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mrsriddles-blog · 5 months

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Nightmare | M.R

Pairing: Slytherin Fem Reader X Mattheo Riddle

WC: 3.5K

Warnings/Notes: Mild Language, Violence, Implied Smut, Angst, etc.

Summary: Mattheo has developed an infatuation with you, the schools notorious badass.

Now I lay me down to sleep

I pray the Lord my soul to keep

If I shall die before I ‘wake

I pray the Lord my soul to take

No one truly understood how Mattheo Riddle—the playboy of the school who suddenly wasn’t playing around anymore—was infatuated with Y/n Y/l/n. She was a girl that not many people wanted to mess around with. She had no problem calling people out on their bullshit, nor did she have a problem being honest—brutally honest.

She had the mouth of a sailor and she was as crude as the guys at the school. She hardly put up with any girls just because she didn’t want anything to do with drama. However, her best girl friend is Pansy Parkinson. When the two were together, everyone knew to steer clear. The two were batshit crazy and was ready to cause havoc.

“Hey babes.” Pansy said, playing with Enzo’s hair.

Everyone sat around the tree as usual as you arrived with a cigarette hanging out of your mouth. You had a new display of bruises on your face, your knuckles bruised and battered. Mattheo eyed you with eyes that Tom teased him about being dreamy looking.

“Hey babe.” You say, taking a seat and leaning back.

“Nasty bruise there.” She teases.

“Granger doesn’t know when enough is enough.” You chuckle, pushing your hair out of your eyes.

I, I keep a record of the wreckage of my life

I gotta recognize the weapon in my mind

They talk shit, but I love it every time

And I realize

I’ve tasted blood and it is sweet

I’ve had the rug pulled beneath my feet

I’ve trusted lies and trusted men

Broke down and put myself back together again

Stared in the mirror and punched it to shatters

Collected the pieces and picked out a dagger

I’ve pinched my skin in between my two fingers

And wished I could cut some parts off with some scissors

“Oi! Y/l/n!” Harry exclaims, striding towards you.

You take another puff out of your cigarette, looking up at him unamused as you blow out the puff of smoke in his general direction. He steps back, looking disgusted before focusing back on you. You smile lazily at him.

“What ever do you want, Potter?” You ask sarcastically.

“I want to know why you beat up Hermione.” He demands.

“Well she started it. I ended it.” You say.

“I want a real answer.” He snaps.

You had just walked into the bathroom, opening one of the windows to try and sneak in a quick smoke real quick. Hermione walks in and scoffs when she sees you. You look at her blankly.

“C’mon, give me a smile, Y/l/n.” She mocks, giving you a nasty onceover.

“I don’t owe you a goodman thing. Turn around and leave me alone.” You snap, taking another puff from your cigarette.

“I didn’t think you were a coward. Last I heard, you got into fights and won them. Scared to lose?” She asks.

“How about you shut your mouth before you see where running it gets you.” You suggest, putting out the cigarette and throwing it out the window.

“I told you, Potter. She started it. Maybe you should tell your little bitch to watch who she runs her mouth to next time. I gave her a warning. But, she kept pushing. She was quite determined she’d win the fight. Called me a coward. You should've seen the way she cowardly hid in the corner of the bathroom to get away.” You say, scoffing out a laugh at the memory.

“Come on, little lady, give us a smile.”

No, I ain’t got nothin’ to smile about

I got no one to smile for, I waited a while for

A moment to say I don’t owe you a goddamn thing

“God, you are pathetic. What? You can’t find happiness in your screwed up homelife and among your friends, that you have to hurt other people?” He asks.

“I don’t hurt people without reason. And you know nothing about me.” You spat.

He stared at you a moment, before turning and striding away. He didn’t want to push anymore than he had as he didn’t want to be your next victim.

You watch him with narrowed eyes and a clenched jaw. You resisted the urge to hex him or worse, curse him. You looked like a daydream to everyone, but really you were a nightmare.

No one truly knew where the change came. You were sweet and innocent once. They wished they could blame your friend group, but you were friends with them before. You came back from summer holidays your third year with a whole different personality. Little did they know, your parents were murdered by a rich wizard who got away with it.

Everything changed for the worst, or maybe the best for some.

Voldemort sought you out after hearing the news from his twin sons. He took you in and began to teach you his ways. You became a Deatheater just like your parents and all your friends. You have became the reason everyone was far more confident that they were going to win the war too. You were calculated, yet when needed you were merciless.

I, I keep the record of the wreckage of my life

I gotta recognize the weapon in my mind

They talk shit, but I love it every time

And I realize

I’m no sweet dream, but I’m a hell of a night

That I’m no sweet dream, but I am a hell of a night

“Y/n/n, I’m delighted you are here for the holidays.” Voldemort says, standing to greet you with a hug.

“Thank you for having me, my lord.” You murmur.

“Of course. Why don’t you go get settled in? Dinner will be done around six.” He says.

“Of course.” You murmur.

Mattheo and Tom waited in the doorway for you. You walked towards them, before pausing as the hairs on your neck stood up. You felt your stomach flip uncomfortably.

“Y/n/n?” Mattheo questions.

“Someone is here. Someone who shouldn’t be here.” You murmur, striding past them as you pull your wand free.

You followed your gut and headed to the basement. You heard Tom and Mattheo behind you as Bellatrix’s cackling from upstairs could be heard. You hear Hermione scream, but you keep going when you see a familiar brunette boy and ginger-head boy.

“Potter! Weasley! What the hell are you doing here?” You snap, pointing your wand at them.

Mattheo and Tom follow in suit, Mattheo distracted as he watched you with awe. Tom rolled his eyes at his brother who was obsessed with you.

“Y/l/n? You are a part of this too?” Harry asks in disbelief.

“Of course she is. She hangs with those snakes too. Not to mention she is a snake herself.” Ron spats.

“What is happening to Hermione?” Harry asks.

“What she deserves for breaking in. What you two will soon face as well. You get a first-hand experience of a snake bite. You get to see how venomous we truly are.” You say, smiling sweetly at the two.

No, I won’t smile, but I’ll show you my teeth

And I’ma let you speak if you just let me breathe

I’ve been polite, but won’t be caught dead

Lettin’ a man tell me what I should do in my bed

Keep my exes in check in my basement

‘Cause kindness is weakness, or worse, you’re complacent

I could play nice or I could be a bully

I’m tired and angry, but somebody should be

Harry eyes you warily, looking between you three. He knew the odds, but he also wasn’t one to go down without a fight. He reached for his wand , but it was to late as you hit him with Cruciatus Curse.

“What are you doing!?” Ron cries, dropping to his knees as he tried to get Harry’s attention.

“Protecting my family.” You spat.

“They are just using you.” Ron says, shaking his head.

“Imperio.” You say, watching him curiously.

“Mattheo, lets grab Potter.” Tom says.

“Ron, keep quiet. Give me your wand and Harry’s wand and follow me.” You say.

Ron hands both wands over as he follows you upstairs. Hermione was tied to a chair now, your eyes falling on the word carved into her arm. Tom and Mattheo struggle to lay an unconscious Harry on the ground.

“Is he dead?” Voldmort questions.

“No, my lord. He is unconscious. I used the Cruciatus Curse on him. I used the Imperius Curse on Ron. They were both in the basement.” You explain.

“Well done, child. The rest are on their way. They should be here any minute.” He says.

You nod, turning to help Tom and Mattheo with tying up Harry in a chair as you hear quiet chatter heading towards the dining room. You tell Ron to sit and you easily tie him up as your friends and their parents enter.

“We had our lovely trio break in, and what for…I don’t know just yet.” Voldemort announces, motioning everyone to take a seat.

You take a seat next to Mattheo, your hands shaky with nerves. He grabs your hand under the table, squeezing it out of comfort. You squeeze back, especially as scarlet red eyes focus on you.

“Question the boy.” He orders.

“Ron, why did you guys break in?” You ask, trying not to show your nerves.

“H-Horcruxes.” He stutters out, trying to fight your hold on him.

“Ron! Fight it! You're stronger than this!” Hermione cries.

“Zip it! Or we might have to repeat what happened a few minutes ago, mudblood.” Bellatrix spats, glaring at Hermione.

“Are you delusional? You three are always up to something, but walking into the snakes den? You truly are arrogant fools.” Tom spats, shaking his head.

“Mattheo, Tom, Y/n/n, you are dismissed. You’ve all proved your worthiness today. Why don’t you two assist Y/n/n with what she might need for the spell she has been working on?” Voldemort suggests.

The three of you stand, leaving the room before Hermione says your name. You stop in the doorway before turning to look back at her.

“Why? Why do this? Why are you on their side? What happened to you? We use to be friends. What changed? Why did you come back somebody else our third year?” She asks, tears in her eyes.

“That Y/n is dead, Granger. She isn’t coming back. She died the day my parents were murdered by a rich wizard. Yet, the Ministry of Magic defended him and let him walk free—a mudblood. He should be rotting in Azkaban.” You spat, your eyes narrowing on her.

This was the first time most of your friends knew of what happened to your parents. They assumed they died, but they didn’t ever pry.

“Come on, little lady, give us a smile”

No, I ain’t got nothin’ to smile about

I got no one to smile for, I waited a while for

A moment to say I don’t owe you a goddamn thing

I, I keep a record of the wreckage of my life

I gotta recognize the weapon in my mind

They talk shit, but I love it every time

And I realize

I, I keep a record of the wreckage of my life

I gotta recognize the weapon in my mind

They talk shit, but I love it every time

And I realize

“Matty, can I steal one of your jumpers?” You ask, walking into his room.

“Yeah, here.” He says, handing you the one he had been wearing earlier today.

“Thank you.” You say, smiling at him before pulling it on.

He has definitely imagined you in his clothes. He was beyond obsessed. He practically watched your every move when he was in your presence. He imagined a lot of things. He imagined what it would be like to hold you…to kiss you…to see you in his clothes…to see you without clothes. To say the least, he had a very imaginative imagination.

“Are you busy right now?” He asks.

“No. I just wrapped up the loose ends to that spell for your father. So, I should have a lot of free time on my hands now.” You say, sitting at the end of his bed.

“Let’s watch a film then.” He suggests.

“Not some horror flick though.” You plead.

“No, no, not a horror flick. Why don’t you pick?” He suggests.

You smile, shrugging as you nod. He pats the spot behind him and you crawl up the bed before plopping beside him. He scoots closer to you nonchalantly as he hands you the remote to his TV. You pick a romance movie, hoping he doesn’t make fun of you.

Half an hour passes, and Mattheo had gotten pretty invested in the movie. However, that was until you had moved so you were laying down beside him. Now, he found himself watching you when you got drawn in by the movie. He didn’t think it was this fair to look so good in his bed, but you looked like a Goddess in his eyes.

“Y/n/n.” He murmurs, leaning over you a bit, looking down at you.

Your eyes flicker to his, seeing how close he really was to you. Your lips part in surprise, his eyes flickering to them. You look at his lips, watching them move closer and closer. You close your eyes, his lips dancing with yours.

You move a hand to his, pushing his head closer to yours as he straddles you, deepening the kiss. You both never thought a kiss could be so perfect and magical.

“Y/n.” He whispers against your lips, his eyes still closed.

“Matty, I need you.” You whisper, looking up at him with flushed cheeks.

“Shit…are you sure about this baby?” He asks.

“More than sure.” You whisper.

“Draco, come.” Voldemort says.

You hold Mattheo’s hand tighter, praying Draco comes to you all. It was a relief as he walked over to the Deatheaters side. You’ve noticed he was a little torn between what side he wanted to be on.

“Y/n, now.” Voldemort says, turning to you.

Harry Potter was officially dead. You confirmed it. Now, it was time for the big unveiling of Voldemort’s human form, and not his form that represents where things had gone wrong. It was time for him to be the form of utmost perfection. You found yourself wondering if he’ll look like Tom. Tom does happen to resemble his father a lot from some pictures you’ve seen.

You take in a breath, squeezing Mattheo’s hand before letting it go. You step forward, closing your eyes as you let your arms go out. You hear startled and surprised gasps from everyone around as you begin to float up off the ground.

Mattheo watched just as everyone else was surprised as a green light emitted from you before becoming so bright and engulfing you. He looks back at you after the light explodes and he sees that you're dressed in a black cloak, but he sees the dark green bodice underneath it. Your eyes open and he stumbles back when he sees your eyes are green.

Someone like me can be a real nightmare, completely aware

But I’d rather be a real nightmare than die unaware, yeah

Someone like me can be a real nightmare, completely aware

But I’m glad to be a real nightmare, so save me your prayers

You lift a hand, muttering incoherently before a green tendril reaches out towards Voldemort. It wraps around him, covering him before it slowly washes away as you lower yourself to the ground. You watch, hoping to the gods above that you didn’t just embarrass him. He’d kill you and you knew that.

Your lips part in surprise as you see the man who stood there now. He stood about 6”3 tall, he was lanky yet muscular. His face was sculpted, electric blue eyes instead of scarlet red ones. He had dark brunette hair that was neatly styled and he wore a white button up shirt with black dress pants.

“Your dad is hot.” You mumble and Mattheo pinches you, pouting at you.

“Hey, your mine.” He grumbles.

“I was just noting the obvious.” You mumble.

Voldemort smirks, slowly looking around the crowd. He looks at you and winks before turning to address the other side. You look at Mattheo with wide eyes and parted lips.

“He’s so hot. I really expected he would look like how he had. Like our Tom, now. Not that you're not hot Tom, because you are, like, really hot. But, it seems like even though he hasn’t been his natural self in a long while…he still matured.” You mumble.

“Uhh…thanks I guess.” Tom mumbles.

“You are my bloody girlfriend. Please stop saying my dad is hot.” Mattheo grumbles.

“I’m trying! I’m sorry! I love you.” You say.

“Right.” He grumbles.

You hug him tightly and pout when he doesn’t hug you back. You stand on your tippy toes, your lips brushing against his ear.

“How about I show you how much I love you tonight? I’ve got this new pair of lingerie that I bought because I was thinking of you.” You whisper.

“Deal.” He rasps, kissing your neck before letting you go.

You turn to face Voldemort again. The other side has kneeled and are vowing their loyalty to him. He has them one by one approach him as he gives them the Deatheater mark. Your eyes find Althea, a first year who was looking at you with tears in her eyes. She runs to you, Voldemort watching with curiosity. Your own eyes well, not expecting her to be here.

“When did you get here? I thought I lost you.” You ask, kneeling in front of you as you grab her face in your hands.

“The Ministry of Magic had me at some secure location. They were going to use me as leverage against you when the time come. They had a prophecy that showed who you become. But, you all destroyed the Ministry of Magic. I escaped, “transferred” to Hogwarts in hopes that you’d be here. And you are.” She says, tears falling down her cheeks.

“Oh babes, I am so, so happy you're safe and here. I’ve looked for you, but I honestly thought…I thought they killed you. I couldn’t feel you.” You say, tears falling down your own cheeks.

“They used a spell so you couldn’t feel me. They wanted you to think I was dead…but I’m here. I’m here now.” She whispers, hugging you tightly.

You hug her back tightly, burying your face in her neck as you try to get a grip on your emotions. You lean back, gently wiping her tears away before wiping your own and you smile at her softly.

“Who is this?” Voldemort asks, stopping behind Althea.

You stand, putting an arm around your sister’s shoulder. You look at him and smile slightly.

“This is my sister, Althea. I thought she died…but I guess the Ministry of Magic has had her hidden all along. They had some prophecy about me so they were going to use her as leverage against me. But, because of what you’ve done for us and you’ve taken down the Ministry of Magic…she escaped. Thank you, my lord.” You say.

“Y/n/n…it’s time you called me father or dad. I’ve considered you a daughter for awhile…especially after all you’ve done for our family…and now you and Mattheo are in love…I simply think it’s time for you to stop calling me ‘my lord’ or ‘Voldemort’ and called me dad or something. Althea…I am Tom Marvolo Riddle.” He says, putting a hand out for her to shake.

She takes his hand, shaking it as Tom mumbles something about his name being the same as his fathers. Voldemort takes a knee in front of Althea and smiles at her.

“What should I call you?” She asks.

“Dad…call me dad.” He mumbles.

You smile slightly, realizing that he had a connection to your little sister. You knew he looked at her like a daughter as well. But, this was different. You knew these two were going to have a special bond. You look over at Tom and Mattheo to see them watching with small smiles.

I, I keep a record of the wreckage of my life

I gotta recognize the weapon in my mind

They talk shit, but I love it ever time

And I realize

I, I keep a record of the wreckage of my life

I gotta recognize the weapon in my mind

They talk shit, but I love it every time

And I realize

I’m no sweet dream, but I’m a hell of a night

That I’m no sweet dream, but I’m a hell of a night.

#harry potter universe #hp fandom #masterlist #slytherin #slytherin x reader #mattheo riddle x reader #mattheo riddle #mattheoxreader #mattheo x you #mattheo x y/n #mattheo riddle imagine #mattheo riddle fanfic #fluff #angst #oneshot #song fic #fanfic #Spotify

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satellite-evans · 1 year

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Chris Evans loving on his pregnant wife for 20 minutes straight

Pairing: Chris Evans x reader

Summary: a fan made a video about your husband not being able to keep himself from talking about you and your unborn child at all times.

Word count: 2k

Warnings: Fluff. Like y’all know you can’t expect anything else from me at this point

A/N: I would like to say before y'all come to me and say 'my omg you copied @astranva how could you' I didn't. Nova herself is cool with it and I'm just sick of you guys always putting us against each other. We are both fluff writers for the same white dude. Similarities are going to happen. So please, don't attack me, and don't full nova's inbox with bullshit. Thank you. <3

English is not my first language, so I apologize if I made any (grammar) mistakes. Feedback, requests, talks, vents, recommendations or just simple questions are always welcome.

Happy reading xxx

I do NOT give permission for my work to be translated or reposted on here or any other site.

Chris Evans is a well-known name in Hollywood. Not only for his looks, his iconic role as Captain America, and his famous left boob grab, but the way he kept talking about you in all his interviews.

There was no denying that he was obsessed with you and even more since you carried his child. This obsession was even noticed by fans that they couldn't help but make a video about their favorite Marvel star.

Chris Evans loving on his pregnant wife for 20 minutes straight.

The trending internet video started with a clip of Chris in his famous white suit standing in front of the cameras at the knives out the premiere.

While everyone was screaming at him and trying to get his attention, his eyes were only locked on you, mesmerized by your beauty and making sure you were okay, that the baby was fine.

"Hey Chris, how are you? Good to see you." The voice of the extratv journalist was heard while she was shaking his hand.

"What was it like to be a part of it and work with the cast?" Her first question came immediately after the introduction and made Chris think for a few seconds.

" Uh, I-It was uh, very humbling, y'know a-a lot very talented people who've had uh very long career in this industry so, a lot to learn."

Just when the interviewer was going to shoot him with another question, Chris showed he was clearly not done with his answer.

"Also, also I would like to say that it meant a lot to my wife, Y/N, too." He pointed towards you, where you were standing next to his publicist, trying not to take his thunder away tonight with your very pregnant belly.

"Oh yeah, Y/N is also here tonight! Let's let her join in this interview too!"

