#but DUDE okay the smiles that two girls in love can’t hold back? the bitten lips and bright eyes staring into each other’s? | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

noritoshiikamo · 3 years

Text

this is how you fall in love

pairing: kuroo tetsuroo + fem!oc genre: friends into lovers fluff with slight suggestive end tags//warning: nothing major // slight suggestive at the end if you squint enough note: the obligatory trio of mine: not well edited, lowercase intended, english isnt my first language im sorry if i murder it. o wow look ive been posting back to back, ive been writing nonstop lately watch me ghost my stories in few weeks guys my brain = rotting, plus lately ive been feeling emotionally abuseddrained so i need something fluffy

listen to this is how you fall in love by jeremy zucker + chelsea cutler for maximum feels

“you’re a lifesaver.”

kuroo huffed, eyes rolling back with a small laugh as he unlaced his sneakers and slipped the room slipper on. it was odd to see the gymnasium without any nets or balls sprawled around. the gym has been closed for a week now in preparation for the upcoming open school event and currently under the art club’s jurisdiction. under her jurisdiction with her canvases and paints and it pained him to see her ruining his sacred place. he carried two plastic bags and holding two boba teas in the same hand. he wasn’t sure which one she was more excited for; the boba, the paints she made him ran to an art supply shop or him. she reached out, the bobas in his hand exchanged as she settled it on the floor, and she squealed at the sight of the plastic bag. he frowned.

yup, not him.

tins of different colors of paint that she ran out mid painting that she forgot to buy had her dialing his number and now it’s all here. all thanks to kuroo tetsuro. she grimaced at the price tags; it was costly than her usual one. usually, she would’ve gotten her supplies online, but desperate measure calls for desperate solution. she could always claim her expenses with the club. typical kuroo, she huffed. he always preached about getting the best, not minding the price tags but she’ll be the victim of his nonstop complaining that he’s getting broke every single day. she tucked a stray hair back and mentally counted how much she owed the man as she arranged the tins on the table.

kuroo noticed that look; same look she had when they are in the math class and he clicked his tongue, “tch, you’re not paying.”

“i’m reimbursing you with the club money,” she shook her head and reached for her bag, “please kuroo, it’s so expensive.”

he reached for her wrist and she dropped the tote bag as he invaded her space. kuroo rested the palm of her hand right above his heart, his own around the waist and another under her chin as he tilted her chin up. his heartbeat was erratic, and she flushed. “it’s okay,” he said, softly. her lips formed into a small pout and he fought the urge to just kiss her.

their dynamic is something even kenma couldn’t figure it out.

they weren’t exactly dating. they are friends, close friends, and classmates. it has always been him, her and occasionally yaku; creating the chaotic duo/trio of class 5. they both played volleyballs, both captains while he’s the middle blocker, she’s their female team’s setter. they knew a lot of each other’s friends from other schools; he was the reason why she dated akaashi keiji from the first place. it was selfish of kuroo to admit to bokuto a month after they started dating that he disliked the idea of them together. typical kuroo is no longer snarky, he felt lost, felt like he was losing his other half. so, he confided to his close friend, the simpleton ace.

“you didn’t make any moves, kuroo, you can’t blame them.”

bokuto noted as them both stared at the two setters, playing around the fallen cherry blossoms. bokuto never seen akaashi smiled that much and kuroo could only wished that she smiled the same way to him. kuroo stared at the half bitten onigiri he’d been holding, suddenly every bite he took tasted bitter. every trace of akaashi on her gave him bitter taste. she liked wearing akaashi’s jersey; kuroo longed to see her in his own numbered jersey; she’s his number one after all. her own jersey number is as same as akaashi. it’s not like kuroo could hate anything he did; he treated her well. akaashi was a perfect boyfriend and everyone knew. that’s why kuroo hates him; he gave him no reason to hate the dude. it didn’t last long however, they drifted apart 6 months later, sending her to kuroo’s doorstep soaked in rain.

he stared at her soaked figure with no thoughts in mind.

“he dumped me,” she said, voice hoarse and shivering.

he was alone and was about to leave for kenma’s, but he couldn’t leave her alone. dropping his keys on the small table by the door, he threw his jacket back in the closet. “come in,” he whispered, pulling her figure in. dropping her bag on the floor, she clutched on his sleeves as she kicked off her soaking shoes. “i’m sorry, my mom isn’t home and i can’t find my keys,” she was a blabbering mess and he hushed her. he left her for a few minutes, coming back with a steaming towel and a clean shirt and pants. “it’s from the dryer. you can borrow my sister’s clothes,” grabbing her hands, they ran upstairs where he took her to the bathroom. she was too quiet, so he called her name. when she looked up to him, her eyes were red. she was no longer crying, more confused and upset. her cheeks flushed and he could see her teeth chattering. he wished nothing but to throw his fist at the man. finally, he got a reason to square up the stoic man; he always hates the way nothing could riled up akaashi.

“he’s stupid for doing you like this.”

she shook her head, “it’s nobody’s fault.”

“then stop blaming yourself,” he ruffled her hair, a small smile appeared from the corner of her lips as she watched him disappeared closing the door behind him. he left her with the hot water running, urgently grabbing the mop and bucket from the kitchen, and wiping the trail of her soaked feet has left before it could ruin the wooden floor.

cant come over, busy, ill tell u later

kuroo texted kenma. the pudding head left him on read.

they spend the night together, sitting on the floor with pillows pilling against the end of the bed as they sat in arms. he had his tv opened to one of the late-night game show. they sat in silence, her head rested on his shoulder and her lips pressed into a tiny line. at the corner of his eyes, he could see her phone’s notifications blaring despite being on mute. the number isn’t saved but it was familiar. she deleted his number already, probably out of rage, but it’s a good step.

tell me where you want me to drop your stuff im sorry i hope youre okay y/n? i heard it was storming did you make it back home? give me a call im calling you okay?

just as like what the message stated, the unknown number called her. it startled her which startled him too. she stared down on the screen, he noticed the grip on the phone and wondered how the phone did not break yet. “can you answer it for me?” she said, holding the phone out to the black-haired man. shocked, he took the phone and pressed the green button. he pressed the phone to his ear and heard her name being called.

“hey man,” kuroo cleared his throat, “listen-”

“she’s with you?” the voice- akaashi asked.

looking down on the girl who was pretending to not have any interest in the call at all, eyes focused on the gameshow, kuroo sighed.

“she is. listen, i think you should leave her alone.”

“kuroo, i know about your feelings. for her. bokuto-san told me about it. if you think that this is the proper way to get her when she’s vulne-”

kuroo bit the inside of his cheeks. he was offended that akaashi dared to call him out like that. “so, what? she made her pick,” the girl turned to face him, brows up wondering what they are talking about.

“that’s low, even for you, kuroo-san.”

their eyes met. he didn’t even realize how deep the cut on his palm where he had balled his fingers into a fist until she touched it. he calmed down. “you hurt her. you have no right to say what’s low or not. be a bigger man, leave her alone,” he muttered flatly, before ending the call. they didn’t break eye contact until he realized what he had done.

“i-i shouldn’t have done that.”

she shook her head, “stop blaming yourself,” a small smile on her face.

that was 3 months ago.

kuroo had made moving on easy for her. akaashi and her remained friendly, although kuroo noticed that she tended to avoid him when possible. the breakup was indeed mutual, but merely on the fact that he lost feelings. akaashi had fallen out of love with her and in love with some other girl but who was she to judge when she was falling in love with the rooster head in silence. they still hang out with bokuto and akaashi but rarely with the latter.

she made him apologized to the fukurodani’s setter too and they remained on friendly term, still practiced together whenever they have training camps together where akaashi had admitted one training night that kuroo and her looks better together. kuroo didn’t say anything, not that he knew what to reply to that (his mind scream fuck yeah we do) but shrugged at his statement. “i guess dating her made you less pain in the ass, kuroo-san,” akaashi joked as they resumed the game.

kuroo was pulled back to reality when he felt his lips brushed against something. his eyes widened when he realized what it was. a quick kiss from her. he blinked frantically, trying to comprehend what had just happened which caused the girl to laugh. “did you just?” he asked confused by what had just happened which she nodded. she bit her bottom lip to hold herself from bursting into a laugh. “god, you should see your face. it’s so stupid. and every girl called you the playboy captain huh?”

he huffed and rolled his eyes, “i am not. i’ve been loyal to one girl for many years now, she is the one who hasn’t notice me at all,” he faked his pout, refused to look her directly in the eyes, praying that she wouldn’t notice his reddening cheeks.

“she must’ve been so stupid,” she teased, her nose rubbing gently against his jawline as she rested her figure against his closer. his chin rested against her head.

“she is,” he looked down on her, his arms around her waist tighter, “i don’t think she knows this but if she leaves me, i think i’ll be so broken inside. is it selfish to say that?” a small frown appeared on her face.

“i don’t think she ever talked about leaving you.”

a grin grew on his face, “so you know who i’m talking about huh?” she fell into his trap. she rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out, calling him stupid. he studied her face, his grin softened into what yaku and his volleyball team called the kuroo is stupidly in love with y/n but refused to admit face. his fingers ran into her hair which she had been growing out in few months down to her shoulder because she thinks that he likes her better that way. the way she tried to subtly put on make up to look better that the other girls who’s shamelessly flirting with him. she was too stupid to realize that he had loved her beyond that.

he loves the rough pads on her hands from holding her paintbrushes and volleyball. he loves that she works hard for everything she’s doing be it studying, volleyball or arts, she would put her blood, sweat and tears into it. he loves that she would wait for him to buy lunch so they can eat together in class. he would buy her a box of milk which she insisted that she doesn’t need too; but he convinced it would be good for her. he wants the best for her.

he loves that all the missing clothes he’s complaining about is in the back of her closet or on her. his cream hoodie hanging behind her closet door, his random pile of t-shirts in a basket on the floor of her closet that he liked to left beside the mix pile of her shoes and his one big ass nike shoes. her room isn’t messy, it is because she kept the messiness in her closet. she also like to keep random stuff of him too. the one medal he won from a science fair hung on the headboard of her bed, the misshapen looking hand wax sculpture of their hands intertwined from a funfair where she rested a purikura of them on it and a lucky bamboo plant he gave on her birthday to compromise on the no gift rule.

“for luck,” he grinned.

unlike hers, he kept her item neatly in his drawer. your spare shirts that he borrowed and refused to return, extra towel and her toiletries, some of her drawing blocks and a small cat shaped pouch where she kept her allergies medication. mostly hidden because his annoying friends come over often and would accidentally talk about it in front of his grandparents. but, on his bedside table, he has a cup of pencils by the bed where he collected the art supplies she left behind, random markers and paintbrushes, a clay sculpture of a trinket plate she made from art club (she carved a tiny letter k in the corner beside the obvious looking genitalia drawing) and a fake plant which she was sure he will not be able to kill it.

he loves it when she wore his jersey. he lost his mind when he found out that her current season number is the same as his. he’s in love. the first time he saw her in his jersey, the number one jersey on her body was during their training. he lost concentration; mouth hung a bit. he got so flustered that he let lev served the ball straight to his head. usually, lev would be dead by now, but he doesn’t mind. his nose bled but to see her kneel beside him, clutching on his own shirt screaming how stupid he is, wiping the blood away with towel, he could only say how pretty she looked. all his teammates were startled, her included. she clutched on his collar angrily; her knees stung from when she leaped down to his side, but this idiot could only smile at her with a bloody nose. “you are fucking idiot,” she cried out angrily, pushing him away before throwing the towel on his face leaving the pleased third year laying on the floor.

he loves the way she would find a way to impress him, be it as ridiculous as the halloween costume idea she had where they’ll go as the front and end of a horse or as serious as the submitted college application to the same university he had gotten into. “you are not getting rid of me that easily, tetsu,” the evil look on her face as she clicked the submit button send shivers down his spine.

“if you leave, i think i’ll cry,” he confessed, his smile slowly died.

“kuroo tetsuro is going to cry after me?” she teased. he nodded eagerly. “does kuroo tetsuro realized that we are literally moving into the same university? i couldn’t catch a break from him,” she faked her annoyance which he playfully avenged by sending her on the floor laughing as he tickled her. tears trickled down her cheeks as she begged him to stop, screaming to get away from his grip. “please, kuroo, i’m going to pee if you don’t stop!” he obliged, tears prickled the corner of his own eyes from laughing too much. straddling her waist, he gathered her wrists in one hand over her head. “apologize and said that kuroo tetsuro is the best man in your life or i swear i’ll make you pee,” he threatened her playfully, wiggling the fingers of his free hand close to her waist. her eyes widened in fears.

“that’s not fair!”

“apologize first.”

“fine!” she pouted, “i’m sorry, i won’t make fun of you again. now get off me!”

he raised his eyebrow, “andddd?”

“annddd-” a teasing smile appeared on her face as she said the next 5 words that send him to mars and back; “i love you kuroo tetsuro.”

he froze in shock. he heard the words before but never in this way; never for him.

finally, i think i got the calculation, love you yaku! lev you’re adorable but so stupid, i love it! thank you for letting me borrow your game, kenma. you’re the best, love ya!

the grip on her wrists loosened. taking advantage of his shock state, she pushed him back, straddling him by the waist, pinning his own hands above his head, giving him the taste of his own medicine. “i’m not going to leave your sorry ass, tetsu. i hope you don’t regret it,” she leaned down, capturing his lips with a longer kiss. letting go of his wrist, her hand went immediately into his rooster hair while another cupped his cheek, deepening their kiss. she could feel his cold palm resting against her bare waist and she shuddered. between the kisses, he heard her whispering his name. “kuroo, do you love me too?” she asked so innocently with kisses between the words but the way she grabbed a handful of his hand in a fist felt so dirty, eliciting a strangled moan from the back of his throat. she pulled back, staring down on his eyes as his lips moved.

“i love you too.”

nothing in his hazel eye but sincerity. he groaned when she pulled herself out of his reach, missing her warm body as she laughed. straightening her sweater back, pulling her hair back up into a tighter ponytail before she picked up the paintbrush she dropped. the paintbrush left a white stain on the court. as if kuroo wasn’t here, whimpering underneath her a minute ago, she continued her work. “i need to finish the mural by this week and you’re not exactly helping me,” she warned him, pointing the wet brush his direction. through the corner of her eyes, he was propped on his elbows, still staring at her, causing her to blush profusely. it annoyed him that she would tease him, then leaving him high and dry. before she could crack open the new paint tin, he ignored her warning as he tackled her back into his arms.

breathless against her lips, he told her to continue later. the urgency and rawness of his voice made her putty immediately. looking up the man, she pouted her lips.

“kuroo-san,” she whined as he captured her bottom lips.

he elicited a soft moan from the girl. he grinned against her lips. a hand rested firmly beside her head while another snaked under the sweater. there will be bruise tomorrow, she was sure of it, he will make sure of it.

“it will be quick, baby. i promise.”

she has no objection.

#kuroo tetsuro #kuroo tetsurou #kuroo tetsuro x reader #kuroo tetsuro imagine #haikyuu x reader #hq #haikyuu #kuroo x reader #kuroo tetsuro fluff #haikyuu x y/n #kuroo tetsurou x reader #writing: hq #writing: fics

133 notes · View notes

free-pool-trash · 4 years

Text

folklore - isaac lahey {3/?}

wooo part 3! thank you for all the love so far <333 grab a snack cuz this is a long one ;) platonic scott and derek x reader in this part too :)

let me know what you think <3

word count: 4.5k

warnings: swearing and lots of it, mentions of blood and i think that’s about it but let me know if there’s something i missed!!

Taglist: @makeusfreefromthisfandom, @cece-lives-here, @chocolate-raspberries, @belsandthings, @dancing-tacos-23, @truly-dionysus, @britty443, @tanyaherondale, @furiouspockettoad, let me know if you’d like to be added <3

PART ONE

PART TWO

PART FOUR

The steady beating of the heart monitor filled the packed hospital room which held your unconscious body.

Your parents and Derek stood before your bed, shouting at each other in harsh whispers.

"What're you telling me right now, Derek?" Your father seethed through gritted teeth at the werewolf that had previously been teetering around what he was meaning to say.

"I'm saying that she's going to become a wolf. She was bitten by an Alpha, alright? Just like Scott." He explained, staring at your body sympathetically.

"The bite hasn't healed yet, Derek." Your mother chimed in, voice riddled with nerves as she took in the blood seeping through the bandage that was wrapped around your neck.

"It's only been a few hours…" The wolf trailed off, worry present in his voice. To be honest, people getting turned from being bitten was relatively new to Derek, because in his experience… the bite usually didn't take.

Bodies more often than not rejected the bite, it's what separated the strong from the weak, natures way of keeping the balance. The strong became wolves and the weak died. Derek kept that information to himself, however, you were already a member of his pack- one of the only members left- he refused to believe that a bite from a wolf would be what made you meet your end.

"What if she doesn't take the form of a wolf?" You could pick up on the voices now, they were distant and echoed but you could hear them nonetheless.

"The form you take represents the person you are on the inside." Derek's voice.

"She's not exactly the get-angry-and-rip-a-throat-out-with-her-claws kind of kid." Your mother's voice, still surrounded by echoes but getting closer to you.

"What're you saying?" Derek, you felt anxiety building up in your stomach as the words filled your ears, it didn't belong to you though, no those nerves… they didn't belong to you- they were someone else's.

"I'm saying… what if she doesn't become a wolf… what if she becomes something else." Your heart rate picked up at her explanation, but again, you felt detached from the feeling of anxiety that was eating you up from the inside, the words of "or she could die." Sounding through your head, the words- like the anxiety- they weren't yours. They belonged to Derek.

With a gasp that ripped at your injured throat, you shot up, eyes flying open as you threw yourself into an upright position on the hospital bed, your hand flying up to grip your throat. What the fuck happened?

The words you previously heard were forgotten the second you reentered the land of the living, your chest heaving with slight panic before your eyes met your mother's, who was now at your side, removing your hand from your still unhealed wound and holding it in her own.

"What happened?" You rasped, voice hoarse and cracked, the words leaving your mouth painfully as your throat refused to mend itself.

"Don't you remember anything?" You could only shake your head at your mother's question, less out of giving an answer and more out of undiluted fear. Heart rate increasing while images of the beast with beaming red eyes flashed unrelentingly through your mind.

"A wolf. It was a wolf- but it was- it was-" You tried to explain but lost your voice as the panic set in, your chest felt restricted and the ever present beeping of the heart monitor picked up yet again as tears began to form in your terrified eyes.

Your parents tried to comfort you, only to be guided away by the nurses and doctors who had rushed in to your aid.

"Breathe with me sweetheart," Warm brown eyes stared into yours and you recognized Melissa right away, following her actions as she took deep breaths in and out, successfully calming your breathing. "Great job. You must really love this place, coming in on your day off." The older woman teased you softly, bringing a small smile to your face.

"Just can't stay away." You responded tiredly, causing her to smile and push your hair away from your forehead.

"Well you're in good hands because I'm going to be taking care of you." She told you with a wink, she then turned to your parents, Derek seemed to have slipped out of the room during the commotion, and smiled sympathetically, "We're going to change her bandages and then, if she's feeling up to it," She paused for a moment, glancing at you with a smile before finishing, "She can reassure the boy band out there that she's all good so they'll go home." Melissa finished with a laugh, motioning to the waiting room which you couldn't see.

"Isaac is here." Your father spoke softly, hoping to cheer you up as he peeked out the window, Melissa chiming in too, "And Scott. And Stiles. Jackson stopped by earlier too." You couldn't help how your eyes widened, you didn't even realize you knew that many people, let alone well enough for them to want to come check on you. Isaac was the only person in the line up that made any real sense.

Swallowing thickly, wincing slightly due to the sting you looked at Melissa hopefully, "Can I see them?"

The nurse nodded, "After I change this." She wasted no time in gently pulling the bandage from your skin, murmuring an apology when you winced.

Isaac, Scott and Stiles sat awkwardly beside each other in the waiting room of the hospital. The area was quiet and absolutely drenched in tension.

Scott and Stiles were in the midst of a heated, but quiet, argument about something that Isaac couldn't discern, Scott's leg bounced nervously and he periodically glanced towards your room. The tallest of the boys picked up on Stiles' harsh whisper of, "Dude, relax okay? She's probably fine."

Isaac cleared his throat slightly, looking toward the other two boys who looked at him with surprised expressions as if they'd forgotten he was there, which to be fair they had.

"Um, I didn't realize you were friends with (Y/n)." Isaac spoke with a raised eyebrow, the question came out quietly, and Scott gave him a nervous nod, "Uh, I mean yeah- we haven't been friends for long but um she's cool."

Isaac wrung his fingers together, muttering, "Yeah she is."

He couldn't lie, he felt a little twinge of jealousy towards Scott- feeling slightly threatened by the boy he'd only ever seen in the hallways and although Stiles sat beside him too, he sensed that coming to visit you was all Scott's idea, Scott he was threatened by, Stiles not so much.

"What's your deal anyway?" Stiles piped up, causing Isaac to chew on his bottom lip nervously wanting nothing more than to shrink into himself or melt into the floor, it wasn’t often that he didn’t have you for reassurance and to be perfectly honest he hated not having you beside him with your hand always mere centimetres away and ready for him to slip his own into.

"What do you mean?" Stiles rolled his eyes, "I mean with (Y/n), what's your deal with (Y/n)?"

Clearing his throat again, Isaac was at a loss for words, what exactly was his deal with you? You were his best friend but he was also harboring feelings for you. Looking at Stiles anxiously he simply shrugged his shoulders, "She's my best friend."

"Like watch movies together kinda best friend or you secretly want to marry her kinda best friend?" The sarcastic boy inquired curiously, receiving an elbow to the ribs from Scott who shot Isaac an apologetic smile, "Ignore him. I do."

Blood rushed towards Isaac's cheeks and he returned his gaze to where it had been on the floor, he knew the answer to Stiles' question but that didn't mean he was ready to be confronted with it, especially not so late at night when the girl in question was severely injured in a hospital room and he didn't even know if she was going to be okay.

"Jesus…" Melissa whispered, disinfecting the wound for the fourth time since you'd been emitted, "We're gonna need to give you some heavy medication because this thing is definitely infected." At her words your parents exchanged nervous glances, Derek was going to get an earful when they get ahold of him.

"Okay, all done. Which one of the Backstreet Boys should I send in first?" Melissa asked with an amused smirk, her comment receiving a snort from your father.

"Isaac please." You requested quietly, despite the fact that you'd just been mauled by a thing of nightmares you still felt bad about missing movie night with your best bud.

It only took a second for Isaac to be speeding into the room, eyes wide and bloodshot- he'd been crying.

"Thank God you're okay." He exclaimed, practically throwing his arms around you, careful of your injuries his arms pulled you against his chest and held your body against him.

His heartbeat was loud in your ears, not the same way as it usually was, it was like a drum banging right against your eardrums, it hurt but you didn't push the boy away, choosing to focus on the comfort he brought you instead of the pain.

"I'm okay." You assured softly, hand automatically moving to thread through his hair when you noticed his expression, or felt his expression more like. Pure anxiety, mixed with pure fear with an overwhelming feeling of relief.

He nodded, eyes never leaving yours, "I was really worried." He still was, you could feel it weighing on your chest.

Without saying a word you simply pulled him back into you, noticing everyone else had left the room, you placed your lips on his cheeks with the intent of easing his worry, which seemed to work as the worry you previously felt crushing your chest dissipated completely.

"I don't know what I'd do if I lost you…" Isaac trailed off, holding your hand against his chest, the beating of his racing heart vibrating against your palm in a way it never had before, it's sound still just as loud as it had been a few seconds prior.

Rushing filled your ears, like water flowing viciously down a river but it wasn't water. You knew what it was. It was blood- Isaac's blood. You could hear it pulsing through his veins rapidly, your hand right on the source and for whatever reason your mouth watered with a hunger you'd never felt before in your entire existence.

"(Y/n)!" Isaac calling your name broke you out of your trance. Shaking your head rapidly you squeezed his hand, "Sorry, I guess I'm just a little shaken up. I'm still here though so stop worrying, alright bub?" You told him, not quite sure if you believed a word of what you were telling him. Physically you were there with him but in every other sense you felt distant, numb almost.

"Are you sure? Is there anything I can do?" He asked sweetly, knowing that you were unsure, he hadn't seen you so shook up in, well, ever.

Shaking your head, you merely managed a small smile as your head had begun to pound from the banging noises of not only Isaac's heart but now the bustle of the hospital going on outside of your room, you couldn't explain it but you could hear everything all at once.

Every cough, every piece of equipment hitting every metal table, every piece of gossip being exchanged between the nurses, every wail of the newborns all the way over at the other side of the hospital. You could hear it all and it hurt. At first you hadn't noticed it so much but as the seconds past, you squeezed your best friend's hand as it became more and more overwhelming.

Shaking your head you looked at him with teary eyes, everything getting too loud, "Could you go find Melissa or-" you stopped, squeezing your eyes shut as every sound meshed together, ringing unbearably in your ears like a microphone pointed towards a speaker, "-or anyone. My head hurts really bad."

Immediately Isaac was on his feet, leaving the room in a rush to find someone as you covered your ears, head splitting. You groaned painfully, tears flooding your cheeks as you tried to block out the noises only for them to grow louder and multiply almost to spite your efforts.

While focusing on blocking everything out, you heard a voice- a distinct voice. It was meant for you, you could feel it in your bones, the bite in your neck stinging viciously as you listened intently, searching for anything within the voice that would make it all just stop.

"You can hear me can't you. Yes you can. I'd hoped you'd take to the bite, it seems you have, maybe not how I originally intended but this will do. It's going to be hard but you can overcome this. Don't let it kill you."

The voice was assertive. Male. Familiar. The way he spoke reminded you of Peter, but it couldn't have been him, he hadn't spoken in years.

Then as soon as, whoever it was, stopped talking, it all flooded back in and you couldn't stop the agonizing scream that left your lips while you clutched your ears even tighter. You needed to get out.

In your panic you hadn't realized you'd rolled to the floor, wanting to move but not being able to so much as reopen your eyes after you'd made contact with the cold floor of the hospital room. Sobbing erratically while your ears began to burn, the feeling of liquid running down your face being the only thing keeping you grounded while you shook and cried.

Long arms wrapped around your middle, holding you tightly against a chest that you couldn't see from your position, "(Y/n)?!" Isaac's panicked voice sent you even further into your spiral, only one word and yet you could hear every inflection of pain and hurt and confusion within his call of your name, and once again you could feel it.

Your teary eyes met his frantic blue ones and you found yourself clutching the fabric of his sweatshirt with more strength than he'd ever known you to have, "Isacc. It's so loud! I want it to stop, god please do something, make it stop!" You sobbed against his chest causing him to look around with pure panic, pleading for someone, anyone to come and help you. Just then Melissa ran in, along with your parents and several doctors.

The last thing you heard before your eyes rolled to the back of your head was the stern voice of Melissa shouting, "Get her back on the bed. Now."

Don't let it kill you.

Opening your eyes felt like a chore, why were they so heavy? Once you finally managed to lift them open you slowly took in your new surroundings, no longer in the room you'd woken up in the first time.

From what you could tell you were still in the hospital, just a different, darker room- a room without windows.

"You're finally awake." A voice sounded from beside your bed and you turned your gaze to meet Derek's.

"How's your head?" He asked, sitting forwards in his seat.

You offered him a small shrug, "Better. It's quiet." You heard nothing but your own heartbeat and Derek's.

Derek nodded, motioning around the room you were in, "sensory room." He explained, "sound proof."

Nodding in understanding you looked down at your neck peeking underneath your bandages, noticing the bite that was scabbing up, it looked absolutely vile. Scrunching up your face in disgust you turned back to Derek, "What the hell is happening to me?"

The older man let out a deep sigh at your question, raising an eyebrow before taking your hand, "You sure you want to hear it."

"Hit me with it, wolf man." You told him through an exasperated sigh.

He rolled his eyes at the nickname before looking you dead in this eyes, "I thought when I saw your bite that what happened to Scott would happen to you… but it didn't." Your brows furrowed, "So I'm not a wolf?"

Derek shook his head, "No. But you're something else." Tilting your head to the side you nodded for him to continue before you imploded or the suspense killed you.

"Come on, tell me! If I'm not a wolf then what the fuck am I?" You insisted he give you an answer through gritted teeth, growing more impatient by the second.

Letting out another sigh, Derek looked at you through his lashes, "You're a vampire."

You scoffed, eyes rolling to the ceiling, "Derek be serious okay? I've watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer and I think I would know if I was a vampire-" "Hear me out-" "First of all, I'm not dead, vampires are dead. Second of all, vampires don't feel other people's emotions, I do, so explain that."

"You done?" Derek asked annoyance clear in his tone only for you to shrug nonchalantly.

"According to your parents you're in kind of a transition period. Nothing will be set in stone until you have your first feed." He explained, only for you to shake your head in denial.

"Thank you for clarifying nothing." You muttered, childishly.

"Alright fine. You're not dead because as I said right now you're in the transition period, however, if you don't feed you will be dead."

"So you want me to drink blood?" You asked, although it was more of a statement.

Derek nodded, "Afraid so, kid."

"Where are my fangs?" You questioned. All vampires have fangs, your teeth felt the same as they always did.

"If I have to say the words transition period one more time, kid I swear-" Derek was cut off by yet another question falling from your lips, "Okay, so where do I stand with daylight?"

"Look at your arms." Derek informed and you obliged, holding your arms up for inspection, they were covered in burns.

"Alright." You muttered in exhaustion. Allowing your arms to flop back down to your sides, "Ok next question."

Derek felt his patience wearing thin, he loved you like a sister but you also annoyed him like one. When he didn't answer you asked your most pressing question.

"Why aren't I healing?" Derek let out a loud groan, letting go of your hand to rub it down his face.

"What did I just say? Literally what did I just say?" The man grumbled and you rolled your eyes, "Transition period." You said mocking him, making a face and sticking your tongue out.

"You know, D. You're pretty cranky considering I'm the one whose just been pledged non-consensually to a life of darkness and blood sucking. With absolutely no explanation." You chastised with a playful smirk, noticing the smile the sour wolf was trying to contain.

It was after dark when you were finally discharged from the hospital, you'd spent about a week in that windowless room and you were just glad to feel the cold nights air against your skin after being cooped up for so long.

"Where are you taking me, Wolfie?" You asked, voice filled with uncertainty as you glanced at your newest friend and fellow creature of the night, Scott.

The boy only gave you a gentle smile, leading you towards the pet clinic and holding the door open for you to enter, "Oh god we're not getting you neutered are we?" You jested, trying to still your nerves.

"Afraid not." Another voice rang out, Deaton made his way into view and you gave him a small smile.

Deaton led you towards his practice, you sat up on the metal table, swinging your legs and waiting for some kind of explanation as to why Scott had brought you here.

"I assume by the look on your face that Scott failed to mention why you're here." Deaton spoke as if he heard your thoughts.

"Hey all you said was get her here!" Scott defended himself, hands raised slightly.

"Oh and you got here alright. Not suspicious or anything." You poked teasingly at his arm causing him to laugh. You wondered why you never talked to Scott before all the craziness happened because the two of you had been getting along incredibly in the past few days. He was one of the few people your parents allowed visit you in your windowless hospital room, claiming that since he was a wolf he was at a low risk of triggering your new vampire tendencies.

Deaton smiled, grabbing a small box from the counter then coming back to you, offering you the box, "Go on. It's for you." The older man encouraged when he noticed your hesitancy.

In the box there was a ring, it was pretty, silver with a small purple amethyst settled neatly in the center of the band, it was gorgeous to say the least. "It's a daylight ring. It'll allow you to walk the day as you please without getting burned." The vet, or … well you weren't sure what he was, explained kindly. "Put it on."

Happily you slipped the ring onto your left ring finger and admired it for a minute before turning your attention back to Deaton when he spoke again, "You have Scott to thank for that." He told you and your smile grew as you turned your head to Scott, "Thank you."

"Have you fed yet?" Deaton wondered and you shook your head in response. It'd been almost a week since Derek badly broke the news to you and yet you couldn't bring yourself to feed on human blood despite being absolutely starving.

In understanding, Deaton nodded, "You'll want to be thinking about doing it soon. Have you been having any urges?" Quickly your eyes widened when you realized when the hunger had started.

"After I woke up... Isaac came to see me and he was holding my hand to his chest, his heartbeat sounded so loud and I could hear the blood being pumped and then suddenly I had the most blinding hunger." You explained, looking at Deaton expectantly for answers.

"Has it happened like that with anyone else?" You shook your head as it'd only been so intense when looking at Isaac, who you hadn't seen since that night, your parents not wanting to risk you hurting the boy, when you focused on him that night in the hospital it was as if he was all you could see, all you could feel and his blood rushing and heart beating was all you could hear. But you hadn't wanted to hurt him, he made you hungry but you didn't feel the need or want to rip his throat out with your teeth as you assumed you should have.

"I don't want to hurt anyone, though. I'm just hungry." You added on, unsure of whether or not being docile was normal for a baby vampire.

Deaton chuckled lightly placing a comforting hand on your shoulder, "Vampires are different than wolves, more refined. They're fueled on empathy as opposed to anger. Media has painted them in somewhat of a bad light when in reality they're quite gentle creatures. They mostly only feed on the willing." He explained and you listened intently as he continued.

"The hunger isn't hard to control as you've probably already noticed. It's the heightened emotions that are hardest to control- along with learning to separate your own feelings from the feelings of others around you."

Emotions weren't something you were good at controlling at the best of times, the possibility of you becoming overwhelmed very soon after fully transitioning seemed more than likely as you already had one meltdown under your belt.

"Then there's the matter of enhanced hearing. Scott tells me you've found that aspect quite difficult, but not to worry, it'll subside once you complete the transition and you'll be able to control what you can and can't hear."

"Thank God." You muttered through a sigh, shuddering at the memory of the migraine the ability had brought you.

Deaton went on to explain the other abilities that would develop after you completed your transition. These abilities included an extremely enhanced sense of empathy, meaning your own emotions were heightened as well as now being able to feel and change the emotions of others. Enhanced hearing, obviously. An enhanced sense of smell, inhuman strength and speed and once you’d finally fed on a willing participant your fangs would begin to grow in. Deaton warned you that that part would be “excruciatingly painful.”

After a while you parted with Scott and Deaton, enjoying the nighttime air as you walked yourself home, once you reached your house you made your way inside quickly, impatient to fill your patents in on what you’d learned from Deaton seeing as their supernatural knowledge focused more on traditional shapeshifters and Celtic lore.

Once you entered the kitchen you spotted your mother chatting quietly with Isaac. You couldn’t lie, you were really happy to see him. Last time you’d seen him you were screaming and passing out in his arms.

“Isaac.” You greeted with a smile, wrapping your arms around his shoulders while standing behind the chair he was sitting on since the back of the chair faced the kitchen door which you had just entered through, you rested your cheek against his soft curls when you felt his arms coming up to hug yours with a feeling of relief rushing over him as soon as you touched him.

“Hey (N/n).” The boy responded, holding back a sigh as he felt you remove your arms from him opting to take a seat beside him, he watched as you eyed your mother suspiciously before asking, “What’re you too chatting about?”

Isaac spoke up, “I got your text saying that you were discharged and came to see you, your mom was just telling me how you were out with Scott.” It didn’t hit your ear but the bitterness and mild jealousy hit your chest, causing you to frown momentarily before you painted a smile on your face, “Oh yeah he just brought me to talk to Dr Deaton to see if he could identify what kind of animal attacked me.” You lied easily, not wanting to disclose why you were really with Scott knowing that after not seeing you for a week that now definitely wasn’t the best time to let him know that you and Scott were helping each other.

Accepting your excuse you felt relief seeping from him yet again. You wondered if he’d always been this possessive over you, you didn’t mind it really you just hoped he’d be able to get passed it considering you’ll be spending a lot more time with Scott and even Stiles for the foreseeable future.

You had no clue what you were going to tell him though. How do you tell your best friend that they’ve been turned into a vampire and now want nothing more than to taste his blood on your tongue? As soon as you locked eyes on him your hunger returned, as blinding as it had been the first time. Your only wish was that the unique hunger you had for Isaac would ease once you completed your transition. Accidentally hurting him was absolutely out of the question. You wouldn’t let yourself harm even a hair on his head, the way he made your mouth water filled you with dread but you had to try your best to keep him out of the shitshow you found yourself in.

He’d been through enough, he didn’t need vampires and werewolves on top of the rest of his issues. So you made a decision then and there while you stared at his soft smile as he talked with your mother; for the first time in your six years of friendship, you were going to keep a secret from him.

#isaac lahey x reader #isaac lahey imagine #isaac lahey #teen wolf x reader #scott mccall x reader #derek hale x reader

198 notes · View notes

cherrybracelets · 4 years

Text

Politics & Violence (one)

masterlist | requests

summary: Your father is one of the most progressive presidents in history, and many praise you and your family for all the good you’ve done for the country. But there is a select group of radicals who plans to take the entire administration down, and the threat to you and your family is growing every day. Your father takes matters into his own hands when he hires individual body guards for each member of your family.

pairing: bodyguard!a. hotchner x presidents daughter!reader

words; 11.5k warnings: this fic will be 18+!!! lots of heavy stuff, drugs, alc, depression, sex, guns, violence, death

song inspo: politics and violence by dominic fike

an: hey this is my first hotch piece and I’m super nervous so please let me know what u think!! i will be making a full playlist for this fic and a moodboard so keep ur eyes peeled; this is also obviously non canon and the backstory hotch has here is completely made up by me also this is gone be two parts ok bye

Being the daughter of the president was hard enough, it doesn’t make it any easier that you’re fucking your bodyguard. You wouldn’t trade Hotch for the world, but it was exhausting keeping up with this life sometimes. You never thought of yourself as someone who would get entangled up into a secret like this. You felt it weighing on you all the time. Every secret glance between you two in the hall, every ‘accidental’ touch at an event, the secret kissing in the closets with the door locked and the lights off. It was a thrill, but also added unneeded strain to your life.

