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qrrieterisunnq · 2 days

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Accidents - Jack Hughes

jack!hughes x amara!james

SUMMARY: Six situations when Amara thinks she made a bad impression on the Hughes family and one when they tell her, she’s the missing puzzle that missed in their family

WARNINGS: anxiety, crying, fluff, Amara’s clumsiness, comforting Jack, unedited

ORD COUNT: 7,32K

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I worked on this for a really long time and I just hope you'll like it!

PART OF STRAWBERRY GIRL AU

strawberry girl masterlist

— 1. SHE FALLS FROM THE STAIRS

The rays of the sun that managed to pass through the blinds are now falling on her boyfriend's face. He looks so peaceful, lying here in his bed in the lake house, surrounded by his family, his loved ones. She has noticed he is more relaxed than he was during the season.

Amara knows pretty well how much stress is pressed on him. Jack is the type of person, who always blames himself for the team's losses. She knows him well, and when he was out with an upper-body injury she saw how hard he took that his team was really bad on it.

Now, he is lying next to her, his features relaxed and softened, she hadn’t seen him like this in many months. Smiling she traces her finger across his cheeks, down his jaw, and to his neck, where she stops, resting her hand here.

“You know I can feel you staring?” his raspy morning voice touches her ears. A small smile tugged at his lips as her fingers danced on the skin of his neck.

“I know, I’m just admiring your handsome face.” She whispers, placing soft kisses on his chest.

“Yeah?” he whispers out, his eyes still closed. He tightens his grip on her, pulling her more onto him. “You think I’m handsome?”

“Why else would I be with you?” she says teasingly, a grin forming on her lips as she watches him open one eye, to look at her, immediately closing it because of the sun.

“Oh, I thought you were with me because of my hockey career and money.” He chuckles teasingly, tickling her sides gently.

“Yeah, that too,” she laughs pinching his cheek. “But you're hot and I wanted to prove to myself, and actually to others, that someone like me can have a hot guy.”

“You, know, you can have every guy you want,” he whispers, kissing her forehead. “You’re hot. You’re the most incredible woman I’ve ever met. You’re kind to everyone, even though you don’t like them. And the way you’re with kids, every kid loves you so much. And when you help retirees cross the crosswalk, I don't understand how such an angel can exist on earth.” A loving smile resting on his lips.

“We should get up,” she rolls off from him after a few minutes just staring at each other. “Everyone is probably awake, it's 8:50.” You murmur as you slip out of bed, walking over to the closet to get out her red bikini and Jack’s shirt with his baseball shorts.

Jack sits on the edge of the bed watching her dress up. A slap lands on her right ass cheek when she’s putting on the bikini bottom.

“Mine.” He growls, kneading her ass.

“Yours.” She slaps his hands away, throwing his shirt and shorts on him.

“Hurry up, I’m hungry!” she says as she walks over to the bathroom, to wash her face and make her skincare routine.

Jack chuckles to himself, as he watches Amara walk in the bathroom, her hips swaying, causing a groan left his lips.

“Little tease.” He mumbles to himself shaking his head as he pulls the shirt over his head, a smile never leaving his lips. He doesn’t understand, how he manages to be loved by this amazing woman. With a smile, he walks over to the bathroom, leaning against the doorframe as he watches Amara sway her hips and hum a song under her nose. “Looking amazing, Berry!” watching her bend over the sink, as she washed her face from the cleanser.

“Thank you.” She grins up at him, water dripping from her face.

“Okay, I’m going down, okay,” Jack smiled at her, caressing her back. “When you’re done, come, I’ll make you a plate with food.”

“Thank you, baby.” A grateful smile lingers on her lips as she watches his back as he leaves his room.

As soon as she’s done with her skincare routine, she gets on the shirt and shorts she prepared earlier, takes her phone from the nightstand, and makes her way out of the room.

Looking down at her phone, she starts stepping down the stairs, chuckling over a message she just received on Tumblr, from one of her friends. Not careful enough, she trips over her leg. Her eyes grew wide, when she saw the stairs in front of her face, falling straight on them. She yelps in pain, as she rolls down the stairs.

“Amara!” Jack's eyes widen in horror as he sees his girlfriend falling down the stairs. He gets from the chair abruptly, causing it to fall with a thud, but he doesn’t care as he runs to her, dropping to his knees, and immediately pulling her in him. “What happened?” he asks her, but she doesn’t answer tears rolling down her cheeks her eyes closed shut. “Are you hurt?” She slowly shakes her head but winces in pain.

“Her knees.” Luke points to her blooded knees while he’s sitting next to her looking for other injuries.

“I’m coming for the first Aid kit,” Ellen says, rushing over to the kitchen, Jim following right behind her.

“Baby, look at me!” Jack let out desperately. He needs to see she’s okay. “Please.” He begs, caressing her cheek. She turns at him, her eyes red from the tears and her lips turned into a frown.

“My legs hurt.” She cries out, hiding her face in Jack’s chest.

“I know, baby, I know,” he sighs kissing the top of her head. “We’ll clean it up, and it’ll be alright, okay, love?” He coos her kissing her tears away. She nods her head, taking in a deep breath.

“So, ebfarfasing.” She mumbles in his chest, inhaling his scent.

“What?” Jack looks at Amara confused.

“We’re here!” Ellen shouts dropping to her knees next to Amara. “This will hurt a little honey!” sadness in her voice while she pulls out disinfection and cotton squares and plaster with spiderman. They all laugh at that. “Okay, this will sting a little bit.” She pours a little of the disinfection on the cotton square, carefully placing it on Amara’s blooded knees.

“Ow!” she winces, gripping Jack and Quinn’s hands hard.

“It’ll be okay, love,” Jack says painfully. He hates seeing his girl in pain. He is used to her clumsiness, but something like this has never happened, till today. Every time something was about to happen, he was there to catch her before she fell, he was there to catch the thing, that was about to break, or other things. This time, he wasn’t here, and that made him sick. “Just a minute.”

Amara leans into his chest, biting hard on her lower lip, when Ellen puts more disinfection on her wounds.

“Almost done, Ara!” Ellen announced sticking out her hand for Jim to place the plasters in. She places a clean square on the wound, which is then covered with a plaster. “There you go!”

“Thank you, Mrs. Hughes,” Amara says politely, wiping her tears away.

“No need, honey.” Ellen pats her tight, she stands up, with Jim's help, not that she needs any help, and takes the first aid kit with her to the kitchen.

“Luke, Quinn, please leave us alone for a minute. We’ll come to the breakfast in a minute,” Jack asks them, a concerned look on his face. He needs to know what happened, that she fell.

“Yeah, sure.” Quinn nods, he stands up, dragging Luke away.

“Amara, what happened?” Jack slightly caresses her legs, turning her around so he can see her facial expressions.

“I—I uhm…I wasn’t paying attention. I was on my phone, laughing over one message and my leg slipped or something, and then I was down.” A nervous laugh leaves her mouth, as she looks at him from under her lashes.

“Berry, you have to be more careful,” a sigh left his mouth just when he placed his hands on her tights. “I’m not here all the time to save you.”

“I know, it’s just hard with my personality and everything.” Guilt was written over her face, her eyes never leaving his.

There is comfortable silence between the two of them, as they stare into each other's eyes, when Amara’s eyes widen and she hides her head in her hands, groaning. “This is so embarrassing,” tears forming in her eyes. “They’ll think I'm completely stupid and can't even walk down the stairs.” One tear slipped over the edge rolling down her cheek.

“Oh, no baby, they won’t,” Jack wipes the tear away giving her a reassuring look. “They already love you, and they know you have ADHD. I know it wasn’t my place to tell them, but mom asked me about you a lot, and my brothers follow you on Instagram and know about it, so…” he trails off, smiling lovingly at her.

“No, that’s okay, I get it.” She kissed his lips quickly and rested his forehead on his. “And thank you.” You smile at him softly, looking deep into his blue eyes.

— 2. SHE ACCIDENTALLY DROPS THE BOTTLE OF WINE

Sitting by the bonfire at the lake house with the Hughes family and the guys' friends is so comforting and calming for Amara. She’s snuggled in Jack’s arms, her eyes slightly closed as she breathes in his comforting scent and silently listens to their conversation.

She feels Jack drawing small patterns on her bare tight, as his chest moves with his beautiful laughter. A small smile tugged at her lips at the sound of his laughter. He pulls her more into him his chin resting on her shoulder, and his hands slide down on her ass holding her close to him.

“Do we have another beer?” Trevor asks, causing Amara’s eyes to shoot open. She straightens her back, rubbing her eyes. Jack shoots Trevor an unpleasant glare, that he woke her up.

“Yeah, it’s in the fridge,” Luke mumbles his eyes glutted to his phone as he’s hurriedly texting to someone. “I’ll get it, I want one too anyway.”

“No, you stay, I’ll get it!” Amara says quickly, trying to stand up from Jack’s lap. However, he pulls her back shaking his head.

“You ain’t going anywhere.” He mumbles in her ear, placing a soft kiss on her neck.

“No, it’s okay! I’m tired, so I’ll go to sleep after that.” smiling at him, she kisses his lips and stands up. Slowly she makes her way into the house yawning.

Jack’s eyes are pinned on her back, watching her walk inside. Her hips sway slightly, and Jack’s shirt she’s wearing ends right below her ass, causing his cock to twitch in his shorts. He shook his head, throwing his thought to the back of his mind, his eyes moving to Trevor who’s smirking at him.

