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heyidkyay · 5 months

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And I'm petrified of being alone, now |

Part Four

Matty Healy x reader

Summary: She’s just trying to get by, really. What with being a single parent to her four year old son whilst simultaneously trying to kick start a successful career as a radio presenter. She’s got everything she’s ever wanted though, friends close by, a mum who’s merely a phone call away, and of course her baby boy. What else is there to wish for? But then, it’s not long before her relatively normal life gets upended and turned on its head, and she’s suddenly forced to deal with situations she’s never even thought to imagine.

What happens when one mention of a certain controversial singer on her show sends a flood of unexpected challenges her way?

Authors Note: IT'S TAKEN A WHILE BUT IT'S HAPPENING, MATTY AND MOUSE ARE SO CLOSE. Hi:) Hope you enjoy this part, finally throwing them into the same building!! Lot's happening in this one!

Warnings: Mentions of rehab, struggles around body image

Masterlist

🐭 @/petitesouris 13m Early start, hoping it's a good session today!

The next week rolled around slowly and it had been one of the most agonising waits of my life.

I’d constantly been emailing with the Primary Talent Team for the last few days, back and forth, just trying to work out which date and time would best fit both our schedules. It’d been gruelling. And the entire exchange would have gone a whole lot easier if it hadn't been for the fact that it had all been centred around them and based on their terms and conditions. Not forgetting the mile long list of Do’s and Don'ts they had also attached to their most recent email, which had been oh so fucking thrilling.

To be honest, I might not have minded it if my whole life had only revolved around the radio show. But as proud of it as I was, and as incredibly hard as both Adi and I constantly worked, I had other priorities that took precedence. I loved the show with all my heart but it could never be my entire life. Not with Teddy waiting for me back home at the end of each day, relying on me alone to raise and feed and clothe him.

Not that Healy’s management could comprehend that, or the fact that I had a schedule and a set routine. They didn't know when to stop and pushed and pushed to get what they wanted. And I could only fight back so much. Which meant that I’d ended up dropping Teddy off at Finn’s place a whole two hours earlier than usual just so that Adi and I could prep for the dated interview.

So, with that in mind, it was safe to say that I wasn't in the perkiest of moods when Adi bounded breathlessly into the studio that morning, a lot later than expected.

"I know, I know, I'm late!" Adi immediately squawked as she hurried on over, the door behind her slamming shut in her wake. "But I have good reason! I hardly slept last night, too excited for all of this!" She added as she threw her knitted tote bag down in its customary corner, the one I’d brought her the birthday last, and tossed her phone and throng of keys down with a clatter onto her paper-filled desk.

I rolled my eyes, but was unable to negotiate with the amused smile that pulled at the corners of my mouth. “Still had time to post a quick photo though. Don't think I didn't see it, Adeline- you tagged the show."

Adi’s smile was blinding when she spun around to meet me, brown eyes wild and full of mirth.

“Figured since you still haven't a clue about how Instagram works that you just wouldn't see it, my love!" She retorted whilst throwing herself down into my desk chair and kicking her Doc clad feet up onto the table. She shot me a smug smirk.

“Cow. And oi, I’ll have you know I’ve caught on since Circa ‘18!” I defended, but relented upon seeing Adi’s arched brow. “Fine, I had Finn explain it all to me one night after a bottle of wine. But the point still stands.”

Adi’s raucous laughter bounced around the loft and I could only roll my eyes once more before huffing. 2018 had been a rough year for many, but mostly me, seeing as I’d accidentally posted a quick shot of me in the tub for the group chat to my story, exposing a little more than I’d like to our show’s following.

Adi stared back at me in disbelief, loosening the bun of unruly curls that had been strung together by a silk bandana, which also seemed to match the colour of the very short shorts she was wearing.

"He'd had to have been a saint in another life to have dealt with an indisposed you for that long."

I scoffed at that, but couldn't help my own trickle of laughter. “I sent Teddy round to his the next day with a box of chocolates- you know, those fancy ones he’s always banging on about?” Adi hummed her assent. “Felt proper bad about it all. Took him ages to teach me how to stop going Live.”

We both laughed.

“Waste of time that was, should’ve just brought the chocolates here! Knowing Finn, he only helped ‘cause he found the entire sodding thing hilarious.” Adi supplied, pulling a pack of chewing gum free from her jacket pocket.

Snorting faintly, I denied her offering of a piece with a wave of my hand, and went back to fidgeting with my phone, distracting myself again from my plume of thoughts. I spun the device round and round, slowly enough so that each edge made contact with the wooden desktop.

“You alright there, babe?” Adi queried after a while, and I glanced over to see her eyes now trailing the movement. “Ted doing alright?”

I stilled and then hummed, watching as she turned and went about fumbling her way through an array of wires that sat on my desk, most of which were already hooked up to the monitors. It was a task Adi did most mornings, even when I’d already ticked it off the list, ever the perfectionist, wanting to double check that nothing would go wrong with the day's show.

“Oh yeah, all’s fine. Teds is already obsessing over Halloween, ranting about what costume he wants to get this year. But August has only just passed, Ads.” I groaned, thinking back to the previous evening when Teddy had spent a good portion of his bath time rambling on about what every other kid in his class was going to be.

Adi peered back at me, the extremity of the grin she wore wrinkling the corners of her eyes. “Just kids, ain't it? We were the same, you'll miss it in a couple of years.”

I supposed she was right, but only because I didn’t have much of an experience to look back on. Halloween had just been me and mum in the woods up by the creek, collecting flowers and eucalyptus for the wreaths we’d make, then reading old stories by the fire.

“Don't remind me, please. I don't want him getting any bigger!” I sighed all too dramatically before standing to head on over towards the printer, picking up everything I’d sent off earlier from out the tray.

“It's the way of life, babe. So, when do you reckon Teds will end up towering over you?”

Adi simply chuckled when I stuck a finger up at her from over my shoulder, not even wanting to pay that idea any thought at all. Teddy was my baby, I couldn’t picture him all grown up.

“I should mention that I saw your tweet, by the way. Guessing you're nervous for today?” Adi added after, her tone a little softer than normal, catching me off guard enough that I actually stilled in place before I turned to face her.

“And you’re not?"

Adi’s mouth quirked upwards when she shook her head, dark ringlets moving with it.

“Why would I be? This is fucking huge for us, M! The exposure that we'll receive alone could really give us the big break we've been searching for- I honestly can't even begin to believe it.”

I gnawed on my bottom lip as I lingered over her words, then pushed back the thought of me having been the one to deal with the stress that was Healy’s management team to the back of my mind. Adi didn’t deserve that, I’d always been the one to deal with all the crap happening behind the scenes, and besides, Adi had a right to be excited. I only wished that I had the ability to join in on it.

“I just don't want to start up any more unnecessary drama, Ads.”

Drama was the very last thing I wanted, knowing that this whole thing with Healy could easily blow up in our faces if we didn’t go about it the right way. And if shit actually does end up hitting the metaphorical fan, then… I wasn't sure I'd be fit enough to handle it. Handle the backlash that would surely follow and affect the show, the only source of income I had. And without it, both Teddy and I would be royally fucked.

Apparently my lack of response had Adi rolling her eyes, adding an extra flare of dramatics to it by flicking my ear as she passed me by. “Don’t be such a worrier, babe. It’ll all work out, always does with us, don’t it? Besides, how can it not when I have a face as gorgeous as this?”

She winked, flashing me her famous grin.

“Tart.”

“Slag.” Adi easily countered.

A breathy chuckle escaped me and I shook my head before returning to the wad of papers I’d been rifling through. “Sorry to disappoint, but it’s the radio, babe. No one will be seeing that gorgeous face of yours, or the way your arse is currently hanging out of those shorts.”

Adi cut her eyes at me from across the room, but they gleamed under the studio’s lights. “Don’t be jealous. We both know you love it.”

“Jealous? I’m a mum!”

“A fit one.”

A laugh bubbled up out of my throat at that and I couldn't find the energy to deny it, so I just shook my head.

“Anyway, you’re wrong.” And at my confused look, Adi continued on, grinning wickedly as she waved around one of the large devices she’d since picked up and cradled in her hand. “We are working with the camera’s today. Sort of why I'm here setting them all up. See?”

“Wait, we’re filming?” I gawked, and my eyes felt like they were just about ready to bulge out of my head as I sat up further to shake my head at her. Mouth already dry. “Non. No, Adi. No one ever mentioned that! I can’t.”

“They called yesterday demanding it. Just as you left to pick up Teds- it must've slipped my mind. I'm so sorry, hun.” Adi revealed sheepishly, her face scrunched up in an apologetic wince as the camera rig dropped to her hip. “But don't worry, yeah? I promise it'll all be sound and then we'll be well on our way to becoming the UK's biggest radio show!”

I reverted back to worrying at my bottom lip, chewing on it as though I hadn't eaten for days whilst I tapped an anxious rhythm into the arm of my chair. I couldn’t do the cameras, not today at least.

“Trust me, Mouse. It’ll be alright. You’ve done it before and you can do it again. No one will say a thing.”

I wished I could fucking believe her.

***

The Sun @/Thesun 16m Matty Healy spotted out in London today! The singer has been relatively quiet for the past few days- somewhat strange for the wayward frontman- but will this all change now that he's been seen? (Link) H @/user1 18m um, what? he’s where?? Adi @/AdelineWells_ 19m Long day ahead but we're very excited for today's show! Big surprises in store for you lot, so who's looking forward to it?? @/petitesouris @/Mouseonamic Indie @/user2 21m @/AdelineWells_ AHHH hope it's another Adi's All-Knowing segment!! Urmymedicine @/user3 23m Did anyone else see Jamie’s ig post?? He says to keep an eye out- AN EYE OUT FOR WHAT?? Talk! @/user4 11m I feel like I've been hit by an unnecessary amount of information

***

Matty’s bleary stare made an attempt to focus on the blurring buildings that passed them by as the car cut through the paved streets of London. Grey just melting into another varied shade of grey.

It was still far too bright for the beginning of September, the remaining weeks of summer only just tittering away now, and Matty couldn't help the scowl that had long since settled into his hollow features.

One of the very few things he liked about the city was the fact that it was almost sure to be gloomy during the colder months. But it seemed as though the sun was shining a little brighter today, much to his chagrin.

A dull pain throbbed at either side of his temples, it’d been there since he’d been forced awake, and so he'd had to wind the window all the way down as soon as they'd set off to keep the nausea at bay. He silently regretted not turning in early last night, but it couldn't have been helped. It was hard to stay asleep without his usual nightcap, and even then, it was harder to dismiss the memories that plagued his mind without downing half a bottle of something or other.

A frigid wash of air wound its way down his throat as he took a long breath, his mind slowing a tad as the afternoon breeze trickled across his skin. But soon enough Matty’s calm was broken and his attention was then caught by Jamie, who sounded just as thwart as he felt.

“You even listening to me, mate?”

Jamie’s undeterred voice filtered through the back of the car, a short lived sigh following in its wake.

Matty merely rolled his eyes from behind his darkened sunglasses and proceeded to slump further in his seat, lolling his head to the side so that his focus was now within the car instead of on the distractions of the outside world.

His gaze trailed its way across the dark leather seats and blacked out windows before it finally ended up landing on his manager, who was kitted up in one of his many sharp shirts and a pair of formal fitting trousers. A right snazzy twat.

Matty could appreciate their pattern though, Jamie hardly ever ventured too far into the world of fashion, so the burgundy tartan was a sight to behold.

He soon fixed Jamie with an apathetic stare from across the backseat, fingers already itching for a fag, or maybe something stronger. He couldn’t be arsed with the mindless bother he’d been sent to complete today, really didn’t want to be dealing with a roomful of people that were there to assault him with an extensive range of hard-hitting questions, or have any more unwanted cameras shoved in his face in truth.

But here he was, doing it.

Following orders because that was what it took to be a puppet. He was too tired to be tugging on any strings today though, simply wanted to get the afternoon over and done with, hopefully without any repercussions, so that he could fall back into bed.

“Matty, mate.” Jamie huffed, his face having fallen into a pitiful expression that Matty didn’t quite like looking at, but couldn’t seem to look away from.

For a while, he'd been fearful that he'd pushed his luck all too far with Jamie, as well as the rest of the band too he supposed. But it seemed as though the guy had a thing for redemption, because he was trying his fucking hardest to annoy Matty into growing the fuck up.

“Look. I know you don't like this anymore than I do, but it's your job, mate. You ain’t got much of a choice here. But think of it this way, right. It's better you being here, doing this, than drowning away in your own fucking sorrows- thought you'd given up drinking since rehab, anyway.”

Matty’s jaw clenched involuntarily at the reminder. Rehab. What was it with everyone and always bringing it up? He’d been too fucking gone on painkillers to have given a second thought to the little amount of alcohol that particular shit show had provided. Could hardly call it a rehabilitation centre either, not when you were constantly surrounded by other abusers who were practically there on a getaway, just finding other means to entertain themselves with.

Jamie broke the silence just as Matty’s mind began to spiral, and Matty couldn’t help but be rather thankful for it.

“You just gonna sit there then?” Jamie snorted, obviously trying to fill the tense quiet now, “Normally you’d have told me to piss off by now.”

“Piss off.” Matty murmured, turning his focus back to the window.

The car seemed to be slowing down now and Matty furrowed his brow when they came to a gentle halt outside a block of buildings.

“Where are we?”

“Outskirts of Islington, I think. Not too far from the studio.”

Matty didn't get much of a chance to reply- not that he'd had one, Islington never did manage to bring up the most fondest of memories with him- because Jamie had all but jumped at the chance to exit the vehicle, opening up the sliding backdoor to escape into the stream of daylight.

With a tired sigh, Matty ran a hand through his mussed hair before he made a move to join his manager, clicking his neck slightly as the bottoms of his leather, heeled boots clacked against the cobbled pavement.

There was the usual musty scent that lingered throughout the city as he took a breath, but the smell of petrol was somewhat stronger here. Hardly anyone was wandering down the backstreet they had pulled into though, and those that did didn't linger too long on either him or the extravagant hired car that he'd been sanctioned with since having been struck with yet another driving ban.

Craning his head up, Matty could tell that there wasn't much to the building they were standing outside of. A commercial unit, three stories or so. Its brick exterior worn and dotted with timber sash windows. It was quaint enough, but not what he was used to when it came to things like this.

"Alright. A quick debrief before we go in." Jamie started, already fixing the faint creases in his otherwise pristine shirt, caused from where he’d been sat working in the backseat. “This is the same show that you had a bit of a spat with earlier this week, alright? So you'll be meeting the same girl that spoke out about your, um… Well, your image and publicity, and all that crap, generally speaking."

Jamie’s eyes flitted around them before he was back to typing away on his phone again. Fucking thing was practically attached to his hand, made Matty wonder how the hell he managed a wank.

But then he caught onto that last bit of his sentence and furrowed his brows, throwing Jamie another quick glance, not quite comprehending.

“Why we even here then? Thought your lot had a right mare dealing with all that.”

Jamie had the decency to look a tad bit sheepish as he started to lead them over towards one of the heavy-duty doors that adorned each of the surrounding units.

“They think that by doing this, it will clear up any allegations. They just want you to right your wrongs, I ‘spose. Make it known that what went down was just a 'misunderstanding' of sorts.”

“Right my? For fucks sake, Jamie! I was shitfaced! And if I remember fucking rightly, this supposed presenter spoke some actual truth. How the fuck am I meant to deny that and clear this whole fucking mess up?"

Matty was quite close to fuming now. It was always the same thing, again and again. The lies were never ending. So much so that he could hardly even recognise them from the truth anymore, everything had seemed to mould into one.

Jamie had since paused, his hand resting on the door's brass handle whilst he gave Matty the best smile he could possibly muster up. "Matty, mate, I'm sorry. Listen, I thought I could-"

Matty cut him off with a throaty scoff.

"Don't make out you're sorry. Not when you're just here ‘to do your job’. The only thing you're sorry for is the fact that you've got to be here at all, to suffer through all this shit with me and put up with the added drama. Just do me a fucking favour and keep your half-arsed apologies to yourself, mate."

Jamie looked genuinely taken back by his vicious rant for once, and somewhat hurt too, but Matty paid it no mind. He knew where to hit where it hurt, and he often didn’t stop until he tasted blood. The band knew that better than most.

"You act like you're here for me, when all you really care about is goin’ by the book and following the rules. Fucking grow a pair and apologise to me when there's an actual ounce of sympathy behind it." He spat back, teeth grinding as he clenched his jaw, glowering at the man standing before him.

Matty shoved past his startled manager before he could linger on his words and pushed his way through the door. Fisted hands already making their way into his pockets as his nails dug crescent shaped moons into his palms in a desperate attempt to take the edge off of his vibrating anger.

"Ah, good, you're already here then! Thought we'd heard voices!" A cheerful lilt called out just as Matty rounded the short hallway, Jamie hot on his tail, and came face to face with a girl, who was leaning heavily against the metal rail lining the steep stairwell.

Matty winced at the brashness of her greeting, eyes narrowing behind his sunglasses at the very force of her presence. She had a mane of thick curls bundled atop her head, lips lined red and lashes winged with a heavy liner. She was definitely younger than him, but not by much, and he could only guess as he approached her, that she stood at a similar height to him too when she wasn't prancing about on metal staircases.

His fingertips trailed across the paperboard carton he had stowed away in his jacket pocket as Jamie hurried on over to meet the woman- a beaming smile now replacing his previously dejected look. Matty bit into his cheek at the sight of it.

"Yeah, sorry if we're late! Hey, it's great to meet you, I'm Jamie and this is obviously Matty." Jamie greeted with an incessant smile Matty couldn't bring himself to look at, before his manager was gesturing towards him- the disgruntled singer he was always stuck babysitting- and then reaching out a hand.

"Adeline, but my mates call me Adi." The girl, Adi, chirped as she took Jamie’s palm in her own, her eyes flitting towards Matty long enough to get a good once over. A gesture Matty returned. "It's great to have you both here."

She wore a grin so large it practically surpassed the honey brown eyes that brightened her face. Her teeth were white, if not a little crooked, and the force of her smile showed off the metal piercing that sat against her front teeth.

"We're honestly really excited to have you on the show! We'll have a proper laugh and just chill, so there's no pressure or anything. Mouse is upstairs, by the way. Still have to set up the final bits and bobs." Adi added, her enthusiasm somehow never faltering. "You'll love her! She's the main man round here, the one who started up the show and all that. You'll be speaking to her once we begin, but depending on how everything goes I'm hoping to join the two of you at some point."

Matty merely hummed in reply, which earned him a slight jab to the ribs from Jamie, one he tried not to lash out at. And Adi’s eyes slitted a tad as she followed the gesture, though Matty noted she gathered herself rather quickly.

"So, is that all of you then? No one else to meet?" Jamie wondered politely and Adi chuckled in retort as she began to lead them up the shifting staircase, giving them both an eyeful of her long legs.

"Nah, you're in the clear. It's just the two of us running things around here."

Matty worked his jaw at her response, whilst the sound of his boots hitting each metal stair reverberated around them.

"And that works?" He couldn't stop himself from asking.

Adi's head snapped back to find him, eyes peering over her shoulder as she rounded the first small landing and started on the next set of stairs.

"Mouse was on her own for a long while before I came along. We cope fine on our own though. We might not be as big as some other radio shows at the moment, but we've got a good relationship that works well within this industry. She can be stubborn, whilst I can be pushy, and even when we butt heads over things, we're able to make up in the end for the sake of the show. I don't know how it would work, throwing someone else into the mix."

Matty gave her a curt nod.

"So, Mouse?" Jamie questioned just as they bypassed the second floor, continuing up the staircase. Matty could hear the curiosity that lined his voice.

Adi flashed them another grin. "Mouse. It's what she goes by."

"Oh?" Jamie prodded, prompting her even further. He had a right thing for nicknames, loved hearing the stories behind them or something.

"Don't know how it came about, in all honesty. You'll have to ask. But it's been her pseudonym ever since she started as a kid."

Matty’s ears perked up upon hearing that, but it was Jamie who quizzed her.

"She's been doing this since she was a kid?"

"Technically. But no, it started out as a Twitter account, just her venting her thoughts and opinions on the music she loved. And trust me, teenage Mouse was just as cut throat and sarcastic as she is now- maybe even more so- but people loved it, still do. The idea for the radio show came about a couple years later, and that was that."

Adi stopped talking just as they reached the very top. The staircase had led them straight into an open plan room, where a large leather sofa separated the sitting area from the tiny kitchenette in the far back corner, and where half of the living space had been overtaken by a recording booth.

Matty blinked. It wasn't at all what he had been expecting.

"God, this is insane." Jamie suddenly crowed from beside him and Matty followed his manager’s wide eyed gaze to where a skylight had been fitted overhead, giving them a clear view of the bright blue skies they'd just escaped from.

"I know." Adi spoke through a breathy exhale, her eyes twinkling as she grinned up at the oversized window. "It was what sold us on the place, honestly. That, and the access we have to the roof."

She gestured over towards the closest window to the stairs then and Matty found a fire exit hatch sat just on the outside of it.

"Don't think the other tenants renting out the spaces below even know about it. Well that, or we've just been lucky enough to never to catch one another up there." She chuckled and Jamie joined her.

Matty’s hand tightened around his pack of cigarettes, eyes lingering on the hatch. But before he could ask if he could get a quick look at it, Adi was waltzing her way across the room and over towards the kitchen.

She waved them closer and gestured towards two sofas and a vintage looking armchair that should have looked somewhat out of place, if it hadn't been for the rest of the mismatched furniture that littered the space. From the mint green fridge shelving a chaotic range of mugs, to the wearing Victorian coffee table, which was hilariously similar to the one Matty’s grandmother had preened over whenever guests had gone to visit.

"Tea, coffee?" Adi asked and Matty dipped his head as he took a perch on the edge of an armchair facing the tele box. It looked well over two decades old and he questioned the last time he'd seen one that'd had a DVD player built into it.

"Coffee. Black."

Adi raised an amused brow but didn't comment, looking towards Jamie. "And you, Glasses?"

Jamie only chuckled at the name referring to the thick rimmed frames he often wore. "Tea, please. Milk, two sugars."

"Be with you in just a sec!" Adi winked in reply and pulled four mugs down from the fridge.

"Cheers." Jamie thanked her, smiling all the while, before a look of remembrance crossed his face. "So where's this famous Mouse of yours then?"