Hotch saw the effects he had on you, too. Both negative and positive. He knew that the love you two shared, the passion between you, would be unmatched with any other person. But he also knew how hard it was to keep that love a secret, to not hold hands in public, to lie to all of your friends and family. Most importantly, to lie to your dad. Loving him, being with him, it was a sacrifice.

Your dad had spent the past 23 years of his life doing everything he could to protect you. He hated that he brought you into this life; he hated this life himself. All he wanted was to help people, and he thought the best way would be politics. But he didn’t know that with his more modern takes, many people would hate him. And it got so bad that last year you started receiving death threats. A group of radicals had recently started sending individual letters to your whole family, making it clear how much they hated you and what your family stood for.

It was terrifying. And you were tired of it. You had been dealing with it your whole life, as he had been an important politician for a long time before winning the presidency. The cameras following you everywhere you went, never having real relationships with anybody because people just wanted the clout that came with knowing you. You were miserable, and were only finding happiness in the darkest of places, ironically. Partying, alcohol and drugs had taken over most of your nights, with a group of people who you wouldn’t really call your friends, but people who had allowed you to be miserable with them.

You had never really had friends, besides your siblings. People always wanted to be your friend, but almost never for genuine reason. And when someone was being genuine, which was rare, you had a hard time trusting and ultimately hurt the person to avoid being hurt yourself. It was a terrible cycle that you’d been dealing with for... a long time. Twenty three years to be exact, because the night of your twenty third birthday was when it all changed.

Your dad had called everyone to the house for a family dinner. At the time, you were living in some tiny studio across town, and your brother was shacking up with some girl he knew from college. It was pretty rare to get all of you together in one place, but for you and your brother, Matt’s birthday, it was extra important that everyone was there.

Your father always blocked out his schedule for birthdays, they were a big deal to him. And although you were dreading having to put on your happy face for an evening of passive aggressive comments and awkward small talk, you did it for him. He was the only member of your family who deserved even a second of your time.

So that night, you drove to your parents house, reminding yourself that it’s only a few hours and everything will be fine. There won’t be any issues, you and Matt won’t fight, the two younger siblings won’t fight, mom and dad won’t fight. No one will fight, you promised yourself. You’ll hold it together. You practiced your smile as you pulled in the driveway, hoping to not be too disingenuous when you saw everyone.

None of them were especially bad people, they just all had a lot of problems, and were especially bad at dealing with them. But, so were you. Comes with the territory of being a high profile political family, apparently. You already saw Matt’s car there as well, which made you nervous. Matt and your mother being alone together for very long without you to interject was never good. It could already be a disaster as soon as you walk in.

You got out of your car and walked slowly to the entrance, your head down. You didn’t like making eye contact with the secret service, they always made you incredibly nervous. They stood so still, but their eyes always followed you like a haunted painting. Someone opened the door for you, and you stepped through the entrance to an empty hall. You assumed they were in the dining room already, waiting for you.

As you walked there, you noticed an unusual silence of guards and other employees. Most people at least said hi to you as you walked by, but there was nothing tonight. Every face you passed was buried in paperwork or their phones, looking worried. When you finally arrived to the dining room, you walked into an unusual silence. There were quite a few guards that you hadn’t recognized, one specific one watching you intently as you greeted your family and sat in between your dad and Matt.

“Thank you for finally gracing us with your presence, princess,” Matt grumbled, raising his eyebrows in discontent as he shifted in his chair.

“I’m like, five minutes late dude, can you relax?” You protested, crossing your arms in frustration and avoiding looking at him.

“Guys, please don’t do this, not tonight for God’s sake,” your father interjected, his teeth tightly clenched together as he stared daggers at the two of you. His forehead was sweating, and his nails were bitten down to the point of bleeding. It had been almost two weeks since you’d last seen him, but he was not like this before. Something was happening, and you felt your stomach turn as you looked around the rest of the table and realized you were the only one out of the loop.

“What is happening with everyone right now?” You looked at your dad first, hoping he would step in and explain the obvious elephant in the room.

“Someone is trying to kill us all,” your little brother, Charlie, blurted out. He was young, only ten, and clearly didn't understand the gravity of the situation.

“Jesus, Charlie, way to freak her out,” your sister yelped, pushing him slightly.

“Charlie, Dani, both of you shut up!” Your mom yelled, slamming her fists down on the table loudly and making you all jump.

“Everyone, relax, okay,” your dad instructed calmly. It used to be you, mediating every fight and solving every issue. But you couldn’t do it anymore, and your dad knew. He needed to step up and fix the shattered remnants of your family. Unfortunately, that was a harder job than being the president.

“There have been some… issues, with this radical group based in Virginia. I get threats all the time, but, they are threatening each of you now. And I’m not going to put up with that. So, there’s going to be some changes around here.”

“Yeah, go ahead and tell her about how we have to move back home,” Matt objected.

“What?”

“It’s only temporary, (Y/N). We are doing everything we can to catch the guys who are doing this. But for now it is safest for all of you to be home.”

“I have a life, Dad. I can’t give up everything because you did some things that pissed people off.”

“Don’t be so selfish, (Y/N), this is about all of us, not just you.” Your mom took a long sip of her wine and sat back in her chair, preparing for the yelling that was about to ensue.

“You all each have a personal bodyguard as well, with high levels of combat training. They will be with you all day, everywhere you go. At night there will be a rotated shift of guards outside your doors.”

“Oh, wonderful.”

“Aaron, why don’t you come meet my lovely daughter,” your father muttered, motioning to one of the men standing behind him. As you suspected, the man who had not taken his eyes off of you since you arrived took a few steps forward, nodding respectively at you.

“At least yours is hot,” your brother whispered to you, rolling his eyes.

“My name is Aaron Hotchner, and I will do everything I can to keep you safe.” He stuck his hand out to you, and you grabbed it reluctantly, shaking his hand lightly. His touch was gentle, but his hands were strong and large compared to yours. He definitely looked the part.

“What about my trip next week?” You questioned, turning away from Hotch and back to your dad. “I’m supposed to go do that college campus tour in California. I leave in two weeks.”

“We all think you should still take that trip, it’s only a few weeks and Aaron will be with you the entire time. I don’t think the jet is a good idea, though. We’re going to have you fly commercial.”

“First class, I hope?” Your brother and mom both collectively rolled their eyes, and you just ignored them and continued to stare at your dad, awaiting his answers.

“Of course, darling.” He smiled politely, hoping to end the conversation here and get on with dinner. You decided it wasn’t worth pressing it, seeing how clearly your dad was falling apart, you didn’t want to add anymore stress to him.

The rest of the dinner was uneventful, for a change. You all made small talk, caught up on work and school- pretty boring stuff. The whole time, you felt his eyes on you. When you looked at him, he dragged his eyes away slowly, as if pretending he wasn’t watching your every move. You weren’t sure why he kept looking away when you noticed him- it was his job to watch you. It was almost as if the thought of your eyes meeting scared him.

The most exciting part about a dinner with your family was when you could finally leave and go home- but tonight, unfortunately, you did not have that luxury. Your bedroom here was already prepared, and you always had a few spare pairs of clothes here. You knew there was no way you could convince any of them to let you go home.

And you definitely could not go out with your friends. But they were blowing up your phone, talking about their plans to go out to some new club with some amazing new party drug. You looked around the room nervously, trying to plan an escape somehow. There had to be a way, you basically had a PhD in sneaking out.

“Well, it’s getting late, I think it’s time for us to get Mr. Charles to bed!” Your dad teased, making funny faces at your brother, who just laughed in return. It was nice seeing him so full of joy, still loving life. He hadn’t hit the rough years, yet. You missed that feeling, the feeling of not knowing that every day, no matter what, would be miserable.

“Yeah, I’m gonna head out. Breakfast tomorrow, Dani?”

“Really,” she sat up, tilting her head in confusion. She was 16, now, and was more miserable than the rest of you. Being sixteen and living this life is utterly exhausting. She looked up to you highly, and you always paid her extra attention. You didn’t want her to end up like you.

“Of course.” You kissed her on the head and hugged your dad, not bothering to say goodbye to anyone else. You walked through the doors quickly, a reluctant Aaron Hotchner following close behind.

“I thought you left me alone at night.”

“Once you’re safe and I’ve secured you in your room, I can pass my duties to another guard. I don’t see you safe in your room.”

“Okay, dude, I got it,” you rolled your eyes, watching him get closer to you with every step. He was right beside you, now, your arms both at your sides, your hands accidentally bumping together as you walked. The moment his flesh touched yours, you felt your whole body fill with heat, your throat feeling tight as the forbidden flesh touched yours. That was the first time you knew you wanted him, the first time you felt like you could lose yourself in him. He smelled of strong coffee and vanilla, pulling you in like a flower shop in a Spring day.

You stayed silent the rest of the walk, coming up to your bedroom door. “Honey is secure, send in the first shift.”

“Honey?”

“Code name.” He responded sternly.

“What does it mean?”

“I don’t… I don’t know. I just picked it when I saw your picture.” He seemed caught off guard, as if nobody had asked him that question before. You were pretty sure nobody had a codename like Honey.

You saw the other guard approaching, and Aaron seemed to relax a little as he saw the man. This man was a lot younger, and you didn’t feel nearly as protected with him. Which was probably why he was the night guard, and perfect for your plan. Aaron and the other man spoke secretly for a moment, before he turned and walked away without saying goodnight. You felt a little hurt, but also knew that it was his job to protect you, not to get close with you.

You went into your room and closed the door behind you, praying to God you had something cute to wear somewhere here. You searched around the closet, pulling garments off of hangers in frustration. Luckily you found an old dress that somehow still fit. You wiggled your way into it and fixed your hair a bit, hoping the low light of the club would cover for your bare face. You threw a robe on top of everything and shoved your heels into each pocket. You realized it was still pretty early, and decided to work on your presentation for your college tours.

You were pretty proud of your program actually. You had created a program for colleges to help get students to care more about politics, helping them to register to vote, understand laws and policies, amongst a million other things. It ended up being very successful, and your dad even credited you for helping him to win the presidency. Most of your life felt like you were stuck inside the darkest cloud to ever exist- but when you were working on this, doing your presentations for people just like you… it gave you something to live for. It was one of the few reasons you had to keep going, in all honesty.

And by the time you looked up at the clock, it was already almost 11, and your friends were on their way to the secret exit to pick you up. Yeah, there were plenty of hidden exit spots around the building that weren’t patrolled. You and Matt pretty much discovered that the first day you moved in here. You let your friends know that you’d be out soon, and you got yourself ready to go. You quietly opened the door to see the guard standing silently, turning towards you when he heard the noise.

“Hey, super sorry, my mom just texted me to come to her room. I’ll be right back!” You smiled confidently, closing the door and trying to start walking before he questioned you.

“I should probably go with you,” he requested.

“Oh, no, it’s fine. There’s a million of you guys on the way to her room. Plus, what if someone tries to sneak in my room. How will you know?”

“Oh… alright,” he muttered, awkwardly. “Just don’t take too long.”

You nodded in agreement and skipped down the hallway, people stopping to look at you momentarily before ultimately deciding they had something more important to do than worry about you. When you got to the back secret staircase, you dropped your robe and slipped your heels. Your friends were waiting for you at the door, greeting you with squeals and hugs.

“The uber is right outside the gate, let’s go!” One of them said, sprinting to the exit. You all followed quickly, laughing and twirling in the warm summer air. That was weirdly easy. You had never had such an easy time getting out. You slowed down a bit, your friends brushing past you. Something felt off. But right now, you were out, and you could at least enjoy it while it lasts. You shook your negativity off and ran to catch up with them, exiting the gate and running up the street. You stopped at your Uber and slid into the back with two others. When the doors were all closed and the car started moving, your friend in the passenger seat turned around with a handful of small blue pills.

“Have one!”

“What is it?”

“It’s a whole lot of fun, that I know for sure.” He raised his eyebrows goofily, giggling as you shrugged and took a pill. You washed it down with a swig of vodka from someone’s flask. You winced at the sharp taste of the alcohol, feeling it burning your throat and descending into your stomach.

The music on the radio was bumping loudly, each beat of the bass shaking the car. You felt everyone moving around you so quickly, but you were frozen. Your body wouldn’t move. You didn’t feel scared, though. You almost felt that if you couldn’t move, if all you could do was just sit there and listen, no one could possibly hurt you anymore. You were finally safe.

But then a hand touched yours, and the reality of your pause in time came crashing down. Your whole body jerked, and you snapped back to reality to see your friend trying to drag you from the car and into the club. She hadn’t even noticed your temporary disconnect from reality, or if she did, she didn’t care. She, just like all of you, just wanted to party. The last thing you wanted was to come face to face with your problems.

The club was dark and smoky, blurring the faces of those around you, everyone just becoming silhouettes of themselves. Someone passed you something to smoke, and you took a drag without hesitation. You got swept up into the crowd, your body moving with theirs like seaweed in a flowing ocean. Your feet were attached to the ground, but your body floated as if the wind was carrying it in her hands. Someone came up behind you, wrapping their hands around your waist and tracing their lips up your neck. Their body moved in sync with yours, the universe holding you together like a moon to it’s orbiting planet.

“Shots!” A voice nearby called. You instinctively recognized the voice, and trailed off to find the rest of your friends passing around a bottle. You joined excitedly, wrapping your arms around one of them and reaching for the bottle. You took a long swig, not even tasting the overpriced tequila, just letting it pour straight down your throat and into your body. The walls around you turned into stained glass, the sunlight pouring in a shining a beautiful rainbow of light on the crowd around you. You remembered the blue pill you took in the car, and felt happy. He was right, this was a whole lot of fun.

The music picked up a bit, and you felt each beat pulsing through your body as if it were your own heartbeat. You dragged a person from your group out to the dance floor, needing to move your body. Luckily the rest of the group followed, dancing with you, the blue pills pulling you all into the same universe. You loved moments like this, where you lost yourself, where you couldn’t even remember what real life was like even if you tried. The thought of that scared a lot of people, and you understood why. For many people, their reality was way better than anything a drug could create for them. But for some people, and for you, you needed to disappear into another existence in order to survive.

You had no idea how long you had been dancing, it felt like only seconds but your body felt like it had been moving for hours. You were still slightly lost in your mind, the drug slowly wearing off and bringing you down to the harsh reality of the come down. You felt a hand grab tightly onto your wrist, and you yelped. You couldn’t see who it was, but they were tugging at you harshly, and you couldn’t resist much longer. Your body was tired and weak, and this man was strong. You finally felt yourself moving through the people and towards the exist, still no sight of who had their hands locked to you.

If you someone snuck out and died, your dad would be so pissed. You started feeling scared, not enough drugs left in you to block out the reality of the situation. You panicked, trying to pull your hand away and scream. But no one noticed, everyone was lost in their own universes, completely away from reality, where you needed them. That was the downfall of this lifestyle, of course. Sometimes people could lose themselves a little too much.

You managed to get pulled out the door, the fresh air smacking you harshly right in the face. You felt dizzy, the lights of the city around you spinning wildly. You sat down on the pavement, pulling whoever took you out down with you. You tried to look up at him, but felt queasy when you moved your head.

“Just take a deep breathe,” a man whispered, placing his hand on your back and rubbing slowly. “Here’s some water.” He handed you an opened bottle, your fingers touching lightly and instantly making you feel better. His touch was almost healing, like he was pulling the pain right out of you. The longer he kept his hand on you, the better you felt. You sipped slowly on the water, the cold liquid flowing through you and cleansing your body.

“We need to get going,” he instructed, pulling at your arm to get up.

“Hotchner,” you muttered, finally realizing the mystery man that was stealing you away into the night.

“It’s Aaron.”

“I don’t like that. Doesn’t fit. I do like Hotch-” you hiccuped. “Hotch, actually, that’s pretty bad ass.” You giggled loudly, Hotch helping you into the front seat of the car and buckling you in. He went around the front and got into the drivers seat, starting the car with a grunt.

“How did you find me?”

“How long do you think Cooper would’ve waited until he realized you weren’t with your mom.”

“That’s not what I asked,” you sat up, taking a deep breath and looking over at the man. “I knew you’d realize I was gone. How did you find me?”

Hotch moved his lips uncomfortably, his eyes shifting back and forth.

“Why would you go out when you know how much danger you’re in? You’re an extremely intelligent woman on paper, (Y/N), but you are clearly so incredibly stupid.”

You gasped in awe, your heart racing and heat flushing to your cheeks. You were blushing like a strawberry, digging your nails into your palms to refrain yourself from screaming at him, or punching him, or just getting out of the car at the next red light.

“You don’t know anything about me, Aaron. Don’t pretend you know me from reading a few of my daddy’s notes.” You sat back in exhaustion, feeling your eyes fill with tears. You willed yourself to not cry in front of him, to hold it together until you were alone. The last person you wanted to break down in front of was him.

“We’re stopping somewhere, before we get you home.” His voice was calmer this time, clearly realizing you were upset. He didn’t look at you the rest of the ride, staring ahead at the road, focusing intently on the cars around him. You recognized the street as he started to park, realizing you were at your apartment.

“What are we doing here?” You muttered in confusion, looking around at the familiar buildings.

“Let’s go inside.”

He turned the car off and got out, walking around to you and opening your door. You reluctantly got out, and walked slowly to the front door of your building. You realized quickly you didn’t have your keys, and turned to him. As if he read your mind, he held up your keys in his hand and nodded at you. He walked to the door and typed in the code to unlock it, revealing the lobby of your apartment building. You were on the second floor, and the two of you walked slowly up the stairs to your place. He continued to stay silent as he unlocked your apartment door, opening it hastily as he braced himself to walk into your place. He shuttered uncomfortably as he stepped inside.

“Can you tell me why we’re here now?” You insisted, shutting the door loudly behind you and locking it. You were still feeling kind of uneasy, and needed to reassurance of a locked door if someone happened to come look for you here.

“Get your things. Everything you need.” He crossed his arms, a look of authority overcoming him. You realized now that he was dressed down- wearing only a t-shirt and jeans. His arms looked stunning in the cut off sleeves, the nicely displayed muscles in plain view.

“Why… why do I need my things?”

“Because, you’ve lost your privileges to privacy. Since you want to act out, you no longer have your own place. Take everything you need and say goodbye, because we’re not coming back here again.” He had raised his voice quite loudly, his arms uncrossed and at his sides. He had gotten closer to you as he spoke, now only a foot or so away from you.

“Excuse me? Who the hell do you think you are?”

“I am trying to protect you. Do you not care at all about your own life, or your families? You are being incredibly selfish, you know that. You have an amazing family that loves you, millions of people around the country that adore you. If something happened to you, the world would be devastated, and yet you are so reckless with your life? It’s… I truly don’t get it, (Y/N).”

You stood in awe, unsure of what to say to him. You felt like a thousand pound weight just dropped on your chest. No one had ever spoken to you like that before, especially not someone who was hired to protect you. You stepped away from him, stumbling over your steps as you rested yourself against the wall.

“What… what about you?” You muttered, looking up at him. “You want to talk about recklessness with life? You don’t know me, or care about me at all, and you’re here ready and willing to die to protect me. Don’t you think that’s a little fucked up? Or, what is it, Hotch? Do you have a hero complex?” You cocked your head at him, grinning. Your moment of sadness had passed, and now you were pissed. Nobody talked to you that way. And now you wanted to piss him off.

“No, you’ve got me all wrong sweetheart,” he chuckled, walking closer and closer to you until he was inches away and you were completely backed against the wall. He moved his arms to the base of his shirt and ripped it over his head, revealing an unsurprisingly ripped body. He had multiple scars across his chest and abdomen.

“I’ve been in and out of foster homes my whole life. Switched schools constantly so I never had many friends. Went right into the Marines after high school and kept to myself for the most part there, too. I have no one, (Y/N). If I die, nobody would blink an eye. If you die, the whole country would shut down. Do you see these?” He pointed to his scars, touching them gently as if taking a moment to remember each one. “I’ve taken bullets for many before, and I’ll do it for you if I have to, Honey. That’s why I do this. I’m not reckless with my life. I have no one, no life outside of this. I can give up that to protect someone like you.”

His hand was resting on the wall behind your head, his body towering over you. He was breathing heavy, trying to relax himself.

“That is so…” you took a deep breath, bringing your hand up to his flesh and tracing your fingers over his scars. You gently circled the rough skin, watching him look down in confusion as you touched him. “Incredibly sad.” You looked up at him, meeting his eyes as your hand still pressed against his bare chest. “I’m so sorry nobody has made your life feel worth it. You don’t deserve that,” you whispered, your face only inches from his. You realized now the vanilla scent that rolled so deliciously off of him was his cologne, because it was much stronger as you got closer to the base of his neck.

“We need to get out of here. Get you home.” He muttered, turning away from you harshly, and looking around to find his shirt.

“I’m… I didn’t mean to upset you, Hotch.”

“It’s Aaron,” he barked, his eyes filled with fury as he scrambled around for his missing clothes.

“Why don’t we just get my things tomorrow? I promise I’ll stay in the rest of the night.”

“You won’t have the chance to sneak out again, I can promise you that.” He said sternly, putting his shirt on quickly and heading for the door. You followed quietly behind him, your head racing and your body flushing from being so close to him just moments ago. He ushered you into the car quickly and slammed the door behind you. His energy had changed so dramatically from moments ago, but you were still feeling so drawn to him.

You remembered the way his bare skin felt to your touch. Even one small brush on your fingertips against his flesh made him melt, as if he couldn’t remember the last time somebody had touched him with such pure intentions.

He was driving quite recklessly back to the big house, not saying a word as you stared silently ahead, replaying the moment over and over in your head. You wanted to say something, trying to come up with the right words to handle this situation. But your brain came up empty, and you continued to stay silent the rest of the drive home.

Hotch parked the car in the garage, sitting back in his seat for a moment as if he wanted to get something off his chest before going in. “You’re lucky I didn’t tell anyone you’d snuck out. I’ll cover for you this time, but don’t count on it if it happens again.”

“I’m sorry I made you come get me,” you whispered, fully realizing how dumb and selfish your actions were. He was right, you were reckless with your life. But you’d never really cared about it, or even thought about it, until now.

“That was, um,” he shifted, clearing his throat. “That was unprofessional of me to talk to you that way. I apologize.”

“No… I… you were right. I kind of needed to hear it. And, again, I’m sorry that you feel the way you do.” You slowly reached your hand out and grabbed onto his, your delicate hand resting gracefully amongst his strong, tired ones. It was almost comical, the difference in the sizes.

Your fingers intertwined in his, your palms meeting as you sat silently in the car. You looked up at him, his eyes staring deeply at your hand in his. His thumb grazed gently over your skin, his silent way of acknowledging your touch. You knew, in that moment, that your feelings towards each other were the same. There was an undeniable chemistry between the two of you, despite every element working against a relationship. And you both knew that. It could never work, and nothing could ever happen.

He tore his hand away with haste and looked out the window, refusing to verbally acknowledge the moment you just shared. One of many moments you had shared since you met.

“You need to get inside before anyone else realizes you’re gone. Cooper is inside the door. I’ll see you in the morning.” He refused to look at you, his body backed up into the door as far away as he could get himself. You nodded silently and opened your door, getting out onto the concrete and beginning to walk to the door. You turned back to look at him, and he was watching you, as always.

“I want to make sure you get in safe,” he muttered through the cracked window of his car door.

“Thank you, Hotch.” You smiled at him, and were hoping to catch a grin from him, too. But he didn’t seem like the type of man to smile very often, and this definitely wasn’t the right moment. He continued to watch you until you got in the door, an angry Cooper ready to lecture you as he walked you back to your room. You did your best to ignore his taunts, your mind still on Hotch.

You fell asleep quickly after you got back to your room, your body craving the healing powers of sleep. Your dreams were fluttered with thoughts of him, his touch. You could not even escape him in your solitude, your soul, your subconscious, was so encapsaleted by him. They would not let you forget him, even if your slumber.

You finally woke up around eleven the next morning, confused and dehydrated, your head throbbing. You clearly had a wicked hangover, and were still feeling pretty laggy from the drugs the night before. You crawled slowly out of bed and into your connecting bathroom, sticking your head under the sink and slurping down faucet water like a child on a hot summer day. The cool taste felt refreshing on your throat, but the minute it hit your throat you felt nauseous. You clipped your hair back so it was away from your face, which was still rocking last night's makeup. You finally opened the door of your room to a different man, one you hadn’t recognized.

Seeing a stranger made you startled, especially standing right outside of your room. You instinctively wanted to call for Hotch, pleading for him to come sweep you off your feet and save you. But, there was nothing to save you from, as this man was just the third shift night guard. He confirmed that when he muttered, “Honey has left her room. Send in A3.”

You waited for him to greet you, say anything at all, but he stood silent and waited for him commanding guard to relieve of him his duties. You started to walk towards the kitchen, the nausea you were facing earlier now turned to hunger. You were stopped by his arm, blocking you from going any further.

“You have to wait until he gets here, Miss.”

“Right, sorry.” He had already turned away, you weren’t even sure if he had heard your apology. You didn’t know how long you’d have to wait until Hotch came and released you from your prison cell, so you scrolled through instagram in annoyance as you waited.

“Good morning, it’s wonderful of you to join the living. Long night last night?” Hotch was smirking at you, a look of contempt as he clearly saw the misery of the previous night sweating right out of you. His mood clearly changed to despising you, again. And if that’s how he wanted to play things this morning, you were happy to play right along with him.

“Not all of us have no life at all, Aaron. Sometimes people, ya know, do things.” You rolled your eyes as you walked passed him quickly, trying to get down to the kitchen before all the food was gone.

“Not all of us have death threats hanging over our heads, either,” he snapped back, his voice sharp and stern. “Where are you going, (Y/N)?”

“Breakfast. I’m hungry,” you shrugged, continuing to walk fast and not get too close to him. Everything felt so hot and cold, you honestly had no idea what he was feeling. The times where you were close, where you felt him, it was so genuine. You knew there was a chemistry between you. But his anger towards you also felt so real. If he was somehow faking, if it was an act or a defense mechanism for his true feelings, he was doing an incredible job.

“All the food is gone. They won’t be back till lunch in another hour.” His smirk came back, as if he was excited by the idea that you now couldn’t eat. “We could go get food, though. If you’d like. If you can’t wait.”

“Yeah, that’s a great idea actually. There’s a little diner right near my place that has the best chocolate chip pancakes I have ever had.” Your thoughts were racing, the idea of delicious food filling your brain. You did that, sometimes, just lost yourself in your thoughts or an idea. You caught him smiling, maybe at you, maybe at just a passing thought. But the feeling of him watching you, seeing your beauty, and smiling. It made your heart race.

“Let’s get to the car, we don’t wanna be gone too long. You’ve got a lot to prepare for your trip coming up.” Hotch motioned towards the stairs, and you remembered the current state of your wardrobe and stopped in your tracks.

“I can’t go looking like this… I mean, this is bad,” you laughed, pointing at your messy hair and smudged mascara.

“Maybe nobody will recognize you if you look that… well…” he chuckled, raising a brow as he looked you up and down.

“Well that’s a little rude.” You both laughed together until silence ultimately fell on the room. You felt like there was more to be said, but you weren’t sure what. You stood still, waiting for some instruction on what to do next. Why was it that you could never figure out what to do with yourself in situations like this?

“I think you look beautiful,” he observed, a slight comical tone to his voice. But the way he looked at you, the way he said it, for a slight moment, it felt real. His words felt real. And you would lose yourself in the chaos of it all if you had to spend every day decoding his words, trying to figure out what is real, what is truly him, and what is a facade. You couldn’t fall for him, you couldn't put yourself through that. But each moment with him drew you in more and more, you almost felt that you would be unable to escape him if things went any further, if the small flirtatious comments and slight forbidden touches when you were alone.

“Let’s get to the car, go get you something to eat,” he instructed, beginning to walk away. You followed him close behind, not sure why you craved the security of him so much. It was his job, but he really did make you feel safe. You followed him down the garage silently, and hoped into the passenger seat of his SUV.

“Where are we going?” He asked, trying to program the address into the GPS. He looked up at you for an answer, his eyes wide and childlike, the simple act of asking you for assistance making you melt.

“Uh, Ruby Street Diner,” you stuttered, watching his hands diligently as he typed in the address. He turned on the radio and started driving, and you stared eagerly out the window as you drove. You weren’t sure, but you could’ve sworn you heard him humming with the music. It was those little things that reminded you he was still human, and that was the last thing he was supposed to do. The more human he became, the more he showed you of himself, the harder it would be for you to walk away.

The drive was silent, but you didn’t mind it. It didn’t feel awkward. Neither of you had anything to say, and sometimes that’s okay. You watched him out of the corner of his eye, watching his face, the way he studied the world around him. Sometimes it seemed like he saw everything, like he saw you watching him. If he knew, he didn’t care. He would glance over at you ever minute or so, maybe to just check if you’re still safe, still breathing. Maybe because he, too, was wondering how he could walk away from you.

He parked his car on the street across from the diner, and checked his pockets and gun before turning the car off. He looked around him, checking for anything suspicious and out of the ordinary. He clearly didn’t see anything to worry him much, because he opened the door quickly after and got out of the car. He walked to your side and opened your door, checking for oncoming cars as he did so. You were used to people opening doors for you, but something about him holding it open and grabbing your hand as you stepped out of the large truck was hot.

You walked into the diner and were quickly seated at a small booth in the corner, per his request. It was never a good idea to be in the center of the scene, he said. You nodded in understanding, looking around at the crowd, which wasn’t anything to be worried about. The scene at a diner at noon on a Thursday was never very eventful.

“Thanks for taking me out,” you whispered, your eyes lazily scrolling over the menu even though you already had your heart set on those chocolate chip pancakes.

“It’s my number one duty to make sure you are safe and satisfied.”

“Satisfied? I don’t feel like that’s really a part of your job description.”

“Of course it is. If you’re unhappy, angry, sad- you’re more likely to rebel, lash out, sneak out.” He chuckled softly, taking a sip of the hot coffee the waitress just poured for you both. You ordered your food, and Hotch ordered some wheat toast and a fruit bowl. You rolled your eyes at his order, knowing you were about to stuff your face.

“So, are you saying the only reason I go to party is because I’m unhappy?”

“I don’t want to make any assumptions about your life. It’s just, in my experience, people turn to that life if they aren’t satisfied with their normal existence.”

“Is anybody happy with their normal existence?” You questioned, sighing loudly as you sat back in the booth. He watched you for a moment, his eyes paying special attention to your rising chest as you started breathing heavily. He set his arm down on the table, laying his palm out as he looked up at you.

You stared at his exposed hand, a sudden remembering of your fingers intertwined in his car last night. He needed your touch, then. He needed a pull back to humanity, a remembrance that nobody is truly alone in this life. And now, you needed it. You needed somebody to hold your hand. And he knew.

You reluctantly placed your arm down on the table, looking around at the people in the place. No one was even paying the slightest attention to you. A rare moment where nobody cared who you were, or what you were doing. Your fingers moved towards his, and you grabbed on to him slowly. It was a slight touch, nothing that would be noticeable to anybody passing by. But it was enough for both of you. It was enough to mean something.

“I would like to think that everybody has a chance to be happy. It’s just a matter of finding your happiness.” His fingers moved closer to yours, his thumb slightly rubbing your fingers. You felt like you couldn’t breathe, his illicit touch sending sparks through your whole body.

“Alright, you guys ready to eat?” Your waitress cheerily interrupted, causing you to both instinctively rip your hands away and put them at your sides. It didn’t appear that she noticed anything but your heart was still racing and you could tell his was, too.

You ate your food quickly, avoiding eye contact with him as he nibbled on pieces of toast. You only seemed to have two types of moments with him; ones where neither of you could think of any words, or ones where words flowed out of you like a poet. You felt like you could tell him anything, but at the same time you were afraid to say anything.

“I think we should go,” he quietly muttered after you had finally finished a majority of your food.

“Um.. is everything okay?”

“This… this is really bad, Honey. What is happening now. It cannot be happening. I apologize for any inappropriate actions I’ve made since we’ve met. I would offer to step down and let someone else take this roll but I spent weeks training on how to protect you, and I don’t think you’d be safe with anyone else. I hope that’s okay with you.”

You stared at him in awe, a sick feeling overcoming your stomach. You shook your head for a moment, trying to think of the right words to respond with. He was right, this was stupid, and an extremely self destructive act. Besides, nothing had even really happened, and it was probably way better to shut things down now before it went any further. So much of you didn’t want it to end, didn’t want to not know what a life with him could be like. But you thought about your family, your life, and knew it wasn’t smart, or safe.

“You’re right, um, yeah. That's okay. I think it’s smart to keep you on, especially with the trip coming up.”

He nodded in agreeal, pushing his food away in disgust. You wondered if he felt just as sick as you did, just as heartbroken and miserable as you were. You knew one thing, for sure. That he was just as lonely and disappointed in life as you were. He was living in the same boat you were, and maybe that’s why you connected so easily. Sharing a common pain, it was easy to feel drawn to him. But you had to draw the line, as terrible as it was.

“Let’s go back home.”

The next few weeks went by uneventfully. There was nothing new to report on Hotch, or Aaron, as he now insisted you called him. There were no passing glances, no secret touches. You had both controlled yourself, and it was much easier than you thought. You were starting to wonder if the attraction was all circumstance, and there was nothing of real sustenance to your ‘relationship’. His touch still existed in your dreams, though. That was one place where you couldn’t control your thoughts. Every morning when you woke up, the thought of you in his dreams made you wonder.

Today was the day you finally left your trip, and you were flying out to San Francisco now. You sat eagerly in the airport, a crowd of men surrounding you, Aaron sitting at your side. He would accompany you in first class, and the rest of your night guards would scatter around coach to keep an eye on anyone suspicious. You had your headphones in, trying to distract yourself from the upcoming flight. You were quite a nervous flyer, and you were feeling exceptionally overwhelmed today. You couldn’t wait to get seated and have a drink, something to calm your nerves.

You were leaving pretty late, and would arrive pretty late as well. When you got in, you were all going straight to the hotel and preparing for your first presentation tomorrow. You boarded quickly, being one of the first allowed to get on the plane. Aaron held on to your carry on bags, and his, and followed you into the cabin. The rest of your guards stayed behind until it was their turn to board. Luckily, nobody had seemed to notice or recognize you on the flight, yet. You were hoping it would stay that way, as you were utterly exhausted and weren’t in the mood for small talk with a stranger today.

“You all buckled in?” Aaron asked as he placed your bags in the overhead storage bin.

“Yep, all safe and secure officer,” you giggled, leaning your head back in the large seat.

“Sounds good,” he smiled, taking his seat next to you and buckling himself in. You sat and scrolled through your phone mindlessly as the rest of the plane boarded, watching your night guards pass you by and give Aaron a slight thumbs up when they passed each other. You faked your way through listening to the emergency instructions, pleasing Aaron as he urged you to pay attention. The plane finally started moving and you settled into your seat, your nails digging into your palms as you prepared for the ascent.

Going up was always terrifying, but what you weren’t expecting was the turbulence as you headed into the sky. There was a storm coming in, and the pilot mentioned it might be bumpy until you get high enough. The shakiness was torture, but an unexpected drop in altitude made you jump and latch onto Hotch’s hand in instinct. Your fingers were locked with his, squeezing tight as the plane leveled out and you caught your breath.

“Sorry about that, folks,” the pilot spoke over the intercom, his voice light and cheery as if nothing just happened. “Should be clearing out of this storm in a minute or so. Keep buckled.”

You looked over to him, your hand still clutched in his, your heart finally coming to a normal rhythm. He was staring down at your hands, the remembrance of your touch sending him somewhere he was desperately avoiding.

“I’m… it was an accident, Aaron. I’m sorry,” you mumbled, trying to pull your hand from his, but his grip was locked around you.

“Nervous flyer?” He joked.

“Yes. I hate it.”

“I fly all the time,” he assured, your hand still in his. “You know you’re more likely to die in a car than a plane?”

“I’m not so much nervous about dying as I am getting stranded on an island like Lost.”

“Weren’t they all dead in the end, anyways?”

“I never got that far, but that still doesn’t sound ideal. The whole point of death is to not have to deal with life anymore.”

Your hands were still linked together, his thumb now tracing circles on the back of your hand. His leg moved closer to you until you were touching, the closest you two could possibly get while sitting in a plane. It was in that moment that you realized whatever you had been trying to avoid with him was no longer unavoidable. You had reached a new level of intimacy, a door was opened that could not be closed.

“Aaron…”

“I don’t like that. I like Hotch,” he teased, his eyes twinkling as they met the dim overhead lights of the plane.

“Hotch… are you sure you want to keep touching me?”

His eyes widened at your voice, and he instinctively ripped away his hand and pulled his leg from you. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to gather a thought.

“Do you want a drink?” You asked, trying to change the subject.

“I can’t, I’m working.” He turned forward and looked at the stared at the screen on the back of the seat. You decided not to say anymore, clearly realizing the moment had passed and there was nothing left to be said.

A flight attendant came by shortly after and you finally got your well deserved drink. Hotch stayed silent, watching you sip the forbidden liquid and get slightly more calm with every sip. You had two more before finally falling asleep, the exhaustion of anxiety taking over. You woke up when you felt your ears pop as the plane began descending. You bolted up with alarm, Hotch watching you quietly. You couldn’t remember if he looked over at you after you woke up, or if he had been watching while you slept.

“We’ll be landing soon.”