“What?” Jack asks him, brows furrowed in v shape, trying to search for some explanation in his eyes.

“Just, she’s kinda…” he starts waving his hands in the air, causing Jack's brows to furrow even more, as he waits for him to finish his sentence. “Unique, I guess. But I like her, she’s funny, smart, and hot, so,” a wide smile resting on Trevor’s lips as he watched Jack’s expression soften. He likes the way he’s around Amara. He’s a completely new person. Good person. He’s laughing so much more often than he was before her, he’s shining with love and happiness, which makes Trevor so happy. He likes this new him.

“Thank you, Z,” he nods his head, relief written all over his face. He’s glad that his best friend likes her because she means the world to him. “Means a lot, that you like her.”

“I know, J. I’m glad you’re happy and in love.”

“That was cheesy, Trevor,” Jack laughs just like the rest of the guys, who were listening to them. “Even for you.”

“Oh, shut up, you asshole! I was confessing my feelings and you just had to make fun of me!” Trevor pouts his lips, causing the guys to laugh even more. While the guys are laughing, Amara is getting out the beers from the fridge on the counter, so she can take them out. She pulls out a wine bottle, to get out the rest of the beers, but when she wants to put it on the counter, the bottle slips down, shattering into a million pieces.

Amara immediately gets down, tears forming in her eyes at her clumsiness, as she starts picking up the pieces of glass. Her eyes snap up when she hears some footsteps running down the stairs and inside the house, cutting her palm. The first who find her are Jim and Ellen, who when she sees Amara sitting on the floor, her palm covered in blood while she’s still trying to collect the glass, run over to her, to get her on her feet, throwing the glass in her palms in the trash.

In a few seconds, the guys are inside too, Jack’s eyes wide in panic. What doesn’t help him, is the sight of Amara’s bloody hand.

“What happened, dear?” Ellen asks her in a steady whisper tone, to calm her down.

“I—I uhm… I went to get the beers for the boys, and I had to take the wine bottle out, to the last two, but… uhm… but the bottle slipped from the counter and fell down,” she whispers tears running down her cheeks, as Ellen, washes her hand from the blood to see the cut. “I’m so sorry, I’ll buy you a new—“ Ellen stops her, shaking her head.

“No need, darling. Things happen. I don’t care about the wine, I didn’t even like this one,” she chuckles, looking into Amara’s eyes. She let out a quiet laugh, wiping the tears from her face with her good hand. “Okay, it’s not deep, so I just put a plaster on it and I’m sure it’ll be fine in a few days.” Ellen caresses her arm, getting the plasters. At that moment, Jack makes his way to Amara, his hands taking hold of hers.

“You okay, love?”

“Yeah,” she nods, looking down at the floor. The boys already cleaned it, throwing the glass in the trash. “I’m sorry,” she sighs dropping her head down. “I’m just embarrassing you, in front of your family and friends.”

“Don’t,” he shook his head. “You’re not embarrassing me. And even if you were. I don’t care,” he lifts her chin upward, so he can see her eyes. “I love you, the way you are. And that won’t change, berry.” He leans in kissing her forehead but backs up when his mom comes with the first aid kit.

“Thank you, Mrs. Hughes.” She says the same phrase a second time during those two weeks.

“No need, Amara.” She caresses your cheek, sending her a comforting smile. She looks around, trying to find her boy, but instead, she’s met with weird faces from everyone in the room except from Jack and Ellen.

Exactly what she thought. Everyone thinks she’s not enough for Jack and is just embarrassing him.

With head hung low she bid goodnight to everyone, ignoring Jack's look, she kissed his cheek quickly, walking to his room.

“Really, thanks, guys, you couldn't make it more obvious.” Jack shook his head, running up the stairs to his room.

“What did we do?” Luke looks around at his mom, a confused look on his face.

“You were staring, Luke. I thought you knew how she was when you knew her longer than the boys…” Ellen sighs, as she makes her way past the boys and Jim to their room, so she can go back to her sleep.

“I still don’t get it.” Luke sighs, leaning his back on the counter and looking at the boys and his dad.

“She was embarrassed, Luke, and you kept staring at her,” Quinn says, pouring water in a glass. “And I may not know her long, but I can see how hard she tries to get along with us, and how hard she wants us to like her,” He drinks up the water, heading slowly to the stairs. “Anyway, I’m tired, I'm gonna call it a day.” He says waving to them and making his way up to his room. When he walks past Jack's door, he stops to find out what's going on.

“Baby!” Jack’s voice is full of nervosity and fear. “No, stop! I said it before, and I tell it now. I don’t care if my friends or my family don’t like you. I love you the way you are.” Quinn can hear the love in Jack’s voice as he speaks to her. Also, he can hear the fear of losing the love of his life.

“No, Jack. One day, you’ll realize, just like your family and friends, that I’m not enough for you. And you’ll leave me.” Amara sobs, her voice is shaky and quiet.

“Fuck!” Quinn curses, his head hanging low. He can’t let this happen. He sees in Jack’s eyes how much he loves Amara. The way he always catches her, when she’s about to fall, or when he has his hand on her lower back when she’s balancing on the edge of the curb or on the edge of the outdoor fireplace.

“No, I won’t! Baby, you have to trust me! I love you with everything I have in my heart,” Quin can hear Amara’s sobs, which are slowly stopping. “I love you so much, my berry. So fucking much!” the tears are now hearable in Jack’s voice too.

“I love you too.” She chokes on her words. Jack can’t keep his hands off of her. He brings her into his embrace, peppering her face with kisses.

“I love you, I love you, I love you!” he mumbles after every kiss he plants on her face, making a laugh escape her lips. “I swear to god, if you ever say something like this again, I might die!” he whispers against her lips as he kisses her gently.

— 3. SHE ALMOST DROWNS HERSELF IN THE LAKE

“MOM!” Luke yells when he gets on the boat, running towards you and his parents.

“What is it, Luke?” she sighs, looking up at him from her phone.

“Nothing.” He grins earning a smack from his dad on the back of his head. “Ow, what was that for?” he looks at Jim offended, scratching the back of his head.

“For being an asshole.” Jim grins at him.

“Amara, tell ‘em I’m not an asshole!” he looks at Amara, sitting next to her, pulling her in a hug, getting her all wet.

“Luke! You’re an asshole!” she squeaks, trying to get out of his hold. “Get off of me!” she laughs, smacking his bare chest when he doesn’t leave her.

“No! Not until you tell them I’m not an asshole!” he says, laughing with her when he tries to tickle her.

“Okay! Okay! You’re not an asshole!” she says between her laughs as she tries to get from his hold. Jim and Ellen watch them with a happy sparkle in their eyes. They like how’s Amara with their boys, they can see Luke’s smile whenever Amara acts like his older sister. Or the smile on Quinn’s face when she makes fun of herself just to make Jack laugh. But the most important thing they love about her is the way she loves Jack.

Ellen nudges Jim’s arm pointing her chin towards Jack, who is watching Amara and Luke with a big smile on his face.

“I like her.” She whispers in his ear, kissing his cheek lightly. Jim turns his head so he can look her in the eyes.

“Yeah, I like her too. She’s a bit clumsy and all but I guess that’s the ADHD.” He smiles back at her kissing her lips.

“Oh, come on! There are kids on the boat!” Quinn starts, gagging fakely at the interaction of his parents.

“Oh, shut up Quinn!” Jim shoots him a playful smirk, showing him a middle finger. Amara looks at Jim, laughing at his smirk together with Elen.

“Okay. Stop it, you two! Quinn, go cool yourself!” Elen points her hand to the lake with a playful smile on her lips. Luke lets out a snort, his arms still around her waist. He likes to be in her presence. “And you don’t laugh! You’re going too!” she looks over at Luke who is looking at her offended a gasp leaving his mouth. Ellen sends him a playful glare, ushering him to go into the lake.

“Luke stands up and starts walking after Quinn, but he turns around with a mischievous smirk playing on his lips. She raises your brow in confusion straightening herself. It’s only when he’s a few steps from her that she realizes what he’s thinking about.

“No, Luke!” she shook her head, trying to back more in the couch, she was sitting on. “Don’t you dare,” Amara’s voice is shaky from the fear of Luke throwing her to the lake. “I swear to God, Luke Warren Hughes! If you throw me in the lake I will—“ she yells out when Luke throws her over his shoulder, runs to the edge of the boat, and jumps in the lake.

She can feel the cold water on her skin as Luke jumps with her in the lake. His body weight drags her further into the deep, panic filling her eyes, when she sees him swimming up on the surface.

When the boys, hear the water splashing, they laugh, because the last thing they can see is Luke’s head, but when Jack looks over to the boat, expecting his girl standing on the edge, watching Luke jump in, panic fills his eyes. Not that she’s not standing here, but his parents are standing there, worry in their eyes, when Luke emerges from the water, and they don’t see Amara.

“Mom!” Ellen’s head whips in the direction of her middle son, seeing the panic and worry in his eyes. She takes in a sharp breath, no need for words, Jack swims over to where is Luke looking for Amara.

Quinn, who’s watching his brother in confusion, looks around noticing that Amara is missing. He lets out a curse, dipping his head underwater, swimming in the deep to find her. In a matter of few seconds, the rest of the boys are swimming towards them helping to find Amara.