And as though someone had answered him, Matty looked up to find the door to the recording booth opening and watched as someone stepped out to join them.

112 notes · View notes

nahida-official · 4 months

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a very merry sumeru christmas !

christmas notes compiled together :3

NOTABLE MESSAGE OF SHAME:

from. hat-guy (@the-wanderer-official) What a *wonderful* year you've spent annoying me. It was so special, I don't think we will need any more ever again, so I think it's time to return to your knitting or old lady ramblings. In the gift below I have enclosed a few mora to tide you by as Haravatat slowly falls apart from it's lack of funding. I hope you enjoy finding a new job that will hire someone as old as you. Sincerely with annoyance, the wanderer.

"Hey! Hat Guy.. I think you've perhaps forgotten that i can read all these messages. I told you to at least TRY to be nicer."

Cloud said: Merry Christmas!

from. alhaitham (@alhaitham-official) Happy Holidays. (have a nice time yall -mod)

:> said: STAY SILLY GUYS!!!!!! BE SKRUNKLY AND AWESOME TOO BUT I KNOW Y'ALL WILL DO THAT ANYWAYS

from. corruptdhaitham (@corrupted-haitham-official) This is useless to me. Still, have a nice time or whatever. (happy holidays and such. -moddie)

from. madame faruzan (@faruzan-official) Lesser Lord Kusanali, I give you a cookie. You are a wonderful archon. Hat Guy, may you die in the trenches. @autistic-alhaitham, I am telling you. You meowed at me. You cannot fool the one and only Madame Faruzan. Kaveh, youngster, stay as you are. You are wonderful for someone coming from the loathed Darshan of Ksharewar. @niloupalata you as well are pleasant, truly. And to the lot of you, happy holidays. Except Hat Guy. I hope your holidays are the worst.

"Awh! Many thanks, Madame Faruzan for the cookie. ..But you too. Watch your words. I told you both to be nice or I'd suspend you from "

from. Adi @adi-cat-anon Happy Holidays, and best wishes for the new year! I'm glad I got to meet you all.

from. dunyarzad^^ (@dunyarzad-official) Ohhh!!! Lesser Lord Kusanali!!! You have been such a nice archon!! You really were the one thing keeping me alive back when I was despairing through my Eleazar!! Thank you so much! And now that I've recovered, I can finally go around on my own and since the new year is rolling around, I'd love to take the opportunity to make new friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"It's nothing, Miss Dunyarzad. I'm glad I could help! Happy Holidays to you!"

from. kaveh (@kaveh-official) haitham please decrease my rent

from. Candace. (@candace-official) Have a happy holidays, everyone.

from. hat guy (notable message of shame above)

from. love anon (@l0ve-anon) Yall better be ready to see chaos. I will bring it to someone so be ready /pos (bringing up my flirting game)

"I.. I don't know who you are but I do suppose you have a happy holidays? Please try to refrain from causing too much of a major ruckus in Sumeru, though. :3"

from. zzz anon make sure y'all slept before Christmas

from. Bard (@namelessbard-official <-i believe? correct me if I'm wrong!) Venti(@venti-official)--I love you and I'm so proud of you <3 carry on my litle elf!

from. Fang, Annie (@the-chaos-siblings) Fang: Merry chrisler! Annie: Merry Christmas!

from. Cyno (@general-mahamatra-cyno-official) Merry Christmas. Where does Santa keep his coat during the year? The Claus-et.

"What a wonderful joke from the General Mahamatra! Hehe!"

test tube said: I genuinely cannot see whatever i picked god help me Merry Christmas if we open these on Christmas Day then I am currently suffering at a party I was forced to go to aaaaaaaaaaaaa

"Oh.. : ( I'm sorry! I hope you'll at least have fun at that party to some extent."

from. the Doctor (@dottore-official) I was told to leave a note if i wanted more funds, so happy holidays I suppose.

from. Zandik (@zandik-official) What is this for..? Even though I don't know, here. Take this. +1 Gears acquired.

from. Sohreh!! (@sohreh-official) Happy Holidays!! Oh, this is so exciting! I wonder who will get this card... I don't know, but to however gets this, have a happy holiday season!

from. layla (@layla-official) Hot coffee everyone?.. I can mix it with chocolate if caffeine isn't to your liking.

from. Tighnari (@fennec-tighnari-official) happy holidays to you all! and please no one get injured, I'm not dealing with this during the holidays.

from. Hydro!Kaveh (@hydro-eidolon-kaveh-official) Hello! I'm sure most of you are in my memories somewhere, but I'd like to let you all know that you are in my thoughts around this special time of year! My Haitham told me a little bit about the holidays and what they mean, but I'm definitely still a little lost on the fact. Otherwise, I know it is a time to decorate a tree and appreciate those that you love, and I want you to know that I love each and every one of you! (I think) Have the best holidays ever!

"Awh! May you have the best holidays ever too!!"

from. serendipityanon (@serendipity-anon) Hello all, I've knitted quilts for each and every one of you in a different color! I'll put them under the tree as well~ I have several pots of tea to share with everybody, and of course I brought fairy lights! Everyone has to take a set home to decorate their home~ I hope everybody has a wonderful day and and incredible holiday season! Love, serendipity-anon

from. collei (@collei-official) Happy holidays to everyone !! :D from. webttore (@webttore-official) I don't know why I'm here ig I'm from Sumeru? But I'm in Mondstadt rn. Anyways I'm gonna steal gifts and kick kids -Webttore

"Get out. We do not condone that here that is not holiday cheer."

from. Xinyan (@xinyan-official) Wherever Yoimiya (@yoimiya-official) has disappeared to, I hope she's doing well.

"Everyone have a happy holidays! From the Goddess of Wisdom and the rest of Sumeru! Directed at not just the people of Sumeru, but truly everyone out there!!"

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harrysmimi · 1 year

Text

Whiskey Pt.2

Synopsis: One where CEO Harry finally visits YN's place and gets a glimpse of her life

PS. Pls read Part 1 of this if you haven't already. <33

More of my work | Part 1

YN did not get the job at Harry's firm as financial advisor but she was hired as head of Accounting. Yes, she was under qualified education wise with just a bachelor's degree, but she was qualified enough with her experience and work ethics from her work at the previous firm.

Harry was over the moon really.

He's also been doing very well lately. Getting over his divorce better than he imagined. Especially since he gets to spend time his family with no one nagging after him.

He was more involved and being a better Best Man for his sister. He was able to spend his free time with his mother as well.

And to his personal liking. He got to see YN more often now. He stays back on work days so he can insist on driving her to her place. It is not easy to do so but he sometimes manages to convince her. That's when she's more tired or not feeling well enough to walk to the tube station.

Like today. He made a stop at the Starbucks drive-thru on the way to her place.

"What are we doing here?" She asked. "Harry, it's half past five. You're gonna get a coffee now?"

"Can get a decaffe." He shrugged, and ordered a simple black coffee for himself and her a hot chocolate.

"Oh you don't have to get me anything." She pointed out. He just waved her off.

"Sorry, I didn't asked earlier." Harry started, placing the drinks in the cup holders as he rolled up his window and drove ahead. "Do you have a few minutes?"

"Yeah, sure. What is it?"

"Ummm... I don't know how to say this." He spoke again as he parked his car in the car park and look at her, "my sister is getting married next weekend."

"Awh! Congratulations to her!" She exclaimed, less squealed.

"Thank you." He smiled sheepishly, "wanted to ask if you would like to join me."

"You're inviting me to your sister's wedding?" YN was surprised.

"Yeah." He sighed as he was trying to not look at her directly with his embarrassed and red face, "as m'plus one. If you don't mind of course." And it hit her.

"As your date?"

"Mhmm." He looked at her finally just to find her looking at her hands on her lap, fiddling with her thumbs. "It's okay if you don't want to, I understand."

"It's not like that, just that I can't leave the kids alone at home." She explained.

"Oh." He realised, "but your parents will be home, wouldn't they?"

"Doesn't really matter, our mum was home when Zara broke her arm that night." YN said, yearning her voice of wanting to take a tiny little break but also being tied down. "Sorry."

"Mhmm, I see." He nodded taking a sip from his coffee. "It's alright."

"Umm, do you want to-" she was interrupted with her phone ringing. It was from her neighbour who so nicely looked after the kids for her.

YN's mum was visiting her sister leaving all the kids back home so YN has been stressed even more. Her neighbour, Maia wanted to tell her that her husband was taking her out so she needs to get back home and get back to hers to get ready. YN have to hurry back home.

"Is everything alright?" Harry asked watching concern take over her features.

"It was my neighbour, she looks after the kids whilst I'm working and Adi is not home. She said, she's going out so I have to go back home." She explained and Harry was already putting his car back on drive.

"Yeah, I'll take y'back right away." He nodded. YN noticed the sulking look on his face he was trying so hard to be subtle with. But she caught on it.

"Earlier, I was saying. Do you want to come over for dinner? I'm sure the kiddos would love to have you there." She suggested and watched him now try his best to not grin like an idiot.

"You sure?" He glanced back and forth between her and the road. He was nervous all of a sudden.

"Mhmm." YN nodded. "It's just going to be pasta for tonight I'm too tired to make anything fancy."

"I don't mind honestly." He shrugged, still trying to contain his excitement.

......................................................................

It wasn't too long until Harry parked up his car and he was following YN to her flat. It was fairly old building, classic London flat. She decided to take stairs instead of the lift to the fourth floor.

He was already dead on the first floor. He needs to get back to gym, he figured by the time they were on the fourth floor.

"YN, you're back!" A lady at her place exclaimed, who Harry reckoned to be her neighbour. A tall and slim woman with red hair and gorgeous brown eyes. "Who is this?" She asked looking directly at him with surprised look on her face.

"Oh this is Harry Styles, my boss." YN introduce him, "and Harry this is Maia, my neighbour."

"Nice to meet you." Harry shook hands with the red head.

"Nice to meet you, nice to meet you!" Maia's tone held teasing undertone towards YN.

"Harry, please take a seat." YN gestured him to the small living of her flat. There were Maths and drawing books thrown on the coffee table.

He got to look around a little whilst YN talked to her friend. There were crayon drawing all over the walls, matching on the books layed on the coffee table. The throw blanket thrown messily on the settee he sat on, mismatched love seats and worn down rug pulled the living room together. A pile of over laundry eating it's basket in between what he through were two bedroom doors which were clothes off. A table cornering two chairs by the wall in front of the coffee table had more books on it.

Now just before he was about to look to the other side of the room, the right bedroom door opened to reveal a sleepy Zara walking out with a blanket tangled around her and her teddy bear, which was surely named Coco he remembered from when she told him about at the hospital. The little girl spared him half a glance before he was clinging to her sister's legs with a bear hug.

"Zozo, you're up!" YN exclaimed and shuffled the hair on top the little girl's head.

"I need to get going now." Maia said to YN. "I'll see you around, Harry." Now just as the red head was about to go out, there was another visitor.

A man, who was around his dad's age, Harry thought. Slight stumble to his steps, as gray hair peaking out of the hat on his hair. A worn down jacket which he shrugged off on the floor and headed straight to the empty settee at the other corner of the room making a demand to YN for something. And one by one all the kids started to come out of their rooms.

Least to say, Harry was surprised to see how many people lived in this tiny flat. Five kids, and he didn't see Adi there yet, and the man who he reckoned was the father.

Now he knew, YN had a lot of siblings. But he thought maybe she had three more siblings. He just didn't except for there to be five out of six to be present there.

All the things were starting to fall in place to Harry then and there.

"Who is he, YN?" The youngest of the boys asked.

"This is my Boss, Harry." YN said, "and Harry, these are my siblings, from left, it's Jerek and Samar the twins, Sid, this is Zara and the littlest one is Roy."

"Hello!" Harry smiled at everyone, "oh Hi there." He cooed watched the smallest of the them all crawl towards him. He looked like the baby from The Incredibles, Jack-Jack. The baby was apparently old enough to stand up griping onto Harry's pants there. He was quick to pull the baby up on his lap. And right then Adi came back and the house was full. Luckily Maia made an exit there.

"Hello, Harry how are ya?" Adi greeted with a welcoming smile on his face.

"Hello mate, I'm doing alright." Harry smiled back, "what about you?"

"School have been kicking my arse, but apart from it I'm doing great!" The boy answered, shrugged off his own jacket.

"Did you all complete your homework?" YN asked the mids, dropping her bag on the chair next to her. And all of their answers were no.

"No." Was all of their answer and Adi was shoving everyone back into their bedroom.

"I'm really sorry about that." YN chuckled sheepishly, taking her youngest brother from him and placing him on the rug so he can play along with his other sister.

"It's alright, I just wasn't expecting this." He smiled hoping to make her feel less tensed. He could see the click in her jaw. "Do you want me to help you?" He offered but also followed her to the kitchen without letting her say a word.

It was more cleaner than the living room. But there are apparently nine people living there, so it's excusable. And there was a pile of dishes in the sink.

"It's okay, it won't take me long." YN tried to make him stay in the living but he wasn't leaving.

"I'm a good chef, I promise." He announced as he shrugged off his blazer and made a trip outside to probably keep it somewhere. "What are we making?"

"Just some spaghetti." YN said, watching him look through the things.

YN makes sure to leave a hand written list of ingredients to be pulled out from the fridge before she leaves, so one of the boys' can take those out before she's back home to cook. And they surprisingly follow through always and arrange things nicely on the counter for her.

One thing YN was happy about her job was that she doesn't have to skimp on groceries as much now. The kids can eat however they like and she doesn't have to portion out the food equally to everyone. This made her feel less guilty about taking on the job which was clearly out of her league— in her own opinion at least.

"Where are the pots?" Harry asked, watching her wash her hands thoroughly first thing.

"Here." YN pulled out a pot to boil the water for pasta in. There were ready made spaghetti sauce on the counter. So Harry helped YN with with making a side of garlic bread, of course after washing his own hands first.

"It's gonna take a lot of time. I just usual toast these on a pan as out toaster is broken, I'll do it." YN explained.

"You have an oven, darling, you don't need a pan for it." Harry pointed out.

"Oh, I- uhh... I don't know how to properly use it. I've burnt a few things in it before." She shared sheepishly earning a soft laugh from him.

"Don't worry I'll teach ya." He assured her and walked her through how to use an oven. "Do you want to make a little salad too?"

"I'll have to see what I have in the fridge." She opened up her fridge to find a few veggies which can be used in a salad. And he took over. "You're a great cook, actually. Sorry for doubting you."

Harry gasped with an obviously fake offence on his face, "how dare you!"

And she just shrugged as she put the spaghetti noodles in boiling water. YN was onto making the pasta whilst Harry was done making his veggie concoction on the side and the bread.

"That smells amazing." He complimented watching YN mix in the pre-made sauce and pasta together.

"Why thank you!"

YN got to washing up the dishes in the sink, it was muscle memory to her but she stopped. She's got a guest over!

"Sorry." She mumbled.

"No, why are you sorry?" He shrugged, "you want me to help you with that too?"

"No, no, no, no! I'll do it myself." She warned him. Harry stood there and watched her go about her work. He couldn't stop the questions running through his mind. She hadn't sat down for even a moment she entered her home, she didn't even change out of her formals.

"Is that your dad?" He asked, glancing at the man who was fast asleep on the sofa.

"Mhmm." She nodded, "I'm sorry about that. He's not usually home, I don't know why he came home today."

"Why so?"

"I don't know. He comes home once every week or so." YN replied like he knows everything about her, in fact he knows nothing about her, "he doesn't work if that's what you're going to ask me next. I guess he already ran out of his pension for this month on alcohol."

"You don't have to be sorry about this, okay!" He said firmly, "if you don't mind me asking me more about you? I feel like you know everything about me, but I know nothing about you."

"This is pretty much it." She gave him a pressed lip smile, "I'm the oldest of seven kids and our parents don't care for them so I have to fill in their place. Our mum is always at her sister's place." And it's like they're basically without parents, she wanted to add but left out.

"Is this why you're hesitant to go out with me?" He asked.

He's ready to admit that he's selfish, okay!

"Mhmm." She nodded, "I barely get time for myself let alone make time for someone else. And I've realised it's not fair the hard way. So, I don't want to really lead you on. You've become a great friend of mine. I find it very rare to find friends who are nice."

Now he isn't heartbroken about being called her friend, he believes true love starts with friendship, and he's here for it.

"Why'd you say that, love?" He truly wanted to why.

Mainly because he's never faced rejection in this field. Well, he was in a commited relationship since he was eighteen and not to brag, he always had people throwing themselves at his feet. It was a bit ego crushing to be rejected. But he also found himself that much attracted towards her seeing how she was set to not let her priorities budge even an inch.

She goes out of her way to be a parent to her little siblings and make them happy. He wanted to make her happy. It was not an sudden urge. No, no, he genuinely liked her from even before he knew about her siblings.

"My boyfriend broke up with me, because I moved back in with my parents instead of moving in with him after college." She explained. "Don't feel like wasting anyone's time really. I'm... I'm, I'm happy where I am."

Harry picked on her stuttering. He believed it's not true. Or at least partially not true.

And it wasn't true, partially. YN always wanted a little a family of her own. She does have one but wasn't the same she expected it to be. She wanted to go to college, get a doctorate and be a professor, but it wasn't the same as she expected it.

God, she even got into her dream University but she had to drop it all off at the end.

"Mhmm, I see." He acknowledged what she shared.

To be honest, he had an equally demanding lifestyle as a CEO. It was was also perfect as it would be a slow pace start. He just didn't know why he was so damn attracted to her, it was annoying honestly. In a good way of course.

He understood where she comes from now, really. He felt too guilty to ask her again.

......................................................................

The dinner was served.

Harry was surprised to see how nifty this family was. They had moved the table by the door over the coffee table in the living room and used the sofa as spare chairs.

They all went about their day and talked about one good thing which happened for them. It was very refreshing for Harry. A good tradition to have. But he saw YN was lost somewhere. Her father even joined out of nowhere.

"YN?" Adi pointed out.

"Hmm?"

"What about you?"

"Oh, one good thing happened for me was..." She squinted her eyes as if she was thinking way too hard, "Harry coming over for dinner with us."

"Took you long enough time, eh?" He rolled his eyes making everyone laugh, including YN. And they all moved onto next person. Even Harry was made a part of this tradition.

"Papa?" Zara turned to her turned.

"Nothing good can happen in my life when I have kids like these." Their father said, mainly pointing at YN who was sat at the head of the table and he was sat at the other head of the table. "Now who is he?" And it took him long enough to notice Harry. "Don't we already have enough people in this house?"

"I'm Harry, nice to meet you sir." Harry smiled but got waved off.

"If you could learn to keep it in your pants!" YN hissed at her father before she took her half eaten plate back to kitchen. Harry felt his heart sink to his stomach, he swore he saw tears in her eyes. But one of the boys followed her to the kitchen, so he didn't make a move. Also, there was a toddler leaning onto him and a baby sat on his lap.

......................................................................

They lost the track of time and it was already half past ten. Some of the kids were fast asleep. It was just the twins, Adi and YN sat in the living room with Harry. YN's father have seem to left for somewhere.

The twins were asking Harry all shorts of questions, right, left, front and back about business as both of them are very much interested in that topic. But was their school night so Harry promised to answer all their questions next time.

YN insisted on walking him down to his car. It wasn't polite to send him off at her door, she said.

"I'm sorry, the little ones were troubling you a lot." YN started.

"No, I had fun." He chuckled, "it's been so long since I've seen my nieces and nephews. So it's all fine."

"I'm glad." She smiled. They stopped by his car.

"You can take a day off tomorrow, you look very tired." He pointed out.

"Oh, I'm fine." She scoffed jokingly. "Thank you for noticing though. You're welcome anytime over for meal."

"Sure."

Awkward silence fell in between them for what felt like life time.

"Can I hug you before I go?"

"Alright, drive safe Harry."

Harry and YN both said at the same time, just to burst out in fit of laugh on the street.

"Sure!" She agreed and went for it to hig him.

He wrapped his arms around her in a bear hug whilst her own were wrapped around his middle. He fought hard to not kiss her hair and cross that thin line. None of them wanted to pull away from the embrace, really.

"You know, I'm so proud of you!" He gave her a squeeze and felt a little nod of her head against his chest.

YN was ready to run up and lock herself up in the bathroom to cry her heart out. No one has told that. He noticed. Taking in a deep breath, she reluctantly pulled away to stand half a step back from him.

"I'm sorry for turning you down earlier. Can't really leave these monsters alone." She shrugged, "don't feel like bothering Maia everytime, you know. Adi had to stay back at his work today, and, and I hardly ever go out anyway. Just- it's just..." Her little explaination was punctuated with a sigh.

Harry had noticed now that they've become good friends at least, she apologises too much. Which he finds endearing but also not good at the same time. She doesn't need to apologise for things which are out of her control.

"I get it, darling, don't worry about it." He smiled. "And yes, I'll drive home safe." He interrupted her even before she could say anything and got into his car, waited until she was safely back in her building before he drove off.

......................................................................

It was Thursday evening, Harry was meeting up his family for dinner. It was just before Gemma leaves for her bachelorette party.

Now, his family was very supportive of him throughout what he was going through. He sold his mantion, so his mum let him crash at hers before he found a different much and a smaller place just for him. Gemma was a great help for him.

Gemma was the first one arrive, as always.

Harry was so happy to see her because the next time he'll be seeing his sister would be when she's finally a bride. They sat down and ordered drinks to wait for their mum who was five minutes away.

His happi did not last much longer though. He saw YN all dolled up and going to the upper level of the restaurant, with a man. A pretty dress, he's hardly ever seen her in one, her hair styled perfectly in a braid, all in all she looked stunning.

But it broke his heart to see her with someone else. Maybe she's on a date?

No, because he saw two other girls following her. But she said she hardly ever goes out to him that night when he asked to be his date at his sister's wedding. If she didn't wanted to go, she should have told him straight up to his face, not lie about not ever going out, even with her friends.

Well, now who is he to decide when or if she can go out with her friends or not.

He was just upset she wasn't giving him a chance.

......................................................................

YN was having a chill evening at home. The kids were surprisingly behaving well today. They were quietly doing their homework, they even helped her around the house today, which doesn't happen that often.

Well, it all started to fall into place when her former colleagues barged into her flat and took her out. Apparently, Adi and Maia set this all up seeing her sulking around for a reason they don't know.