“Can I have some gum?” You motioned to your ears, cringing in pain. Hotch handed you a stick of mint gum from his bag, which you chewed happily as you watched your descent into the night. The lights from the city were beautiful, and you felt extremely happy to be back doing what you love, in one of your favorite cities. You had always wanted to move here, but your father would’ve had a heart attack if you weren’t within 20 minutes of him.

The plane landed on the ground with a jolt, shaking you awake. You looked to Hotch, who was already turning his phone on to inform your family that you had landed safely. He spoke swiftly to your dad, assuring him that he would let him know when we arrived at the hotel. You watched his every move, the way his lips moved with such assurity at every word he spoke. He knew you, everything about you, truly. He was the one person in the world that was 100% dedicated to you. He would die for you. Holy shit. Maybe you had a bit too much to drink.

“You ready to go?”

“Uh, yeah, let’s.” You stood up quickly, without paying attention, and slammed your head right on the overhead. “Shit,” you groaned, holding on to your forehead in pain.

“Oh man,” Hotch mumbled, grabbing your waist and pulling you close to him. He reached his hand to your forehead and ran his thumb over the bump. He moved his hand down to your cheek, and looked down into your eyes.

“It’s a little red, but I think you’ll be okay,” he whispered, his lips dangerously close to yours.

“That’s good,” you mumbled, the tip of your nose brushing against his. You had placed your hand to his chest, playing with the buttons on the hem of his shirt.

He pulled away from you suddenly, shaking his head and taking a breath. He opened up the overhead and pulled out the bags, not looking at you once again. You felt your legs shaking, your heart beating, and your center throbbing at the thought of his lips. It took all of your strength to not pull him back to you and kiss him. But you couldn’t, not here, anyway.

You followed Hotch off the plane and stood at the gate for the rest of your men. Hotch didn’t say a word to you, only waited in authority for his men to meet him. He was their leader, they did everything he said. Watching him boss them around was kind of sexy, and you felt your body aching more and more for him. Finally the rest of your team came out and met up with you.

“I want you guys to wait for Honey’s bags then meet us back at the hotel. There will be cars waiting. I want her out of here as fast as possible, so we’re leaving now. Are we clear?” He nodded at them in clarification, and they all nodded back in agreement. They began walking towards baggage claim, and you followed Hotch the opposite direction.

“Where are we going?”

“Secret exit, there’s a car waiting for us there.” He walked steadily at your side, weaving through crowds and shielding you from oncoming people. A few people glanced to your direction with curiosity, most likely thinking “I know that girl from somewhere.” But Hotch rushed you out too quickly for anyone to fully remember you. You passed behind a guarded door, Hotch flashing his badge to the guards as they nodded at him and opened doors. You were rushed down a flight of stairs and out a back door, into the California night air. And as Hotch said, a black SUV with a driver you didn’t recognize was waiting for you.

“Who’s that?”

“One of my old men,Derek, a good friend. It’s not safe for me to be driving here. We're in good hands with him, though.”

Derek rolled down the window and greeted Hotch, a large smile of the man's face. “Nice to meet you, Miss. (Y/N). Welcome to my ride,” he laughed. Hotch opened the door for you and you stepped in the back, him following close behind. Derek started the car and began driving, flashing Hotch’s badge as you went through various gates to get back on the road. The partition was up in the car, blocking Derek’s eyes and ears from you and Hotch. You weren’t sure why he had it up, as most of your drivers usually leave it down until asked. Maybe he just assumed you would be having a confidential conversation or something, right?

“Thanks for getting me out safe, Hotch,” you teased, placing your hand playfully on his shoulder.

“Of course, Honey.” He turned towards you, his head tilted as he looked down to you. He rested his hand on your thigh, his thumb teasing your exposed flesh. You shivered at his touch, his hands cold against the warmth of your inner thigh. His fingers continued to trail up your flesh, toying with you as they moved slowly to where you craved him most. You moved your hips awkwardly, trying to get closer to him, trying to get him closer to you.

He started to play with the hem of your underwear, his thumb grabbing onto the fabric and brushing against your flesh. His other fingers slowly began to touch you, moving rhythmically over your clit. You sighed in relief, finally getting the much needed pleasure. You wanted more, you would’ve straddled him right then and there. But he quickly took his hand away, leaving you defeated and unsatisfied. You turned to him with a frown, only to find a smug grin plastered on his face.

“Later, Honey.” He whispered, his eyes locked on yours. You nodded, excitement overtaking you as you thought of what could happen next. You turned back forward and straightened yourself out, trying to catch your breath.

The rest of the drive was torture, craving someone so close. You didn’t know how much longer you could hold yourself together. Right as you were starting to convince yourself to just kiss him, you finally pulled up to the hotel. Derek parked in the entrance and got out of the car to open your door. He opened Hotch’s side, first, and shook his hand as he exited the car. You got out after him, declining for him to walk around and open your door, as well. Hotch had already grabbed the few bags you did have and was holding on to them tightly. You thanked Derek for driving you and assured him you would see him tomorrow. Hotch and him said their goodbyes, and then you followed him into the lobby of the hotel. You stayed behind as he checked you in, not trying to look too conspicuous.

Hotch walked back over to you and flashed the room keys. “Let’s get to your room, get you settled.”

You followed him to the elevator, which was an awkwardly silent ride. You rode up to the top floor, where the Presidential suite was, no doubt. Your father always insisted you had the nicest room in the place. It was a bit much, in your opinion, but it wasn’t worth arguing with him about things like that. The elevator finally came to a halt and opened its doors. Hotch left first and you followed him down the hall to one of the suites.

“Alright, here you go,” he said, handing you your key and dropping your bags to the floor.

“Uh, are you leaving me?” You questioned, your eyes wide with confusion.

“Relax,” he chuckled. “I’m right across the hall. I’m just gonna change, I always feel so gross after a plane. Why don’t you get ready for bed and I’ll check on you in a few minutes?”

“Alright,” you grumbled, disappointed that your night with Aaron was clearly ending here.

You opened the door to your room and brought your bags in, Hotch waiting for your door to close until he went into his own room. You laid down with a huff on the bed, sulking into the covers in frustration. What a fucking tease, you thought. You shook your head in anger and jumped off the bed, willing yourself to relax a bit before tomorrow.

You changed out of your clothes, stripping completely naked and throwing on your silk robe before you got in the shower. You started unpacking your toiletries, placing your obnoxiously expensive hair and skin care in the shower, ready for you to use at your convenience. You searched in frustration for your toothbrush, tossing things around your bags as you looked. You felt like you’d been searching for a half hour when a knock on the door through you from your search.

You stood up uncomfortably, realizing you were almost naked. You looked around for clean clothes, but were worried if you didn’t answer the door immediately one of those big-head guards would knock the door down. You groaned loudly and ran to the door, hoping to god you weren’t too exposed.

Hotch was standing in the doorway, a filthy grin on his face as you opened the door. You backed away from the door and he walked in, closing and locking the door behind him. He walked up to you, his body inches away from yours. He grabbed on to the sash of your robe, pulling at the end so that the loose knot would come undone. The front of the robe spilled open, exposing your nude front. Hotch brought his hands to your shoulders and grabbed onto the robe, pulling it completely off your body.

He brought his hand up to your chest, slowly caressing your breast and toying with your nipple. He ripped his shirt over his head aggressively, and then wrapped his arms around your waist. He pulled your face close to his and kissed you, a much needed kiss full of desperation. His tongue invaded your mouth forcefully, his body taking complete and total control of yours. His lips tasted like scotch, which he clearly drank pretty quickly in his room before coming over. Maybe he needed the courage, or maybe he needed to take the edge off. Either way, the taste made you crave a drink.

You started to push away from the kiss, planning to run to the mini bar and grab a bunch of bottles for the two of you. Hotch just chuckled, grabbed onto your wrist and pushed you on the bed.

“Hotch, I want a drink,” you giggled, trying to evade his grip.

“Not now, Honey. Now you want me,” he ordered, biting his lip as he looked down at you.

“Yes, sir,” you teased, blowing Hotch a kiss. He moved down lower and spread your legs, looking at you with a hunger in his eyes. He spit aggressively on your pussy, and then dragged his tongue across your entirety. He was lapping at your clit sloppily, your body jerking with pleasure as he shoved two fingers inside of you. He started to focus more with the tip of tongue, his fingers moving in perfect rhythm, arching as they went inside to hit your spot.

“Fuck,” you squealed, arching your back as your body was overcome with pleasure.

“Are you gonna cum, sweetheart? Are you gonna cum for me?” He growled, pouting his lips as he looked up at you.

“Yes, keep doing that,” you stuttered. A satisfied smile came over his face, and he went back to eating you out. He focused on your clit, his tongue stimulating it in ways you’d never experienced before. Your body was almost shaking as you finally reached your climax, Hotch licking you up as you finished. You went limp, for a moment, trying to catch your breath from your high.

“Turn around,” he instructed, slapping your thigh.

“I need a sec,” you muttered.

“Now. Turn around, now.” His glare was intimidating, but you could still see a gleam of light in his eyes. The dominance was something you hadn’t experienced yet, but it was turning you on wildly. You nodded at him, getting on your knees and bending over. He slapped your ass with a force, making you yelp with an equal mix of pleasure and pain. You could hear him chuckle behind your back, already feeling your skin raising where he marked you.

You heard him unbuckling his pants, and you’d realized you hadn’t seen his dick yet. You wanted to be surprised, though. You wanted to experience him for the first time inside of you. You felt him placing himself at your entrance, the tip of his dick playing with you. He started to slowly slide in, and you were uncomfortably shocked by his size and girth. You winced as he fit all of himself inside of you, feeling his length overtaking your whole body. He was by far the biggest you’d ever experienced, and you were taking a second to adjust.

“Oh, poor Honey,” he chuckled. “Am I too much for you?”

“No, I can handle it,” you replied in defiance. “Fuck me, Aaron. Fuck me.”

He laughed again, taking your instruction to heart and pounding himself in and out of you, fast. It was too much at first, feeling like he was breaking you. He was so much bigger than you, he could literally overcome you. You felt his presence watching your ass as he fucked you, realizing now how hot it was that he was so big.

“You have such a tight little pussy, I fucking love it,” he moaned, his nails digging into the flesh on your hips. His pumps were getting sloppier, each thrust you could feel his body getting more tense. He was twitching inside of you, and finally you felt his warm release fill you up. He stayed inside you a moment, both of you catching your breath. He pulled himself out and sat on the edge of the bed. You turned around and laid flat, staring breathlessly at the ceiling.

You heard the sound of a phone, and you winced as the comfort of the silence was broken. Hotch stood up, his naked body glowing like a statue in the low light. You took in his body, examined it like a piece of art, remembered every bit. You never wanted to forget him. You didnt think you could.

Hotch grabbed his phone and answered quickly. “What’s going on?... Alright…. Sounds good.” He ended the call and set the phone done on the desk.

“Get dressed, make the bed,” he requested, rather harshly.

“Ugh, cmon Hotch, can I just have a second?” You groaned, flopping to your side in exhaustion.

“Do I need to ask again? Get up, put your clothes on and make the bed. Now!” He barked. He was already searching the ground for his clothes, trying to put himself back together after unraveling with you. You got up and did as you were told, putting your robe back on and searching for pants. You made the bed to the best of the ability, although it wasn't really your strong suit. You shrugged, apologetic as Hotch gave you a disappointed look when he looked at your work.

A knock on the door prevented Hotch from lecturing you on your cleaning skills. He ran to the door and opened it to reveal the rest of your guards. They dropped your bags off in the entryway and shared a few words with Hotch. He turned to you and started to talk.

“First shift will start now. I’ll see you in the morning?”

“Of course.”

Hotch grabbed his phone and dialed a number, holding it to his ear. He waited a few seconds before the person on the other end answered.

“It’s me. Honey is secure. I’ll check in in the morning.”

#aaron hotchner #hotchner #hotch #hotch x reader #aaron hotcner x reader #criminal minds

203 notes · View notes

dammitadolfnomorecake · 3 years

Text

Once Bitten, Twice Stupid prt 109

109

“Relax. It’s Mami”

Keith had forgotten how to walk. Like when you’re being examined by a doctor and they tell to you walk normally but in that exact moment you have no memory of this walking normally business

“It’s because it’s Mami. What’s if she hates me?”

Lance swatted Keith hand away from here he was trying make his jacket collar sit properly

“Dude, you are the son she always wanted. I’m the son she got stuck with”

“But I got her son pregnant. I took your virtue...”

“You mean you railed my arse into next year as you knocked me up? I’m pretty sure she knows how that first bit works”

Lance was stressing now they’d arrived. He’d been stressing picking them perfect flowers, the stressing when Keith had to pull over so he could throw up. He was nervous, Lance was stressed, this was going to go great

“Babe, you’re getting cranky”

“Because she’s my mum... do you know how I worked to sleep through not having this conversation?”

“I knew you were faking!”

“I’m weird enough... oh, god. I hope she doesn’t ask how I’m supposed to give birth. I don’t even know how it’s going to come out!”

Keith hung his head. They weren’t even out the car park and they were both acting like fools

“You wanted to see Mami. We’re going to see Mami”

Lance whined softly at him, tugging on Keith’s left arm

“I know... let me nervous”

“I’m nervous too. I’ve still got work after this an a fear I’m about to be orphaned again”

“Mami’s not going to keel over!”

“I didn’t say she would. I meant more like she’d boot me to the curb and take her walker to my head”

Lance nodded, an action that wasn’t exactly reassuring

“Babe!”

“What? I could see her doing that, but not to you”

“Your reassurance fills me with confidence”

“Mami loves you, it’ll be fiiiiiiine”

It was fine for Lance. He’d had 45 years with Mami. Keith also had the suspicion his boyfriend had jerked off in the shower. Lance didn’t usually take 10 minute showers, not unless they were fooling around. Having a vampire for a boyfriend did give him the advantage when it came to shower sex. None of this not so sexy freezing his arse off. He missed shower sex... Now Lance was dressed neatly in black skinny jeans, a white dress shirt and cardigan. Keith dressed also in black skinny leg jeans, though he wore a black button up shirt and his leather jacket... he kind of looked ready for his inevitable funeral.

Signing them in, Lance managed to spell his own name wrong. Starting with a “K” instead of an “L”. Yeah. This was going to be a long trip. He’d already walked into the doorframe, after pulling instead of pushing. Keith scrubbing his face with his hand in secondhand embarrassment, then feeling his stomach bottom out once they got to the sign in book. Lance didn’t seem to have noticed that Luis was signed in. Keith didn’t know if he could possibly keep his temper if Luis so much as breathed. Not with how protective of Lance he was feeling. He’d fucked up so badly, and was determined not to let Lance feel like that again.

Following Lance through the centre, Miriam was sitting at one of the activities tables playing cards with Luis and a man he didn’t recognise by name, but knew from his looks exactly who he was. Marco. The middle brother. Okay, so it might be wrong, but if Lance ever grew older he hoped he looked more like Marco than Luis

“Mis hijos!”

Mami dropped her hand of cards down, Luis sighing. Marco pushing his chair back as he rose to his feet. He was smiling... smiling wasn’t awful? Lance stalled beside him, mumbling softly

“Marco...”

“Been a while baby brother... Time’s been kind to you”

“I didn’t know you were back”

And just like that Lance was on guard again

“Mami talks about this place so much that I thought I’d see if for myself”

“Marco!”

Luis scolded his brother, the way he said the man’s name said it all

“Would you three stop it. Keith, so good to see you again. Come sit by this old lady. These two cheat at cards”

Fucking awkward as fuck. Without Lance explaining that “mijo” was a contraction of “mis hijo” he wouldn’t have got what the extra “s” was on about.

Towing Lance around the table, Keith snagged an empty chair for his boyfriend. His Mami hadn’t really said hello to Lance, Lance looking very lost as Keith sat him between him and Miriam purely to keep him from sitting closer to his two brothers. Marco asking

“Sooooooo, who’s this?”

He even sounded like Lance. Like an older Lance. Dressed casually, Marco seemed to be “beach bum” personified with his Hawaiian shirt over his blue single, and his black board shorts. Around his neck was a single necklace, a ring and small carved surfboard pendant on the chain. Mami smiled proudly

“This is Keith. Isn’t he handsome? Our Lance snagged a good one when he snagged him. Keith, this is Marco. His not as cranky as Luis but he has his moments”

Marco held his hand out, Keith forced to take it, his fingers nearly crushed in the firmness of the handshake. Marco definitely testing him. He wasn’t about to be scared off. He was there to see Miriam, with Lance, who really needed his mother right now. Marco released his hand, eyes on Lance

“Damn, man. You haven’t changed a day. Bet you love looking like that. I turn my back and you’ve gone and got yourself a boyfriend”

“Marco, you leave Lance be. He’s only been out of hospital a couple of days and doesn’t need you being bratty”

Marco raised his hands in defeat, shaking his head. He really was so much like Lance that it bordered creepy

“Didn’t mean anything by it. Just saying dating a vampire isn’t everyone’s thing. It’s been years, Mami”

Casting a glance to Lance, Mami’s flowers seemed in danger. Plucking the bouquet out of Lance’s hands, Keith placed it on the table, before taking Lance’s hand in his

“It’s fine. I know about Lance being a vampire. I’m a Vatican approved Vampire and Werewolf hunter based here in Platt”

Two could play this game. Luis crossed his arms, feathers ruffled as he was knocked down a peg

“That’s a thing?”

“Yep. I don’t scare easily, though Lance isn’t scary at all, are you, babe?”

Lance stared down at their hands. Maybe Keith was taking it too far by not letting himself be bullied. Mami didn’t care

“Keith has been so good for Lance. Plus, he’s such a hottie. All the ladies here are in love with him and Lance. Both of them very patient with us old geese”

“Some of us have all the time in the world”

Lance pushed his chair back at Luis’s comment

“Sorry, I need to use the bathroom”

That could have gone better. Keith should have followed him, but Mami gave him a look that told him to stay put as Lance walked away

“Must you antagonise him? Both of you. That was unacceptable. Marco, I thought you’d know better. Now, I’m disappointed in both of you. Keith, would you mind bringing those flowers along. I can see it in your eyes that you and Lance have something you need to tell me”

Luis wasn’t happy

“You see them more than you see us... Marco tried to see you last week and now we find out Lance was in hospital. You owe us an explanation”

“Your brother was in an accident. The details of which I don’t believe I should tell you lest you hold it over him. I’m old and I’m tired, Luis. You all used to be so happy when you were younger. Marco, I’m sorry, dear, but you’re as much to blame. Now, you can come back tomorrow. Keith and Lance have to come to visit, it’d be nice if the next time we all see each other if you could make the effort to be mature. We could have had a nice game of cards. Keith would make an excellent strip poker player”

Miriam winked at him. Keith felt kind of weird about being designated the family stripper. Mami didn’t let anyone hold her back... and any thoughts of feeling bad about interrupting the game went out the window when both brothers had gotten snarky

“Sorry, Keith, maybe next time, bro. I’d love to know how my brother snagged you”

Luis didn’t look pleased but that wasn’t unusual nor was it his problem. His problem was his pregnant boyfriend that couldn’t deal with this not so touching reunion

“Lance will be in my room, no need to fret”

Lance was indeed in Mami’s room. Sitting on her bed he was staring at family photo. Shuffling over with her walker, Mami sat herself down next to him, Keith awkward as he held her flowers

“You didn’t run far”

Lance snorted at his Mami

“Sorry. I wasn’t expecting to see Marco after so long”

“He’s staying with Luis at the moment. Something to do with that job of his. Now, I know you and Keith are hiding something from me...”

Miriam took the photo frame from Lance, smiling as she ran her fingers over the glass

“... you kids were always such trouble. Always getting into scraps and coming home with bruises... Those days are my fondness memories...”

“That one was taken in Cuba, wasn’t it?”

Mami nodded

“Shortly before we left... Do you remember it?”

“I remember Aunt Sarah calling all of Gerald and praying for our souls... It was the first time I heard Veronica say “fuck”, but I’d already started to forget before the bite”

Mami chuckled

“Veronica had some very strong opinions of moving here. She’s still as stubborn and wild spirited as she was as a little girl”

“Veronica ran the household like an army general, Mami... I remember times when you had no idea what to do with her”

“But we never stopped her from being herself or encouraging her. Now, tell this old bird what’s going on. Both of you look more jumpy than a cat with worms”

Keith wasn’t sure what that had to do with things, Lance sighing at his Mami

“Mami, you know how I’ve been going through some stuff since I fed on Keith... well... something else has happened”

“You can’t fool me into thinking it was just an accident. Now spit it out, I’ve only got so long in this world and I’d like to hear what you have to say before I pop off the mortal coil”

Lance sighed again. Usually Mami was much softer but he knew she was worried about her baby boy

“Well... I’m pregnant”

Mami let out a chuckle, Lance looked kind of hurt. Keith finally moving over to place the flowers down on Mami’s bed, feeling overly protective of his boyfriend

“It’s not a joke, Mami. Lance is a special type of vampire... that’s why he was in hospital at VOLTRON”

Mami placed the photo down beside her, before placing her hand on Lance’s

“My dear boy... at this stage I thought nothing in the world could surprise me... Has Coran confirmed it?”

Lance reached for Keith’s hand, Keith half hugging his boyfriend as he answered for the both of them

“Yeah... Lance had a bad reaction to contraceptives and when Coran tested his blood. He’s had an ultrasound and has another in a couple of days...”

Mami squeezed Lance’s hand, his boyfriend still wouldn’t look at her

“Now the both of you have baby jitters... My sweet boys. A baby is nothing to fear. You should have seen Lance’s father. He was beside himself, a mess of excitement and worry. He didn’t know what to do. Things were very different then. You got on did what you had to do around it, but he was very careful. Worried I was made of glass. Absolutely infuriating, I’ll tell you”

Tearfully Lance asked her softly

“How are you okay?”

“Lance, you’ve been a vampire a long time now. I’ve seen many things and met many people. This baby might have come as a shock, but you’re my precious son. We’ve come this far together. How far along are you now?”

Keith forced himself to ease back, to let Lance say whatever it was he needed to tell his mother

“About 5 weeks...”

“Ah, still very early, and very early for you to find out. And you want to keep it?”

“I... yeah... I think but I nearly lost it once”

“Close calls can be quite scary. I nearly lost Rachel... but you, you were always a fighter. As soon as you could move you were off and moving, my little Lance”

“You never told me about Rachel”

“Ah... it was harvest season, I collapsed in the heat. Jorge was beside himself... You worry too much about me, and not nearly enough about you. How do you feel?”

“Tired. I’m sick of throwing up, but Coran says I have to keep eating for the sake of the baby”

Mami moved her hand from Lance’s to wrap her arm around him, Lance leaning into her as she kissed his hair

“He’s a wise man, that Coran. Always been happy and always been very proud of you. He’s told me all about the soft spot he has for you. You better be listening to him”

“Yes, Mami. And Keith...”

His Mami let out a soft chuckle

“How is the dad to be? I expect you’re feeling first baby jitters more so than Lance here”

“He is. He’s doing all he can, but I lost my shit at him earlier”

“That’s because it’s a very emotional time for the pair of you... You need to talk. You might feel awful about the things that need to be said, but there’s no room for misunderstanding when there’s a baby to consider. Jorge and I got into some pretty bad fights, he was convinced he’d drop one of you on your heads or leave you in the chicken pen. He was wonderful when you kids were little. You all made him so happy. You made me so happy. Has the morning sickness started?”

“Not really... just, you know, I can’t eat without it coming back up”

“Ahhh... yes. You’re rather limited with your diet. Growing a baby takes a lot of time and patience. Some days you feel like the world is against you. Some days you don’t want to move at all. Some days you’ll find the smallest of things bringing you to tears, but it’s all worth it to hold your baby for the first time... I’ll never forget holding you. You were so active, then so quiet when you came out. After 4 kids, you practically walked out the door... There wasn’t any of this pelvic floor business when I was birthing you. Now, when’s this ultrasound?”

“On Tuesday... do... can you be there?”

“I can, if that’s okay with Keith. He’s the one who’s going to be there more than I ever could”

“Don’t say that... Mami... I’m so sorry... I... fucked up everything and... I... wasn’t going to tell you until after the scan and I’m scared I’m going to lose it... I’m not normal”

“You stop that, you hear me. You’re my precious boy with a heart too big for this world”

“But... won’t this make things complicated?”

“You leave that to me. I might be old but I can still whip your siblings into shape. Never underestimate an old woman and her slippers”

Lance snorted, nuzzling into his Mami

“I still live in fear of those pink slippers of yours. I’ll never forget the time Rachel poured nail polish on the mat in the living room...”

“That girl was a terror. The stories I could tell. Her sneaking out to see her latest boyfriend. She never thought we knew until your father nailed her window shut”

“I remember that. She came in through my room...”

“And you both got the slipper for it. You’re going to be okay, mijo... and you too, Keith. This baby might not have been planned, but you’ll grow together, learn together. I feel it in my waters”

Keith didn’t have these stories like Lance did... He felt out of place. Krolia didn’t know, and he doubted she’d be supportive, like Mami was. He found himself asking

“How do you stop being scared?”

“That one takes some time. Take day step at a time, and don’t forget to love each other along the way. All couples fight. No couple is as perfect as they seem, but it’s what you do after you fight. There’s nothing more important than an apology. Don’t let the things fester between you. And when you’re in doubt drawn comfort and strength from each other. You see the best in each other that you yourself might not think is there. My son found happiness in you, and you and in he. Things won’t always be easy, but approach them as a team and your troubles won’t be so bad. You’re a kind man, Keith. You remind me of my Jorge. I bet you’ve been panicking over this as hard as Lance, feeling like you’ve done something horribly wrong. You haven’t. You’ve made an old girl like me happy by showing this one he’s not the monster he thinks he is. Heavens knows how stubborn he is”

“He is pretty stubborn”

“All of them were. Now, come here and give me a hug. You look terribly uncomfortable standing like that”

Mami always gave the best advice. Working her magic on both of them. Lance holding Keith’s hand with both of his as they walked back to Shiro’s car. When he’d seen Marco interacting with Keith, he’d felt jealous. Luis wouldn’t touch Keith with a ten foot pole and then some, Marco shaking his hand as if it was his right. Resting his head against his boyfriend’s arm, he felt better for seeing Mami. He hoped Keith did too... He’d really lost his shit at him before and was mortified over all the yelling he’d done.

“I wish I didn’t have to get back to work”

“I wish you didn’t either. You didn’t even have time to take a nap”

Keith sighed at him. His boyfriend had something to say and wasn’t saying it to him or to Mami. Lance guessing what it was

“You’re thinking about Krolia, aren’t you?”

“Why didn’t Mami ask about her?”

“Because she knows that’s your business. She wants you to feel ready to talk to her when the time is right”

“I don’t know how I’m going to tell her”

“We can do it together? Or we can have Mami there? Or if you want you can talk to her alone. I’ll support what you choose”

“I don’t know what to choose”

“Then think about it. Let me know when you know, or if it happens, I won’t be mad”

“You were pretty mad this morning”

Lance blushed in shame

“I was a total shit to you. I really wasn’t cool at all”

“You have a lot going on”

“Not as much as you do. It’s hard seeing you scared and I know you close down, but it...”

“Was hard?”

Lance nodded

“Yeah. I mean... like whenever we’re together we’re always touching, and then you didn’t want to touch me there and I freaked out thinking that you were done with me”

Keith sighed, pulling Shiro’s keys out his pocket

“I’m not done with you. I’m just... caught in the past”

“I know. I shouldn’t have lost it at you because you were trying to respect me”

“And you should have pointed out I was being a douche”

“It’s okay now”

Keith bumped him lightly with his hip

“You totally jerked off, didn’t you?”

Lance’s cheeks burned harder. Yep. He couldn’t deny it

“Yeah... didn’t really help but whatever”

“What do you mean it didn’t help?”

It’d been more of a chore than pleasure, just something to get rid of the throbbing between his legs

“The reason I want you touch me is because it’s you. I look at you and my body reacts... you’ve turned me into a total pervert”

“I’m sorry I’m not ready”

Keith didn’t need to be sorry, the vampire simply wished he’d been able to tell Lance sooner. Maybe if he hadn’t been a self centred butt nugget he would have?

“It’s okay. My dick totally has a mind of its own...”

“Would blood help? Fresh blood. Coran said...”

Coran needed to stop putting ideas in Keith’s head, and let Keith work his own thoughts and feelings out first

“Coran says a lot of things. Let’s head home and go from there”

“Babe...”

“Keith, there’s today and tomorrow, then we’re going to see Coran again... and we can talk to him then... until then, please stop worrying so much about blood”

Keith pulled away from him, Lance seemed to have stepped on some mental landmine. Clenching his fits, his boyfriend stared down at the ground

“Keith?”

“It’s my baby”

Yeah? Who else’s was did he think it was?

“Yeah, babe. It’s your baby”

“So why is it okay for you to rely on other people’s blood and not mine? Why is my blood never good enough... even when you’re carrying my baby you won’t let me help you”

Oh...

“Babe, it’s not like that”

“But it is. Some stranger’s blood is keeping you alive and moving... why can’t it be mine? Why is someone else’s blood better than mine? You only feed on me when your a bat or in heat... why won’t you let me help you?”

Using a little of his speed, Lance moved to stand in front of Keith, taking his face in his hands

“I can’t feed on you consciously because you are my world. You. If I feed to much, or too often, you’re going to be sick... You’re not my pet, you’re my partner, and you take care of me so fucking well... When I have fresh blood I’m an arsehole with way too much energy. I’m scared to feed on you because I’m in love with you”

“You say you know I won’t hurt you... but I know you won’t hurt me. I want to help. I want to give you my energy... I want... my blood to... be good”

Keith was breaking his heart now

“Your blood is good. Your blood is so good. You’re so good... but what if I fed on you too much? What if because of me you can’t work? What if me feeding on you leaves you weakened and you can’t protect yourself? And what if I can’t stop?”

“But you do... when we... you do... I don’t... want you having to live a half life off other peoples blood when you’re growing our baby... I want... to be wanted”

“You are wanted. You are the single most wanted man by me in existence... I know you’ve been like this a while, offering me your blood, but you’ve been bottling up how much it annoys you, haven’t you?”

“Sometimes I think about it... but I guess... I guess seeing your family really made me think about blood... family isn’t about blood... but today... I want to be your boyfriend you can rely on to be there. I don’t want you think I’m going to leave you alone like your brothers... I want my blood to be more than our baby”

Lance sighed softly, leaning up and kissing Keith on the forehead

“I know this is hard for you. But... I’m... I worry that if I feed on you I won’t be who I am anymore... that my ego will slip out of control and I won’t be the man you love anymore. I know you want to support me. I know you’d offer me your neck in an instant... and I know you trust me... but you’ve seen how fresh blood can affect me. I practically pounced on you when you fed me in my first heat and your hips were sore for days. I love you and your blood... but I get it more now than ever. You don’t want your baby surrounded by a strangers blood... that’s what it really is. You humans are so fragile, babe. You can’t feed me what I need for days. Vampires get too hungry, that’s why most pets are weakened or why their not the only pet belonging to their master”

“Then... then how... how do I help you?”

“We can talk to Coran? He’s the only one I know who we can talk to about all this. Maybe if we tell him what’s been going on in our heads, he can help us figure it out?”

Keith threw his arms around, Lance pleasantly surprised by the affection

“I just want to be in our baby’s life”

“Dude, you will be. Who’s hand do you think I’m going to be holding when it comes to getting this little out of me? You can break my heart and chop me into a zillion little pieces and I wouldn’t deny you access... Even... even if you have to leave, for work or whatever, I’m going to be taking videos and telling them all about their daddy. You lost your dad too young, but that doesn’t mean the same will happen to you. They will know you and who you are Keith Kogane. I will never ever let them forget you”

Keith sighed softly at him

“Thank you...”

“Sometimes you just need to hear the words...”

“Yeah...”

“You’re so much better with your words these days. I’m proud of you”

“I’m lucky to have you”

“I’m the lucky one... and you should probably let me go now. You’ve stirred up the monster”

Keith sniffled as he chuckled, pulling back

“I’m going to make it up to you... when we know it’s okay”

“I’m counting on it... and counting the places I expect to be bent over”

His boyfriend turned beet red, adjusting himself as he tried to turn away. They we’re definitely weirdos for popping random boners in the car park of a nursing home

“That’s not fair”

“Sure it is. You can make a list of all the things you want to try”

“Shut up. You’re making it worse”

Lance started towards the passenger side door of Shiro’s car, throwing over his with a wink

“Just remember to think of me when you’re jerking off at work”

Keith groaned at him, very awkwardly shuffling to the car. Both of them were stupid horny lived up idiots, and Lance was not helping things at all. The ultrasound couldn’t come sooner.

#once bitten twice stupid #oncebittentwicestupid #ashratherose

6 notes · View notes

all-of-the-imagines-for-eve · 5 years

Text

Lonely ~ E.C. (Part 3)

A/n: A REALLY great song for this is "Too Good at Goodbyes" by Sam Smith. This is definitely based off of that song so listen to that if you want the full experience!

Word Count: 5100

My wide eyes rested on my hands, the gears in my mind turning slowly as they were clogged with too much information. I tried to think but it was all empty and numb and nothing was working. I felt a hand on my back and looked over to see a concerned Embry. I groaned, placing my forehead on the cool table and lacing my fingers into the roots of my hair.

There was a chuckle. "Well, we finally got a proper reaction. Not Bella 'Nothing Phases Me' Swan." A few people laughed along and I found my shoulders moving, my chest loosening at the action.

Taking a deep breath, I sat up and exhaled sharply. "Okay. Werewolves. Awesome." I looked around, meeting eyes to make sure that I was getting this right. "You can change whenever and you can read each others' minds when you phase. You're incredibly hot-" I cut off, snorting, and a few of the guys chuckled along. "Natural opposite of vampires. It's always in your blood, but isn’t activated until you need to fight against vampires who are threats. So as many werewolves as you need will be given to you. Once it's been activated, you can't undo it. You can age if you stop shifting but as long as you shift, you're immortal. You heal fast, run fast, are super strong... And you do all of this without telling your friends or family."

"Some of us," Quil agreed.

Another sharp exhale. "So I get that Bella stumbled upon all of this, okay. Sure. She gets to know. But why does Emily get to know? Like did she stumble upon it too? Why didn't you just break up with her like everyone shut everyone else out? And why am I suddenly allowed to know about all of this? Something about Embry doing something? I... don't..."

Looks were exchanged by everyone except Embry, who avoided eyes and blushed profusely. Most of the guys were chuckling, but Sam held a reprimanding expression. "There's this thing called imprinting. It's not... love at first sight per say. You just feel a pull, like the person you imprint on becomes the sun in your universe. It doesn't necessarily have to be romantic but it usually goes there. Because I imprinted on Emily, she's allowed to know. That's the one exception to the rule. It hurts us to be away from our imprints and we'd rather get bitten by a blood sucker than let our imprints get hurt."

"Intense," I whispered.

Bella nodded. "They basically become really protective and caring and devoted. All the good stuff. It's kind of cute."

"But annoying," Jacob intervened. "If they reject you, which is unlikely but can happen, it's like... it starts to get so bad. You feel empty and it eats away at you and you can't even try to be with anyone else because only this person matters. Being rejected makes you want to die." My eyes widened.

Embry pipes up, "But you rarely get rejected." He seemed pale compared to a few moments ago, his pretty, dark skin becoming a little sickly. I frowned, concerned. "The way wolves become when they imprint... its hard not to want it and give into it. Anyone can, of course,” he rushed to add in a voice that was almost rounding on him attempting to reassure me. Though, why he would I didn’t know. “But why would you want to? It's like the universe telling you who you'd be happiest with."

My lips pursed. "What if you never imprint?"

Sam answered that one. "Then you take the risk and meet someone and have a life, knowing that there may be someone out there you might imprint on some day."

My heart felt heavy. "What's it like, to imprint?"

Sam's eyes moved to Embry, whose color came back to normal and then grew more red as he blushed worse. At Sam's silent encouragement, Embry began speaking, not meeting my eyes but smiling at his hands as they moved, drawing and coloring a scene for me to see. "Well, it's just... you see her, and that's it. Everything else becomes like background noise and you feel kinda weak and wobbly and you feel this need to be as close as possible. It seems like every little thing that could even sort of pose as a danger makes you jump because you never want to be apart from her and she's your everything and what if you leave her and she gets hurt while you're gone? What if you never see her again after that one time? It's like you've lived your whole life underground and then you move to, like, Florida or something. The sun is so bright and warm and the moon you once thought was so amazing can't hardly compare. Except everyone else is the moon and your imprint is the sun. Like Sam said earlier, actually.” He seemed to be struggling. The poor boy didn’t seem like one to be poetic, but he was trying. It was adorable.

Shyly smiling, I looked at Embry. Under my gaze he shifted. "You've imprinted?" He nodded. "That's sweet. She sounds wonderful."

His blushed worsened. "I think so. I don't know her well yet though."

Eyebrows knit together, I asked, "Why not?"

He shrugged. "I barely met her? So I still have to get to know her."

My smile brightened. "So it's a new imprint then!" He nodded again, looking to the others as if he was drowning and they were standing by and watching. I looked over and saw all of their eyes wide with disbelief. Bella snorted, immediately covering her face. "Wh..." My eyebrows knitted in defense and I turned to Embry again. I was confused, but not enough to press for any more information. I’d had enough tonight. "Well, good luck with it. I hope you win her over. You seem like a good kid, it would be sad if you didn't get to be happy too." Embry covered his face and I looked around again. "What?!"

"He imprinted on you," Paul blurted.

"Dude!" Embry hissed. Paul shrugged.

My mind was suddenly racing as all of the pieces finally fell together and I was able to see the whole puzzle.

What if you never get to see her again after this one time?

