let his fingers run across the soft blue velvet of his tux. Felt the way the material felt soft under his touch. No longer was he forced to wear a mask that limited his breathing or goggles that blocked his sight. He now chose to wear an elegant black silk bowtie that would not hurt him, that would not prevent him from breathing freely, but something that looked graceful, sophisticated, and soft.

Soft, he thought while looking again over his chosen attire. Not harsh or threatening, but soft.

He would’ve never chosen a velvet tux. Never in a million years would he ever think to pick such a material to wear. And despite knowing very well what had influenced his decision, he chose not to focus too much on it because the sound of her voice in his mind would surely bring back all the nerves, he was doing so well of keeping at bay. Her voice was usually soothing, something that kept him grounded, a friendly reminder that there was still good in the world. But tonight, was different. Tonight, she was going to see what he had chosen for himself. She would take a look at the person he wanted to be. The man he kept hoping would be enough for her. Because despite the obvious feelings in his chest, he had yet to voice them. But tonight, he was determined to use the power he felt coursing through his veins, to let her know just how much of his heart was hers. His found sense of independence, he hoped, would guide him to find the perfect set of words to convey the light she had brought into his life.

He quickly discarded his sweatpants, carefully stepping into the smooth pair of midnight blue trousers he had chosen to compliment his tux jacket. Trying not to wrinkle his dress shirt too much, he glided his arms into the sleeves, buttoning the shirt up, a delicate movement he was surprised his metal hand was capable of doing effortlessly. Tucking in his shirt he knew the toughest part was next; the dreaded tying of his bowtie. He hardly ever wore them in the 40’s, always preferring the look of a regular necktie when out with dates, or as mandated by the guidelines of his uniform. Bowties had lost favor in his day, men often attracted more towards ties and all the colors they offered. This all meant that when it came to tying a bowtie, all his knowledge came from the internet; another thing he was not the most fluent in.

Its just a piece of fabric, he thought to himself. How much of an obstacle could it be?

30 minutes later he discovered just how much of a nightmare that silky accessory could be. He had lost count of how many times he had tied, loosened, and retied that stupid bowtie. No matter how hard he tried to follow the steps on the video it seemed the bowtie had other plans for itself. Determined to make Bucky give up on it and leave it alone it, it simply flopped about looking more like a dead fish than Bucky ever hoped it would look like.

Reaching for his phone, his finger hovered over the only contact he knew might be able to help him during this trying time; the bowtie obviously bringing out the dramatic flare he sometimes lacked.

Do you know how to tie a bowtie? He simply wrote. Content spreading through him as he heard the swoosh of the message confirming it had been sent.

A few seconds later came the response.

No, sorry. But Y/N tied mine last time! Text her, she’ll help you.

So much for Captain America saving the night, Bucky thought as he read the reply of his friend. He couldn’t text her, though. The bowtie was not going to ruin his plans for the night. So he looked through his contacts again, finding Sam’s number, a light chuckle escaping his lips as he saw the picture he had assigned for Sam’s contact. It was Sam almost falling over on a chair after sleep had claimed victory over him. His mouth was wide open, and Bucky had entertained himself as he threw little balls of paper in the hopes of making a basket in Sam’s mouth.

He sent Sam the same text and much to his dismay, he received a similar answer.

Y/N’s your girl for that whole bowtie tying thing. Saved my ass a few weeks ago. I came *this* close to actually using a clip on! could’ve lost my reputation as the best dressed among you clowns. So just ask her. you know she’ll help.

Bucky stared at the crumpled bowtie in his hand. Surely, he wasn’t going to let it overpower him. It was his night; the night where he decided what would happen. And yes, this was a change in plans, but he would have to make-do. After all, his hair had been cut, his tux had been chosen, his mind had been made.

Do you know how to tie a bowtie? He wrote, yet again, this time to the one person he was not expecting to talk to so early in the night.

Yes, came her almost immediate response. Need help?

Please.

In record time there was a knock on his door. Smoothing over his shirt, and almost glaring at his hand for coming up to push back his previously long hair, he slowly approached his door. Taking a deep breath, he opened, jaw nearly hitting the floor as he took her beauty in.

There she was, dressed like an absolutely princess in a gown that not-coincidentally matched the blue of his tux. Her hair was up, perfectly framing the lovely features of her face. He tried his best not to let his eyes wander as much as they hoped to across her figure. In his attempt to restrain himself, he missed the way her own eyes took in his brand-new appearance. The way her eyes danced across his face as she noticed his sharp line that was no longer hidden behind long strands of hair.