Chris then waved the woman off "No, that's okay. She doesn't like this type of thing and I want to respect that. But yeah, she is the reason I accepted this-the job. She is, y'know- my wife is very into detective work and solving crimes so when the opportunity came I just-I had to take it to make her happy."

The next clip showed Chris yet with another interviewer, but this time he was sitting in front of her with Ana de Armas next to him.

"So first, I wanted to say congratulations to Chris. You and your wife are expecting a baby."

In an instant, a smile grew on his face, and he got excited since the conversation was his favorite topic.

"That's right, yeah." He said, with a smirk on his face and his pink in his mouth.

"So how does that feel, becoming a dad after waiting all those years?"

He answered the question with such ease, " It is exciting, but also intimidating, in a way." He started, "Just like you said the need- I wanted to have a family for so long, you think I would've mentally prepared myself, but it is nothing like that. You're scared, you're nervous, you-you constantly thinking if you're going to be a great dad, y'know? All these questions come up and make you more anxious than you already are but, thankfully I have Y/N, she-"

"Omg, she is amazing," Ana interrupted him.

Chris nodded immediately, agreeing with her statement.

"So amazing. I mean, honestly, without her, I think I would be lost. She is the best wife, the best friend, and I know she is going to be the best mother for our child. I-I don't know what I would do without her."

"That's so cute. I'm so happy for you, Chris."

The next clip was him in Massachusetts, on a set of Defending Jacob posing in front of the cameras with a bunch of fans.

"Man, when are you growing your hair back, we loved it in infinity war!" A man said while recording the encounters between Chris and his fans. He smiled and looked towards the guy who said: " I'm sorry but, the wife doesn't like it, so it's not gonna happen. Whatever she wants."

With that, he waved at the fans for the last time before going back to his trailer. He almost missed the guy's response:

"Never thought Captain America was gonna be pussy-whipped!"

Without turning back, Chris shouted back to him : "Why are you saying like it's a bad thing!"

Another video was added of him at the tonight show starring Jimmy Fallon.

"Did you-where you sad when you had to do the end-last scene?" Jimmy asked him after they started talking about the success of Avengers Endgame.

"Yeah, it was very emotional. I mean, it's emotional. These movies are a huge part of your life. And so, when they come to an end, it really it has an impact. But thankfully, I had my wife by my side who supported me throughout everything and, y'know, was there when I needed that extra emotional support."

"Speaking of your wife, Y/N, congratulations buddy she is pregnant!"

The whole crowd started cheering and clapping, Including Jimmy himself, and Chris could only smile and nod, showing how proud he was.

"Yeah, she is. We're expecting a child together, which sounds so odd when I say it because my dream I had for years finally became a reality."

The whole audience was awed, making Chris swoon.

"I am so happy for you pal, I truly am. So how far along is she?"

He looked in the air, thinking and making sure he was giving the right answers.

"She is- tomorrow she will be 7 months pregnant, yeah. Again, I couldn't be more excited about the whole thing. She is incredible. I mean literally, words don't even describe how much she means to me. I love her so much and can't wait to meet our baby."

"That's incredible news, buddy."

The final clip of the video was a self-recorded video Chris made to wish one of his fans a happy birthday.

"Hey Josh, it's me, Chris Evans. So your friends told me you turned 21, and I just wanted to say, have a happy birthday buddy. You're finally at the age that you can drink, at least legally, so go out and have a drink and enjoy it with your friends as much as you can. I would've joined you guys, but y'know, the missus is pregnant and we don't want her to scream at us like a street cat, do we?"

The video also caught you screaming from behind.

"Hey, I heard that!"

"I was just joking honey, all good here!" Chris screamed back. " She just proved my point," he whispered "anyway, happy birthday buddy, thank you for all the love, and enjoy your day. I've gotta show some love to my wife. Don't want her to get too mad at me. See you later, pal."

The video was so loved that it got 10 million in just one day and received many comments from fans:

user1: plsss the way he looks at her, he's down BAD

user2: when is someone going to talk about me the way Chris is talking about his pregnant wife?? WHEN???

user3: I love how he randomly brings up y/n during any conversation lmao

user4: NOT THE STREET CAT LMAOOO

The video got so much love that it even caught the attention of the man himself, Chris Evans.

#cevans #chris evans #chris evans fic #chris evans fanfiction #chris evans x reader #chris evans imagine #chris evans fic rec #chris evans fluff #chris evans fanfic #chris evans x fem!reader #dad!chris evans #fluff #chris evans x you #evansedit #chris evans x wife!reader #chris evans x female reader

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sexhaver · 2 months

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me n bailey marathoned the first season of this show over the last few days. some thoughts:

Alan Cumming, specifically his accent and wardrobe, are by far the highlights of this show. i sincerely hope someone has made an edit compiling all of his outfits without any of the actual gameplay, because he is consistently serving cunt

like just look at this

that being said i did keep seeing him as Fegan Floop from Spy Kids

oh right there's an actual game/competition component to this

im just gonna get this out of the way: the entire premise of the show is fundamentally flawed. they keep trying to make it sound like the three Traitors in the group are "backstabbing" and "working against" the Faithful (non-Traitors), but, like, everyone on the show (Traitor or Faithful) is competing for the exact same prize pool. it's not like The Mole (or any other social deduction game), where the secret evil team actually has different goals diametrically opposed to those of the good team and has to complete them without having anyone notice. here, the evil team just... votes on someone to "murder" every night. that's it.

to emphasize this point: the literal only thing that can ever give you away as a Traitor is being bad at lying/concealing guilt. there are ZERO gameplay differences between the goals of a Traitor and the goals of a Faithful, which means the arguments over who to vote for banishing are based entirely on "gut feelings"

nobody on the show has ever played a social deduction game before. late into the season, there's a day where all 3 Traitors are alive and it's down to 6 people total (so 3v3). anyone who has played Mafia/Werewolf/ToS/etc knows what this means: barring bullshit last-minute rules from the producers, it is quite literally impossible for the Traitors to lose, because none of them can be voted up. it takes 4 out of 6 votes to exile someone, and there are only 3 Faithful left. if no Traitor votes for another Traitor, then it is, again, literally impossible for a Traitor to be exiled. furthermore, if they all coordinate their votes on one Faithful, all they have to do is convince one of the remaining two Faithfuls to vote with them, and they instantly win $180k (split three ways). and hey, wouldn't you know it, one of the Faithfuls (Kate) was already really suspicious, and another one of the Faithfuls (Quentin) said out loud multiple times that he was voting for her!

so what do you think the Traitors did?

god this part pissed me off so much im having to pause for breathe while typing this. okay. so.

two of the Traitors voted for the third Traitor, who got voted off.

after being voted off, youre supposed to walk up to the Circle of Truth and reveal if you were a Traitor or not. the guy who got eliminated (Christian) was entirely too nice and gracious about it. me n bailey discussed this and came to the conclusion that we would either a) out the other Traitors on the stand and explain, using game theory and math, exactly how fucking stupid they are, completely ruining the game for them, or b) pretend to cry a little while walking up to the Circle of Truth but as soon as you walk behind the first other Traitor's chair you flip it over backwards and elbow drop their nose into their face while screaming "YOU STOLE $60K FROM ME YOU SON OF A BITCH"

also the guy who got eliminated (Christian) was very clearly autistic and Every Single Reason the other traitors gave for not liking him was like straight out of the DSM V diagnostic criteria ("he talks too loud and laughs weird", "he's got way too much energy all the time", "his emotional responses don't make sense")

apparently there's a season 2 but i cannot bring myself to watch it after seeing Christian thrown to the lions (ayyy Sunday school reference)

also at one point a Faithful has to leave because of COVID (this was filmed in 2020) so the producers don't let the Traitors murder anyone that night for balance reasons, but to compensate, they tell them they can like. write down three names that will be publicly revealed to everyone the next morning, and then one of those people dies the next night. so obviously this is mostly a nerf for the Traitors because they miss a night of killing someone, but the intention was clearly to give the Traitors an opportunity to sow confusion by putting one or two of their OWN names onto the list to make them seem like Faithfuls. and they even had an extra objective during that day's game where one of the three people could earn a "shield" to protect them that night, so if a Traitor was on the list, they could basically "steal" the shield from the other 2 (since they obviously weren't getting killed no matter what). but i think the Traitors heard "write down three names" and "kill" and had all the blood rush to their respective dicks because they just wrote three Faithfuls lmao. deeply unserious show

#the traitors

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happy74827 · 2 months

Text

Prisoner of Love

[S6! Mike Ross x Female!Reader]

Synopsis: Making the effort to explain himself, Mike certainly has a lot on his plate, including breaks, not just from jail.

WC: 3205

Category: Slight Angst, Slight Fluff

This was an intrusive thought that I just wrote up last night… so, enjoy! (thanks for your wonderful feedback @yoursacredqueenmother)

『••✎••』

“Mike?”

You were in utter shock to see your friend Mike standing in front of you. Your best friend, the one person who always seemed to be there for you no matter what had turned out to be not only a complete fraud but also now a criminal. You were in such a state of disbelief that you hadn't realized you were standing there, looking at him, with your mouth agape and eyes wide.

After you said his name, you didn't know what else to say. Mike stood there with his hands on the door frame, not wanting to take one step forward and risk coming inside your apartment. He looked nervous, his head darting all over, trying to avoid eye contact with you. His breathing was quick and short as if he had just run a marathon, and his lips were pressed into a fine line, which meant that he was thinking of something to say.

Mike was arrested, he was in jail for two years because of a plea deal, and now here he was, standing in front of you only weeks later like it was any other day.

The silence was killing you. Mike still wouldn't make eye contact, and you were starting to feel the anger boil up inside of you. You felt betrayed. You had spent almost four years working at Pearson-Hardman with him and Rachel, and you considered yourself friends with him and his “on a break” girlfriend, so this came as a huge shock to you. You never saw him as a fraud, never would have suspected it in a million years, but here he was—a liar, a con artist, and now a fugitive.

Mike finally looked up at you, and the first thing he noticed was the tears forming in your eyes. Seeing you cry hurt him, but not as much as the words that came out of your mouth.

"Go away."

His eyes gave away the fact that he clearly was expecting this, but that didn't mean it hurt any less. The blue turned a dark gray, the way they always did when he was upset, and his eyes fell back down to the floor.

"Look, I— I’m not here to make excuses. I know that I just… Don’t you even care to know why I’m here? What happened to me?" He asked, finally finding the strength to keep eye contact.

"Could be more bullshit," you said, folding your arms across your chest and leaning against the door. You didn’t want to admit that you did want to know what happened to him. You were concerned; of course, you were. That was part of the reason you were so upset with him. Even after all that he put you through, the worry for him was still there.

"Can I at least explain myself?" Mike asked, and you rolled your eyes at his question.

"You already did, Mike. Well, everyone except me, apparently. You, Rachel, Harvey, Jessica, Louis. All of you knew about this, but I didn't. And why is that?"

"I told you I didn't want you to get involved," Mike replied. “You don’t deserve to go down for my mistakes. It was selfish of me to do that, I know that, but I thought I was protecting you."

"Yeah, well, you just stabbed me in the back instead," you said.

"Can I come inside? I only have so much time before—"

"Oh, so you’re protecting me again?" You asked, not waiting for an answer. "By breaking out of prison and coming to my place. I don't even want to think about what would happen to me if someone found out I'm hiding a fugitive!"

"I’m not—” Mike took a second to compose himself and start again. He couldn’t blame you for being so mad, not after everything he did. "I didn’t break out. I got released… sort of. It’s a bit messy, but to sum it up, I’ve got six hours with an ankle monitor."

"Then why are you here? Why not with Harvey?" You asked. "Or Rachel? I'm sure she’d be glad to see you, and she's better equipped to handle this."

"’Cause we need to talk. Now, can you let me inside, please? I’m feeling a little exposed out here," he said, his hand motioning towards the outside hallway.

Jokes. Of course, he would use jokes at a time like this.

“… Fine. You have an hour, tops. Then you have to leave," you said, taking a step back to let him inside.

Mike wasted no time stepping into your apartment, and as soon as you shut the door, his hands were on your shoulders, and he was pulling you into him. Your eyes went wide, and you had no idea what was going on. It was only when you felt his wet cheek against your own that you realized he was crying.

"I missed you," Mike said. “So so much."

It was like your brain went on autopilot, and suddenly, your arms were around him, and you were squeezing him tight. It was like nothing had changed. It was like no time had passed since you had last seen him, and it was so overwhelming that it had brought tears back to your eyes.

"I missed you too," you said, your voice quiet and barely above a whisper.

Mike pulled away from the hug but still had his hands on your shoulders. He was smiling at you, and his eyes were no longer that dark gray they were before but back to that bright blue.

"I’m sorry I never got to explain why I did what I did," Mike started, his voice a little shaky. "I wanted to tell you, I really did, but I couldn't. I didn’t want to put you in that position."

"But you were able to tell Rachel, Donna, and even Louis?" You asked.

"To be fair, Rachel figured it out on her own, and Donna knew from the moment I started working at Pearson-Hardman."

"What about Louis?"

"That was a whole different thing," Mike said, chuckling a bit. "He was a bit… theatrical, to say the least."

"But that still doesn't explain why you were able to tell them but not me."

At this, he looked away from you, his head turning and looking out the window. The night sky was beautiful, the way the full moon shone, and how the city lights made everything glow, including his face. The reflection of the moon against his skin made his eyes stand out, and the streetlights made him look like he was glowing.

"I knew you would understand," he finally said. "You would be the one person to listen to me and actually give me a chance, and I was afraid of that. If I had told you, I would've been afraid of what would've happened, and I would've probably ended up convincing myself to leave."

"Leave and do the right thing," you said.

"Maybe. But it doesn't matter. I'm here now, and we're talking," he said, the corners of his mouth turning up into a small smile. “I’m making up for it now."

"Yeah, yeah," you said, rolling your eyes. You couldn't help but smile as well.

"But, there's one other reason why I didn't tell you. And it's not because I didn't trust you, because I trust you more than anyone. It's just that I— I—" Mike stopped himself, taking a moment to figure out his words. His eyes were looking everywhere, but at you, and the more he avoided your gaze, the more concerned you became. "I just, I wanted to protect you. Because I—"

Before he could finish, a knock came from the door. Mike looked at the clock, and the time read 2:04 AM. Who would be visiting at this time? You didn't have to wonder long as Mike's watch started to beep, and the knock became a more forceful bang.

"Mike, let's go!" Someone yelled from the other side of the door. A very familiar voice, too.

"Who is that?" You asked.

Mike ignored your question, instead walking towards the door. His hand was on the knob, and he took a deep breath, preparing himself.

The door flew open as soon as he opened it, and a very angry Harvey Specter stood on the other side.

"Where the hell have you been?" He asked.

"Calm down, Harvey. I was with her," Mike said, motioning towards you. "We were catching up."

"Catching up? Mike, do you not care about getting out of this mess or not? I told you I had a plan, but if you go running off on your own, it's not gonna work."

"Oh, is this another one of your great plans? The ones I get left out of?" You asked, moving past Mike and standing between him and Harvey.

Mike practically face-palmed himself when he heard you speak up. This was definitely not the way he planned things to go. Just as he finally was on the path of making things right, things went downhill once again.

"I would be happy to explain the details of the plan to you if someone," he glanced over at Mike, who looked down at his feet, "cared to follow it. Now, can we get going? The car and Cahill are waiting."

"Five minutes, Harvey.”

"Mike,” Harvey said, his tone showing how frustrated he was becoming.

"Five. Minutes."

Another minute was wasted with the two men staring each other down, and the air was filled with tension. It was a stare-off, and neither seemed like they were going to back down. You stood there, watching and wondering whether you should make an escape or not, but were too intrigued to move.

Harvey broke the silence with a sigh, his head dropping.

"Fine. But if you aren’t downstairs in five minutes, I'm dragging your ass down whether you like it or not."

And with that, Harvey turned around and walked away with that sense of confidence he always seemed to have. You watched him until he turned the corner, and when you turned back, Mike was smiling.

"What are you smiling about? Your best friend is still mad at you," you said. It came out more sarcastically than you had hoped, but you didn't really care at this point.

“Are you? Still mad, I mean," he asked, ignoring your snarky remark. “It seems like you aren’t."

"I am. I still feel hurt, but I can't stay mad at you. You know how much I suck at staying mad at people," you said.

"It’s a problem, yeah."

"Hey!" You exclaimed, hitting him on the shoulder.

"Well, it is. You have a tendency to let people walk all over you and forgive them for the shitty things they do. Which, might I add, is not always the right thing to do."

"So, I shouldn’t forgive you? Logic isn’t really logicking, Michael," you said, raising an eyebrow and smirking.

"It is, and that’s not a real word," Mike laughed. “Besides, Michael? When did that start happening?”

"You’re the one with the photographic memory. Shouldn’t you know?"

Now you were both laughing. Like the good old days, the two of you would sit in his office or at his apartment, cracking jokes and laughing about the most ridiculous things: movies, TV shows, music, whatever.

You missed this. You missed him.

"I have to go," Mike said, the smile not leaving his face.

"Yeah," you said, the same sad smile on your lips. “Hey, is uh… is prison any fun?"

"Why, you wanna come visit?" Mike asked, chuckling a bit. You could tell he was faking his laugh, though. He was putting up a front, trying to seem like everything was okay when it clearly wasn’t.

"No, I mean… You’re okay, right? Harvey’s been talking about this Gallo guy, and it seems pretty bad," you said.

"I’m okay. I’ll be okay," Mike said, placing his hands on your shoulders. You couldn't help but notice how cold his hands were, and he couldn't help but notice the sadness in your eyes.

"Don’t look at me like that," he said.

"Like what?"

"Like that. The thing that you do when you know that something bad is going to happen," Mike said.

"You can't know that for sure," you said, your eyes not meeting his.

"But I do. Look at me."

You lifted your head, and his eyes bore into yours. It was almost as if he was trying to look straight into your soul.

"I will be fine. I promise. As long as you're not mad at me," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Can you do that for me?"

"Of course, Mike," you said, staring into his blue eyes. They were brighter than ever despite the situation.

Mike's hand reached up to cup your cheek, and at first, you thought he was just wiping away a tear, but he didn’t move. He just kept his hand there, and his gaze never left yours.

"Mike..."

He was staring at your lips, and his eyes had a look in them you had never seen before. It was almost like a hunger, a longing for something.

"Yeah?" He asked, his voice just as quiet.

"What are you doing?"

Mike moved his head closer to yours, and the distance between you was getting shorter.

"Mike," you said again, and he finally looked back into your eyes. The longing look was still there, but this time it was more prominent, and there was a slight fear. “What about Rachel?"

Mike's thumb stroked your cheek, and he let out a long breath, closing his eyes.

"She knows."

"Wha—"

But you couldn't finish because, in a split second, Mike's lips were on yours. His kiss was soft, and his hands were pulling you in closer. Your arms found their way around his neck, and one hand ran through his hair, which was much shorter than before. It didn’t take long for him to part his lips and allow your tongue to meet his.

Your heart was racing, and the butterflies in your stomach were going crazy. This wasn’t like any of the other kisses you had before, not like the quick, rushed kisses you shared with your ex or the ones that felt like dead weight against your lips.