Except everyone else is the moon and your imprint is the sun.

Bella sighed. "And you freaked her out."

My eyes snapped to Embry, full of guilt and panic. "Um, can we talk?"

Embry groaned. "Can you just reject me now so we can move on?"

Pursuing my lips, I took tte hand of his closest to me between both of mine. "Embry, can we please talk? In private?"

His face suddenly grew serious. "Of course." I dropped his hand, my heart racing and my throat twisting with my stomach, but in different directions. I stood and he followed after me as I moved out the door to the outside. Not too long ago I’d been here with Bella in a completely different mind set. Why did I keep getting myself into situations that had me shifting so drastically just from minute to minute? It was too much.

Embry closed the door behind him and then we began walking, both of us aware that the others inside could still hear us. The further away I got from the house the clearer my mind became. We walked a while into the woods without talking until I stopped abruptly. He cut short and I turned to him, my face split with guilt. I didn't want to hurt him. But... but... oh couldn't He have imprinted on anyone else? "Y/n? Are you okay?"

I swallowed. "Embry, hear me out okay?" He nodded. "I... I like you. I do. Even in the short time- I mean you're physically pleasing." I flinched at my wording. "You have this really bright smile and these warm, gorgeous eyes and this really nice voice that kinda flows through me and it's really easy to talk you one on one, which is weird for me. I could see us being friends..." my voice wandered off. "Just, seeming how funny and sweet and dorky you are, I know we wouldn't... be good together. You deserve better, and you'll realize that- I promise."

Embry chuckled. "I don't think you understand. I'll respect if you just want to be friends, of course, but you're the only girl I want or ever will want. I won't be able to see anyone else like that. Sun and moon, remember?"

"When exposed to too much sun, everyone missed the nighttime." I said it without thinking, too fast to stop myself. The words were short. After Bella... how could I let someone close again?

After a second, he sighed and stepped closer, his palms pressing against the sides of my shoulders. "Y/n, I'm willing to wait for you. Or to just be friends, if that's what you need. I'm willing for whatever, I just want to be in your life. No expectations, I promise. But if you do like me and you're just holding back because you think I'm... out of your league, or whatever, I have plenty of time to prove you wrong. Don't sell yourself so short."

I snorted. "Fine, Embry Call. Here's the wager: you win when you convince me that you'll be able to find me as interesting as you do now, long term." Embry rolled his eyes. "And I win when you realize that you got screwed on this whole imprinting thing."

Raising an eyebrow, he crossed his arm over his chest. "And what will I get when I win?"

My gaze narrowed and I mocked his body language. "If you can convince me that you won't loose interest and jump boat, I'll be your girlfriend. I don't have anyone else like that in my life and if I found someone, I would definitely make them mine." I held up a finger as he moved closer. "We're only friends until then, though. Friends. Only."

He leaned closed, grinning mischievously. "Challenge accepted." I nodded and he planted a kiss on my cheek that caught me off guard before turning and running back to the house. "FIRST ONE BACK TO EMILY'S IS DOG CHOW!"

My face burning, I called curses after him. "You cheater you got a head start! And you're a friggin werewolf!" But I chased after him anyway. I saw him pull back at the last second and let me win. "Pussy," I accused. He gawked at me dramatically. "Letting a girl win just because you have a crush on her."

Embry laughed, opening the door for me. "Come on I don't want to miss dinner." I grinned as we went inside, the tone drastically different between the two of us from when we left. Picking up on our brilliant mood, everyone else got lively too. As we approached, Embry put his arm around my shoulder. Bella looked surprised but I rationalized it in my mind: friends do that all the time. Plus this was a temporary thing. A fling that'd last a day and then this whole escapade would blow over. It couldn't be as tense as all these Drama Queens were making it out to be. It sounded like a falling in love thing. Not necessarily romantic love, but still. That connection and care that was instant and deep? So soon? Nothing that spontaneous and sudden and strong could last long enough to matter.

In a few weeks, Embry would be completely over whatever little thing he'd found in me that dazzled him and I would be alone again. He couldn't possibly cross the chasm, or break the glass. There was no way he could get to me when anyone who ever tried just ended up hurting me. I wouldn't let him. Because as much as I wanted to, I knew where this was going.

So, sure. Have your fun now. It would be nothing but a sunny dream in far too short a while.

It had been three days since I met Embry and after a magical day full of people teasing us and asking if we were dating yet, it all came to a predictably silent ending. He hadn't talked to me since that day. Bella hadn't said anything about him or us, so I assumed that he simply never talked about me and she'd forgotten all about it. It was a day I could look back on as a sweet fantasy my mind had created, when the nights were especially cold and my mom was especially painful and I was especially done with life.

On the fourth day, today, I was in class on a regularly cloudy Forks Thursday afternoon. I was ahead on homework, the math class I was in being ridiculously easy because I'd taken online school over the summer to prepare me for this year as well as get me ahead so I wouldn't stress over it. It left me a lot of time to draw and very little free time to do nothing, which I appreciated. While the class had a work day, cramming out homework and asking for help and all the such, I sat in a window chair and let my mind wander as I looked outside, my pencil tapping against the empty page of my drawing notepad.

Suddenly a scene unfolded as I was sucked into more of a memory than a daydream.

The sun was starting to set but Bella was hesitant to leave, never having seen me so happy and connected and involved. All day Embry had hovered around me, cracking jokes and pulling me into conversations. Other people had never felt so close and I'd never felt so cared about. The others seemed as keen on getting to know me as Embry did.

As of now, Emily had played some music when someone declared they were bored. In honor of the new addition - since she was talking about me, I mentally added 'and temporary' behind 'new' - she had turned on some dance tunes and everyone took a break from vampires and werewolves and stress and regular life to just dance and be stupid and have fun. At one point, Embry had pulled me onto the dance floor and I'd stood, awkward and completely unsure what to do.

Just as Embry was about to give me step by step dance lessons on the dorkiest moves ever, Sam pulled a move and switched out the record to play a slow song. He pulled Emily close and everyone groaned, those with no one to dance with sitting down to tease the pairs swaying or calling it a night and going home. Jake jokingly pulled Bella in for a dance. As I went to sit to wait for her, Embry caught my elbow. "Dance with me?" He asked, grinning.

My heart began to race and by the grin on his fave widening, I knew he heard it. "Em, I can't dance." I felt my heart skip a beat as I processed the nickname and realized how attached I'd so quickly become to him.

His grin turned to an encouraging, soft smile as he tugged on my arm. "I'll lead. There's no time like the present to learn. It's an essential thing to know, really. Very important."

I sighed, giving in and letting him pull me further out. Someone whistled and I buried my face in Embry's chest, feeling as well as hearing him chuckle. His arms fell loosely, naturally around my waist in the same fashion my hands rested on the back of his neck. We talked in low voices as the song went on, me noticing Sam and Emily's lovey dovey expression exchange and Bella and Jacob's quiet giggles as they shared jokes. I could see how crazy about Bella Jacob was and I hurt for the boy immediately, knowing exactly how he felt. I was only her friend but I'd been second to Edward since the beginning and I could imagine exactly how it would feel to be in love with a girl who belonged whole heartedly to someone else. I briefly wondered their history before Embry pulled my attention back again. "What's on your mind?"

My eyes found his again as I recollected my thoughts. "Uh, Bella and I should probably be getting back."

His smile faded just a bit. "What if I took you home? You haven't experienced life until you've run with werewolves."

A chuckle slipped out of me. "You can't run with werewolves." I paused. "Cause, they're fast."

Embry leaned close, his lips ghosting the shell of my ear. "You can sit on my back while I run though." He leaned back again and though his words weren't suggestive or romantic and actually excited me more than anything, his proximity made me shiver. I found myself nodding, agreeing to the idea, and he pulled me closer to him. "Stay with me for the rest of the dance then." Sighing softly, I rested my head on his bare chest, my cheek pressed over his heart so the rhythm echoed where I could hear it. His heart beat picked up and I blushed.

"Yeah, okay."

When the song ended, everyone was gone but the three pairs. Bella and Jake were heading out when Embry told Bella he'd get me home safely. Once I confirmed I was fine with it, they conceded and Sam called a quick reminder to Jacob that he had patrol with Quil the next morning before everyone went their separate ways. Jake walked into the woods to strip and phase without destroying his clothes as Bella slipped into her car, Emily and Sam closing the door to their home after seeing us off. Embry turned to me, grinning. "Get back a bit." I jogged a foot or two backwards and he shifted away from me, only stepping out of his shoes as he didn't want me to see him completely exposed. Understandably. I felt bad for the loss of his shorts though. He nudged his shoes towards me and I grinned before picking them up and pausing. He nodded to me and I climbed on his back, my heartbeat beginning to race in excitement.

My first drawing in that class was Embry and me dancing. My eyes were closed and my cheek rested on his chest, his chin on the top of my head and a soft smile on both of our faces. It was new but natural to have a face to this secret love interest I'd never admit to yearning for. Even more so that the face was Embry's.

I didn't draw the background, instead focusing on the details of his hair and hands. The way he touched me, remembering how warm he felt. I felt my longing rise as I yearned for him, sighing at the thought of never seeing him again. Never being with him again like we were that night.

Next I began to draw us curled up together at the foot of my house. Once he'd brought me home he hadn't phased back, not having an immediate change of clothes with him to hide himself from me. He lay on the ground and I lay my head on his back, our bodies making a T shape as I rambled about everything my mind came across until he was breathing deeply and evenly and I realized he'd fallen asleep.

"Embry?" I shook him gently until his large brown eyes opened again. He was tired and I ran my hand down his face. "Go home. It's late and you're tired. We can talk again another time."

He nodded and rose, helping me up before he lumbered away towards the woods. Towards his own house. I thought of the wind rushing through my hair and stinging his face compared to the calm, enveloping warmth that I'd enjoyed while cuddling with him before he'd left. He paused, looking back at me, and I swore he smiled. Then he was gone and I was alone, the cold night air nipping at any exposed flesh. I sighed as I realized I'd forgotten my bike at Emily's.

The pencil in my hand found the curve of his body and the shape of mine laying on his before the bell rang and my limited time ran out. I smiled at my well done, detailed first drawing and my begun second before I closed my notebook and rose, sticking the pencil behind my ear as I made my way out of this class and to the next. The notebook I carried now was new, the one I'd used for doodles and faceless loves buried in the mess of my room somewhere. When my fantasies and daydreams had started to take definite shape I'd started a new notebook, wanting my personal drawings that I would want to hide to be separate from the mostly dorky superheroes or animals or sceneries I liked to show off when people asked about hobbies or I wanted to show off something I really loved.

To my surprise, my notebook was already almost full. Every page revealed another doodle of me and Embry, as a wolf or human. Mostly just daydreams and fantasies, but with details and features that couldn't be mistaken. It was official: I had a crush on Embry Call.

After school, I sighed as I began walking, my arms crossed over my notebook to keep my secret as hidden and close as possible. With my bike at Emily's and my car nonexistent, I'd taken to bundling up and preparing myself for a half an hour walk in the cold of fall.

I was stopped as I exited the building to see none other than the victim of my drawings standing at the bottom of my steps. My heart stopped and his head whipped around so his eyes could land on mine, a smile breaking out on his face. I moved to him with a grin on my own and a wide-eyed question on my face. "What are you doing here?"

He quirked an eyebrow. "Emily said you forgot your bike at her house." He motioned to the contraption propped against the steps, previously out of my sight. "So I brought it back."

A blush threatened to explode on my face and I was thankful for the cold to give reason to the redness. "You could have just dropped it off." I smirked.

Embry chuckled. "I thought, as long as I'm here and ditching my last class, I might as well walk you home too. We haven't talked in a few days...."

You haven’t forgotten me?

Feeling eyes on me, I looked out. My gaze locked with Edward Cullen's his face contorted with worry and an almost-anger, probably at my own deprecating thought as well as the thoughts Embry and I were having about each other.

Directly to him, I seethed, I once saw you as my older brother. Then, you had the right to be protective and keep me away from the wolves. But now? Now I'm staying away from you. His anger melted for sorrow and guilt and I looked away from him.

Directly to Embry, who looked concerned. I realized that my grin and light mood had melted away for a much darker, heavier air. "You okay?" He asked, tilting his head.

Nodding, I told him, "Let's go." Embry went stiff and he turned around to face Edward. I looked up to see Edward's lips moving and saw Embry's fists clench. I had no idea what the Cullen boy said, but I placed a hand on Embry's shoulder. The brunette looked at me again. "Let's go. Okay?" He pursed his lips, nodding as he offered a weak smile. I went to grab my bike but he moved faster than me, grabbing the handlebars and nodding me after him. I laughed. "Sit on the bike. I can stand on the back pedals and hold onto you." His face instantly brightened and he did as he was told. I did as I said I would, standing on the back foot notches.

He began biking and I threw my arms around his neck, my chest pressing to his back and my face burying in his neck as I muffled my surprised squeak. He chuckled and then slowed. "Hold on." I nodded, tightening my hold and ignoring the looks people were certainly giving the school's loner and the boy no one recognized as we took off toward my house. We stayed mostly quiet other than a few stray laughs when he would swerve the bike or go a little faster or we would hit an unexpected bump until he pulled to a stop at the front of my house. I hopped down, my hair wind blown and my face most likely reddened from the wind. He stood from the bike, looking at me. The look on his face was so fiercely adoring that my stomach twisted and my heart stopped beating altogether.

Even though I knew he could hear my sputtering heartbeat, I was surprised to see him simply smile to himself and offer me back my bike. "Keep this safe. That's a good one." I nodded, taking it from him and pulling it up next to my house, leaning it against the side before turning back to him.

"Embry?" He had turned to leave but now he turned back, more than ready to have me stall his going. It warmed my insides. "Thank you."

A huge grin light up his face and I felt my gaze soften. He was so good looking. "I know one really great way you could thank me." He smirked, tapping his cheek with his pointer.

Definitely not something friends did.

Raising an eyebrow, I clucked my tongue disapprovingly. "Friends, Call." He put on a puppy dog face, his lip hurting out his eyes going wide. The thing that had never worked on me before now had me stepping forward, stepping on my toes and he stopped down a bit so that I could press my lips briefly to his cheek. "Thank you, Embry."

He leaned back, his smile soft and his eyes finding mine instantly. I was lost in his heat and proximity and I didn't want to ever leave it again. I didn't want to have to deal with the cold. I wasn't sure how I dealt with it before I had him to fend it off before this moment and I didn't know how I'd beat it after. "You're welcome." Panic flared through me as the small urge to kiss him rose in the bottom of my stomach and he leaned back, as if sensing it. "I'll talk to you later." I silently nodded, watching as he waved before disappearing into the woods and out of sight.

FTL: @alexa-playafricabytoto @chipster-21 @bitchyseawitch

#embry call #kiowa gordon #wolf pack #twilight #new moon #imagine #imagines #x reader

149 notes · View notes

hookahazz · 6 years

Text

Chronicles of a Black Girl Vol 2: It’s New York Baby |Harry Styles|

Warnings: Cursing, fluff (this was ji cute)

Word Count: 4.1k

A/N: Here’s part two, I finally finished. It’s so long. I took a different approach this time, this one was just like a story I had in my head and I wanted the reader to be black. I hope you guys enjoy it. I finished editing this at 2 in the morning so please, please, please give me feedback tell me how you feel about it (love it, hate it, like it, dislike it) if you see any spelling errors let me know. Also, I tried to write Harrys dialogue the way he actually talks IRL so for my advanced writers who do that tell me if I did it right, please. This volume will probably have little blurbs in the future.

ASK BOX

Harry’s lost, very fucking lost. He’s stuck somewhere in the middle of New York of all places, and of course, he hasn’t a clue as to where he is nor does he know how to get anywhere. It was spur of the moment and Harry nearly regrets saying yes to Niall crazy proposition. He had called him hours before their plane departed, asking if he wanted to go to New York and Harry really couldn't decline (he couldn’t find it in his heart to, not with Niall on the other end of the line crying because he wasn’t able to return the tickets nor was he able to get a refund on the hotel he booked for the romantic getaway he planned for his girlfriend who of course broke up with him over text just before).

“Bloody fuck,” he yelled on the corner of an unknown street.

Harry was alone now because his idiotic best mate hadn’t been paying attention and hopped on a train without him.

“I swore you were right behind me, mate!” Niall had professed over the phone.

“I wasn’t Niall! You were ways in front of me, damn it!”

“Okay, okay. Let’s just calm down alright? All you need to do is get on a train headed s-”

Of course, only Harrys phone would die while he’s stuck in the middle of nowhere in a city he’s never been in while he’s without a charger.

“No, no, no! Fucking hell!” he screamed, pulling at his curls. He plopped himself on a bench and hung his head on the verge of tears. Harry was not a cryer, but with the stress of not knowing where he was and this anger he had begun storing toward Niall and his bitchy ex-girlfriend, crying seemed like the only logical thing to do.

“Yo, what’s the matter whichu, kid? Why you spazzin’?“

Without even looking up, Harry let it all out without a moment's hesitation, in dire need of a source to vent to not caring who or what it was.

“Well for one, M’lost for christ sake. Don’t have a bloody fucking clue as to where I am! My phones dead, my best mate jumped on a train without me, M’fucking hungry and it’s s’bloody fucking cold out here! Why’s it s’fucking cold?!” he concluded, out of breath from his confession.

“You’s a funny one,” the girl, he had concluded immediately, giggled causing Harry to look up.

“I’m (Y/N), what’s your name curly Q?”

“M’Harry,” he grinned, now admiring just how beautiful she was.

(Y/N) had a dark, rich, creamy complexion that Harry couldn’t stop gawking at; it reminded him of expensive chocolate he had once tasted while visiting Ecuador (a high school trip he submitted his payment for at the minute because his mom had been pestering him about how he never does anything fun and that he’d regret it later). She had long, dark brown and blonde braids that fell past her back and stopped at her bum that Harry yearned to play She also had the prettiest eyes Harry had ever seen, they were a chocolate brown that seemed to be glowing due to the streetlights they had sat under. And to Harry, even though she had only spoken only a couple of sentences to him and laughed at his series of unfortunate events, he thought her voice was like velvet (she had a thick New York accent he thought was just the cutest). He could listen to her talk all day and he’d never complain. Harry loved everything about this girl and he knew nothing of her. He just thought she was really, really, really fucking beautiful.

“Odd name for an odd kid but still cute,” she smiled.

“Hey... M’not a kid. M’a grown man,” he whined only making (Y/N) laugh.

“Yeah sure,” she waved him off with yet another smile (Harry had come to really adore it by now) before zipping her jacket up and putting her hood over her head.

“It’s brick out here,” she shivered.

“Brick? What are you going on about, love?” he questioned, tilting his head like a curious cat (Harry wasn’t one for using slang).

“Just means cold babe, na mean?”

His heart warmed at the use of “babe”. He knew deep down she didn’t mean anything by it but god, he loved to hear the word roll off her tongue (it was rather pleasing to him).

“N-na mean? I don't f-”

“It’s finna rain, sweets,” she hummed looking up at the sky.

Harry groaned in frustration and annoyance (not at (Y/N) of course), mumbling some curse words under his breath and tugging at his hair trying to figure out what the hell he was going to do.

“Erm, are there any shelters, perhaps, nearby I can go to? J-just until I can figure out what to do?” He questioned nervously,

God, he was so embarrassed. Harry was sure, absolutely sure, that (Y/N) had thought he was the biggest loser in the world right now. If his face wasn’t so red and bitten by the cold, she could actually see how embarrassed he was.

Unfortunately for Harry, there were none within walking distance. By now, all of the local shops were closed and everyone was pretty much inside, sleeping by now, resting ready for whatever tomorrow holds. Now (Y/N) wasn’t heartless, she wasn’t just about to leave the curly haired boy out in the cold to freeze. In fact, she was probably one of the kindest girls New York had to offer but that doesn’t mean she couldn't “fuck a bitch up”, she would proclaim, if need be. She did feel bad for the cute boy though. He didn’t seem suspicious or dangerous in fact quite the opposite. She thought he looked rather cute, his nose and ears red from the cold, his curly hair poking from his bandana he had wrapped around his head. He resembled a real teddy bear in her eyes.

“You can stay at mines for tonight,” she blurted without a second thought.

Silence fell between them making her almost regret her offer.

“Only if you want, duh. Of course, you don’t have to Its just real cold out here and I just don’t feel comfortable leaving you out here alone all night, it’s mad dangerous at night.”

“Y-You sure, love? Really don’t want to impose. S’bad enough you're wasting your time sitting out in the cold with me,” he smiled, warming her heart.

“Oh, you’re buggin’ kid. It’s really no problem at all. Can’t have you freezing your balls off in the cold now can we, Harry?” She smirked. She quite liked the way his name rolled off her tongue. She liked his name too. (Y/N)’s never ever met a ‘Harry’ before.

↫ ↬

“It’s kinda small but I’ll make it comfortable for you,” she mumbled, sticking and twisting the key into the lock, opening the door to her apartment.

Harry really adored (Y/N), he really did think she was quite lovely. He was so grateful for her; he’s never met someone so kind and trusting.

“Damn it. It’s brick in here too?! Fuck is going on with the heat?” she exclaimed rushing to the heater as soon as she managed to get the door open.

Harry just stood there, awkwardly at that, by the door, really unsure of what do. He didn’t want to be rude and just sit so formally. He just twirled a curl around his finger until she came back. He was extremely nervous and the last thing he wanted to do was seem like a weirdo or make her uncomfortable in any way. Harry thought he’d actually die from embarrassment if he did anything stupid in front of (Y/N).

“Hey, sit down get comfortable, relax, Harry. I’ll get you some warm clothes and I’ll wash your old ones,” she yelled from down the hall.

Harry sat down on her rather comfortable couch, he was almost excited to sleep on her couch. His body really is not meant to sleep on couches, it gives him a lot of back pains (Niall has had an earful of Harry's complaints in the past) but Harry didn’t care tonight, he had such a long day and he’s just grateful that he gets to sleep in a warm apartment rather than a cold park bench or some moldy motel.

“Here babe,” her smooth voice interrupted his thoughts.

“Thanks s’much, love. I really appreciate it,” Harry smiled, gently taking the plaid blue pants and a plain black T-shirt from her hands (they were decorated with two silver rings, one on her pinky and ring finger. Harry thought that was quite cute given that he also wore silver rings).

“Oh please, it’s not a big deal. I couldn't just leave you out there, babe,” (Y/N) poked the dimple indented in his cheek and giggled. She really adored his smile as he did hers, there's just something about those dimples that just made (Y/N)’s knees weak.

↫ ↬

“Oh, will you shut the fuck up about that! I was 8! I’m not telling you shit about my childhood ever again, Styles!”

(Y/N) and Harry had soon learned that they weren’t going to get any sleep, not with the constant noise of police sirens going off; it was about 12, maybe 1 in the morning? Neither of them knew, both of them too caught up in a game of spades (in which (Y/N) had to repeatedly remind Harry of the rules) and the two boxes of pizza (Y/N) ordered (even though Harry had begged her to let him pay, she insisted saying he was the guest), to even think about sleep

(Y/N) was born and raised in New York, The Bronx specifically. It was dangerous as hell to be living out there sometimes but man, did she love that borough nonetheless. She knew just about everyone in South Bronx, most of them were like family to her. The Bronx was her home and it was also the last place anyone would want to tour when they came to New York, so for the life of her, she really couldn't figure out how this six feet, teddy bear looking dude stumbled into one of the most dangerous boroughs in the state.

“Okay okay (Y/N) I guess I’ll let it slide,” Harry bit his lip, trying to contain his laughter (she had just told him about the time one of her big brothers scared her so bad she pissed herself and Harry couldn’t stop laughing).

“Now here’s an important question that’ll really decide if I actually like you or not,” she rolled her eyes.

“Yeah okay shoot, curly Q,” she grinned, laying a seven of hearts on the stack.

“Do you drink your tea with milk or no?”

She immediately crinkled her nose in disgust.

“Fuck is you talk bout Styles? I don’t drink no wack ass tea” she giggled.

“Fuck is- are you talking about (Y/L/N),” he tried to copy her but failed miserably as it sounded absolutely ridiculous coming out of his mouth.

“Aww, been in New York for only a day and you’re already talking like me, cute!”

“Oi, shut up!” he stuck his tongue out, pouting, only making (Y/N) laugh harder.

“You’ve been laughing at me ever since I told you I was lost, you’re s’mean.”

“Nobody’s mean, you’re just too sensitive, baby,” she smirked.

Harry was quite embarrassed. (Y/N) had been calling him pet names (lover, sweets, sweetie, etc) ever since they had walked into her apartment and each time Harry’s stomach fluttered and he blushed (luckily for Harry, (Y/N) was oblivious to things as such).

↫ ↬

“That show was shit love,” he snorted.

“Shut up you just don’t understand it,”

Somehow, someway (Y/N) had talked Harry into watching an episode of Black Ink Crew: New York (a crazy reality tv show (Y/N) had been invested in since the first episode aired) after they had finished their game of spades (Harry was and still is confused about the rules and lost horribly).

“There was just a lot of drama. I couldn't keep up with all of it!” Harry groaned, resting his head on her shoulder taking one of her braids into his fingers and twirling around his long digits it as he imagined doing so when he first laid eyes on her.

“That’s why it’s good, babe! I’d rather watch someone else’s drama then have some in my own life,” she yawned.

“You’re tired, button?” Harry questioned, beginning to feel bad for keeping her up so late into the night.

“Just a bit, doesn’t matter, I’m sleeping out here anyway. I got the bedroom ready for you so just go in there when you’re ready to go to bed.”

“You- love, you’re not sleeping on the couch and M’not sleeping in your bed (Y/N),” he argued.

“Go get in the bed Harry, you just too tall to sleep on my couch,” she smiled, laying on the couch and wrapping the blanket around her small figure.

Harry just stared at her as she began to fall asleep. He was completely infatuated with this girl and he hadn’t even known her for a full 24 hours. No one in his entire life had been so nice and inviting to him. He hadn’t ever met someone who he wanted to be around all of the time, who he needed to be around all of the time. He couldn't understand why, even if she only meant it in a playful way, her calling him babe made his stomach flutter and made his cheeks rosy red. Harry couldn’t understand any of it and it annoyed the hell out of him, he ended up falling asleep on the couch along with her.

↫ ↬

“Jesus Niall I don’t know and I don’t really want to wake her up, she looks s’peaceful sleeping,” Harry whispered into the line while leaning on her kitchen counter.

“C’mon, you’re gonna to have to wake her up soon. Haven’t a fucking clue as to where you are mate! Got the whole day planned before we leave tomorrow,” Niall whined into the phone making Harry roll his eyes.

Harry really was in no rush to leave (Y/N) just yet. Quite honestly, he was so upset when she fell asleep he just stared at her and played with her braids and listened to her mumble every couple of minutes to pass the time because he didn’t want to waste his last couple of hours with her sleeping.

Harry was so engrossed in his phone he didn’t even realize she had woken up nor did he feel her arms wrap around his body until she mumbled a “good morning”.

“Oh good morning, pet. Didn’t even know you were awake yet,” he smiled turning to her.

“M’hungry,” she mumbled again, pressing her cheek to his shirt.

Harry’s heart sped up and his face began heating up (it annoyed Harry how much of an effect (Y/N) had on him). He took this as an opportunity to play with her hair again, he was really in love with her braids. Harry just thought (Y/N) looked so damn pretty with them he really couldn’t help himself. She really was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, that would explain why Harry creepily watched her sleep (but he’d never tell a soul, not even Niall, that he did that to a woman he’d just met).

“I’m sorry, I’m like all up in yo personal space.”

“(Y/N) s’fine, really.”

“We can go to the city if you want. We could get some brekkie at a nice restaurant,” he offered, forgetting all about Niall’s plans for the day.

She just nodded and smiled.

“You can take a shower first, it’s gone take me a minute to figure out what I wanna wear today,” she grinned.

(Y/N) was so excited, not only because she was going to get some food in the city but because she was going to be able to spend the morning and hopefully, the afternoon with him. She wanted to show him around, take some memorable pictures, and hear some more crazy childhood stories with him, Gemma, and Anne. She just wanted to be around him as much as he wanted to be around her; they craved one another in every way.

↫ ↬

“(Y/N), I swear on everything if you take another bite of my fucking pancakes, I’m gonna f-”

“You ain’t gone do shit, Styles cause you ain't about shit,” (Y/N) was nearly in tears because of how hard she was laughing. They’d been cracking jokes from the moment they’d left (Y/N)’s apartment, to the train ride, to the bus, and now in the restaurant.

Being in New York really brought something out of Harry, a new attitude and a new perspective. Being with (Y/N) made him more observant (given that he’d almost gotten run over by a taxi while he was crossing the road before the sign said walk). He enjoyed being in the city. Even with it being his first time there, it felt like home and Harry can’t decide if it’s (Y/N) or if it’s just the vibes the city held that made him feel such.

“You’re quite annoying, y’know that (Y/N)?” she rolled her eyes and stuck her fork into Harry's pancakes again.

“Shut yo goofy ass up, you know you love it.”

Harry just looked down and grinned, he did love it but he just didn’t want to admit that to himself just yet. This moment with her was perfect. He lifted his head, his eyes met with (Y/N) typing on her phone and god, did she look beautiful. Maybe it was the sun bouncing off of her chocolate skin, or the way her braids were styled, or maybe it was just the contrast of her skin and her red shirt that made it just impossible for Harry to stop staring at her.

(Y/N) lifted her head from her phone and smiled fondly at him.

“You’re staring again, goofy.”

“S-sorry you just look...” he paused

“I look...?” she smirked.

“Beau-”

“Harry, mate is that you?! God, I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” Niall interrupted them.

Harry nearly choked, turning to meet his Irish lad.

“Nearly turned the city upside down searching for y- Oh? Who might this be eh?”

“I’m (Y/N), you must be Niall, Harry’s told me all about you.” she smiled, introducing herself to the enthusiastic blonde boy.

“So sorry you had to deal with Harry here, I know he must’ve been a pain in the ass.”

“Oh yeah, definitely the worst,” she teased.

“Oi, M’right here,” Harry whined, pouting like a baby.

“Oh gosh, didn’t even see you there mate.”

(Y/N) and Niall began laughing making Harry a tad annoyed and a bit jealous of how well they were already getting along (which he knew they would, both of them have similar goofy personalities, however, it still annoyed him).

“Niall sit down, have you eaten anything? You can get whatever you want, it’s on me,” (Y/N) offered.

Niall sat down next to Harry and began conversing with (Y/N), asking her about her life, how old she was simple casual topics. Once the two of them got to talking there was no stopping them. (Y/N) thought Niall was so adorable she had made it a point to constantly call him cute throughout their entire conversation, and Harry didn’t like that at all. They were cracking jokes, telling childhood stories, talking as though they’d known each other for years and that just didn’t sit well with Harry. He didn’t want her to become close with Niall, he only wanted her from himself. Yes, it was selfish but Harry really didn’t give a damn, (Y/N) was his even though she wasn’t.

“Niall,” he interrupted the both of them

“What are you doing here?” he pressed.

“Hm?” Niall’s gaze lingering on (Y/N) to long for Harry's comfort.

“Oh yeah! I’ve been calling you all bloody morning so I could come to get you! I told you I had plans for us today and you didn’t answer mate!”

Harry had been ignoring Niall calls since him and (Y/N) boarded the train on purpose. He didn’t want to leave (Y/N) even though he knew he was going to part ways with her soon.

“Harry, why you ain't tell me you had made plans with Niall? I could've gotten you back to him sooner babe,"

"Yeah lad, been blowing up your line all morning! Could've sent a text or something," Niall chimed in, making Harry roll his eyes.

Harry was so damn annoyed with him. Why couldn't Niall come at a different time when Harry wasn't in the middle of telling her how beautiful he thought she was? Why couldn't Niall come at a time when they weren't at breakfast? Why’d Niall have to come now and take all the attention from him? Why couldn't Niall come at any other time than this? Harry knew he was going to have to reunite with him at some point, he knew he going to have to leave (Y/N) and go home which is why he just wanted to enjoy his last few hours with her alone.

“I... I just wanted to eat before I came back with you Nialler,” he lied.

“Well hurry up and finish what’s left on your plate. Gotta catch a tour at 11! S’ten twenty now, and we’ve still gotta take a bus to get there,” Niall instructed.

Harry looked up and locked eyes with (Y/N) who gave him a small faux smile.

“You guys should probably get going. I don’t think cute pie here would be too happy if you missed your tour.”

“Thank you! Someone who understands, now let’s get going H,” Niall grabbed his arm, ready to get going to the very expensive tour of NYC he paid a generous amount for (Niall wasn’t too keen on wasting money so he wasn’t about to let Harry blow through seventy-five dollars so easy).

↫ ↬

“Can I at least walk you to the train station?”

“You’ll be late for you tour babe, Niall really wants to go,” she smiled sympathetically.

Harry really really really didn’t want to fucking leave. His stomach sank and his mouth became incredibly dry. He'd known her for less than twenty-four hours and he was nearly about to lose it

“Well (Y/N), it was really nice meeting you. Again, m’sorry you had to go through the pain of sleeping in the same flat as Harry here,” Niall joked, earning a small laugh from (Y/N).

“Ah, you’re buggin’ it was really no problem. It was nice meeting you too cute pie,” (Y/N) smiled, pinching Niall’s cheeks before giving him a short friendly hug.

Harry frowned when it was his turn, the moment he had been dreading since she sat down on the park bench with him last night was finally happening.

“Don’t make that face babe. We’ll see each other again, you’ve got my number so you’d better use it or else I’ll be tight, m’kay kid?”

He sighed deeply and mumbled, “Okay”.

She pulled him into a bear hug, both of them wrapping their arms around one another not wanting to let go. Harry took one of (Y/N)’s braids and twirled it around his finger again for what seemed like the last time. He inhaled her vanilla perfume, desperately to remember small details about this girl before he left.

“This isn’t goodbye goodbye. Just... Goodbye for now, okay?” she tried to cheer him up, seeing how upset he was.

“Next time you bored and in need of somebody to talk to, or if you ever end up in The Bronx again just call me,” she grinned (Harry really adored her smile, it was one of the main features he was going to miss about her).

They unwrapped their arms around one another.

“C’mon Harry, we’ve gotta go!”

“Bye (Y/N),” the words tasting bitter coming from his mouth

“Bye babe, I’ll see you when I see you,” (Y/N) flashed him one last smile before turning and walking to the train station, Harry turning and walking to Niall.

Harry had a shitty start to his mini vacation that was totally unplanned but he’d, without a doubt go through it a million more times if it meant he got to see her again. (Y/N) was special and Harry would soon understand why his stomach fluttered every time she called him babe, why he was so entranced while playing with her braids, and why that his next trip to New York would be more memorable than the last.

91 notes · View notes

miraculousmumma · 6 years

Text

Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself or Don’t Just Reply!

Characters: Adrien Agreste/Chat Noir, Marinette Dupain-Cheng/Ladybug, Alya Césaire, Nino Lahiffe

Pairings: Adrien/Marinette

Warnings: One swear word, I think!

Word Count: 1577

Summary: After accidentally finding out who Ladybug is, Adrien and Marinette both agonise over how to tell one another of their feelings.

A/N: This whole thing came about from the text message at the end of the story! I make these up as a joke for friends, my daughter, normally from fave actors/singers, but I was inspired to make one for these two dorks! I might be convinced to carry this one on eventually too!

‘I know who she is.’ Adrien said as he dropped back onto his bed, just home from the latest akuma attack.

Plagg ignored him, going straight to the cheese fridge for a top up, the small triangle of camembert Adrien had given him straight after detransforming hardly touching the hunger in his belly.

‘Did you hear me?’ Adrien raised his head just enough to look at his kwami as he disappeared through the door of the fridge. He rolled his eyes and dropped his head back down. ‘It doesn’t matter if you heard me or not. I know who she is. Now all I need to do is get her to see me.’

‘All you need to do is get him to see you!’ Alya pushed the ice cream sundae towards Marinette, realising her friend had hardly touched it. They had met up after the damage the akuma had caused was cleansed, Ladybug and Chat Noir disappearing into the, not quite sunset, but disappearing all the same.

‘I sit behind him in class every day, we have lunch together, we were cast in Clara Nightingale’s video together! I think if he was going to see me he would have done by now!’ Marinette shoved the glass bowl back at Alya, her appetite gone.

‘But he hasn’t seen you.’ Alya argued. ‘You need to do something to turn his head.’

‘Like what? Break his neck?’ Marinette huffed as she sat back and folded her arms. ‘I honestly give up, Alya. We either need a better plan or I’m destined to remain single for the rest of my life, wondering what might have been!’

‘I don’t want to remain single for the rest of my life, wondering what might have been.’ Adrien told Nino over video chat.

‘Dude, what exactly caused this sudden change of heart?’ Nino removed his hat and slipped on his headphones before plugging them into his laptop. ‘You’ve never shown a single shred of interest in Marinette before, and trust me, we’ve been watching for it.’

Adrien frowned. ‘What do you mean, you’ve been watching for it?’

‘You really didn’t catch on with all the gooseberrying we’ve had you and Marinette do with me and Alya? You’re blind, my dude.’ He laughed loudly. ‘So, so very blind.��

‘Wait, that was always a set up?’ He gasped, Plagg in the background giving a derisive snort.

‘Every. Damn. Time.’

Adrien just stared at him. ‘Did Marinette know about this?’ He asked eventually.

‘She was too shy to say anything herself, so we decided to step in.’ Nino leant back against his headboard. ‘Poor girl couldn’t talk to you for the first year you knew her.’

‘That was her problem? That she liked me?’ Adrien lunged forward and slammed his hand on his desk. ‘Dammit, I am blind!’