The first to see her is Quinn. Immediately he swims to her, his eyes fill with panic when he sees Amara waving her hands in an attempt to get herself up. As soon as he’s shoulder-length away from Amara, he immediately grabs her hand and pulls her to his chest. Amara wraps her arms around his neck and legs around his waist clinging onto him for her dear life, as he swims with her to the surface. Amara’s coughs fill the area as soon as they get out from under the water. She gasped for air, her eyes teary from the lack of air she had.

“I’ve got you!” Quinn says in her ear, his hand on her head as he swims with her to the boat with Jack hot on his tail. When Quinn gets to the back of the boat, Jim and Ellen are already there, helping him to sit Amara on the edge. Ellen wraps her in a towel, to dry her and get her warm.

“Berry!” Jack whimper out hopping up on the boat, wrapping his arms around her. A worry in his eyes still lingers as he looks for any injury on his girl. The boys had already gathered around, worry in their eyes when they saw her teary eyes. “A—are you o—okay?” a shaky voice leaves his mouth, his eyes glued on Amara. She looks at him, nodding her head and leaning on him.

“Thank you, Quinn.” Her voice is hoarse from the coughing.

“Yeah, thanks Q.” Jack whispered, his eyes holding so much gratitude. Quinn nods his head, a small smile tugging on his lips.

“Okay, guys! I think it’s time to head home!” Ellen announces urging the boys to get out of the water.

“Amara…I—I didn’t know. I’m so sorry.” Luke’s voice is quiet and full of regret for doing so.

“It’s okay, Lu,” she smiles at him, extending her hand towards him. He puts his in hers and she pulls him closer in a hug. His head resting on her collarbone due to him being still in the water. “You didn’t know.” She caresses his cheek pressing a tender kiss to his forehead.

“Go dry yourself, Luke!” Jack sends him a smile, patting his shoulder.

“Yeah, ‘m going!” he hung his head low as he jumped up on the boat walking over to Ellen for a towel.

“You, okay, my Berry?” Jack asks as soon as Luke leaves. Amara turns to him nodding her head soft smile resting on her lips.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” she sighs resting her head on his shoulder. “But I just made a scene, again.” She sighs looking in the distance.

“No, you didn’t. Nothing happened.” He ensures her and kisses the crown of her head. “It’s not your fault, Berry! If it’s anyone's, it's Luke’s.”

— 4. SHE STARTS LAUGHING WITH COKE IN HER MOUTH

“Okay! Quinn truth or dare?” Trevor asks, his voice hooded by the alcohol running in his system. He’s sitting opposite Amara and Jack. Her legs are swung over Jack’s tights as he draws small patterns on her skin right below where her shorts end.

“Truth,” Quinn says as he sips from his beer, she looks at him, chuckling at his bored expression.

“Oh, you’re boring!” he shakes his head. “Okay so,” he trails off, trying to figure out what to ask him. A mischievous smirk forms on his lips as he asks, “If you had to choose what position would you do for the rest of your life, which one it would be?” he smirks, knowing damn well Quinn hates talking about his personal life.

He let out a sigh shaking his head at his questions. “Probably doggy style but her chest pressed in the bed,” He grins when he sees the surprised looks on the guys' faces. They didn’t actually expect for him to answer it. “Berry, truth or dare?” he looks over at Amara, completely ignoring Trevor’s gaze.

“Dare,” she says confidently, a grin on her lips thanks to the few shots she already had. Quinn’s lips quirked up at her confidence, but he knew her really well and even though she had some alcohol running through her veins, she was still the shy and insecure Amara he got to know a few weeks ago.

“Okay, then I want you to drink a whole Coke can in ten seconds.” He smirks at her. It is slightly impossible for her to make it, but he doesn’t want to give her some inappropriate dare. He wanted her to have five minutes in heaven with Jack, but he knew she wouldn’t be comfortable with that one.

“That’s an easy one,” she shakes her head, looking over at Cole who's handing her the can. “Thanks.” She smiles at him and cracks open the can.

“Okay! I’m starting the countdown,” Trevor grins at her showing her the countdown on the phone. “Three, two, one, and now!”

Amara puts the can to her lips and begins to drink quickly as the boys count down. It's almost over when Trevor yells that it's over and falls off his chair, making everyone including Amara laugh.

That is the moment when Amara realizes that she has still the coke in her mouth. Her eyes grew wide when she felt the Coke running up her nose as she laughed again, splashing the Coke all over Trevor’s shirt. Everyone grows quiet as they watch Amara. Tears spring up in her eyes as she starts apologizing.

“I—I’m so sorry. I didn’t…” she shakes her head slowly standing from her seat. “Excuse me.” She stutters out, running inside the house and up the stairs to Jack’s room.

She feels so stupid.

There is no way Jack’s friends would like her after this.

She made a complete fool of herself. This whole summer, she’s just doing everything to make his friends and family think she’s not enough for him.

She sat herself down on his bed, looking at her Coke-stained shirt. The tears she’s been holding in finally fall over the edge rolling down her cheeks.

She hangs her head low, looking down at her hands in her lap, thinking about what a fool she made of herself. How could she start laughing with a mouth full of Coke? It wouldn’t be the worst thing if she ended up laughing, the worst thing was that the Coke squirted from her nose. She reaches for the napkins that are on the nightstand so she can blow that coke out of her nose.

“Berry? Can I come in?” Jack says from behind his door, his head leaning on the door and his eyes closed. He hates the feeling he has in his chest. The feeling of helplessness of not knowing how to help his girl to feel better or not stupid.

“Yeah,” she hums looking up at him as soon as he steps into the room. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

“Hey, it’s okay!” he sits next to her pulling her to his side. “No one is mad at you,” He shakes his head searching for her eyes. “Hey, look at me!” he places his fingers under her chin raising her head so he can look him in the eyes. “The same would probably happen to them too, okay. Really no one is mad at you.” She smiles at her kissing her forehead.

— 5. SHE AND JACK HAD AN ARGUMENT

“Baby I sw—“ Jack is cut off by Amara’s scoff that leaves her lips.

“No! I saw the looks on their faces every time I did something embarrassing. The look on your dad's face when I fell down the stairs, or the look on the guys’ faces when I accidentally dropped the wine bottle the same goes with the lake two weeks ago and the Coke too!” Amara yells at him, her hands in the air as she’s pacing around his room.

“But that wasn’t because they think you’re embarrassing yourself! They were just in shock and didn’t know what to say!” he exclaims throwing his arms in the air. “Fuck! Amara, they love you, okay!!” his hands run through his hair as he looks up at Amara who’s still pacing over the room. “And even if they don’t. I. Don’t. Fucking. Care.” He stands from his sitting position and walks over to her, his hands grabbing hers and pulling her in his chest. “I love you no matter what.”

Amara pulls herself away from him shaking her head. “Well, you shouldn’t. I know I’m not enough for you. Look at me!” she scoffs shaking her head, tears now running down her cheeks.

“Baby–” Ellen who’s just walking past Jack’s room has to stop in her way because the hurt and sadness in his voice made her curious about what’s happening.

“I’m fat, I have ADHD and I’m not even popular. You should date someone on your level. A gorgeous blond slim girl, with tons of followers and a lot of money.” Ellen can hear Amara’s loud crying voice. She quickly made her way down to where are the other boys sitting, their heads turned towards the stairs and the worry written on their faces confirmed to Ellen, that something serious was probably going on.

“What’s going on?” she looks at Quinn who is closer to the stairs and probably heard everything.

“They…uhm…I’m not sure but I think it’s because of us,” he mumbled, his hand running along his jaw. “Amara is convinced, we don’t like her, because of the accidents that happened to her during the last few weeks so—” their heads turn towards the stairs when they hear a door slamming and then loud steps. Watching the stairs, they see Amara with red eyes, as she stomps down the stairs. She stops on her steps when she sees the guys and Ellen sitting there, and all their attention is on her. She quickly wipes her tears and jolts when she hears the door close again.

“I—I'm so sorry,” she whispers under her nose and runs out of the house when she hears Jack’s steps.

“Berry!” he shouts after her as he runs down the stairs.

“Jack, what happened?” Ellen asks when he stops on the stairs looking for his girl.

“We uhm…we fought, I guess?” he sighs running his hands through his hair his eyes searching the place for his girl until they find her, sitting on the couch at the back of their house. “I—I don’t know what it was. She just started to talk about how you don’t like her because she has ADHD and that I should date someone that is on the same level as me and…” tears now forming in his eyes. “I—I told her I love her, but she—” he shakes his head, a quiet sob leaving his mouth. “Mom—” he chokes on his words, looking at his mom. Ellen quickly looks towards the four boys sitting on the couch, pleading them to leave her and Jack alone.

“Honey, breathe,” she takes his hands in his and leads him towards the couch. Ellen sighs, her eyes focused on his middle son. “Okay, now listen to me,” she takes his cheeks in her palms forcing him lightly to look at her, his eyes red from the tears. Seeing his son like this breaks her heart, but she knows what Amara’s going through, and that breaks her heart even more. “Amara is afraid, you’ll leave her for someone better than her. And I know you won’t, but even I had these insecurities when I and dad were dating,” she smiles at him, wiping away the tears. Briefly, she looks over at Amara, finding her sitting next to Quinn, who has a reassuring arm around her as he’s telling something to her.