This kiss was perfect. A well-crafted masterpiece that was made to make you feel loved. You didn’t realize just how badly you needed a kiss like this. You didn't know that was what was missing, but now that you had it, you realized how empty you were without it.

And when the two of you finally pulled apart, Mike was smiling. It was a big, genuine smile that lit up his face and made his eyes bright. It was a look that could light up a dark room.

"Rachel and I talked a lot while I was inside, and we decided that... that she deserved better. I couldn’t give her the life that she deserved. She was still stuck with me, even when I was away. We were both miserable, and it was time to put an end to it," he said, and a sad smile made its way onto his face.

"So…”

"She's okay. Really. She also knows about how much you mean to me, and she's okay with this."

"Really?" You asked, raising an eyebrow.

"She also told me a wonderful piece of information about how you apparently love me."

"You did not just—"

"I did, and now we have to talk about that."

"Nope," you said, popping the 'p.' "You have a prison to go to and a plan to complete. So, get going. You've already wasted enough time."

"Aw, but I love talking about how much you like me," he said, a teasing smile on his face.

"Out."

Mike's smile widened, and he gave you one last quick kiss.

"Okay. I'm going."

Mike took a few steps towards the door, but then turned back to look at you. He didn't say anything, but instead just stared. He didn't have that hungry look in his eyes anymore, but a more content look.

Like he was taking in the last few moments he would have with you. A picture in his mind to cherish, and to remember you by.

"Mike?"

He took a deep breath, and looked at the floor, preparing himself for the next few moments.

"I don’t regret anything. And, if I had a chance to go back and do things differently, I wouldn’t change a single thing. Except maybe not getting caught," Mike said, his laugh coming out dry. "But, besides that, I don't regret any of it. Everything that happened, the people I've met, and the things I've done. The only thing I regret is not telling you sooner… about my feelings. How much I care for you. But, I want you to know that, I would do everything a million times over. If I knew that, in the end, it would lead me here, to this moment, with you, I would do it.”

He paused, and took another breath. It was clear he was struggling with his words, and the way he was looking at the ground showed that he was trying his best not to cry.

"I just wanted to tell you all of this before I go because I don’t know what will happen next. When I see you next, you know? I'm I just— I needed you to know, and I hope that, wherever I end up, and whatever happens, I’m glad we worked things out. At least, a little bit.”

You just stared. You knew Mike could feel your eyes on him, and that he probably didn’t like the silence, but you couldn’t bring yourself to say anything. Instead, you just took in everything that was him.

He was standing in the doorway, his hands in his pockets. He looked so casual, despite the fact that he was about to go off to prison… well, not at that moment— but soon. It was like it was a normal day, and he was just hanging out with his friends.

His blue eyes were no longer on the floor, and instead were back on you. He gave you one last small, sad smile, before turning around and leaving the apartment.

You watched as he turned the corner and disappeared from your view. It was quiet, the only sounds were your own breathing and the sounds from the city below. You could hear the cars driving by, and the faint sound of sirens in the distance.

Everything was so different now. Everything was so strange.

Before, your world revolved around Mike. No matter what, he was always there. He was the thing that held you together and what tore you apart. And, for the past couple of months, everything had fallen apart. You were in a state of chaos, and nothing was right.

And yet, in just a matter of minutes, everything changed.

You weren’t sure if everything would work out, and you weren't sure what the future held. But, at least now, things were back to how they should be.

Or as close as they could be.

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bigball-thefrog · 4 days

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The Mighty Sand Dragon And The Maiden:Crocodile X Reader pt3

______________________________

Pt1 Pt2

The third and final part of the dragon Crocodile series. This was probably one of my favorite things to write. I hope everyone enjoys it and I'll be back again next week

Warnings/Tags:

Fluff

Mentions of blood and injuries

Mentions of cauterization

Fantasy AU

______________________________

Reader POV

It had been a year since I first fought Crocodile and I have been training hard to finally take him down. I have been thinking about our previous fights to try and think of what his weakness could be and I think I might have figured it out. It must be water! Because of his powers as the sand dragon, he can turn into sand, and water makes sand clump together and makes it harder for the sand to move around so freely like it does when the wind blows! It must be he weakness as well. So for my journey I packed my usual supplies but this time I also kept a secret bottle of water under my clothes so I could catch him off guard.

I made it to the entrance of his cave and put my bags down, gripping my sword and keeping the bottle of water strapped to my leg I walked closer. I was about to call out for him when I heard sounds of a struggle coming from inside the cave. I put away my sword and walked inside. Not too far from the entrance I saw Crocodile on the ground, bloodied and bruised, and a knight standing in front of him. I walked closer and spoke up, "What the hell are you doing?!" I shouted at the knight. He was startled with my sudden presence behind him but spoke, "Ah, young maiden. I am just slaying this dragon that has put you under his spell!" "Spell?! What spell??" "Oh, you poor thing. Everyone in town has noticed your disappearances every couple of months and everyone has noticed that you always leave in the direction of the Sand Dragons cave. So you must've been put under his evil spell and for he past year, have been forced to do his evil bidding!" "BULLSHIT!!! I'VE BEEN COMING HERE TO DEFEAT THE DRAGON MYSELF BECAUSE I WANT TO CHANGE MY OWN DESTINY OF BEING A POOR HELPLESS MAIDEN!!!" The knight was shocked at my reason for coming here. He then started laughing right in my face, "That is hilarious! See, you are clearly under the dragons spell, no maiden has the strength to defeat a dragon!~ Worry not maiden, I shall defeat the dragon and escorts you back home safely, maybe you can even reward this handsome knight by being my little bride~" The knight winked at me and held up his sword to deliver the final blow to Crocodile. Quickly taking out my sword, I got in front of him and blocked his attack. The knight looked shocked again and became frustrated, "Stand down maiden, stop defending this evil creature and let me kill it!" "No! This is my destiny and I am not going to let you take it away from me!" "This behavior is traitorous! I'll have you executed with this dragon!"

Crocodile POV:

I layed on the ground, holding my wounds as I watched the maiden take on the knight. They are a brave one for risking being a traitor to their kingdom just to kill me. Something in me felt uneasy seeing them in a serious battle this time, all the times I fought them I just did it to amuse myself, but now this was an actual battle, one that could end in their death. I didn't like the fact they could die but the pain from my own injuries prevented me from getting up and helping. But then that damm knight raised his sword and slashed them across the face, and that made me see red...

Seeing the maiden fall to the ground and crying out as they held their bleeding face gave me a burst of rage fueld adrenaline, I got up and growled. Sand surrounded me and I transformed back into my dragon form. Once the sand disappeared I roared loudly and caused the ground to shake, the knight fell and looked up at me in fear. He didn't even have time to gain his confidence back before I stood on him and crushed the lower half of his body. He screamed in pain but I didn't move, I began to use my powers to suck every last drop of moisture out of his body. His body slowly began to shrivel up, all the moisture in his body gone like rain on the dessert sand. Within a matter of seconds his body was nothing but a husk and armor, I stood over him and this time I completely crushed him, when I moved my hand there was nothing but dust, I bent down and huffed and the knight was gone...

I looked back at the maiden, still bleeding and my face softened a little and I turned to them. I transformed back to my human form and knelt down next to them, I used my hand to hold them up and wiped their little tears away with my thumb. I looked down at the injury and smirked a little, a scar right across the face, just like mine.... Hearing their soft cries of pain snapped me out of my thoughts and made me start to think of how I could help, I looked at my hook and got an idea. I brought the hook up to my face and gently began to blow fire on it to heat it up. Once it was red I looked back at the maiden, "I'm gonna help, but it's going to hurt like hell, do you promise to try and keep still while I stop the bleeding?" the maiden nodded and gripped onto my arm for support. I carefully placed the tip of the red hot hook on the cut and started to cauterize the cut. They screamed and cried more but thankfully didn't move much as I continued to stop the bleeding. I managed to stop the bleeding on her face and removed the hook. They stopped crying and was just breathing heavily now. Seeing them no longer injured I let out a sigh of exaust and collapsed next to them.

Reader POV

My eyes widened when I saw Crocodile collapse next to me, they look exhausted and were still injured as well, if he didn't receive any medical attention soon he might die. Remembering my supplies I brought I quickly ran out the cave to grab my bag. I kneeled back down next to him and got out all the medical supplies I brought. I took the water bottle out from under my clothes and used a towel to clean him, ironic that I brought this extra water to kill him and am now using it to save his life. After cleaning him I took out a needle and thread, disinfecting ointment and began stitching up what I could. He grunted, feeling the needle piercing his skin and looked up at me, "What on earth are you doing? Isn't this what you wanted? For me to die.." "Well yes but I wanted to kill you myself remember? I didn't want some stupid knight to do it... So I'm saving you know so I can kill you properly later.." He chuckled and leaned his head back to try and relax while I stitched him up. "Thank you... For rescuing me from that knight." "No problem. He had no right to injure a maiden such as yourself.." I smiled a little and spoke again, "Kind of ironic that it was the dragon that saved me and not the knight." we both chuckled and went quiet again. After patching him up he sat up again and we just stared at each other, eventually I got the courage to ask a question I've always wanted to ask, "Why is it that dragons always kidnap maidens? And they usually come back unharmed, even after days of being with the dragon, why is that?" Crocodile pondered for a second then sighed, "Truthfully, we're lonely. Creatures are scared of us in our dragon form, and in our human form we're still fear because of the wings and tail. Other dragons are assholes and we don't get along with each other.. We're usually just looking for a companion that won't leave us... That's why we go after maidens because they're usually described as kind and loving creatures..." my heart went soft and I got closer to him, "How come you haven't taken a maiden? Aren't you lonely?" He scowled, "I don't need a companion. I've learned to not let people come close to my heart..." I frowned and looked down, "How about I stay with you?" He looked at me confused and was about to say something but I cut him off, "I stay here and train to fight you and you don't have to worry about getting close to someone because you already have a heads up that we're going to fight. That way you know not to get attached and you have some company!" Crocodile looked at me still skeptical so I added in, "Also, if I go back home without the knight, I'll probably be executed so you're stuck with me." He rolled his eyes and sighed before muttering out, "fine..." I raised my hand to shake his and he gripped my hand tightly and shook it, "You have now officially been taken by the dragon, it is now your duty to set yourself free from my clutches or else you'll be mine for the rest of your life, deal?" He asked. I nodded, "Deal!"

And so started my new life with the dragon I was going to kill..

______________________________

I'll post next week and to those that have made requests I'll get you next week probably but I promise you I will write your request and post it, it just may be a week or two before I get to it. I love you all and see you next week

Kelly🐸

#one piece #one piece anime #oneshot #crocodile one piece #crocodile x reader #one piece x reader #one piece x y/n #one piece x you #op crocodile #crocodile op #one piece crocodile #sir crocodile #crocodile x you #crocodile x y/n

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spicesweet · 11 days

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rise & shine! ⁺˚⋆｡°✩₊

we often think that hatred is the opposing force to love, but in the past couple of years I've realized that those who claim that it's actually fear are right. love is the greatest conqueror of fear, while fear is what tears love apart. and one of fear's most troubling children is loneliness. fear of loneliness, specifically, is one of the biggest fears of mine, and the reason why I think it's so troubling is because it took me years to even realize I had it. and I've made some pretty troubling decisions because of this hidden fear, decisions that certainly kept me closer to other people, but pushed the most important person away in the process: myself.

do you have friends who treat you like you're a second choice? do you have friends who make excuses for your behavior, or who pick and choose which of their other friends they will introduce you to? do you have friends who only invite you to certain events, because "you don't fit all of their social life"? do you have friends who make you feel like you're embarrassing, "too much", hard to love? do you have friends who often make you feel behind or even beneath them? do you have friends who keep you at an arm's length? do you have friends who feel like they don't need to apologize when they've hurt you?

I suddenly realized a while ago that I checked almost all of these boxes, if not all of them, at one point or another. in the name of staying close to people who I loved, I let a lot of bad behavior on their part just slide by, making up excuses for them rather than making them apologize to me. I'd feel actual dread at the thought of being vulnerable around them and telling them in earnest that they had hurt me, because I knew I'd be received with subpar excuses or even worse: a complete dismissal of my feelings.

and it's a vicious cycle, one that I do hold responsiblity in: when I allow others to mistreat me, the only message they'll get is that they can mistreat me and it won't matter, they'll still get to keep a good friend around; and in turn, when I'm mistreated, I feel more and more like I'm deserving of mistreatment, which makes me allow others to mistreat me even more.

coming to this epiphany does mean cutting a lot of people off, because, unsurprisingly, people who mistreat you for whatever reason are often not thrilled to hear that you're no longer accepting this type of bullshit in your life. I gave everyone one more chance, opened up to them and spoke my truest, rawest feelings, and if they didn't correct their ways, I cut them off. from all the "friends" who I went through this process with, I think only one of them remained by my side, but the relationship is still on thin ice.

my point is, I no longer fear loneliness because I realized that my fear of loneliness was what made me lonely. when you've got friends but they mistreat you, you ARE alone, you ARE lonely. having a bunch of contacts on your phone and a lot of people who call you up to parties doesn't mean you have a lot of friends, only a lot of acquaintances. a true friend will never make you feel like you don't matter; and if they do, for whatever reason, they'll make amends without you having to beg for it.

and when I decided to change my life and put myself up first, second and third, these people started to matter less and less. I don't care anymore if I only have a handful of people that I can call my friends; I don't even care if someday I'm my only true friend.

I'm enough.

I'm my best friend, my provider, my carer, my lover, my sister, my everything.

why would I allow anybody to mistreat someone who is my everything in life?

I think you know where I'm going with this. if you relate to this story, you know what you have to do.

you have to become your everything. ₊˚⊹♡

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roses-for-readers · 7 months

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Silent Treatment Part 5 ~ Mansk x Selective Mute Reader

Silent Treatment Masterlist Masterlist

Warnings: Small part of verbal aggression, very sad part of back story (I don't know if it's canon or not, but it fits well in the story so it stays)

Synopsis: After some time passes since the group claimed their Ikrans, Mansk and the Reader have an emotional conversation.

It had been a few weeks since the Recoms had each claimed their ikrans. Spider and I had taken the lead on showing them all how to properly care for and respect the creatures. There had been a few incidents the first few days, but luckily it was nothing too extreme. It was all mostly the fact the Remcoms would make eye contact with someone else's ikran and they would get a few stratches.

At the moment, we were all outside as Quaritch came up with formations they would be using to fly as a group. Spider was sitting close to them but he didn't seem too concerned about paying much attention. Probably due to the fact he would be a rider to Quaritch like I would be with Mansk.

I was peacefully sitting with the ikrans close by to get some personal time. Finding a bit of pesce in the company of the familiar creatures compared to how some of the men had been acting recently. Though I just believe that it was how they were choosing to deal with how hard they were being pushed by their General lady.

A small sigh passes through my lips as I roll my neck slowly. Feeling some of the tension crack away from the movement. I only stop doing that when one of the ikrans let's out a quiet noise. Looking over, Mansk's ikran is tilting his head as it blinks at me. I try to remain respectful by keeping my gaze down, but he doesn't seem to like that I wasn't giving him the acknowledgement that was desired.

Moving away from the rest of the creatures, Mansk's ikran came over and curled itself around my body. Letting out a few noises, he carefully nudged my head before laying back down with his head on my lap. I smile down at the ikran before moving a hand to stroke its neck. I feel a small rumble reverberate through its body as I continue to basically pet the ikran.

This goes on for a few minutes before the other ikrans take notice and began to slowly come over as well. They all basically form a semicircle around me before casually laying back down. They occasionally nip at one another when they begin to get too close for their personal liking. But after some time, every one of them was able to find a relatively decent amount of distance between all of them beforeresting again.

I chuckle quietly as I carefully lean back to rest against Mansk's ikran. Being extra cautious so I don't put myself in a situation that could make it feel any discomfort. That also included moving my hand to rest in my lap so I was no longer petting it. The creature seems to not like that as it moves around its head underneath my arm once again. It makes a small clicking noise while gently nudging my stomach before resting on my lap once again.

"What kind of bullshit is that?" I turn my head over at the sound of Lyle's voice, expecting him to be talking about some flying method that Quaritch had drawn up. Instead, he was looking over at me with a look that seemed to be both disbelief and offense. "We almost get our eyes scratched out for looking at the wrong one, and you basically have them all curled in your lap as they take a nap."

Everyone else turns to look over when they hear Lyle's complaints. Half of them have similar reactions to Lyle, but Quaritch and Mansk seem almost impressed by the situation. Spider was the only one with a sad expression on his face, remembering the reason why they were being so kind towards me compared to the rest of the soldiers.

"Maybe it's the fact she's taken care of those creatures before? They could just feel comfortable being around her due to experience." Z-Dog tries to put in her opinion on why they could be acting the way they were. Though I could tell she was even skeptical about her own idea on what was happening.

Lyle scoffed as he waved his hand in my direction. "No, I'm calling fucking bullshit! There is no way she can be doing this without sedating them in some way. Whatever she's doing isn't natural!"

His yelling seemed to awaken all of the ikran, because they all lifted their heads up to look at Lyle. Mansk's ikran had even pushed its body up before letting out a screech. The rest followed after with their own calling, but they stayed resting on the ground for the moment. Lyle's own ikran even hissed at its rider with extreme aggression for his actions.

I quickly stood up to prevent any injuries that could occur for any of the Recoms if the behavior continued. All the creatures turned their heads as they followed my movements so they would be facing away from the soldiers, except for Mansk's. He continued to stare straight at Lyle as if he was about to attack. Moving my hand up, I gently grab hold of the side of its face before turning the creature to face me. Shushing it quietly as it let out a low growl as I rub my hand along its neck. He tried turning his head back around again, but I kept firm with my hold as I put out heads together.

He let out a soft chirp like noise before pushing against my head to move down and nuzzle my neck. A sigh of relief left my body as I looked back over to the soldiers. Most of them seemed to be in shock of the fact I got them all to calm down so easily.

"It's a Na'vi thing. They are just trying to keep (Y/n) safe from potential threats." Spider was quick to explain to the soldiers with minimum details. I give him a look of appreciation for his discretion of their behavior towards me.

"We're a threat to her? Us? The very people who tamed those things and have been training them to follow our orders?" Lyle sounded even more offended by this than he was at the beginning.

Spider shrugged as he tried to explain a little better. "It's just a behavior thing. You won't really get it, but they are trying to keep her from potentially getting hurt. That's really all there is to why they are acting like this."

Quaritch looks over at me again before letting out a sigh. "Alright, I think that's enough for today. Everyone, meet back up at the gym in an hour sharp. I am expecting you to give it your best. If one of you doesn't, you'll be running a three miles in the forest."

Everyone gave one last look to their leader before going to get ready for their training session. Spider gave me one last sad look before walking off with the Colonel into the facility.

Mansk walked over to me with Lyle and Z-Dog following close behind. They stand on the outside of the circle of creatures. I pat Mansk's ikran one last time before walking over to the small group.

Lyle glares over at his ikran as it looks back at him with its head tilted. "Traitor." The creature just let's out a quiet hiss before laying back down with the rest.