Well, the reason was turning down Harry, her boss, who asked her to be his date at his sister's wedding.

It was her inner turmoil eating at her. He's her boss now, but it was inevitable to deny her feelings for him which have only grown since she have met him.

Her new colleague already look down on her, especially seeing her and Harry being such good friends. It is hard enough to work at the place knowing people think she got the job just because she's friends with the CEO or worse, that she's sleeping with the CEO. It doesn't take that long for gossip to circulate around the office.

But she can think about it when she's in bed instead of going to sleep tonight.

"YN, come on!" Jamila whined like a toddler trying to convince her to go out with them.

"Yes, YN!" Even Zara jumped on her from back as she was sat on her bed, "I'll help you pick a dress!" With that the girl jumped off and dragged her sister to the closet. "This one!" She picked a green dress YN had abandoned a long, long time ago.

"Perfect choice, Zara!" Jamila exclaimed, "YN, now go get ready, chop chop!"

"Please don't force me, you know how these kids are, can't leave them alone for a bit." YN pouted.

Honestly, she just wanted to sulk around more, that's all she wanted to do.

"Come on!" Zara started pushing her sister towards the bathroom so she can go and change and get ready. But it still took half an hour more for Zara and Jamila to convince her to go out.

But they were finally out. Jamila had also called Tom (the guy who very clearly has a crush on her and has even asked her out on a date before) and Alisha, another one of YN's former colleague for their little dinner get together. It was barely impromptu like Jamila had been going off about as she had already made a reservation for the four of them.

"Look at you in the dress I gifted you on your 21th birthday!" Alisha pointed out tauntingly so because her friend never takes time for herself, get out of the house more for anything other than work or family related drama.

All YN wore back in college were dresses. She loved wearing dresses, but they're just not convenient and comfortable to move around with her lifestyle anymore. So this dress Alisha gifted her has never the light of day (or night perhaps) until now.

She followed after a Tom as the two other girls were busy with their little family gossip.

"Oh my god, YN you won't believe what happened at our other cousin's pre-wedding ceremony last week..." And they both started filling her on the little funny yet tragic story of their cousins face planting straight into the pool with all his clothes on trying to argue to with their mothers. It made her week.

That's all they talked about the whole night.

......................................................................

It was two weeks later Gemma's wedding. Harry went on a solo vacation to Japan after and he cried like a baby on his sister's wedding drunk his arse off.

Gemma doesn't call him her baby brother for no reason!

YN on the other hand was very puzzled by his behaviour. He was acting like he didn't know her. Responding to her texts only when it's work related, or just walking right past her on the rounds he made every other day all throughout his company premises.

He'd usually stay over, ask if she wants to go grab lunch with him. But he barely looked her direction.

Today YN had some paper work for him so she went upto his floor and approached his PA, Mike.

"Hello, Mike. How are you today?" She greeted him with a smile.

Mike's only person who's kind to her after Harry, who is also acting up lately.

"Hello mate, I'm doing great. How are you?" He smiled.

"I'm good. I'm good." YN nodded, "I have a few things I need Harry to sign these could you please give it to him?"

"He's in his office, why don't you go in yourself?" He suggested.

"I don't know-" she stopped herself, "alright. You sure he's free?"

"He must be taking care of few emails, but yeah he is free."

"Okay." YN nodded, unsure if she should go in or not.

YN doesn't know what she did to potentially upset him that he's ignoring her. But she also needs to get some work done from him. She should be professional. So taking in a deep breath she knocked on his door before opening the door enough to pop her head in.

"May I come in?" She asked and just got a nod from him, he didn't even bother to look at her as she walked in. She calmly placed the file on his desk. "I need your signatures on this."

"I'm busy now, YN, not now."

"Okay. I'll leave this here. Please ask Mike to let me know when you're done." She nodded and took a step back, ready to get back to her work.

"Wait up." He called.

"Hmm?" She turned around to find him already reaching for a pen as he briefly read the documents. He signed it for her.

"Here." He closed the blue file back up and handed it to her. Still kot a single glance at her.

"Thank you." She took it, "hey, do you maybe wanna get lunch together. No, I actually brought your favourite pasta today."

He let out a heavy sigh, and looked back at her from her, "alright." He said, a slight smile took over her face as she nodded and walked out.

He reckoned he should just talk it out with her. It's very childish for him to ignore her. He ain't in middle school now, that he would ignore his friend and not talk about it.

And he missed her.

The word has gotten to him, that his employees are making up rumours about them, some very nasty ones as well. He knows that she knows everything.

It wasn't long before she walked right back, holding onto the Tupperware box with her sweater paws, hissing from how hot the container of food felt on her hands as she placed it on the coffee table in his office.

"You alright?" He asked walking upto her.

"Yeah, I warmed it up in the microwave." She shared, to finally look at him.

YN almost forgot to breathe there. He shed his blazer and rolled back his sleeves as it was suddenly starting to feel claustrophobic and hot in his office. His sleeve of tattoos was on show. A stem of what seems like some sort of flower stuck out, a naked mermaid, an anchor, a bee and what looks to me a bible inked into his skin. She's only ever seen peaks of his anchor tattoo and the cross just below his thumb on his left hand, and that he sometimes liked to paint his nails some fun and cute colours. Today he had some pastel blue nail varnish chipping off his nails.

She'd feel too shy to admit his look was doing things to her as she stood towering right next to her.

"Here." She handed him a fork to cut the awkwardness she was feeling and sit down on the sofa. "Are you alright?"

"Mhmm." He sounded.

"You sure?"

And he leaned back on his seat, shoulders slumped. He really reminded her of Zara as she does the same thing when she's upset. Though she's a bit more dramatic than he is.

Harry is literally like a toddlers.

"I don't know." A small shrug of his shoulders almost went unnoticed by her, "I just... I'm stuck. And I don't know how to talk about this. I surely should not talk about it now. You know I've talked about how I feel about you."

"I know, Harry. Did I do something to make you upset?"

"Two Fridays ago, went to get dinner with m'sister and mum and I saw your there with your friends." He felt embarrassed to talk about this but it was eating at him and he needed to get it off his chest, "you said you barely go out with your friends when I asked you to go out with me."

"Oh, Harry!" YN cooed.

"I'm sorry, it's stupid. Forget I said it." He fixed his posture and brushed it off.

"No it's not stupid. My friend just came over and dragged me out with her because I was sulking around for turning you down. I do feel bad, but I don't think us leading this on would be fair for either of us." She explained, "I just don't want you to waste your time after me when I can't take even an hour to myself. I care about you and I don't want you to end up being hurt all over again."

"I don't mind." He shook his head. "I have a busy schedule too, you know won't demand your time. You know we can be a team and figure things out as we go. And you don't know how hard I've fallen for you, it is so difficult to be just friends with you. If you'd give me one chance."

"Okay." She announced, taking him by surprise.

"Okay? As in you're willing give you and me a chance?" If he were a cartoon character, YN was sure his eyes would sparkle in that moment. She just nodded to answer him. "Oh my god!" He sighed in excitement.

His dimples and pink mouth was making it irresistible to her there. It isn't fair that he looks this pretty!

"What?" She chuckled sheepishly, he was staring right at her.

"Nothing, we'll discuss this later, yeah?"

"Hmm." She nodded. "This is going to get cold and I ain't going back to heat it up. Almost burnt my hand!"

"Alrighty, love."

......................................................................

Harry drove YN back to her place like he usually does.

"See you tomorrow, Harry." YN smiled as she grabbed her bag and got out of his black Ferari, one of the many cars he owns and decided to drive today.

He followed her out, "wait up!" He called after her.

"Hmm?"

Harry took half a step ahead to grab her hand just so he could go back and lean on his car, now holding onto her hand in a delicate touch. She can pull away but she chose not to, glancing at their joint hands for a moment she looked back up to find him smirking happily.

"I want you to call Paul first thing in the morning and tell him you're not coming to work tomorrow. Go pack up a small bag for a trip of three days." He told her, "I'll come and pick you up in the morning we'll have breakfast with the kids and leave."

"Harry, I really can't go away, you the kids are—" YN hesitated just to feel him squeeze her hand to make her stop.

"Listen to me, please?" He requested, "just three days, I've taken of everything. The kiddos will be fine, had a little chat with Adi earlier he said he'll take care of them."

"Harry but he's a kid himself, they'll eat his brain out!" She whined, slightly anxious as her eyes started to pool with tears.

"I'll have that taken of." He assured her, "do you trust me, YN?" He pulled her closer with his free hand resting on her waist.

"Mhmm." She nodded.

"Then you can trust me that the kids will be safe when you're away, yeah?" His voice was soft and low, "you can trust me to take care of that for you. It's good to take some help sometimes."

"Okay."

"Okay!" He announced.

"How did you- when did you talked to Adi?" She asked finally, catching him off guard. A sheepish smile took over his face.

"I've got his number." He smiled sheepishly, "but that not important."

"Okay." She agreed.

"You've become so important to me, YN, you know that?" He spoke softly, luckily the street was pin drop silenced for her to hear him as he tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and left his hand rested on her cheek. The pad of his thumb rubbing gentle strokes on the high points of her face. "You've truly helped me be a better person. For my own self and for everyone I care. I know you don't like to take a credit for it, but it is true." YN looked at him all confused so he continued.

"That night when we almost kissed, that made me realise I need to be a better person. I couldn't do the same to her what she had done to me. I also needed time for myself which I haven't had in eleven years!" He sighed, "I had a lot of healing to do, got me some help- felt so much less guilty about, might I add. In all of this you never left my side. You still gave me a chance when you were probably mad at me for happened that night. It still haunts me sometimes. That was not that the right way I wanted it to come out to you. And now I want you by my side. You've become a best friend of mine, a friend I can turn to if I have to hide a dead body- hypothetically speaking."

That made YN chuckle softly. "Thank you so much for giving me a chance to be a better friend and a potential lover as well. I hope I'm not reaching by that, but I also hope that becomes true someday."

"No you're not." She assured him, a relaxed smile playing on her lips, "have anyone told you, you sound like you're living eighteen hundreds when you're being vulnerable? Perhaps I should tell you sir, you look magnificently adorable whilst doing so."

"I see you've been getting time to read Pride and Prejudice afterall, my lady." He giggled. "Then allow me to say this to you before our first date, YN as I can fucking keep it in me no more, you must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." YN couldn't help the giggle spilling past her lips making his dimply smile appear much more wider before he continued to conclude, "I just love you so much, the way I've never felt before."

His eyes were teary, YN noticed. The tip of his nose was pink, maybe it was because of the cold.

"Oh, Haz!" YN cooed. "Can I hug you?" He wasted no time in wrapping his arms around her. "I wanted to tell you the same things you just said. I love you too."

Harry let out a happy sigh as he hugged her tighter. "Oh, I can't breathe, Harry, you're crushing my ribs!" She patted his back for time out.

Giggling softly he pulled back reluctantly, just enough to rest his forehead on hers. "You going to remember pack tonight for the trip?"

"Mhmm." She sounded.

"I should probably get going then, hmm?" His voice held a little teasing lilt to it, noticing her gaze traveling down to his mouth and back to his eyes.

"Oh, okay..." She nodded, clearly a little upset that he chose to ignore her signs. But she needs to verbalise it, he just can't go assuming things like that. He waited for a beat longer waiting for her to say something, "Harry, you know!"

"What?" He gasped, feeling a particular soft yet forceful smack on his chest.

"Can I also kiss you, please?" She asked. Finally!

"You don't have to ask twice, my love." He grinned at her cheekily before bringing her in, placing his mouth on hers with a hand on the back of her neck. She hitched at the sudden contact but it didn't take her long to give in, her eyes shuttered close feeling his pillowy soft lips her own. She could feel her tummy doing seven back flips and ten front flips at once, when she felt his hand grip on the side of her hip to pull her even closer. She reluctantly pulled away, to breathe of course, but also because she was finally looking forward to what he has planned. Or she could really stand there and make out with him for some more time.

"One more for good luck," he placed a peck on her mouth, lingering just a beat longer.

"Good luck for what?" She asked him, just to earn a confused shrug from him.

"I don't know really, for my drive back home?" It sounded more like a question than an answer to her query. "Maybe I needed a reason. Well, do I reason to kiss you now? Just I don't—"

His rambling was interrupted by her placing a delicate kiss on his dimpled cheek. "Nope, you don't."

"Just one more and I'll leave, I promise." With that he placed his mouth on hers again.

"We have plenty more days, now go, you need to get some sleep!" YN chuckled sheepishly, pulling away she urged him towards his car but he still had his hands griping onto her hips.

"Why, won't I be getting to relax on our date, love?" He teased her tickling her sides in process, she laughed loudly before managing to slip out of his grip.

"Go now."

"Good night, my love."

"Good night." She waited tl he got into his car, "text me when you get home, okay?"

"Okay, now you go in or else I'm not leaving." He warned her. She followed though and went into her building.

She was going on a date after ages!

More like a vacation of some sorts, but either way she was excited now. She hadn't gone out somewhere to get some time for herself since her last ever school picnic.

......................................................................

N O T E :

This request have been in my draft for ages, finally got to finish this.

Pls lemme know how you liked it. Any constructive feedbacks or any suggestions are welcome.

Tag list:

@vrittivsanghavi @buckymydarlingangel @sweetwritingfanficfriend @theroosterswife24 @sleutherclaw @melllinaa @michellekstyles @sunshinemoonsposts @marialikescherries @japanchrry @onlyangelrain @originalsoulcollector @harrysgirl-1d1d-blog @angywritesstuff @harryisacuties @lomlhstyles @im-an-overthinker @moonys-star @blackbookwhore

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magicalqueennightmare · 11 months

Text

Sins & Amends Chapter 54

Billy Russo x Female Reader (60 part story)

This follows pre- the punisher into the storyline of daredevil, punisher season 1 and beyond

This is NOT Canon Billy. This is decent human being Billy left with bad options over worse decisions

This was also posted to A03 under: WaywardGaPeach. That account and this one is the only place you'll see me post this. If you see it on any other platform/account know it's not me.

Chapter Summary/Warnings: Billy proves yet again nothing will keep him from you and Adi

Frank watched you pace back and forth for about a half an hour before he stood up and moved to block your path. When you froze in front of him he tilted his head slightly "They'll come get us in a little while ok?" You nodded then said "You called me Billy's fiance" with a shaky laugh.

"Yea they're big on closest family and I didn't think mother of his child had quite the same ring" he replied with a shrug so you shook your head "No Frank I um I sort of proposed to Billy"

You could see the confusion on his face before he ever asked "When?" You suddenly felt a bit self conscious when you admitted "While he was bleeding out?" You weren't sure how Frank would react but after a moment he sort of laughed then said "Well you and Bill have never done anything the easy way. But does this mean I'll be your best man instead of his?"

You rolled your eyes but you were actually grateful for his teasing tone. It made your nerves calm down some even if it was only temporary.

A nurse walking towards the two of you got your attention when she asked "Are you Mr Russo's family?" You felt Frank's hand at your lower back before he said "Yes ma'am" she smiled then said "Doctor Morales asked me to escort you to his room" you glanced up at Frank who gave you a quick nod so you said "Lead the way"

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

You hated ICU. There was a reason you'd went to become a paramedic instead of a nurse. You could treat everything from stab wounds to wrecks all day but when it came down to it you kept them alive then dropped them at the door. Yeah you and Alice always checked on the status of your patients but that was different than having to hold your breath to see if they were gonna recover or go down hill.

Your feet started feeling like they weighed about fifty pounds each when she walked into one room in particular. You wanted nothing more than to see Billy but you also dreaded to see just what loving you had cost him.

"C'mon" was all Frank said before he grabbed your arm and bodily pulled you into the door behind him.

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

You froze with your arm still in Frank's grip as your eyes landed on Billy's still form in the bed. There was a heart monitor keeping a steady rhythm hooked up to him along with a bag of antibiotics on drip and he had oxygen up his nose.

"He's breathing on his own" you said as you let out the breath you'd been holding. The nurse nodded "Yes ma'am. Mr Russo is a fighter that's for certain" you cut your eyes at Frank before walking closer to the bed. "Does he have stitches or staples?"

The nurse pulled back the blanket so you could see the gauze covering Billy's lower stomach "There's internal stitches and external stitches. Bandages will have to be cleaned twice a day which I'm sure you can handle once he goes home. All in all he was very lucky" "When's he gonna wake up?" You asked ignoring the fact that once again someone was telling you how lucky Billy was despite the fact that he was laying in a hospital bed.

"With the anesthesia and pain meds he'll probably be out for another couple hours. The two of you are welcome to sit with him" she checked a few of his vitals then exited the room leaving you and Frank standing at the foot of Billy's bed.

"Bad dejavu" you blurted out and Frank just shook his head "Yeah I was just thinking that""

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

You ended up curled up in a chair on the right side of Billy's bed while Frank had taken up occupancy of the other chair that was closer to the window. "Is it just me or is it cold as hell in here?" You asked with a shiver so Frank stood pulling his hoodie off "Here sweetheart. That adrenaline crash is a bitch"

You pulled his hoodie on over the scrubs you were wearing and smiled "Thanks Frank" he nodded "Get some sleep" "I can't I need to call and check on Adi and what if he wakes up?" Frank cut you off halfway "I will call and check on Adi and if he wakes up and you're asleep in the chair it's not like he can go far.You worked a sixteen hour shift and have been running yourself ragged since they bought him in please just take a breath ok?"

You were exhausted to the point that keeping your eyes open was a struggle so you nodded and laid your head back against the chair "Thank you for being here Frank" "Anytime kid"

There was a reason why Billy always hated pain meds and even only drank in moderation. He couldn't stand feeling cloudy headed. Especially after having the TBI.

He could feel a tightness in his stomach and heard what sounded like the beeping of a heart monitor. Heart monitor? He was in the hospital. Why was he in the hospital?

When he was finally able to push past the haze of whatever drugs he'd been given he remembered fully what happened. That guy had tried to kill you.

He'd gotten shot to protect you. The last thing he remembered was your eyes staring down at him. God you'd looked so sad.

He slowly opened his eyes and was met with a hockey game on the tv hanging on the wall. He turned his head to the left first and saw Frank leaned back in a chair "Frankie?" He called and the other man's head snapped around "Well fuck Bill. Welcome back"

He half smiled then his eyes landed on you. You were curled up in a chair right next to his bed. You looked like you were wearing scrubs and he was fairly certain that was Frank's hoodie you were wearing.

"Is she ok?" Frank followed his line of sight then nodded slowly "Yeah,You scared the hell out of her. By the time I got to her I think a little shock may have set in but she's ok now. She's been out a couple hours"

The haunted look in your eyes was still playing through his mind. He had to see you awake. He wanted so bad to see a smile on your face. It would be worth any amount of pain he was currently feeling. Hell the pain was better than the fog of the drugs.

"Can you wake her up man?" He finally asked Frank after a moment. "Yeah" Frank stood to walk around the bed but stopped right before he got to you then glanced back at Billy "You did good Bill. She's safe and that asshole is dead"

Without waiting for Billy's answer Frank leaned down and shook your shoulder gently "C'mon sweetheart. Wake up"

You swatted Frank's hand away at first. You didn't want anything to eat nor did you feel like coffee yet. You just wanted to sleep until either Billy woke up or Karen called saying Adi wanted you so being mommy would push any other thought out of your mind.

You heard a chuckle join Frank's after you said "Five more minutes Castle or I'll show everyone the Punisher should be afraid of me" and your eyes flew open "Billy?" He'd hit the button to push the bed up so he was in a reclined sitting position but his eyes were glued to you and he had a smile on his face "Good morning sleeping beauty"

You were out the chair and to the side of the bed before you could even acknowledge the pinch in your side. "Baby. You're ok" you felt tears sliding down your face as your fingers clasped around Billy's hand before Frank leaned over your shoulder and pressed a kiss to your forehead "I'm gonna give you two a minute. I'll call Karen and give Curt a call too" he winked at Billy who said "Thanks Frankie" then teased "Next time you two want to get everyone together let's do a movie night" before he walked out into the hall.

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

You glanced down at yours and Billy's hand and felt more tears coming from your eyes "I'm so sorry baby" his other hand came up to cup your chin so he could make you look at him. The raw honesty in his eyes made your heart flip "Y/N why are you apologizing? You didn't shoot me, well not this time anyways"

You dropped your gaze ignoring his attempt at a joke then said "You almost died because of me Billy. I love you so fucking much and I thought I'd lost you. I lost your pulse, that was one of the worse things I've ever experienced and if you would have died protecting me...I don't know what I would've done"

When you finally met his eyes again he patted the bed next to him "C'mere baby please" you slowly walked around the bed and slid in next to him careful not to hit his stomach. You laid your head over on his shoulder so he laid his head over on yours.

"Y/N you and Adi are the best things that's ever happened to me. From the day I met you I knew I'd end up with you. Frank had preached for years about quality over quantity and I always brushed it off then the day I walked off that plane and you were standing with Maria with Lisa on your hip. I knew what he'd meant all that time. I wanted you and not just for a night. When you told me you loved me the first time it was better than anything I'd ever felt. I fucked it all up and almost lost you for good but despite it all you still loved me and our love made our babygirl. Are you seeing a pattern here? Since I met you even at my lowest you've been my reason to fight. I don't regret taking a bullet for you. I never would"

You tilted your head to press a quick kiss to his neck "I'm sorry we've wasted so much time" "It still lead to us being back together so that's what matters" he replied then a smirk spread across his face "Did you propose to me or was that the blood loss?"

You couldn't help but laugh before you said "No I did" he pulled you in for a quick kiss then pulled away and said "I've got to say no but because I want to be the one to propose to you" you smiled then pressed another kiss to his lips "Don't take too long"

Frank walked back into the room about that time and raised an eyebrow at how close you and Billy were "Um I don't think he's cleared for that" you felt your cheeks warm so you gave Billy another quick kiss then stood out the bed. Frank held his phone out "Adi wants to come see mommy and daddy after lunch. That ok?" You glanced back at Billy who nodded "Yeah that's fine"

While the three of you were waiting for Karen to park and come up with Adi Billy broke the silence by saying "Frankie what are you doing tomorrow?" Frank looked at you then shrugged "I don't know. I've got a meeting first thing about starting the training for junior agents then I'm free"

Billy nodded then said "Good you can take Y/N car shopping. I think we can all agree it's past time" Frank looked at you then shrugged "Sounds good to me"

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

You were standing by the door of Billy's room when you spotted Karen and Adi step off the elevator "MOMMY!" She hollered and took off at a run for you with Karen struggling to keep up.