“Your hair,” she softy whispered bringing him back to reality as he suddenly remembered that he must look so different to her. He had been so captured by her essence that he had completely forgotten about his own appearance.

“Did it today,” he confirmed.

“It looks,” she paused, the loud beat of his heart the only thing filling the silence that hung in the air. “You look so handsome, B,” she finally said, eyes shyly looking down at the floor.

A proud smile spread across his lips. The way she had so softly complimented him had filled his heart in ways only she was capable of.

She carefully brought up her gaze again, expectantly waiting for him to let her into his room to help him with his bowtie.

Silently he stepped aside, clearing a path for her to enter.

She stood in her gown, directly in front of the mirror he had been taking in his new reflection almost an hour prior. A beautiful sight, he noted. One that he would forever treasure in his mind. Already she was the highlight of a night that hadn’t even begun.

He found the bowtie he had abandoned on his bed when she knocked on his door and wordlessly handed it to her.

As she followed his movement, though, she caught sight of the tux jacket that was still laying on his bed, undisturbed.

He heard as she quietly gasped, slowly moving towards his bed to run her fingers across the jacket, much like he had done.

“Bucky,” she said through a smile, “It’s so soft.”

The glint he saw in her eyes made it clear she knew just why he had picked this particular tux. Just a few weeks ago, he had heard her comment on this trend. Talking to Wanda, she had casually mentioned just how soft the material looked, how nice it would be to touch. Her comment had been heard loud and clear by Bucky. The picture of her running her fingers across his tux, a vision he hoped to one day see materialize. And there it was.

“I love the color,” she said playfully. “So much, in fact, that look, we match.”

He felt himself smile once more, something that came to him so effortlessly around her.

“But I’m here to help you with this bowtie,” she glanced down at the bowtie that she now held. “Such a tiny piece of fabric can be such a pain, huh?”

He nodded, his vocal chords unwilling to stir the air that only her voice was filling.

She walked back to the mirror then, stretching out her hand for him to take and join her. Gently she raised the collar of his shirt. The softness of her fingers almost making him sigh as he felt them brush against his neck. An act so simple yet made so much more special because it was coming from her.

She was so close to him, the sweet smell of her perfume filling his senses. Her eyes looked up to him and he swore he could get lost in their depth. Those eyes that for so long had held him captive, not against his will but with kindness and softness, were so close to him and he had to try his best to remain calm. He had to restrain himself from acting too soon, from scaring her away with the weight of his feelings. She was so close and every inch of him begged him not to let her wander too far from him ever again, every thought in his head only contained her; her voice, her smile, the way she was so gently working the tie around his neck, the way her hand would brush against his neck, and the way he reacted to her touch.

The bowtie was now draped over his neck, and he caught a glimpse in the mirror of how one side seemed to be longer than the other, just like in the countless of videos he had seen. She crossed the longer side over the shorter end, tucking it under and draping it over his shoulder after bringing it out. Her fingers carefully folded the shorter side and already he saw the shape of the bowtie. It seemed even the bowtie understood just how amazing she was. It was compliant under her fingers, enjoying the way they glided across the material just as much as Bucky was. She reached over to his shoulder to bring the end she had draped there, fingers brushing against him again. She brought it down, folding the shorter end in half. And maybe it was Bucky’s fault, her closeness clouding his mind and making him lose himself in the ways he could just wrap her arms around her and bring her even closer. But the next thing he knew, she was pulling at the sides of the perfect bowtie she had just tied. Her brows furrowed in concentration as she tried to smooth away imperfections only visible to her eyes.

She reached towards his collar and brought it down, a smile on her lips, those lips he had dreamed of for so long. The lips that had been so kind; gentle and soft words pushing past them as she spoke to him. Her hands then ran across the top of his shoulders, smoothing out his shirt before taking a step back. Already Bucky missed her closeness, her warmth. His eyes followed as she walked towards his bed and reached for his jacket. She brought it close to her chest, smiling again as she felt the softness of it on her skin.

Stepping behind him, he let his arms into the sleeves of the jacket, feeling as she brought it up to help him into it.

“There,” she whispered as she stepped in front of him again. “You really do look so handsome, Bucky.”

He thanked his lowly lit room for not making it too obvious just the way her words affected him. If the heat he felt on his cheeks was any indicator, his cheeks must be burning red.