I cover my mouth to keep from laughing at him to his face. Z-Dog flat out snickered at him with a small nudge. "Even your ikran likes her more than you. And you two are bonded together for life. That must hurt, buddy boy."

I couldn't contain the small laugh at that passed my lips, causing Lyle to glare at me a little. Raising my hand up in a defensive manner, I mouth 'sorry' as I try to bite back my grin.

"It was really impressive though. How you got them all to calm down like that." Mansk was looking over at the creatures before looking back at me. I give him a bashful grin as I look down at the ground with a shrug.

"Oh look at our animal whisperer being so modest." Z-Dog teased lightly as she nudged the men on either side of her. She still has a smile on her face, but her tone becomes a bit more serious when she continues. "Come on, tell us the secret. How were you able to get them to be so obedient for you? Some kind of food or a way you touched them?"

I start to become uncomfortable with the questions she was asking. I shrugged my shoulders again as I looked back at them. Lyle seemed confused by the change in my attitude while Z-Dog looked at me in disbelief, opening her mouth again to continue pushing the topic.

"I have to grab something from my room before training. Come on, (Y/n)." Mansk spoke up suddenly, but I nodded my head immediately at the chance to get out of the conversation. I gave a small wave to the both of them before following after Mansk.

The walk to his room was quiet, but not awkward in anyway. We passed by a couple of the regular soldiers as we went, receiving a second glance from a few of them. It had only taken a few minutes to get to our destination before he opened the door for me to go in. That was a weird thing about him, he refused to let me enter or leave his room after him. I never gave much thought on why he did it and just went along with it, as he would just wait until I gave up if I didn't do it.

Figuring he was going to change his clothing or something, I moved over to the bed in order to climb onto my bunk. But Mansk stopped me after he closed the door by putting his hand on my shoulder. I looked at him, feeling nervous with the look in his eyes. It reminded me of when dad and mom would sit me down for an important talk.

He opened and closed his mouth repeatedly, seeming to try and find the right words for his thoughts. After a minute of doing this, he guided me to sit down on his bed, which caused me to feel more anxious.

With a small sigh, he looked me in the eyes as he sat beside me. "I know that something is wrong. Spider told us that the ikrans will stay close to their riders until the end. But I haven't seen yours come around here or out in the forest. I know that it would have found you by now to be with you again. You also got a really weird look on your face earlier when Z-Dog was asking her questions. (Y/n), what happened before you joined us? Why hasn't your ikran come around to find you?"

My throat tightens as I look away from him. Holding onto my thighs, I take deep breaths as I try to fight back the memories that flood through my mind. Tears sting at the corner of my eyes as I cry out, "It was all my fault."

Mansk reached over to move my face to look at him again. He appeared concerned seeing me begin to cry from the conversation. The only time I had cried while under his care was the very first night I was captured. And even that hadn't lasted more than a few minutes.

"Hey, it's alright. Just take a deep breath and start wherever you feel comfortable with. Okay?"

I nod my head as I take a few deep breaths. Blinking away some of the tears as I fight to say the words through the feeling of being nauseous. "There was a raid and I was on look out. A sky person ship appeared suddenly and I tried to fly away. But Xenra... she just... she couldn't..."

Mansk cups my cheek when I start to hyperventilate. He patiently waits for me to look back at him again with a soft expression. His voice was basically a whisper when he finally asked, "Xenra was your ikran right?" I slowly nodded my head at the question. "She died in the raid, didn't she?"

I began to sob when he had correctly guessed what had occurred. He pulled me to his chest so he could hold me. I wrapped my arms around him as I cried into his shoulder as he held onto him as tight as I could while he rubbed my back.

"It's okay. I've got you right now. It's just us so let it all out." Mansk's voice was gentle as he consoled me. Just like mom and dad had done the night the incident happened. I tried taking some deep breaths to calm down, but it only made me become even more frantic with my breathing.

"Hey, hey it's alright." Mansk pulls me back just enough so he can place his hand on my chest. "Just take a deep breath in and hold it for a few seconds, okay? Then let it out and do it a few more times. Follow how I do it."

I focus on him as be begins to do the breathing technique. The first few tries ended up with me crying harder than before. But Mansk is patient and went at my pace until only a few hiccups disrupted my newly calm demeanor.

"There you go, baby girl. Everything's alright, you just needed a minute. Just keep breathing and I will be right here with you." His voice was encouraging as he wiped away the remaining tears from my cheek. He didn't push for me to further explain anything about the situation, Mansk just sat with me as he made sure I was keeping my breathing even.

I sniffle a little as I slightly gesture with my hand near my lap, trying to help explain a little further I depth. "Eywa connects all. She feels and welcomes all in death and so animals also-"

"(Y/n), you don't need to explain it to me. The only thing I want to know is if you are okay right now. It doesn't matter if I get an explanation or not, my only concern is you being able feel alright enough before anything else happens outside this room. You got that?"

I let out a sigh as he cuts me off. Feeling an unexpected sense of security with him. Leaning into him again, I place my head on his shoulder as I hug him again. Welcoming his comfort without having to worry about judgment on his end from how I was feeling.

Mansk wraps his arms around me in return, resting a hand reluctantly on my head. "I'm right here if you need me for anything. Just let me know and I'll be right by your side, baby girl."

My brows furrow together as he repeats the phrase from earlier. I frown as I say the words back to him in a whisper, unsure on if I have the correct translation down. "Baby girl?"

He clears his throat softly as he runs his fingers across my hair. "It's just a human nickname that people use for one another. I didn't really think about it before call you that. I won't call you that in front of everyone else, or I just won't call you that if you don't want me to."

"It's fine, just different." I rub my eyes after being able to calm down for the most part. I give him a smile to express my gratitude for letting me get so emotional and clingy. He returns it with his own half grin as he places a gentle pat on my back.

He stands up as soon as he touches my forehead for a second and heads into the bathroom. The sound of running water filled the silence, leading me to believe he was about to take a shower. But it shut off just as quickly before Mansk walked back out with a damp towel in his hand. Tilting my head up by lightly gripping my chin, he began to wipe my cheeks and around my eyes.

The cloth was comfortablely warm against my skin, causing me to close my eyes with a sigh. I heard him chuckle softly as he continued to lightly drag the cloth across my face. "You really like this, don't you? I guess I can't really blame you for that though. I used to love it when my mom did the same thing for me when I was younger."

I open an eye to look at him, only to be greeted with a gentle grin on Mansk's face. He seemed so focused in the moment that it took him a minute or two before he realized that I was looking at him again. I sent him a smile of my own as I leaned further into his touch.

"Feeling all better now?" He tone had a slightly teasing edge in it, but the look in his eyes showed that he was genuinely curious about the answer. I give a soft hum in acknowledgement to his question. "Good to hear. Do you think you'll be up to going to the training room with everyone else around?"

I thought it over for a few seconds before nodding my head to show my approval for the idea. Figuring it wouldn't do much good to be left alone in the room by myself for who knows how long. Mansk gave a small nod as he grabbed the edge of one of the blankets he has on his bunk. He then carefully pressed it around on my face to dry off the water that had accumulated on my skin.

"There. Now none of them will be able to tell that you had cried." Mansk gave a small pat to my head before setting the blanket back down. Reaching over to his nightstand, he grab a water bottle and opened it before handing it to me. "You should drink a little before we get going. I have to change real fast, then we can leave to meet everyone else."

As I took the bottle from his hand, Mansk moved over to the closet to pull out a few clothes and headed into the bathroom. I took a few drinks of water as I patiently sat on his bed. Glancing at random things in the room until the door opened once again and Mansk walked back in a pair of shorts and what I had once heard Z-Dog call a tank top.

I take in the sight of how tightly the shirt fits around his upper body. I had seen him without a shirt on when we would go to sleep at night, but that wasn't a new sight for me. I had grown up with people who wore clothes the represented titles and covered enough to maintain a sense of modesty. However, seeing him in that outfit caused my stomach to churn in a way that I wasn't familiar with.

Mansk noticed my gaze, but seemed to take it a different way than my original thought process. "I know it probably looks weird for me to wear this. But it's comfortable to wear with how hot it can get in the gym. Most of the guys don't wear shirts, though you probably are used to seeing that with the Na'vi choice of clothing. No offense."

I shrug my shoulders at the comment before standing up from the bed. Looking over the outfit one more time before meeting his gaze. Locking eyes as we send each other small grins with our own meanings behind them.

Mansk reached a hand out and ruffled my hair. I swatted his hand away with a playful hiss, causing him to laugh at my reaction while raising his hands in surrender. "Alright, you win. I won't mess your little head again."

Nodding his head toward the door, he put his hands back down with a grin. He walked over and put his hand on the handle before looking back over at me. "Time to go baby girl."

Hey! I know that it took longer to post this than I had said, but some things came up unexpectedly so I didn't have as much motivation to finish this chapter than when I started. And I know it's slightly shorter than the rest of the chapters, but I wanted to give you all something. I will get to work on the next part as soon as possible for everyone. As always, have a good day and enjoy reading!

#avatar james cameron #avatar oneshot #avatar x reader #avatar the way of water #mansk x reader #recom mansk #recom mansk x reader #recombinant mansk

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avatar-anna · 1 year

Text

Better Off

Part Seven

Series Masterlist

I gave myself three days.

Three days to be sad and miserable, to cry and let myself feel truly heartbroken. To let everything I felt for Harry wash over me until I was hollow.

Not that anyone but myself knew that, of course. To everyone else, I was the exact same. Harry’s decision didn’t affect me in the slightest. To Sadie, to my brother Javi, to Maddie, to Harry himself, I was perfectly fine.

And after those three days, I was. I decided that I wasn’t actually in love with Harry, I couldn’t have been. I cared for him and Devon deeply, but I was caught up in everything that happened that day at the school. Emotions were heightened, and a feeling I foolishly identified as love took over my body. I was just thankful I never got the chance to tell Harry.

Days turned to weeks then weeks turned to months. I saw Harry, obviously. Devon and Maddie were in the same class, and they were still best friends. But I kept all contact with Harry strictly about play dates and the occasional question about upcoming events at school or homework assignments. In those first initial days, Harry tried to call, tried to text asking to talk, but I refused. My pride as well as my heart had been hurt when he told me we should stop seeing each other, and I couldn’t face him. He finally realized that when the only texts I responded to was a request for Maddie and Devon to play at his house.

Not seeing Devon as much killed me too. I don’t know what Harry told his son, nor did I really want to know, but I missed him as much as I missed Harry, and the little glimpses I saw of him after school or picking Maddie up from a play date was like a punch to the gut. I didn’t think I could care for someone so much, could love a child that wasn’t mine like he was, but most of the time I found myself worrying about Devon, hoping he was safe and happy.

The next time I saw Harry outside of pick up and drop off was purely coincidence.

Three months had gone by since I walked away from his doorstep, since he told me we should slow down so as not to give Devon the wrong idea about who I was to him.

I’d seen glimpses of Harry, of course, but I made sure to keep my head down and look the other way when I felt his gaze burning my skin. There were unsaid words in those glances, words I didn’t even want to entertain. So I didn’t.

Sadie seemed to be the only person who seemed to think my cool demeanor was bullshit. She never believed me when I told her I was fine, or that I thought my breakup with Harry was for the best, a good idea, even. But I never left much room for debate, so she kept her thoughts to herself for the most part.

Now she was insisting I go out, to not let my failed attempt at a relationship with Harry ruin my outlook on love or casual dating. She urged me to, “get back out there,” and to, “have some no-strings fun.” I was pretty sure she was testing my limits as much as actually urging me to see someone other than Harry, but I never called her out on it.

I had been able to put nights out off for the first two months, but now that it was post-Christmas and Maddie was spending the weekend with her grandparents, I didn’t have much of a choice.

After running into an old law school classmate who invited me to some fancy party, Sadie insisted that I go, for no other reason than to get dressed up for once. Since I wouldn’t have to pick Maddie up until the following afternoon, I virtually had no obligations for the weekend.

So I was going, even though I didn’t really want to. Sadie was at the house with me to get ready, and to make sure I actually went to the party tonight.

“I don’t think I have anything fancy enough for a party like this.”

My friend told me it was, “just a New Year’s get together,” but I knew it was much more than that. I knew the kind of friends he had as a corporate lawyer, and the location of said get together alone was enough proof that whatever I had in my closet was not sufficient.

“What’s this then?” Sadie asked. She’d been scavenging my closet for something to wear, not believing me when I told her that all I had were work clothes and jeans.

I looked from the small mirror where I’d been doing my makeup to where Sadie was standing by my closet, a brown mini dress on a hanger dangling from her hand. My head immediately shook as I took in the length and structured bust, thinking it was much too revealing for me. I bought it years ago, thinking I would have more nights out as a young mother. Reality hit soon after, and the dress had stayed in the closet ever since. I was pretty sure the tag was still on it.

“Sadie, no. It probably doesn’t even fit—”

“Nonsense, go try it on. We’re running out of time,” she insisted.

Sadie thrust the dress in my direction, and all the micro glitters caught in the yellow light of my bedroom. I took it from her hands, knowing it would be easier to show her it didn’t look good rather than argue with her about it. Shedding my robe, I stepped into the dress, the silk slip on the inside of the dress cool against my skin.

To my surprise, the dress fit. It was definitely short, but that was more the style than me outgrowing it. It didn’t even snag on my hips uncomfortably the way I thought it would. The only thing that made me hesitate was the way it accentuated my chest, which had never really changed back to its original size after having Maddie.

Looking down at where I was almost spilling out of the bust of the dress, I said, “I don’t know, Sadie. I think this is a fancier event. I look—”

“You look hot,” she said her eyes wide as she took me in. “Y/n, this—this is it, babe.”

“Really? You don’t think it’ll give Nathan the wrong idea?”

“And what would that be?”

I frowned. “That it’s a date.”

Rolling her eyes, Sadie came over and swiped a bottle of perfume off my dresser. When she held it out to me, I lifted my chin, then tilted it down so she could spray my neck and head. Taking my little clutch off the bed, she stuck the small bottle in it.

“Y/n. A former classmate—a successful lawyer, I might add—asked you to his company’s fancy New Year’s Eve party. If that doesn’t scream date, I don’t know what does.”

She was right, I knew she was. But no matter how many times I told myself and everyone around me that I was over Harry, the mere idea of going out with someone else made my stomach churn.

“Unless you don’t want it to be and are maybe wishing you were spending the holiday with someone else?” Sadie asked gently. When all I did was look down at the floor, she added, “It’s okay to miss him, Y/n. It’s okay to admit—”

“I’m fine,” I said, hoping my friend thought the conviction in my eyes was genuine. “Nathan’s not going to know what to do with himself when he sees me. Right?”

I could tell Sadie didn’t quite believe me when I said I was fine, but we'd known each other long enough to know when and when not to push. Smiling she said, “Absolutely.”

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The party was at a botanical garden a few miles outside of downtown, but that didn't make it any less fancy or luxurious. I almost didn’t want to hand my coat over to the coat check as I watched people wearing designer suits and dresses strut through the beautifully decorated archway, but there was a line behind me, so I shrugged it off and headed inside.

Elegant string music was playing in the garden. There were two open bars on either side of the space, dance floor taking up the middle, and dinner tables carefully placed around it. Everything was lit warmly by light bulbs hanging from above, with twinkly lights wrapped around the vines and leaves and lanterns lighting pathways throughout the garden.

Flowers were everywhere. Countless types in varying size and color decorating tables and hanging from trees and sitting in potted plants. I felt like I stepped into an alternate universe, my eyes wide as I took it all in.

“There you are!”

I startled a little. In my intense inspection of the venue, I hardly paid attention to my surroundings. Nathan was in front of me, and while I’d run into him a week ago, it was still odd to see him standing there in a suit that was tailored to perfection—a classic black suit, but with a sweater in lieu of a vest, the cuffs peaking out beneath his suit jacket.

I’d done most of my law schooling online, but the times I did have to be in person, Nathan was the person I sat with. He was kind and smart and never judged me for being a mother at my age. He helped me take notes and later became my study buddy for tests and quizzes. After a while, he’d asked me out, but I was nowhere near prepared to fit dating into my life. Maddie was just a baby and I was working to pay bills. It was one of those wrong place wrong time kind of things, and while Nathan took it well, we lost touch soon after.

Seeing him now was like going back in time. He hadn’t changed much—his dark blonde hair was still the same, except that it was a little shorter, he still sported a tiny bit of stubble around his cheeks, and his eyes were still a warm brown, like hot chocolate. His smile was genuine as he leaned in to kiss my cheek in a friendly manner, not once looking me up and down in a way that made me cringe.

“Hi,” I said, a smile of my own creeping up my face, like I couldn’t help but reciprocate.

“You look beautiful,” he breathed, then blushed, like he hadn’t meant to say that out loud. “Sorry, was that too forward?”

“Not at all,” I said, hiding a smile behind my hand. “I honestly feel a little under dressed.”

“You’re perfect,” he said. “Sorry, I did it again. Sorry.”

He was so nervous it was cute. Everything about him was cute. Nathan’s cheeks were flushed, but his eyes were still crinkled with a smile. I hadn’t wanted to come out tonight, but as he offered his arm to me, I was glad that I did this for myself.

“Y/n?”

And then the giddiness popped like a bubble.

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“So...how do you two know each other?”

Nathan, bless his heart, was either oblivious of the awkward tension at the table or wholly ignored it, trying to fill the silence with easy questions, but his most recent one was anything but.

“Our kids go to school together.”

“We dated for four months.”

If Harry’s answer affected Nathan in any way, he didn’t show it (one of the perks of being a lawyer, I supposed). But at the mention of kids, his eyes lit up.

“How is Maddie, by the way? I haven't seen her since she was just a baby!”

The same smile that always showed up at the mention of my daughter made its way onto my face. “Great! She had a Christmas recital last week, and it was so cute. Look.”

I immediately pulled my phone out of my clutch and showed him pictures and videos of Maddie dancing with the rest of her team. Nathan watched with genuine curiosity, a small smile pulling at his lips as he watched my video of her five second solo.

“Wow, I mean...you’ve clearly got a prima ballerina in the making here,” he said.

“I know, right? And, you know, I would never make her do something she doesn’t want to do. I even tried to sign her up for soccer last week, but she just wants to dance,” I said, leaning toward him subconsciously.

My eyes widened in surprise. “Yeah. You remembered?”

“Well, she clearly gets it from her mother. You used to dance, didn’t you?”

“Of course. You—”

“So, how do you two know each other?”

Harry’s voice cut through our conversation like a lance. When I looked over, he was holding his glass with a white-knuckle grip, his green eyes hard as they bored into mine.

Not only did I not expect to see Harry tonight, but I wasn’t expecting such a reaction from him, either. I thought things were fine. I missed him a lot, but apparently we both had good poker faces whenever we briefly met for play dates.

I was used to seeing him in slacks and a dress shirt for work, but what he was wearing tonight went beyond work attire. His suit was plaid, with a bow tie of the same pattern to match. His slacks were flared at the bottom, and the vest beneath his suit jacket dipped into a low U-shape to reveal a light blue dress shirt beneath. He looked devastatingly handsome, and when I’d made eye contact with him thirty minutes ago, my breath hitched in my throat.