Adi slung herself into your arms. "Where's daddy?" She asked about the time Karen had caught up so you jerked your head back towards the room "Let's see if we can find him huh?"

When the three of you walked back into the room Billy's eyes lit up when he saw Adi on your hip "There's my babygirl" he held out his arms so you walked over and helped her climb into bed next to him "Aunt Karen said you were hurt and mommy was crying. I was scared"

All of you exchanged a look before Billy said "Baby I'm ok. My stomach is gonna be sore for a while but daddy is ok... I promise" she was careful not to hit his stomach as she squirmed up far enough to place a kiss on the scar that marked his right cheek "I love you so much daddy" the smile he had deepened even further as he pulled her into a hug "I love you even more pumpkin"

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

When it started nearing dinner time you expected Adi to want you to go home with her but she announced "Mommy I'm going with them" pointing to Frank and Karen. "What do you mean baby?" You asked and she rolled her eyes very dramatically "You stay with daddy"

Frank chuckled "Guess you got your marching orders Y/N. Straight from headquarters" "I guess so" you agreed. Adi walked back over to the bed so Karen helped her up so she could hug Billy "Love you daddy" "Love you more" he told her and kissed her cheek.

You walked them to the elevator and Frank offered to bring you some dinner back but Alice and Kenzie were already planning to stop by. "Call me if she changes her mind, ok?" He nodded "She'll be fine Y/N. You just catch your breath ok?" "I promise Frank" you hugged him then Karen before picking up Adi in another hug.

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

When you got back to the room a nurse was sitting the cot Frank had asked for down in the corner of the room. You thanked her with a smile then retook residence of the chair next to the bed for time being.

"If you want to go home and get some rest I'll be fine" Billy offered and you cut him off with a look. "Like hell. I'm not going anywhere until you're coming with me" he half smiled and said "Yes ma'am"

You glanced down at your phone because it'd went off with a text from Alice. Billy waited until you looked back up to question "So are you going to tell me what happened with Moore?" You took a deep breath then said "Can it wait until Alice gets here?" His eyes never left yours and you knew he was trying to read your face to tell just how bad the story was. He slowly nodded "Of course"

You heard Alice before her and Kenzie ever made it to the room. You glanced up and smiled when she came flying in the room. "Jesus Christ! I knew it! I knew I should've taken you two home!"

Billy cracked a smile "Well hello Kenzie, nice to see you" Kenzie leaned around Alice and gave a small wave "Hey Billy. Glad you're ok"

Alice sat the food she'd brought down in the corner of the room then grabbed Billy's chart and flipped through it. "Surgery went good. Missed any major organs" you shook your head at her then Billy caught your eye. You'd promised him an explanation now you owed one.

"Alice, Billy wants to know what happened with Alex Moore" the moment you said the words her eyes flew up to Billy. "What happened was he was a fucking psycho and your baby mama here refuses to back down from shit when she's protecting someone"

He nodded but still looked a bit confused you took a breath then said "We responded to a call, what Alice two weeks after I came back from maternity leave?" She nodded "Yeah about two weeks. It was from Alex's now former wife"

You looked up into Billy's eyes and half smiled before continuing "He'd beat her so bad Billy she miscarried. We thought he'd left the area, hell NYPD was searching for him but he double backed"

"Then what happened?" He asked and you saw Kenzie lean back against the wall. She knew everything that had happened but it still wasn't something she liked hearing.

"He ended up outside the E.R. He grabbed his ex, tried to kill her and us. Y/N fought with him. She protected me and his ex. She also ended up getting stabbed twice by the son of a bitch before security came out the hospital" Alice choked out tears brimming her eyes as she reached for your hand and you gave hers a light squeeze.

Billy looked from you to Alice "Baby, why didn't you tell me?" You shrugged "When was I supposed to throw that into conversation Billy? Oh hey honey oh you wanna know what you missed? Well I spent a week in a hospital when our daughter was still a newborn and I almost lost my spleen"

He shook his head slowly then finally said "Well it was worth getting shot to kill that son of a bitch"

Alice and Kenzie ended up staying until visiting hours were almost over. You hugged them both and they each hugged Billy before leaving.

Alice stopped at the door "Russo?" "Yeah, Alice?" "Thanks for protecting her" Billy nodded "I always will"

After they left you were sitting in the middle of the cot watching the news. You cut your eyes up and realized he was staring at you. "Are you mad I didn't tell you?" He shook his head "No. I'm thinking about what if you would've died and god that hurts worse than anything" "Now you know how I felt when I found you and Frank then again last night when you were bleeding out in my arms"

He nodded "Yeah. By the way why aren't you up here with me?" You shook your head "I can't. Too big of a risk that I may hurt you. That's why Frank wrangled the cot up" "Can I have a kiss at least?" He asked that half smile turning into a full blown Russo smirk. You rolled your eyes playfully but you were so grateful that he was ok. He was alive and doing well considering he'd been shot a little over twenty four hours before.

You stood and walked over to the side of the bed then leaned down to let your lips barely brush against his. When you started to pull back he grabbed your hand "I know you're not calling that a kiss sweetheart. Act like you love me"

You raised an eyebrow at his words but when you saw the way the corners of his eyes were crinkled trying to fight back his smile you knew he was trying to get a rise out of you. You leaned back down this time cupping the side of his face with your hand feeling your fingers play across the stubble lining his cheek.

He met your lips halfway both of you melting into the kiss. Billy had always been an amazing kisser and it seemed yet another brush with death hadn't effected that any. He could still make you tingle with the way his lips moved against yours. You moved your hand back to play with the hair at the nape of his neck as the kiss deepened slightly.

You pulled back from the kiss and he smiled up at you "Now that's how I know you kiss" you gave him another quick kiss then said "I love you Billy but you'll get all the kisses you want once you're healed up. At least you'll be coming home with me and Adi so that's one thing to look forward to right?" He nodded then his smile dropped "Just wish it wasn't temporary"

Your gaze left his for a second while you tried to find the nerve to say what you wanted to next. When you finally raised your eyes again he was watching you curiously.

"Then if you don't want it to be temporary and I don't want it to be temporary why don't you just move in completely with us? We're still just as in love as we always were. Hell more so now. Adi would be over the moon to have us both under the same roof and I don't know about you but I feel like we've already wasted too much time apart. I don't want to waste any more"

"Are you sure?" He asked quietly and you felt your face flush. Maybe you'd misread him. Maybe he didn't want to live together again. Your face betrayed your emotions because the next thing he said was "Y/N I'd love nothing more than to live with you and Adi. Sweetheart a second chance for us and a chance for our family to be together is all I've wanted for months"

Before you even thought about it your lips were back on his. The kiss deepened as Billy pulled you closer to him. Your hand went to his chest careful to stay high enough it wouldn't hit his wound. Luckily before the two of you got lost in each other a nurse cleared her throat at the doorway. You pulled away with a blush and Billy simply chuckled when she said "Well Mr Russo I see you're feeling better" "Oh yes ma'am" he replied eyes never leaving yours.

@intothesoul

@weallhaveadestiny

#au billy russo #billy russo x y/n #billy russo au #billy russo x you #billy russo fanfic #billy russo x reader #sins and amends masterlist

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silent-silver-slip · 3 months

Text

The Sea Never Dies Scene - Just Trust Me

Some people may be aware of my the sea never dies series and the work in progress original version of it as well. This little scene comes from that series, but the main things you need to know are:

Toru is the commander of a secret shadow force of mages and leads a team consisting of Ezra (2IC), Grace, and Maree

They are a team and, by that, I mean they're actually a family

Maree's girlfriend is only vaguely aware of the secret shadowy force, but Toru's well-known for also being the teammate to the leader of the mage village when he was younger

This scene itself won't appear in the original works, but it was a fun little work to enjoy on the side, and I DO have many of those written at the moment, must admit. (And for those curious, I'm around 63k into Sea Dreams at the moment!)

Now, this scene was specifically written for @femslash-february and the prompt 'Just Trust Me'. You can read it below the line!

“Just trust me,” Maree Inke says, a grin playing on her lips. “It’ll be perfectly fine.”

Her girlfriend, Adi Shipborne, presses her lips together and looks rather unconvinced. “How is it going to be fine?” she says, only just dragging her voice down to a level that isn’t quite hysterical—only close. “It’s the Archmage’s Apprentice teammate! Isn’t he crazy powerful?”

Toru is, of course, ‘crazy powerful’ to most and Adi knows that Maree’s a Specialist too, which means she probably knows that Toru is the same. But… Well, it’s hard to think of someone being ‘crazy powerful’ when you’ve seen them covered in feathers and paint from a quest—not even a prank!—gone wrong.

“He ate cereal with juice once, rather than milk,” Maree tells Adi instead, because at least they know how to observe opsec. They’re both mages, after all.

“That might be more concerning if you hadn’t told me how you’d decided to have cereal with water that one time, as opposed to going to the shops and getting milk. Or eating it dry! That is also a perfectly reasonable response!”

“We’d gotten back from a quest the night before, there was nothing else to eat! How is it not a valid reason?” Maree immediately protests, even as she spots her teammates sitting outside.

Adi rolls her violet eyes. “It’s not a valid reason because you used water, and also I know for a fact that the market stalls were open then and you weren’t injured enough to not go and grab something. Also, your teammates went without you. I think that’s a big sign. You told me that happened, by the way, so you can’t deny it.”

There’s no response Maree can offer to that, so she decides to go for the next best option: distraction.

“Well, we’re almost there,” she says. “Any more panic to get out before we reach them?” Of course, it’s highly probable that the others have already clocked her approach. Ezra, at the very least, is wiggling his fingers in her direction in greeting and Toru is smiling in her direction. Grace has her back to them, but she’s shifted, clearly aware of the actions of the rest of her table mates.

“If this goes poorly,” Adi hisses, tugging on a single strand of red hair before shoving it back out of her face, “I am going to run away from Kaisho, and Sumar more broadly, and live my best life as a hermit on the other side of the world. Hopefully on an isolated and abandoned island.”

Maree hums. “Is there space in your hermit hole for another person?”

“For you? Of course,” Adi says, even as she curls her pinky with Maree’s. Maree doesn’t blush, purely because she’s a hard-hearted mage who completes some of the darkest quests and certainly won’t blush just because her girlfriend decides to be affectionate in public.

And also because she has a bet with Ezra and is determined to win.

“Well, at least we won’t be alone in our hermit hole,” Maree says, with a cheeky grin. “Because my teammates would probably follow us.” She comes to a stop in front of their table. “Speaking of my teammates, let me introduce them. There’s Toru—” He waves a hand, offering Adi a polite smile. “—and Ezra—” Ezra’s grin shows teeth, but it’s toned back in the face of someone new. “—and Grace who is probably your best bet for a reasonable conversation.”

As the boys protest, Grace laughs, head tossed back, pink eyes glinting in the sun. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Adi,” she says. “Join us. We’ve saved you from sitting across from Toru.”

“Oi!”

Ezra nods, all too willing to prolong the joke, and Maree takes a seat beside her girlfriend. “He’s got the worst table manners of us all. Eats with his mouth open and all.”

“I really hope you know better than to listen to this lot,” Toru says. “Especially,” he adds, raising his voice, “as I was not the reason we ended up having to negotiate our way out of a political scandal.”

Both Ezra and Grace blush, though Ezra’s is harder to see with his dark skin. “Yes, well,” he says with an embarrassed cough, “we all have our moments, I suppose.”

“This sounds like a story,” Adi says, leaning forward. “I don’t suppose there’s any chance I could hear it?”

Toru glances slyly at the others before he leans forward too. “It was a handful of years ago when we were in the capital of…”

Leaning back in her seat, Maree watches her teammates entertain her girlfriend with increasingly stupid and outrageous stories. Ezra keeps chiming in with exaggerations even as Toru stresses Maree’s role and Grace keeps calling them out to tell the truth. It’s probably the best way their first meeting with Adi could have gone, and Maree knows that they’re doing their best to keep her girlfriend from panicking in their own ways.

She loves them, and she is forever grateful that they can have this.

Then it occurs to her that Toru probably has a fair share of embarrassing stories about her, and suddenly she’s no longer so certain this was a good idea.

#the sea never dies #dreams of the past #wip #Character: Toru #Character: Maree #Character: Grace #Character: Ezra #Character: Adi

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queen-scribbles · 1 month

Note

⭐👀

Rolling back to It's Cold Outside bc I'm still a little giddy I finally managed to finish that one.😁😁 ---

Specifically talking about this bit:

[Adela] reached over and squeezed [Heodan's] knee. “Not everyone is as nice and accepting as you.”

That’s part of why I like you, she added to herself.

He made a noise of reluctant concession and gave her a wry smile. “According to you, my being so nice is why I’m here, all the way across the ocean, rather than one of my brothers.”

“I’m still allowed to be glad you’re here, even being pretty sure you got the short straw because you wouldn’t tell your family no,” Adela said with a laugh.

Heodan studied her face for a moment, gleam of firelight dancing in his eyes. “Who says I see it as the short straw?” he asked. “I like it here, Adi. I’m glad I met- all of you, got to have a bit of adventure--”

“Even if more than originally planned?” she cut in wryly.

“Even so.” He flexed the hand of his injured arm and smiled. “My nephews think I’m just about the most interesting person in the world, according to Gyran’s last letter.”

“Oh?” Adela smiled, playing with the tail of her braid.

“You, of course, are the most interesting, since you’re the leader,” Heodan clarified with an answering smile, which made her laugh.

“Well, you can tell them I’m flattered,” she said. She let her legs relax down, feet dangling over the floor, and shivered a little even if the fire was plenty warm. “You write your family about me, huh?” she teased, even as the thought made her insides do a funny little flip.

Was it her imagination or did his face go slightly pink at the needling? The firelight made it hard to tell. “They like to hear what I’m doing. You’ve been there for... everything since Echo Bay,” Heodan teased back. “It would be difficult not to mention you.” ---

There's so much verbal dancing going on in this whole conversation, it was so fun to write. It's far enough into things Adi's feeling have definitely moved from crush to like-liking him, she's trying not to admit that for the trusty old saw of Not Ruining Friendship BUT she's so heart on sleeve it bleeds through a little anyway. Heodan's at the point where he's starting to pick up the hints, but since she's not saying anything about Feelings he's wondering/rationalizing other things it could be.

And they're friends. They just like each other's company. (Part of why Adi's not saying anything directly; she knows whether or not the feeling's mutual it'll change their dynamic and she's weighing if that's worth the risk) They tease each other, get offended on the other's behalf, don't mind getting trapped together. :3 (btw the 👀👀👀 looks from Edér and Sagani after they finally get out of Brighthollow were almost enough to drag an accidental confession from Adi, those two were not being subtle. xD)

It's just fun to write characters in a conversation where I get to indulge my love of fluff/banter but there's also more going on under the surface.

#commentary meme

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howthekriffdidigethere · 6 months

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Wish Come True.

Chapter eight: The Mechanic and the Mission.

Sorry everyone for the wait, life had some unexpected things happen and I wasn't on here much at all. But I hope you enjoy the next chapter 💜

(TW: descriptions of anxiety and bad parenting, fear of being punished, talks of war, death, and abuse.)

A few more days passed, and the entire time, I was either in class, training with Hunter, or studying.

I had taken Zayn up on his offer and had tracked him down so he could help me study.

I had briefly explained my situation, but not in its entirety. I wasn't sure I was allowed to share any of it, but it was obvious that I was new to this whole thing, and had never been seen around The Temple before this.

I hung around Blaze some more as well, he was with Zayn and I a lot of the times we studied, though he mostly just provided a distraction.

I found out, however, that Blaze didn't get to The Temple till he was ten. He had only spent five years here so far, so it made me feel a bit better that I wasn't the only one who hadn't spent their whole life here.

He was training under Master Ki-Adi-Mundi, and Zayn under Master Plo Koon, who I had talked to briefly once, and was immediately welcomed with open arms by the Kel Dor.

I was slowly becoming more used to being here, though I still got lost easily, which was the predicament I was in now.

I had thought I was heading back to mine and Cody's room after training, but somehow had ended up in the hanger, and no one looked a tad bit familiar.

I sighed for the millionth time in the past hour as I turned yet another corner, and didn't find anyone.

I lifted my head to the ceiling as I walked, grumbling, "I just wanted to take a shower and study, but no, I had to take the scenic route. Lucky me!"

As I continued to walk and grumble, I wasn't paying attention to where I was stepping, and tripped over something, falling right onto the hard ground.

I cursed myself under my breath as I hit, barely able to catch myself before my face pancaked into the floor.

"Woah! Are you okay? I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to trip you." A boys voice stressed above me.

I froze. Shit, even better, I fell infront of someone.

'Ughhhhhhh!'

I rolled over, quite awkwardly, and looked up at who was talking.

A boy, not much older then me, with tan skin, silver hair that looked incredible soft, and eyes that were an enchanting icy blue. He had a long scar running over his left eye, a mid-helix peirceing on his right ear, and grease that covered his hands, face, and hair.

"Here, um, let me help you up." The boy reached his right hand down, and grabbed the upper part of my arm, pulling me up when I didn't say anything. "Again, I apologize. I didn't even know my feet weren't under the ship." He gestured to the Jedi Starfighter beside us.

I finally broke out of my shock and responded, "No! Its, uh, its not your fault. I wasn't paying attention and, I guess I tripped over your feet... But may I ask what your doing under the spacecraft?"

"Oh, uh, I'm a Mechanic. For the 212th Battalion actually. I haven't been with them long though." He explained, smiling bashfully.

"Oh, well that would make sense." I chuckled lightly, the boy joining in.

"I'm Xavier, by the way." He nodded in greeting.

I reached out my hand to shake his, "Its nice to meet you, I'm Fae."

Xavier took and shook my hand, smiling softly.

When we pulled back, I noticed the same grease that had been on him, was now staining my hands as well.

"Kriff, sorry about that." He, once again, apologized, grabbing a rag from his belt and handing it to me. "I forget its there sometimes."

I chuckled and wiped my hands off. "Its all good, don't worry. If I freak out about a little grease getting on me, I have other issues."

Xavier laughed. "Fair point, I guess."

I handed him back the rag once I was done with it. "Sorry for interrupting your work."

He shook his head, "Nah, its okay. I should probably take a break anyways. Been out here since the sun rose."

I shook my head, "Anyone who gets up that early is clinically insane." I took a step back, acting wary of him.

He just laughed and raises his hands in surrender. "I agree with you, trust me. I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't have to. But if it means I get a place to stay, free food, and get a paycheck? Hell yeah I'll loose some sleep!"

I laughed and tilted my head, observing him. "You seem awfully young to be doing this."

He placed a hand on his hip and smirked at me. "Says the girl who looks younger than."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Okay, but you don't know what I do."

"Well, if you're here you have to be with the GAR somehow." He paused. "Unless you're not, and in that case, I should be reporting you."

I chuckled, "Don't worry, I'm supposed to be here. I'm a padawan, under General Kenobi actually."

Xavier blinked then a look of realization passed over his face. "Ohh, you're that person? Zayn and Blaze told me about you."

I tilted my head, "You know them? How?"

He chuckled, "Its, uh...a long story. But Blaze introduced me to Zayn, who introduced me to Angeletta."

"Who is Angeletta?" I asked, never having heard the name before.

He smiled, "A little girl, she's a youngling and is really close to Zayn." He explained. "You'd love her, everyone does."

I nodded slowly. "Is she sweet or something?"

He chuckled, "Think of her a eight year old version of Zayn, but more bright-eyed and hopeful."

My eyes widened slightly at this description. Zayn was one of the most cheery people I have ever known, so to say someone was more than him really meant something.

'Maybe she's like I was at that age...'

I shook my head and smiled. "She sounds nice, I'll have to meet her sometime."

"We can do it now." He offered me. "She's usually is at the Temple gardens right now, we can go visit her."

I hesitated. "I barely know you, and have never heard of her... How do I know this isn't some trick?"

He shrugged. "You don't, I guess. But it'd be pretty dumb of me to try anything, with all the security around."

"I...I guess that's true..." I mumbled, then narrowed my eyes up at him. "But if you try anything, I-"

"I won't, I won't!" He quickly assured, chuckling nervously.

"Alright...Lead the way."

About fifteen minutes later, we were in The Temple Gardens, which I didn't even know existed before now.

But they did, and they were beautiful. There were trees, flowers, and plants of all kinds, most I had never seen before. They were vibrant and smelled amazing.

"Well, I didn't lie to you." Xavier spoke up after a moment. "Trust me now?"

I scoffed out a laugh. "It takes a lot more than that for me to trust someone."

He smirked. "Good, me too."

I smirked back, but before I could say anything, a girls voice cut through.

"Xavier!!" She cheered in delight, skipping over to us.

Her hair was so blond it was almost white, and her skin was the palest I'd ever seen. Her eyes were also a pale blue.

As she padded toward Xavier, he scooped her off the ground and threw her into the air like she weighed nothing.

"Hey, Angel." He greeted her, ruffling her hair once she was on the ground. "How're you today?"

She grinned up at him. "Good! Even better now that you're here."

He smirked, "Everything is better when I'm here."

"That is yet to be determined." I chimed in, chuckling.

The little girl turned to look at me, her eyes full of wonder. "Who are you?"

"Angel, this is Fae, the girl Zayn and Blaze have been teling us about." Xavier bent down and explained to her.

Realization washed across her little features at his words.

"Ohhh," She started, "The one Blaze thinks is cute-?"

Xavier's eyes widened and he looked at me. "Don't tell him you know that!"

Angeletta giggled adorably. "Why? She is pretty!"

I chuckled quietly and smiled at her. No one had ever complimented me much, and never my looks.

"Thanks, kiddo...And don't worry, I won't say anything." I assured, feeling a small blush form.

Angeletta bounced over to me, grabbing my hand. "You're new here." She stated. "I heard the older younglings say you're Master Kenobi's padawan."

I nodded and kneeled to her height. "That I am, kid."

She smiled more. "I like Master Kenobi. He's always nice, and tells good stories! So does Master Yoda!"

"Ah, well, you'll have to tell them to me sometime, since I missed out on them." I nudged her gently, already feeling a soft spot grow for her.