His gaze dropped to see the way she was letting her fingers run up and down his sleeves, leaving little trails of a darker shade of blue on the velvet. Her eyes wandered up his arms as her fingers followed their random little paths. Her gaze continuing up choosing to focus on his newly cut hair.

She reached up to his hair, fingers forgetting about the velvet for a second, before catching herself and letting her hands drop at her side.

“Your hair looks soft too,” she offered in a soft whisper.

Perhaps she had chosen to let her hands drop as he reached up to his hair, or maybe she thought she was pushing too hard, too fast on a boundary Bucky was not yet willing to break down. But he was well aware of the choices he was making tonight. Everything, from the color of his tux to the words he hoped he spoke tonight were choices he was making to get closer to her.

So, his next choice seemed only obvious.

Reaching out his own hands towards her, he saw the surprise reflected in her eyes. He softly ran her fingers across her jaw, taking in with nothing but happiness the way a sigh pushed past her lips and the way her eyes closed at his touch. As if part of a dance, her hands reached up again following Bucky’s lead. Fingers once again tracing patterns up his arms.

Slowly her touch inched upwards until her hands rested gently on his shoulders. Just as hers was going up, his dropped to her waist, softly letting his arms wrap around her just like he had been hoping to for so long. The material of her dress was also soft, enchanting him. Making his whole being feel warm.

Her scent wrapped around him as he brought her closer, and he felt his own eyes close as her arms wrapped around the back of his neck, fingers caressing the base of his neck, a place his long hair used to once hide.

Everything about tonight seemed to have led to this. This moment in time where the girl of his dreams was in his arms. Where he felt confident enough to let her know how much of a difference she had been in his life. Show her how much her kindness and warmth had helped him leave behind his troubled past. Not just by forgetting about it, but by learning from it. Her soft voice had been his guide, and now here she was. Dressed in a gown made of soft clouds and he, dressed in a soft velvet her fingers couldn’t stop from running across.

He looked into her eyes, once more. Trying to find any sign of her wanting this to stop. Desperately hoping he wouldn’t wake up only to realize this had all been a dream. But the way her fingers still ran across the base of his neck, the way he felt the goosebumps raise across his body, told him even this was too good to be a dream. His subconscious would be unable to dream up such perfection.

Somehow his room had taken up this magical aura, one that made everything seem possible, everything seem softer. He looked into her eyes, again, needing to make sure before finally closing the distance between them with a soft kiss. His lips molded to hers perfectly. Made just for hers without a doubt.

He hadn’t spoken the words he had hoped, but every ounce of what he hoped to say was poured into that kiss. That soft, tender kiss, that proved how so much more could be said in the unsaid.

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let-it-raines · 5 years

Text

Betting on the Bullseye (23/30)

Summary: Emma Swan loses a drunken bet that means she has to ask her celebrity crush - if you can call him that - to be her date to her office’s annual fundraising gala for Boston’s Children Shelter. Killian Jones is that celebrity. She expects all kinds of humiliation and for her dignity to be completely lost all because of the ridiculousness of the situation.

What she doesn’t expect is for him to say yes.What she truly doesn’t expect is to actually like the man.

Rating: Mature

A/N: I can never thank you guys enough for loving this story so much and letting me know whether by click, kudos, comment, reblog, or hiding out in your comfort zone and simply enjoying! It’s been an absolute thrill to write, and some of my favorite chapters are coming up! 💙

Found on AO3: Beginning | Current

Tag List: @nikkiemms @resident-of-storybrooke @wellhellotragic @bmbbcs4evr @onceuponaprincessworld @jennjenn615 @mayquita @captainsjedi @teamhook @skyewardolicitycloisdelena91 @artistic-writer @branlovesouat @dreadpirateemma @kmomof4 @ekr032-blog-blog @galaxyzxstark @lifeinahole27 @andiirivera @ultimiflos @hollyethecurious @thejollyroger-writer @superchocovian @cs-forlife @qualitycoffeethings @jonirobinson64 @notoriouscs

“So can you tell me again why I’m going apartment shopping with you today instead of Killian being here?”

“Because,” she begins, pulling on a jacket to fight off the early-October chill that’s really coming in this year, the temperatures dipping much lower than usual. All of September was like a blazing inferno until the calendar changed and suddenly a flip was switched for all of Boston to turn into a snow globe…just without the snow. Though, she wouldn’t be surprised if it decided to come early this year with how things are going. “Killian is meeting with the producers of his movie again so that they can do some screen tests with some other actors, so he can’t be here.”