Looking at him so intensely now brought back the same effect, to the point where Nathan had to nudge my arm. Harry smirked at that, at the idea of rendering me speechless, but I did my best to recover.

“Um...Nathan and I had a couple of classes together in law school. He—He does corporate law, though.”

For the company Harry worked at, apparently. It was the only way to explain why he was here.

Nathan began speaking, but I had a hard time focusing. My eyes fell on the slope of Harry’s neck as he turned slightly to face Nathan, though I knew he could tell I was staring. I tried to look away, but I couldn’t, I’d only seen glimpses of him the past few months, and now I was taking him in properly. He hadn't shaved in a while, stubble darkening the lower part of his face. I absolutely loved his facial hair, had made it clear to him in the moments we were alone together in his bed.

And his suit fit perfectly too. I'd come to learn that Harry had a taste for expensive, well-made clothes, and this suit was the pinnacle of his interest. The sleeves of his suit jacket hugged his shoulders, accentuating the muscles in his arms. I could only imagine what his legs looked like while he was sitting, the muscles in his thighs straining against the fabric. My toes curled as my thoughts wandered about Harry, even when my date was right next to me. It had to be that he was dressed up, it had to be, otherwise, I would’ve been able to exert a little self-control—”

Something brushed against my leg at the table.

At first I thought one of the other women sitting here was crossing their legs and I got caught up in it, but then it happened again, and that was certainly not a heel.

My eyes widened as my neck flushed hot. Harry wasn’t looking at me at all, but he tested his face in his hand as he listened to Nathan, almost like he was hiding a smile. Then a dimple flashed as the brush went higher, from my ankle to my calf, and brushing against my knee until I quickly clasped my legs together to keep his foot in place.

Only my actions jolted the table, and now everyone sitting around it was staring at me.

“You okay?” Nathan asked, his brow wrinkled with concern.

“Y—Yes. Sorry, I—I just wanted to get up and grab a drink, and I—my knee hit the table. I’m sorry, excuse me.”

Nathan offered to get a drink for me, but I declined. I needed to put some distance between myself and the table, between myself and the menace sitting across from me.

As I walked away, I called Sadie, praying she picked up. Thankfully, she did.

“He’s here!” I hissed.

“Who?” she asked, though it was hard to hear her on the other side of the call.

“Who do you think?” I replied.

“Harry? Oh shit!”

“Yes, and he’s playing fucking footsie with me under the table while my date is right next to—”

“So you are on a date.”

It was so similar to Sadie’s reply, I almost didn’t take note of it, but I could feel him behind me, the smell of his cologne invading my senses and not helping my frenzied state at all.

“Y/n? You there?”

“I have to go,” I said, before hanging up and facing Harry. With an attitude I didn’t necessarily feel, I said, “Am I not allowed to go on dates?”

Harry shrugged like he didn’t care, and I briefly wondered how much of it was an act, if he had to put up a cool in front of his friends and family too. “You are, I just think it’s rude to ogle someone who’s not your date.”

Frowning, I said, “I was not ogling.”

His brows raised as if to say, really? “Don’t lie, Y/n. It’s unbecoming.”

Before I could respond, it was my turn at the bar. “Two shots of tequila, please.”

Harry’s brows raised further, but didn’t say anything. When the bartender slid two full shots of tequila towards me, Harry reached for one, but I smacked his hand away, drinking both in quick succession before ordering a margarita with a double shot.

“You took those like a champ,” he said before ordering something himself. Before I could get my credit card out of my clutch, Harry was sliding his own across the table and motioning to the bartender that he was covering my tab.

Instead of complaining, I said, “In that case, one more shot please. Don Julio blanco.”

Harry rolled his eyes but didn’t object, flashing two fingers to let the bartender know he wanted one as well. “Cheers,” he mumbled, clinking my glass against his.

When we were done and both had our drinks, we walked back toward our table. Before we sat down, though, I stopped him. We were just out of earshot of our table, so I spoke freely.

“You broke up with me,” I said. Harry looked like he wanted to say something, but I held up a hand, my arm already feeling a little heavy from the tequila. “You broke up with me, and I respected your reasoning. Please respect me and my date.”

“Come on, Y/n, really? You’re telling me that you’d rather go home with that guy than—”

“I never said I was going home with anyone. I said he was my date,” I said, stepping away from him.

Harry clearly saw his mistake. “I know, but come on, Y/n—”

“But nothing," I said, trying my best to ignore the hitch in my voice. "And it’s none of your business either way, Harry. Just leave us be,” I said. I left him standing there, mumbling under my breath, “In love with him my ass. More like in irritation with him.”

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

The rest of the night, I did my best to avoid Harry. My heart still stung at being rejected before I even had the chance of truly opening up to someone in a way I never had before. No amount of flirting or lusting glances would change that.

So I drank. I drank and I laughed and I pretended that I wasn't fully aware of Harry's eyes on me the whole time.

Whether it was because he sensed the tension between Harry and me, or he just understood the general feeling of not wanting to be around an ex, Nathan happily avoided Harry with me. We talked and danced, catching up on the last few years. I asked him about his job and I told him about mine and all about Maddie. It was easy to forget about everything else happening around me when I got to brag about my daughter, and having Madison at the forefront of my mind kept my head clear.

Nathan was ever the gentleman, almost exactly like I remembered him from school. He was sweet and cute and kind, but anytime I caught him glancing down at my lips, I found an excuse to slip away to the bathroom for another drink. I just...wasn't attracted to him that way, though part of me wished I was. Nathan was safe. He had a steady job, he didn't have a kid enrolled in the same school as mine, he should've been the one I was attracted to, the one I wanted to kiss at midnight.

But he just wasn't.

"I think I should probably head home," I told him. It was half an hour before midnight, and I didn't want the awkwardness of rejecting any advances at the countdown tonight. "I have to be up early to pick up Maddie."

A lie, but Nathan bought it thankfully.

"Of course, I totally understand," he said, and I felt a little bad for lying to him. "Can I call you an Uber?"

"Oh no. I got it. It was great seeing you, Nathan."

Nathan smiled and leaned in to give me a hug. "I hope things work out with him," he said softly.

My whole body froze. I immediately felt bad. Clearly, he could tell that my mind was in two places tonight. "I—"

"It's fine, Y/n. I'm just glad we got to catch up. Don't be a stranger, okay?"

I left shortly after that in a daze. I didn't even know if I wanted things to work out with Harry, but Nathan clearly saw something I didn't. Even so, I was much too inebriated to think that deeply. In all honesty, I was surprised I was still walking around in my heels.

Away from the party, all the alcohol I'd consumed tonight seemed to catch up with me. I fumbled with my phone, only to drop it in the grass outside the garden where the party still continued. Muttering under my breath, I started to crouch down to look for it when a hand gently grabbed my arm.

"I got it."

I watched with bleary eyes as Harry turned the flashlight on his phone on to find mine. I was too cold and too tipsy to protest, so I let him, thanking him quietly when he handed it over.

"Need a ride?"

Harry didn't ask where Nathan was, or why I was leaving the party by myself, which I was thankful for. The sensible thing to do would've been to say no, to tell him I was fine on my own, but I just nodded quietly and let him lead me to his car.

It was painfully silent. Even drunk, I could feel it. Harry opened the door for me without a word, and kept up the silent treatment as he peeled away from the party. The quiet skittered over my skin in a way that had me shifting in the expensive leather seats of Harry's car. I couldn't handle it, couldn't suffer through the silence all the way back to my house.

"How...How's Devon?"

Perhaps it wasn't my place to ask, but it was the only thing I could think of in the moment. And I wanted to know how he'd been doing since his episode at the school. He seemed fine the few brief moments I saw him, but I tried to keep my distance out of respect for Harry's wishes.

"Okay for the most part. His grandparents want custody now, and they...they could actually pull it off."

"I'm so sorry, Harry." Hesitantly, I rested my hand over his, an offering of friendly comfort.

I was surprised Harry was so forthcoming about his situation at home, but I also knew he didn't have many people he talked to about all of this. My heart broke for him and Devon. I knew how hard Harry was working to win this custody battle, to give his son the life he deserved. Nothing about Harry and Devon's situation was fair, which made me partly understand why he asked to slow things down between us. I knew he had a lot going on in his life, I just wished I hadn't grown so attached.

"I understand why you did it, Harry. I just..."

"Me too," he said, voice clipped, like he was trying to hold all of his emotions in. Clearing his throat and putting the hand beneath mine on the steering wheel, he said, "And—And I'm sorry for ending things so abruptly. I should have—"

"Just what?" he asked.

My voice trailed off. I wasn't ready to have this conversation. I didn't know if I ever wanted to have it. Because not admitting just how deep my feelings went for him saved me a lot of embarrassment, saved me from the realization that perhaps I was the only one who felt that way. I had been prepared to open up to Harry that day three months ago, but even in my drunken state I wouldn't say the words aloud.

I shook my head, opting to look out the car window instead of answering him. I shouldn't have said anything at all.

"He misses you," Harry said quietly.

"I miss him too," I said, blinking rapidly.

My eyelids grew heavy then, about as heavy as my heart felt.

Before, the cat-and-mouse game Harry and I played was frustrating and annoying and enticing all at once. He drove me crazy, but he excited me too. There were hints of it tonight at the party, but I couldn't bring myself to play along. Not when I knew there would be no end I would be satisfied with. There were still feelings and words left unsaid, but the things Harry was dealing with were bigger than my feelings, and while that was a tough pill to swallow, I had to find a way to do it. For Devon's sake.

I rested my head against the window, the glass cool against my forehead. The road ahead was smooth enough that I was being lulled to sleep, and I didn't try to fight it. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Harry, who looked so handsome in his suit. I wondered if he knew he didn't have to carry the weight of everything he was dealing with on his own. I hoped he had someone to talk to. I hoped he would be alright.

"I just thought I was in love with you."

The words were slurred, practically jumbled together as the hum of the car's engine lulled me to sleep.

#harry styles #harry styles au #single dad!harry #single mom!reader #harry styles one shot #harry styles fic #harry styles fanfic #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles oneshot #harry styles x reader #harry styles writing #harry styles x you #harry styles blurb #harry styles angst #harry styles imagine #harry styles fluff

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southern-fried-simpin · 2 years

Text

A Little Unwell | Jerome Valeska x SA survivor!Fem!Reader

A/N: Another request from @hhh—www, I hope I actually did okay and that you like it! Also I’m sorry for some reason tumblr won’t let me tag you 😭 I, myself, have never been a victim of SA, so I apologize if this is campy or just not great. 😓

Warnings: Mention of past abuse, mention of strongly implied past s*xual assault (not by Jerome), trauma, angst, fluff

Enough time has passed, or at least you feel it’s enough, for you to not have these moments. These little episodes. You’re still not sure what to call them, you’d probably know if you were still in therapy. When you told your parents what happened, they were quick to ask all the backwards questions you had heard only on television: “What were you wearing?” “Did you fight back?” “Were you drinking?” The police asked the very same questions and you just…couldn’t wrap your head around why this was happening. They were asking the wrong. Fucking. Questions. After the ninth… no, tenth time they asked you to repeat your story, some kind of switch flipped. You suddenly just started sobbing and screaming. You tried to leave the interrogation room and when they tried to calm you down you fought them. You fought them so hard, almost as if they were your assailants.

After that, it was off to Arkham, your parents certainly couldn’t keep you, you were obviously a danger to yourself and others! What if you tried to kill your father in his sleep in some fit of psychotic rage or attacked your mother like you did those poor policemen who were just doing their jobs?! You’re honestly still not sure why they did it, if anything you thought they would keep you around since you’re their maid and personal punching bag, but you supposed they had their own bullshit reasons. Either way, you were just happy to be away from them.

Yet…sometimes you almost missed the familiarity of what was your home, late at night when it was lights out and everyone was asleep. Or supposed to be. A week or two after your arrival, the voice of a boy would speak to you from the rusty vent in the corner of the room; Always after midnight, after the halls were silent, and the footsteps of guards patrolling the floors were long gone. At first you were angry. Why did it have to be a boy?! It scared you and annoyed you at the same time. Like those stupid dreams where all you saw were hands, desperately grasping at you. However as you eventually started to talk back to it, to him, you became more comfortable. He even made you laugh a few times, it was almost enough to make you actually want to go to the recreation room during the day. And so one day, you actually did.

You had told your therapist and they were very proud of the progress you had made, but they would be making sure a guard kept an eye on you just in case. Upon walking in, there was a moment where you felt like you couldn’t do it, you were sure everyone could smell your fear as soon as you stepped through the gate and warm tears began to prick at your eyes. Then, who should you lock eyes with but a boy with coppery red hair and piercing hazel eyes. Somehow you immediately knew that was the voice that kept you company all those nights. That was Jerome. He smiled at you and you did the same as you walked to where he was sitting, seemingly on cue. The exchange vaguely reminded you of the scene in Cinderella where Prince Charming saw the titular princess across the ballroom and was suddenly unaware of all the other women at the ball. Just as he stood to properly introduce himself to you, another voice, not nearly as nice as his, bellowed from across the room.

“GREETINGS, I AM ZAARDON, THE SOUL REAPER!”

A man, short and a bit overweight, announced himself before continuing on a rant that you have trouble recalling now, not that it mattered; He dropped dead mere moments into his rant and, as if the situation couldn’t get any more bizarre, a blue fog emitted from his mouth.

Next thing you know, you’re in a mansion and apparently apart of a gang. Which has lead you to this predicament.

Taking a shower at Arkham was easy: a female guard was always there to watch you while you bathed and occasionally made small talk with you to ease the awkwardness of the situation. Some would have thought it creepy but you found it comforting. Now, however, there are no female guards. Sure, there’s Tabitha and Barbara who have been nothing but kind to you but you weren’t about to ask them to monitor you while you bathed as if you were a child in a pool.

You briefly wondered if you could just go one more night without a shower or just take one in the morning. However, as you ran your hands through your (unfortunately oily) hair, it became very clear that you couldn’t wait another night.

You turned on the water faucet and gathered your toiletries from the counter when you noticed that you forgot the body wash you had previously purchased with Theo’s money in your room. With an internal groan, you begin to trudge back to your room, and there’s Jerome walking down the hall in his pajamas. Gosh, he must’ve thought you looked terrible.

“Hey, Gorgeous, whatcha doin’ up so late?” You blushed just slightly as he stopped to talk to you.

“Would you believe I’ve been trying to get a shower?” A tired chuckle escaped your lips.

Jerome furrowed his brows.

“What do you mean trying, is the faucet broken or something?”

“No”, you swallowed a lump in your throat,” I’m just nervous to use it…is all.” You felt embarrassed all of the sudden, he knew everything about the reason you had come to Arkham, but you hadn’t really told him about how badly the ordeal had affected you.

“Oh c’mon there’s nothing to worry about, I’ll sit on the floor and talk to you if it’ll make ya feel better!”

You were about to tell him that wasn’t funny when you saw that he had pulled a small sleep mask from his pocket. Hm. Okay…you could maybe work with that.

“Swear on my life I won’t peek!” He held up his hand as if swearing in court. You smiled.

“Okay…but ”, you said wearily,”…your…”

Jerome waited a few seconds before piping up.

“What is it?”

“Well what if you’re pajamas get wet?” Jerome laughed before wrapping an arm around you.

“I’ll go grab a raincoat, in the meantime, why don’t you go ahead and get in so that you don’t have to feel weird about getting undressed with me in the room.”

And so, you did. Just as you finished conditioning your hair, you reached for your body wash and realized you had somehow managed to again forget the very thing you left the bathroom for.

A knock at the door made you jump, which led to you almost slipping and falling on your ass.

“J-Jerome?”

“Is it okay if I come in?”

You paused for a moment before replying.

“Yeah…go ahead.”

The click of the door opening and closing told you Jerome was now in the bathroom with you. You looked down at your hands absentmindedly. They were trembling, you were trembling. You took a deep breath in and exhaled slowly.

“Oh, hey!”

You gasped, and then mentally chastised yourself.

“What..?”

You turned and saw that your body wash was being held out to you by Jerome, who was in fact wearing a rain coat judging by the yellow vinyl surrounding his wrist.

“This was on the floor in the hallway, I had a hunch it might be yours,” said Jerome in an uncharacteristically quiet voice.

You smiled softly.

“Yeah, it is, thanks…”

You went back to the task at hand while Jerome chatted with you about whatever came to mind. At one point it was what colors the two of you liked best. Then it was favorite foods and animals. Then finally you were done. Jerome was kind enough to hand you your towels and was holding your pajamas when you stepped out.

True to his word, he was wearing the sleep mask and a yellow raincoat. It made you laugh as you got dressed.

“Okay, you can take the mask off!”

Jerome eagerly did so, rubbing his eyes as he stood.

“See, told ya it would be fine!” He said with a grin.

“Okay, yes, you did…” you said grinning back and laughing a bit, “thank you, by the way.”

“Hey, don’t mention it! Now come on let’s get you to bed.”

As Jerome walked you down the hall to your room, you smiled.

You both stopped at the door to your room. He shuffled almost nervously before clearing his throat.

“Well, Sweetdreams!” Jerome said hastily. Before he could get too far away though, you hugged him.

For a second, you thought you had made him uncomfortable but then he gently wrapped his arms around you. It was the first time you had hugged someone since it happened. And the fact that you had said hug with Jerome couldn’t have made you any happier.

That night, there were no desperate hands grasping and lunging at you in your dreams. There was no flashback to the event that made you feel so broken and damaged. There was just the feeling of the hug, keeping you safe, and reminding you that your going to be okay.

#gotham x reader #jerome valeska #jerome valeska x reader #tw: mention of abuse #tw:mention of sa

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nightmaree-eyess · 9 months

Text

Second in command

Arcane fanfic

Summary: jinx took over silcos crime ring when he died and you are her second in command

Word count: 1238

Tags: au, lesbian jinx, y/n, femme reader,hurt/comfort, imagine, action/adventure, angst, romance, everyone is alive, implied drugs, hallucinations, implied emotional abuse

My days are pretty boring and monotonous for being second in command for the biggest crime ring in Zaun. I wake up, make my tea, go to work, take inventory, and go home. Obviously my days aren't exactly the same but they are similar enough. Today was one of those days.

“Jinx wants to see you.”

Ugh sevika. She thinks she runs this place since she's been with the ring the longest. She thinks she deserves to run this place.

I rolled my eyes at her in response

“Look just because your girlfriend is uppity about me doesn't mean you have too.”

“Just because my head is between her legs, doesn't mean it's up her ass too.”

Sevika grimaces and I groan and walk away from taking inventory. I don't feel like dealing with her bullshit today. Or ever really.

I push the door open with my shoulder to jinx’s office. The doors are heavy and made of rusted iron. The handles are vials of shimmer. The doors creak as I enter.

“Hello y/n”

Jinx turns around to face you in her chair behind the desk.

“Hi baby, what's up?”

“Don't call me that you know I hate pet names. But can you grab my shimmer for me? My eye is fucking killing me.”

Sometimes I feel more like a monkey than her girlfriend. Just another one of her employees but with more sexual benefits.