She gasped excitedly. "So you're gonna be here more??"

I chuckled, "I promise I'll try to be around some. I'm sure I'll find a way to fit you into my schedule."

She grinned widely and cheered, dancing and jumping around.

Xavier just chuckled as he watched her, and I knew this behavior was normal for her.

"Hey, Angel, its getting late, you should head inside." He told her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder to stop her spinning.

Her smile fell a bit. "But I want to stay with you and Fae."

"I know, but we'll be back." He sympathized, giving a small smil.

She frowned in disappointment but nodded. "Okay...As long as you promise."

"I do." He answered immediately, using his index finger to mark an 'X' over his heart. "And I'll bring Fae, too"

Angel smiled again and nodded, copying his movements with her finger, the gave him a tight hug and ran off, waving at us.

"Bye, Xavier! Bye, Fae!" She yelled as she ran back into The Temple, and I gave her a small wave back.

"Well, I should probably be heading back to my room." I admitted to him after the girl disappeared. It was late, and I didn't feel like getting in trouble for not being there.

Xavier nodded in understanding. "Yeah, I should probably get some food and then get some rest. Got more work to do tomorrow."

I smiled softly at him. "Well, best of luck to you then."

"You too, Fae." He smiled back. "See you around."

We both turned and went our separate ways, both having our own things to attend to.

I hurried to the Barracks, worried I'd be in trouble.

I opened the door and rushed inside, finding Cody sitting at the little table and tensing.

"Sorry, Cody." I started quickly. "I lost track of time and uh–" I paused when I looked at his face.

He didn't seem mad at all, or even concerned. He looked like he always did.

My steps faltered slightly and I cleared my throat. "Everything okay?"

Cody raised a brow, "I should be asking you that. You look terrified."

I swallowed and shook my head, coming closer. "I...I was just expecting you to be mad..."

He tilted his head and gave me a confused look. "Should I be?"

I sat across from him and shrugged, lowering my head. "Its...Its late. Aren't you mad that I wasn't back?"

I heard him chuckle. "No, I figured you were with those other padawans. Were you?"

I shook my head, still tense. I was confused on why he wasn't angry.

I was late, I hadn't told him where I was, and I wasn't even with someone he thought I would be with.

"I...N-No." I confessed, still scared he'd suddenly lash out. "I was with this guy I met, Xavier. He's the mechanic for the 212th apparently."

He nodded in understanding, "Yeah, he is. How'd you meet him?"

I shook my head, blinking. "Hang on, you're not mad???"

He chuckled. "Again, should I be? You got a guilty conscience?"

"I- No, I just-" I stammered, trying to wrap my head around it. "Are you just messing with me? Waiting for me to relax before you strike?"

Cody's gaze turned worried. "What are you talking about, kid?"

"I'm talking about how its nearly midnight and I'm just now showing up!" I expressed, eyes wide. "A-And you didn't know where I was. Aren't you mad or something??"

He frowned, "No...Kid, you being out for a while after classes and training isn't a problem. It wouldn't be unless I specifically asked for you to come back."

"But, I..." I started but was unable to finish, not even sure what I was going to say.

Cody was silent as he observed me, eyes full of concern.

When he finally did speak, his voice was softer than I had ever heard before from anyone.

"Did that used to happen with your parents?" He asked me gently. "Did they get mad if you were late?"

I hesitated but nodded slowly, looking down at the ground. "Is...Is that not normal?"

"I'm not really sure what's normal and what's not, I don't have parents." Cody admitted softly. "But I do know there is something called unecessary anger..."

"I..." I swallowed a lump then shook my head. "It wasn't unecessary." I looked up at him. "Moving on. Sorry."

His brows furrowed. "Wait, kid-"

"Its fine, Codes." I cut him off quickly, wanting a new topic immediately. "Promise."

Cody hesitated but gave in after a short moment. "Alright, fine. But only because I have to talk to you about something else."

I tilted my head. "What is it?"

"You have a mission."

****************************

"Wa-Wa-Wa-Wait. Wait." I waved my hands in the air. "I haven't even been here for two weeks, just started training a few days ago, but I'm leaving for a mission tomorrow?"

Cody sighed, "It appears so. The Jedi Council wants you to go to Onderon to see if you'll remember anything while you're there, so maybe you can–"

"Tell them what's gonna happen so they can make sure they win? Or in other words, use me to gain power?" I raised a brow, feeling anger rise up in me.

"Yeah, I...That sounds about right." Cody swallowed, dropping his gaze to the floor.

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath, "You knew that they were gonna do this, didn't you?"

Cody looked me in the eyes before sighing and turning his head again, ashamed, "Yeah, I did. So did Obi-Wan."

"And you went along with it?"

"I didn't agree with it, but I didn't have much of a choice but to go along with it. I don't know about Obi-Wan though." Cody came and sat by me on the ground. "I know he doesn't think you're ready for it..."

There was a silence that came over the both of us.

This mission wasn't supposed to be a difficult one but...

"They're right, Cody. I'm not ready. I might be going with three jedi and Rex, but if there's a huge battle and I barely know how to hold a gun... I'm not gonna make it back. Punching a droid isn't gonna do much." I grumbled, glaring at the floor. "There's no real point in me going anyway! They're just using me to try and get information about the future! They don't care i-if I die!"

"I know," Cody said, voice sad but understanding. "There's never a guarantee for safety on the battlefield, you'll come to realize that soon, but you're going with the best fighters the Republic has, I have hope that you will return."

"But what's the point if I'm just gonna be used? The Jedi said that the Separatists would do anything to gain my memory, who's to say the jedi and the Republic won't do the same?" My fist clenched to try and stop my shaking hands, but to no avail.

Cody didn't have an answer for that. He knew I was right, the Republic had already started using me for their benefit instead of helping me. And no one can stop them...

"I wish there was something I could do, truly. But what kind of power do you and I hold that would make them change their minds?" His head turned to look at me.

"None. And that's exactly how they want it." I looked down at my lap. "There's nothing we can do."

'Its always about power. There are none who climb far up in society that will reach down to pull someone up with them...' Its your fault for falling for it again. I thought you would've learned by now. 'Yeah. Me too.'

Cody and I sat in silence on the floor for a long time, both of us weighed down by the situation at hand.

After what felt like hours, I whispered shakily, "Y-You know...I always dreamt of coming here..."

I noticed Cody's head turn to me, but he didn't say a word, letting me continue.

"With all the shit I went through at home, between t-the yelling, my dad nearly k-killing me almost every time I-I was at his house, and my o-only friend ever betraying me... T-This place was my escape. My comfort." I sniffed, suddenly fighting oncoming tears. "B-But it's not what I thought it'd be... Atleast there, people would notice if I suddenly didn't show up to places... N-No one even knows me here..."

"I know you...I-I would notice." Cody urged quietly. "I wish I could do more. I'd take you out of this stupid war if I could but..."

"You can't." I nodded, the first tear falling. "I-I made the wish to be here...Now I pay the price."

"It shouldn't cost you your life though." Cody frowned deeply.

"But...It will." I sighed shakily, wiping the tear away and bringing knees to chest. "Who knew...my dream would one day kill me..."

Before I could speak more, Cody's arms were around me in a tight hug.

I tensed slightly, eyes widening. "Cody–"

"I know." He cut me off gently. "I know but... you need one, kid...just relax for a moment."

I hesitated, feeling awkward and unsure exactly what to do, but slowly, I made my shoulders untense and I leaned into him.

It...Was nice, oddly enough. It had been years since I felt like this...

A lump formed in the back of my throat and more tears formed in my eyes, threatening to spill over.

I tried to desperately hold them back, pressing into Cody's shoulder to hide them, but I had a feeling he knew already, whether he saw the tears or not.

I'm not sure how long we sat there, me fighting backs sobs, and him just holding me to his chest, knowing he needed the comfort along with me.

Eventually, we both drifted to our designated sleeping spots and fell asleep without another word.

#star wars #the clones #writing #clone wars #wish come true #the bad batch #tbb

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naoko-world · 2 years

Note

Tag Game. Out of your mutuals, Tag the cinnamon rolls

Oh my! That's so a cute tag game! I'm in!

So here are my mutuals who also are cinnamon rolls:

@omgcheez @immabethehero @unskilled-dabbler @waitingonavision @empty-cryptid @egofan4evr @cavatappi @shuinami @acewithapaintbrush @jennjiart @ricsfiles @aeoneri @emeraldprophecies @brunosgayrat @adi-writes @thecrazyashley-blog (even though she's crazy, but for me she's a cinnamon roll) @neon-green-eyes @glitternightingale @tiredlvna @sketchnwhatevr @metaphoricaltigers @emberkyrlee @overly-dramatic-artist

Just saying I could have forgotten some people because it's very late and I wanted to answer it before bed.

#tag game #ask #ask answered

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nocturnalswarehouse · 1 year

Text

Chapter 23 - Answers

Fic Series: At Long Last

Pairing: Brynjolf x Female Dovahkiin|Dragonborn (Adranelle Rolaine)

Premise: Eight years after being declared the Dragonborn, and three years after Alduin is defeated, Adranelle (Adi) Rolaine finds herself back in Riften to help Brynjolf with the Thieves Guild's reputation.

Masterlist

CONTENT WARNINGS: Discussion of addiction, mentions of blood, description of violence

Taglist: @thequeenofthewinter, @oblivions-dawn

Word count: 1, 487

A/N: I'M BACK!! And a day earlier than promised. I was going to stick to tomorrow, but I had time today and didn't want to study for psych (still don't, still gotta do it). At some point, my next update will be this week, probably Thursday or Friday. Hope you enjoy this chapter. It's good to be back.

Leo gave Adi very little information on the job he needed her help with as they trudged through the Ratway Vaults. She kept asking him questions about it, the Breton being as vague as he could. While Adi deserved answers, he was afraid she wouldn’t be as willing to go with him if she knew why he brought her along rather than Etienne. Curiosity was the best motivator, and from the time he got to know her, he could tell she was a naturally curious person.

Adi tried to get Leo to break, to tell her something, but he wouldn’t budge. It was remarkable how patient and secretive the thief was, not giving anything away. It wasn’t just increasing her curiosity, it was starting to irritate her. Shouldn’t she get some context? What if her walking in blind was going to put a hindrance on Leo’s mission? Did Brynjolf know something about it, considering his enthusiasm towards the idea of her going? She wasn’t sure, but something told her it would be worth it.

“Here we are,” Leo stopped in front of a rusted iron door and pushed on it. It creaked loudly as it opened, Adi wincing at the noise. The tunnel that met them on the other side sloped downwards, leading both thieves to cling to the wall as they found their footing. Adi cast the magelight spell as they continued downward, allowing their path to be seen more clearly.

At the end of the path was a stone door with Bretic lettering all around the perimeter. In the center was a seal with a crest engraved into it. From the magelight, Adi could make out a Breton soldier shooting an arrow. Above them was a dragon, flying above it as if fighting on the same side. “Care to give me some context now?”

“This door is a blood seal,” Leo explained to Adi, trying to push down a sudden bought of nerves. “I haven’t been able to open it, but I have reason to believe that you can.”

In all honesty, Leo had been able to open the door to the tomb multiple times. On the other side was their father’s final resting place, waiting for Adi to discover the truth about her family and what happened to him. Both the Rolaine’s were granted access through the bloodline, and it was time for Adi to find out who she was.

“What exactly is this reason?”

“The resting place of the man behind this door is your father.”

Adi froze in her place as she stared at her friend, everything coming together. Leo’s odd interest in her, how he started treating her like a little sister after she returned from a mission, and his sudden protectiveness when she and Brynjolf made things official. His avoidance of giving details on the mission was the icing on the sweet roll, the clarity hitting her all at once.

As the latest one faded, she cast another mage light spell and turned to the seal. Making a cut on her wrist with her unenchanted ebony dagger, Adi pressed it to the cold stone and watched as it gave off a light glow. Once her hand left the stone, the crest spun and split the door in two. It slid into the wall, revealing a well-lit tomb filled with urns and chests.

Right in the middle was a coffin, similar to the ones she had witnessed Draugr’s burst out of, and on top was a rusted ring and a worn letter. Adi entered the room cautiously, half-expecting to be attacked by Draugr at any second. Instead, it was quiet. A peaceful sense of quiet, too, which was unusual for Adi to find.

She picked up the ring, noting the same crest engraved into it, and pocketed it. What interested her more was the letter. It was old and weathered, and a thick layer of dust coated it. Blowing on the parchment, Adi coughed when a cloud rose up to her face, and she breathed it in. Once she got a clear look at the letter, Adi shook the rest of the dust off. Although weathered and faded, she could read the writing and take it to sit on top of the coffin as she discovered the truth.

***

My dear child,

By the time you read this, I will have been long gone.

I am writing to you because you deserve to know. If the rumours around Riften are true, my time on Nirn has ended.

High Rock was not good to me. My own parents - your Grandparents - cast my newborn son and me out after my wife died, and I found solace in Skooma. My addiction had taken over my life, and instead of their support, I got their judgement. Having nothing but the clothes on my back, I ran away to Skyrim and settled in Riften.

Things did not get any easier from there.

My addiction worsened, the production of Skooma booming beneath the rule of Jarl Law-Giver. I met a woman there and fell for her fast. She was charming and beautiful but quite manipulative at the same time.

We met when I got involved in Skooma production, becoming the most well-known dealer in all of Skyrim. People were clambering for the drug, practically shoving their septims at me. Soon enough, I was able to afford Honeyside. I lived like a King in Riften and got the attention of a very powerful figure.

Maven Black-Briar came to me with a devious plan. She held some power in the Hold, but not nearly enough. Mead seemed to be the easiest way to get through to the citizens of Skyrim, so she wanted to make a product that people would do anything to get their hands on. Hence, my involvement.

Black-Briar Meadery started out as a seedy company but a successful one. Maven paid me double to give her the Skooma that would be added to her drinks; soon enough, people were addicted. Business boomed at any Tavern that carried Black-Briar Mead, and the demand increased. As it did, so did the price.

I quickly fell in love with Maven and her ambition, and our relationship changed. For better or for worse, it was a whirlwind romance. The love lasted five years, and I’m afraid it has abruptly stopped.

Word spread that Lady Maven is pregnant with my child. My reputation is not that of a positive one, and if the rumour is proven to be accurate, Maven’s reputation will be at stake… and so will my life.

This is why I am writing to you now, hoping that she will allow you to live and you’ll grow up somewhere better. I was not a good person, and I was no better father.

I wanted to do better for you and for your brother.

Take care of Leotinus for me. He deserved better than what he had.

Love your father,

Degin Rolaine

***

Adi read the letter more times than she cared to admit, the tension in the room growing with each read. Leo fiddled with the signet ring on his finger, waiting for her reaction. She clearly needed the time to process, and he would give her as much time as she needed. It was a lot of information to take in, especially regarding Maven’s involvement. “Leo…”

“Yeah?” he looked up to see Adi looking at him, tears threatening to spill.

“You’re…”

“Your half-brother, yeah.”

“Tell me your side of the story.”

“I was ten when he died.” He began, leaning against the coffin. “Maven stabbed him for getting her pregnant with an… “impurity” as she called you. I was partially hidden when it happened and saw the whole thing. Blood was everywhere, and the image of Degin’s body covered in stab wounds is still vivid today. I ended up moving from Honeyside and joined the Thieves Guild. As for the ten years I had with our dad? He was neglectful. I didn’t have a good relationship with the guy.”

“So Maven sent me to Honorhall because she didn’t want me,” Adi stated out loud, the feeling in her stomach churning with disgust at hearing those words. “Why did she even go through with it?”

“Reputation, mostly,” Leo answered honestly. He knew Adi well enough that sugar-coating anything, even while she was in this state, would only worsen the situation. “She managed to play off that it was her real husband’s kid and then sent you to Grelod once you were born. Spread the rumour you were stillborn, so no one is aware of your relationship to the woman.”

“One last question.” Adi’s eyes darkened, and she looked into Leo’s electric blue eyes. His were filled with hate, hate towards Degin and Maven. Adi felt the same he did and had to do something about it.

“I’m listening.”

“Will you help me take Maven down for everything she’s done?”

#tes: skyrim #skyrim #brynjolf #brynjolf x oc #brynjolf fanfiction #thieves guild #maven black briar

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heyidkyay · 5 months

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And I'm petrified of being alone, now |

Part Five

Matty Healy x reader

What happens when one mention of a certain controversial singer on her show sends a flood of unexpected challenges her way?

Authors Note: IT'S FINALLY HERE. THEY MEET. AH IDK WHAT ELSE TO SAY. But I have just finished writing part 6! So I figured why not post 5? SO here it is, hope you enjoy? X

>Just a note! So there's no confusion, this first section of 5 coincides at the same time as the last part of 4, as in where heading into the studio it was seen from Matty's POV, this starts with Mouse's and then goes onto them actually meeting one another! Okay? ta:)

Warnings: um, moody matty, lil bit of self-consciousness, mentions of scarring

Masterlist

I was running a bit behind schedule. Which wasn't too unusual for me, what with being the single parent to a rambunctious four year old, but this time around I’d somehow managed to allow myself to be waylaid by Adi's antics.

Apparently upon entering the studio this morning, everything had just felt a little 'off'.

And after having announced that, I’d had to sit back and watch on whilst Adi had trudged out of the room in her heavy black boots, only to come back a few moments later with a stub of sage in one hand and a lighter in the other.

Honestly, I was pretty sure that I could still taste the thick plume of smoke that I’d been forced to inhale each time I breathed in, even after having quickly made my escape. But yet it clung to the back of my throat uncomfortably and I couldn't avoid the grimace that wrinkled my face as I tried to rid myself of the sooty tang which coated my tongue.

But that was just Adi, I supposed. And it was one of the many things I loved most about her, how she was so unapologetically herself- even if it meant that I was forced to cough up a lung-full of herbs every once in a while.

See, it was actually Adi’s grandmother that had gotten her into performing all of the rites and cleanses she did so often. The woman was a real spiritualist and had taken Ads in at a very young age, so Adi had practically grown up around it all. She often spoke about how her grandmother had wanted her to follow down the same path and show a deeper interest, but Adi had always been much more fascinated by music, fashion and all things that revolved around tech.

She was a proper whiz with a computer, but that didn't mean she didn't have an appreciation for her grandmother’s beliefs, nor a knack.

"Are you still coughing up a storm, you drama queen?"

Speak of the devil, and he doth appear, I thought dryly, as Adi reemerged from out of the hazy recording booth. The sage now nowhere to be seen.

I rolled my eyes at her and continued to fiddle with the wires I had wound in my hand.

"I can't fucking stand the stuff, Ads."

Adi merely smirked at me as she bypassed, practically skipping.

"I know, but it's always good to be prepared! Who knows what we'll have to deal with when the infamous diva finally arrives!"

I snorted at Adi's mocking tone and couldn't quite hide the quirk of my lip.

"Fair enough. Just leave that door wide open, will you? And grab the fan while you're at it, as well. Don't need him, and whoever's tagging along, catching on."

I watched Adi laugh in amusement as she wandered over towards the sofa, the sweet sound echoing around the open space.

"On it, Captain!"

The two of us worked quickly after that, whirling around the loft, and one another, in an attempt to get things sorted before our guest's imminent arrival.

It wasn't long before we both recognised the telltale sign of a car pulling up outside though, and upon hearing the engines rumble die out I immediately caught Adi's eye from across the room.

It was a silent challenge and with it there was a frenzied rush to see who could get to the nearest window first. Adi had promptly tossed her notes towards my desk and taken to skidding across the hardwood floors, whilst I had all but thrown myself over the back of the settee.

Adi made it there first, even in her heavy docs, and claimed the windowsill with an unnecessary amount of arrogance. She grinned primly at me as I reluctantly slowed my approach, leaving me to lean in close so that we could both try and get a good look in.

But from this angle, there was practically no use. I craned my neck as far as my torso would willingly allow me and could only just make out the tail-end of a sleek car parked up on the curb. I assumed that meant Healy had arrived.

"Can you see anything?" Came Adi's impatient voice, a hushed whisper even though we were three flights up.

"No." I grunted back, "Your fat head's in the way."

Ads scoffed at me and I didn't have to look at her to know that she was now glaring up at me. I grinned.

"My head is perfectly sized, thank you! But seeing as we’re on the topic of abnormalities, you're practically half giraf-”

Adi immediately cut her snide comment short when a loud voice suddenly trumped the usual roaring noise that went hand in hand with the large city that was London.

"Right my!" We heard.

The voice was sharp and irritated, fuelled by an obvious anger, and soon trailed off into a muffled grit.

Adi's head snapped back to the window at the very sound of it, whilst I couldn't help but question just how exactly she’d managed to contort her body in the way she had, long legs tucked up beside her as she pressed her torso against the glass to listen closer.

The voice rang out again, sharper this time, and my eyes shot down to meet Adi’s own.

In return, she gifted me a catty side eye- obviously enraptured by the sudden drama that had seemingly been handed to us- and I could do nothing but shrug at her in response, somewhat baffled.

I pulled away slowly when the voices didn't seem ready to rise again, and silently wished that I could've been a fly on the wall during a conversation like that.

Clasping Adi's wrist, I gently tugged her away. "Come on, you best get down there before things go sideways and we end up on the backend of it all."

"Me?!" Adi crowed back, her eyes wide in alarm as she let me drag her back from the windowsill. "Why not you?"

My face scrunched up at the very thought.

"Ah go on, Ads. Please! You're so good with shit like this, can charm your way out of practically anything."

She narrowed her eyes in response. "I know what you're doing."

I pursed my lips together in an attempt to keep up the innocent act, already feeling a grin cropping up. “Is it working? ‘Cause we both know you’re the sweetest talker around, Wells. Could talk your way out of police custody, you like.”

Adi clucked her tongue but moved to cross the loft. “Yeah, yeah. But we both know you’re just being a coward! What, you really aren't ready to face him yet?”

I was swift to spin around on my heel to hide the truth my expression conveyed, and ignored the question altogether as I headed back towards the booth. I also pretended not to hear the cow’s delighted cackles as she began to descend the staircase.

"Just make sure the camera's are rolling before I get back! And wish me luck!"

"Luck!" I called out loudly over my shoulder before unplugging the fan and then storing it away. She was definitely going to need it.