“Okay, but, like, if he’s buying the place, shouldn’t he be here?”

“I mean, obviously Rubes,” she sighs, opening up her front door and holding it open for Ruby to walk through before she can lock it, “but he’s busy and I figured you could give me second opinions. Besides, we’ve already narrowed it down to these places anyways. He knows that he likes them. He just hasn’t physically seen them yet.”

“Well, my dear,” she begins, wrapping her arm around Emma’s shoulder as they walk toward the staircase, “I can be Killian for a day. Just don’t expect me to help you christen any of these places.”

“You know, some things that you think about, they should never be said out loud.”

“But I just love my darling Emma,” Ruby mocks, adding in what has to be the worst British accent she’s ever heard as she kisses her hair. “She’s just so damn pretty and has hair like gold. And my God, I want to marry her and let her have all of my beautiful babies so that we can be on billboards together.”

“Billboards?”

“Out of all of that, your focus was on billboards?”

She shrugs as much as she can with Ruby’s arm on her shoulder as they exit her building and walk to where her car is parked a few buildings over since she couldn’t get her usual parking spot last night. “Kind of seemed like an outdated thing. Figured you’d go with viral videos or something since we’re already so good at making those.”

“If I didn’t know you were talking about the Christmas video thing, I’d swear you were talking about a sex tape. Something to keep in mind if you ever say that out loud again.”

“You have issues.”

“Ooh,” Ruby gasps, moving her arm, “you two could be in Vogue. There we go. That’s where you and all of your pretty, pretty babies can have your pictures taken.”

She snickers underneath her breath, words escaping her for how to even respond to that as they load up into her bug. She is one hundred percent not ready to seriously think about babies right now, but she can indulge in the thought when Ruby is messing with her. She and Killian have casually talked about kids before, but it’s never been anything definite. They just know what they need to know for when their lives come to that point…sometime in the future. Right now they’re simply trying to find somewhere to live.

Plus, if she thinks about giving birth too much she really freaks out. Some shit goes down.

Sometimes literally.

Nope. No. not thinking about that.

“Whatever you say,” she laughs as she sits down in her seat and closes her car door, “but I can pretty much guarantee that you won’t be seeing my face on any billboards.”

“Eh, I could always rent one out myself. Anything is possible when you don’t care about wasting money and going into loads of debt just to mess with your friends.”

-/-

“Damn,” Ruby whistles as Emma trails her fingers along the marble countertop, tracing the gray line that moves throughout the island to break up the monotony of the white. “This is fancy. You’ve even got a view of the water out this window.”

“That would be all Killian’s preference,” she admits, walking away from the kitchen and through the living room to stand next to the open windows that look out onto the water, the docks filled with boats. “His house is on the beach, you know? And he likes to be near the water. I figure he should have at least that.”

“I mean, it’s not like the rest of this place is too shabby.”

“I know, I know. It’s just – ”

“What?”

“It’s so modern, and neither of us are very modern people, house wise. I mean, I’ve never really had the option to do anything other than thrift store ‘oh that’s kind of a cute chair,’ but I do like the traditional stuff. I think the clean lines kind of throw me off. It’s like it’s not lived in.”

“Well, it’s not. It’s new. Didn’t the realtor lady say that when she was showing us around? What was her name again?”

“Dorothy.”

“Like in the Wizard of Oz?”

“Yep,” she sighs, turning back around to go explore the kitchen now that they have free range of the place with Dorothy standing outside very obviously faking talking to someone else so that Emma thinks there’s another buyer. Sometimes she wonders if real estate agents know just how transparent they are. Not that she would ever tell Elsa that. She’s not about to mess things up there, and she’s sure that Elsa is fantastic at her job. Well, she knows she is. Elsa set them up with Dorothy’s agency and helped them find some of these places when they were in California last month. It’s like she’s sucking up even though literally no one can hear her thoughts. “She’s really sweet, but she kind of makes me nervous if only because I think I’m disappointing her whenever I don’t like a place.”

“Well, in all fairness, you probably are. She doesn’t get paid until you pay the big bucks.”

“True,” she admits before opening up the cabinets, checking their depth as if she knows how much space kitchen appliances take up when she owns the bare minimum. “She was flirting with you, you know?”

“Oh, I know,” Ruby agrees, her voice rising in pitch. “That’s why I felt so bad that I couldn’t remember her name.”