Amara’s head is resting against Quinn’s shoulder, she’s listening to Quinn’s words. “I know it’s hard, Ara. I’ve been in this situation too, but you have to trust Jack, that he loves you. And I can tell he’s head over heels for you.” Quinn wiggles his brow at her, earning a giggle from her. “And I can see how much you love him. Don’t let the fear ruin your relationship with J.”

“Thank you, Quinn. I uhm… I know I probably didn't make the best impression, with all the things I have done, but I uhm, really appreciate you.” She smiles up at him, her eyes shining with something Quinn can’t name, but he likes the way the warm feeling runs through his chest, knowing he probably saved his brother’s relationship.

— 6. SHE GOT HER PERIOD EARLIER

It is the first week of August, which means Amara has to leave in two weeks, to prepare herself for her the university which won’t start until two weeks after she comes home, but she needs time to buy her things and make her calendar.

But right now, she’s lying with Ellen on the blanket on a boat, while the boys are in the water, jumping from the boat and just messing around.

She’s feeling the hot sun on her skin with the water droplets that fall on her when the boys are around them. She turns her head when she hears Ellen moving next to her.

“Want a drink, Ara?” she asks her, a smile on her lips as she adjusts her bikini.

“Yeas please.” Amara sends her big toothy smile, earning a chuckle from Ellen. During the few weeks she spent with Jack’s family, she felt wanted and loved, especially by Jack’s parents, which is something she has never experienced.

Her parents were acting cold to her, when they found, out their perfect daughter have ADHD. They never came to her recitals or any important events she had in school or now in university.

“Ara,” Ellen calls for her, a soft smile on her lips, but her brows are furrowed.

“Something happened?” Amara looks at her, moving on her forearms, so she isn’t lying when she speaks with Jack’s mom.

“Uh… uhm nothing, just,” she looks around, making sure, none of the boys is around. “You got your period sweetie.” She points slightly at the wet red spot on the blanket.

“Oh my god,” Amara whispers. She immediately sits, looking around herself, if anyone saw. “I-I am so sorry. They weren’t supposed to come until Sunday, so-so I thought,” she rambles out, reaching for her tower to cover herself.

“Hey, it’s okay! This can happen to everyone,” she says calmly, walking over to the box where is clothes. “Here, try these on. I never wore them and I think you’ll look stunning in them,” Ellen hands Amara a pair of blue bikini swims. “Go change! I’ll wait here, make sure no one sees you, and change the blanket. And I don’t know if you use tampons or pads, but I have both here.”

“Thank you.” Amara smiles up at Ellen with appreciation in her eyes.

“You change?” Jack asks an hour later when the boys finally get out of the water.

“Yeah, uhm. My cramps came earlier than I thought, and your mom had spread a pair of swims so I borrowed them for today.” She whispers, embarrassment written all over her face.

“Oh,” he nods looking over at his mom and sending her smile. “Well, you look good in them,” he tickles her side as he sits next to her, pulling her closer to his side. “And don’t worry about the period thing. Mom is happy that you are here. She always wanted a daughter and she is beyond happy to have you here.” He kisses the side of her head as he speaks to her.

“But still, it's so embarrassing.” She mumbles again, shoving her face in the crock of his head.

“No, it’s not, berry. This can happen to everyone. And what I remember when I was younger. This happened to my mom too, many times. It’s completely normal.”

“What are you? A specialist on women's problems?” you chuckle in his neck, planting small kisses here and there.

“Sure I am. You don’t know I was supposed to be born as a girl? But then this thing,” he points to his groin. “Happened. But you know him really well.”

— +1. THE MISSING PIECE OF PUZZLE

It is Amara’s last full day, in the lake house. Her plane is taking off tomorrow early in the morning. She’s excited to go home, first because she just wants her quiet apartment for a while, and second, she’ll finally see her little fluffy baby, Esmeralda. Jack will drive her to the airport, seeing her off, but will fly there a week after her, just to give her some time alone.

Right now, she’s sitting on the couch, in the backyard Ellen is sitting next to her with a book in her hands, Quinn and Jim are standing in front of the grill, doing some food, and Jack and Luke are playing football.

Amara’s eyes are glutted on her shirtless boyfriend, who runs around the yard while Luke is chasing him. She’s so happy to be there with him, his family, and his friends. Unfortunately, they had to leave two days ago to spend time with their families and prepare for the upcoming season.

“Watch out!” you don't realize what's going on until a football ball hits her in the face.

“Ow,” she whines, dropping her face in her hands. “Fuck,” she whimpers, tears rolling down her cheeks, probably from the shock and bit from the pain.

“Oh, my god, Amara, honey!” Ellen, gasps, dropping her book and scooting closer to her to look at her face.

“Baby! Fuck! You okay?”

“Ara! I’m so fucking sorry!” Jack and Luke yell at the same time, as they run to them.

“I-It’s okay,” Amara let out in a shaky voice “Just, hurts a little,” she put down your hands, spotting Jack and Luke still running towards her. Ellen gasps and stands up from her seat as she looks at Amara, she looks at her. “W-what?”

“Oh my god, baby! You are bleeding!” Jack shouts out of breath, as he kneels in front of Amara. Ellen sends him a glare, shakes her head, and walks inside the house.

“I-I’m so sorry, Ara!” Luke sighs, the guilt in his voice is clear to her ears. Amara looks at her other side, almost screaming from surprise when she sees Quinn and Jim looking at her, worry written all over their faces.

“It's okay, it doesn't hurt that much,” she sends Luke a smile, reassuring him, when she looks back at him. However, the expression on his face tells her, he isn’t sure about it. She extends her hand towards him, waiting for him to grab it. “It’s okay, Lu. I promise, it’s just a small cut, I’ll live with that.” she squeezes his hand, waiting for him to say or do something.

“Okay.”

After a while, Amara’s cheek is cleaned and treated, and they all are sitting around the table with food on their plates. Jack is sitting next to his girl, his hand on her tight, as he talks with his brothers.

Amara’s eyes run over the table enjoying the atmosphere they have here. All her childhood she wished that her family would be like this. They were, until she was five, and the doctors told her and her parents she had ADHD. That was the moment everything in their family changed.

“Ara,” Ellen’s voice makes Amara turn her head at her, a soft smile on her lips.

“Yeah?”

“We just want to thank you, that you are taking care of our boy! And how glad we are you could have spent the summer here with us!” she smiles widely at her, completely catching Amara off guard.

“Oh it’s more like, he’s taking care of me.” You giggle drawing the attention of the three brothers to you.

“Yeah, but you are here for him, so we are here for you! And I’m really glad I could’ve met you. You are like the daughter I’ve never had.” Ellen reaches his hand towards Amara, she places her hand in Ellen, squeezing it slightly, tears pricking in her eyes at Ellen’s kind words.

“You truly are an amazing person, Berry! And I’m a little jealous of Jack!” Quinn smiles at him, the tips of his ears are red when everyone looks at him with shock. He never was the type of person who would express his emotions.

“Yeah, Quinn’s right! You are the most amazing girl I have ever met! I really enjoyed the summer with you!” the tears that were in her eyes were sliding down her cheeks. Jack who’s sitting next to her, is smiling widely, his arm now around her shoulders as he pulls her into him.

“T-Thank you! It means a lot to me that you uhm, that you like me,” she whispers, taking in a deep breath. “Uhm, I-I really enjoyed the time here.”

“Yeah! We did too. You are the missing piece of the puzzle that we missed.” This time is Jim the one who speaks, his word sends another wave of tears to Amara’s eyes. Impulsively she stands up from her seat, walking over to Jim to give him a tight hug. “Thank you.” Jim smiles tightening his arms around her.

#jack hughes #jack hughes fic #jack hughes imagine #jack hughes x reader #strawberry x jack hughes #strawberry!girl au #berry x jack hughes #nhl #nhl fanfiction #nj devils #nhl hockey #amara x jack 🍓#amara!james #jh86

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gaysindistress · 19 hours

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Allies or Enemies - one

disclaimer: credits to original creator/poster of image/gif. found on google/Pinterest

pairings: Dragonborn!bucky x f!reader

Summary: The reality of her cruel world is more evident than ever before when her stepfather sends her to her death under the guise of diplomacy. Y/n, the expendable daughter of a scared king, must find a way to secure her own protection among the Dragonborn and she will do that by whatever means necessary.

Warnings: mild cursing

Word count: 3.3k

series masterlist | main masterlist

taglist: @unaxv

“The king requires your presence.”

“But were I to require that he does not bother me, my request would be ignored. We cannot always have the things that we desire,” I sigh whilst continuing to read the journal in front of me.

The handwriting is terrible, so much so that I can barely finish a page in 5 minutes but given that the king has been demanding my presence at every chance that he gets, I continue with my struggles. An older woman stands in the doorway and I can feel her glare at me with a hatred that I imagine is reserved only for me. After all, my mother is the one who married her lover.

“Now.”

The finality in her tone would’ve caused a younger me to look up in fear but I’ve grown used to the stern reality of our world. As the eldest daughter of the queen, I’ve been educated in every form of manipulation that can be conveyed through the voice. As the child of the late king and the unwanted stepchild to the current king, I’ve been taught that I am the only protection that I have. No one will come to my aid or offer me guidance when I need it. No one will tend to my wounds when the cruel servants of the king lash me with their words. No one will care for me in the way that my younger sisters are looked after. No one would even bat an eye if I were to vanish into thin air. They might celebrate if that were to happen.