I busied myself with the last of my tasks afterwards, an odd feeling of anxiety welling in my chest as I went through the usual motions.

It was strange for me to linger too long on thoughts of nervousness, because I usually had too much going on in other aspects of my life. Making things a little too difficult to concentrate on the many things that could possibly go wrong.

This time around though, we weren’t dealing with the usual up and coming artist, new to the industry and overwhelmingly pleased to be invited on. No, this time we’d practically been fed to the sharks.

Because, of all the possible people, we’d just had to have landed Matty Healy.

I started to question it all again. How exactly I'd gotten myself wrapped up in a mess this big in the first place and only hoped that Adi fared alright with dealing with Healy on her own for a while.

Maybe it had been cowardly of me to send her in first but I really didn’t think I could face him just yet, seeing as it had been me that had set off the pyramid of fireworks that had seemingly burned a hole in his life.

A dull vibration pulsed in my back pocket, breaking me from my train of thought, and I found that I was very much thankful for the sudden distraction it offered.

Messages now Finnleyyy Just got back to the gallery, Teds was fine when I dropped him off! If the show goes on any later feel free to message me and I'll pick him up x

I smiled down at the message.

At least that was one less thing I had to worry about, Teddy was safe and well, already settled in at the local nursery and in all honesty, I truly didn't know where I'd be without Finn, especially on days like these.

I was quick to fire back a text full of appreciation before I slipped the phone back into my pocket.

It was just as I had finished clearing up the rest of the studio that I heard a sudden rush of voices trail up the stairwell, and stilled at the very sound.

It was Adi’s voice which carried the furthest and so I ran my teeth along my bottom lip before ultimately deciding that running and hiding was my best bet. So I shot across the loft floor and into the recording booth to stow myself away.

Adi didn’t give me the chance to worry excessively over every little detail that could go wrong as the group of visitors grew marginally closer. So to keep myself busy for a minute or two, or to rather calm my erratic heart, I chose to fiddle with the last of the cameras that had been set up.

I felt, more than heard, the moment they passed the top of the stairwell as the wooden floorboards of the studio tended to creak beneath added weight.

It was pretty much impossible to hear what was being said on the other side of the recording booth though, due to its soundproof walls, but that tiny fact didn’t stop me from practically sealing myself against the door in an attempt to decipher the perfect moment for me to intervene on the situation outside.

For days I’d been practically driving myself stir crazy over all of this, I knew that I just needed to get it over and done with, save myself the stress before I brought another headache on. Because I could do this, he was just some guy. Famous or not.

So with a final albeit shaky breath, I braced myself and opened up the door.

Thankfully, I was almost instantly met by the comforting sound of Adi's voice.

“Ah, there she is! Was wondering when you’d show your mug. Fancy a cuppa, babe? Fixing up a few.”

“Please.” I breathed out a sigh and dragged a hand through my hair as I wandered towards the kitchenette, catching sight of the two bodies currently commandeering our tiny seating area.

I focused on the man sitting closest and the first thing I noticed about him was the sleek haircut he’d styled, it was clipped closely at the sides but left long on top to keep the thinning hairs going in one direction. He was different from what I’d expected, but not just because he was older, he also wore this brilliant smile when he moved to peer up at me, sincere enough that I felt my doubts ebb as I smiled back, taking in the rest of him and his fine fitting clothes which seemed to suit him well.

I dipped my head in a silent hello before my gaze flickered over towards our remaining guest.

It shouldn’t have felt as shocking as it did to finally set eyes on Matty Healy in person, not after all of the thorough planning I’d put into his very visit. But it was strangely surprising to bare witness to the way his lithe body was currently perched on the edge of our shabby armchair, the very same Adi, Finn and I had dragged back from the secondhand shop further up the main road. It felt wrong almost, having someone so obviously used to a certain luxury sat in the tatty thing.

I pulled my mind away from that last thought and focused on how I couldn't quite seem to tear my eyes away from the way Healy’s frame folded in on itself slightly, legs jutted out wide, elbows pressed against knees, and his chin cocked high. The guy’s overall stance was oddly domineering for someone so wraithlike, with hollowed cheeks and an aristocratic smile. It made him that much harder to read.

Healy’s own eyes were also hidden, so I couldn't make out the line of his gaze. Disguised behind a dark pair of glasses that I could only supposed cost more than what I’d make in two, maybe three months.

The question of what Healy might've first thought upon seeing me and the way I’d drowned myself in the oversized band tee I’d chosen that morning crossed my mind. But I was simply just thankful for the fact that I’d forgotten my knitted cardi somewhere behind me in the recording booth. Silently wishing that I had the balls, as well as the body, to pull off the outfits Adi liked to wear.

"Hiya." I finally greeted them, forcing myself to smile as I extended a polite hand outwards. "It's great to meet you both."

Even with the dark shades on, I easily spotted the way Healy's brows lifted in reply before he- rather reluctantly- clasped his own hand in mine.

I swallowed back the strained smile I wanted to give him in return and focused instead on the shake. Healy’s hands were apt, fingers long and slender, skin much softer than it should’ve been for any musician, and his knuckles prominent but wrist almost dainty. He was a juxtaposition if I’d ever seen one.

He was the first to pull away.

“Likewise.”

My jaw ticked at Healy’s sarky tone but I didn’t let it deter me. Staying professional, I turned to offer the same sentiment to his accomplice.

“I’m Mouse, by the way. It’s lovely to have you both. Hope you got here okay.”

The other man was much merrier than Healy, practically a total contrast actually, and he showed it in the joyful way he shook my hand, still smiling away.

“You know London traffic.” He replied around a low chuckle and let our hands fall, “Lovely to be here though. I’m Matty’s manager, Jamie.”

I smiled as I nodded in remembrance.

“Got to say, I really love what you two have done with this place. Skylight’s incredible.” Jamie added and I grinned before settling into the adjacent sofa, leaving plenty of space for Adi to take.

“You saw that? But yeah, I honestly think it’s the only reason we were so sold on this particular building- ‘cause the stairs are killer.”

“I can see why! I’m dying to have something like that back at mine, but the conservatory will have to do for now.” Jamie enthused and stood up when Adi strode on over.

Skillfully, the man helped guide the wooden tray Ads had been carrying towards the coffee table and smiled when she thanked him for his efforts, the image of a perfect gentleman.

“Thanks, Ads.” I breathed out in appreciation when the girl handed me my usual milky brew, then took a quick sip.

Someone snorted as I did and my eyes instantly flew over to discover that the sound had been made by Healy, because of course.

He seemed all too amused by something and, from the way his body was still angled towards me, I could only assume that it was down to something I'd done.

I blinked in confusion before I moved to raise my mug high above my head, reading the large, industrialised font that covered the bottom of the cup. Cunt.

The studio was probably the furthest thing from a professional setting, we’d always wanted the entire space to feel comfortable, safe even. But this was supposed to be our big break and so we had been trying to convey it as though it was. But here Adi was dishing out the gag gifts Finn had bestowed upon the loft last Christmas like it was a regular Tuesday.

Still, with a shake of my head, I couldn’t quite bring myself to dim my grudging grin as I shot a narrow eyed glare Adi’s way.

"Ta for that." I voiced with a light chortle and tipped the mug at her in false cheers, before my eyes then flittered over towards Jamie, who had since stifled his own amusement in favour of taking a slow sip of his own brew. And ah, yeah, there was the matching mug.

Healy laughed to himself in the little corner he’d created and I caught the way he subtly surveyed his own cup, out of the corner of my eye, just in case Adi had got him too.

Somehow he’d managed to avoid that particular jest and I knew that the only thing Healy really had to worry about now was if there was a secret dirty message waiting for him once he’d finally polished off his drink.

"What can I say? The mugs, they do not lie." Adi jeered, a mischievous glint in her eye before she turned her head back towards the two visitors. "See you've met our wonderful Mouse then! Ain't she a looker?"

I grimaced away from the hand that reached out to grab at my chin and silently questioned what I'd done to suddenly be on the deserving end of all her taunts.

Jamie laughed at the pair of us, but even with it, I didn't miss Healy's quiet hum or the way he was now seemingly more interested in the contents of his cup than the current conversation.

"Quite. We were actually just talking about you on the way up here, mate." Jamie divulged and I dragged my attention back towards the man, eyebrows lifting.

"Only good things, I hope." I replied, somewhat uncomfortably, but smiling lightly at Jamie before I managed to catch Adi's eye.

Ads simply waved me off. "Of course! They were interested in the show- how it started and what not." She told me and I nodded, mostly to myself as I relaxed further into the settee.

"Oh, well yeah, we've been around a while now."

"Adi mentioned that you were just a kid when you started out, sounds mad putting it like that." Jamie pondered, appearing quite intrigued by the topic. "How did this all come about then?"

Usually, I liked to skirt around this particular subject, wanting to dive straight into the work and forgo most of the small talk, but I caught the way Jamie’s eyes darted around our quaint little studio. He wasn’t just asking for the sake of it.

"If I'm being truly honest, a lot of stuff happened all at once." I revealed with a soft chuckle, but it lacked any of the mirth I was aiming for as I thought back to my second year of university, the year everything had quite literally turned on its head.

"I was in between jobs and my best mate suggested that I take the Twitter account I already had and turn it into something with a bigger presence. At the time, I had nothing left to lose so I just went for it."

At least, that was the shortened version of it. I’d skipped the mental breakdown, the almost losing my flat, and the birth of my child for the sake of not looking like a total psycho.

Jamie looked impressed or, at the very least, understanding as he nodded along to my words.

"Can't say I regret it now though." I had to tack on and smiled before attempting to trail my way onto a more formal topic. "I got your list by the way- what not to ask and all that. Think one of your lot emailed it to me earlier in the week. But I just wanted to let you both know-”

I let my eyes flit over towards Healy for a brief moment before they settled back on Jamie.

"That you don't have to worry about any of that whilst you're here. We want things to be relaxed, comfortable. I know your team was adamant on everything being a bit more structured, following the lines of an actual interview, but we don't do much of that around here. So I hope you're happy with just having a simple sit down."

"Like this?" Came a reply and I had to pause for a second before realising where the question had come from. Or who, rather.

I settled my mug down on my thigh, loosely supporting it with my hand, and looked over in the direction of Healy.

"A bit, yeah." I confirmed with an incline of my head, "That alright with you?"

The singer was silent for a long second and I couldn't help but take the opportune moment he gave to simply admire the way his fingers had wrapped themselves around his mug, mindlessly tapping away to a hollow tune.

Just when it appeared as though the silence had stretched on a beat too long, and Jamie had begun to shuffle forward ever so slightly in his seat, did Healy finally reply.

"If it's just you, then yes."

I tried not to let the reaction of how I really felt flash across my face then as I stared back at the man opposite.

From the corner of my eye, I could see the way Adi's lips had pursed unhappily in retort and how Jamie’s expression had hardened into a somewhat steely glare, desperate for Matty to spare a glance his way. Probably to scold him for being so painfully rude. But Healy, to my utter disbelief, kept his head firmly fixed towards me, even as he pushed the dark sunglasses he wore up into his curly hair.

It almost felt like we were in a stare off with the way I watched him for any tell that would surely give him away, slowly considering the proposition and not caring to cover up the way I could now stare into the other man’s dark brown eyes unabashedly.

From where I was sat, I could only just make out the darkened circles that rested beneath Healy’s pupils, as well as the red line that rimmed them. Their colour was far from unusual, brown, but his were not something you saw very often, they drew you in, kept you trapped. They harboured a multitude of other colours that blended ruthlessly into an array of raw umber.

As magnetising as they may have felt though, I found that I was mostly grateful to see that Healy’s pupils were of a normal size. The only thing I wanted to question were the walls that were so obviously barricaded behind them, giving me absolutely nothing in return.

"Just me?"

Healy simply stared back.

I couldn’t look Adi’s way when I finally answered the request, simply hoping that she would somehow understand. This felt too much like a test to say anything other than, “Alright. If that’s what you’d prefer.”

I moved to push my mug onto the corner of the coffee table, allowing myself a seconds release from his stare.

“But Adi often controls what goes on behind the scenes when we record, so it’ll be harder without her there, especially with all the cameras.” I explained carefully.

"Look, just hang on a second-" Jamie tried, obviously wanting to defuse the situation, but was ultimately cut off by Healy. It honestly felt as though the man believed neither Jamie nor Adi were a part of the conversation any longer.

"Can you do it?"

His tone was almost challenging, the four words fell from his wicked tongue like a dare.

"Not the type to back down." Was all I could think to retort, my hardened gaze once again zeroed in on Healy's own.

***

The recording booth was smaller than he’d expected. A table sat in the very centre, surrounded by a swarm of cameras and microphones, all of which seemed to be connected to a variety of wires Matty could hardly even bring himself to be cautious of as he stepped past.

The table hosted an array of tech though, from computers and mixing boards to monitors and speakers. None of which Matty was the least bit interested in either.

Three of the four walls were lined with acoustic foam panels, one’s you’d typically find in booths, while the last had been turned into a mural of sorts.

The mural was dark and edgy, a string of trees sprouted up from the ground and swept across the expanse of it, its branches winding upwards only to entangle in one another. A common field mouse sat crouched in between the trunks of the trees, its big eyes shining as it met Matty’s stare head-on. The walls centre held the name of the radio show and at first glance it looked as though it had been printed on one of those acrylic neon signs, but it was actually just extremely detailed.

Matty had to blink once or twice before he was finally able to look away.

"Who's work?" He found himself asking, filling the silence that had settled upon the closing of the booth's door. He jutted his chin out towards the far wall, sparing the art one last glance before he gave the girl his full focus.

Her eyes flitted up to meet his own before they sailed across to the mural.

"A friend." Was all she replied, but her voice had softened a touch now that it was just the two of them, Matty noted.

She offered nothing more than that and so Matty took it for what it was, nodding his quiet assent.

"Do you have anything in particular you'd like to talk about whilst you're here?" Mouse asked him as she clicked away at the computer, he felt strange using the name, even if it was just in his own head. "We've got a good hour or so before Adi comes snooping."

"I've got a million things I'd like to say," Matty let slip as he trailed on closer to the table, then forced a sardonic smile. "But I'm not particularly in the mood for a good tongue lashing today."

She looked slightly startled by his dry joke and Matty found himself having to hold back a smirk as he rounded the desk, fingertips gliding across the table's smooth surface.

"What about you, then?" He posed, not wanting to stunt their talk just as it had begun. Somewhat intrigued now. "Got anything you'd like to get off your chest for millions of people to hear?"

It was sarky, but when was he not? Though if he was being honest, Matty just found that he wanted to hear the girl talk, because for some reason he enjoyed listening to her. Her gentle accent had obviously been weakened during the time she'd spent in London but Matty enjoyed its easy lilt. It was almost soothing. He wondered where she was from, but didn't ask.

Mouse snorted, shaking her head. "Wouldn't quite say millions, a couple thousand at best."

Matty felt his eyebrows raise as he spared another glance over at her, thinking back to those eyes that had held his so solemnly. "What, even with me here?"

He was teasing, but her eyes widened briefly as though she feared she had offended him, but as mentioned, it was only a brief flicker before a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see how loyal your fans truly are, Healy."

"Guess so." Matty mocked.

***

The show had gotten off to a rocky start. I had been all too aware of the surrounding cameras and the way the menacing rockstar, sat centimetres away from me, liked to keep his stare fixed firmly on me at all times, following my each and every movement.

I couldn't quite help the way I shifted uncomfortably every time I looked up and caught Healy's eye either, or the way I’d chosen to angle my face away from the cameras to avoid looking directly into any lenses.

I was dead crap when it came down to things like this. It all became too much, the pressure to entertain, to pretend that I was fine, that I was comfortable in my own skin, to chat away like there weren't already a thousand eyes studying my every flaw.

Look, give me a microphone and any sodding topic that either pissed me off or positively enthralled me and I'd be happy to rant the ears off of any nutter willing to listen. But in scenarios such as these, I always felt slightly on edge. Teetering on the verge of falling right on over it.

‘Cause I knew what people saw when they looked at me. I was all too familiar with the pitying glance I often got spared, as well as the grimaces people couldn’t seem to hide when they walked by.

I’d had to deal with it for years. Ever since I was a kid.

And upon hearing that, anyone would probably figure that I might’ve gotten used to all the gawking by now, especially with a toddler constantly keeping me on my toes. But ultimately my son’s presence often appeared to exaggerate the mixed reactions I received.

In truth, I’d never really been given the time to come to terms with the scars that marred my body, my face. The white lines that spoiled the features underneath.

So claiming it to be a rocky start, would only put a dent about the size of a pea into the way I was currently feeling!

Healy was rather unhelpful too, just as I’d predicted. He seemed to almost get off on watching me writhe under his leer and his answers to the questions or topics brought up were half-hearted at best.

Really, I was beginning to doubt the way in which I’d figured this entire mess would end.

It was only supposed to be a quick and easy chat, the two of us sat there gossiping like old mates, proving to the rest of the world that there really was no animosity or underlying conspiracies to this whole setup. When in actuality, that really wasn't the case.

Time and time again I found myself questioning why exactly Healy had even bothered to come, why he had even agreed to the whole ordeal in the first place. Especially when he was so apathetic with his replies.

"So," I trailed off, somewhat desperate to save what was left of the segment- for my sake at the very least. I didn't even want to think of what sort of issues this would cause for the show. "Music! I mean, from an outsider's point of view, we never really got the whole backstory on how you and the rest of the band really met. I mean, you’ve said you started it in secondary school, but you yourself were kind of pushed into the limelight at a really young age, so how did you and the guys connect?”

Healy tensed at that particular question, his shoulders forming a more rigid line as his gaze flickered away from me for only the briefest of seconds before it returned, but it was enough to alert me to the fact that I was treading into murky waters. I tried to backtrack.

"But in all honesty, what I really want to know about are all the sordid details, life after all that crap, the answers to the things people never think to ask. Like, I've seen pictures of your clearly extensive guitar collection all over your Instagram feed, you must have a favourite!"

Matty's lips curled into something which almost resembled a smile then and it honest to God threw me through a loop. A metaphorical loop, of course, I wasn't quite sure if we could fit any sort of loop-like shape into a space this small.

But I was letting myself get sidetracked and couldn't help but question whether that was the sort of thing Healy typically thrived off of. He’d smiled, and nothing wicked or sarky had tinged it, it’d been a genuine smile. And I had to blink just to make sure my eyes hadn't been playing tricks on me as Healy edged forward in his seat, a coy grin now dancing at the corners of his muted pink lips.

"A favourite? Now that's the question to ask! Honestly? It'll have to be the '63 Jazzmaster I've got. It’s wicked, used by the Ramones on their debut album and then by David Byrne on early Syre demos. So it’s seen quite a bit."

After that, I just sat there. Stunned as Healy continued to rant about this poxy guitar he was so obviously smitten with and couldn't help but be utterly captivated by each and every word that slipped from his mouth.

Apparently all I had ever needed to get past the games and ginormous walls Healy had defensively built around himself was to simply be myself. Ask the questions that maybe only I wanted to know the answers to.

See, I wasn't the biggest people person but I figured myself to be somewhat of a skilful conversationalist. What with my past, I’d kind of had to force myself to be. But I was glad to have finally been given an in with Healy, no matter how small. It helped the interview pass by a lot easier.

Although the new spirit Healy adopted after that only seemed to last until nearing the very end of the show.

In truth, I had all but forgotten about the cameras and microphones set up, the fact that people were still listening in, were watching us converse, whilst I simply lost myself in listening to Healy prattle away. Positively enraptured by the way the musician's mind worked as he explained the complexity of a certain riff he adored, or the time he'd pretended to get off in Madison Square Garden- much to the dismay of his PR Team.

"They went absolutely mental when I first proposed it. I'm telling you! Yapping about time and effort, and it being too much for the younger viewers, then the plans that would have to be put into place- all that merry shite. And I’d just been sitting there in these, these skimpy leather trousers, quietly debating over when, or if I'd ever, get the feeling back in my legs. And don't even get me started on my knob. I mean, it must've shrivelled up and die- hang on, I can say knob, right? On air?"

Looking at him in that moment, forgetting everything I already knew, it was like I was seeing this whole other person. Someone who wasn't so confrontational, so quick to defend, or easy to recoil.

It was clear, to me at least, that Healy wasn't the image the media painted of him, he was simply human. A troubled man who truly loved music, in every sort of variety, and wanted to vocalise and share that love with everyone else. He was eccentric for sure, but sincere.

I could see that, even if it only felt like I'd only been given the tiniest bit of insight into the person Healy so obviously tried to keep concealed.

It wasn't long later when I startled somewhat upon seeing the flashing red light of one of our cameras go off to my left and immediately, I jolted upright in my seat.

"God- crap!" I blurted out stupidly as I grabbed at the headset that had threatened to fall off my head in my sudden haste. "Hold on. Sorry, got really sidetracked there- one of the camera's is telling me it's on its last legs, so we'd best start wrapping this up."

Healy deflated ever so visibly, shrinking back in his seat as he huffed a soundless chuckle.

"Can't seem to stop me once I get going." Healy widened his eyes to emphasise his point and I observed how he had hastily retreated back into himself to haul his guard up again.

I was quick to shake my head. "No, truthfully I can't remember the last time I just got to sit here and listen. It was nice not having to do all the work for once."

Matty licked at his top lip upon hearing that and rewarded me with another mirthful smirk. I realised I'd properly put my foot in it there, stressing over why I’d even worded it like that.

Whilst he chuckled to himself at the picture I must’ve made, I decided my best bet was to hurry on and end the show, reciting what needed to be said before I finally signed off, clicking a button.

It was just as the 'ON AIR' sign above the door went off that Adi barged straight through the entrance, gracing us with her wonderful presence. Jamie was just behind her, peeking his head around the doorframe.

"Well I think I can say that that went as well as it could’ve!" He announced, coming to a standstill by Matty as he clapped his client heartily on the back. "Well done, Matt. You as well, Mouse."

"Appreciate it." I smiled up at him before tugging off my headphones and pushing away the mic.

With all four of us now crowded into the makeshift room, the booth suddenly felt a lot smaller than it usually did, and so I tried my best to disguise the way my body immediately reacted to the realisation.

"I'm in dire need of a fag though. Will you be alright tidying up in here, Ads?" I announced as I pulled myself up onto my feet, already beginning to shuffle towards the exit. I picked up the cardigan I'd left on the back of one of the chairs as I went, using it as a shield almost.