“Did her beauty just make you forget everything?” she teases, leaning back to smile at Ruby who’s got her bottom lip between her teeth while her fingers tap across the countertop. “Oh my God,” she gasps, closing the cabinet a little too loudly, “you like her.”

“Possibly,” she huffs, rolling her eyes before she hops up on the counter, legs swinging and heels clicking against the cabinets. She sits on counters a lot, and the white will likely get scuffed. That’s probably something to keep in mind. Apartment shopping is so damn overwhelming when you have to think about things like your friend’s heels scuffing the counters or Brody spitting up on the carpet when Mary Margaret brings him over. And literally a million other things. “I mean, I’ve spent about forty-five minutes with the woman as she shows you apartments in Boston I’d never dare step into on my own, but yeah, I don’t know. I felt a spark.”

“Did you actually just use the word spark to describe it?”

“Yes, don’t judge me. So this place is a no go?”

She nods her head, looking around one last time. “This place is a no go.”

Despite the fact that she and Killian mapped out every one of these places online before requesting a showing, she goes through seven of them hating nearly every one. One of the apartments literally had a bathtub next to a window that could be seen by anyone walking by on the sidewalk, and a home they walked into honestly made it feel like she was on some kind of old Naval boat. Seriously, there were a million different levels that were not shown online and the staircases made her feel claustrophobic. They keep striking out on things, and it’s starting to get a little disheartening.

There’s about a ninety percent chance Ruby is going to have a date after today, though, so at least one good thing has come out of this, especially because she knows that Ruby hasn’t dated much since she and Victor broke up, just a few nights out with people she’s met online that have not turned into anything.

At least those people weren’t murderers. Dorothy doesn’t seem like the murdering type, but you never know.

Such a fun thing to think about.

“So are you familiar with the area?” Dorothy asks as she lets them into another apartment, their last one on the list before they drive to Back Bay to look at a house that Killian likes that’s next to the river. The pictures online looked nice, but she wasn’t completely sold on how close the bedroom window was to a public park. At least it’s not like the bathtub thing.

The risk of murderers being Tinder dates and peeping Toms looking into bedroom windows is not one she’s willing to joke around about.

Her mind is a wonderful place to live sometimes. It’s too bad there’s no real estate there.

No. Wait. That’s weird. She’s really got to stop looking at listings. She might be going a bit mad.

“I’ve been around here to eat a few times,” she admits, walking inside and immediately noticing the floor-to-ceiling windows that she loved online, the view of the harbor in this apartment even prettier in person as miles of water stretch out before her, “but I’ve never looked at the apartments over here. This is gorgeous.”

“Isn’t it? The views are great, and you’ve got to see it at night when all of the lights are turned on. You’ve got a great patio out there with a firepit that’s great for a date or hosting company or even just a quiet night in. You’d also have room for a small garden or something if you wanted to bring a little life in. I think the people who live below here have a nice little vegetable garden.”

“Yeah,” she sighs, walking past the living space to look through the kitchen. It’s modern, but it’s got these wood and copper accents that she really likes that make it feel a little more homey. Killian will love the counter space too. And the appliances. He’s got a thing about the appliances. He’s got a preference about a lot of things, but she doesn’t blame him. She does too. Just not about her appliances. “How many bedrooms is this one again?”

“It’s two technically, but there’s a spare sitting room that can easily be used as a guest or a nursery. I’ve seen that a lot lately.”

“Ems, I think Dorothy might be John Mulaney’s realtor,” Ruby whispers in her ear, and Emma has to stifle her laugh at the reference.

“She also said a guest room.”

“Well, if it’s going to be a guest room, I need to see it for when I come to visit.”

“You live twenty minutes from here.”

“Details.”

She continues to walk around the apartment, snapping a few pictures and sending them to Killian like she’s been doing all day so he can see things a little more clearly. She wishes that he were here, but work is work and no matter where they’re living, they’re always going to miss some things. It just won’t be everything. It’ll be better. Besides, he’ll be able to look on another day because this definitely isn’t a decision she should be making on her own when this is going to be their place.

Damn, that’s still a weird thing to think about after a month of knowing that this is real and that this is happening.

After their initial conversations and telling their families about everything, the excitement of the move and over moving in together wore down a bit so they could seriously think about the practicality of it all. There were a few times where she felt like her heart was actually in her throat while they were talking, but that never lasted long. She loves him, she wants to be with him, and she’s ready to make this step that should be a giant leap but kind of feels like she’s simply walking up to the Nolans’ house, like it’s natural.