‘So, what are you going to do about it?’

‘So, what are you going to do about it?’ Alya asked as they walked down the street, about to go their separate ways to their homes.

‘Same as always?’

‘No!’ Alya groaned in frustration. ‘Girl, you need to ask or you will never get!’

Marinette sighed. ‘I’ll think about it, okay?’

‘I’ll think about it, okay?’ Adrien rocked his head back against his leather chair. ‘I don’t really know what to say.’ And not just because he knew she was Ladybug. Other than as Chat Noir he had never asked anyone out before, and last time hadn’t gone too well for him. But…but if Marinette really liked him, he should be home and dry…he hoped.

‘Let me know what you decide. My folks are calling me for dinner, I’ve gotta go.’

‘Say hi to them for me.’ Adrien said before closing the contact with a wave. He sighed as the monitor changed to show the wallpaper he had recently put up, a fan made collage of images of Ladybug from Alya’s blog. After a moment he opened his photos instead, looking at the many pictures from days out with his friends, every one showing Nino and Alya together, and himself with Marinette. They had been paired off almost from day one and he hadn’t realised. And in every single one she was blushing, more often than not looking at Adrien lovingly. He rubbed his hand over his jaw and finally brought up a side by side comparison. How had he never noticed it before? Her hair, her beautiful eyes, even the way she stood up to people, not just verbally but physically. She was right there and he had been too taken by red with black spots to see her.

That changed now, he just wasn’t sure how…

‘…I’m just not sure how.’ Marinette told Tikki as her phone beeped again with another message from Alya, and she flipped it over so it was face down on the chaise beside her.

‘It won’t be easy.’ Tikki told her. ‘But it will be worth it.’ She pressed her little palm under Marinette’s chin, making her raise it to look at her. ‘Just text him.’

‘And say what?’ Marinette snatched up the handset as another message sounded, hitting it automatically and tapping out a reply.

MDC ~ Alya, how do I just tell Adrien that I like him? I mean, I can’t just call him up and

say ‘hey hottie, you’re the best thing since sliced baguettes! Date me?’ And before you

suggest it no I can’t ask him to his face because derp happens!

She looked down at the display, her frustration making her pout…until she saw what, or rather who, she had replied to.

‘Shit!’ She threw the phone across the chaise where it sat and stared at her, a glowing testament to what she had just done.

‘What’s wrong?’ Tikki asked as Marinette glared at the handset as though it had bitten her.

‘Oh no. Ohnoohnoohnoohno.’ She reached out carefully and picked it up, looking at it in horror. ‘That wasn’t Alya I replied to, it was Adrien!’

‘What did you say?’ Tikki peered over her shoulder, biting her lip to keep from giggling. ‘Oops.’

‘I have to fix this!’ Marinette quickly typed another message.

MDC ~ ADRIEN IGNORE THIS MESSAGE!

‘Surely this way he now knows you’d like to date him?’ Tikki suggested as Marinette continued her flurry of taps.

‘That’s the worst thing that could happen!’

MDC ~ It was a joke, I didn’t mean it! I swear Alya took my phone!

‘That Adrien knows you have feelings for him?’ Her kwami’s confusion was evident in her voice.

‘Yes! It’s awful! Terrible! A disaster! Now he knows I like him!’

Now he knew she liked him. He just stared at his phone, not quite believing what he read. He even read it again, just to be sure. His lady liked him, Adrien. Wow this…suddenly made so much sense! He was the one she liked! He had been cockblocking himself as Chat Noir without even realising it!

He typed a reply.

‘He’s typing a reply!’ Marinette squealed, throwing the phone again, this time slamming a cushion on top of it for good measure.

‘You have to check it some time.’ Tikki told her softly, but Marinette shook her head rapidly.

‘No, I don’t. Maybe I should just throw the phone in the Seine, pretend it was stolen. Something, but not looking at it. Definitely not.’

The tone sounded again, muffled under the cushion and Tikki swept underneath it, pulling the phone out and holding it up to Marinette. ‘You know you have to check it eventually. Where’s that Ladybug courage?’

‘It doesn’t exist where Adrien is concerned.’ She mumbled as she took the phone from Tikki. ‘I hope he thought it was a joke.’

AA ~ How’s Friday at 8?

MDC ~ whut?

Marinette had replied without even thinking but when the phone rang in her hand with a picture of Adrien she threw the phone in the air with a yelp, bouncing it from hand to hand as she tried to catch it.

‘This is a joke, it’s Chloé, she’s taken Adrien’s phone and is making trouble, it’s not him, there’s no way it’s him!’ She finally grabbed the handset, managing to hit answer in the process, pulling a startled face as she realised she had no choice but to talk.

‘Hello?’ She said nervously.

‘Hey, Mari, just checking you got my last message?’ Adrien’s voice was pleasant in her ear and she sighed. He wasn’t mad, at least he didn’t sound it.

‘M-m-message? Did I get a message? Hahah!’ She stammered.

‘Yeah, did you?’ He asked hopefully. ‘I mean, you replied.’

‘I did, didn’t I?’ She pressed her palm to her forehead and cringed.

‘So, I just wanted to check. Are you free Friday? I’d love to take you to a movie. Maybe dinner before, if we can make time.’

‘Really?’ She said quietly, not daring to hope.

‘Really really.’

She was quiet for a moment, her brain not willing to let her process this fully, but her mouth took over anyway. ‘Okay.’

‘Great.’ She could hear the pleasure in his voice as he replied, picturing his smile perfectly. ‘I’ll see you at school tomorrow though, right?’

‘Right! You will!’ She said rapidly.

‘I’ll see you then. And, Mari?’

‘Yeah?’ She breathed a sigh at how he said her name.

‘I’m looking forward to it.’

‘Me too.’

They hung up, simultaneously dropping back, Marinette onto her chaise, Adrien onto his bed, sighing happily.

‘We’re going on a date!’

#miraculous #miraculous ladybug #miraculous fanfic #miraculous fan fic #MLB #mlb fanfiction #miraculous mumma #adrienette #adrien knows

258 notes · View notes

femmeveined-a · 5 years

Note

📱 rachel & vic oof

📱( Accepting! )

RACHEL

May 7th, 2010

Rachel sprawled out on her bed, the night’s events turning over in her head as the sun rose over the trees. The concert had been the first time she and Chloe had really gotten close since they called a truce on their dislike of each other. Chloe already knew more about her than the kids at Blackwell, who only knew Rachel as whoever Rachel wanted them to think she was. Running into Chloe at the Old Mill had been completely out of Rachel’s control, and she couldn’t decide if she loved it or hated it. Groping at her sheets for a minute, her fingers grasped her phone, and she looked out the window as she tried to figure out what to say.

4:26 AM: i’m so amped up from last night i can’t sleep. would‘ve hella sucked without you, glad you decided i was cool enough to hang with, finally.

She weighed her options, mouth screwing up into a pucker. She’d flirted with Chloe all night, even over text after they’d parted ways. But she had to mix it up, keep it interesting. Deleting the text in seconds, she opened Instagram, posting the best picture she could find from the previous night, with the caption, “Firewalk with me ;)”

July 24th, 2011

Rachel jumped a mile when her phone vibrated, earning a sidelong glance from Frank. “Is that Chloe? Rachel, she has to know by now. Where did you even tell her you were going today?”

Rachel swiveled the driver’s side chair and jumped up to put Pompidou on his leash. “I told her I was in Seaside. Which we are. I just… Didn’t mention we were taking your RV. Or that ‘we’ involved you. I even sent her a postcard, I thought she’d chill, but–”

“Chill? Chloe Price?”

“Frankie, stop.” Rachel laughed, rolling her eyes. “She’s not… Okay, she’s a little much. But you have to love her.”

“No I do not.” Frank looked downright offended at the suggestion, and Rachel sighed, raking her fingers through her hair.

“Fine. I do. And I know she won’t like it, and it’ll just start bullshit drama. Not really our style. And I like our style.” Rachel leveled her gaze at him, the way she knew could get her her way any time she wanted.

Frank held her gaze for a long minute, before tossing her her phone. “Just text her. Tell her you’re okay. She goes nuts when she doesn’t hear from you, y’know.”

Rachel considered it for a minute, telling Chloe everything. About Frank, about how she’s really in love, and how happy she is. Holding Pompidou’s leash between her knees, she types it out, just to see it in writing.

1:56 PM: hey babe. i’m in seaside, remember? buuuuuut… i didn’t tell you who with. it’s frank. y’know. that frank. we’ve been hanging out for a while, and uh… now we’re kind of hooking up. and i think he loves me. and i think i love him. maybe. idk. but i love you too. and idk what to do. it’s scary but i don’t wanna lose you, or him. not as friends, or… anything else.

Rachel only realized she was gritting her teeth when the headache started, and she pressed delete, holding it down for a solid minute after the words vanished. Like hell am I ruining today like this.

March 8th, 2012

Rachel had never felt grosser. She’d known David was a creep from the start, but when she’d caught him tailing her in his shitty car, taking her picture by Frank’s, and on campus, she went into damage control mode. Cut Frank off by starting a fight and leaving him a letter goodbye, and distanced herself from the Vortex Club and Nathan. There was only one link left to get David off her back.

Chloe.

Her fingers shook slightly as she typed out the text, a lump in her throat.

9:17 PM: hey. sorry it’s been a few days of silence. needed space, y’know? but i need more. a lot more. i have school stuff to work on since the semester’s almost over, so things will be hella crazy for me and i just won’t have time for a social life. we should-

Her typing stopped as a new message popped up from Chloe, as if she’d known what was happening.

9:17 PM: holy shit dude, v just told me stepdick is stalking you. that SUCKS. he’s such an asshole. i can get him off your back. cause mischief, you know, my usual. just say the word.

Rachel smiled softly, her chest feeling a little lighter, as she deleted her previous message in the making.

January 16th, 2013

For nearly the last year, Chloe and Rachel had been closer than ever, even more so than before her secret relationship with Frank put a rift between them. Initially, when Mark Jefferson had been chosen to teach at Arcadia Bay, Rachel had only thought of her future. Sure, she had some professional shots in her modeling portfolio, but Mark was a known, celebrated photographer. She’d been subtle at the start, a stark contrast from the fan girls that drooled over him and whined for his attention. Asking him for advice on her portfolio or assignments for class, casually asking if he could maybe do a small shoot for her.

It was almost too easy for that to blur into what it was now, sneaking back to the dorms after a scandalous hookup in his office that had become their routine. She fished her phone from her bag to read the long list of texts Chloe had sent her over the last two hours, chuckling and shaking her head. She’d tried to write it all out, to tell Chloe about him. But it never felt like the right time. And Chloe would lose her shit anyways, no matter when she told her.

6:23 PM: hey blue. i’m fine, sorry i went quiet. i was kinnnnnnd of with someone. but i need to tell you in person. bc it’s sort of… taboo. like, hella taboo. pick me up and we can-

A hand on her shoulder elicited a horror movie scream that echoed off the brick walls lining the sidewalk. Beside her, Nathan jumped back like he’s been shocked, hands raised in defense. “Shit! Sorry, Rach! I just, I just saw you come out of the main building and I just…”

His words trailed off as he looked at something behind her, and Rachel followed his gaze, neck craning to look without turning. Mark was half-jogging down the stairs, briefcase in hand. He gave her and Nathan a curt nod before heading to his car, and Rachel turned back to Nathan, who’s expression had visibly darkened. “Uh, you good, Nate? He give you a shit grade or something?”

“Or… Something.”

April 21st, 2013

Something was very, very wrong. Sure, Rachel had taken some shit, and drank a little. But she could hold her own. A little weed and molly didn’t leave her stumbling like Bambi learning to walk, head spinning, and her stomach lurching. The flashing lights of the party stung her eyes and made her head throb, like she had the worst hangover in the world. Victoria had seen her, mocking her for not being able to hang. She vowed to never drink again if she survived this. Chloe was here somewhere, but Rachel just needed out, now. She pushed open the doors, deeply inhaling the cool evening air. Pulling out her phone, she tried in vain to type, but everything came out jumbled and nonsensical.

The door opened behind her, Mark stepping out onto the sidewalk next to her. “Rachel, are you alright? Let me get you back to your dorm.”

By that point her vision was blurring and darkening at the edges, so she just nodded.

Next thing she knew, she woke up in the dark, feeling like she was flying. After a minute, looking around with each movement taking all her strength, she realized she was in Mark’s car, laying across the back seat. Realizing her phone was still clutched in her hand, she typed out a single text to Chloe, the car coming to a stop as she finished writing it.

1:29 AM: somethings wrong. scared. mark took me. idk where i am. help.

Mark opened the door, Rachel letting out a low groan as he dragged her from the car and letting her drop outside the car as he picked up her phone, watching the text try to send, until the words flashed across the screen.

MESSAGE SEND FAILURE. RETRY?

October 13th, 2013

Rachel had been in the hospital for three days, and only really conscious for two of them. Hooked up to an IV giving her nutrients to try and supply everything she’d missed over the last six months as well as water. They’d recovered her phone in the bunker, giving it back only after they’d gotten all evidence off of it. That pissed Rachel off, but she didn’t have a leg to stand on since her own naivete and secrecy had gotten her kidnapped in the first place. After everything, all the shit she’d hid from Chloe, Chloe had found her. Saved her. And Rachel couldn’t bring herself to talk to her.

Tongue bitten between her teeth, Rachel frowned at her phone for over a minute before hurriedly opening it and getting to Chloe’s messages. She’d seen all the calls Chloe had made to her before, when she was tied up and left to die. But none since, because she was a hundred feet away, in the waiting room.

1:56 PM: hey life saver. come say hi. i owe you a thanks. and like, so much more.

VICTORIA

March 7th, 2010

Why the fuck did I call her Kari? This was the thought swirling around Victoria’s head as she sat in her Chemistry class. She was replaying the scene over and over in her head. She’d asked, specifically, what Chloe’s name was on the picture of them at that concert. But instead of, “Hey, Chloe, cool concert?” she’d gone on some ego-maniac spiel about her dumb photography award, and called her Kari. Victoria was cringing so hard she thought she might combust.

Sneaking her phone from her bag to her lap, she typed out a quick, hopefully casual message.

9:56 AM: thnx for the chem help. maybe u could tutor? i can pay.

But then, from behind her, the teacher’s voice rang out shrill and angry. “Ms. Chase, what is the meaning of this?”

Dread and understanding filled her, and she deleted the message, typing out an angry, belligerent message in its place. Fuck Chloe, this is what happens when you ask for help.

January 1st, 2011

The night previous had been unexpected, to say the least. Chloe wasn’t exactly in Victoria’s social circle, and hadn’t been at Blackwell for over a year, so their only connection was the rare times Rachel forced them together to hang out with her. They tolerated each other, even occasionally laughed at each other’s jokes. But last night had been different.

Rachel had completely bailed from the Vortex party, leaving Chloe to mope in the corner, nursing her red solo cup clutched a little too aggressively to be casual.

Pathetic.

Just to get Chloe out of there, to avoid souring the mood of the whole party, Victoria had taken her out to stairs and offered her a cigarette, forgetting herself as she lit it by leaning in close with her own. Brown eyes meeting blue and illuminated by the burning ends of their cigarettes, they held the gaze for what could only be a moment before pulling back and laughing it off. What followed had been nearly an hour of honestly talking, ranging from Rachel being a bitch for ditching Chloe, to the Vortex Club, to life at Blackwell. Small talk, sure, but it was easier to talk to Chloe than Victoria could have ever expected. When it became clear Rachel wasn’t making a reappearance any time soon, Victoria walked Chloe back to her truck after double and triple checking she wasn’t too fucked up to drive.

Now, in the harsh lights of the bathroom as she double-checked her make up, Victoria looked down at her phone, even picking it up and typing out a message.

7:50 AM: it’s v. hope you didn’t die last night, from alcohol poisoning or otherwise. last night wasn’t terrible, quelle suprise. guess we’re not totally at a loss if rach keeps bailing.

Just then, Taylor and Courtney entered, Taylor immediately checking herself in the mirror, and Courtney handing Victoria her morning coffee. Forgetting the text, Victoria shut off her phone, and accepted the coffee.

March 11th, 2012

Despite the odds, Victoria and Chloe had gone from tolerating each other to something… Different. Rachel’s presence was no longer a prerequisite for them to hang out together, though they insisted on keeping it secret regardless. Their drunk talks outside Vortex Club parties had turned into dizzying, intense hookups in Chloe’s car, or the bathroom, or wherever else they could get before they tore each other’s clothes off.

And still, Victoria couldn’t bring herself to just be nice to her. She was well aware it was Chloe’s birthday, it was all over her Facebook and Rachel’s instagram, that they had “big plans” for the big 1-8.

Plans that did not include Victoria.

Poring over her homework, textbooks covering her entire desk, Victoria’s head jerked up when she heard the now familiar revving of Chloe’s hideous truck. For a second, she thought Chloe had changed her mind. Chosen to hang out with Victoria instead of Rachel, not just hung out with her because she was the next best option. Her heart jumped, and she picked up her phone to text the birthday girl.

10:25 AM: since it’s your birthday we’ll drop the pretense. give me five minutes-

But her heart dropped back down just as quickly with the all too familiar sound of the dorm door banging opening, where from her window she could see a streak of blonde hair and flannel running to Chloe’s truck.

Oh.

Silently, Victoria sank back into her desk chair, swallowing hard as she tried to focus on her work instead of the annoying, dull ache now sitting squarely in the middle of her chest.

August 7th, 2013

Rachel had been missing for three months and sixteen days. And Victoria had stopped answering Chloe’s texts a month ago. But she was beginning to crack. The texts from Chloe ranged from poorly faked nonchalance (’hey vic, whats up, i’m at blackwell let’s chill’) to accusatory (’you always hated rach, you wanted her gone, fuck you!’). So Victoria ignored them. But she was scared, just like Chloe. And sad. And news of the disappearance was harder to get ahold of when she wasn’t in Arcadia Bay, stuck home in Seattle until the beginning of the school. Skimming over the unanswered texts, Victoria bit her lip and started to type something out.

3:05 PM: any news? hope ur having a nice summer. other than the obvi.

But a knock at her bedroom door, and Danielle, the family’s cleaning lady, poking head in distracted her from the ache, if only for a minute. She threw her phone into the middle of her bed and walked out, giving a rare, sweet smile to Danielle, and flounced out of the room, pushing all thoughts of Rachel, Chloe, and Arcadia Bay from her mind.

October 4th, 2013

Oh my god. Ohmygodohmygodohmygod.

Even in Victoria’s alcohol and coke fueled buzz, she knew what she’d seen. Nathan had been shadowing Kate all night, after being the one to invite her, and then slipped something in her drink, which he was now handing off to her. Victoria felt icy, like all circulation in her body had stopped. The pounding bass felt otherworldly with the music muffled by her panic. In her mind, two dots struggled to connect, separated by months and what, at the moment, had seemed like absolutely nothing. But when Kate started stumbling, her dark blonde hair lit up by the flashing lights, deja vu hit Victoria like a truck.

Rachel had been drugged before she disappeared. It all made sense now. Why she was so out of it, and why she’d left so fast. Chloe was the first person Victoria thought of, and she fumbled to pull her phone out.

11:38 PM: chloe it’s vic call me ASAP i think i have a clue to what happened-

Courtney and Taylor, who until now had been watching Kate, mesmerized and horrified, looked over at Victoria for instruction. Victoria opened her mouth, unsure what was about to come out. Before she could speak. Courtney laughed and grabbed her phone. “Holy shit, Saint Kate is going Girls Gone Wild. We’re so posting this.”

November 24th, 2013

The month and some change since the End of the World Party had been bizarre. Victoria had lost nearly everything, from her Everyday Heroes win, to her friends, to the Vortex Club leadership position. But Max had approached her like it was nothing, and sat with her when no one else would, and brought her assignments when she couldn’t bear to leave her room. An extension of Max’s friendship was being reunited with Chloe, whom she hadn’t spoken to in four months.

It wasn’t easy, trying to piece together a genuine friendship after how quickly Victoria had dropped Chloe, and Chloe had accused her of being involved in their still-missing friend’s disappearance. But somehow, they did it. When Max headed off to Seattle for Thanksgiving break, and VIctoria’s family let her know she wouldn’t be welcome at the family gathering after her “disgrace”, Chloe was the first person she turned to.

11:40 AM: sorry for the late notice, but… any chance you’ve got a spare seat at your table? kinnnnnnnd of disinvited from thanksgiving, with nowhere to go.

Twelve long minutes later, her phone vibrated in her hand.

11:52 AM: v, i think if i turned you away my mom would disinvite me. yes, you’re coming. bonus points if you make david feel shitty with me.

#victoria; interactions #rachel; interactions #punkdtm

1 note · View note

insomniac-arrest · 6 years

Text

Point A to Point B

genre: slice of life, growing up, wlw, original

words: 10k

summary: ---“I’ve seen the movies.” I say loudly, putting my hands above my head as I lay in the grass. “You’ve seen the movies,” she flops down next to me.

“I’ve heard the songs!” “You’ve heard the songs.” “Will you stop that?” “No.” “I’ve done the research!”

“You googled ‘hot tiddy’ twenty eight times a week.” “Lord save me,” I look up at the bright sky and try to ignore her, “how does someone get from point A to point B? How does anyone get a girlfriend!”----

A girl over the summer of her junior year tries to answer the age-old question that philosophers have been working on for generations: how does a girl get a girlfriend?

The Girl in the Pets World

The song ‘Your Body is a Wonderland’ by John Mayer was playing over the loudspeakers as I creep down the fish food aisle. My shoes squeak across the clean linoleum floors and the sterile blinding fluorescents blare from overhead. My hand grazes over the colorful fish food labels one at a time, blue, yellow, pink, ultra pink.

I was feeling a little like fish food myself at the at moment, small and chewed up, but maybe that was just the drama addict in me.

A little girl in blue corduroys and pink sneakers looks up at the speakers as the lyrics ‘And if you want love we'll make it, Swim in a deep sea of blankets’ plays. I hope she’s thinking about blanket forts or something when he says the last part.

I’m not, I’m looking at the front cash registers and sweating, I was never very good at keeping my body temperature at a normal person rate. I sweat in meat lockers, I sweat at hockey games, I sweat in the basement of the school during nap time when I was five. And I sweat getting in line at the Pet’s World for the cash register.

My mom said all the sweating was from my various allergies, but once I found out ‘allergic to earwax’ wasn’t a real thing I stopped taking my mom’s word on a lot of things. Though most dogs still made me sneeze, I was trying to ignore that and hope it goes away.

I held Chubs favorite TetraFin Goldfish flakes in my moist hands and look up the ceiling where two industrial fans swung round and round. Whump whump whump.

My eyes follow them lazily and hear a loud squawk from the bird section a few paces away and try not to flinch.

‘You frustrate me, I know you're mine all mine all mine, but you look so good it hurts sometimes ’

I hear the song croon on along with the whump whump whump of the industrial fans overhead.

“Next!” I try not to freeze, or swallow my tongue, or sweat through all of my clothes in 2.3 seconds like some sort of ooze monster.

I ooze forward anyway on my human slug legs and push the fish flakes across the counter, a girl with short swishing blue hair takes the item and presses it across the scanner. Her fingers were long, piano-player long, with three rings on each hand. Not enough rings to be obnoxious, but enough to knock some teeth out if she punched a man.

I’m imagining her punching a man now and I’m sweating.

“Hey,” I wipe my palms down on my jeans, trying to resist digging my teeth into my cheek.

She pushes her strands of deep blue hair back and glances up, “hey.” She presses some buttons on her register, she might as well be pressing magic buttons on a wizard wand to me.

“How are you today?” Her voice is low, deep like a purring car engine or bass guitar, formal as it was bored.

“Pretty good.” I stop myself from trying to get something more out, ‘start out small’ I remind myself.

She glances up. “Your total is $4.55.” “Oh,” I riffle around through my pockets, trying to figure out if I brought my wallet or dignity or that notebook I wrote lines down in. “Here.” I place a five down on the counter and she nods, “pretty hot out there today.” “Yeah,” I gulp and swallow thickly, “nice to be out of school.” She snorts, her round delicate features in motion for a second, “you can say that again.” She hands me back 45 cents in change and I take it with just a mild little nod. “Did you want a bag?” “Nah,” I turn around, a dime falling out of my hand as I grab for the fish flakes and go to bolt. Chubs didn’t even need any more flakes yet, I’m running anyway.

“Next!” Her voice calls out and I wonder if she knew my name. If I was just ‘some random fish flakes girl’ to her and she was Mari S. to me. Mariana Santiago, and I was dying.

I’m out the door.

--------

I’m gasping for breath and feeling my nerves jitter up and down like a jukebox. The cool shadow of the building pets my cheek and I feel like falling over.

I hear snickering off to my left, I’m almost gagging on my own tongue, “Ugh!” I rake my hands through my chin-length brown hair and spin around in circles. I’m on the side of the building now, where the large windows can’t see and only a few cars pass by, the sidewalk chafes on my naked knees as I crash down.

“Okay,” a voice calls out to me, “so I take it you proposed on one knee and she said yes.” I don’t even look up, “shut up Dana.”

I feel someone kick my ankle as I keel over dramatically (for the drama addict in me).

“She spun you around and you kissed against the sunset.” I tilt my eyes up to scowl at my best friend, Dana Kim. “Yeah. Then we made out against the doggy daycare display and the people in the fifth aisle clapped.” “Hey, I think it’d be cool to lose your v-card up against the doggy daycare sign…” Dana’s eyes mist over, “like some innocents lost imagery or some shit.” I roll over on my side and consider flopping my way over to the highway on my stomach. Girls met other girls in hospitals, right?

“How do people do this?!” I throw my hands in the air and shake my fist at God.

“You know,” Dana cracked her ankle as she took a squat next to me, “Bars, bus stops, aquariums, Christianmingle.com…” “How do gay people do this?” I correct myself, “we know that she’s gay, right? We say her tinder profile. There was a girl holding hands with girl emoji.” “Dude, her facebook page is a rainbow flag background,” Dana flicks me gently.

I blink up at her, “Maybe she just likes rainbows?” Dana rolls her eyes, “get up.” She puts her hand out toward me and I grab it, she hauls me up with an exaggerated groan. “God, the weight of your bullshit is giving me arm muscles.” “Pfft,” I punch the side of her arm once, “like you could get muscles if you wanted to.” Dana flexed her thin pale noodle arms, “I’m butch.” I pat her back sympathetically, “my brother asked me who that sad twink was the other day before I told him you just got a haircut.” Dana made an abject face at me and stuffs her glasses higher up on her nose, “Tell Robbie I’m gonna kick his fucking ass.” I laugh, “let’s go. My mom still thinks I’m applying for jobs.” “Aren’t you?” I shrug, “a type of one.” She laughs and pat me on the back again, “girls like girls with money you know” I look up at the sky and I feel my hair tickle the back of my neck, “do girls like girls?” “I’m gonna kick your ass,” she grins, “start walking hot stuff, we’ll go over where you went wrong.” I jump down from the curb and start walking toward the brown on brown suburbs in the distance, “I said ‘hey’ and followed up with a sad confused gay telepathy look.” “What did I tell you about gay telepathy?” We cross through the parking lot, “it doesn’t actually work if you aren’t already bitten by the radioactive ghost of Freddie Mercury yet.” I yank at my stray hairs and want to flop over again, “nothing works.” “Maybe asking her out works?”

“Don’t be daft,” I sniff loudly with a teasing grin and she shakes her head. We jump down from the curb and start meandering along the scruffy uneven road. I look up at the bright, cloudless pale blue sky. As blue as it got in Hobbs New Mexico.

I let out a long puff of air as I let the summer of my junior year soak into me like an old rag, I sigh, “what if I go to college without ever having kissed a girl?” Dana adjusted her glasses and stuffed her hands in her pocket, “I dunno, be like every other gay girl out there Feli? Lesbianism is like a social yield sign. Everything takes a little longer my friend.” I look over my shoulder and give a sad smile, “thanks.” Dana shrugs, “that’s for me too. It’s not like blue-haired Miss Mari is my type, but I could use a girlfriend as well. Like, yesterday.” “You’ve already had a girlfriend,” I say with a scowl, “save some for the rest of us.” “Uh,” Dana scuffs her foot on the ground, “that was at band camp, which doesn’t count, because everyone is gay there and now she lives in Massachusetts.” I wrinkle my nose, “gross.” “I know,” she nods, “and we barely held hands. She was super shy, and like, we just fumbled around that first kiss like idiots.” We start walking up a grassy hill as we approach Peach street and turn toward the dead and yellowing patches of foliage up at the top.

“Oh yeah, the first kiss you described as the ‘most magical touch of the first world order created by the heavens themselves’.” “I did not phrase it like that,” she says indignantly. “I called it the breathtaking flowering of my adolescence.” “Jesus,” I shake my head, “And then three months later at Macy’s party you said that it sucked.”

She frowns slightly and then shrugs, “that’s sometimes how it be.” She shudders, “It was just super, dry.” She wrinkles her nose, “and light.” I groan and flop down next to Our Spot, the place next to the rusted broken down truck that somehow got on Deadman’s Hill and never left. “I can’t believe even you can’t get a good gf in this economy.” “Even me?” She grins, “I’ll take that as a compliment,.”

“Dan,” I say slowly, “I don’t know where I’m going wrong.” “Well, let’s start,” she takes a deep breath in but I stop her.

“I’ve seen the movies.” “Okay, you’ve seen the movies,” she flops down next to me.

“I’ve heard the songs.” “You’ve heard the songs.” “Will you stop that?” “No.” “I’ve done the research!”

“You googled ‘hot tiddy’ twenty eight times a week.” “Lord save me,” I look up at the bright sky and try to ignore her, “how does a girl get from point A to point B? How does anyone get a girlfriend.” We both glance over at each other, a heart beat passing between us like a whispered curse word. She moves her shoulders up and down loosely, “hell if I know.” We go back to look up at the limpid blue sky.

-----------

“Did you find work?” My mom was rearranging her herbs cabinet.

I lean on the doorframe and watch her frizzy brown hair get caught in her shirt collar, “getting there.” I say slowly. “I’m thinking Barnes and Nobles.” She glances up slightly and puts her oregano next to her sage grass, “your aunt messaged me last week that leo’s were going to have a month of wealth.” It was probably too bad in my mom’s universe that I never felt like a leo, “sure, send aunt Maude my love.” I say flatly and drum my hands on the countertop.

“And to watch out for bad smells!” My mom hoots, “that’s why I’m making sure our spices are in order.” “Good mom.” I turn toward the door, thinking better about having come in there in the first place. “Tell your brother to turn his video game down too, you know how I hate those gun noises,” she moves the sage grass next to the mint leaves.

“I will,” I sigh heavily, “and mom,” I glance at her, she manages to crane her neck over as she messes with her stray hair caught in her collar. I sigh again, “Nevermind.” “Have you fed your fish?” I nod, “Chubs is… good.” She nods, “that fish is lucky, you know he is. I got him from Todd.” Todd was our previous next door neighbor who sold weed to my mom (for medicinal reasons, naturally), he gave his betta fish to us before he left. He had two, the other one's name was Ganja.

I crossed my fingers, “I’ve been feeling luckier already.” “And take your cloves!” She says hotly, “I’ve seen you buying more kleenexes.” I roll my eyes and turn toward the basement, “I know mom!”

I haven’t taken my cloves in months, but I had started eating gluten against in April and felt better than ever, so there was that. Gluten, of course, was one of my many allergies on my moms ‘Felicity List.’

I hated her Felicity List.

I end up going down the next hallway, completely failing in asking my mom the one question I wanted to know: how did you meet dad. How did he meet you- and then how does anyone meet girls? How do you do love without a proper script for it.

I end up just knocking on my brother’s door, “turn it down!” I holler, “your call of duty is making mom’s aura black or whatever.” “Fuck off, dump-truck.” I scoff to myself, my brother was at the age where he discovered that he had something to say, and it suddenly didn’t have to be good things. Or even decent things.

“Robbie, Dana says she’s gonna kick your ass and I’m tempted to let her.” I just hear a series of yelling and gunshots on the other side, “wear headphones you brat!”

“Like I have to listen to someone who leaves their bloody panties o-” “I’m coming on in!” I rattle the door. “And I’m telling mom if your essential oils are in the trash again.”

“Fine, fine!” He says shrilly, “I’m putting headphones in.” He mumbles something rude after that but I just shake my head and move on, I had a game plan to continue to make.

I knock before entering the basement and coming down the stairs two at a time, “that was a bust!”

Dana was sitting in our beanbag chair looking at her phone, “I suppose ‘I told you so’ wouldn’t help?” “You haven’t told me anything in the eleven years we have known each other,” I wag a finger at her and she sticks out her bottom lip.

“How’s the moodboard of love going?” She jutts her chin out toward my open notebook, I blow air out of my nose. “It’s mood is ‘bored’.”

“Ooh, good wordplay.” “Ugh.” I turn over to flop into my own bean bag chair next to hers. “Love is fake and being gay is…” I frown, “hard.” “Haven’t you heard? The het-ys will also say being straight is hard too.” She doesn’t look up from her phone.

I cover my eyes with my hands, “any insta news?” “Mari hasn’t posted anything since the 911 post about her finding a new top from that consignment store,” Dana nudges me with her foot, “but Paula from phys ed is starting a girls rugby team and posting about it, and it’s,” she lifts her eyebrows, “kinda hot.”

I sit up straight, “is she…?” “Still dating Patrick Ludwig or whatever, but my point still stands.” I tutt and click my tongue, “a good one fallen.” Dana laughs and a turn over on my stomach, “what’s the other game plan?” Dana puts her legs in the air, “research.” She winks, “there’s this episode on Netflix that’s supposed to be hot.” “That we haven’t-” “That we haven’t seen.” I put my finger in the air, “play it then!”

“Say no more.”

We turn on ‘Vegan Cinderella’ about two girls and no story plot.

Of course, the two leads get in one glance at each other and then get together. No one ever really tells you how you skip from noticing each other to straight up crawling all over one another. There is no in between.

I try to take notes.

------

It was a lazy summer, a bright one, slow, there were a lot of things I was trying to piece together and tear apart again. Mainly, why I was in Pet’s World, standing in the fish food aisle. It was like reliving a bad dream I kept having.

They were playing ‘Call me Maybe’ like some sort of summer throwback to two years ago and I was feeling resentful.

I had Dana in my ear, I clear my throat and whisper, “okay, repeat to me again what you want me to say.” Dana clears her throat, “well hey there sugar lips-” “Nope.” She lowers her voice, “Why don’t you bring some candy over to daddy.” “So unhelpful.” “That’s what I said my first time,” she said from outside, I could almost see her smirking at me from there.

“You did not,” I say indignantly, “you gestured and stuttered and maybe flashed her once, that’s the true story.” “You’re right. Please flash Mari S for me, like full on vag and/or areola.”

“I hate you.” “Muah,” she blows a kiss my way and I shake my head.

“This is why we aren’t dating.” “Gross. I’ve known you too long for that, that’s like kissing your cousin.” “Also gross.” “You need to fly little bird!” Dana yells into the speaker, “spread your wings and take your clothes off in a public Pet’s World. Full areola. Maybe a little ass, all of your thighs.” “I’m just going to ask her if they have any job applications.” “Boooo-” I hang up on her.

My breaths come out harsh and uneven, I prop myself up anyway and ignore the hamsters in the next aisle giving me the side eye from their cages. I had a girl to figure out how to date.

I walk up to the cash register, it was eleven in the morning so the store was particularly empty and I was feeling particularly bold after chugging one and a half Dr. Pepppers. I wasn’t allowed sugar or caffeine as a child so it tended to have a more profound effect.

Mari seemed to be glancing down at what I assumed was her phone, I was looking out at nothing as my eyes unfocused in a sort of last resort defense mechanism. I force myself to plant my feet in front of her cash register.

It takes her a moment to look up and it takes me a longer, much more uncomfortable moment to say anything. She was looking at my empty item-less hands.

“Do you like working here?” I ask in a monotone. A beat passes where her painted eyebrow arches, I fumble the ball in midair. “I mean, I’m looking for a job is all.” ‘Is all’ is still a cute phrase, right?

Mari leaned down over the counter and stuck her tongue out slightly, “honestly? Love the animals, but customer service will fucking drag your soul out through your ass.” I gulp, “so I’ve heard.” I rack my head for sentences, or words, or singular intelligent sounds. My phone buzzes as Dana must be watching me from the outside. I wipe my hands down, “but the animals, right? Sounds fun.” I offer weakly.

Mari gives a half-smile, “it’s pretty chill, I get 20% off dog food, so I guess it almost works.” I grin, “what kind of dog do you have?” Mari raises her eyebrows even further, “a lab.”

“Cool!”

Another beat drops and the silence drags on a little bit as I try to come up with something like a sleeveless magician. Mari taps her nails down and tilts her head to the side, “his name is Bruce Lee, like the actor since my mom was super into martial arts after she got freaked at a store robbery. It wasn’t even her store.” I take a deep breath in and my heart sort of soars, “that’s cool. Bruce Lee? I love dogs.” Was this working? It felt like it was working. “Yeah,” Mari gives a half-smile, “they’re the reason I work here at all.” She shakes her head, “honestly, I could just leave the people out altogether.” I laugh and it almost doesn’t turn into a snort, “tell me about.” Mari grins again and looks me up and down, I almost explode. “Did you need that job ap?” I shrug, “I’m still deciding.” Hard to get, hard to get.

“Well,” she huffs and looks up at the ceiling, “it might be nice to have someone who isn’t obsessed with the bachelor to work here.” I could have bounced on the soles of my feet, “you got me pegged. I don’t even like roses.” I was supposedly allergic to them. She just clicks her tongue with a slight laugh and takes something out, “go for it then.” She hands me the job application. I nod and run out of words in my word orchid to grab from, I take the piece of paper and turn around instead. “Thanks then.