I grab the shimmer from the table and straddle her to get a better angle. A part of me only uses that as an excuse to get closer to her.I take her chin and angle her head upwards, take the syringe, and inject her eye. Her left eye looks like a nuclear sunset with a void in the middle. She winces in pain for a moment.

“Ah fuck. That never gets easier” jinx groans

You take her face and plant a soft kiss on her forehead and she raises her hand to yours. You step backwards to put the syringe away.

“This wasn't the only reason i called you in here”

I think she wants a sexual favor from me. That's usually how this goes but she keeps talking.

“ I have a job I want you to come along and it's a pretty serious one. I wanted my assistant to come with me. Id send one of the other employees but i feel like theyd fuck this job up. And we have the power they don't.”

Finally I'm starting to feel important. Jinx usually did the negotiating while i kept things running on the inside. But I never really felt like I had the power people claimed I had as jinx’s girlfriend and assistant.

“Sounds good. But what's the job?” i questioned

“We have to go to piltover and talk to jayce talis about importing more shimmer through their harbors. Business is booming right now and we need to make bigger shipments. And I need you there just in case things go wrong.”

“Like a bodyguard? Am I getting a demotion?” i joke

“Ha. ha. Funny. You think I'm some joke? You don't think I can handle myself? You think im gonna fuck up the job like i fuck everything up right?!”

“No, I-Im sorry” i raise my hands in defeat

“Good. Because it sounded like my girlfriend and assistant were doubting my abilities. Remember who's above you y/n. I'll let you know the details later. Now get the fuck out of my office.”

—---------------------------

“Hello ladies, glad to be in your presence.” Jayce bows sarcastically

“Yeah whatever, let's just get to business.” jinx groans

I follow them into an empty alley. I thought maybe we’d be in an office or something but maybe the guy doesn't want us knowing where he resides. Jayce starts the convo

“Ok you called a meeting with me and i only have 15 minutes. So get to the point.”

“We want to import more shimmer through the harbors. Business is booming a-”

“No.”

“No? What do you mean no? This would benefit both of us in the long run and youre fucking delusional not to think so.”

“I already have the council up my ass. I can't import more shimmer without it being suspicious. The answer is no.”

Jinx pulls out her gun and points it at jayce

“We import more shimmer through your harbors or you get a bullet in the skull. Its honestly your choice”

Next thing I know there's a flash of blue illuminating the sky, the boom of a gun, and a warm feeling running down my chest. I slip into the void at peace.

—---------------------------------

I flutter my eyes open and see a distorted jinx next to me

“You're nothing to me. You're just a dog that I bet on and you're losing.” she laughs maniacally

I try to sit up but I'm paralysed. What the fuck is going on? Before I can process anything I drift away again.

—----------------------------------

I squint my eyes open. I'm in a sketchy room, on a twin sized mattress on the floor.

“Oh god, baby I'm so glad you're alive!”

You feel jinx’s warm lips against your clammy forehead

“Wha- ow fuck” you clutch your chest

“I'm so sorry baby, I'm so so sorry. I shouldn't have brought you along I jinxed it like i do everything this is all my fault im sorry”

“What are you talking about?”

“I-i accidentally shot you when jayce let off a bomb. I got startled and I shot you. Jayce died when the bomb went off but I got lucky. You… died when I shot you. I brought you to singed because i knew he could revive you…like he did me and it worked. Now you have to inject yourself with shimmer where you were injured to stay alive. I shouldn't have ever threatened jayce in the first place. This is all my fault.” she sobbed

“This… is a lot to process.” i wince in pain

“I'm so sorry. I've been cold and distant with you and you don't deserve that. Even though I keep you at arms distance, I love you. I didn't realise how much I loved you until I lost you. If I lost you…then I would have no one left. I need you in my life. You make my days brighter, you support me in ways no one else does, and I never want to take you for granted ever again. I want to love you the way you deserve, if you'll let me?”

I try my best to sit up to kiss her but I can't. Jinx fills in the space and kisses me passionately and deeply. Like if she stopped kissing me she'd lose me again. I break the kiss.

“I know. I love you too”

She climbs into bed with me. We are so close that we could almost merge into one. She pushes my sweaty strands of hair out of my face and kisses me softly on my nose and we drift off to a blissful sleep. And even though this is the most pain i've ever been in i'm the happiest i've ever been.

#jinx fanfiction #jinx x reader #jinx x y/n #arcane x reader #jinx arcane #arcane fanfic #arcane #arcane reader #arcane netflix #arcane jinx #jinx #jinxarcane

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floralifetime · 1 year

Text

Toruk Makto's Sister.

Warning: Very bad writing, some grammatical error (English is not my fist language so please be kind), mention of death, mention of bad parenting.

Previous chapter ➡️ Next chapter.

⚠️⚠️Phrase and various images are not mine, all credits to their respective owners.⚠️⚠️

Chapter n.3 Pursued by a Thanator

“Many people talk to nature and animals, not everyone is able to listen, however. It is such a pity."

The following morning, after a shared breakfast and making sure my brother was okay, I headed to the armory with my personal bow on my back and a quiver of arrows that will allow me to train for a couple of hours. Yes, I brought my bow with me, I don't use it in the army for clear reasons, but the calm and and lucidity needed to know how to use it well always helps me to clear my mind and relaxes me despite being a very tiring hobby. I am passionate about unconventional weapons, the bow and the scythe are my favourites, but knives also have a special place in my heart, throwing ones I mean.

I breathe deeply as I pull an arrow out of my quiver, position it, take aim and release the tightrope, the dart breaks the air and finds its place, in the center of the target in front of me and only then I release the breath I had been holding until now. The training went on for the two hours that I had calculated at the beginning, I must admit that archery has helped a lot, it has helped me to relax a little since I have been very excited since I opened my eyes this morning and that I don't walk, I fly for enthusiasm. At least that's what I do until I freeze in place because I see Colonel Quaritch looking around as if he's looking for someone in particular. I really hope it's not me, because anyone who considers this place only a conquest destination and has no respect for the life present here, I don't consider it worthy of my attention. I don't care who it is, maybe that's why Grace and I hit it off immediately, she hates Quaritch and Selfridge too, we feel alike. “Hey Sully!” I hear myself called by the only person present here besides me, the one I really didn't want to see, always my usual luck. I freeze in place, turning to him quickly, I see him walking with all the calm in the world in my direction, stopping only when he thinks he's gotten close enough. I don't know what's keeping me from taking at least four steps back to avoid it. “How can I help you, sir?” I ask forcing a smile, pretending a respectful tone as much as possible, I don't think I'm happy with it, the dislike I feel for him is greater than my ability to pretend. “You get straight to the point, huh? I like it, not wasting time on useless pleasantries.” he replies. “Precisely what you are doing, I think. So, what do you need?” he smiles and approaches further, this time I back away putting a little distance between the two of us, luckily he understands the hint and stops on the spot. "You're right, I apologize, Sully." I glared at him for a couple of minutes and he only spoke when I raised an impatient eyebrow. “I wanted to know where your brother is. I'm sure you've seen it, I mean, after Tommy's death you wouldn't gladly part with the other one, right?” my eyes widen, this is bullshit, using Tommy's death to get what he wants. I wonder, if he has no qualms about using such a biting and painful topic for me just to get such simple information, what is he willing to do to get something more? The possibilities are endless for someone like him and it scares me a lot.

“I don't know exactly where he is, the only thing I know for sure is that he's not here in the armory, but I think you've already figured it out since you have working eyes.” I retort trying to regain a minimum of that character that distinguishes me when it comes to my family. "I can't believe you don't know exactly where he is." he smiles mockingly while I have to do my best to repress a growl that has very little human. "What I know I've already told you, and see if you can do something productive and useful, if you need my brother, go find him by yourself." I answer. “Aw, did I hurt little Sully's feelings? I thought that sharpshooter had to be calm and concentrated to do their job well…" he turns to leave and I, unable to resist the anger I feel for him, put on my bow, nock my arrow and let it go, breaking one part of the fabric of the shirt he wears, just near his neck. He turned around slowly, his eyes wide open, I can't tell if he was scared, but he didn't expect such a thing, that's for sure. The corner of my mouth quirks in a mocking, cheeky smile as I put my bow away and shrug slightly. "I'm a sharpshooter, I don't miss the target, if I didn't hit you it means I don't want to hit you for now." "You're making a grave mistake, Sully." he growls. “Yes, like your mother when she gave birth to you.” I retort as I leave, shouldering him hard enough to force him to move a little from the position he was in.

“Grace, can I tell you something?” I ask her as I pass her the mixture she needs. "Certain." she cuts it short as she applies it. “I saw Quaritch in the armory.” Grace raises an eyebrow and glares at me out of the corner of her eye, slowing her work. "And? He's a Marine, like your brother. It is normal to see him in the armory.” “I thought so too. At least until he asked me about my brother." She interrupts her work to turn to me and look at me, she knows exactly how I feel about them since my opinion matches hers. “What did he want?” she asks suspiciously. "I don't know exactly, he wanted to know where he was." “Did you tell him?” cautious question. "Absolutely not! You know I would never feed my brother to him!" I don't even pronounce his name because he is hateful. "What did you tell him?" she asks. "That I didn't know exactly where he was." She reflects for a while. "I don't like that he wanted to know, ask your brother for an explanation." I nod. “Do you think he want something from Jakey? I don't think he just wants to ask how the journey was, he doesn't care." Grace nods in concentration. "Obviously he wants something, Quaritch is not the type to care about anything other than achieving his goals, no matter how inhuman and violent they are." her voice takes on a melancholy tone, just as her gaze is lost in memories that I cannot touch, which occurred before my arrival here. “I'd rather Quaritch just leave my brother alone, I really don't want to know Jakey with characters like that.” We are silent for a couple of minutes before I speaks again "Do you think that… Does he want to involve Jakey in his plans?" I ask. "It's possible, I hope not for you anyway. In any case we just have to wait, because at this moment we have nothing in our hands, keep an eye on your brother and ask him for explanations when you learn that he has been chatting with Quaritch. ” I sigh heavily "But Grace, Jakey is an adult, and he's stubborn…If I try to investigate too much he might get annoyed and not tell me anything." "Be discreet, then." I nod. "There's something about what I said that doesn't convince you, right?" she asks me and I deny. “It's not so much what you said, it's that it makes me anxious knowing that Quaritch is looking for my brother for reasons of his, which I don't know, and knowing the character, there can't be good reasons that push him to talk to Jakey. On the other hand, my brother is an adult and can make the decisions he wants, I can't help it, unfortunately or fortunately, it depends on the case. I trust my brother, he's all I have left, I know he wouldn't do something that would make me feel bad." I conclude. I don't trust Quaritch, I don't now and I never will, but I trust my brother.

“I don't know who gave you a gun but I doubt his intelligence, Jakey.” I smile. “Hey, aren't you glad you have your big brother to protect you?” he smiles mockingly, slightly flexing the muscles of his arms, just to show his strength. I roll my eyes and smile. “You are such an exhibitionist…” “But you love me for that too, right little sister?” he makes puppy eyes, and once I nod and shake my head, he tosses my hair affectionately.

Time X has now come and we are boarding Trudy's Samson to be transported deep into the forest of Pandora for the mission. “Well, nice to meet you guys, I'm Trudy and my job is to escort you deep into the forest and pick you up.” the pilot welcomes us from her driving seat. “Trudy, I'm so glad to see you!” I exclaim, I hadn't seen her yet because she was already up when we arrived with our Avatar bodies. Trudy turned to me and smiled. "Do you recognize me?" I asked her, curious. “You are very different, of course, but yes, I recognize you. Your gentle gaze is always the same, it is unmistakable.” I blush heavily, I'm not very used to believing compliments, even though my older brother never misses an opportunity to give them to me. "See? I'm not the only one who says you're beautiful!" Jakey teases me as I pat his shoulder lightly and playfully while the others giggle. "Anyway checks your older brother, I already asked him to deal with the weapons, makes sure he doesn't get too happy about it." this time it was my turn to laugh as Jakey pouted, I have to admit that even though he's my older brother, he's downright adorable with that frown on his face. "You look really adorable with that expression, you know that?" I ask him smiling, he quickly turns his head towards me, his eyes wide. He brings both hands to his chest, pressing them against his heart in pretended fainting. “This is really bad, little sister!” he whimpers. “You struck deep into my pride as it shattered along with my poor Marine heart!” he leans back in the seat, pretending to die, mouth open and tongue out. I burst out laughing and hugged him as best I could, Jakey stood still for a couple of seconds and then returned his hug laughing. “Jakey?” I asked just before lifting my head from his shoulder. "Yes?" she answered, gently tugging at one of my braids. “What did Quaritch want? Did he find you in the end?” he stiffens slightly before answering. "Nothing important, really. He wanted to make sure I protected you well and did a good job. Not big deal, Sweety.” I nod even if his slight initial stiffness makes me think. "Ok, now we're off, get ready!" announces Trudy.

“Bye Trudy, remember to pick us up!” I yell at her once she gets off the Samson, the noise it makes is deafening and drowns out our voices, so that we are all forced to scream. “Of course not, I would never forget my best friend, who do you take me for!? Think about being careful rather than tell me about it, okay?” I nod as I look around, noticing a plethora of Stingbats hovering around the craft. "Careful, those are Stingbats, and their venom is very dangerous." Grace informs us. “Little sister, be careful…What the heck?!” a couple of Stingbats had detached themselves from the group and started circling me, at face level, but they didn't seem willing to attack me. I chuckled slightly, spinning around, following the two little animals. One of them, particularly sociable, landed on my shoulder, he didn't seem intimidated or even aggressive towards me, I slowly approached his hand to his little head, and then stroked him slowly, I didn't want to make sudden movements so as not to scare him, their low intelligence makes them perfect prey, so sudden movements are not the best, despite their very high vision. He let himself be given a couple of caresses, and then flew off peacefully with the others. “Bye little ones!” I greeted them, then turned to my mission mates, and Trudy who was still with us. Grace simply had an eyebrow raised, not surprised by this "strangeness" all mine, Trudy smiled and winked at me, while Norm and my brother had such big eyes that they looked like owls. “Have you touched and interacted with any Stingbats and are you still alive? And do you still have all your fingers? Didn't they stung you or attack you?" Norm asks in a tone somewhere between tense and amazed. "That's interesting too, but it's also true that those flying outside the base have never attacked you, I'm right Y/N?” Grace smiles, while I nod. "You know how dangerous they are, right? Surely you know, you've been trained…" "Of course I know, also because, if you had listened to Grace, you would have known that outside the base where we come from there are quite a few, but nothing has ever happened to me.” Norm turns to Grace, who nods in concentration. "Nothing has ever happened to her, I confirm. They have never been aggressive, even though she often went out in the evening to observe the stars and the sky." Grace informs him, "In fact, it happened often enough that they would stop flying around the sentry guns and come flying near me, but I was never once stung or attacked." I smile. “And is there an explanation for this behavior?” asks Norm who has overcome the concern, leaving only the wonder to take possession of him. "No, not that I know of at least." Grace says. “Looks like you still got a handle on it, sis.” Jakey winks at me as I blush again. “Do what?” Norm asks. “Well, let's say that she has always had a predilection for animals and nature in general, despite the fact that many forms of plant life have now completely disappeared from our planet. What I mean is that she doesn't seem to have lost the magical touch about her." he giggles as I look everywhere but at them.

Since I was a child I developed a great empathy and sensitivity towards animals and plants, I was not very popular in our country, I only had my older brothers because I was considered "strange" and "weak" given my basically kind and unselfish personality. I didn't have any friends and things at home couldn't be said to be that much better, my parents didn't care much about me like they didn't care much about Tommy and Jakey, we always rolled up our sleeves to take care of all three together. This loneliness prompted me to develop a high capacity for identification with animals, often strays, who were mistreated or ignored like me, I don't know exactly how, but this also applies to plants, as if I were able to perceive and feel their suffering, as if I felt it myself, just by looking at them. I took care of them, and they, in turn, helped me in my time of need, becoming my most loyal friends and making my "weird" reputation worse than in the beginning. But every cloud has a silver lining, as if I hadn't already pulled out my claws when it came to defending my brothers, I definitely pulled them out for the animals and so I can say that they also helped me get stronger, without losing my kindness and humanity, which on Earth as we know it, is absolutely not a given.

“It is something that she has been carrying around since she was a child, I dare say, since she was born!” Jakey smiles. “Okay, but that's enough now because we're not here to talk, but to accompany me to collect various samples. Now, let's stick together and not part, okay? The forest is dangerous at any hour but even more at night. Have I been clear?” Grace brings everyone back to reality while also saving me from a very embarrassing situation, I can't thank her enough for that. We all nod and I instinctively approach my brother, squeezing next to him. "Come on let's go, let's not waste time!" the scientist prods us and we set off into the depths of the forest, with my warning to Jakey, to be careful with his gun, which echoed behind us.

The forest was magnificent, of a luxuriant green, it didn't need that there were who knows how many noises to guess the life that lived there, strong in its prosperity. The few sounds that were heard all came from the various groups of animals to which the forest provided a verdant refuge, who regularly saw the gun of my evil mastermind older brother pointed at them. “Jakey, how many times do I have to tell you not to point the weapon at any source of noise?” I ask him. “But what do we know if a predator is hiding there in the middle of the branches? Prudence is never too much.” he replies as he points his weapon at peaceful Prolemuris. “Those, Jakey, aren't predators.” I specified. “Your sister is right, Marine, their name is Prolemuris, and they won't attack anyone here as they are non-aggressive, despite living in very large groups.” The yellow eyes of the creatures moved constantly between me and everyone else, especially Jakey who, being close to me, was even closer than the others to them. Their inquisitive eyes soon move definitively to me, who smiles softly, tilts my head to one side and approaches them calmly, carefully listening to their lively chirps and trying to reproduce them, which I do well enough to let some of them down so that I find myself face to face with three of them, who look at me happy, they seem to have understood that I'm not an enemy and that I'd like to play a bit with them. I have always thought that animals, terrestrial or otherwise, have a higher capacity for understanding than is normally attributed to them. As if they feel and knew how to distinguish the good people from the bad ones, the weird one of the group, after all.

I gently extend an arm towards them, it seems to me that they are a young male or female given its liveliness, a mother with a baby on her back and another who I think is a male who has come to check the situation, especially the mother with the puppy as they are very protective of their puppies. The livelier one climbs without hesitation on my hand, cheerfully chirping along my entire arm to then land on my shoulder, and starting to lightly pull some strands of my hair. “Hey, little guy! Stop pulling my hair…" I slowly turned my face towards him and moved my finger just as slowly, to then stroke his little head, he liked the attention because he chirped happily, starting to climb further, settling on my head. I chuckle as I slowly bend down to observe the mother with the baby, he will not have been bigger than my hand. The mother also leaned towards me and I made her little head collide with her nose, which she rubbed against my cheek affectionately, allowing me to stroke both her and the baby. The puppy climbed onto my finger, and when I gently approached him he nuzzled my cheek, making me giggle. He was really adorable, as much as his mom who chirped happily when I helped the little one get back to her, safe and sound. The male, initially suspicious, had calmed down and approached, leaning towards my nose, touching or examining with a curious look, his movements made me giggle, he seems to like my laugh because he chirped happy and curious every time he noticed how my nose would move. I interacted with them for a couple more minutes before they all retreated together. “Bye little ones, have a nice day!” I greeted them as I watched my brother walk towards me with a knowing look on his face and a smirk on his lips.