That’s terrifying.

It’s also exhilarating.

They’re good, she and Killian. They fit. She knows that they do, and she’s not going to question the good things she has going.

Okay, she’s not going to question them anymore. She’s already done that, and she doesn’t need to continue to do that. She loves him, and this is going to work. They’re going to have a place that is theirs. There’s not going to be as much traveling or as many plane rides. She’s no longer going to need to worry about always having her neck pillow or about time changes when Killian’s at home and not working. She’s not going to get a ticket for speeding to the airport because she’s running late for a flight, and when she wakes up in the morning, there’s going to be the man she loves next to her.

And he’s not going to have to leave.

That’s the best part.

He gets to stay.

She’s so glad that he gets to stay.

Her phone rings in her hand, and she smiles to herself at the face that pops up. “Speak of the Devil,” she sighs as she answers the phone, holding it up to her ear and walking down the hallway to the master bedroom for some privacy.

“Now, Swan, I know I’m devilishly handsome and that you get to benefit from that, but I don’t think that makes me the Devil.”

She hums into the phone as she twists the knob and walks in. The furniture in here is very obviously staged, but she likes it, the bed sprawling out in the middle of the room with a fireplace in front of it and more large windows looking out into the harbor that have blinds attached. She’d bet those are blackout, and if they’re installed already, that means they come with the property. Elsa told her that. There’s some technical term for it, but she can’t remember.

“It just does, babe. Are you on your lunch break?”

“Yeah, I’m about to go grab a sandwich or something from the cafeteria.”

“You sound like a kid at school.”

“I promise you I’m not. It’s been a solid fifteen years since I was in school getting a sandwich from the cafeteria. What apartment are you looking at now?”

“The Seaport District one. Um, I think it’s on Pier Avenue or something. I can’t remember even though we literally got here twenty minutes ago.”

“Oh, I like that one,” he mumbles into the phone while a horn beeps behind him. Is he walking in front of a car? It’s probably a golf cart. There are a million golf carts at the studio. “There’s a view of the water no matter which room you’re in.”

“Yeah, I think you’d like this one even more in person. There’s a lot of room too, and it’s not too modern. I feel like the only options in this town is everything having not been updated for fifty years or it’s like it’s trying to be in the space age.”

“Yeah, I noticed that too. What about the master bathroom and the closet?”

“Um,” she hums, walking away from the window and heading to the door that she assumes is the bathroom, “let me check now. You want to switch the facetime so you can see?”

“That’d be some smart thinking there, Swan.”

“Yeah whatever,” she sighs as she rolls her eyes, hitting the button to facetime him and waiting to for Killian’s face to pop up. When it does, it’s a slightly blurry version of him until she can clearly see his eyes under the baseball cap. “Well hello there, KJ.”

“Hello, darling,” he smiles, waving at her until he drops his phone, the device nearly tumbling to the ground before he catches it. Or she thinks he catches it because they’re still connected instead of the phone shattering. How the hell is he so clumsy sometimes? “Bloody hell, I was almost run over by a golf cart and nearly destroyed my phone. It’s rough having to look at your face.”

“Asshole.”

“Indeed,” he admits, moving his brows across his covered forehead and winking at her. “Now show me this bathroom, love. I need to see if all of your toothbrush accessories will fit in there.”

She groans, throwing her head back even as her lips curl into a smile while she walks into the bathroom, the light blue cabinets adding in a little color to the white marble that covers the countertops and the walls. It’s got the copper accents from the kitchen over both of the sinks, and she makes sure to show it to Killian so that he can see that there is indeed space for her toothbrush and all of its replacement heads. And toothpaste. She can also have toothpaste.

Dental hygiene and all.

Maybe she can have an entire drawer for her floss.

No, that’d be ridiculous. She’ll just share with Killian.

“See, there’s plenty of room.”

“It’s smaller than my house here.”

“Well, it’s an apartment in a crowded city. It’s not going to be like your house. I’ve still got an actual house to look at later today, but it’s smaller too. I really like this place though. I haven’t been too much of a fan of everything else.”

“Yeah, I’d seen a couple of your texts. Is the shower a good size?”

“It is,” she tells him, opening up the door before closing it and walking to the other end of the room for the closet. “And this is the closet. Is it big enough for your clothes and your ego?”

“The clothes, yes. The ego, not so much.”

“Well, I think you’d have to buy the building for that.”

“That is not happening. I guess you’ll just have to stuff it in there.”