“Sure.”

My eyes dart back and forth and then I bite my lip, turning slightly, “See you then.” “Definitely,” she waves, I wonder if this is flirting.

I practically run back outside as I try to chew on what this all means, my shoes skid across the exit like they’re going to burn up and a run around the corner of the building to bend down and tear at my hair. “Mppmph!” I squat down on the ground where no one can see me. “Mmmph!” I hear someone skipping up from the left.

“How was it? How’d it go?” Dana circles around me enthusiastically as she approaches, “did you do the dog-sign-virginity thing?” I throw my hands in the air and make another strangled sound, “mmph!”

“And she’s a winner!” Dana goes to high-five me and then ends up laughing. “I can’t believe you done it. Or something I take it.”

“Ah!” I let out something that was almost a whoop, “she said ‘definitely!’” I turn around in circles, “she thinks it’d be cool if I worked there!”

“You’re going to get married,” Dana clapped her hands and I ignore her.

I almost fall down on the pavement right there, “to Deadman’s truck!” I point to our hill, “we have to tell me how I to actually get a job.”

Dana laughs and then covers her mouth, “I can’t believe you wouldn’t get a job to help me buy a car together, but oh, Mari Santiago is hot enough for it.” “So hot!”

“Let’s go then,” she pushes me back to my feet, “play by play girl, play by play.”

I’m walking around in circles, “she has a dog!”

“No duh.” “He does martial arts!”

“Slow down there.” We walk to our hill and I can’t stop talking, one step at a time, one little step at a time.

-------

I didn’t know what to do with Mariana Santiago. She was there, toned and surly and goth gf material one moment, and then super surly and unreadable the next.

I really did need fish flakes for Chubs the next day (my brother tipped over a whole bottle of it the night before) and Mari doesn’t even look at me as I walk by. She’s outside leaning on the wall. It seemed to be her break, she was holding a cigarette and inhaling deeply, I hold my breath.

“Hey,” I don’t know what to do with my hands at that moment, or what I’m doing at all.

She barely looks up, “oh hey.” She looks back down at her phone.

“I applied for the job.” She takes a look time to respond, “good.” She takes a drag, “Brian has been complaining like one of the broken parrots about being short-staffed.” I bite my lip, “think I’ll get it then?” Her eyes flick up and down, I wish I wasn’t wearing my loose Bob Ross tank top that day, “you’re breathing, aren’t you?” I shrink a little at that but try to grin, “last time I checked.” She shrugs, no laugh, “You’ll do fine.”

I wait for something more, but Mari looked like she was several miles away and not at all walking. I start to turn away, “well… bye. See you in the store, maybe.” She waves with her lit hand and then is typing something, “break a leg.” Point A to Point B was a confusing little road that went up back and around, Mari Santiago, queen of the goths, apparently had a lot of detours.

-----------

Day One: Two Words

Our shifts don’t line up the first day, I accidentally ring something up three times and get softly chewed out by an old lady.

My hair is a mess, I sneeze five times when an extra hairy mop-dog walks in. I try to discreetly take a white allergy pill I got from a friend while a teen boy with a sweater vest judges me. I drop an entire bag of seeds I was scanning, but luckily it doesn’t break open.

I stutter, a lot. And my perspirant only lasts for half the day before my sweating is back, but of course, I do see her at the end.

She comes in, shaking her chin-length wavy blue hair and her black boots clunking on the employee room floor. I barely have time to look up. “You survive?” She asks dryly with her lips twitching. I could have whimpered.

It was one of her smiley days, where her dimples almost appeared, I end up just nodding mutely before shrugging my bag on my shoulder and turning.

I remember to skedaddle on out of there, I needed to play hard to get, I needed to mostly fix my hair and change my shirt.

-----------

Day Two: 13 Words

We discuss the fact, again, that Mari’s boss loves the bachelor, and she hates it. “It’s the worst thing to happen to love since the Twilight series.” I don’t really know what to say to that, so I try to channel my inner Dana, “hets, amiright?” I don’t mention my brief Twilight phase.

Her eyelids are blue that day, iridescent blue to match her bangs. “Okay?” I’m not sure she understood what I meant, it’s then rush-time on Saturday with puppy training hour going on in the back of the store. I get slobbered on and ask to change registers when my eyes get as red as a fire hydrant.

I didn’t mention on my resume that I had any allergies, mostly because I was hoping all of them were fake instead of just most of them. My mom picks me up that day and I don’t let Mari see me sneak into her car with my nose leaking like a faucet.

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

Day three: five sentences

My feet hurt, my head hurts, my back hurt, but mostly my feet hurt.

Eight hours, eight hours of standing and staring and I finally understood the phrase ‘counting down the seconds.’ Sure, something like social studies class was bad, but that was just fifty minutes.

This was four hours straight with a couple breaks thrown in, I think I might start to lose my mind by closing time that night. The store was dead quiet, the shadows growing on the walls and the pain growing in the soles of my feet, I always did have weak ankles.

I shift from side to side, rueing my ungrateful body and counting the number of squawks were coming from the bird section. Mari was standing a few registers away, but she hadn’t said anything that night, I hadn’t been feeling ‘me’ enough to start anything yet.

But I hear something, “hey.” I turn jerkily at her voice, my eyes going wide, “hey.” I barely look at her.

“How you holding up?”

I chew on something for a long minute before catching her eye, “my feet hurt like I stepped on a series of legos at a gynos office.” She laughed, a real life where her teeth showed in a goofy way, “oh man, definitely.” I grin, “I think they may soon fall off.” She shakes her head, she taps on her own converse, “insoles.” She says, “insolves my friend.” I nod with my face going a little hot, “are those new shoes?” Her dimples show a little bit, “nah, but,” she bounces her eyebrows up and down, “I did just spray paint them..”

I told her about my feet and it’s the longest conversation we ever had.

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

It was 11am on a Saturday and I was lying on bed going through my nail polish, I owned three, and one of them was sealed shut. I feel someone throwing a kleenex in my direction.

“Okay,” Dana calls over, “but tell me if she really has a soul jar in her room of the spirits of our classmates she’s cursed.” I roll my eyes at Dana as she swirls around in my my black office chair I got from a yard sale. I push my glitter blue nail polish away, “She’s not like that.” “At least confirm to me that she’s a wiccan, like, I’m 69% sure she is since she keeps posting hand-drawn summoning circles on instagram,” she hums, “but you never know these days.” “We haven’t got there yet,” I pause as I try to recollect all the details I had gathered from work, the recon mission of a life so far. “She spray-painted her converse recently.” Dana spun another two times in a circle, “black or purple?” “Black, also,” I go to swat at her, “get that look off your face.” Dana kept going, only pausing to poke my with her sock, “what face?” She kept holding her mouth like it had a crooked secret.

“The judgy face,” I wrinkle my nose, “I know she’s not your type.” She puts a hand over her heart, “when have I ever judged anyone? Ever?” I get up from the bed and start to walk over, “When have you have ever judged anyone?” I put my hands on my hips. “Strike you down now?”

Dana puts another hand up, like a girl scout taking a pledge, “strike me down now.” I grin and take another step forward, “and the Lord has spoken!” I flop down on her lap forcefully and spread my limbs out. “Oof,” Dana pretend gags as I sit on top of her.

Dana tries to push me off, “you are waaaay too bony for this Feli,” she tries to grab me around the waist and I flail my arms around with a laugh, she dodges my elbow. “You’re gonna take my eye out!”

“Oh, and she never judges,” I poke her and sit more firmly down, “she takes her punishment like a saint.” “Sainthood is a given,” she makes a stoic face and I laugh. “You may strike me down,” she starts spinning, “but can you hold on?” She pushes off the wall and the chair wobbles. “Dammit, Dan!” I grab the chair’s arms and we start going around and around in rapid circles. “I’m allergic to motion!”

“I know! Along with oats and milk and glutton and dogs and earwax, woo!”

I start to jab her with my elbows and we’re cackling and probably disturbing the neighbors when my phone buzzes, an actual buzz that almost made me jump out of my skin.

“Woah!” I fall halfway out of Dana’s lap as she slows to a halt.

“Are you seeing what I’m seeing?” I hold a hand over my mouth, “motion sickness?” “Look at that!”

I go to read the notification and my eyes go huge. I had a new follower on my instagram. “No.” My mouth falls open, “no!” “Someone’s on the smash-cash train, beep beep,” she makes a train noise and a scramble over to the discarded iphone 6.

“What does this mean?!” I look at the fact that ‘shoelaceslace’ had followed me back on instagram. My mouth was still open, “what does this mean?!” I feel someone push on my shoulder roughly, “it means your on course for SS Macktown, occupation goth lipstick stains, hot damn!” “Shut up,” I push on her back, “never speak again. I’m having a crisis.” “Lactose crisis level or like, still failing social studies crisis?” I start gnawing on my bottom lip and then a flop down on the bed, “does she like me?” “Does she not like you?” I kick my legs up and down and then roll back and forth on the bed, “well she doesn’t hate me!”

Dana laughs and calls me an idiot, “nobody’s gonna dislike you. You’re like, only 2/3s dislikable at any given moment.” “Dan,” I say shrilly, “I need to post something cute.” “Post about your favorite punk band.” “Something cuter.” “Post about your huuuuge crush, the one who works at a pets store and likes MCR.” I throw her a pointed look, “what?” She pushes her bangs back, “it’s the direct route!” I sigh, loudly. I was good at the dramatic. “Fine.” I try to find the best picture of me from my trip to Albuque, “point B here I come!”

“You’re gonna message her?” I throw her a blank look, “no.” I say shrewdly, “I’m gonna very very slowly crawl into a date through my picture of me holding a butterfly in a pavilion.” “Boo.” I try to mentally get on that train again.

-------

Sunlight hit the back of my neck and I felt a sizzling under my skin, my work bag hangs over my shoulder with my cellphone, lunch, and water bottle. I tap my foot angrily on the carpet and my mom looks me over.

I was standing outside my kitchen with my arms crossed over my chest, my left eyebrow was twitching and the floor smells like mildew and peppermint. “I have to.” My mom’s back was turned to me and I could hear the noise of my brother’s gun game from a room over, a distant ‘pew pew’ that was even starting to grate on my nerves.

My mom started to pick up a scented rag, “and what?” She frowns at me over her shoulder, “what am I going to do with all that wasted time?” I roll my eyes, “I never said I was actually going to the spiritualist. It’s a Sunday! I have work.”

“Felicity Laura Munez it is already booked.” She was balling up the rag in her hand. “I never said I would go!” My mom slits her eyes at me and I wouldn’t be surprised if she started hissing to ward off the negative energy around us. “Sometimes it feels like you just aren’t trying.” She says it lowly, it was worse than a hiss.

“At what?” I say dryly, not meeting her eye.

She puts her palms up, “at our relationship! I asked you to reschedule for this last week.” “For the last time,” I stomp my foot, “I’m not sick, I don’t want to go to this spiritualist.”

My mom puts a hand through her wild gray-brown hair, “then what about all the lethargy? You almost flunked freshman year, and you know you were eating so much bread that year.” I rolls my eyes, “I don’t want to have this conversation again.”

My mom put her hand out, “it’s just for an hour-” “You wanted me to get a job,” I hitch my bag up on my shoulder and feel a little cool. “I’m going to go to my job.”

“Felicity!”

I turn hotly on heels and scurry out before I lose my nerve or let my mom finish her next sentence about considering all the mood swings I had from last year. It had to be that red meat I ate, didn’t it?

I’m still scowling and red in the face by the time I walk to the Pet’s World, my head is spinning and I can feel my insides prickling. “She always has to insert herself, always has to make a thing out of everything,” I start muttering to myself as I made my way into the back of the store.

I had the same shift as Mari that day and she seems to see me coming in, my phone is buzzing.

“No mom,” I picked it up furiously and start speaking, “I don’t want to do this right now, just go by yourself, that’s what you usually do.” She lets out another string of words about meridians and not doing crew for the school play this year if I don’t get myself together before then, I end up hanging up. I angrily punch in just as another pair of shoes come up next to me. They were spray painted black.

“Hey,” I jump, realizing that Mari is standing right next to me. She looks me over steadily, “you good?” She points to the phone I am almost crushing in my fingers. I nod slowly, “my mom’s just being… out there.” She snorts, “I can tell.” She puts her hand out and my skin tingles as she brushes my elbow. “Need to blow off steam?” She offers slowly, “I’m going to go to this place after work with some friends.” “Oh,” my eyes go wide, “Oh!”

I suddenly had a lot to thank my mom for, and yet nothing at all.

Mari nods, “I get it.” She sniffs, “My mom pisses me off all the time, plus,” she grins. “I saw you like PBR.” I remember the joke post I made a year ago of a beer can.

I nod again.

-----------

I had two hours between when my shift ended and when I was supposed to be over at Mari’s, my heart was still racing. “Dana!” I called out from my closet, “tell me what to wear again.” “Nothing.” “No, the other thing.” “Hello Mr. President outfit.” She wasn’t looking up as she seemed to be trying to send twelve text messages all at once. I was on crew, and Dana apparently needed to update everyone on the theatre group chat about me. And my new love life.

“Uuugh,” I start to groan, “I need to look cool. Actually cool.”

Dana throws me a thumbs up, “you’re getting there.” I groan again and walk around in circles, “Okay,” I take a deep breath and gesture down, “black jeans.”

“Check,” Dana was nodding languidly as she typed.

“Blue ripped t-shirt.” “Sure?” “Just sure?” I almost tear the rest of the shirt off.

Dana jammed her phone in her back pocket and walked over, “your gonna do fine Feli,” she straightens her overly large sweater, “this is obvs going somewhere.” I cover my eyes, “straight to hell.” “Only if you sweet talk her just right!” She cheers and I walk around in another circle.

“I’m not cool,” I groan, “not like her. This can’t work.” Dana rolls her eyes exaggeratedly, “I think you’re cool.” I pause and glance over to her, “really?” I adjust the straps on my shirt.

“Well,” she scratches her neck, “Okay, technically I think being cool is overrated. But we’ll stick with the first version if that’s what’ll make you feel better.” “Oh-ho-ho,” I whimper and go drag myself to my bed. “This is why being gay is so hard. Only one in five of us is at all cool.” Dana shakes her head, “being gay makes you cool!” I frown at her deeply, “gimme some examples for me though. Do I even have funny stories?” Dana Kim stroked her chin thoughtfully before putting her hands in the air, “you refused to get into my grannie’s pool for the first five years I knew you because you said you were allergic to chlorine.” “Yes. Hilarious.” “And when you finally went in you did a cannonball! And threw up chips into the pool noodle, that was great.” I almost flip her off, “So I’m retiring at the ripe old age of 17. From life.” “Don’t be melodramatic,” she comes over next to me, “I thought it was a hilarious. We were super buddy best friends after that.” I let out a deep breath and glance over at her, “you think the word ‘weiner-dong’ shouted out in math class is funny.” She snickers, “I do.” I go to grab for my coat, “Mari doesn’t. She barely thought Finding Nemo was funny when we watched it in IB Spanish last year.” “That’s because she’s laaaaaa-” “Don’t say it.” Dana blows air out of her nose, “I know we, the gays, don’t have a lot of options-” “Don’t say it.” “But just be yourself Feli,” We both sit up and she puts her head on my shoulder, “it won’t be worth it if you aren’t.” I look up at the lazily spinning ceiling phone and go to grab my phone, “I’m wearing my combat boots.” Dana just snorts.

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

So I was at a party. A real party, a party party, with music and people and drinks with words I couldn’t pronounce on them. And I was suddenly very very aware I was alone there.

There was a thumping bass coming in through the floorboards and a whole slew of people I didn’t know standing on either side of me. The house was a rundown place I had to take the bus to from Wadsworth street and apparently owned by someone’s older brother.

There weren’t that many people there yet, but I was too busy counting the carpet hairs to really appreciate that. Dana had waved goodbye to me at the bus, wishing me all the luck in the world and seeing me off. I suddenly desperately wanted to hide behind her as she blew a raspberry to ‘lighten the mood’ at rundown parties like this.

I stare at my shoelaces again.

“Hey,” I hear a voice call, “hey, Felicity.” I feel the ice in my gut melt and I see Mari waving at me from an armchair across the room, thank God. I had been let in earlier with a couple people, but they said they didn’t know where Mari was, I creep over slowly.

“Hey there,” I put on a small smile, “thought I came to the wrong place.” She just shakes her head, she’s looking dimply and light for that night. “Nah,” she brushes her hair aside, “this is Jason’s place, he says we can hang here whenever.” “Nice,” I try to seem smooth and take a seat on the couch next to her. I search the air for a moment, “I’m glad we can hang outside of work. Less people asking me where flea collars are here.”

Mari gives an unknowable smile, she nods. “Have a drink.” She hands me an open beer and I try not to make a face at it. “You seem cool,” my heart soars as she hands it over, “better than anyone else Pet’s World at least.” I exhale and stifle my red face by throwing back the beer, it tastes like warm dirt. I shrug when I look back up, “A job is a job.” “Oh my God, yeah,” she rubs her nose, “my mom went on and on about how I had to do something this summer, like, come on. She’s lucky I don’t just drop out of school itself already.” “Right?” I try to sound sympathetic, the silver bracelets clang on Mari’s wrist, I can’t stop watching her mouth move. “One more year though.” I do a cheers with her with her our open cans.

Mari clinks with mine, “I hope.” She shakes her head, “I would just run away with my dog if I could.” I sit up straight and smile, “Bruce Lee?” I offer shyly, “where would you take him?” “Anywhere,” she wrinkled her nose, “dogs are better than people, I could take him anywhere and be alone and it would be better.” “Yeah,” I nod, but I’m shifting back and forth in place. I didn’t know what to ask her, did she like theatre? Did she like Skyrim? Books about outer space? She didn’t like people apparently.

“What about you,” she turns to me slowly, “where would you go?” I search my head, “New York?” That sounded neutral.

Mari takes another sip of her drink, “right on.” She nods, “what’s there?” I put my head on my shoulder and try to look nonchalant, “broadway and less hay fever.” I joke.

Mari lifts her eyebrows, “I’ve been meaning to ask about that,” she looks me over, “is that what all the sniffling was about?” I freeze, she had noticed.

I gulp dryly, “grass seeds here,” I gesture around in the air, “it totally fucking sucks at work.” She eyes me, “I bet.” My skin crawls and I wished I could bring up something we both liked, something that wasn’t hay fever. “My mom is totally lame about it though.” Mari’s eyes focus on me.

“What, she tell you it’s all in your head?” Mari’s lips were curling up, I had a feeling there was a story though.

“No, she makes me take like, fifteen supplements a day, and most of them aren’t even FDA approved,” I feel the rant start bubbling up out of me, “and I swear, one of them gave me awful cramps for a week.” “Supplements?” She looks me over curiously and I wish I hadn’t mentioned cramps.

I shift on the lumpy couch, “like, uh, cloves and herbs. It’s hippie-” “Oh man, I wish my mom bought me more herbs. I have to do all my wicca shopping offline, and that was before she took away my credit card.” My heart sank, something was feeling off in my gut, I take another huge sip of my bear and try to disappear into the heavy beat of the bass.

I wasn’t feeling very cool.

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

“Because he’s a jolly good fellow, because he’s a jolly good fellow, oh!” I was clapping my hands and singing along with everyone else, my head was fuzzy. There was something stuck on my jeans but I hadn’t bothered to take it off yet.

Someone was whooping and there was a bottle on a table, I felt like I was in some 80s movie where the cheesy pop ballad was playing that showed I was having ‘fun.’ I wasn’t sure what I was having, but I hadn’t thought about what I was saying for at least an hour now.

“Woo, good song mate.” Someone clapped the person who’s turn it just was, having been tasked to sing any song he liked for two minutes straight. He gave them a thumbs up after his very drawn-out birthday song.

There were cards spread out on the table and I was leaning Mari’s shoulder as my thoughts spun round and round. She was texting on her phone and someone was pointing.

“Mari’s turn, Mari’s turn!”

“I’m busy.” She waves her hand in the hair and I’m giggling into nothing.

“We should get a dog… and put it in a hat,” I’m mumbling, which I’m grateful for when I remember this moment hours later.

“Have her do it then,” someone jostled my shoulder. “You’re Mari’s friend, right?” I just nod unthinkingly, it was nice not to think. “I’m Feli-Felicity.” “Spin the bottle girl!” Someone puts my hand on a large brown bottle and I look around to everyone.

“As long as I don’t get the joker,” we were playing ‘cards spin the bottle,’ whatever card the bottle landed on you have to do. Ace was chug a bear, king was kiss someone, queen was order someone else around for the night (if they got a 2). Joker was act an embarrassing moment from your life.

I give the brown bottle a mighty spin. Someone whispered from beside me, “Get this kid some water.” Someone hands me a water, which I chug as we all watch the head of the bottle go around and around. I watch it steadily as I try to catch Mari’s eye again, she isn’t looking up.

“There it goes!” My eyes snap back into focus and the lip of the bottle slows one inch at a time, my eyes go wide, it hovers to a dead stop.

Someone claps me on the shoulder, “Woo! That’s the seven.” I lick my lips again, “what’s the seven again?” I look both directions, someone snickers.

“That’s seven minutes in heaven sweetie.”

My eyes go a little wide, “oh.” “Mari,” one of the older boys slaps Mari’s back, “Mari, take your little gayling to the closet.”

“What?” She blinks up, her pretty brown eyes framed by purple eyeshadow that day. Someone points down to the bottle and she makes a slight face, she glances back to me and I feel myself go pale.

She observes me for a moment and then takes my arm, “I guess I’m the chosen one.” She smiles a little bit and I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not.

I stumble up and try to follow her to where someone was holding open a closet door and people were making woof whistles.

“Seven minutes,” someone cheered and held up their phone watch. I’m not looking at them, I’m looking at the back of Mari Santiago’s neck where her little dark neck hairs mixed with the blue ones.

I shiver, “you don’t have to-” The closet door swings shut just behind us and I try to find myself among the mess of impulses and sudden realizations. Is this how you get from point A to point B? Is this how you get a girl.

We both sit down at once and I open and close my mouth a for a second, “you don’t have to do anything.” I say wetly as I swallow.

Her eyes shine a little in the dark. “Duh.” She takes out her phone again, she’s not looking at me.

I struggle for something, for something. “You go to the play last year?” I almost want to bring up that the light effects were all me.

She just shakes her head, “nah.” My stomach sinks and I realize something that I didn’t want to say. I look down at my hands and flex my fingers back and forth.

Mari blows air of her mouth and I look up, “but, look.” “What?” I say too loudly for the cramped space.

“You’re actually pretty cute.” My mouth is open, but nothing comes out, she leans forward and flicks the hair off her forehead, “the crush is kinda cute.” I hold my breath for a long second and before I can protest that it I hoped I wasn’t too obvious, it all gets cut off. “Let’s play, they all want us to.”

She reaches over and I feel a soft press of lips against lips, an electric feel of a kiss in the dark, at a party with something buzzing through my system. I close my eyes and wait.

And wait.

Something swirls and chugs and sinks in me like the titanic, my face falls and the rest of me crumples from the inside out. I had done everything right, I had got the job, I had done the lines, I had gone to the party.

I went to the closet.

If I was with Dana I would make a joke that it was pretty ironica I was having my first gay kiss in a closet, but she wasn’t here. Instead, I had a grey empty feeling in the depths of my gut sinking in, no fireworks, no world-shattering touch.

Just, wet lips, cracked skin, the taste of mushy cigarettes and bad perfume. I try to lean into and tell myself this is what I wanted. But she tasted like smoke and something bitter.

I close my eyes and kiss a little harder, waiting, waiting, for it. I push her toward the wall and try again.

And then I hear a timer outside, “that’s it!” Someone calls, “come out love birds.” I look down at my hands again and Mari laughs, “woo,” she wipes her lips, “you’re kinda fierce,” she laughs again and I realize it’s because I pushed her back.

My first kiss was in a closet at someone’s house I didn’t know in a closet with a girl I had very very little in common with.

We crawl out of the closet and people laugh as I rub my eyes in the new light and Mari wipes her mouth. “Well that was something.” I start to stumble as I reach for my phone, “hey,” I wave, “I totally didn’t notice it was almost two.” Mari lifted her eyebrows, “was I that bad?” I laugh, “no.” I try to grin, “you were great.” I wink and she seems to preen at that, though I didn’t know how to tell her like it was nothing like I wanted. “But I think it sobered me up enough to realize that I’m super late.” “Well,” she turns around, “do you what you need to do.” I take some heavy steps to the door, “yeah… I’ll have to see at work.” My eyes are unfocused.

She’s shrugging and picking up her drink again, “see you around.” I nod and purse my lips as I fumble for my jacket and someone hands me a water bottle as I head for the door. In retrospect I wonder why no one called me an uber or asked if I’d be alright, I start walking home alone.

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

I’m sitting on a hill, the scratchy yellow grass under my ass and the faintest hint of the sun on the horizon, just a little golden light kissing the lip of the earth in the distance. I have two discarded water bottles next to me and I am staring blurrily out into the cityscape.

A clunky little yellow car passes in the distance and I wipe at my eyes again. The breeze felt barely there that day and something aches all over, especially in my chest.

I probably shouldn’t have walked home for an hour and a half, I probably shouldn’t have gone to sit on this hill, I probably shouldn’t have let my phone die after sending just one text. Another black car passes in the distance and hear the squeak of tires.

I lay my head on my arms and feel a dull pounding in the back of my skull, it was just one of those days. I feel my eyes droop down and only pause when I hear more soft footsteps.

“Feli?” I don’t react, I just clutch my dead phone in my hands a little harder. Dana wheels her bike up behind me and places it in the grass next to us.

“That bad, huh?”

I glance up ever so slightly, she was still wearing her striped pajama pants and a sweater from the college her sister when to, plus an ancient dodgers baseball cap. I slump to the side and put an arm over my eyes.

“I guess we’re even,” I say hoarsely, my voice feeling raw and delicate. “What’s that,” she nudges me with her foot.

“Now both of our first kisses sucked.” “Lord Feli,” she reaches down for me, “you look like a mess, up you go.” I groan at the hand placed in front of my face, “I’m still not feeling so hot.” “I know, I brought you water, an aspirin, and mouthwash.” That gets me slowly teetering to my feet. “Sometimes you are a good friend.” “Always!” She defends with slight laugh, “plus I want the juicy trainwreck details.” “It wasn’t a trainwreck,” I take the aspirin from her and chug it down. She grumbles something about ‘getting drunk for the first time without her.’ “It was…” I fade off and sigh heavily instead.

“Come on,” she takes my arm, “let’s get in the back of Deadman’s dead truck.” I stop in place and try to take the mouthwash from her instead, “I thought we both agreed that thing was haunted.” Dana adjusts her backward baseball cap, “then let’s go make friends with a ghost. It’s a night for firsts.” “Day,” I correct and start swishing around mouthwash for a minute.

Dana messages her temples, “in the truck. In the truck.” She chants and I make an exaggerated slumping motion before following her to the back of the once blue vehicle.

We climb into the truck bed and the thing creaks and heaves at us as we settle in among the vines and rust that decorated the inside. I wipe my hands down when we end leaning on the sides and staring at each other.

“It’s private now,” She leans forward, “tell me what’s up.”

I look off to the side, letting my headache pound softly and my heart sink. “There’s like four gay girls at our school.” “I guess,” she says slowly, “I’m still waiting one like, five of them to come out. You’ve seen the way Patsy looks at me.” “No, I mean,” I push my bangs back, “there’s only like five percent of the whole entire population that’s girls that like girls.” I frown deeply, “and how many of those are we actually compatible with? That actually live near us?” I feel my eyes welling up.

Dana reaches over, she takes my hand and squeezes it firmly, “Come on Fel,” she says softly, “look at it positively, I know you’re a romantic deep down, I’ve read your blog.” I feel the water started leaking out, I wipe at it angrily, “I’m just saying!” I rub my eyes down ruthlessly, “the odds aren’t even in our favor.” Dana’s face squished up into something indescribable, “I don’t think it’s good to think about.”

“I am thinking about it!” I mope back, “I’m thinking about how much I thought I liked Mariana Santiago and the fact that she’s just like… a super different person than me.” “What did you expect?” “Daaaaan,” I whine, “not helping.” She scoots closer to me and weaves our fingers together, “maybe that’s just how it is, maybe it’ll just be a little hard for us.” She holds my hand tightly, “but it’s not like it’s over. It’s not like… we can’t try again. That we can’t just look around us.” I raise my eyebrows and peer over to her, “look around us?” She shrugs loosely and doesn’t meet my eye, “if you think it’s not gonna work, then it’s not gonna work, you have to believe that it can happen Fel. Aren’t you supposed to be the positive one out of us?” I start to hum deeply, “and aren’t you the silly one of us?” I ask softly and she scratches her chin.

“We’re all a lot of things,” Our eyes meet hesitantly, she sprouts a grin, “and it sounds like you just had a really really bad first kiss.” I slump over, “and now I work at Pet’s World with her.”

Dana laughs with her hand over her mouth, “that is kinda funny.” “It’s kinda sad,” I hang my head, “I’m never gonna find love. Like, ever. I’ll go to college a virgin, and leave that way too probably. Maybe I’m not even gay?” “Ugh,” Dana pokes me, “sad Felicity is the worst.” She pokes me again, “she doesn’t even listen.” I lift my head and our eyes meet again, I see Dana searching for something there. “But I’m also the stupid one so what do I know.”

I lean toward her, “can I be the stupid one too?” She grins softly and I join her, “oh, you can definitely be the dumbest.” “I guess, I just have to,” I blink a couple times, “look around me.”

She opens her mouth, and then closes it, she bites her lip before almost stuttering, “Only if you want to…” Dana blushes delicately and I feel her squirm next to me, I feel my lips turn up. “I’m sure. What were you always saying? I just have to try.” We both stare at each other for a very long minute.

Something creaks in the truck, it moves me. I lift her hand up to my lips, kissing the knuckles there gently and I feel something I didn’t know existed squiggle in my gut. I wait for her to lift her chin again and then I keep leaning forward.

“Dan,” I say slowly, “only if you want to.”

We pressed forward and Dana gasped gently as I kissed her, small and perfect across the lips and I feel a tingle go through something deep inside of me.

It was a little dry and off center, but my heart had picked up this time, it melted and oozed and maybe I was sweating a little bit too much. But I feel it, the electric slide, the commercial in my heart that was advertising the maranga.

The little pinwheel that kept going around and around in my head that jammed and stopped, I kissed her, and the whole thing froze. The sunrises in my mouth and the fireworks shoot off as our lips move against each other.

We part for a moment before coming back together more firmly and harsh, she takes my face in between her hands and we come together like that for a long long moment.

She only snickers once into my mouth, “you, not gay?” She lifts her eyes with a snort, “ridiculous.” I bite my lip and look her in the eye, “Actually,” I say, “totally straight,” I kiss her bottom lip, “but I’m sure you could convert me.” She takes my hand, “I’ll do what I can.” She scoots closer, “We could call it a summer camp even.”

I look her up and down, “I always heard everyone at band camp was gay.” She wraps her arms around my neck and hoods her eyes, “we’ll have to make music then.” I push on her shoulder as I laugh and shake my head, “don’t be a dork.” “Make me!” We come together once more with the sun our back and rust on my jeans, but there’s something sweet and melting inside of me, rising at the same time. I kiss her, and I somehow make it from all the way behind the finish line to the start.

There were so many more points to reach.

#wlw #sapphic #girls love #femslash February #original story #original writing #slice of life #humor

363 notes · View notes

xxsteveharringtonxx · 6 years

Text

Bites and Threats (Steve Harrington x Reader)

*gif not mine*

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Reader

Warnings: Violence, Swearing and Threats of Violence

Prompt: “I am hungry, and tired, and injured so unless you all shut up it’ll be one of you I kill next alright?”

Request: @winchestertardis

Bites and Threats

At first you hadn’t even realised you’d been bitten, you had heard Dustin yell out for you to be careful, and then when you were all back on the bus panic over you fell to the ground faint headed. Despite your faded muffled yells to stop Steve ripping your favourite jeans you had in fact been bitten by a Demo-dog, and you still managed to kill it too but that is not the point right now.

You hadn’t known it at the time but Steve’s heart was pounding painfully in his chest at the thought of losing you, he wasn’t even your boyfriend, he thought pitifully as he tried to wrap cloth around your leg as you hissed. Clutching onto his arm your brother was pacing at a loss for words for a change as you were crying out in pain at the burning cursing through your body.

“Sorry, I’m sorry.” You had heard Steve mutter as he tried his best not to tug at it too tight as he was tying the knot.

“Oh my God.” You cried leaning back on the wall as Steve finally stopped fixing you up and Dustin looked over at you tears streaming down his own face and Steve watched you as you controlled the pain showing on your face and pushed yourself up.

“I’m okay, Dustin look at me I’m okay.” You lied as you started sweating just a little bit more from the pain.

“Are you sure?” Her younger brother stutter through fear and worry, she nodded trying to calm him.

“Of course Dust, I’m good. Now we should get out of here?” You strained best you could and all the kids bundled out but you just wanted to get to Steve’s car as quickly as possible. Steve was mumbling under his breath worrying about you as he practically carried you down the tracks, hoping to Dustin and the kids you just looked like you needed a replacement crutch.

“Did you hear that?!” Max asked over the yelling of the boys arguing over the stupid cat.

“Hey are you saying I’m lying?!” Dustin yelled making Lucas bark a sarcastic laugh.

“Yes! BECAUSE YOU ARE!” Flinching Steve held onto you a little tighter before you hissed in pain at your leg throbbing as it still bled.

“I am hungry, and tired, and injured so unless you all shut up it’ll be one of you I kill next alright?” You snapped making all of them stop and listen for the noise in the bushes.

Finding Nancy and Jonathan they glanced at you worried as you were pale and panting not able to hide it for much longer.

“I’m taking her to my car, she needs help. Watch the kids?” Steve begged Nancy who was also worried about you, despite her knowing your obvious crush on Steve she didn’t dislike you and well now Steve can act on his own feelings.

“Of course.” She mumbled as Steve got you away from the kids and to his car where you yelped in pain as you laid on the back seat.

“Y/N it’s okay you’re going to be fine.” Steve told you admiring you for hiding it from Dustin but worried because you made it worse.

“God Steve it hurts so bad!” You cried clutching onto his jacket trying to keep him close scared that you might hurt yourself more.

“I’m going to get you help alright? Just hold on for five minutes I’ll take you to the hospital.” He promised prying your hands away.

“Please, please don’t leave me..” You drawled as you found it easier to give into the pain, you felt him tense and hold you face in his hand.

“I’ll never leave you Y/N, I promise.” He said placing a quick kiss on your forehead before getting in the drivers seat and speeding to the hospital. Carrying you inside you passed out before you could even process what was happening around you.

* * *

Blinking you sighed as you came around, it was just getting light out and you were comfortable. Looking down in panic you gasped in relief as you saw both of your legs still there, shifting the covers you looked down to see the clean wound stitched up neatly and the pain medication in you IV relaxed you. You had no idea you had such a high tolerance for pain when it comes to protecting your family and friends.

“Hey, hey the doctor said not to move around so much.” The soft voice of Steve Harrington echoed from beside you, had he been there the whole time? Looking up to his face you gasped softly.

“Steve what happened to you?” You asked reaching out to stroke your fingers over his bruised cheek.

“Hargrove showed up at The Byers’, Will is okay by the way. It all happened so quickly last night, El came back and closed the gate. Everyone is okay, we’re just worried about you.” He explained making you smile softly.

“Sorry I caused so much stress, of course I would get bitten.” You joked but he didn’t laugh.

“Y/N I was so worried about you.” He stated making you shake your head.

“I’m fine, I’m okay. I’m here.” You promised as he grabbed your hand.

“What you did was stupid, but God you’re so strong and when you passed out I was goner, thought that was it I almost went out of my mind.” He admitted to the older Henderson sibling.

“Steve...” You started but he cut you off.

“No you need to know Y/N, nearly losing you just made me realise in this dumb town I can’t risk not telling you how I feel. Who knows what’s going to happen next, you need to know I love you.” He finished making you smile and bite down on your bottom lip.

“If getting bit by a demogorgon makes you say that I’l do it more often.” You joked as he leaned closer to you.

“Don’t you dare.” Laughing at his words you watched him, he wasn’t pushing yo to say it back but you could see he was hoping in his eyes.

“I love you too.” You whispered as he inched closer closing the gap between you but the door crashing open made you pull apart as Dustin and the gang ran in full of relief.

“You’re crazy Y/N but I’m so glad you’re okay.” Dustin whispered as he hugged you tightly.

* * *

You were still on crutches over Christmas but by the time the Snowball came around you were just used to it, one more month and you would be completely fine but you didn’t want to risk it. Your legs were currently propped up on Steve’s lap as you both watched the TV and waited for Dustin to be ready but he was running around worrying about his hair.

“This is all your fault.” You mumbled as he stroked patterns softly on your legs.

“How so?” He asked in an equally as tired voice both content in each other’s company.

“You’re the one who told him about the Farrah Faucet spray, now he’s trying to look like you.” You giggled making him look over at you and smile.

“Well it works doesn’t it? I got the girl.” He smugly pointed out making you roll your eyes.

“It’s not about the hair dip shit.” You mocked making him lean down and press a kiss on your lips.

“Then what is it?” He asked fishing for compliments.

“Definitely your undeniable modesty.” You teased making him mock glare at you as Dustin came out saying he was finally ready.

“Look at you Dustin, you’ll knock ‘em dead.” You stated proudly not mentioning the state of his hair, no need to knock his confidence.