“And we are already at two animals that react in a particular way with you.” Grace smiles as Jakey walks me over to her and Norm. “I said it, you have an innate predisposition towards nature and animals. She doesn't surprise me that this is the case." grins my brother. “Well, you must be right, Prolemuris are very protective of their puppies and something like this has definitely never happened before.” Norm nods. "Come on, let's continue but be careful, surely the Na'vi are already keeping an eye on us." begins Grace. “And definitely under fire.” I conclude as we walk.

“Be careful, this is Hammerhead Titanothere territory.” warns Grace. "Are they dangerous?" Jakey inquires putting his hand on the gun he's carrying around. "No, at least they're not angry, they're herbivores but it would be better not to underestimate them…Take them like Pandora's rhinos." I inform him and Jakey nods, looking around, immediately noticing the particular plants, the fluorescent mushrooms which, as soon as they are touched, sink into the ground as a form of defense. Their name is Helicoradian, and they are not very happy to entertain my brother as he was intent on playing, touching them repeatedly. I could feel that the mushrooms didn't appreciate Jakey's way of having fun at all, I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, it seemed to me that I was connected with the forest itself, as if her heart beat in conjunction with mine. “Jakey, please don't play with this plant.” I said approaching him and placing a hand on his shoulder. "It's fun to see how they retreat to the ground." Jakey chuckled. "Yes, I guess it is for you and don't get me wrong, I'm glad you're having fun and enjoying being here, but that plant doesn't appreciate the way you do it at all, you know? Its retreat into the ground is a form of defense, she thinks you mean to hurt her.” My brother turns to me, raising an eyebrow and continuing to do what he was doing despite my warnings, prompting the entire group of Helicoradian to retreat, showing a Hammerhead Titanothere not at all happy with Jakey's intervention and his presence. My brother, definitely known for his intelligence, seeing that the Hammerhead Titanothere was obviously aggressive, pointed his gun at him, while Grace and Norm joined us, having previously departed to collect the famous samples we went out for in the first place.

“Don't shoot him, you'll just irritate him!” Grace warned him. “And what do I do with this beast? Shall I waltz with it?” sarcastic question my brother. The Hammerhead slammed her hammer into the trees nearby. “He's pissed already, by the way!” “Jakey, what do you think you do to a Hammerhead? Your bullets on its outer shell have the same effect as teeth on armor.” “Then what do we do?” my brother asks continuing to hold him at gunpoint. "Don't shoot or try to attack him, if you were to attempt such a feat he would charge you with all his strength, you wouldn't like to suffer such a thing." says Grace. Jakey obviously doesn't listen to her and, trying to drive the animal away, fires a shot at it, so the Hammerhead charges at Jakey, stopping confused when I stand between them, ignoring Jakey who tries everything to push myself behind him. My arms are raised and slightly forward, with my hands open and palms facing him, so that he realizes that I have no weapons and, therefore, am not an enemy. "Shh…It's alright, you're scared, aren't you?” I whisper softly, moving my hands slowly, always so as not to frighten him, I have to be careful and be delicate to resolve this situation without anyone getting hurt.

"You see? I don't have those ugly things that other people have." I nod after he looks at me curious and even a little suspicious for a couple of minutes. “Can I come closer, honey?” my voice seems to reassure him, so I approach slowly, calmly, while he looks at me curiously. "It's okay, you're fine, I promise." I smile softly, when I'm close enough I tenderly pass a hand on his neck and head, while he grumbled contentedly approaching me. "I'm sorry if we scared you, baby, it wasn't our intention, I promise." I smile, while I caress him. “Little one? Is that small?” Jakey asks bewildered, I ignore him while I scratch his head. The interaction between us goes on for a while, until the Hammerhead runs away scared, I don't know from what.

"What the heck happened?" Jakey asked, as dazed as I was by the animal's rapid change in mood. We turned slowly and we were greeted by the worst sight that could greet us, worse even than a group of armed and angry Na'vi. A big Thanator, straight and proud that he looked at us as if we were his next tasty dinner. "What do we do with this? Run away? Don't run away?" Jakey asked as he raised his weapon, pointing it at the Thanator. "We definitely run!" I scream. We started running and soon, in the confusion, separated. Jakey and I were running at breakneck speed, with him trying everything to keep me from falling behind him and when he could he fired a few shots at the beast, trying to drive it away but increasing his anger, continuing to run we came up to a waterfall with the water that formed a lake under it. I heard the speedy footsteps of the predator getting closer and closer, I looked around to look for a possible way out that didn't include diving headlong into a lake of unknown size and depth. I found none and, by the time it took me to inspect the surroundings around us, the Thanator had caught up with us and had aimed at my brother who had his back to him trying to control the height of the cliff where we were. Just as the Thanator leapt forward to attack Jakey, I positioned myself between him and the predator, pushing my brother off the cliff with all my strength. Jakey screamed in surprise and fell forward, staggering forward and feeling a strange tiredness I ran and plunged headlong into the lake below us.

Once I hit the water, a sharp, excruciating pain pierces my shoulder making me gasp to reach the surface and get to the shore, I can only get back up thanks to the help of my brother who has joined me. "What happened? Are you ok?" he asks me worried. “I think the Thanator scratched me before we jumped…” Jakey gently grabbed my arm and checked the open wound which was still bleeding, not the best. "Damn it!! Take off your shirt, we're using it as a makeshift blindfold. Put my coat over it to cover you up.” he says pulling off the military textured coat he's wearing as I proceed to take off my shirt and wrap it around my shoulder, then put on Jakey's jacket. "We've parted ways with Norm and Grace, we don't know where we are and it's getting dark, it couldn't get any worse!" he moans helping me to my feet. "I'm sorry, I don't want to slow you down, but my arm hurts." I start by trying to reach him. “Can you go slower, please?” I ask as he stops, letting me join him. "Imagine, does it hurt so much?" he asks while I just nod.

This is chapter 3 and yes I know it took me forever to get this out😅…Sorry to anyone who has read and enjoyed so far but it's been a busy few days and I couldn't find a good time to write. I apologize so much, and I take this opportunity to thank anyone who has read up to now, hoping that they have enjoyed everything❤️.

Taglist: @avatarbyamara

#tsu'tey x reader #tsu'tey #jake sully x sister reader #avatar

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rebelwrites · 1 year

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Winner Takes It All || Twenty Five: Scratch It, I End You

Charles Leclerc x Valentina Hendrix (OC)

Winner Takes It All Masterlist

Summary: Charles had a plan, the Mustang was waiting for them at the track but there was one final surprise he had up his sleeve

Warnings: tiny mention of the crash

A/N: two posts on a week aren’t you lucky sods 😜

As always reblogs and feedback is highly appreciated ❤️ if you want tagging in future parts let me know ❤️

It still amazed me how I managed to squeeze into the bucket seats of the ST with this god annoying cast. One week down practically a million more to go. Leaning my head against the window of the car I watched the scenery change, my mind was spinning again but to be honest it hadn’t stopped spinning since the crash.

I was pretty much a pro now at putting on a front, hiding what I was really feeling but I knew Charles could see straight through the mask, he always had this superpower to know when I was hiding behind this cocky attitude I wore like armour.

Feeling Charles link his fingers with mine it not only took my breath away but it pulled me from my downward spiral.

“You doing okay?” he hummed, keeping one hand on the steering wheel and his eyes on the road ahead. “And don’t give me the bullshit story you have been telling everyone else.”

Letting a heavy sigh escape my lips, I turned to look at Charles finding myself taking in his features, his hair was getting longer so most of the time he was rocking the messy just got out of bed look. Before I went down the rabbit hole of staring at this stupid perfect face I remembered he had asked me a question.

“Urm honestly, I don’t know how to answer that.” I sighed.

The moment the words left my lips he squeezed my hand gently, flicking his gaze over to me for a brief second. “I just feel like I’m lost, I wasn’t meant to be ending the season like this.” I could feel the tears burning my eyes. “Don’t even say things happen for a reason because if you do I will punch you.”

Charles let out a sigh before indicating and pulling into the nearest car park. Once the ST had come to a stop he shifted in his seat taking both of my hands in mine, his thumb brushing across my skin sending sparks through my skin. “My sweet girl,” he hummed, looking up at me with a soft loving look on his face. “Everything is going to be okay, I promise you will get through this, we will get through this together.” His voice was soft as he spoke, with every word he spoke I felt him slowly chipping away the walls I had built around my heart and that scared the living shit out of me. “As much as I want to go back and change the past, we can’t. But what we can do is take things one day at a time, taking baby steps to rebuild everything back up.”

A traitorous single tear rolled down my cheek, I knew the words he spoke were not about the crash, they were about us.

Automatically he reached up, brushing away the tear with his thumb, “babygirl, please don’t cry.” he whispered, cupping my face in his hands. “I will get you back on your feet, I will be there throughout every physio visit, every doctor's appointment, everything. I am not going anywhere babygirl, not now not ever. I walked away from you once and I won’t be making that mistake again.” he had a small smile appear on his face before he leaned in, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Now, for the rest of the day we are going to have some fun. If you can’t go to the track, I will bring the track to you”

“What do you mean?” I hummed, resting my forehead against his, letting my eyes flutter close, relishing his touch, it was something I had been craving for so long.

“Look up babygirl.” he whispered, pulling away from me causing me to look up out of the windscreen.

My jaw dropped the moment I saw we were at the track we both spent the majority of our childhood years at. But what shocked me the most was the candy apple red 1965 Mustang GT350 Fastback parked at the start line. It looked exactly like mine but it couldn’t have been seen as mine was securely locked up in the garage back in England.

“It is yours.” Charles chuckled, as if he could read my mind. “I got it flown over for this reason.”

“But I can’t drive it, you muppet.” I huffed, folding my arms across my chest trying to hide the pain I felt in my ribs.

“No but I can.” he winked, the cheeky grin on his face growing by the second.

He was like a child on Christmas morning, I had never let him drive the Mustang before so he was relishing in the fact he would be the one to take the beast around the track.

“You scratch it, I end you.”

“You seem to be forgetting I am the best Formula One driver on the track.”

“I am right here, you asshole.” I pouted, lightly smacking his chest with the back of my hand. “You seem to be forgetting that I fucking dominate that track and I dominated you.”

“Oh you can dominate me any time baby.” he winked, pulling his bottom lip between his teeth. “As much as I want to continue this, it is time to push the beast to the limits and see what that beauty can do on the track.”

“You already know what that beauty can do on the track.” I giggled, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Damn right I do.” he smirked before slipping out of the car.

Soon enough Charles had helped me out of the ST and into the Mustang, it wasn't easy but he managed it without moaning even when he couldn’t get the passenger seat to push back any further.

Hearing the engine of the beast and feeling the vibrations through the seat put a smile back on my face. It had been too long since she had been driven.

Without any warning Charles slipped the car into first gear and sped off down the track.

It was like I had been transported back in time to when we used to race the ST around this very same track, glancing over to Charles I noticed how wide his smile was as he pushed the Mustang to its limits.

Hours had passed and I was pretty sure I needed four new tyres on the Mustang but I didn’t care. Right now Charles was doing everything in his power to make me feel like myself again and it was working. My jaw actually hurt from smiling so much. Although the moment he started doing donuts in the beast I was ready to punch him.

The car soon came to a stop and Charles looked at me with a cocky smirk.

“Told you I wouldn’t scratch it.” He hummed, taking my hand pressing tender kisses against my knuckles.

“Nah but you killed my tyres, asshole.” I giggled.

The tears freely fell down my cheeks as I took in the sight in front of me. The sun had only just set and the picnic blanket and pillows were set up on one of my favourite spots in this country, the back of Charles yacht. I had no idea how I managed to get all of this set up when we spent the whole day at the track but I wasn’t going to question this.

“Bear, this is beautiful.” I whispered, feeling Charles wrap his arms around my waist and I automatically leant back into him.

“Not as beautiful as you.” he whispered, his breath ticking the back of my neck as he spoke.

Ever since Japan things had started to change between me and Charles, in fact things had started to change long before that. The pinnacle moment for us was when I showed up at his hotel room drunk, pouring my heart out to him. But things were slowly going back to how we were when we were dating.

“You did all of this for me?”

“Vali, I always have and I always will do anything for you, no matter the cost, no matter the effort because it is worth it to see that smile that captures my heart.” Charles hummed, taking my hand in his leading me over to the picnic blanket helping me down onto the blanket. Once he was satisfied that I was comfy he sat down behind me, spreading his legs either side of my body, pulling me closer to him.

In this moment it was like the past didn’t exist, neither did the heartache and pain. This moment was pure bliss, and for the first time for a while my heart was happy. It was just me and Charles, no one or anything else mattered right now.

“What are we going to do, Bear?” I whispered, keeping my focus trained on the sky, watching as the clouds rolled by.

“Like I said in the car babygirl, we take each day as it comes.” Charles whispered, pressing a kiss against the back of my head. “We focus on the moment rather than worrying about what tomorrow will bring.”

“I was talking about us.” I whispered, finally saying the words that had been on the tip of my tongue for the last few weeks. “Everything is changing, and you can’t tell me you can’t feel it too.”

“Remember when I said I want us to start over again, I don’t care how long it takes, I will wait as long as you need.” he whispered, resting his head against my shoulder. “I meant every single word. I do feel it, and I want nothing more than for us to go back to how we were but I am happy to wait until you are ready even if that means waiting until I am old and grey.”

I had practically choked on my words at his response, even though the words I wanted to say were on the tip of my tongue but no matter what I couldn’t get the words out. Running my hands over my face I blinked away the tears.

“Babygirl, I know you are scared and I don’t blame you.” Charles hummed, moving so he was now knelt in front of me, taking my hands in his. “Look, I know I hurt you in the past and ever since then I have hated myself for walking away from you. I still love you Valentina, you have my whole heart, you always have done.” Turning my gaze to him I found myself getting lost in his eyes, the lights sparkling in them provided me with a feeling of calmness. “Ever since you turned up at my hotel room I have been clinging onto that bit of hope that this time would come.”

Pulling one of my hands from his I reached up resting it against his cheek, feeling his nuzzle into my touch. My heart was screaming at me, this is what I had been wanting for years now.

It was now or never.

Taking a deep breath I lent forward, closing the gap between us. Pulling my other hand free I wrapped my arms around Charles neck, my gaze flicking between his mesmerising eyes and his lips. My heart was racing as we both edged close to each other. Once our lips connected everything was going to chance once again. But I knew in my heart I was ready and this was what I wanted.

Our lips were millimetres apart when my phone started ringing causing me to groan knowing exactly who was calling by the ringtone that was blaring on the deck of the yacht.

“Fucking Pierre!”

@chibsytelford @dragon-of-winterfell @ohthemisssery @a-distantdreamer @sgkophie @stillbreathin @angywritesstuff @miamedyu @enchantedbytomandhenry @scribbuluswrites @dangerouspursepeachbear @micks-afterglow @livo67 @buendiabebeta @pleasedontfollowinlost @ferrarifwendvale @hungryhungarian @theplobnrgone @charlesleclercje @sunf1owerrq @queenslife @panicforspec @inesramoss30 @justme2042 @liv67 @sessgjarg @derpinathebrave @idkiwantchocolatee @littleobsessionsandlifeslessons @alynoa @clcspeonies @pleasantducktimetravel @organasith @inchidentwithmax @raaaaabzzz @teamspideyman @marvelousmendess @mehrmonga @sbgal @thattaylorswiftobsessedbitch @mloyer

#Charles Leclerc #charles leclerc x oc #charles leclerc x reader #charles leclerc imagine #f1 #f1 x oc #f1 x reader #f1 imagine #formula one #formula one x reader #formula one x oc #formula one imagine

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calamity-unlocked · 1 year

Text

Hey @sashimi-buttons a very late, very happy birthday!! 💕 As you probably expected I wrote you some nark, because I'm me and you're you, hehe. Love you!

Hey Lark.

Both of us are at the HQ right now. You’re sitting in front of me, reading a book Grant recommended to you, something about lost cats and runaway kids. Every ten minutes, you look up at me and give me another reason why you think it’s absolute trash. But you’re still reading it, so I guess it can’t be all that bad.

Me? I’m on my phone, typing this stupid letter in my Notes app because Terry said putting my thoughts into words could help me make sense of them. He’s beginning to sound like his mom, if you ask me.

I gave it the good old college try though, and so far it’s been kinda nice. Wrote some stuff to my mom, to Jodie, to Glenn. I’m never going to send those letters to any of them of course. Whatever bullshit I’m putting down right now isn’t meant for your eyes either, so uh, if you are reading this, please stop and let me live with whatever remnants of my dignity you deign to leave me.

Right. Thoughts. Feelings.

I blanked for a full three minutes, and during that time you put the book down and told me the metaphors used are so ridiculous you wouldn’t be surprised if Douglas Adams had risen from the grave to literally ghostwrite it. (Which I think you meant as an insult? Even though you used to love Hitchhiker’s.) Then you immediately turned the next page.

I need to stop staring at you and finish this letter.

Lark, I feel alive when I’m with you. When we’re going 80 in a 65 on your bike and I hold on to your hips and the white lines on the road are a continuous blur, that’s when the world makes the most sense to me. You make my heart beat so fast I can’t even hear myself breathing. You do that, not the speed with which our joyride takes us from nowhere to nowhere, not the rush of adrenaline that unrestrained freedom brings. You.

I guess that’s love? I think that’s love.

I don’t know. I’ve never had a relationship that worked out. There are parts of me I can’t give away, doors I can’t open.

The only thing I know for certain is that I wish I’d never have to let you go. I would drive through a thousand nowheres, would keep singing along to every terrible song on the radio, would do just about anything if it meant being able to keep you next to me.

There are days when I think I’d follow you to the end of the world, but then I realize we might actually have to go there one day. I’m not proud to admit, that’s when fear creeps in a little bit. Y’know how it is. ‘I got soul but I’m not a soldier’.

(that’s the Killers)

(you probably already knew that)

Growing up I had so many asthma attacks it was a wonder they even let me join Westrock FC. You remember when I gave you that straw, back when we were kids and everyone still used plastic straws? I told you to try to breathe through it for five minutes. You didn’t have the patience for that, but you made it to fifty seconds and got the gist of what it felt like to have your own airways betray you.

Though I have memories of smoking, this body has never tasted a cigarette or joint. I’m too scared it will cause me to start wheezing again, spots dancing at the edge of my vision, chest burning like it’s got its own hell inside it.

And yet I crave them. It’s still a test of willpower, sometimes. I know how good they could make me feel. I know that it’s so damningly easy, to just light a spark and press my lips to the tip and let myself enjoy the sensation. I could probably close my eyes and pretend that just because this was the natural conclusion of my desires, giving in wouldn’t mean I'm weak.

But let’s face it. It’ll only be bad for me in the long run.

Hah. And you think your book has bad metaphors.

Loving you feels like choking. God, how I love you.