"Yeah, of course. Glasses here wanted to discuss one more thing before they made a move anyway."

I shot an arched brow at the man in question but Jamie waved my curiosity off. "Nothing too detailed. Just some forms that need signing."

I didn't much like the part of the arrangement that came after recording, but with an understanding ‘Ah’, I forced myself to ask, "Erm, don't suppose you need me to stick around for any of that do you?"

"Nah," Jamie laughed lightly, "Go on, you're all good."

I smiled, silently praising the stars above as I nodded once and resumed my exit, tugging the cardi on as I hastily made my way over to the fire escape.

Praying that our luck hadn’t run out just yet, I hoped that no one else was up on the roof waiting for me when I pulled my feet up the rickety metal staircase. It was just about the last thing I needed at that moment.

I already had my lighter in hand by the time I'd made it over to our little makeshift patio we’d created, which consisted of a few wooden pallets and a couple of large cushions that overlooked the neighbouring buildings.

It wasn't much, Islington. It was inner London sure, and had its fair few classier joints to show off, but I much preferred what else it had to offer. Like how the hustle and bustle of the city quietened just as you lost yourself down the backroads. And all the parks that had been scattered in and around the main developments and the dozens and dozens of buildings that were constantly cropping up. How there was a pub on almost every street corner and a Sainsbury's never too far away. I even enjoyed the gentle rattle of the overground, it was all too familiar now. Felt more like home than the Isles ever had.

Looking out across the surrounding rooftops, I wondered again just why my mum had yet to leave our tiny town as I lit a cigarette and lifted the filter to my lips.

The first chance my father ever got he’d gone running for the hills and then me, myself, had upped and left the confines of our small cottage as soon as the offer had presented itself.

It wasn't that the harbour town I'd grown up in had nothing to offer. It had a sense of community, a beautiful shoreline (even in the colder months), and of course, the local rugby team.

But speaking in a manner of careers, well, unless you were breaking out on your own and had the cash to open up a shop on the high-street, then you were probably destined to either work in the local greengrocers, serve behind the village bar, or get a shift down by the docks.

You were lucky if you had a bit more meat on your bones though, because then you also had the added opportunity of getting an offer to start laying bricks for one of the few building companies. Most of which were family based.

We had the main school too which housed both primary and secondary kids, and the local college was available if you wanted to further your education. But the closest University campus was a good hundred miles away.

I had applied, but only to lessen the guilt I'd felt towards my mother when I'd started looking for courses available in just about any place apart from home whilst filling out uni apps.

I could still recall the day I’d finally told her I'd be leaving for London. Felt like a lifetime ago now really.

I'd definitely have to call her up again soon, to make sure that she was doing okay, even if it meant that I'd be forced to listen to her rattle on about coming home for Christmas. Again.

I sighed contently to myself and it was just as I flicked away a stump of ash that I heard someone approach.

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pheita · 2 years

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You don't have to be gentle, I won't break... For whoever you like 👀 @catharticallysarcastic

Hey @catharticallysarcastic, good things take time or so they say. After first having an idea for Arritit and Talaina and ending up 1,5k of set up, I gave this up. So here we are with: Werewolves. Since the three of them came to me for @stormbrightwriter and my little challenge, have a first glimpse at them. Tagging @bloodlessheirbyjacques (I know you know^^) @kainablue @writingamongther0ses @abalonetea @adie-dee (I am sure you will enjoy this as well) So this is NSFW. Warning for strong language, biting in a sexual way, innuendo of dom/sub relationship

Carnal Desire Part 1

There has always been a secret preference for hot tubs, which Tamsin liked to keep to herself. But that a hot tub was even better when it belonged to the guy you were with, that Tamsin had not expected. Just as little as she had expected that she sat squeezed between two hot men, who could not be more different, in a hot tub. To her left sat Kieran, who was clearly working out a lot, just by the way the water beaded off his muscles as if it were an advertisement for the latest shower jelly. His amber eyes were on her, almost looking like the embers of a fire, and Tamsin could guess why. The reason sat to her right and was Frederick, Kieran's right, and best friend, and although he was clearly less trained, no less hot, especially his water blue eyes with their calm and peace that they radiated were only one of many points where they distinguished the two. Kieran was impatient and impetuous, where Frederick was gentle, cautious, and thoughtful of others. And Tamsin sat in between, as if in a cage. A damn attractive cage, which had to be said, but still, it didn't change the fact that she would actually like to enjoy the hot tub without the two of them going at each other's throats. After another minute, she got up and left the hot tub. If the two couldn't agree, then they should just wait. "I have enough of this." "Tamsin? My flower?" Kieran looked at her urgently. "Flower my ass. If you two can't agree on whether or not you want to fuck me, then I'll just have to do it myself. Goodness, that werewolves are so complicated." Frederick's soft chuckle wafted over to her as she walked naked and dripping to the living area. "Tamsin, you know that's not a good idea," Frederick called after her. On the spot, she turned and glared at him. "Rick, Ricky, Frederick, Ricko, my friend, my lover: I'M GOOD AT ASSESSING WHAT I CAN DO."

"You're still weak as a werewolf, you don't belong to a pack. I don't want us to hurt you." Kieran came out of the hot tub laughing. For a moment, Tamsin was distracted by the water rolling over his abs. Deeply, she inhaled. "I'm not made of porcelain. You don't have to be gentle; I won't break. I just want you two to fuck me. What's so hard to understand about that?" Frederick's agonized sigh was the first indication that he was out of the water, too. "It's not that you want sex, it's the kind. Without a pack, accidental mate bonding can happen." Tamsin's eye roll was dramatic. Kieran pulled her close and let his fingertips trail over her skin. "You want to risk that?" "Absolutely." His fingers moved to her breasts, stroking them feather lightly. "You'd be bound to us for the rest of your life, and we'd be bound to you." Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath in and out. "You don't want it?" "We want you to know what you're potentially getting into," Frederick chimed in, taking her. It was just a whisper. His breath brushed the back of her neck as he did so. "I hardly think I'll ever want another man after you two," Tamsin chuckled.

The few times they'd had sex had already brought her close to the brink of insanity. The idea of what it must have been like when they didn't hold back turned her on, in a way she couldn't describe, and had become an urge in the last few days that she could no longer ignore. Frederick's lips settled on her neck. Slowly he kissed his way first to her right shoulder and then down her back. "You're one hundred percent sure?" asked Kieran in that deep growly voice that sent a pleasant shiver through her body every time and made her feel almost instant wet. "I am." Kieran had her nipples between his fingers and was rolling them back and forth. In between, he pinched a little. "Really?", Frederick wanted to know again, his recalcitrance of minutes before forgotten. His hands held her by the waist. The way he knelt behind her, covering her back with kisses that burned like fire and only increased her desire, caused her mind to slowly shut down. "A thousand percent..." she moaned out as Kieran moved closer and bit her neck playfully. His erection pressed against her belly, causing a new wave of desire to surge. She was sure she must be dripping by now, as wet as she was.

"Say it again," Frederick ordered. At the same moment, he stroked a hand down between her legs. "A thousand...percent." "One more time." A hand from Kieran brushed down her torso and met Frederick's hand between her legs. "Thou....send....per...cent," she stammered, moaning. "You're mine," Kieran growled. His hand spread her labia and with a quick flick of his finger over her clit. "And mine," Frederick growled, only to bury one of his delicate long fingers deep inside her at the same moment. Tamsin's legs almost gave way, only Kieran's reaction of pressing her against him kept her upright. Frederick bit into her ass, the hand on her hip clawing deep into her flesh as they both mercilessly pleasured her with their hands. A second finger followed, and just a few deep thrusts later a third, almost simultaneous with a bite into the other side of her butt. Kieran’s rhythm remained steady, alternating between quick, short, and long, slow movements that drove her more and more insane. Frederick's thumbs were between her ass cheeks, gently pressing against them over and over. When Kieran bit into her shoulder, it was all over. Gasping and moaning, she came so hard that Kieran had to hold her to keep her from falling over.

"It's all right, my flower. I've got you." Mercilessly, Frederick increased the speed of his movements and sent another wave through her. His satisfied laugh as she came down from her second orgasm made her laugh, too. Shortly after, she felt his body pressed against her back. By now he, too, had the hard-on of the year pressing pleasantly against her as a harbinger of what she hoped was now to come. "Ready?" Kieran's voice was so soft, coating her like caramel. Hot, sexy caramel that was going to fuck her into nirvana. "Yeah..." "Who first?" whispered Frederick, as if afraid it would go wrong if he didn't. He couldn't see the smile on her face. "No, my flower, that was not the agreement." "We didn't agree on anything," she reminded him, biting his neck lightly. He groaned. It was noticeable how his muscles tightened, preventing him from throwing her onto the bed immediately. "Deal?" Soft kisses on her collarbone accompanied Frederick's question. "She wants us both at the same time." "Greedy little she-wolf," Frederick laughed in her ear. "Please..." she whimpered. "Not today. After you're part of the pack." "Not fair." "I know, my flower." Gently, Kieran pushed her a little away from him. It was a lousy decision. This wasn't what she wanted, what she needed.

"Leader first," Frederick determined. His hands went to her hips again, and before she knew what was happening, he had lifted her up by the thighs so that she was hanging in the air with her legs spread, just waiting for Kieran to take her. Excited whimpers on her part only made both men smile. "Such a greedy little she-wolf," Kieran repeated. Without further foreplay, he penetrated her. Immediately, her body enclosed his cock as if welcoming Kieran. Her legs he put over his shoulders and pressed them into Frederick's chest. A few times he thrust deep and slow. "I want it all," Tamsin demanded in a strained voice. She didn't know how Frederick withstood it, but she knew that was the hottest position she had ever had sex in. Again, Kieran's thrusts were deep and long, playing with her. But then he sped up. The speed and harshness with which Kieran thrust into her was clearly no longer human. Grunts, moans, growls, all mixed together. Fredrick's erection kept rubbing against her ass, which only turned her on more. Who the animalistic guttural scream was coming from, she couldn't tell, because Tamsin was just seeing stars and drifting. It must have been Kieran, though, because shortly after he slowed down and then stopped altogether.

His hand stroked her cheek. "Still with us?" "Mhmm." A satisfied, possibly inane grin, graced Tamsin's face. Frederick's deep chuckle distracted her a little. He set her back on her feet, but still held her. "You don't look like you're going to make it through round two." Shakily, she turned and dug her finger into his chest. "Give it to me." "Bed," Kieran ordered, taking her up bridal style. She wanted to protest, but somehow it was also quite nice. Carefully, he laid her in the oversized bed and stroked her body. His gaze went to Frederick, who just looked at them both for a moment. Slowly, he crawled towards her from the bottom of her feet, kissing his way from her ankle up to her mouth. His hand lightly pushed her legs apart. Tamsin reached out her arms for him and pulled him to her. A warning look accompanied Frederick's grip on her hand. "Not like that. My rules." Something about the way he said it and the way those blue eyes took on something deep made Tamsin shiver. "Kieran?" "Gladly." Before she could ask, Kieran had pinned her arms above her head with his hand. His tongue stroked along her neck to her breast, while his other hand pulled her leg to the side. Fredrick pushed the other leg to the side and lifted her ass a little so that she came to rest on his legs. Agonizingly slowly, he entered her, taking his time, and teasing her a bit by pulling out a bit at a time. Her hips made their own way in and pushed against him. Frederick's movements were rolling and if Kieran's hand hadn't moved up from her thigh to her clit, Tamsin would surely have been able to hold out like this for a long time, slowly one orgasm after another, but Kieran showed no mercy. Growling pleasantly and moaning longingly again and again, Tamsin enjoyed what the men were doing to her. When Frederick leaned forward and massaged her other breast with one hand, the next orgasm rolled over her. Kieran made sure the next one came right after it.

Still out of breath from the orgasms, Tamsin was unexpectedly turned onto her stomach. Frederick pushed her legs further apart and entered her again. She could still hear Kieran addressing Fredrick questioningly, and then she was mentally shut down. Frederick pushed her deeper into the bed with each thrust, deeper into her, filling her in all the ways she needed. His whole body buried her beneath him, his lips pressed against her neck. Then he bit down with all his might. Moaning loudly, growling, screaming, and gasping, their voices blended into a cacophony of pleasure. As Tamsin regained consciousness, she lay between them, the covers over them, and Kieran's fingers roamed over her arm. "Fuck, that was awesome," she blurted out with a laugh. "After you're accepted into the pack, you'll get everything you want, my flower." "Don't spoil our little she-wolf for me, or I'll have to train her." The looks the two exchanged spoke of some things Tamsin couldn't place, but that would sort itself out as well.

#writblr #writing #story by prompt #adult audience

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novelmonger · 1 year

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Thoughts on Jedi Apprentice 13: The Dangerous Rescue

Can't you just hear the epic music ramping up? The exciting conclusion to this three-book arc is upon us! Qui-Gon is still stuck in Jenna Zan Arbor's lab, and Obi-Wan and Astri had to leave him there. They've got the medicine Didi needs, but now they have to figure out how to get Qui-Gon out alive!

How will this all work out? Let's find out!

Jedi Apprentice #13: The Dangerous Rescue

Chapter 2

This book picks up right where the last one left off, with Obi-Wan and Astri leaving the lab with Qui-Gon having to remain behind, because of the transmitter Jenna Zan Arbor put in him that will poison the other Jedi if he leaves. Obi-Wan contacts Tahl, who lets him know that she has already sent Adi and Siri to join them on Simpla-12. They show up shortly thereafter, letting Astri take their ship back to Coruscant to get the antidote to Didi.

Adi lets Obi-Wan know that Jenna Zan Arbor has cut off all communications in and out of the lab, but they think they know who the other Jedi is: an old, retired Jedi named Noor R'aya. He was old and weak enough that Zan Arbor was able to overpower him.

The plan to rescue Qui-Gon is simple, but risky: They have found out that Jenna Zan Arbor has ordered some security droids to protect herself as she makes her getaway. So the three Jedi will hide amongst the shipment to get inside the lab and infiltrate it. But...guess who the people selling the droids are? Cholly, Weez, and Tup! Obi-Wan is angry with them because they skedaddled instead of doing what they were supposed to do, and warn them if Ona Nobis showed up. But I'm just glad that these three bozos will be in this book too XD

Obi-Wan: "You can make it up to me now. You let the Jedi down once. Do not do it again." Weez: "Never, never, never." Tup: "Unless there is terrible danger." ... Siri: "How about this. You help us or we'll smash all your droids."

But after much bickering, Adi, Siri, and Obi-Wan squeeze into a smuggling compartment in the gravsled. Cholly, Weez, and Tup load up the droids, and they're off to save Qui-Gon!

Chapter 5

Meanwhile, Qui-Gon is shuffling through the ventilation shafts, trying to find the other prisoner. He eventually locates the lab where Jenna Zan Arbor has barricaded herself, and watches as she tortures him to try to get him to use the Force. It's very reminiscent of what she was doing to Qui-Gon, only it's even more infuriating when you know that this is an old man just trying to live out his last days in peace.

The epic rescue is underway! It's too long to quote it all here, but reading about Cholly, Weez, and Tup delivering the droids to Jenna Zan Arbor is like watching an episode of the Three Stooges or Looney Tunes or something XD They crash into walls, try to convince Jenna Zan Arbor to pay them first, then to let them program the droids (obviously, she wants to do it herself, after watching their clumsy progress), they knock over all the droids while unloading them, and then to top it all off, Tup hits the wrong lever and opens the secret compartment before he's supposed to, and the Jedi roll out in the middle of the droids. Thus begins a desperate battle, which Qui-Gon hears and rushes to join. Jenna Zan Arbor manages to get away in the commotion, taking Noor R'aya with her.

Best part of the chapter: "A flash of joyful relief lit Obi-Wan's face as he saw Qui-Gon sail toward him." - ಥ◡ಥ They're back together again....

Chapter 6

Aw, is this goodbye to Cholly, Weez, and Tup? :( Cholly: "If you're no longer in need of our services, we thought we would go back to our poverty-stricken but basically safe existence."

Tup: "Woosh, everything is all my fault, all the time, forever." Cholly and Weez: "Yes, it is."

Cholly: "It's been a swell adventure, but we must be going." Adi: "We are grateful for your help. We regret that you were caught in a battle." Weez: "It was nothing." Tup: "Especially when it was over."

The Jedi medic, Winna Di Yuni, comes to check Qui-Gon's health and remove the transmitter. She says that he is weak, but should recover without too much trouble. Grumpy Qui-Gon grousing that he's just fine, thank you is very fun to watch :P

Tahl: "Then you will release him on a mission?" Qui-Gon: "Release me? Am I still a captive?" Tahl: "No, you are a stubborn Jedi who might push himself beyond a limit his body cannot handle."

Obi-Wan finds Qui-Gon's lightsaber in the lab, so now they both have their lightsabers again. Personally, I think it would have made for more fun angst if Jenna Zan Arbor had taken the lightsaber with her and they'd been forced to share for most of the book or something, but whatever. It's a good thing they both have their weapons back, because they'll be splitting up pretty soon.

Speaking of which, Obi-Wan gets a call on his comlink from someone on Sorrus, who says that Astri has gotten into an accident there and gave Obi-Wan's information before passing out. As soon as she got the antidote to Didi, she immediately left to go after Ona Nobis, in the hopes of getting the reward. So now the two Jedi teams have to split up: Obi-Wan and Siri head off to Sorrus to get Astri back to the Temple, while Qui-Gon and Adi try to track down Noor R'aya. It's going to be difficult, because even knowing who Noor R'aya is, none of that information seems likely to help. All they know is that he returned to his home planet to live out the rest of his days in solitude, but he started making miniature landscapes and buildings of places he'd been in his years as a Jedi Knight. Children started to come watch him work, and he would make toys for them. But this information doesn't seem like it will help them track down Jenna Zan Arbor....

Chapter 9

Obi-Wan and Siri get to Sorrus and find the Med Center, no thanks to the Sorrusians who are unfriendly towards foreigners as usual. When they ask about Astri, they're told they have to fill out paperwork first, but they decide to split up. Siri will take care of the paperwork while Obi-Wan goes ahead to make sure Astri is okay. But he's led to the new wing of the building, which is still under construction. Just as Obi-Wan is getting very suspicious that this is all a set-up, the man leading the way abruptly runs off, and Obi-Wan is alone in the half-constructed wing. Sure enough, Ona Nobis jumps out to fight him. Looks like she lured Obi-Wan there to get revenge.

The fight is intense, as you'd expect, especially because Ona Nobis seems to have gotten a new whip. Ultimately, Obi-Wan realizes he's outmatched on his own, so he runs away to get back to Siri. Siri can't believe he'd run away from a fight, but when they tell Qui-Gon and Adi what happened, he agrees with Obi-Wan's assessment of the situation. The Padawans are told to return to the Temple immediately, because Astri hasn't asked for their help and they don't even know if she's on that planet, but Obi-Wan is understandably reluctant to abandon a friend like that.

When they go to find a pilot who can take them back to Coruscant, Obi-Wan thinks to ask him about Astri. Sure enough, she was asking for a ride to the desert, but he needed repairs and so he directed her to get an air taxi. And, psych! - Cholly, Weez, and Tup are with her! We haven't seen the last of them after all :D

Chapter 11

Obi-Wan and Siri find the air taxi Astri and the others took to the desert, but the pilot has been killed. Worried that Ona Nobis got to them first, Obi-Wan leads the way to the hideout they found before. Sure enough, Astri, Cholly, Weez, and Tup are tied up in there. But as soon as Obi-Wan and Siri crawl into the cave, rocks and debris fall over the entrance, trapping them all inside. Ona Nobis has laid a trap for them!

As dire as the situation is, I'm thoroughly enjoying having the three chuckleheads around again: Tup: "I'm so hungry." Weez: "You won't be for long." Tup: "There's food?" Weez: "No, idiot. Because soon we'll be dead." Tup: "You don't have to be so negative."

Siri's idea is to cut down one of the metal poles holding up the ceiling, and push it through the debris at the entrance in the hopes someone will see it. Since no one has a better idea, they try it, wiggling the pole around and hoping that the sandstorm outside will die down enough for the sun to shine on the metal.

Finally, when it seems they're doomed to suffocate in there, the leader of the desert tribe Astri helped save shows up to rescue them. He saw Ona Nobis and heard her talking to someone on a comlink. It sounds like she's headed to Belasco - something to do with Senator Uta S'orn?

Chapter 12

Everyone meets up on Belasco. Qui-Gon isn't super happy that Obi-Wan disobeyed orders to go after Astri, but Adi thinks it's just a sign of their Padawans learning independence. She also notices that Qui-Gon's still weak from his captivity - including having trouble tapping into the Force, which is especially worrisome.

"'You and Obi-Wan seem very different. But at the core you are very alike. ... It is the same for me. I see Siri's defiance and independence and see myself. In guiding her I guide myself. It is good that this is so.' Qui-Gon felt her words strike his heart. ... Pride in his Padawan battled with the need to be stern. He saw so much potential in Obi-Wan. He wanted to mold this being into a better Jedi than he was himself."

Astri reluctantly agrees to team up with the Jedi, so they can keep her safe. Qui-Gon points out that Ona Nobis will probably come to them anyway. Astri insists on Cholly, Weez, and Tup joining too.

Qui-Gon: "After years of disapproval of your father's friends, now you consort with criminals?" Astri: "They are not competent enough to be criminals. And I'm almost growing fond of them." Obi-Wan: "It appears that we are stuck with you." Cholly: "It is usually our policy to run away from trouble. So don't worry."

As they make their way into the city, they realize that the people there seem desperate and afraid. After talking and observing, they learn that the planet's water has been contaminated with some kind of bacteria. This happens periodically, but they have a stockpile of drinking water that is usually enough to tide them over until the scientists can get rid of the bacteria. This time, however, none of their precautions have worked, and many children and elderly people have died as a result. They find Uta S'orn helping out in the medical tents that are set up all around the city. She is helping with the children, many of whom are sick, including the leader's daughter. Uta S'orn isn't exactly thrilled to see them, and rebuffs their offer to protect her from Jenna Zan Arbor and Ona Nobis. She doesn't want anything to do with any of them.