“That’s what she said.”

“Well okay Michael Scott,” Killian laughs, his face crinkling with his laugher as he continues to move, the light fading as he enters a building. God, she loves when he smiles like that, and she loves when he’s smiling like that because of her. It’s such a little thing, but she loves when he’s happy.

And being happy isn’t a little thing. It’s a really big thing actually.

She’s glad that she makes him happy. Hopefully indefinitely.

If eighteen-year-old Emma could hear twenty-eight-year old Emma’s thoughts, she would be entirely convinced that they aren’t the same person. But they are. There’s just been some development. Some really damn good development that she’s proud of.

“I saw an opportunity, and I took it.”

“Indeed you did. I like the place, Swan. I mean, we’ll have to look again when I come into town on Wednesday, okay? Just jot down your top three places, and we’ll arrange it with Dorothy to see them. I’ve got to go. I’m going to eat with some of the kids who came in to possibly play my child.”

“Those poor, poor children.”

“Goodbye, Emma,” he sighs, smiling at her. His smile should not be that bright through a screen It just shouldn’t. He’s turning her into a cheesy mess. Mac and cheese would probably be good for dinner. “I love you.”

“I love you, KJ. I’ll keep texting you updates.”

“Thanks, love. Talk to you later.”

“Ems,” Ruby yells, sliding into the closet and nearly tumbling into her, “guess who has a date tomorrow night.”

“You?” she smiles, sliding her phone into her back pocket and stepping back so that Ruby has some room to freak out.

“Yes me. Obviously me. Can we go shopping after this? I’ve looked at apartments with you all day, so this is literally the least you can do for me.”

“Well excuse me, but I’m pretty sure that the only reason you even have a date is because of me.”

“Eh, that’s debatable. We could have met another way. Like, while running or something.”

“How many people do you meet while running?”

“You would be surprised. I’ve got a fantastic ass. It brings all of the peeps to the yard.”

“You don’t have a yard.”

“It was a thinly veiled reference,” Ruby mumbles under her breath as her finger points to count a shelf that Emma thinks is for shoes. Or possibly folded pants and shirts. She’s not entirely sure. It could be for all of it. “When we go shopping, we have to buy you some shoes. Yours aren’t going to fill this shelf.”

“I’m not spending money I don’t have on shoes just so I can fill that shelf. That’s ridiculous. I’m supposed to be saving, especially because I’m still negotiating the raise at work. I think they’re going to agree to it, but I don’t know yet.”

“Ugh, so economical. Why deny shoes when you finally have a way to display them that’s not having them scattered on the floor?”

“Money. You can buy me shoes for my birthday, okay? I have this pair of boots that I have my eye on. Or you can buy me dishes or something. I probably need some of those.”

Ruby literally groans before she starts walking out of the closet, Emma close on her heels. “You are not allowed to turn boring like Marg and David just because you’re getting all homey.”

“If Mary Margaret and David heard you called them boring, they would be the first people to try to prove you wrong by going out, drinking one beer, and then asking if they could go home before nine.”

“In all fairness, sitting on your ass on the couch is a pretty great way to spend a night. This bathroom is fantastic,” Ruby suddenly states, the change in conversation almost causing whiplash. “The lighting is giving me clear skin.”

“I think that’s just because you have clear skin.”

“But I never knew that until right at this moment.”

She snorts, actually snorts, as she walks over to the window that’s at the opposite end of the bathroom. She’s not quite over the view of the ocean from up here, and she wonders how long she’ll have to live here to get used to it.

Oh.

Oh wow.

This is definitely the place. She’s thinking about seriously living here. She can see herself here. She can see them here. She can see a future here.

This is going to be her home.

This is going to be their home.

“So do you like this place, Ems?” Ruby asks as she checks her eyebrow for stray hairs under the vanity lights.

“Yeah,” she admits, looking back out over the ocean, “I love it.”

They look at the house in Back Bay after that, but honestly, Emma knows that the apartment is the one. It really is. She knows the Killian will love it too, and she tells Dorothy that when she sets up another viewing of it for Wednesday when Killian will be back. She really hopes that Ruby’s date goes well because if it doesn’t, that might be the slightest bit awkward. But she thinks it will, and it’s nice to see Ruby excited as they drive the short distance over to Copley so that they can find something for her to wear. It doesn’t take nearly as long as Emma expected, especially with how Ruby can be, and they’re out of there within an hour once Ruby finds a red dress that she most definitely won’t wear with a jacket even though it’ll be cold tomorrow night.