And I think it’s okay that you’ll never know. Ignorance is bliss, and all that. You seem– not happy, but at least content right now, and I’d never want to ruin that.

I think there are two things a person needs if they want to love and be loved. They have to know who they are, and they have to accept who they are.

I don’t got that first part down, and you aren’t exactly a master at that second part. So I’ll keep abstaining.

My chest won’t stop burning, but that’s okay.

It has to be okay.

~Nick

#hope you like it luv <3 #dndads #dungeons and daddies #nark #nark nation #nick close #lark oak #calamity's writing #the book lark is reading is kafka on the shore btw #and lark is just being a dick its an amazing book

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unbrcakablc-hcart · 21 days

Note

What even happened? Who did what?

God, okay, so. This might sound pretty stupid. The first thing I think I should say is that this happened in a group chat off of Tumblr; I don't think many of these people have blogs. It was run/created by... uh. Someone I thought was a friend but I guess ain't anymore. Anyway.

Secondly is that this truly started off in such a dumbass way.

Like. Talking about some real mundane shit. I was essentially going "I wanna swim I've only done that like 3 times tops in my life because I don't want to dirty the water that other people where I'm from could be drinking" because. You know. I live in a desert.

This gets long so. Be ready for that.

tl;dr: lady wants to study my sisters and therefore me by proxy. I don't take kindly to that. She calls me weak and stupid and naive for not keeping my mouth shut in a place where I had originally felt reasonably comfortable with people. Only 4-5 people argue with her and everyone else just tries to act like nothing happened, and one person insisted that I should just try to find common ground and get along. She doubles down on her bullshit and I decide this is a load of shit and leave.

This person whose name I still don't know, so I guess I'm going to just call her Ox because that's the emoji she was using. She pointed out that I can't really be dirtying the water any more than any other creature that gets in it, which... like, yeah, fair, except the point is that I live(d) on a desert planet with very little water and there really ISN'T that much in the way of wildlife on No Man's Land.

Which I know she wouldn't know, because just as I know nothing about her, she knows nothing about me. So anyway. I explain that. And I also make the dumbass decision to mention that my sisters are generally responsible for producing a vast majority of the potable water on the planet.

Because by this point I've been pretty open about being a Plant, right? I don't really talk about it frequently because it's just not something that comes up often, but I'm not hiding it on purpose or anything either. It gets kind of tiring trying to explain the whole thing anyway.

I realize I've made a mistake because Ox talks about how sentient beings producing water is fascinating, and I'm a little on edge, so I go, ahahaha, I guess I probably shouldn't really talk about my sisters.

And Ox is like, "That's not the wrong way to go about it. If you want to protect something, it's best to keep it hidden. Lock it away, never to see the light of day. It's like the advice I'd given to that girl and her Aubade."

Don't know what the hell she's talking about, and I probably overreacted a bit by going okay, noted, won't share anything about myself again, because I literally did not ask for that advice, and do not care for it.

She replies, "It's foolish to announce you have something unique, don't you understand. Unwanted attention, conflict. If you're not cut out for defending it, you should simply lock it away and keep your head down."

Which, again, sure, except it's not like I'm entirely fucking braindead, I know that. That's how I've lived my whole life so far! But I don't care for the implication that I should also be locked away and keep my head down and hold my tongue, because, you know, like my sisters. I Am A Plant.

And this guy I was talking to, I'll call him Columbi, he also picks up pretty quick that this is fucked up and he's like. "People aren't possessions you can cage." Like a decent person, you know?

So Ox tells him that's a naive way of thinking.

Which pisses me 'n Columbi off. Obviously.

And she goes on to say, "It's simple to "lock away" a person. Downplay their capabilities, have them keep their heads down too. Strict rules about who they can and can't talk to, what they can or can't talk about. An open prison. Even if you don't lock them in a room by themselves, you can still keep them sheltered away from harm. The more open you are about their uniqueness, the more they become exposed, the more likely you are to draw unwanted attention. And if they're particularly important or special… you simply run the risk of losing them altogether, if you're not strong enough to protect them."

Which Columbi points out is abuse. Which I recognize pretty quickly as something Nai wanted to do to me to keep me safe, which wasn't what I wanted at all, because ultimately he and I both would ideally like to live without having to pretend that we're something we're not for our own safety, and I thought in a group chat full of people from other universes, I wouldn't have to worry so much about this shit.

I point out that it's real easy to be cruel and that I love (sarcasm) how she thinks the non-naive thing is to be an abusive shithead.

Ox says, "Of course. It's simplicity itself. But if you're powerless to take care of your most precious attachments, you scarcely have little other choice."

Which I disagree with. Of course. I think there are PLENTY of other choices that don't involve that kind of cruelty. And I snark that oh, I see, you're just as powerless yourself, aren't you?

And she goes, "You seem to believe I'm speaking from a place of experience. Which, you may have been right so many decades ago."

So what I get from this is that she's basically talkin' out her ass.

She goes on to say, "I'm quite proud of the strength I've cultivated. I simply cannot condone the actions of those who would brag about their unique abilities or their special treasures without the capability to back them up. Truthfully, your reaction may have been the right one. If you think you're simply too weak to protect your attachments, your possessions, you're simply better off keeping them to yourself and locking them away."

For the record, my reaction has nothing to do with whether I'm too weak to protect the people I care about or not. In my opinion, that's missing the point entirely, which is that I shouldn't fucking HAVE to. Which I guess makes me stupid, weak, and naive.

I'm also pretty sure that I could hand her ass to her, but again, not my point, and it's another thing I feel like I shouldn't have to prove to anyone. But I do tell her that if she gets close to me or anyone else that I care about, that I'll put her out of all of our miseries.

And this is when things start to, in my opinion, get worse.

To summarize at this point: random stranger tells me I'm stupid, weak, and naive for sharing information about myself and being uncomfortable with the response she gave me, after quite a few people pointed out that's just Not Something You Should Say To Someone.

Only three people - two of whom are friends of mine that I know in person, one of whom is a stranger - stand up for me and go this is fucked up. A fourth person is saying this is fucked up but I think she's missing the point but she's also a friend of mine and I guess right now she's okay.

I leave to try to cool off. It's not really that successful but whatever. Everyone just acts like this lady didn't just say some fucked up shit.

Two 'n a half hours later this other gal(?) named Roon says, "While we're all together like this, wouldn't it be best if we tried to get along?"

One of my friends asks how she suggests that to happen, given the circumstances.

Roon answers, "Hmm... I suppose I'm not the best person to ask about this. But it might work to establish some common ground, at least. That might be a little difficult in a space like this, but I'm sure it's possible."

Which I take to mean as, "I don't understand what the problem is, why don't you just be the bigger person and be understanding?"

Because like. How else am I supposed to interpret that.

And because I feel like no one is really understanding why I'm so damn upset, I try to spell it out, and I explain, "All I really wanted was to feel like I could be open about myself and try to make connections with people, only to be in no uncertain terms that I am weak, stupid, and naive for doing so. Right now it feels like my options are to either leave, or to stay and say nothing and lie and lie and lie and say nothing of any real substance and pretend that's fine with me. Given my options, I'd rather tell y'all that it's been real, and that I'm going to spend my time with people I know give a shit about me and don't want me to hide everything about myself. I shouldn't have to fucking prove a goddamn thing to be worthy of the luxury of comfort. Because at the moment, I don't particularly want to be open and establish common ground when it'll be seen as stupid and naive."

Roon says, "I can't stop you from doing that instead, and neither should I. I just wanted to float a second opinion~"

Which. Again. Kind of pisses me off because again, the way I'm reading this, I feel kind of like she thinks I'm overreacting, and that I should just accept the way I've been spoken to by someone who is a stranger to me, who expressed some interest in studying/experimenting on my sisters and by proxy me.

Three hours later, Ox comes back, and instead of even just apologizing insincerely to me, she says, "Apologizing doesn't undo the fact that it's been said, nor do I mean to act like I didn't mean it. If you're strong enough to protect the things and people you care about, by all means. But backing down the second someone makes a comment about it implies to me that you're uncertain if you could. Of course, I even think you're being defensive about it for naught. You are but lines of words upon this relic's slab. I can't even guarantee you're real, or if you're just a fabrication by the relic to amuse me."

The fact that she doubled down on all of her bullshit was the final straw for me, especially with being told that I should try to find common ground and "just get along", so I decide that I've had enough of all this shit, that I don't have to deal with this and that I'm under no obligation whatsoever to prove myself, and I have no interest in trying to convince someone who isn't even sure I'm a real person to give me basic decency, so I left the group chat pretty much immediately after that.

And now everything just really fuckin' hurts emotionally and it's intense enough that it's affecting me physically in a lot of ways and while I could have been kinder and more polite in the beginning, I really do not think that would have improved anything, and I still am under the opinion that I did nothing wrong and definitely did nothing to warrant being treated like that, and finding that a lot of people I considered close friends didn't even want to say anything! Fucking sucked!

I know I shouldn't really be surprised, but I am, because I thought things could be different. Better. And... well. Guess things weren't as good as I thought they were.

So. Super cool. Loved that.

#vash blogs #vash answers #ask #anonymous

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fitrahgolden · 3 months

Text

WEARY MEMORY: 7 - FOUND A PHOTO OF YOU

Kit: I'm sorry I haven't reached out this week.

>> I understand if you need space.

>> But we do need to talk about it.

Kit: I know.

Kit: Can you meet me somewhere for lunch? My schedule is open today.

>> Yeah, of course.

>> I could just come to yours if you're home.

Kit: Anthony.

>> What?

Kit: Terrible idea, considering, don't you think?

>> I can keep my hands to myself. Can you say the same?

Kit: Bullshit.

>> Someone's cocky.

Kit: Well, someone shouldn't have a problem meeting in public if someone doesn't have any ulterior motives.

>> …

>> I can't think of anything clever.

Kit: Shocking. A public meeting, then.

—

Anthony got to the café first, standing when he saw Kate approach the table. A hug was their typical greeting, and that's what Kate went for. But Anthony added a kiss on her cheek, evidently surprising her and causing her to falter as she backed away from him.

“Sorry,” he said, running a hand through his hair as they sat down. “Um, I clearly don't know what the fuck to do.”

“It's OK. It was nice. Or, it would have been, if I had known what the fuck to do.”

They shared an awkward laugh.

“Um,” Kate started, “What did you mean, exactly, by all the things you said on Saturday? I just… I don't want to assume or misunderstand. This is too important.”

Anthony nodded and cleared his throat. He'd been struggling all week with exactly what he wanted to happen, how he expected it to happen. How to explain it all.

“I think we should get married.”

Or, I could just say that.

Kate's eyes widened.

“Is that…? That's what I was trying to say, when I said we made a mistake. Did that not…? Are you surprised?”

Kate shook her head. “It’s just… Just hearing you say it like that. As if it's that simple.”

“What do you mean?” Anthony furrowed his brow.

“Well, there are a lot of steps to take before marriage is back on the table, don't you think?”

“Of course. I mean, I don't know about ‘a lot,’ but I know we'd need to decide how to tell the kids and everyone else, what to do about the townhouse–”

“No, Anthony. I'm saying that we can't jump straight to getting married. You have to know that.”

“Right,” Anthony said, feeling foolish. Kate, of course, seemed to read him perfectly. She reached across the table and put a hand on top of his.

“Please, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying it can't happen, but… Look, whether it was a mistake or not, we got divorced for a reason. Things were bad, Anthony. We were bitter. And aimless. We were…just so sad.”

“I remember,” he said quietly.

“We are in such a better place now. And, who knows? Maybe we would have gotten there anyway if we stayed together. But… We can't take anything for granted. We absolutely cannot fuck this up.”

Anthony rubbed his thumb against Kate's hand. “Yeah. Of course you're right. So, are we, I don't know, dating?”

“Something like that,” she mused. “Exploring, maybe? I don't think we can really date properly until we tell the kids, and we should definitely hold off on that.”

“Yeah, for sure.”

They sat in silence for a while, both thinking. They ordered some food, and when the server walked away, Anthony spoke.

“I guess we should get back into couple’s therapy.”

“Yes, absolutely,” Kate agreed. “Not the same guy as last time, though.”

“Right. Last time we went to that guy, we got divorced.”

Kate laughed, and followed Anthony’s lead when he intertwined their fingers on the table.

“I was just… I don't know, Kit. I guess I was hoping there was a way for this to not feel messy.”

“Well, we made the mess. Can't change that now.”

“You're right,” Anthony shrugged. “So, step one…”

“...book a therapist.”

Anthony rubbed his chin. “Hmm, maybe we call that step one A.”

Kate chuckled as she bit into her chocolate croissant. “Why?”

“Because there's a one B. I hope there is, anyway.”

“And what would that be?”

“Well, what about what happened on Saturday?”

“That's…” Kate narrowed her eyes at him, “what we've been talking about this whole time, isn't it?

“We haven't gotten to one very important detail,” Anthony said as he looked her up and down, smirking.

“Ah.” Kate sat back.

“Is that on the table?”

“I thought you didn't want messy.”

“You just said the mess was unavoidable.”

“So, might as well? Is that what you're saying?” Kate was smiling, but there was something else behind it.

“Kit…” He leaned forward, taking her hand again. “I'm not taking you for granted. Or seeing you as some kind of convenience. I mean, shit, it seems to me like it would be pretty damn inconvenient for the time being, finding time to be together. But I want to. Do you?”

He flashed her a smile he couldn't suppress. Kate rolled her eyes, but Anthony reckoned it was because the answer to his question was yes.

“Perhaps I do…” she conceded.

Anthony waggled his eyebrows over his mug of chai.

“Nevermind, I definitely don’t.”

“I’m not allowed to be happy that my wife wants me?” he asked smugly before taking a sip, enjoying the way Kate’s pupils dilated a bit when he called her that.

“I’m not your wife,” she countered weakly.

“Eh, technically. We’ll see how much longer that’s the case.”

—

In the weeks between that lunch and their trip to Scotland, part one A of their reconciliation plan was completed with relative ease. Of course, booking a therapist was easier than actually speaking with one. The first two sessions had Kate and Anthony recounting everything that had happened in their lives, together and apart, that they felt brought them to this point. Those sessions were a slog. They’d known they were going to have to do it, but there appeared to have been no way to prepare for going through all of that again. Kate and Anthony didn't speak much in the days following those sessions.

Mercifully, their holiday came up soon after, a much needed break for both of them, even more so than they had anticipated back when the trip had been booked.

All in all, by the time they got to their vacation house, Kate and Anthony had indulged in only a few stolen kisses and just one proper snog since the night of Edmund's birthday party.

—

“Anthony Sharma-Bridgerton, you did not pick the bedroom directly across from mine.”

After an afternoon flight, dinner out, and settling into the house, bedtime came early, and no one was complaining. The kids picked their rooms with relatively little bloodshed, and Anthony had been strangely evasive about which room he'd wanted. Now, Kate knew why.

“Oh, but I did.” He looked unfairly handsome, leaning back against his door, his smile shamelessly self-satisfied.

“Really subtle.”

“I just think–”

“Lower your voice!” Kate hissed in a whisper, looking towards where the kids’ room were, admittedly moderately far away. But Anthony was all too keen to get closer to Kate, stepping across the hall to the threshold of her room. Kate tried to keep her face neutral as he crowded her, putting a hand up on the wall next to her head.

“I just think,” he started again, “that we should take advantage of the fact that we're sleeping under the same roof this week. It'd be way riskier if I had to tiptoe across the house to get to you, wouldn't it?”

Kate scoffed, armed with her best poker face. “You're being awfully presumptive. Have I said I even want you to ‘get to me?’”

“Point taken.” He leaned in and ghosted his lips over hers. “Would you like that, Kit?” he whispered. “Come on. Let's make the most of this holiday, hm?”

Kate almost kissed him. Almost. And she enjoyed the thinly veiled frustration that washed over Anthony’s face when she moved away from him. She backed into her room a few steps, and cocked her head to the side. “Are you proposing a holiday fling with the woman with whom you share three children?”

Anthony’s face fell into something more serious, something darker, as he followed Kate into her room. He put his hand on the doorknob, and looked at her in question. She nodded, biting her lip as Anthony softly closed and locked the door behind him.

“You're more than just the mother of my kids to me, Kit.” He walked up to her and put his hands on her cheeks. “I mean, you are that, and that's fucking amazing, but…” He kissed her, slow and consuming. He pulled away, and Kate leaned toward him as he did, chasing his lips, but he resumed speaking, his eyes boring into hers. “That's not all I see when I look at you.”

“And, no, I don't want a fling,” he laughed, unbuttoning her shirt, doing the same with his own once hers was on the floor. “I want everything.” A kiss to her throat. “All of you.” Her sternum. “All the time.” Each breast, his breath gliding over her nipples.

Then, Anthony retraced his path until he was looking into Kate's eyes again. “We had it, we gave up on it, and then we lied to ourselves for over three years about it being the best thing for everyone. I refuse to fail us like that again, and I won’t let you do it, either.” His eyes flicked down to her lips, and he licked his own. “But if a fling is what you're offering, we can definitely start there.”

The next thing Kate knew, she was being hauled onto the bed.

—

Anthony could easily have been convinced he was dreaming, that his mind had gone back to a time when he was at his happiest, his most settled. It happened more times than he could possibly count since Kaveri was born, when it felt like he and Kate were well and truly drowning, and taking the kids with them. He'd dream about entire days, full of details, from back when they’d thought they had finally found their footing in life.

But after several blinks, Anthony readily accepted that this was indeed happening. He was waking up in bed with Kate. They were on their sides, facing each other. His arms were around her. Her head was buried in his chest. Her hair was tickling his chin. There'd been no fitful bouts of intermittent sleep. Kate hadn't passed out in the nursery after crying for hours. Their night had been blissful. It'd been easy. They could have these nights back, as a feature of their everyday lives. He was sure of it.

“You stayed,” Kate said, her voice a rough whisper.

“Of course, I stayed, Kit.” Anthony tightened his embrace.

Kate fought to get her arms free so she could wrap them around his neck. “Good morning,” she yawned into his neck.

“I think I can make it better.” Anthony kneaded Kate’s bum, and encouraged her to place her leg up to his hip.

“Too late,” she murmured, though she let him roll her onto her back, releasing a content hum as he settled between her legs.

“Too late? The sun is just now rising, Kit.”

“Exactly.” She sounded more awake now. “It's getting light out. One of them could be up at any minute.”

Anthony laughed. “Have we not always prided ourselves on having kids who don’t wake up at the crack of dawn? We used to take advantage of that fact all the time. Do I need to remind you how?” He started to kiss his way under the covers, but Kate grabbed at his shoulders.

“No, no,” she whined. “You need to go to your room.”

Anthony sighed and crawled back up until they were face to face. “OK.” He gave her a quick kiss. “You're sure?”

“Well, it's not at all what I want, but yes, I’m sure. We just need to be careful, OK? If it's not annoying, we aren't being careful enough.” She pulled his face down for another kiss.

“OK,” he pressed against her mouth.

It took about seven more minutes, but Anthony did eventually leave Kate's bed, and was well settled into his own by the time he heard the sounds of their kids emerging from their rooms.

—

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