Chapter 14

Astri, Cholly, Weez, and Tup are sent to "discreetly" keep an eye on Uta S'orn and make sure Ona Nobis doesn't get to her. Qui-Gon is banking on them being obvious, tipping off Ona Nobis that they're there and hopefully making her wary enough to steer clear of Uta S'orn for a while.

As the Jedi head off to see if they can figure out where Jenna Zan Arbor and Ona Nobis are, they run into none other than Fligh - the pickpocket whose body they saw in an alley on Coruscant. Turns out he faked his death after Ona Nobis attacked him, because he'd been snooping around Jenna Zan Arbor and the string of mysterious deaths of people no one would miss. He knew something was up, which was why he stole Jenna Zan Arbor and Uta S'orn's datapads. He still has Uta S'orn's, which he gives to the Jedi and high-tails it out of there. The only thing that seems to be on it is transcripts of Senate hearings.

The Jedi go to the landing pad to see if they can find any evidence of Jenna Zan Arbor and Ona Nobis coming through there. Obi-Wan is the successful one, because he looks for a mechanic who keeps looking admiringly at all the best ships. (Such smart thinking, Obi-Wan! :') Atta boy!) She remembers their ship, and her description confirms that they are indeed on this planet. Moreover, though Noor was carried out on a med-splint, he apparently left behind a toy for the mechanic's son. He's still alive and even conscious!

Chapter 16

Now knowing for sure that Jenna Zan Arbor is here with Noor R'aya, the Jedi try to figure out the exact nature of her connection with Uta S'orn. They look through the transcripts of Senate hearings on Uta S'orn's datapad, and discover some small discrepancies here and there about the results of certain votes. The long and short of it is that Uta S'orn has been altering the Senate's official records, and they surmise that Jenna Zan Arbor blackmailed her to do it because she needed certain legislation passed in order to carry out her experiments. Because Zan Arbor held her son captive, Uta S'orn had no choice but to help her, but she held onto the true records in case she needed to blackmail Jenna Zan Arbor in return.

When they confront Uta S'orn about her deception, she readily confesses, but still insists she has no idea where Jenna Zan Arbor might be. In their conversation, she gets upset after talking about her son, and the way she catches the attention of Belasco's leader and explains that the Jedi have upset her basically gets them kicked out, without her seeming to try to do so. This raises the Jedi's suspicions that maybe Jenna Zan Arbor is closer than Uta S'orn has led them to believe.

Chapter 18

The Jedi break into the water treatment plant and take samples of the water to send them to the Temple for analysis. Qui-Gon's continuing weakness makes all the athletics this requires much harder than usual. And oh, Obi-Wan's concern for him is so touching! :') Though of course Qui-Gon impatiently refuses to acknowledge there's any reason for concern XD

Tahl analyses the bacteria in the water and confirms that it's been bioengineered by someone. She also tells them that a cure and a way to fight the bacteria has just been discovered, by a company that she traced back to Jenna Zan Arbor, who is now set to earn another fortune.

When the Jedi head back into the city, they find Astri helping care for the sick children while Cholly, Weez, and Tup help with food distribution and entertaining the children. Astri says Uta S'orn hasn't done anything suspicious, but when she mentions that Uta S'orn has been helping with distributing food, Qui-Gon suggests that Obi-Wan and Siri follow her to see if she's delivering extra portions somewhere. Sure enough, when the Padawans follow her, after she delivers the rest of the food, she goes down a deserted passageway and leaves two trays on the floor. After she leaves, Ona Nobis slides through a vent and takes the trays for herself and Jenna Zan Arbor. Finally, they know where their targets are!

Chapter 21 (the book says Chapter 29; what an egregious typo! x.x)

The Jedi go to tell the Leader of Belasco what they've discovered of the conspiracy, but at first he doesn't believe them, because he trusts Uta S'orn. But when a couple children confirm that they've seen an old man who made toys for them with threads of his own cloak (which match the cloaks the Jedi wear), he has to acknowledge the truth.

When the guard droids are ordered to arrest Uta S'orn, instead they surround the Jedi, because they have been reprogrammed. The Jedi fight their way through the droids and find where Jenna Zan Arbor is holding Noor R'aya. In a very satisfying moment of vindication, Qui-Gon uses the Force to overpower Jenna Zan Arbor and get the datapad with the information they need to save Belasco. ("Obi-Wan felt its power. Elation surged through him. Qui-Gon was back.")

Meanwhile, Siri went off to fight Ona Nobis on the rooftop alone. Obi-Wan realizes where she is and rushes to the rescue! Adi is the one who ends up cutting Ona Nobis' whip at the right moment, sending her plummeting to her death. And Siri (reluctantly) learns a valuable lesson about not rushing off to fight a powerful enemy on her own.

After everything gets wrapped up and both Jenna Zan Arbor and Uta S'orn are sent off to prison, Didi opens his cafe again, and all is well!

"[Siri said,] 'And I know now that I will not always be strong. I will not be afraid to recognize when I am weak.' 'An important lesson for Padawans,' Adi said, overhearing them. Obi-Wan threw a glance at Qui-Gon. 'And for stubborn Jedi Masters.' Qui-Gon took a placid sip of tea. 'I have no idea what you mean,' he said, his eyes twinkling."

(Personally, I think this would have been a great place to end the series, but more on that next time.)

#star wars #jedi apprentice #the dangerous rescue #sorry for the long wait on this one #i got...sidetracked ^^'

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magicalqueennightmare · 11 months

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Sins & Amends Chapter 51

Billy Russo x Female Reader (60 part story)

This follows pre- the punisher into the storyline of daredevil, punisher season 1 and beyond

This is NOT Canon Billy. This is decent human being Billy left with bad options over worse decisions

This was also posted to A03 under: WaywardGaPeach. That account and this one is the only place you'll see me post this. If you see it on any other platform/account know it's not me.

Chapter Summary/Warnings: You and Billy are working your way back to each other

It seemed that the tension between Frank and Billy needed you in the middle for it to finally break. After the blow up at your apartment resulting in you in tears and the two of them finally laying their cards on the table everything started to run more smoothly in your life.

There was an understanding between them now. You knew Frank couldn't forgive Billy for the past anymore than Billy could ever forgive himself but when you would see the two of them together doing something as simple as drinking a beer you had hope for the thought of having them both in your future.

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There were still times that doubt reared it's ugly head into your mind. You'd had to push back going car shop because you'd had to cover someone's shift at work then Frank and Billy had both been working so much they hadn't had a full day off.

Karen had offered to go with you but the honest truth like it or not if car dealers see two women they try their best to fuck them over. Wasn't like you hadn't went long without a car anyways. A little longer wouldn't hurt.

You'd taken the advantage of a rare weekend off to spend a saturday with Adi. The two of you had met Karen at the aquarium which was a must for Adi then ended up going to see a movie of her picking while Karen went to run some errands.

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When you put her to bed that night she'd yawned sleepily and asked "Mommy can we see daddy tomorrow?" You thought about it for a second. He should be off since the following day was Sunday.Hell Karen had taken them all lunch while you and Adi were at the movies which had resulted in you getting a text from Frank that read "Well Bill didn't get to see you and little bit so now he'll pout the rest of the damn day"

Not to mention Adi hadn't seen Billy in a couple days, not due to any fault of his but because his schedule had been insane and so had yours and Karen's so neither of you had gotten a chance to take her by the Homeland office. "I'll call daddy to tell him you want to see him tomorrow ok baby?" She nodded and grabbed Coco "Love you mommy" "Love you too baby"

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You pulled Adi's door shut and walked into the living room to put away the few toys she'd left out. Your phone was laying on the table so you grabbed it to see you had a text from Billy "If you and Adi aren't busy tomorrow morning I'd love to take the two most beautiful women in New York out for breakfast"

You rolled your eyes even though your stomach flipped slightly before hitting his number to call him back. After two rings he answered "Didn't expect a call but I'm not complaining" you smiled then said "You actually have good timing. Adi told me when I was putting her to bed she wanted to see you tomorrow"

You could hear the smirk in his voice when he said "See me and my babygirl were already on the same page. What about you? Do you want to see me considering Karen is the one that bought lunch" you shook your head because you knew what he was asking even reading between the lines it was clear "I wasn't avoiding you Billy. There's a new Disney movie out and what can I say our daughter loves giving my paychecks to the rat"

He let out a breath that sounded like he was relieved before saying "Well you could've come by before the movies. I would've gave you the money" "Billy you give me more than enough already not to mention what's still in the bank" since finding out about Adi he'd started buying anything she needed and giving you money every time he got paid despite your protests that you could handle your bills on your own.

A silence fell back between the two of you heavy enough you could feel it over the phone. Hard to believe this was the same man you'd spent so much of your adult life with, the father of your child yet now the two of you had trouble talking at times. Hell it had gotten where it seemed talking between him and Frank had become easier than it seemed between you and him.

It was hard being close to Billy and yet having to force yourself to keep enough distance between you and him. You knew he wanted to take things slow to make sure everything was how they needed to be but God a big part of you wanted to tell him the way things needed to be was him there with you and Adi. Not blocks away in that little one bedroom apartment.

It didn't help matters that he'd told you he loved you every time you talked since the night he stayed with you.It snapped you out of your own thoughts when he said "I'm just glad that taking Adi to the movies is why you didn't come. I was worried it still might be that other thing"

The other thing being how Frank had busted you out over being jealous towards Dinah. You honestly hadn't thought too much about it. After everything that had happened the night he'd stayed at your place and the morning after a part of you that you hadn't even realized was in chaos had calmed.

"Billy I know you meant everything you said. And yes I want to see you" you finally said after a moment and he chuckled "Good.. I'll be over bright and early" "We'll be waiting" you replied with a smile and started to hang up when he said "Goodnight sweetheart. I love you" like every other time he said it you simply said "Night Billy" and hung up.

You couldn't say you loved him. He knew you did but god it would only make it hurt worse having to go to sleep without him there. You sighed and stood to head to bed. At least you could get some sleep and maybe come morning you could face him easier.

Billy stared at the phone after he'd hung up. He hated being away from you and Adi. He hated when work drug on, that meant another day he'd go without laying eyes on the two most important people in his life. He hated that he heard you hesitate every time he'd tell you he loved you like you started to say it back but changed your mind.

He clicked his photo album on his phone and scrolled through the pictures of you and Adi.

One of his favorites was one of Adi where her smile was a mirror of his and she was wearing his leather jacket. The smile might have been his but god that look on her face was all you. She'd been mid saying "Look mommy!" When he'd snapped the photo.

One of his other favorites was one Karen had sent him actually. You were sitting on the couch at your place with Adi curled up next to you. He didn't know what the two of you were doing but you both looked so happy it warmed his heart just seeing it. God he loved the two of you more than life itself.

He could remember flashes of himself making bad decisions, remember himself doing shit he was ashamed of. Looking at you,the only woman he'd ever loved and his babygirl he couldn't wrap his head around how he'd ever done those things. How he'd put you and Frank's family, everyone at risk. He didn't know how he'd gotten this second chance, not only with you either.

The memory of the way Frank had teased him about quality over quantity when the two of you had first shifted your relationship into more than friends popped into his head and he laughed despite himself. "Man Bill you finally got a good one don't fuck it up" "I don't plan to Frankie. Believe me. I know she's a keeper"

He wanted to be laying on your bed while you curled up on his chest and Adi slept one room over not blocks away from the two of you but for now he'd have to be grateful for the fact that he'd be seeing you both come morning. Life could be a lot worse.

When you woke up the sun was just creeping through the small crack in your curtain and you started to pull the blanket up and roll over but you remembered that Billy was coming over to take you and Adi for breakfast.

You knew Billy's bright and early had always meant just that so since Adi still had about another hour of sleep in her you figured you could get a shower and pick her some clothes out before he got there.

Once you were dressed in leggings and a sweater dress you simply put enough product in your hair you could wear it down without it blowing away and did simple makeup. You looked cute but not like you were desperate for attention or anything.

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You walked into Adi's room to pick her some clothes out for the day and grinned when you saw she was waking up "Hey pumpkin. I got a surprise for you!" That made her wakeup fully and she was watching you go through her drawers to find clothes "What?"

You found her favorite cooler weather outfit which consisted of black leggings and a dark pink long sleeve shirt that had two black birds on it that you'd initially bought without thinking until Frank had reminded you of his and Billy's call signs and it seemed that revelation made Adi love the shirt ever more "Cause it's got daddy and uncle Frank on it"

You turned back to her, clothes in hand and heard a knock on the door. "Wanna go see who that is?" You held out your arms as you asked and she jumped into them.

You laid her clothes down on her bed then walked back into the living room "We're coming!" You called out so not only Adi knew whoever was at the door was expecting her but so Billy knew you were both awake.

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When you opened the door Billy was standing there with a huge smile. "Daddy!" Adi screamed and both you and Billy had to lurch towards each other so she could make the leap into his arms.

He walked in with her wrapped securely around him and winked at you "Too bad you're not this happy to see me Y/N" you shook your head and smiled before Adi started asking him if he could spend some time with her. "Actually baby I was wondering if you and mommy could come to breakfast with me and I know you went to the aquarium yesterday but I'm sure if you don't want to go back today we can find something fun because I plan to spend all day with you and mommy"

She smiled back at you "Can we?" You nodded "Sounds good baby. We can show daddy all our favorites spots but first we gotta get you dressed" she kissed Billy on the cheek then held her hands out for you to get her.

You got her on your hip then motioned to the living room "Make yourself at home. We'll be out in a few"

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Billy watched as you grabbed everything Adi would need for the day and put it in the little black backpack he knew was for her. You were biting your bottom lip while you did a final mental check list to make sure you hadn't missed anything.

You turned back to look at him where he was sitting with Adi on the couch and smiled. He felt his heart clench at the sight. You looked genuinely happy, like having him and Adi was everything you wanted. He knew the feeling because being with you both made him feel whole like he never had before.

His attention was pulled back to Adi when she asked "Daddy can we go to the aquarium and the zoo?" With those big brown eyes staring up at him it was hard to say anything else then yes but he managed to say "As long as mommy's ok with it I'd love to baby"

You chuckled as you walked over with Adi's jacket in your hands "Aquarium and zoo sounds good to me but first get your jacket on then we need to get some breakfast in you little miss"

You helped Adi slip her jacket on then she looked up at him "Pick me up daddy!" He gladly leaned down and plucked her up off the floor then looked back at you "Ready to go darling?" He noticed a light blush color your cheeks as you said "lead the way" and motioned to the door.

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Breakfast went extremely well. In fact nearly everyone in the diner had commented on how cute of a family you had. Kaitlyn had even insisted on getting a photo of the three of you which you sent to Billy's phone so he'd have a copy.

Once Adi was through with her pancakes you cut your eyes at Billy and smiled "So daddy zoo first or do you want Adi to introduce you to simba and nala first?"

That patent Russo smirk had slipped onto his face when he glanced down at her "Baby who's simba and nala?" "The sharks!" She replied with a mirror image of his own look.

He glanced up at you and you shrugged "She loves the sharks and her favorite stuffed animal is a wolf. She's our child after all" your eyes were glued to the two of them. Spending time with them like this? God it felt like the most natural thing on earth. You'd dreamed about this when you were pregnant with Adi but never would've imagined it becoming reality.

"Sharks it is" he said after a moment and Adi climbed up to stand next to him in the booth as she started telling him all about the aquarium while he listened dutifully only taking his attention off her long enough to pay the bill when Kaitlyn bought it to the table.

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After spending hours at the aquarium while Adi properly acquainted Billy with all of her favorite animals the three of you headed to the zoo like she'd asked. You were walking to the penguin exhibit when Adi tugged on your arm "Mommy will you or daddy carry me?"

Billy winked at you then held his arms out "C'mere babygirl. Daddy will carry you" once she was secure against his chest he barely made it ten feet before her head was over on his shoulder and she was fast asleep.

"Yeah I was expecting that" you said as you reached over to pull her hood up on her head. "Well wanna take her home? We can order pizza or I can cook us some dinner and when she wakes up we can watch a movie with her?" You offered hoping he would want to stay while she napped and weren't disappointed when he nodded "Sounds good to me"

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After Billy laid Adi down on her bed you pulled the door almost closed then turned to face him with a smile "She'll sleep for about forty five minutes or so"

His dark eyes watched you closely as he said "Well how should we pass the time then?" You blushed thinking of how many times he'd asked you that in the past then cleared your throat hoping he hadn't seen the initial reaction "Well um we could just talk? Like you've been busy the last week so let's catch up"

His smile was deep enough to reach his eyes when he said "That sounds good to me"

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"Alice looks at me. I look at her and we're both like hell no this isn't even anywhere near our job description" Billy's head fell back with a laugh while you told him about a few of the worst calls you'd went to over the time he wasn't there.

"I've always been so proud of you. Even when me and Frank would be deployed I'd tell everyone my girl was working to save the people of New York" you ducked your head at his words because you could feel just how warm your face was "I've done my best to help who I can. Hell I've put Frank back together more times than I can count"

He ran one finger down the side of your face then hooked it under your chin to tilt your face up to him "You have a habit of always pulling people back from the brink. Even at times that they're too stupid to realize it" his eyes flickered down to your lips then back up again to meet your gaze. You smiled slightly before saying "You know you can kiss me if you want Billy"

"Thank god" he mumbled before quickly leaning in to catch your lips with his own. You laughed lightly against his lips "Billy Russo thanking god. I must be special" he laughed "You're talking I must be losing my touch"

When he slid his tongue into your mouth it took every ounce of control not to deepen the kiss further. Thankfully things went any further you heard Adi holler "Mommy! Daddy!" And both of you froze. Billy dropped his head down and chuckled against your neck "Go ahead sweetheart. I'll be right behind you" you left another quick kiss on his lips before standing up to head to her room.

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The rest of the evening both yours and Billy's attention was solely on Adi. After she'd woke up from her nap she wanted daddy to play tea party with her and seeing Billy sitting on the floor with a pink tiara on his head while he sipped pretend tea from a cup was a defining moment in your life.

Cooking dinner while Billy helped and played with Adi felt like something out of a dream. After dinner while you bathed Adi Billy had cleaned the kitchen, put Adi's toys away and even had a Disney movie waiting for her.

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You somehow ended up falling asleep yourself with Adi tucked close enough between you and Billy that both her head and your head was leaned against his left side. Her head was over on his stomach while yours was against his shoulder.

You woke up when the credit music started playing and blinked sleepily up at him. "Sorry we knocked out on you" you whispered and he shook his head "Don't apologize. I had you both cuddled up to me. Why would I complain about that?" You smiled then cut your eyes down at Adi "Awe she looks so comfy I don't want to move her!"

You slowly slid off the couch then turned to pick her up, being careful not to grab a handful of Billy's shirt by accident. "I'll be right back" you whispered and he nodded "I'll be waiting"

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Billy watched you walk into Adi's room swaying gently back and forth with her on your shoulder. He would've offered to carry her but if he was being honest his left arm was dead from you and her both being asleep on it. Hell the two of you could ask him to cut off that arm and he'd be caught trying it.

He shook it a few times to get the feeling back while he thought over the day. Things had been slowly getting better between the two of you but today showed him just what he'd been missing. He got to spend an entire day with his girls and now had to leave? It didn't seem right.

He was saved from his mind trying to go into overdrive on him by you stepping back out of Adi's room with a small smile. "So I guess you gotta leave?" You seemed almost sad when you asked so he shrugged "I'd ask for the couch but I don't have any clothes here"

"Oh I understand" you said with what he knew was a forced smile. "Can I come by tomorrow?" You rubbed the back of your neck before saying "Um Adi will be at Karen and Frank's. I've got a sixteen hour shift. Six to ten"

He wanted to offer to come stay at your place with Adi..hell he was her father and had yet to have her overnight. He could understand. The apartment Homeland set him up in wasn't exactly the place he'd want to take her in and out of.

"Well in that case I'll bring you lunch,get dinner with them then I'll come back to the station house and walk you home" when the words left his mouth a smile spread across your face "I'd love that" he realized how late it was getting mixed with how early you had to be to work and tilted his head towards the door "Walk me to the door?" You rolled your eyes but the grin that followed the action told him you liked that he'd asked "Of course"

You waited while Billy grabbed his jacket then he stopped in front of you for a moment. You knew him well enough to know when he wanted to ask something so you said "Go ahead Billy whatever it is"

He looked back towards the couch then cleared his throat "The way you kissed me earlier. It felt amazing but why do you say you want us to be something again and kiss me like that again only to never say you love me out loud?"

You closed your eyes and took a deep breath to keep your voice steady before saying "This is why. I have spent all day with you and Adi. It felt like a fucking dream it was so close to being what I want but now's the part where I have to wake up because you're going to your place and I'm gonna go in there and sleep alone. It hurts being so close to you yet there still being so much room between us. Billy you know how i feel without me breaking my own heart every time I say the words only for you to go home and it not be here"

He nodded those dark eyes never leaving yours before he said "Can I kiss you before I leave?" "Of course" you replied and stepped closer to him.

The kiss was as if he was trying to pour everything he felt for you into it. You ran your hands up his back feeling the way the muscles moved under his jacket as he deepened the kiss flicking his tongue across your lips for access which you willingly gave.

A low moan fell from your lips when he licked into your mouth at the same time his hands came down to rest on the small of your back holding you flush against him. When both of you finally pulled away your chests were heaving with the force of the kiss.

He leaned down just enough to be eye to eye with you then said "Y/N I love you. You're the only woman I've ever loved. You're the mother of my child. We will be back together hell it's inevitable like Frankie said. Me and you? We were made for each other cause who else could handle us? I don't care if you never say the words to me again because I know you do and sooner or later I won't have to leave but I hope you know my home? It's you and our daughter. No apartment. just the two of you"

You smiled at his words and left another quick kiss on his lips "I'll tell Karen you're coming over for dinner and I'll be looking for you when I get off" he smiled and said "And I'll be right outside the door waiting for you then the very next day you have off me and Frank are taking our lunch hour to go find you a good car if need be"

Right as Billy walked into the hall he turned around and grinned before saying "Oh yeah Y/N by the way?"

"What Billy?" You asked with a laugh tugging at your lips before he ever said the next words "I love you beautiful" "Night Billy" "Good Night love. Call if you have any bad dreams" was the last thing he said before stepping onto the elevator.

@intothesoul

@weallhaveadestiny

#au billy russo #billy russo x y/n #billy russo au #billy russo x you #billy russo fanfic #billy russo x reader #sins and amends masterlist

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