The woman whom I despise just as much as she me repeats herself with a heavy huff as if I have greatly inconvenienced her by breathing the same air as her or simply existing. Whether it be my existence or continued residence at the palace that is more vexing to her is yet to be determined I’ve decided.

The journal before me bound in precious leather and gold thread suddenly becomes unimportant. While it details the various races of creatures that occupy these lands and would prove to be useful in my studies, it will do nothing to shield me from the king’s wrath. My fingers drift away from the frayed edges and allow it to close by itself, prompting small dust specks to flutter around it. The black silk ribbon that I wound around the end of my braid is dangling above the curious journal, trailing its delicate ends over the monstrous illustrations hidden in its opulent bindings. The ribbon, much like my heart, yearns to open it once more and lose myself in its pages but is bound by duty to ignore such a yearning.

“Your highness,” she demands in a tight voice, “We are to leave now.”

Rolling my eyes would most certainly earn me a slap across the face but it doesn’t stop me from squeezing them shut in frustration. Standing up from my desk, I swipe at the dust on my lap, smearing gray streaks across the thick black fabric of my over skirt. She makes a small noise of disgust at the action, no doubt complaining loudly in her mind that being presentable is not something I know how to do. We make eye contact for a brief moment and she is quick to turn on her heel, forcing me to nearly jog to catch up so that I may follow this hateful woman to my certain death.

The Beloved King Anthony Starkov had been a wonderful king at first. After the invasion of the Dragonborn and the apparent failure by my father to protect his nation, Anthony seemed like a god sent. He rode in on a pure white horse with the head of the most fearsome Dragonborn knight on his sword as he declared that he was now king. My mother, the poor grieving widower queen, had no choice but to accept his proposal and promise to care for us. He’s doted on her, showered her with affection and gifts, and most importantly he treated me as if I were his own. Following my father’s death and living in fear of Dragonborn attack’s, a protective shield was all I prayed for. My mother could barely protect herself from the onslaught of the court’s cruel words and it became apparent that soon they would turn on me. It was not for a lack of trying surely but due to the fact that she was not a man. As the angry old woman who calls herself my advisor likes to remind me, a woman is only as powerful as the man that marries her and that meant my mother had no power until Anthony.

The moment that Anthony took the crown and later my mother’s hand, we’d all thought that this would be the bright moment in our bleak lives that we’d been looking for. The nation of York was at peace when it had been a foreign concept to me and many others after the Dragonborn had launched their attack. The love that Anthony and my mother shared burned brighter than the terror that my father had allowed into our land.

Until the rumors of his cruel actions behind closed doors began to spread.

The help always gossiped against themselves and no one truly paid any mind.

That is until evidence accompanies these rumors.

My mother did well to hide what she could but once again there was only so much that she could do to protect me. When my sisters came along, I presume that Anthony no longer felt anger towards her but instead towards me, the last reminder of the Failed King. I’d always had pitying stares and endured hushed conversations where my name slipped between their fingers as they whispered to each other.

Poor child.

I heard that she’s going to be married off as soon as possible.

I heard that she’s just as weak as her father.

Poor child.

I ignored them until I couldn’t anymore. I ignored them until I had been sent to live with a distant cousin to be “taught the art of diplomacy” and was told to never return to the palace. With this distant cousin, I did learn the art of diplomacy as planned but as the craft of cutting words and cunning actions. I’d grown rather talented at navigating the complicated relations of neighboring nations, so much so that foreign diplomats asked for me by name. My ability to seamlessly blend together warring cultures and broken bonds earned me fame beyond that of my late father. Of course like any wicked stepparent, Anthony demanded I return to court so that my talents may be best utilized to serve the nation.

What a wretched lie to shorten my leash.

So began my rebellion.

The older woman who is also my ill informed advisor, Pepper, stomps down the dim hall towards the grand battle room. Her reddish blonde hair hardly moves behind her as she makes a determined path to the king despite the curls it’s been styled into. It’s rather shocking to see her hair down at all considering she is usually the one to lecture me on the propriety of society and how as a member of the royal family, I must uphold that. After she’s red in the face and moments away from exploding with fury, I like to remind her that I’m the forgotten eldest daughter. No one thinks of me as the face of this family or that of modern society either.

Despite its name, the battle room cannot be considered grand by any stretch of the imagination. Much like the rest of the palace, it is old and worn from economic fatigue. Where gold used to be brushed across every inch, there are now only flecks of lackluster yellow. Where towering windows used to bathe the halls in sunlight, there are now curtains drawn to prevent the Dragonborn from seeing movement within the palace. There is no finery to be seen and what was once a regal sight to behold is the stark reminder that we are at war with enemies who have every advantage.

With a deafening boom, ragged guards who’ve past their battle prime push the battle room doors and alert the king to our arrival. Pepper stomps right to where the king is sitting among pillars of maps and letters and whispers something in his ear. I don’t need to know whatever lies she’s telling him because his expression tells me enough. His ever present scowl deepens when he looks up and settles his disgusted gaze on me.

Dust swirls from my skirts as I shift on my feet and hit the wood paneled floors beneath me with a silent loudness as he stares at me.

A single question hangs in the air as he attempts to peer into my soul, “Were you aware that the Dragonic bastards were planning to create an alliance with the Elven counsel?”

Of course no warm welcome or small talk. Straight to the heart of the reason he even dragged me back here in the first place.

“Was I aware of this alliance?” I calmly restate, arching a brow at the man who sits high on his worthless throne and judges me. “Had I been, I would have informed you the instant I knew, your highness.”

In truth, I had heard snippets of clipped conversations about something brewing between the two nations but nothing raised concern within me. Rather nothing could’ve convinced me to speak to this man willingly.

The throne is a disgusting sight to behold with its mangled wood and tattered black cloth that flows in the still wind behind it. Black as night and deafening as the ever present silence that fills when you’re dying, this throne is what haunted me as a child and whispers promises of my demise now as an adult. The throne smiles when it senses my anger and the man who is occupying it becomes a conduit for its emotions as that familiar sinister glint flickers in his dark eyes.

Anthony throws a glance to the dust that has fallen around me with disappointment before speaking, “Do not play games with me, child.”

My eyes narrow at his choice of words.

“I assure you,” I start as I take a step forward as the heels of my boots make light taps on the wood, “I am not playing games with you. As I said before, if I had heard anything about this rumored alliance then you would have been made aware as well but alas I did not know.”

Anthony’s hollow chuckle causes my hair to stand on end but my face is schooled into perfect indifference. I allow my expression to portray only mild concern for the safety of our nation and that gets under his skin more than anything.

“If that is the position that you wish to maintain, then so be it.”

I roll my eyes at him and his flash with rage for a brief moment. The king settles back into his chair as he smirks at me, “you are my most sought after diplomat, are you not?”

Where is he going with this? I think to myself while I nod.

“Of course you are. You have your father’s legendary silver tongue. I should think that you would be the perfect person to forge an alliance on the nation’s behalf.``

My heart stills while my body becomes completely frigid. Suddenly the thick fabrics of my skirts and tight corset are useless against the chill that has begun to creep up my spine. The king holds back an all out grin and clenches his jaw. The action tightens and sharpens his already pronounced jaw, giving him the appearance akin to a statue. A crown of graying black waves adores his head but it does nothing to soften the severe look on his tanned face. “I have arranged for you to travel to the Dragonic capital and broker a peace treaty of sorts between us and them. We cannot allow this war to rage on any longer if they intend to ally themselves with the Elven counsel. This nation will not survive.”

“You expect me to do what?” I snarl with a curl of my lip which sends the entire room on high alert. Pepper gasps as she steps behind Anthony and the guards have arranged themselves in a defensive circle.

The king on his feet in seconds, brandishing a dull sword and pointing it at me albeit still a safe distance away. My gaze makes a slow path from the pathetic sword to his furious face. It is not the first time that he’s drawn a weapon on me and I doubt it will be the least.

“Your father is the reason this nation is all but decimated and it will be you who corrects that mistake. You will do as I demand of you and you will do it well if you wish for your mother to live.”

“You would not dare.” I hiss at him as I step closer. He steps back and says my name but I interrupt him with a roar of anger.

“You cannot expect me to willingly walk into a viper’s den, provoke the beast within, and survive, let alone make it obey me. You must know that this means almost certain death for me and I will fail. It is an impossible task, your highness. I will not do it.”

He hesitates, something that I haven’t seen him do ever, and I want to take pride in being the one to cause his hesitation but it’s short lived. His lip curls up into a nasty smirk as he sneers at me and circles his desk to stand mere inches from me.

“We might share blood but you are not my step daughter or family in any sense of the word. You are an abomination, a blight upon this earth. You are a dark stain in the fabric of our history and one that I will spend the remainder of my reign trying to scrub clean. You are a beastly girl who knows no discipline nor manners and nothing can forgive the torment that you've put this court through. Understand that is a blessing and that I should sentence you to death outright for simply being the offspring of the Failed King.”

Too caught up in the king’s self-serving monologue, I’d failed to hear the sound of thundering wings and the dreadful slap of scaled boots marching towards the battle room. I’d missed how the palace seemed to shrink around us in fear while its enemy stormed its halls with permission. I’d missed how only Anthony and I remained while the others had fled for their safety. I’d failed to notice that the air grew hazy and thick with smoke instead of tension as I had assumed.