“Thanks. Now Steve if you’re done harassing my sister I want to go.” Scoffing a laugh at Dustin’s words you looked at Steve who was offended.

“How many more times dude, she’s my girlfriend it’s not harassment!” Laughing at the boys as they argued their way out of the door two seconds later Steve ran back in.

“Sorry I forgot.” He announced before leaning down and kissing you again.

“I’ll be back.” He promised making you nod.

“I’ll be waiting.” You replied as he stood straight heading back to the door which Dustin already disappeared through.

“I still love you.” He called out over his shoulder.

“I still love you too! Now go or he’ll be late!” You giggled at your boyfriend and settled comfortably on the couch waiting for him to return so you be together.

#steve harrington x reader #steve harrington imagine #steve harrington fluff #steve harrington fanfic #steve imagine #king steve #steve #stranger things #stranger things 2 #season 2 stranger things #joe keery #joe keery imagine

438 notes · View notes

yourjughead · 6 years

Text

Legacy Pt.4

Pairings:Jugheadxreader, Jugheadxbetty, youxdrama.

Warnings: swearing, lots of lovely angst, bitchy betty

A/N: hope I'm not ruing it too much. Feedback is appreciated, I'm begging you people 😂 p.s I made it all fit in one post.

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

Jughead POV

I woke up and blinked my murky world into focus. I attempted to lift my head from the off white pillow but regretted it instantly. The steady rhythm beeping alongside me was the only notable sound I could hear. I followed the machine with my eyes down along it's entrapment of wires, one running directly into a vein, one on a clip on my finger for heart rate I assume and two running their way up my arm and into my surgical gown. What the hell happened to me?

The rest of my body then also slowly began to wake up. My arm not connected to the matrix began to tingle back to life and it was only then I noticed my green haired marvel slouched completely over on herself in a little ball, perched on an uncomfortable looking hospital chair with her hand laced through mine. Infamous leather jacket decorating her shoulders. I couldn't yet completely move the rest of my body and only just about could manage dragging my thumb over the side of her hand once. It was enough for the natural born ninja to wake though. She looked at me with wide, bloodshot eyes, still clutching my hand.

“Jug?!” i tore my eyes from yn's at the sound of a new voice. I moved my head, slightly too fast, towards the couch adjacent to my bed where Toni was waking from a cat nap. She jumped up and practically ran at me, about to envelop me in a hug but thought differently with my new computer system.

“He lives” Sweet Pea stood from his own makeshift bed on a couch that had seen much better...and cleaner days.

“What-” my voice was rough and coarse, I then realised just how thirsty I was.

“What happened?” Sweet Pea finished my sentence as Toni helped me with water, yn still stayed silent, holding my hand and watching me with saddened eyes attempt to drink. Toni only half drenching me. I nodded at Sweet Pea.

“Well Jughead Jones, you just about saved yns life” I looked at yn and she instantly fixed her eyes on the floor. I looked back confused at Sweet Pea.

“Dude you took a bullet for our Leader...you took a bullet for my best friend” he stepped closer before holding out his hand. Reluctant to let go of YNs hand, I took his with my new hybrid one. Is this the start of a ceasefire? Pun intended.

“Where did I get hit?” My voice was still raspy but had still improved.

“Shoulder/collarbone area, would have been YNs neck if she was where you jumped” Toni said it as if getting shot was the everyday...maybe it was. Sweet Pea didn't look to seem like he enjoyed Toni's casual tone when addressing what happened. He looked more annoyed. Not going to lie it was nice for once not being the object of his annoyance.

“They had to put you under just to make sure the bullet did in fact go all the way through….you're going to have a gnarly scar”

“Badge of honor Brother” Sweet Pea added. His sudden approval of me was making me uncomfortable.

“Are you alright yn?” I glanced back to my clearly sleep starved leader. She just looked back briefly before giving a weak nod and returning her eyes to the floor, biting her lip.

“Hey Toni let's give them some space” Toni smiled at me before leaving with Sweet Pea. Seriously, his sudden approval is freaking me out, I'd rather take another bullet I think.

“So are you going to talk to me now or do I need to go out and get hit by a train or something?” I laughed but immediately stopped at the sight of Yn. Tears began streaming down her face as she furiously wiped them with her free hands sleeve. The Princess was coming undone.

“Oh yn please don't cry, honestly I'd rather you shout at me”

“And I'd rather you didn't take bullets for me!” she now used both her hands to stop the crying and was almost completely successful.

“Of course I’d take bullets for you! I freaking did!” Long gone was my hoarseness.

“Yeah but why?!”

“Because if I didn't it would have killed you!”

“But you didn't know that when you did it so why?! Because you want into the inner circle of the Serpents?!”

“No! How could you even think that!?” my shoulder was starting to hurt but her words were almost worse.

“Because it's not like that hasn't happened to me before! People only want to get close to me to get close .to the gang!”

“I would never do that! That's not the reason I did!”

“WHAT IS THEN JUGHEAD?!”

“BECAUSE I LIKE YOU YN! FOR FUCK SAKE, IS THAT SO HARD TO BELIEVE?! I JUST DIDN'T WANT TO SEE YOU GET HURT BECAUSE BELIEVE IT OR NOT, AND I'M SURE YOU'RE GOING TO NOT, I GENUINELY LIKE YOU FOR YOU! YOU MOODY WEIRDO!!!” I started coughing then, always the emotive speaker. The coughing motion made my arm hurt more, the drugs were clearly wearing off, perfect timing.

“Careful Jug” yn almost whispered as she moved to the other side of me to check my robotic arm. That was the first time she called me Jug and I didn't want to hear her call me anything else ever again, it was just right coming from her.

“I can't figure you out” I watch her lean in closer to me to check the dressing on my shoulder.

“Maybe you should stop trying then” again she's barely above a whisper.

“I don't ever want to do that…” I take her free hand in mine again and for the second time in my life I feel electricity course through my slightly battered veins as Yn and I kiss. She makes all the pain go away, all the pain I've ever had about anything ever drain away in one single, glorious action. But as like before, it's a fleeting moment.

A knock comes to the door and Yn instantly breaks from me, while retaining my hand in hers.

“JUGHEAD!” Betty shrieks as she barges in the door followed by the gang. I haven't seen them in so long, I missed them but right now I'd wish they go back to where they came from. They all swarmed around me, half pushing a confused YN to the foot of the bed, separating our hands again.

“What happened?!” Betty took the hand once held by yn, it felt inherently wrong, I would have said differently a few weeks ago but now it was wrong.

“It's okay betty, just a serpent deal gone wrong is all” I offered a smile but her face contorted in disgust.

“Ugh of course it was those filthy Serpents, my poor Juggy!” Oh god.

“I'm sorry, what did you just call the Serpents?” Yn ran her tongue across her teeth, put her hands on her hips and stared right into Betty's eyes. Long gone was the broken princess, the next leader of the Serpents had returned.

“And you are?” betty said with distaste as she cocked an eyebrow. Oh God.

“I'm the Leader of the Filthy Serpents” yn tilted her head, the rest of the gang eyeing both girls and then me. Oh God.

“Filthy Serpents-” she dragged her eyes up and down YN “yup, checks out”. Who is this Betty?! Yn scoffed in return. Oh God.

“I'm sorry Malibu Barbie, your privilege is clearly getting in the way of your manners” oh God.

“Ugh! I am Jugheads girlfriend so you can take a hike snake brain” my breath hitched due to shock at Betty's words and I started coughing, Ronnie patting my back this time. Oh God.

“Jugh-Jugheads what?” she did excellently to retain her unbreakable edge but I know her too well. Oh God.

“His girlfriend” the sass from Betty was unreal.

Before I could say anything, Sweet Pea and Toni arrived back laughing which instantly stops as they enter a room thick with tension.

“Oh great more scum”

“What the fuck did you just call me?” Toni stepped forward, smile long gone. Yn stood staring at me, almost emotionless.

“Scum” Betty repeated, she's lost her mind. Toni stepped closer pulling out a switchblade causing Betty to jump. Archie instantly went in front of Betty. Oh God oh God oh God.

“Think about hurting her and I'll-”

“You'll what?” Sweet Pea added, stepping in front of Toni. The two guys began to stare each other down.

“SP, Toni, come on let's go, there's nothing here worth staying for” yn finally broke her silence and I forever wish she hadn't with those words.

“Yeah, go back to the hole you crawled out of” I think Toni was about to swirl on her heels back at Betty before Sweet Pea stopped her and pushed her out the door, leaving just YN in the doorway.

“I hope all you Northsiders know not to tease snakes, that's how you get bitten” she locked eyes with me again “I don't want to see any of ye around me or my Serpents again, that's a warning, the only one you'll get.” she broke eye contact again and left. Oh god

“What a psycho” Kevin added once the latch clicked.

“Leave her alone”

“Why Juggy? They're bad people, they should be treated accordingly” Betty said and the group agreed. What am I hearing right now?

“At least you're back with your real family now” Archie smiled. Yeah, a real family who practically abandoned me over here and refuse to acknowledge I'm always going to be half Serpent. I will always be Serpent blood, I will always be a Legacy.

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

Much love Xx

Tag: @sunshine51879 @deanilostmyshoe @mrs-sarcasmm

185 notes · View notes

lordsicheng · 6 years

Text

One Last Bite: Pt. 4

Kim Donghan x OC ft. other JBJ members

Genre: Vampire AU Summary: vampires have always intrigued you, and meeting one sparked your curiosity even more, especially when you two become close; maybe a little bit too close

W!: slight profanity

The sunlight shining from the window of your bedroom woke you up and immediately made you sit up. You looked around to find any signs of Donghan, but you forgot that he wasn’t even allowed under sunlight. You sighed and smiled as you rested your chin on your knees, reminiscing the memories from the night before. You slowly got off your bed and closed your window, covered it with your curtains, and walked towards your full body mirror. You examined your own body from top to bottom, suddenly feeling like you’ve become a new person

“You’re beautiful.” you whispered as you gave a small smile, rubbing your arms together as you walked towards your bathroom and decided to take a shower. You felt a bit weak, for some reason, but you knew for sure that with just bed rest, you’ll be fine. You decided not to go to class that day because you didn’t feel like it, and you wanted to stay home or even hopefully wait for the sun to go down to see Donghan again

Donghan was in his dark room, lying in bed as he felt like he had won the world once he became yours, and you were his. He chuckled as he stood up and went out of his room and towards the library, in hopes to find Taedong. Instead, he saw Hyunbin stand by the window, suddenly losing his mood

“I know you’re there, Donghan.” Hyunbin called as soon as he heard Donghan sigh

“Can we not fight?” Donghan said as he sat on a living chair near Hyunbin

“I don’t want to fight either. But you know that I take much pride of being the most skilled vampire in this household.” Hyunbin sighed as he looked at Donghan

“I don’t care if you have the most experience. You were different last year, right before I met y/n. And ever since I’ve been with her often, you changed.” Donghan stood up and walked over to Hyunbin, Hyunbin just turning to look at Donghan

“I don’t want you to make the same mistake I did.” Hyunbin scoffed as he looked away

“What mistake?” Donghan asked as he crossed his arms

“Biting the wrong mortal.” Taedong suddenly said as he walked in the library, looking at both Hyunbin and Donghan

“No one told me about this before.” Donghan looked at Taedong

“Should I?” Taedong turned to look at Hyunbin, and Hyunbin just nodded as he looked away

“Donghan, have a seat first.” Taedong gestured Donghan to sit on the living chair again, and he did. Taedong then leaned on to the desk nearby and took a deep breath before he could continue

“A couple of years ago, I believe you were still living with Hongsuk and the father, Donghan, there was a girl that Hyunbin liked. A mortal, to be exact. Her name was Yeseul. At that time, she was y/n’s age. She was just an average girl, working part time at night and being a student at day. Whenever she worked at night, Hyunbin visited her often. He was in love, and maybe she was too. Until she met Yongguk.” Taedong suddenly stopped as he looked at Hyunbin, who just nodded as he looked back

“Let’s just say, Yongguk and Yeseul became close. Possibly closer than Yeseul and Hyunbin ever were. I expected Yeseul to be bitten by Yongguk, because Yongguk did like her back. But because of jealousy and dejection …” Taedong stopped again, turning to the door of the library to see Yongguk already standing by the doorway

“Hyunbin killed the love of my life.” Yongguk glared at Hyunbin, and Hyunbin just looked away as his eyes started to become full of anger

“She was mine first.” Hyunbin muttered

“I don’t care. I prepared everything for her. I wanted her to be mine for eternity, but of course you would ruin every other people’s relationships like you are doing with Donghan’s own.” Yongguk marched his way to Hyunbin, and Hyunbin shook his head in disbelief as he turned to look at Yongguk

“You stole her from me. I loved her more than you ever did you son of a bitch.” Hyunbin said in a stern voice, making Taedong and Donghan worried

“She never loved you back. She chose me.” Yongguk chuckled, mocking Hyunbin

“If you weren’t in the picture then I should’ve had her as mine.” Hyunbin poked Yongguk’s shoulder, pushing him slightly, making Yongguk just chuckle again

“Both of you just fucking stop.” Taedong demanded, standing in between Hyunbin and Yongguk before the situation got any bigger

“I don’t need this shit. The sun is already covered and it’s about to turn gloomy. So I’m going out.” Yongguk shook his head as he turned, giving Hyunbin a glare before he left the library

The other three suddenly became quiet as Yongguk left, Donghan suddenly feeling uncomfortable and Taedong becoming quite confused on what to do next

“Donghan, Yongguk likes y/n.” Hyunbin admitted, not moving an inch while his eyes were still fixed on the library door

“You’re fucking crazy.” Donghan shook his head as he looked at Hyunbin

“Do you ever wonder why Yongguk suddenly appears wherever y/n is?” Hyunbin snickered as he looked at Donghan

“Can’t it be a coincidence?” Donghan furrowed his brows in annoyance

“Coincidence or not, watch out for him.” Hyunbin warned as he walked away out of the library

“Taedong, what is he talking about?” Donghan asked as he looked at Taedong

“Donghan, there’s something you need to know.”

Yongguk immediately went his way to your home, knocking on the door while you were in the laundry room trying to fix your laundry. You head the knock and immediately walked to the front door

“Who is it?” you asked, trying to peek through the small hole of your front door

“Cat.” Yongguk chuckled as he replied, and you opened the door in an instant

“Hey, Yongguk. How’d you know I was here and not at school?” you asked, looking at Yongguk as you chuckled

“Sense.” Yongguk smiled

“Come in, I was just doing laundry.” you gestured him to get inside, and he went to your sofa as you put the basket of laundry nearby to get some detergent powder

Yongguk looked around the living room, trying to examine what your house was actually like. He saw your blanket, some with blotches of blood, making Yongguk suddenly worried

“Hey, what’s with your blanket?” Yongguk asked as you walked your way back to the living room

“What about it?” you looked at him confused

“There’s blood? Did you hurt yourself?” Yongguk looked at you worriedly, and you suddenly became embarrassed as you pushed the basket away from Yongguk’s eyes

“Um, Yongguk… can you keep a secret?” you bit your bottom lip as you sat next to him on the sofa, him just nodding in reply

“Me and Donghan kind of…” you said slowly, trying to explain, but words wouldn’t come out of your mouth

“Did he bite you?” Yongguk looked at your neck to see no mark, still wondering about the stain on your blankets

“You know, when two people, um, in this case, a mortal and a… vampire fall in love…?” you said as you slowly started to become self-conscious

“They hurt each other?” Yongguk widened his eyes

“Something like that?” you scratched your head, starting to get a little bit irritated by Yongguk’s innocence

“Wait how did he hurt you?” Yongguk asked again in disbelief

“Gosh, Yongguk. We had sex, okay?!” you snapped and suddenly became embarrassed as you stood up and hurriedly grabbed the basket to go to the laundry room, Yongguk getting a slightly flushed as he widened his eyes and not moving, perplexed over your sudden admittance

“Oh, so you and Donghan… did the… yeah.” Yongguk nodded and had a mortified expression as he stood up and followed you to the laundry room

“Yongguk please don’t tell anyone else. I trust you on this.” you pouted as you closed the washing machine door and looked at him

“Okay but, did it hurt?” Yongguk asked as he leaned on the laundry room doorway

“Kind of… wait, why am I even telling you this” you chuckled as you walked to the kitchen to get yourself some water

“I’m sorry if I seem too innocent, then. I’ve never done it before.” Yongguk shrugged as he followed you to the kitchen

“Wait, you’ve never… done it?” you blinked as you turned to look at Yongguk

“Call me inexperienced, but I’m scared of hurting people. And I have never had those kinds of thoughts, either.” Yongguk looked away, shaking his head

“Sure, Yongguk. Sure.” you laughed as you pat his shoulder and walked back to the living room to turn on the TV

“I’m serious!” Yongguk sat next to you as he looked at you, you just smirking and shaking your head as you mocked him

“Let me in.” you suddenly heard a voice inside your head, and you definitely knew who it was. You stood up to go to the door to open it and see Donghan smiling to you and suddenly glaring at Yongguk, who stood up to look at Donghan

“Hey, you’re here.” Yongguk smiled

“And why are you here in my girlfriend’s house?” Donghan asked as he put his arm on your shoulders, shocked by his sudden possessiveness

“He was just visiting, Donghan. He already knows.” you closed the door behind you and pulled him to the sofa, sitting next to you. Yongguk then sat down as well, feeling slightly uncomfortable

“Does he know we had sex last night?” Donghan blurted out directly, making Yongguk widen his eyes again and you cover your face with your hands

“Oh my God, Donghan” you rolled your eyes as you stood up to go to the kitchen

“Dude, she’s clearly uncomfortable.” Yongguk looked at Donghan

“You make me uncomfortable.” Donghan glared at Yongguk

“What did I do now?” Yongguk asked confusedly

“You know what you’re trying to do, and it won’t work. Because she’s mine now.” Donghan crossed his arms

“What are you trying to tell me?” Yongguk again asked as he looked very perplexed

“Shut. Up. Both of you” you slapped a slipper on both Donghan’s and Yongguk’s heads, making them rub the spots and look at you

“Why is Donghan acting so weird?” Yongguk asked as he turned to look at you

“Donghan, can you please just get a hold of yourself for once?” you crossed your arms

“No. Not until Yongguk leaves.” Donghan pouted

“He came here first and he is my guest. What’s wrong with you?” you shook your head

“If he wants me to go then I will” Yongguk stood up

“Sit the fuck down you son of a bitch if I tell you to stay, stay!” you snapped, and Yongguk suddenly became scared and immediately sat down as he turned to look at the TV, Donghan also becoming a bit scared and looking away

“Since both of you are apparently not in good terms, why don’t we go out and try to have fun later, then?” you said as you walked back to the kitchen again

“What about n-“

“LATER!” you yelled back, cutting off Donghan as he suddenly went quiet as he watched TV with Yongguk

Hyunbin stood on the veranda of his home, looking at the forest that was nearby. He took a deep breath as he started to think of what his future might be like if he ever was given a chance to become a mortal again, living normally everyday. Taedong went out of the house and saw Hyunbin and just smiled, closing the door and standing right next to him

“Why did we move out of the father’s mansion, Taedong?” Hyunbin asked as he put his hands in his pocket, not glancing towards Taedong at all

“Because Hongsuk wanted us to fend for ourselves as we live here in the city, and not depend too much on the father.” Taedong replied as he sat on the ledge

“Do you ever regret being a vampire?” Hyunbin asked again, turning his head to look at Taedong

“Hell yeah I do, of course. But I knew this was meant for me.” Taedong sighed as he looked at the forest

“How?” Hyunbin sat next to Taedong

“I fell in love with our sister, remember? I was given a choice, to become a vampire or to be killed by Hongsuk himself. I chose to become a vampire in hopes I will be able to be with our sister for eternity, but I was instead turned into a family member. I didn’t know she and Hongsuk were related in the first place.” Taedong smiled

“Are you heartbroken?” Hyunbin nodded

“I was in the beginning, but I learned to accept this fate. Besides being immortal, I’ve always wanted to have some sort of psychic powers.” Taedong chuckled as he stood up to go back inside the house

“But Taedong, you never hunt with us?” Hyunbin asked as he stood up and looked at Taedong, and Taedong just smiled as he turned to Hyunbin

“I don’t really need more powers other than the one I already have. I’m also already contented with becoming immortal and observant towards the world.” Taedong replied as he went back inside the house, leaving Hyunbin as he nodded slowly and turned back to look at the forest again.

#jbj #jbj scenarios #kim donghan #kwon hyunbin #kim yongguk #jin longguo #kim taedong #jbj imagines #jbj drabbles #jbj reactions

83 notes · View notes

kinkywwefantasies · 7 years

Text

Still The King

Pairing: Reader X Neville Rating: Explicit Length: 3.8k, long Neville said nothing for a very long time. Usually after big shows he was very chatty, but he usually retained his championship. Everyone was giving him a wide berth and sending him conciliatory looks. As if to say, "sorry" or "it happens" or "you'll win it back", but without the chance of getting their head bitten off by the Englishman. You sat next to him on the bus partly because he was a friend, and partly because it was one of the only seats left open. No one wanted to sit by the defeated king. To you, he seemed okay. He said hello when you sat down. He was showered and cleaned up. He was crushing candy on his phone. He was just a little quieter than usual. His temper was notorious in the locker room, and if he were going to lose it, tonight was certainly the occasion.

You sat next to him in the relative silence of the bus as you all waited to leave. It seemed the bus was almost full. Just waiting for one or two more people... oh God, oh no... Enzo. The bus was waiting for Enzo. "Hey, Nev," you said, seeing that Neville was sitting on the aisle seat. Too much access to Enzo if that was indeed who you were waiting for. "Can we switch seats? I drank a half gallon of water back stage. I'm gonna have to pee a lot." "Oh, sure," he said congenially. He even smiled. You were beginning to think he lost his mind with the title. Like he had snapped but wasn't showing obvious signs yet. "Hey, have you listened to this podcast? Is it worth downloading?" He asked, showing you his phone. "Are you okay?" You blurted, catching the attention of Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. They were paying close attention to Neville as well. "Yeah," he chuckled. You saw Rollins and Reigns exchange a concerned look from the corner of your eye. "I-" Neville noticed the other two watching your conversation and lowered his voice to talk to you alone. "I'm actually feeling pretty good." "Have you lost your mind?!" You hissed, becoming angry just out of confusion. "No. I finally figured some things out." He said. You went over his words again, thinking you'd misheard his Jordy accent. "Look, I'll tell you more about it when there aren't so many prying ears around." He said looking directly at Reigns. "Y/n," Reigns said. You looked at him, still slack jawed and wide eyed. "You okay?" "Yeah, Roman... thanks for asking." You said, sitting back in your chair. "I'm just fine." You put your ear buds in and just stared at the chair in from of you for the next half-hour. Enzo boarded, the bus started moving, and everything was relatively normal. Then you realized Neville kept looking at you. You could feel Neville's gaze on you here and there through the ride. At first, you thought he was trying to gauge your reaction, but he continued to look at you. You adjusted in your seat nervously. The man next to you had clearly lost his mind, and now his attention seemed to be locked on you. He would go back to looking out the window for a while, but his gaze always found its way back. Then he tapped you. You took out your ear buds and looked at him. It seemed like whatever he was going to say got caught in his throat when you turned to him. In the moment, all he could do was look at you. "Were you... going to..." you said, realizing the way he was looking at you. The way his eyes moved over your features. The way his eyes lingered on your lips. "Say something?"

"Do you care if I'm the champion?" He asked seriously. "Of course I don't," you said honestly. "I only care that you're happy. You're my friend, Nev." "Could I ever be more than that to you? More than a friend?" He whispered, looking over to Reigns and Rollins to make sure they weren't listening. "Like... like your girlfriend?" You asked, feeling a blush come over your face. Until tonight, you hadn't even known he was interested, but the more you thought about it, the more things started making sense. The way he smiled at you, how the seat next to him was always open for you, how he texted you goodnight and good morning... how had you missed it? How had you not seen the obvious? The more you thought about it, the more you liked the idea of you and Neville. He was attractive, strong willed, passionate... "Sure, like a girlfriend," he said. You could see he was breathing hard and his eyes couldn't stop moving. His fingers fidgeted on his arm rest. He was nervous as hell over this question. It almost made you smile, but you didn't want Neville to think you were mocking him. You would never do that. Well, not in a serious way. "Well... What do you think?" He asked, as you took too long to answer. He took your hand in his and you looked down to where your fingers had automatically wrapped around his. "I mean, yes? But, it's..." he was staring at your lips again. "A new idea..." he leaned closer to you. "For me." You closed your eyes as Neville was about to kiss you when you were interrupted. "Hey! Here we are! Ontario, California! Man, I love to be in Cali. Am I right?!" Enzo was already standing to get off the bus and basically screaming as everyone around him slept or had private moments.

"Shut up, Enzo," Reigns grumbled from his seat across the aisle. "What!? I'm not allowed to be excited? I'm the new champ! Look at this belt!" Enzo said, waving the Cruiserweight title in your direction. You looked to Neville as his hand tightened on yours. His jaw was set hard and you could see his anger building. "Dude, Enzo, seriously. Shut your big mouth. You're being extremely disrespectful." Rollins added to Reigns' objection as he kept an eye on Neville. "What?! I'm just happy! Can't a guy be happy about a title win?" Enzo's stupid smiling face was floating over your seat now. Neville was locked on him like a sniper. "I mean, it's ugly right now, but I'm gonna fix it up." Neville let go of your hand and you could feel how coiled he was becoming. Ready to snap. "Enzo, enough!" You said, losing your temper before Neville did. You stood from your seat and put one foot toward him. "You won. Don't rub it in." The grinning Jersey boy turned to you, and wagged the title at you. "What are ya gonna do? What are /you/ gonna do if I keep talking about these, uh, see these right here?" He asked, pointing to Neville's side-plates, "These hideous side-plates?" He antagonized you both. "What are ya gonna do, y/n?"

"I will punch you in the face," you hissed. "Sit down, y/n," Rollins advised. "And Enzo, you should listen for once." "Oh no! I'm scared." Enzo mocked as he collected his things and headed toward the front of the bus. No one else had moved they were watching this play out. "The tough little girl is gonna hit me!" "I'm serious," you growled. "Listen to the woman," Reigns advised. "I'm not worried, Romie. She probably only hits as hard Neville, and that wasn't a problem for me, was it?" That was it. You were done. You marched straight up to Enzo. A chorus of "don't" and "stop" followed you down the aisle of the bus with a few "get him"s thrown in. "Wait-!" Was all Enzo said before you popped him good. Right in the mouth. Your fist screamed in pain, but it felt so good to hit him that it didn't matter. And the way his head flew back, his horribly bleached hair following in glorious fashion, was a memory you'd cherish. "Y/n!" Neville was behind you, grabbing your waist just a second too late. "Fuck! My lip!" Enzo cried from the floor of the bus. There were some cautious giggles and a few full out laughs. And lots of clapping. "Told ya ta listen, dumbass," Reigns said from behind you. "This is all your fault at this point. She said she would hit you, and you kept going." "Whatever." Enzo grumbled as he stood up. "I got a title to improve." He spit then left to a chorus of boos. Reigns, Rollins, Neville and you were the only people that had moved. Nev was still holding your waist. You turned to him. "I can't believe you hit him for me," Neville said. You put your hands on his shoulders and gazed in his eyes, barely aware that the whole bus was watching you. "That's what girlfriends do," you told him before leaning up to kiss him. And holy cow, did he kiss you back. "Aw!" You heard Bayley squee from beside you. You also heard a "get it girl!" from Nia. When you opened your eyes again you saw Reigns, Rollins and the rest grinning and clapping. "Guess I'm a crowd favorite tonight," you whispered to Neville as you hugged. He laughed. "Always been my favorite," he said. "Sorry you lost to that jackass," you replied. "Let me make it up to you." "Yes, please," he chuckled. "And let's get some ice on that hand." "Yeah... ow."

***

Just as you and Neville had finally pushed Sami out of the hotel room to go stay with your roommate, some one knocked on the door. You thought it would be Sami to recount the whole ordeal again, and tell you and Neville how you two were a cute couple again, and how he was happy to stay some where else, but it was someone from HR. "Miss y/l/n?" He asked. "Yes," you said, knowing what this was about. Someone with a big mouth told on you. "I'm here to discuss the incident that happened on the bus earlier," he said. "Is it true that Enzo Amore provoked you into a physical response?" "He was antagonizing her," Neville said, putting his arm around your waist and pulling you to his side. "Yes, that's what I've heard," he said. "Mr. Reigns said you gave fair warning to Mr. Amore, but what you did still counts as assault." He said, looking down his nose at you. You felt yourself curl into Neville in shame. You knew you shouldn't feel bad about what you did, but his attitude made you shameful. "Look, can this wait until tomorrow?" Neville asked, stroking his thumb over your side to comfort you. "Well, I'm just here to tell you Mr. Amore won't be seeking your suspension or termination. This is an official warning. If it happens again, you will be fired." He said. "Have a good evening." And then he was gone. "Woah," you said, looking to Neville. "Why would Amore let me off the hook like that?" "He knows if he didn't, I'd beat his ass," Neville shrugged like the answer was obvious.

"Oh really?" You smiled at him. His serious face broke and you realized he was joking. You pushed him back into the room until he was backed up to the bed. Giving him a gentle shove, he fell back onto the mattress. "Yes," he breathed, looking up at you as you crawled over him. "Maybe he's scared of me," you said, ghosting your lips over Neville's cheek all the way to his ear. "I /am/ the one who hit him." "You did," he said, moving your hair off your neck, placing gentle kisses on your skin. "And it was very sexy," he whispered to you, making you shiver. "You're sexy anyways, but that was especially hot." "Mmm," you hummed in appreciation of his words, "why was that so sexy?" "You're a passionate woman," he said, before rolling both of you over. You gasped as he found purchase on top of you. He had expertly maneuvered between your legs. "I intend to bring that passion out."

"Please do," you sighed as he started kissing your neck again. His lips found the perfect spots to cling, lick, and bite. One of his hands in your hair. The other on your side. Your body needed more attention than that, so you took his hand from your side and placed it over your breast. "Fuck," he cursed. Then his lips attached to yours, pressing insistently so they would open. He slid his tongue between your lips and you moaned, arching into him. "Jesus, y/n, you've no idea how much I've dreamed of this." "I don't," you replied, taking a handful of his shirt in an attempt to get closer to him. Your other hand was wandering down his back when you came across the dimples in his lower back. "Christ," you said before you could stop yourself. You'd never been with a man as fit as Neville, and your genuine reaction had been to curse. Neville chuckled. "You like those?" You smiled and blushed, turning your face to the side. "Yes." You said, running your fingers over the definition in his back. "Oh, then you'll like this," he smiled, pulling his shirt over his head. He revealed his gorgeously sculpted torso and your mouth watered. You pushed him back so he would sit up. Then you began kissing his chest. He chuckled at that, so you gave him a playful bite. That earned you a moan, and you smiled. "You like pain?" You asked, giving a nip at the top of his abs.

"Not usually," he groaned. "I like the way you do that, though." You continued down his body at a slow pace, and he breathed harder as you got closer to his waistband. "That's enough," he huffed as he pushed you back down. His hands moved to your shirt and pulled it over your head. Then to your jeans. Your bra and panties didn't match, but it didn't matter a single bit. "You're gorgeous." "Aw," you said. "Thank you." "No, thank you... for sharing yourself with me. I've wanted you so long. Since I first saw you, actually." He said, planting kisses on your tummy as he reached under you to unhook your bra. "The first day you showed up at WWE, I thought I was seeing an angel." "Aw, Nev," you giggled. "You're making me blush." "I know," he smiled, caressing your face. He kissed both of your cheeks, then your nose, and then your lips. "I just needed something to push me to finally say how I felt." He confessed. "Like... losing your title?" You asked, holding his face so he would look you in the eye. "Yeah, kind of. I take a lot of self worth from work, and I know that's bad. I need to focus on my personal life, too. So when I lost something professionally, I wanted to gain something personally or else..." "You'd go crazy," you finished for him. He nodded. "So, am I like, a consolation prize?" "No!" He said, holding you closer. "Not at all. I just needed the push. I just needed a good enough reason to go for it. I was... scared to say something. You could have said no, and I would have lived with it. If you turned me down, well, it was already a bad day anyway." "So, I'm...?" You didn't know what to make of that.

"You're more treasured than any material object in the world," he said, kissing your nose. "More than the Universal Title?" You asked. "Definitely," he said, finally pulling your bra off. His facial hair tickled the sensitive skin of your breasts as he placed kisses on them. You arched into his attention. "The Crown Jewels?" You moaned as his tongue swirled around your nipple. "God, more treasured than that." "The Hope Diamond?" You asked as his fingertips slid under the elastic of your panties. "Garbage compared to you," he said. His lips connected with yours again as his fingers found your core. He knew just where to touch to make you gasp and moan. "Fuck that feels good," you moaned, and he responded by pressing his erection to your thigh. His fingers worked magic as he rubbed against your thigh for his own relief. "Oh, stop!" You cried. "Not yet." "Stop what?" He asked, freezing in place. His fingers still making contact with your dripping core. "I want to come with you inside me," you sighed. "Not right now." "You can do both," he whispered, fingers twitching and making you shiver. "Plus, I want you soaking wet when I take you." You mewled helplessly at his words. He moved his fingers again and your whole body jolted. "Is this okay?" He asked.

"Yes," you gasped. "Yes! Keep going, Nev. Yes." Your whole body shook as you came to Neville's soft touches. He kissed your temple as your relaxed beneath him. You could barely move in your blissful state as he pulled your panties off, leaving you completely exposed to him. "God, you're so beautiful," he said in awe of you. He undressed all the way as well and laid beside you. "I can't believe you're here... that this is happening." You rolled on your side and smiled at him. "Believe it." You kissed him quickly as he rolled you on to your back. "Ready?" He asked. His chest heaved with barely contained excitement. His pulse pounded under your finger tips. His pupils were blown wide. Making him wait any longer would be torture, so you replied quickly. "Ready," you said. He leaned down to kiss you as he pushed his hips forward. You reached between the two of you to help guide him in. He was the perfect size. A little longer than most but not too wide. Neville went slow, letting you enjoy the sensation of being filled with him before fucking you in earnest. It felt incredible. You were slick enough to avoid tears even though it had been a grip since you had sex. Your pulse pounded in your chest as you listened to his groans of pleasure, gripping his shoulders, his arms, his ass, just to feel more of him. He kissed the side of your face as he went deeper and deeper finally bottoming out. You moaned in desire as you felt him fully seated in you, and he rested there for just a moment. "You feel like heaven," he sighed, running a hand through your hair, bringing your face to his for a deep kiss. "You feel amazing," you moaned, pushing your hips up toward his to get some friction. That was enough to get him to thrust again. It felt like he was made for you as his dick slid over your g-spot again and again. "Nev! That's perfect!" "You like that?" He asked, speeding up. "Yes!" You said, gripping his shoulders harder as you got closer to release. "That's it!" "No, no," he said, pulling out of you. "Not yet." "Nev!! Please!" You cried as he rolled on to his back next to you. "You want it? Come work for it," he grinned, patting his thigh. He was beckoning you to climb on top. You obliged Neville and started riding him. If you thought it felt good when he was on top, then this felt amazing. "Yeah, baby," he encouraged. "Ride me like that."

You put your hands on his spectacular chest and closed your eyes as his hands fondled your breasts. He occasionally let out a stuttered sigh, sounding completely lost in pleasure. You looked down to see him looking up at you. A blush high on his cheek bones, eyes glazed over, and locked on you. It was intense. His hands moved to your hips as you chased your own pleasure, giving him just as much in return. "I'm close, Nev," you moaned, grinding even a little more. God, it felt good. "Come, baby," he told you. "Come for me." "Uh! Yes," you cried. "Baby, it feels so good." You said, leaning your body flush to his. "You feel so good." "Jesus, so do you," he said, thrusting up into you as well. You began shaking, twitching, as you got closer, and he could feel it. "Yes, go on." He said, gripping your hips harder. "Ah! Neville!" You screamed, falling over the edge. Your insides squeezed him as you came hard around his perfect cock.

"Oh God," he said, rolling the two of you over quickly. He began slamming into you, prolonging your orgasm and racing toward his own release. He groaned deeply as he pumped into you a few more times, and then stilled over you. He took heaving breaths as he held you close. "Oh my God, Neville," you said, running your hand through his hair. "Oh my God." "I know," he sighed, holding the back of your head to cradle you to his chest. "That was amazing." You pushed him back a bit, and he settled beside you. He didn't take his eyes off you for a second. You continued to comb your hand through his hair, lingering around his temples. "You're still a king," you whispered to him. "Title or not." He smiled. "You think so?" "Absolutely," you said, propping up on your elbows for a kiss. His hand slid into your hairline as he kissed you back, slowly and passionately. "How's your hand?" He asked. "Oh, I forgot about it, so it can't be that bad," you smiled at him sleepily. Coming so hard, and twice at that, drained your energy in an inviting way. "Good," he said, pecking your lips and then standing up from the bed. You made a small noise of disappointment. He smiled at that. "Sorry, I want to wash up a bit."

"I want to cuddle," you moaned, smiling back. You knew he'd be right back, but you just didn't want to be separated from him right now. "We will," he said, putting a knee on the bed to lean over and kiss you again. He went to the bathroom and the shower turned on. You snuggled into the hotel mattress. Mind becoming foggy. Then a thought crossed your mind, and Neville came back. "Are you a good guy now? In the ring?" You asked. "Oh... I suppose?" He said, sliding under the covers wth you. Washed up but still naked. You noticed he brought you a warm wash cloth, and smiled in gratitude. "Yes, I should think so." "A good guy with a temper," you giggled, subtly cleaning up, and tossing the wash cloth. "I dig it." "A righteous king," he said, pulling you to his side. "And you shall be my princess."