She really might be turning into Mary Margaret, but she doesn’t want Ruby to get frostbite. That probably won’t happen but still. She’ll try to at least get Ruby to wear a coat for a little bit of time.

It’s likely impossible.

After dropping Ruby off at her apartment, she drives home, pulling into her usual parking space and hurrying inside the building so that she can change into her pajamas and fix herself something to eat. She still kind of wants mac and cheese, but since she doesn’t have any, she makes herself a grilled cheese sandwich and some tomato soup (the classics are classics for a reason) to eat in front of the TV. It’s a Friday night sitting on her ass on the couch, and she’s glad for it. Her life has been so hectic lately, and it’s kind of nice for a bit of calm.

Her phone buzzes next to her, and she reaches over to pick it up at the same time that some cheese falls out of the sandwich and onto her chin. She really is so graceful all of the time.

Liam: Do you want me to mail these pictures to you? Or are you going to pick them up when you’re here?

Emma: Can you mail them? I want to get frames for them and have them as soon as possible.

Liam: I’ll put them in the mail on the way to work tomorrow.

Emma: Thank you! You’re my second favorite Jones brother!

Liam: I’m both flattered and offended.

Emma: As you should be. Give Elsa and Aiden all of my love!

She’d called Liam last week and asked if he had any old family photos of he and Killian together or of the two of them with their mom. It’s a really small thing, but she wanted to give Killian a little piece of home in his new one. He’s really insistent that most everything at his house stay the same so that they always have that option for when he’s working there or for when they’re visiting his family and friends, so she imagines that he won’t be packing up many of the picture frames that are scattered throughout his house. The least she can do is ask Liam to go through the few albums of pictures she knows that he has to see if there are any pictures that she can get for Killian.

If they’re going to be living together, it’s going to be a home for the both of them. That’s how it works. She doesn’t have a lot of childhood photos, but Killian does – and they should most definitely be displayed. Liam sent her some pictures (of the pictures, which is obviously the simplest form of inception) of the ones he’s sending her, and there’s this one where Killian is apparently six and has his shirt off with a blue popsicle melted down his chest and his lips tinted the same blue. He’s got this toothy grin on his face, and his mom is sitting behind him in the grass of whatever park they’re in. She’s beautiful, and even through the blurry picture, Emma can see just how happy she is to be spending the day with her sons.

She looks a lot like Killian. They have the same eyes, and like always, her heart breaks for him to have lost someone who was so damn important to him. She wishes that she could have met his mom, but as she knows, it’s not possible. She can honor her memory though, even if it’s the smallest of things.

For the briefest of moments she thinks of her parents. She thinks of the stories she made up of them over the years. She used to want to meet them, to know if her thoughts about whether or not one of them had blonde hair like hers or if they had her eyes. She used to want to know where she got her height from or maybe if her dad had a sweet tooth like her. She wanted to know everything about them. Mostly, though, she wanted to know why they gave her up, why she wasn’t good enough for them.

She’s old enough now, been through enough, to know that it wasn’t about her. They were probably young and irresponsible and couldn’t provide for her. Or maybe they weren’t. Maybe they didn’t want kids. Maybe they weren’t young, maybe they weren’t irresponsible, and maybe life simply hadn’t worked out for them to keep her.

Maybe. Maybe. Maybe.

She doesn’t know. She’ll never know. All she knows is that they didn’t keep her. They didn’t keep her, and it’s not her fault. She still struggles with that sometimes, with the fact that she knows that it isn’t her fault. Because she does know, but that doesn’t keep there from being nights where she doesn’t still feel abandoned and lost. That’ll likely always stay with her, but she’s learned to live with it.

She thinks she’s learned to overcome it.

She’s got this life that she’s built with family that she’s found along the way, and she’s proud of herself and the light that she lets herself live with. Sometimes she uses humor as a defense mechanism, but most of the time, she likes to laugh. She likes to have that light in her life that she missed for so long.

She likes to have a metaphorical blue popsicle melting on her because she was having too much of a good time to eat it all before it melted.

She loves that on the nights where the light fades away, the darkness encompassing her more than usual, she has someone right beside her who understands her in a way that no one else does.

And she loves that she gets to do the same for him, letting him tell stories of love and loss no matter how late into the night it takes.

It doesn’t matter. She’s got the time.

#betting on the bullseye #captain swan fic #cs ff #cs fic

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