Just as I catch the scent of burnt embers, I turn to glance over my shoulder and see the most important thing that I had failed to notice; a knight clad in iridescent black armor who is standing just behind me.

Towering above everyone and everything in the room, the knight seems to be almost double the size of any mortal man I know. As I spin to face it, the hulking frame shrouds me in complete darkness. My eyes make the nearly seven foot long ascent to where a face might be if it weren’t for the helmet that chills me to my core as I recognize it.

It’s the helmet of a Dragonborn knight.

They all wear the same sleek black helmet that resembles their beastly forms; six large horn-like spikes that stretch from the sides and top while the chin comes to a narrow point like a dragon’s nose. The helmet is otherwise plain with engravings or markings to decorate it aside from two sets of ruby glass eyes that stare down at me. It covers the knight’s entire face and head, leaving not even a sliver of skin or strand of hair to be seen. Save for the nature creases where the armor is cut to allow for movement, it lacks any decorations or embellishments much like the helmet. I’d once been told that it’s iridescent quality was due to the fact it was made from their dragon form’s scales instead of metal like mortal knights’ but I’ve never been close enough to one to ask. This is the first time I've been close to a Dragonborn at all, knight or not. My father had allowed a handful of their diplomats into the palace before his death but they’d used they’re mortal forms and only stayed for however long was absolutely necessary. I scarcely remember them aside from their silently menacing presence that would engulf rooms before they walked in and the scent of burnt embers that clung to their skin. Aside from those few past encounters, my knowledge comes from the journals I’ve snuck into the palace but nothing would’ve prepared me for this moment.

The knight simply stares down at me with those double ruby eyes before lifting its head to look at Anthony. With its gaze off of me, I look around it to see that there are only three more Dragonborn knights. Given how hostile our nations’ relationship has been, I would’ve expected to see a small army. Instead it seems that their leader did not think they would face much resistance or maybe these knights are more vicious than I’d been led to believe.

Anthony lets out a shuddered breath before he speaks, “You will leave with them in two days time.”

The knight glances back at me. The clawed gauntlets that cover its hands make a small noise when they come to rest on the hilt of a onyx greatsword. It stiles a cord of deep rooted terror within me that I can’t stop from setting ablaze to my nerves.

they’re not like us

It echoes throughout my mind while we stare at each other. The knight cocks its head and I can only assume it's studying me as I am it.

Anthony’s unsteady footsteps stop me from getting caught up entirely in the knight before me.

“She’ll never forgive you,” I whisper without looking away from the knight. I don’t need to look to know that my cowardly stepfather is retreating to safety and leaving me with these monstrous knights.

“She’ll be more thankful that her true daughters are alive.”

The other knights approach us, causing Anthony to let out a shaky chuckle in fear and stumble as he steps back.

One speaks, his gravelly voice rumbles the walls of this weak palace and shakes dust all around us, “The binding ceremony will take place tonight. Have you made the preparations as requested?”

I hear Anthony mumble something along the lines of ‘yes’ with a rambling of nervous explanations. The only words I can focus on are “binding ceremony”. They fall off my tongue in confusion and disbelief without me realizing.

“For your protection,” another more guttural voice answers. It’s quieter, one could not call it gentle but the low tone might be considered such to their kind. The knight before me waits for me to say something and when I don’t, he adds, “you will be safe with us. No harm shall befall you under our guard.”

A sarcastic chuckle wants to spill out but I keep my lips sealed. Safety is an illusion for any member of the royal family and it’s one that I saw through many years ago. I have no doubt that the knights will protect me as long as I prove useful but the moment an alliance is forged, that protection will end. Anthony will kill me the moment I step foot back into his nation and I have no allies of my own to rely on me.

The reality of this cruel world is more evident than ever before; I must find a way to secure my own protection and I will do that by whatever means necessary.

#bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes fic #marvel imagine #bucky barnes fanfic #dragon x reader #dragon au #dragon x human #dragon Bucky x reader #allies or enemies #allies or enemies Bucky x reader

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nyrasproblm · 1 day

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I'm not the only one - 6

Leto Atreides x reader

Word Count: 1,6K

Warning: angst, age gap (reader is in her 20s, Leto is between 40-49), misogyny, arranged marriage, mention of deaths.

note: Due to the unpleasant events of the last few days I lost the desire to write, but thanks to your support and affection I felt motivated again, so thank you very much! And I would also like to dedicate the song below to Leto:

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You heard Jessica's soft knock on the door before you even finished fixing your hair, but you let her wait until you were completely ready, only then told her to come in. The heavy door opened and her thin figure stepped through the door before closing it again, this time she wore a light blue dress that was not form-fitting, her copper colored hair once again tied into a tight bun at the top of the head. You were already sitting at the table you used to read and work, you glanced at her and saw her bow.

"Good morning, Jessica." you greeted her and saw a slight change in her expressions at your lack of formalities in not using her title.

"Good morning, Duchess." she said in the same soft tone as always. "I must apologize for disturbing you so early and thank you for your generosity in receiving me."

"Stop, I hate it, you know." you frowned in annoyance.

You hated all this formality and this way of deifying the well-born. Of course, formality and respect were necessary, but it bothered you that it was Jessica who was directing this to you, you considered her your friend.

"What do you want to talk about?" you asked, running your palm over the details of a book cover.

"Milady is already aware of my pregnancy, my eldest son commented in a moment of indiscretion." she clasped her hands in front of her. "I would inform the lady about it, but in due time."

"And when would that be due?" you looked up at her. "At the time of birth?"

"I understand your annoyance, my lady–"

"I understand your position here, I really do, and I respect you for all the time you spent in the service of this family." you sighed. "But what I think is the worst thing is that you pretend to be a conciliator and a friend, trying to improve my relationship and living with my husband, but behind my back you continues to sleep with him."

"Milady Duchess must understand that this is my duty here, I am a concubine." she said. "And I feel honored that my lady considers me her friend."

You mentally bit your tongue, you were getting stressed very easily lately.

"Thank you for your visit, Jessica, I hope the child is healthy. Please, withdraw."

Reading in the greenhouse of Arrakeen Castle was your new favorite pastime. You felt bad being in the middle of all those plants and all that water and outside there were people dying of thirst, but the place was a great escape. It was in a place further away from the castle and you arranged for Thufir to teach you how to open the palm lock.

You looked up when you heard the doorknob clicking, only to see Paul walking through the oval door with a shy smile on his face.

"I hope I'm not in the way." he said as he took uncertain steps to sit next to you on the stone bench near the central fountain.

"Never."

Paul sighed and looked around for a moment, quickly admiring the stillness of the place.

"You look tormented." you observed as you turned to face him.

"I'm a little restless." he admitted.

"Why?"

"I didn't want to be rude, much less cause intrigue with my indiscretions."

"You weren't rude and you didn't cause intrigue, Paul. I would know at some point."

He turned his face to look at you and you pressed your lips into a thin line, trying to curl the corners up.

"How did you know I was here?" you asked softly.

"Thufir told me."

You just nodded and ran your fingertips along the spine of the book you were holding.

"Are you mad at my mom?" Paul asked uncertainly, making you swallow hard.

I'm mad at myself, you thought, for being so naive.

"No, I'm not."

Paul nodded and the two of you turned forward, facing the path that led to the door, in silence.

"Didn't you have to be in class?" you asked, still looking straight ahead.

"I'm done. Don't you have duties to do too?" he asked boldly and made you let out a giggle.

"I'm done."

You sighed and closed your eyes, you felt so tired lately. Much more than he felt on his home planet. Then an idea suddenly occurred to you and you opened your eyes, turning to Paul.

"What if we go see the spice harvest?"

Paul smiled mischievously.

You were excited and euphoric when the shai-hulud appeared in the sand, it was a huge and wonderful creature.

"It's wonderful." you said looking at the creature below you.

One of the duke's men accompanied you and Paul into the desert. You wore the stillsuit that Paul gave you and adjusted it to your body so that it was comfortable. The carriage responsible for taking the crawler away was already flying out of the desert.

"The first time we came the carriage didn't respond, my father made all the men leave the crawler and took them back himself in one of the ornithopters." Paul said beside you, his eyes also glued to the monster below you. "The worm swallowed the harvester in one mouthful."

"What a heroic act." you muttered.

As soon as the creature returned to the depths of the sand, Paul directed the pilot to return to the landing control tower, the sun was already setting and it was very likely that the duke was restless. One of the Duke's men walked up to the two of you the moment you got off the ornithopter, informing you that the Duke wished to see you both immediately. With heavy feet, you followed Paul through the corridors and stairs until you reached one of the top floors, where the meeting room was located.

Paul opened the door and let you in first, like the polite gentleman he was. You walked through the door and saw your husband sitting at the end of the long table.

"My lord." you greeted him in a low voice.

"Father." Paul did the same behind you.

"It's already getting dark, I was very clear when I said I wanted you back before dark." Leto said looking directly at Paul.

"I'm sorry sir, we had a worm sighting and I wanted the duchess to see it." Paul replied in a serious tone.

Leto directed his gaze to you and you saw the serious look fall for a moment before he cleared his throat.

"May this not happen again." he replied to Paul.

"Yes, sir."

"Find a free room to rest, you won't go back to the castle today, it's dangerous." he leaned back in his chair. "The same goes for you." he said looking at you.

"My lord." you nodded and left the room accompanied by your stepson.