"Mmm, I like the sound of that," you sighed, breathing in his scent as you rested your head on his chest. "I rather like it too," he purred, looking very sleepy himself. "Get some rest, princess. Tomorrow is going to be a big day." "Yes, sir," you purred. "Oh, now /I/ like the sound of that." He chuckled tiredly. "We will definitely explore that later." "Promise?" You said, curling into him further. "Absolutely."

#adrian neville #neville imagine #reader imagine #my content #my stories

76 notes · View notes

yuki7900archive · 7 years

Text

(Movie) Garmadon x Misako : What Could've Been

Here it is! The Garsako fic I’ve been working on the past few days. Of course, I don’t know the events of the movie, but that didn’t stop me writing about it anyway! Or at least, the bits that take place before the movie.

Anyway, enjoy ^^

"I don't like this. Not one bit." The blonde boy sat hunched over with his arms crossed like a small child sulking. His face spoke anger but his eyes screamed worry as he looked at the bridge below them. It was wobbly and unstable, god knows why they'd want to do this here of all places. They couldn't have picked solid ground, nooo~ It just had to be that rickety, old bridge that was pretty much only kept in the air by the overgrown branches that had wrapped themselves around the ropes.

"Lloyd will you relax. Your mom will be fine, she wouldn't have accepted the proposal for a fight if she didn't have at least some fighting experience." He could only turn to Nya with an amused smile as he snorted.

"Relax? You're kidding. My mom is about to fight one of the most feared warlords in all of Ninjago."

"So?" Nya arched her eyebrows questionably. "I think she can do it. She wouldn't have agreed to the fight otherwise."

"Well, I'll be ready to step in when needed-"

"Geez, man just chill out." Cole mumbled with a bored expression, staring at his dirty fingernails and scraping the mud from out underneath them. He had grown more fidgety with the loss of his beloved headphones. Sensei Wu wouldn't let him bring them as they hindered his concentration or something. Pfft, whatever. He didn't need music to function in life. No sir. Not this guy (that's what he told himself, anyway).

"Yeah, dude. I mean sure, she's probably never picked up a sword in her life-"

"Kai, stop speaking trash. Obviously, she has otherwise we wouldn't be here right now." Nya growled at her brother irritably, a slight glare aimed towards him. Kai brought his hands up in defense.

"Woah, what's got your gi in a twist?" He asked her with wide eyes. The girl sighed and closed her eyes as she apologized for her change in tone. She scratched the back of her neck a little.

"Look, people used to think I would fail in a battle evacuee they didn't think I knew how to defend myself. Always. It annoys me that despite it all, you presume that she can't fight, so can we please just have a little more faith in Misako? Please?" No one uttered a word, but Nya knew that meant they agreed with her. With a silent outward release of breath, she relaxed and paid her attention back to the arena below them.

Lloyd still had doubts, however. Misako was often quite reckless when it came to protecting him. She would do anything to keep him safe, even though sometimes she'd definitely be biting off way more fudge than she could chew. Yep, it was true. She'd do a lot of things to keep her baby boy safe from the dangers of this world. She'd argued with Garmadon countless times before, but she'd never challenged him to a battle. A battle he would win because if he could take on two of his team at once without breaking a sweat, then he could most certainly take down the woman that was half his size and had no experience in being a ninja.

This could only end horribly.

Garmadon was stood at one end of the bridge with his arms crossed and a very thoughtful expression on his face. He was in deep concentration at that moment, not in the real world but on the thoughts plaguing his mind, and Lloyd could tell. His eyes looked glazed and unfocused yet so serious and afraid. That was because he loved her, Lloyd knew that too.

He'd call him on his mobile and ask for Misako(as she'd blocked him on her phone), he'd bring her up in battles randomly, not to mention the number of times the woman has had "accidental" encounters with him on the streets after he'd attacked the city. Yep, he was infatuated with her still. Fighting her was probably the very last thing he wanted to do, yet here he was. Just stood there waiting to hurt the woman he loved. That must sting more than any wound he'd ever obtained.

Just then, from the other side of the bridge, a woman emerged from the bamboo trees. Her ginger hair was tied back in a regular ponytail, a silver crown atop her forehead to match the armour that decorated her shoulders. A quiver filled with arrows on her back, a bow in her right hand and a medium sized sword hanging from her waist, her dark grey suit stuck to her body shape. The skirt swayed slightly as she slowly put one foot in front of the other, only stopping when she'd reached the beginning of the bridge and the end of the grassy lands. Her eyes looked vicious and without mercy. Lloyd knew it was his mother under all that stuff but he couldn't believe it. It was so weird seeing her in that get up looking like she was ready to murder.

"No way. It's her..."

Lloyd heard Nya mutter under her breath as she stood up from her seat and stared in amazement. Everyone else looked puzzled by the tween's response and proceeded to ask her what the big deal was.

"Just wait." A rather smug and triumphant grin spread across her tanned face as she kept her gaze on the woman. The boys still had no idea what was going on, but they knew Nya wouldn't say no matter how much they pestered her for answers. Instead, they all followed Misako's movements too, eager to see what all the fuss was about.

Meanwhile, Garmadon was also staring at his ex-wife. He didn't realize she still had that armour, he thought she would have disintegrated it into nothing after their divorce. This gave him a glimmer of hope; maybe Misako did still love him. Whenever he asked in the past she'd simply walk away and say 'goodbye Garmadon.' But recently he'd been thinking that that was her way of saying yes without really saying it. Or perhaps she just didn't want to admit it.

"Misako, please," Garmadon called from the other side of the bridge, all four arms down by his side. He was desperate not to do this. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if she was hurt. Screw all of Ninjago, right now he didn't care about conquering it, which believe me was a very new feeling for the warlord. "We don't have to do this."

She scoffed and tightened her fists in anger.

"Yes, we do. You suggested this in the first place. What kind of warlord backs out of a fight?"

"I was angry okay? Look we've already done this before-"

"I'm aware of our past. And I told you, didn't I? If Lloyd was left in your hands it would lead to nothing but trouble!" Admittedly, she did have a point. Lloyd had lost an arm because of him, if he had taken better care of his son then his general wouldn't have bitten it clean off. He had a prosthetic arm now, Garmadon had ordered his team to create him a new arm as quickly as possible and they had done so in record time (because anything involving Lloyd meant that Garmadon became 10x scarier).

He was okay. Well, he was fine by the time Misako had gotten over to the island a few days later. She wasn't very happy though. Pretty livid actually.

Now they were here.

The warlord wanted to say something to counter but he had nothing. He'd brought this upon himself and he was honestly ready to accept the consequences. He was going to have to do this.

Without uttering another word, the man launched himself across the bridge at full speed. He pointed his sword in Misako's direction and cried out and he ran towards her. Lloyd couldn't bear to watch this.

Just as he thought he was about to stab the sword directly through his ex-wife's stomach, she leaped up into the air and dodged his attack completely. She gracefully flipped down onto the bridge, causing it to sway, as Garmadon face planted into a nearby bamboo tree. He got up and growled. Not even ten seconds into the battle and she'd already made a fool of him.

She smirked at him and quickly grabbed an arrow from her quiver, rapidly firing at her enemy as he dodged every single attack narrowly. They were both quick on their feet and just about missed each other's advances. Garmadon would attempt to stab her but she'd jump out of the way, and then vice versa. Misako had used up her arrows at the very start so she was already forced to pick up her sword and turn this match into a very close combat battle. She preferred long range attacks but unfortunately, her aim was not what it used to be, so she'd wasted all of her arrows at the start. Ah well, it would happen eventually.

As they grunted and grabbed and growled at one another, the boy's watched with shocked expressions. They didn't think she would last this long, but two minutes in and she didn't even look tired. They'd underestimated her, clearly. Nya was right, they shouldn't have assumed.

"I can't believe you didn't know your mom was Lady Iron Dragon!" Nya exclaimed excitedly as she shook Lloyd's shoulders in glee.

"Lady Iron Dragon?" Kai leaned forward to look at his sister. "You mean that warrior you were obsessed with as a kid?"

"I'm still obsessed with her! She's my idol, Kai! And for good reason too, just LOOK AT HER GO!" He did, and she was right. She was pretty damn powerful. Misako didn't look like she was able to hold a sword for more than twenty seconds, yet here she was, battling the most feared terrorist in Ninjago. She wasn't winning per say, but she definitely wasn't losing either. They both matched in strength, speed, and agility. Everyone could tell this was going to be a very close match.

"Garmadon taught her to fight to protect herself, but now she uses this knowledge to protect Lloyd." Wu didn't sit with his students, instead opting to stand and watch his brother and ex-sister in law fight one another like cat and dog. He didn't enjoy seeing it, he never liked family feuds. However, that seemed to be a family tradition at this point. He fought Garmadon, then Misako joined the fight, then both her and Wu fought him, then Lloyd came into the picture. It was fair to say this family had issues, and a whole lot of 'em too. With conflict came resolution though, so hopefully, this fight would finally end and perhaps a few more issues would be resolved in the process.

"I don't need protecting though! I'm a ninja myself." Wu's nephew argued from behind him.

"Yes, and your mother's a ninja too. Do you see the hypocrisy here?" Wu stated before focusing back on his brother. Everyone was making really valid points today.

The battle raged on. It didn't slow down even after five minutes of constant brawling. They were starting to grow fatigued and everyone could tell. However that didn't seem to be stopping them, they were both very determined to win. The looks of determination in their eyes were evident from the start, so the chances of them surrendering or giving in anytime soon was definitely a no. That didn't stop them trying to convince each other though.

"Give in already! We are equally matched!" The war lord yelled from his side of the bridge. Misako could only give him a singular laugh.

"Never! I will fight until I can't fight anymore!" She straightened her back and prepared to lunge forward.

The warlord furrowed his brows further as he locked blades with the warrior, their swords made horrible scraping sounds as they tried to push each other to the ground. Garmadon had a bit more strength left in him, however, so he was able to force her sword away from her entirely, leaving her defenseless. She fell onto her side as her weapon slid off the edge and onto the grassy floor below. Misako turned her head around to see Garmadon leaning over her.

"NO!" She heard a cry from nearby and suddenly-

Another sword clashes with her ex-husband's as someone stood above her. She blinked a few times in confusion before her brows tilted downward and her lips frowned further. Lloyd. Angrily, Misako crawled out from beneath him and patted herself off, his father lowering his sword and frowning at his son.

"I wasn't going to stab her! This was a friendly duel Luh-Lloyd."

"It sure didn't look like it, you two looked ready to murder each other."

"LLOYD!" The boy froze in place. He recognized that tone. That tone of voice his mom only ever used when she was annoyed beyond belief. Usually, she used that tone when talking about his dad. Never had more fear been struck in his heart than now. A shiver went down his spine as he forced himself to face his mom. The teen knew it was wise to say nothing and listen to her rant out her frustrations. Any wise comments and he was sure to be in even more trouble than he already was. He had gotten in heat before when she discovered he was the green ninja, and even more so when she found out he was spending the week with his dad.

"This fight was mine and mine alone, you had no right to get involved." She seethed irritably at her son. She could not believe Lloyd had the audacity to jump in front of her like that, especially when he'd already lost an arm in the past few days.

"Maybe I just don't want to see my mom get hurt." He retorted under his breath. He thought he could get away with it. Unfortunately, he wasn't quiet enough. His mom shook her head and bit her tongue as she pushed her hand up under her fringe and brushed it back. It tumbled into its previous position again, a little more disheveled. The strands of her hair more separated rather than joined together as per usual (much like her current state of mind).

"Well, I'm sorry. Sorry, I left the person I loved more than anything to protect you. Maybe I never should've left him in the first place because apparently, either way, you would still go against me and put yourself in danger because of him." With that, Misako stormed off. She ignored the calls from her son, and she ignored Garmadon as he held him back and told him to "leave her be".

She needed time alone.

---

The woman paced back and forth in frustration and anger, her fists were tightly clenched and down by her sides as she tried to release all the extra energy and adrenaline coursing through her bones. It was strange; her body screamed frustration yet her face was cool and collected. Very neutral indeed. I don't think she wanted to admit she was angry over something that seemed so silly now, her son was just scared for her, but her mind couldn't tell her heart to relax. It still hurt, is what I'm trying to say. Not just Lloyd jumping in at the last second because she was on the verge of losing, but at everything. Looking back on the past was much more difficult for her than she let anyone believe. When Lloyd had asked how her and his father had even met, she was a mixture of sad and happy. She explained the story of course, but she did so with a smile on her face. She hid away all the heartbreak. She always did, she had been doing so for so many years now. It felt like an eternity since she last let all of her emotions out, and now she felt so physically and mentally drained.

A sigh pushed its way out of her mouth as she came to a halt. She was stood by the bottom of the hill, the ocean just sat next to her as it's waves washed up against the sandy shore. Her pupils looked out and over to the glimmering night lights of Ninjago City, the different coloured dots kept her gazes attention as she slowly lowered herself to the ground and crossed her legs. She let herself lean back and allowed her hands to keep her propped up so she could continue to stare at the sight before her.

This is what she needed. A break. Just a little time to relax. Being a single mom, with an evil warlord for an ex-husband and a son who turned out to be the famous green ninja, was tiring to even think about. Yes, sitting was good. The thoughts on her mind could quiet down and just let her have some time to forget about this whole miserable affair.

...Even so, her mind couldn't help but wonder back to the past. Back to the start of it all. When she and Garmadon first met.

---

Misako looked up at the man that towered over her in awe and fascination. Never in all her life had she seen someone so tall and muscular...or with four arms. She wasn't one to judge though, she thought it was actually pretty cool! Kind of convenient too. But to be honest they didn't fascinate her nearly as much as his crimson, blood red eyes. She couldn't stop staring at them, they were so hypnotizing. They were looking right back at her too.

"Excuse me, can I help you?" Misako snapped herself out of her thoughts to see the aforementioned man gazing down at her with this sort of cocky and confident smirk upon his face. She wasn't sure what to do at first, her mouth unintentionally opening and closing like a fish out of water before sounds started to pour out.

"Uhm...No-Yes! Yes, yes you can." She stumbled awkwardly on her words and laughed nervously as she felt her cheeks go red. The woman cleared her throat and grinned timidly at him as she stood there, waiting for the photocopier to finish printing out all of the copies she needed. They both remained stationary until a few seconds letter Garmadon leaned forward a little and arched his eyebrows in further amusement and puzzlement.

"What do you need help with?" He said with a chuckle. "Misako." She paused and a pinch of worry arose in her stomach.

"How did you know my name?"

This made him laugh harder and shake his head, a toothy grin spread across his face.

"Your name tag." Misako's cheeks flushed harder. Of course, he read her name tag! Gah, what the hell was she doing? He must have thought she was an idiot.

She muttered an 'oh' in embarrassment and looked to the ground so he couldn't see her steadily increasing blush. She felt her heart beat rapidly pounding in her chest, and since when did her hands become so clammy and sweaty? Clearly, she was ill, maybe she should try and get the afternoon off to go and see a doctor? Saying that though this room was kind of stuffy anyway when it was summer; there were so many machines in here.

"Do you need help with the photocopier? Nothing's coming out." What? She turned to see everything had printed out. This made her relieved but also left a small pit of disappointment in her gut. She wanted to stay and keep talking to...

She looked at his name tag. Garmadon.

"Ah, no. I've finished printing off all the uh...ya' know." She picked up the stack of white sheets.

"Paper?"

"Yep! That's the word, ha-ha!" What was she doing? She never usually acted like such a weirdo in front of other people. Perhaps it was better if she didn't keep talking to him before she made a bigger fool of herself.

Without saying another word she rushed out of the room and back to her office to avoid making another slip-up in front of Garmadon. She didn't need the whole building knowing how much of a klutz she had been through that entire conversation. He seemed like the kind of person who knew almost everyone in the workplace.

She dumped the papers on her desk with a thud and slumped in her seat with an exhausted exhale of breath. She hid her face behind her hands as she remembered the conversation she'd just had, cringing and groaning at herself. She lightly punched her forehead in frustration as she muttered "stupid" repeatedly under her breath.

"Are you okay Misako?" The ginger haired woman paused before peering upward and seeing a fellow co-worker looking at her with a confused expression. Today was just not her day, was it? Everyone seemed to be catching her at the worst possible moments.

"I don't know, I think I might be ill." Misako sighed heavily as she rolled her chair closer to her desk. She rested her head in her left palm and reached her right hand out to take the documents from the other woman's hands. She handed them over and Misako began skimming over them, picking up her pen subconsciously and twirling it in between her fingers.

"Why do you think your ill? What's up?"

"Well, I was just photocopying all those files," she motions her head to the pile of paper on the left-hand side of her. "And I was talking to Garmadon, I don't know what department he's from but whatever. Anyway, we were talking and I started getting all hot and sweaty, my heart was pounding and I kept stumbling over my words. I was a mess in there, honestly. He's probably gonna tell his friends all about the 'weird ginger chic' on the fourth floor." She explained and signed the bottom of the first document, putting it at the back of the pile so it didn't create dis-organization on her work desk. She heard a quiet chuckle come from her co-worker, but she didn't look up at her.

"What's so funny?"

"I don't think your ill Misako. I think you like, like him." That causes the young woman to stop writing and peer up. The very idea of her liking Garmadon was ridiculous. They'd talked once. You don't fall in love at first sight, that's a myth. Sure, he seemed nice and funny, and he was pretty handsome too, but that didn't mean anything!

"I doubt I like him, we talked for a minute. I'm pretty sure he doesn't like me anyway." She stated and continued with her work, trying to ignore the little thought wriggling in the back of her mind.

"That's what they all say, my dear." There's a silence.

"Listen, just...don't throw the option out of the window okay? I've met him a few times before at office parties, and you two seem to have a lot in common." Misako signed the rest of the pages and handed them back to the woman with blonde hair stood in front of her. She thanked her and left without saying another word, leaving Misako all alone to her thoughts.

As she took into account the words she'd just heard, she started to go through the stack of paper next to her and began her work. She took her head away from its resting place and instead started to twirl her curly orange hair. Maybe her co-worker was right. Maybe she shouldn't dismiss fancying him.

---

"This is a nice place." Misako commented as she looked around at the decor of the restaurant. There wasn't much lighting but it was an outdoor restaurant anyway so that was to be expected. It made it kind of hard to see anything except the other tables though. She had to wonder how people worked here day in, day out. Maybe they'd memorized the layout of the place? Maybe they had night vision? Who really knew.

"I like it too. I'll leave it here when I take over Ninjago." Misako laughed.

"You are really determined to become a leader of this city! It's admirable. I don't think I could ever run this place." She took a sip of her water as Garmadon continued the conversation.

"Sure you could. Maybe one day we could both rule Ninjago." Misako felt her cheeks heat up at what he was implying and she giggled. First date and he was already using the 'we' word. He was very confident in himself, not that she minded at all. She liked confidence! It was a good thing to be sure of yourself. He didn't seem to be too full of himself either which was even better.

"Possibly. It's better than an office job." Another few moments are reserved for sipping their drinks.

"What did you want to be?" Garmadon asked her as two of his arms leaned against the table. "As a kid I mean. What were your aspirations?"

"Ha, my aspirations? They were just silly, kiddie stuff, ya' know?"

"Even so, I'd like to hear about them. What was the one thing you desperately wanted to be?" The woman thought for a few seconds, wondering whether to tell him. Looking back on it, it seemed like such a ridiculous thing for her to want- to STILL want. That small part of her that wishes she hadn't settled for working in an office.

"When I was a kid..." She paused and lowered her head, having one last 'are you sure?' moments before making the decision to tell him. "I wanted to be a warrior. Someone who fought to protect and fought for change. It's stupid I know-"

"No it isn't! Without fighters, we wouldn't be where we are now. People fought in revolutions and wars for change. I'm going to have to fight a war to get what I want but I'm willing to do it. For change." Misako contemplated his words. He wasn't wrong, she could name many instances where wars had been started with the idea of improving others lives. But what difference would she make by herself? There's only so much one person can do. That wasn't stopping Garmadon though.

"That is very true." With a smile, she picked up her water glass and took another sip. "So, did you always want to become a leader?"

"Oh yes, most definitely. It's in my blood." The man continued to explain in great detail, showing his date his plans for his volcano shaped house, or 'lair' as he had called it. He seemed like a very theatrical person too, enthusiastic and loud. It wasn't off-putting in the slightest, in fact, it intrigued Misako even more. She was captivated by his voice and his ambitions for the future. He seemed serious about his goals and dreams. He also had a lot of ideas. so many ideas that they didn't even realize they'd stayed well after closing time until someone came over and told them.

---

"All you two have to do is sign these papers, and you'll officially be husband and wife." The man at the desk showed them where to sign on the dotted line and waited patiently as the pair picked up a pen each and started to write. Garmadon signed his initials first, followed shortly by Misako. They were both eager to get it done and be on their way. They had managed to find a "lair" to live (Garmadon insisted on calling it that). It was the volcano just out of Ninjago city, the one that Garmadon had mentioned on their first date. I say found as if they'd gone looking for it. They'd simply decided to go live there. Did you honestly think any real-estate agent would have a volcano home to sell? Ha-ha-ha! Ohh, deary me, no.

No one owned that land so they took it upon themselves to just take it. Why not right? They'd never have to worry about being cold. Summer might be a problem though. But who cared?

"Congratulations! I hope you two are very happy together." The man gave a friendly smile as the newly wedded couple began to exit the town hall. Once they'd left the room they ran down the stairs, Misako's veil nearly flew off her head on the way outside. She gripped it tightly in one of her gloved hands and held her husband's hand in the other.

Her husband. That felt great to say. Just the thought of it made her chest fill with this warm feeling of joy. When he glanced back at her and gave her one his toothy grins, she beamed back at him with a cheerful laugh. Even though Garmadon hadn't bothered to wear a wedding suit or anything, and they hadn't even had a ceremony with all their family and friends, it still felt like her wedding day. She wasn't really one for big events anyway.

The duo made it outside in one piece and jumped onto the motorbike parked outside. A small sign was attached to the back of the vehicle that read "Just Hitched" in red lettering. As well as this there were some small cans tied to the bike with some string. As Garmadon shoved his sunglasses on, revved the engine and drove off, the cans hit against each other and skidded along the city road. He swayed between all the other cars as his wife clung on for her life, her head buried into his back as the wind blew through her curly, ginger locks. She couldn't hear anything over the motorbike's ferocious growling as they reached the outskirts of the city. And once they'd finally started along the empty road through the desert towards their new home, did the man slow down.

"How are you, Koko?" He called to her as he drove on down the rather worn concrete path.

"I'm good!" She cried back, lifting her head back up. "How about you?"

"I'm feeling fantastic!" He roared gleefully. Koko looked at the passing surroundings, seeing how the sand stretched for miles and miles like a golden ocean. The odd cactus sprouted from the ground and stood in place like soldiers saluting their commander (oh the irony). "Koko! We actually did it!"

"Ha-ha, I know! We're married!" The woman spoke with excitement whilst she rested her head on his shoulder.

"Indeed we are, my dear. And even better, we're going to conquer all of Ninjago!" He did a small wheelie, causing his wife to squeal in fright before bursting out into a fit of giggles. He increased his speed yet again and the bike zoomed past everything, everything becoming more blurry by the minute.

Misako let her head fall to her husband's back again. It snuggled against his soft, orange top and closed its weary eyes. She'd suddenly grown rather fatigued from today's events. In all fairness to her, it had been a very exciting day. A very exciting day, indeed.

---

Misako slowly made her way down the rocky pathway to where she'd spotted Garmadon overlooking the view. She could hear him talking quietly as she approached him from behind. She wasn't able to sneak up behind him and spook him, as the sound of pebbles knocking against rocks alerted him of his wife's presence, not that she was really intending to scare him anyway.

She stopped at the edge of the rock and stared out at the outline of what was once her home. Ninjago City. What a place it was. She had a good mix of both pleasant and unpleasant memories of it. She hadn't seen it in quite some time. She had been too busy training, and when she had become pregnant that had taken up a fair amount of her time too. But nonetheless, she was here now and it was great to see it again. So it only hurt her heart that they'd come here to destroy it.

She'd figured out at some point along the line that Garmadon had been very literal with his plans. When she brought it up casually in a conversation, he said they'd try to keep the place as in tact as possible (which was a lie and she knew it). She didn't know what to do about it either. Find his brother, Wu? That was a good start. He and his brother were polar opposites. Wu was the sun and Garmadon was the moon, and that's just how it was. But...then what? Her husband had an entire army of serpentine soldiers, whereas there would only be her and Wu. If only she'd realized sooner, she could've done something.

She flinched a little when she felt a cold hand intertwine with hers and squeeze tightly, only relaxing and squeezing back a few moments later when she remembered it was just Garmadon.

That was another thing. She loved Garmadon. She wanted to be with him, she wanted to succeed with him, rule with him. So what if the city turned to ruin? The world had screwed her over on countless occasions but with him at her side, she felt unstoppable. Telling Wu about all of this, going behind her partner's back, that could only end in misery for both of them. Their marriage would end for sure, and then-

"Isn't it beautiful, Koko?" Garmadon spoke rather hushed. "That city will belong to us any day now. And shortly following that, all of Ninjago."

"Mhm." Was all she could respond with, a horrible, twisted feeling in her gut forming. It carried on growing with each passing second as she further contemplated what to do. She was so lost in thought she didn't even realize when the war lord slipped his hand away from hers and turned his face in her direction.

"Somebody sounds tired," He joked as he turned the rest of himself around. "Doesn't she, Luh-Lloyd?"

The small baby in his hands was wrapped in a bright green blanket tightly. Tufts of blond hair poked out and cupped the sides of his face, curling at the tips. His smile and his emerald hues seemed to widen when he saw his mother's face. He made small noises of joy as he struggled about in his blanket, trying to get over to his mother somehow. With a small laugh, Misako reached out and took Lloyd out of her husband's hands, then cradling the baby in her arms.

"Sweetie, it's pronounced Lloyd."

"Then why has it got two L's in it?" The woman could only shrug as she let her index finger gently boop her son's nose, causing him to giggle. Lloyd's dad came up behind the pair, wrapping one pair of arms around his wife's waist and letting the other pair rest on her shoulders. He kissed the top of her head.

"I can't wait for us to take over, Koko. We've been waiting so long for this moment." Misako said nothing in response. "And just think one day, our baby boy will become the most powerful leader in the world. Our foes will cower in fear of him as he takes out their armies one by one. He will be indestructible."

She hadn't thought of that. Her baby...fighting wars and...no. No. She couldn't let that happen. No way. Peering into the green irises of the baby snuggled in her arms, the decision was clear to her now.

She needed to find Wu.

---

Misako had to hold back her tears as she saw Garmadon standing opposite her. He had a look of betrayal and anguish in his eyes. The anger in his eyes was suffocating her, she felt like he was sucking the confidence right out of her. Even with Wu at her side, the trembling in her feet didn't cease.

"I just don't understand..." He muttered and shrugged, a small and un-amused smile briefly appearing on his face. The warrior did nothing but frown and grip her sword tightly, the guilt filling up her stomach 'til she felt like she was going to explode. Her anxieties were swelling up rapidly too, any second now she was sure she was going to be sick. "I thought you wanted this."

"I wanted you. Not Ninjago." The woman cautiously stepped closer to her husband. "I admired your ambitions, but I didn't think it would mean innocent lives would be lost."

"You told me you wanted to be a warrior, this is what a warrior does-"

"A warrior that protects, Garmadon." Misako corrected him. "A warrior...that protects..." Her voice trailed off towards the end, it catching in her throat as it occurred to her how ironic it was that she'd learned to protect from the person intending to destroy. Heh...funny how things work out sometimes, isn't it? The voice in her head gave an exhausted laugh at it all. How the tears had fallen, how the blood had stained the ground, how their relationship was about to come to its end. The end that Misako dreaded.

"Warriors don't protect." He spat at her and she stumbled back towards Wu. "They attack. Ninjas are the ones that protect, Koko."

"That's funny brother," Wu stepped in front of his sister in law and furrowed his brows. "Coming from you."

"That is my past. My destiny lies elsewhere." The man in the white cloak shook and lowered his head.

"Your destiny does not end happily, brother. Not if you take the path you are trekking." Garmadon cackled along with his serpentine army.

"We shall see. Speaking of which, how's the search for this fabled 'Green Ninja' coming along?" The man sneered at his sibling, a mocking grin spread across his face as he stared down at his brother. Wu was not intimidated by him, he never was, and never would be.

"You shall see in the coming years Garmadon. When they are ready for battle, you shall be no more!"

"But, ha-ha, I'm ready for battle now! YOU ARE TOO LATE!" The warlord cried out as his soldiers cheered behind him. This was true, he had been preparing for this day all those months that Misako had been pregnant with Lloyd. He'd planned out attacks and everything. She wasn't sure what they meant by this 'Green Ninja' business but judging by her ally's response, they were not ready to take on her husband. She needed to buy time. So she did the one thing she could think of doing.

"I'm ready to battle too, Garmadon." She pushed Wu to the side and stood proudly in front of the towering man before her. "I'm ready to save Ninjago from the likes of you!"

At this, Garmadon's smile seemed to falter slightly. He remained quiet as moments passed by with the breezy air. He seemed to be pondering to himself about what to say in response. Fight his wife? Sure he was mad, but was he mad enough to kill her? Definitely not. He was planning on just wearing her out and then dragging her back to the volcano cave and making her pay for being a traitor. Then he'd forgive her and they go get ice cream or something. Treat yourself, as they say. Being a warlord was a stressful job. Finally, after a while, he crossed all four of his arms and leaned above Misako's head with a gleam in his eyes.

"You? Fight me? Ha! Like you could win."

"I'd do anything to keep both Ninjago and my boy safe from you. If he was raised by you it would lead to nothing but catastrophe. So here's what's gonna happen..." She put her sword in its sheath and planted her hands on her waist, a brave and determined look on her pale skin as she had a stare down with the monster that was twice her size.

"We shall fight. Right here. Right now. If you win I will stand by your side yet again and I will help you bring Ninjago to its knees." Both Wu and Garmadon were shocked by this, how easily she would give in and destroy the thing she was trying to save if she couldn't stand in Garmadon's way. She wouldn't even stand by and let it happen, no, she agreed to be a part of the down fall. This greatly interested her enemy. It was a win-win situation for him. He'd get Ninjago and the loyalty of his wife.

"However," She continued. "If I win you must turn around and leave. Disband your army and destroy all your weapons."

"Why on earth would I agree to that?"

"Because it's the only chance you have to get me and Lloyd back." She was right. This was his only shot. He wanted Ninjago, sure, but having Misako at his side made the entire premise of ruling all the more interesting. He wouldn't just have an entire island under his thumb, he'd have a family by his side too. A beautiful, and admittedly badass wife, along with his equally amazing son. That sounded like the perfect life for him.

"You're on." They shook hands and prepared themselves for battle, each walking away from one another and to opposite ends of the rocky pathway. Misako approached Wu, who gave not a look of worry, but a look of sympathy. He understood that doing this was a difficult thing for her to do. He recalled how much trouble she had coming to him about Garmadon in the first place.

"Are you sure you can defeat him?"

"I'm not sure." The woman sighed but kept her head held high as she counted the arrows in her quiver. "But if I do, we have more time for this Green Ninja of yours to prepare. If they really are the only one that can stop him, then we need all the time we can get."

Wu replied with nothing. Thinking back on it now, Misako could tell that he was worried they wouldn't have enough time, despite her attempts. She hadn't known at that moment that Wu was referring to Lloyd, and since Lloyd was only twelve months old then, he was going to need a few years. Scratch that, well over a decade, before he could even face Garmadon. And right then they didn't know when the war lord would return (but they knew he would).

A few minutes later and the pair were prepared for their brawl. Each equipped with a sword, they slowly walked around in a circle as they awaited the enemy to make their first move. The two armies stood around them and watched, occasionally encouraging their leaders to strike one another. An intense staring match went on between the pair, daring each other to take the first step towards them. Eventually, Garmadon became impatient and was the one to lunge forward at terrifying speeds towards his opponent. Misako evaded with a sideways roll, ending up behind him and using the short opportunity to strike her sword down upon him. Unfortunately, she wasn't fast enough, and the four-armed ruler blocked her attack.

They both grunted when their swords made contact with one another, steel and steel screeching as they pushed against each other. Koko was knocked back onto the dusty floor but she quickly recovered and backward rolled out of the way of her enemy's boot. Their swords met again consistently as they smashed against each other with large amounts of force. The ginger-haired female would walk backward as her taller opponent approached her. The crowd continued to cheer and motivate until eventually fights broke out between the soldiers who wanted to get a piece of the action. This was quickly spiraling out of control.

As Wu fought against some of the serpentine soldiers, Misako and Garmadon continued their fight with great vigour and force. They cried out and screamed and groaned and scrambled, both desperate to win. The warrior knocked the warlord back with such strength that he skidded against the ground to the other side of their temporary arena. He stood up immediately and they charged at each other, leaping in the air as they shrieked and raised their weapons. As their swords met for the umpteenth time they were both pushed backward and slammed into the ground.

Misako panted wearily as she struggled to regain energy. Fighting in full armour next to a volcano was hard work. Her arms ached and her legs were in agony. She was so tired and sore and covered from head to toe in cuts and bruises. But she knew she couldn't give up, she had to keep fighting. She would never give in!

Luckily for her, she didn't have to.

"Serpentine! Retreat!" Koko sat up just in time to see Garmadon calling his soldiers to abandon ship and leave the battlefield. Rapidly, his men fled the scene and headed back to safe ground. All of the Skulkin hoorayed and jumped for joy as they watched the serpentine slithering away.

Meanwhile, Misako was speechless and confused at what she'd just witnessed. Lord Garmadon had just called a retreat. He never did that, he never backed away from anything, that was a fact of life. Yet he'd just done it. And she couldn't fully understand why. He could've taken victory then, whilst she was in a weak heap on the ground, but, no.

Wu came over and helped peel her off of the floor as she gritted her teeth from the stinging all over her body. She thanked him just as out of the corner of her eye she saw her husband give her one last farewell look before fleeing. Misako could tell from the few seconds she saw his face that he was hurt. Not because of the battle, but because of her...

Their marriage was over.

---

Lloyd found his mom sat down by the ocean as she stared out, her gaze hazy and unfocused. However, she seemed sort of relaxed and calm, which was not what the boy was expecting at all. He almost didn't alert her of his presence just to give her some peace and stop her from regaining her previous rage, but he decided against it. They needed to talk about earlier and this was the perfect opportunity as they were both alone. So without saying a word he strolled down to his mother's side and sat himself down on the ground, crossing his legs and looking out at the sea with her.

"I'm sorry." Misako blurted. Lloyd blinked and glanced to his left-hand side. She was expecting an apology from her, in fact, he wasn't really sure why she was the one saying sorry. She didn't think she'd done anything wrong. "You were looking out for me."

"It's fine Mom. I came to say sorry to you-"

"No..." She shook her head and scooted closer to her son, a sigh escaping her lips. "Don't you apologize. It's not your fault everything is the way it is. This whole feud with your father only started because of me. I was the one who hurt him, not the other way around."

"What do you mean?"

"It's a very long story, Lloyd. A story for another time." The green ninja nods his head, despite deep down really wishing to know what she had done to possibly make this whole thing her responsibility. He didn't want to ask though, he knew she'd tell him sooner or later, whenever she was ready. Suddenly, she spoke up again.

"Lloyd, Garmadon is not as bad a person as he seems. I know he destroys our home and heck, he still can't get your name right after all these years." Lloyd laughs a little. "But he never treated me badly throughout our time together. In fact, he was the best person I ever met."

"So why didn't you stay with him?" The blonde teenager asked with furrowed brows. Misako smiled at him and put an arm on her son's shoulders.

"Like I said earlier, to protect you! I didn't want you getting involved in all this evil warlord stuff but, turns out you were destined to be involved in the war one way or the other. Whether you were on the good side from the start or not didn't matter." There was silence for a few moments as Lloyd thought quietly to himself. Over the past few days, him and his dad had been bonding pretty well. His mom was right, he wasn't a completely awful person, he just wanted to rule something. In this case, it was Ninjago. Lloyd didn't hold a grudge about the arm thing either; at least he wasn't dead. If he had died then he would've left his mother all alone. Garmadon was the one who called his mom and told her everything that had happened, made sure he was taken care of and looked after. He'd basically been a dad. It was brief but for once he knew what it was like to have one.

"I think you and dad need to talk, mom." The boy said after a short while of sitting in quietude. Misako's arm left his shoulder and rested in her lap as she leaned forward. Her fingers fiddled as her pupils watched.

"I know."

The pair got up and headed back to the camp after more time passed. They didn't want it to be so dark that they couldn't find their way back. Besides, everyone was probably worried about them. They chatted and joked the whole way back, the small fall out from earlier seeming like it had never even happened. Only when they arrived back did Misako's fears start to pile up again and her anxiousness began to crawl up her stomach. She hadn't had a real sit down with Garmadon in...well ever. Their relationship had only ever faltered when she fought him back then to save Ninjago and give the green ninja more time to prepare. Any other times they'd met in public had pretty much been her telling him to leave her alone as he kept trying to convince her to go on a date with him. She was ready to do this though, not just for Lloyd. but for her and Garmadon too.

Who knows, maybe they were still meant to be.

#8381 words altogether #can you tell i enjoy writing?#cos i do #I draw more though #so much angst #ninjago #lego ninjago #lego ninjago movie #the lego ninjago movie #cinemajago #misako #movie misako #lord garmadon #garmadon #movie garmadon #garsako #garmadon x misako #misako x garmadon #abbyfanfics

94 notes · View notes