You said goodbye to Paul as he found a room to sleep in and pointed in the direction of one you could stay in. Tired of waiting for sleep to come, you walked out the metal door and looked around, listening to the noise of the duke's men talking on the floors below.

Turning your face to the right you saw a small staircase and walked there, opening another metal door, seeing that it was a terrace, the top floor of the tower. You stepped through the door and walked across the noisy metal floor to the guardrail, leaning against it and taking a deep breath. The landing pad below was silent, the last dunemen had arrived less than an hour ago, noisy and rowdy.

You moved your face up, looking at the expanse of sand ahead, silent and frightening. Full of secrets and wealth. The night wind tickled his face, a pleasant sensation after all the heat during the day. The metal door made a noise and you turned your head back abruptly, if you were attacked you would have no way to defend yourself, you were alone in a place full of strangers.

But it was only the Duke that had passed through the door.

"You shouldn't be here alone." he said in a deep voice, not as serious as usual.

"I didn't feel sleepy." you replied, turning back to face the desert.

"Did you enjoy your visit to the desert today?" he walked over and leaned back next to you, on the guardrail.

"Yes."

You heard him breathe loudly and rub his face with one hand, a frustrated movement.

"You don't know how deeply I regret the way I behaved last time." he said, his voice no more than a whisper, his gaze staring at you hard.

You just nodded and remained silent, trying to keep your expressions neutral.

"I'm really sorry." he continued speaking.

"My lord says that but I know you will do it again at some point." you said in a weak voice, your gaze opaque on the sand.

You sighed loudly and finally turned your face to look at him.

"Everyone talks about your honor, about what a good and fair man you are, but I can't see any of that." you said softly. "You are nothing like that to me, husband."

"I let my frustrations get the best of me." he replied.

"I'm not to blame for this, I'm sorry, but I'm not." you said. "I didn't ask for any of this."

"I know."

"It doesn't seem like you know, you continue to mistreat me." you replied, feeling your stomach turn into knots. "I know you don't love me, but can't you even treat me as your partner, at least in front of others?"

You sighed and stood up straight, moving away from the railing.

"I'm going back to the room, excuse me."

Leto Atreides taglist: @gagaga167 @hargrovehoe @snh96 @sleepyamaya

#writers on tumblr #writing #dune fanfiction #fem reader #duke leto #leto atreides x reader #duke leto x reader #leto atreides x you #leto atreides #leto atreides x reader angst #Spotify

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pierregazly · 25 minutes

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breakfast for three ꨄ lando norris

lando norris x wife!reader

warnings: mentions of mother's day, lando and reader have a son, fluff [861 words]

request: 💗 i was wondering if i could please request prompt 3 with lando norris? [3. "Go back to sleep."]

The soft giggles broke through your warm slumber, a small smile pulling onto your lips as you felt the little hands squishing your cheeks. Wrapping your arms around the small body that had found itself on top of you, the giggles grew as you pulled his little body closer to yours.

“Mama, no!”

The little boy squealed, his arms trying to break free of your hold as you littered his face with groggy kisses, blowing raspberries into the soft skin as the loud giggles continued.

“I think I’ve found myself a wild Archie this morning, haven’t I?”

He shook his head instantly, pushing at your hands that tickled under his armpits, squealing in laughter as he continued to try and get away.

“No, Mama, no! I wanted to wake you up with a big kiss,” he enunciated the word big, pressing a slobbery kiss to your cheek once you finally halted your own attack.

“Oh did you, my sweet little love? Shall I give you a big kiss in return?”

He nodded his head eagerly, turning his cheek towards you with a toothy grin. Instantly pressing a large kiss to his little cheek, he cuddled into you, pressing his chin into your shoulder as the soft giggles returned.

“Archie, mate! I told you not to wake her up, we were supposed to be making breakfast for her and bringing it to her in bed, you silly boy,” Lando hollered from the door.

A pout formed on your son’s face, his face turning back into you as he tried to melt his body into yours.

“I jus’ wanted a little snuggle, Mama,” the little boy whispered into your ear, a small smile pulling across your face at his words.

He always wanted a little snuggle in the morning, a tradition from the day he was born. From Lando picking him up and out of the crib to snuggle in bed, to the little boy eagerly crawling in between the two of you on Christmas morning; he always found a way to squeeze an extra snuggle in.

You felt him being picked up from beside you, a soft ‘no’ flying from his lips as he glared at the man above him.

“Off you go to the kitchen, little man. Don’t you wanna spoil Mum for her big day? Daddy will burn everything without your help, Arch,” a look of horror overtook the little boy’s face at your husband’s words. He wiggled to get out of the arms holding him, ungracefully dropping to the floor below him.

His little feet pattered against the carpet, towards the direction of the kitchen. Lando turned towards you with a smirk.

“Mama’s boy til’ the end of his days, I swear,” he said with a shake of his head.

Leaning down to press a kiss against your forehead, you smiled up at him, your hand gently grazing the grown-out stubble on his cheeks.

“Just like his own daddy, don’t act like you’re not a little Mama’s boy, Lan,” you said.

Shrugging his shoulders, he simply grinned down at you. “Course’ I am, taught him well, didn’ I? His idea to cook you a little Mother’s Day brekky, jus’ for him to disappear and wake you up.”

Laughing softly, shaking your head at your son’s usual antics. You felt the fondness inside of you grow, a yearning to feel your son cuddled into your arms again, breakfast or no breakfast.

“Go back to sleep for a little bit, baby. It’s going to take us a little bit, he got all the waffle mix on the floor. Hasn’t been much help, really,” he said.

Quirking an eyebrow up at him, “You sure it’s not you that hasn’t been much help? Don’t think I’ve seen you cook breakfast once in the years we’ve been together.”

Pinching your bare shoulder, you whacked at his hand with a small laugh.

“You brat, I cooked you brekky last Mother’s Day, don’t act up or I’ll give you a little spank,” he said, a cocky grin overtaking his features.

Biting the corner of your lip, you let your finger gently tug on one of his overgrown curls as he grinned down at you.

“Hm, maybe that’s what I’m looking for. Good start to making a little brother or sister for Archie, don’t ya’ think?”

The soft murmur of words prompted a redness to grow across Lando’s face, his hand cupping your cheek with a cheeky grin on his own face.

“Should I lock Archie out for a little bit, tell him the door’s closed and to jus’ play with the waffle mix for a little? Could get started right now, Mama,” he said, a wicked glint in his eyes.

Shoving at his shoulder with a laugh, you pushed him away from you, pulling the comforter tighter around your body.

“I believe I was promised a wonderful Mother’s Day brekky, no? Get to it, Lan.”

Pressing another kiss to your forehead, then your cheek, and finally your lips, the Brit pulled back from you.

“Happy Mother’s Day, my love. Go back to sleep for a bit, it’s your day for us to spoil you for once.”

Happy Mother's Day to everyone who celebrates, to all the Mother's who are forgotten, who aren't given the love and celebration they deserve, the Mother's without their children today, the Mother's with their rainbow babies, their fur babies, their babies who are no longer with us - I hope you treat yourself well today.

To everyone with negative feelings towards Mother's Day, who do not look at this day with love and adoration - know that you are valid, and you owe no explanations. I hope you treat yourself with love and care today as well.

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wyattjohnston · 2 days

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the summer fic exchange 2k24

important dates

sign ups close May 24 at 11:59pm AEST (what time is that for me?)

you’ll receive your match no later than May 31

the final day to post your finished fic is August 3 at 11:59pm Anywhere On Earth

Guidelines & Sign Up Below

this is a hockey imagine exchange, meant for reader insert or OC fics (not player/player)

if you signed up for the winter fic exchange 2k24 and did not finish a fic you are not eligible for this exchange without chatting to me first

if you signed up for the winter fic exchange 2k24 and did not reblog the fic written for you, you are not eligible for this exchange. you can go reblog said fic and show your appreciation right now, and then sign up.

the minimum word count is 1500 words

no multi-chaptered fics allowed. whatever you do with the fic after (i.e. if it becomes a series) is fine, but the fic posted for the exchange must be a standalone fic.

there’s no requirement to have written x number of fics prior to signing up

if you change your URL at any point after you’ve signed up, please let me know so that your sign up doesn’t get lost. this ideally includes letting me know if it changes before the masterlist goes up

you do not have to be following me, but please check back occasionally between sign ups opening and matches being sent as there might be changes/updates

this is supposed to be fun. if you are going to be overwhelmingly stressed out about the writing process, due date or what people’s response will be to your fic then this isn’t for you. know your own limits.

any updates will be tagged with ‘the summer fic exchange 2k24’

you will need to allow anonymous messages once matches have gone out so that you can be asked questions. if you are unsure about how to change these settings, please let me know

i am doing this by myself so don’t be a dick.

my DMs and ask box are always open (anons welcome!) if you have any questions.

you can sign up here.

Explanation

this functions like secret santa/kris kringle, where people sign up and are then provided a person they will be writing a fic for.

on the google form linked above, you will fill in a bunch of information including players and genres you like to read about and players you like to write about—i then do my absolute best to match these up with each other so that people are receiving what they want and writing within their comfort limits.

there are also spaces to tell me genres and players you want nothing to do with, so that i won’t pair you up with a person who exclusively writes things you aren’t interested in.

after you’ve received your match (the person you’ll be writing for), you can then head into their inbox anonymously and really drill down into what your match would like to receive.

#the summer fic exchange 2k24 #nhl fic #nhl imagine #hockey imagine #hockey fic

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doe-eyed-fool · 3 days

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Prey | Chapter Seven

Alastor x Fem!Reader

Warning(s): Mentions Of Murder

The silence, was worst than rejection. This was a mistake. Probably the biggest mistake you've ever made. Of course Alastor wouldn't feel the same. You two had been friends for a long time. If he really felt the same way towards you, he would have done something by now. Wouldn't he?

Then again, Alastor had never shown much interest in relationships of the romantic type. You've not once heard him talk of a special lady in his life. And he most certainly could have any of them. So maybe it just wasn't meant to be...

"I-I'm sorry! I don't know why I asked that!" You say with a light laugh. "I mean, I know you like me. We're friends after all. That was a silly question, I'm sorry..." You try to blink back the tears forming in your eyes as you continued.

"Um, I think I'll be alright by myself for now. You can leave, I'll be fine." You motion your hand to the door and turn away from him. "I really should get to tidying up the place. It's a mess, like I said. And anyhow, I should be focusing on what I'm going to sing for my next performance. Can't be distracted, so if you'll please-"

Alastor caught your hand and spun you back to face him. "Y/n." He said firmly. You go quiet and avoid his eyes. Great. Not only had you confessed and gotten rejected, if that wasn't embarrassing enough, you just made a fool of yourself by rambling on like an idiot.

There were no hiding the tears now. You inwardly sigh and await for the worst.

"It seems you've misunderstood me." Said Alastor. Yes. You know that. You are more than painfully aware. Why did he have to rub it in? "And it seems I've been less than gentlemanly. What kind of man treats a woman on like I have been?"

Wait, what? You glance at him, a bit confused. Alastor sighs. "Y/n, I'm sure you know how I feel about these kinds of things. Romance and all that. So, I'm sure you also understand how this might feel for me, indulging in such things."

Now you were really confused. You face him properly. "What are you saying?" You ask. "I do like you, Y/n, to put it simply." Alastor says, making your heart stop for a moment. "It's just a shame I couldn't, and still cant, tell or show you properly."

"Alastor..."

"Why must it be me?" Alastor asks. "Has there be no one else that's caught your eye?" Your expression soften. "No." You says simply. "It's always been you. I'm not sure if anyone could compare, to someone like you."

"Someone like me..." Alastor repeats under his breath. He shook his head with a light chuckle. "Y/n, I don't think you understand just what you're asking for. 'Someone like me'...I can be...a bit much. You know that."

"Yes." You nod. "And I'm fine with that. There are so many great things about you Alastor. I'd be talking all day long just listing it all off. It's just...I don't want to ruin this. Us. You've been more than an amazing friend to me all these years. I don't want my emotions getting in the way of that."

"We have been friends for a while, yes." Alastor smiles softly. "Nothing will ever change my view of you, my care for you Y/n. Nothing. And as I've already said, I do like you."

"Do you?" You ask sadly. "Maybe I'm just mistaking your care for love. Maybe you are too." You try to move your hand away from his. It was too good to be true.

And yet, Alastor didn't budge. "That is entirely my fault." He says. "It was a constant back and forth with myself. A part of me wanted to give in, and the other, wanted to keep you at an arms length..."

"So...Which is it?" You ask. The uncertainty was worse than flat out rejection. Suddenly, you felt Alastor pull you close. "I'd love nothing more, than to give in." He says softly. The two of you were but inches from each other.

"Then why don't you?" You ask. Alastor's eyes glanced down at your lips for a split second, before trailing back to your eyes. Maybe it was build up from years of longing for Alastor that made you so bold.

You leaned up to kiss him gently. It was short and sweet, only lasting for a few seconds, before you pulling back to figure out his reaction.

You weren't parted long, before Alastor pulled you back in for a deeper, longer lasting kiss. Your chest felt like it was filled with butterflies and a soft warmth. You wrapped your arms around his neck, a soft sigh left you.

After a moment, you part once again. "By the way." You start. "Your charm has always worked on me."

Luck truly must have been on your side. Not only were you able to confess to the man you loved for years, and he return the feeling, but your career as a singer was really taking off. You were bringing in crowds of people any night you were preforming.

Mimzy would be the only person more happy about it than you, as it did wonders for her lounge getting more and more popular. Oh, and the money that was made from it too, of course.

But she wasn't the only one getting paid. For once, you were finally able to make a decent check. You had enough money for necessities and some extra spending money to have some fun with.

Before, any amount of money you made went right towards rent and food. But now, you didn't have to worry about keeping the lights on, or making sure you had something to eat at the end of the day.

You're weren't rich, but you had money to live off of now. And honestly, you might as well consider yourself rich, knowing that.

More than the money though, you just enjoyed singing. You loved lighting up the room when you walked out on stage, hearing the applause of the crowd, the music in your ears, and of course, singing your heart out.

And to top it all off, you were finally able to be with the man you loved. Being Alastor's partner was a dream. He was there for you, to hold your hand, to keep you close.

Never a day went by, where you not loved and appreciated. Even though a week had gone by, you still felt as giddy as the day he accepted your feelings. Yes, nothing could bring your mood down.

Except for maybe one thing...

"Oh my gosh..." You say under your breath, as you read over the news article for the third time. "Alastor, have you read this?" You ask, holding up the newspaper slightly.

You were over at Alastor's home this morning, as he offered to make breakfast for you the previous evening. And you weren't about to pass up that kind of offer.

"Afraid not, dear. Haven't gotten the chance to sit down and look it over yet." Alastor says as he turns off the stove. "What's it say?" He asks.

You look at the article again, furrowing your brows in grimace as you read. The article read of mysterious blood stains in an alleyway downtown, as well as a few strands of hair. So far, the police have no leads to what happened, or any potential suspects.

Alastor froze a moment before speaking. "Are you sure that's not another fake article, to spark panic or interest? You know, there's been quite a few of those lately. Seems some will do anything to catch the attention of the easily fooled."

"I don't think so Alastor." You mutter. "It seems pretty serious. Who could have done such a thing?" Alastor joined your side, sitting down at the table. "I'm sure it's fine. Perhaps some drunkard fell and injured himself. Or it could have been a disagreement between two people, that got out of hand."

"That's what I'm afraid of." You tell him. "Do you...Do you think it might have been a murder?" You say quietly. Alastor took your hands with his. "No dear, I don't think so. This side of the city hasn't had a crime that serious in a while. There's nothing to worry about."

"But, it's still a scary thought. That something like that could have happened..." You say, not wanting to think too hard about it. "Well." Alastor starts. "If, and I do mean if, something like that were to happen. You won't need to worry yourself about it. And do you know why?"

"Why?" You ask. Alastor took one of your hands and raised it to his lips, he kissed it before speaking again. "Because you have me to keep you safe. Nothing will harm you as long as I'm around, dearest."

A small smile found it's way onto your face. "I know. You always have protected me, Alastor."

"And I always will." Alastor says with a soft smile. "Now, let's not have this food getting cold."

A potential murder, one would have to admit, can inspire a man such as Alastor to speak on the topic. He can't let the papers get all the attention, now could he? Though, perhaps he would have to fight for the attention, had this accident gone unnoticed...

Oh well. He was in need of new things to talk about on his radio show anyhow.

"Good evening all! It's your beloved radio host, Alastor Thompson here to give you all another outstanding broadcast, for you eager listeners. How about we jump on the topic that's gotten everyone in a tizzy." Alastor leans forward slightly in his chair, his grin ever present, even when alone in his studio.

"A potential murder case, and the unknown suspect still in hiding!" He begins. "The location of the victim's body is unknown." Alastor says lowly, to amplify the intensity. "No leads on a potential suspect either. Yes, this is quite the tricky case indeed. Careful on your way home tonight folks." He chuckles.

"Now, onto a lighter subject!"

Honestly. A mistake like that was unforgivable. The fool deserved to be locked up for that alone. It was like he was trying to get caught.

However, it was almost worth it.

Alastor's grin grows sinister as he recalled that night. That horrid man's screams, the fear in his eyes, and the pitiful last breath he took. Alastor had finally gotten rid of him. Now his beloved would have nothing to fret about. But he'd be lying if he said he didn't do it for himself too.

He wanted to kill that man the moment he had the misfortune of meeting him. And that day he dared to put his filthy hands on you only amplified that want. The world was better off, without people like him around anyhow.

As delighted as it made him feel, that mistake could have ruined everything. It's bad enough you were worried by it, but if you were to ever find out about his...hobbies, there is no doubt that you'd leave him.

And he knew it. And so, mistakes like this will never happen again on his watch.

The tension among folks would only rise when there was an official missing person case out in the open. A local owner of a small diner had mysteriously disappeared without a trace. Cops weren't the only ones linking the disappearance to the scene in that alleyway.

And despite law enforcements best efforts, there was no calming the every growing concern among the people.

Especially you. You hated the fact that your former boss might have been murdered, as much as you disliked the man. No one deserves that. But you couldn't allow yourself to stay frightened, you had a show coming up. You couldn't allow your nerves to get the better of you and ruin that night.

Besides, you had Alastor to keep you safe. And as long as he was around, there would be nothing for you to fear.

Tags-

@martinys-world

#hazbin hotel #alastor #hazbin hotel alastor #alastor x reader

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