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megalony · 5 months

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Strike Me Down

This is a new Evan Buckley imagine that will have a few follow up parts to. I was in such an angsty, lightning mood, I hope you all like it. Feedback is always lovely.

Taglist: @lunaticspoem@sj-thefanthefan@hellsdragon@im-an-adult-ish@crazylittlethingg@allauraleigh@onceuponadetectivedemigod@ceres27@avyannadawn@noonenuts@sleepylunarwolf@coverupps@justagirlthatlovedtoread @musicistheway @avada-kedavra-bitch-187 @luula @missdreamofendless @bradleybeachbabe @woderfulkawaii @topguncultleader @amberpanda99 @daggersquadphantom @marvel-and-chicago-fan @angryknightstatesmantrash @minjix @lyjen

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Summary: When a lightning strike puts Evan's life in danger, he has to fight to get back to his family. His wife and boys need him to get better.

Enjoy.

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"Go on then, how mad did you make my sister tonight?"

The grin that broke out on Evan's face made his eyes squint at the corners and the way he curved his lips up in a lopsided look made him look sheepish and guilty. Exactly how Eddie knew he would be feeling right now. They had known each other for closer to two decades now, since they were teenagers.

"Let's just say I might be on the sofa tonight." Evan fixed his helmet on his head and looked up at the truck they were about to climb onto.

He would be in trouble when he got home. His parents had come to town and he was at work.

Evan had run off to work, leaving (Y/n), Maddie and all the kids to deal with their parents and that was no easy task. Without him there, it was up to Maddie to keep the peace and she wasn't so good at that nowadays.

Maddie never used to understand how much their parents grated on Evan when he became a dad. She didn't see the way they would pick at every little thing Evan did and try to burst in and overtake or comment on what he and (Y/n) were doing. It didn't help that they had been very young when they had Theo. But now Maddie and Chimney had Jee, she realised how interferring their parents could get and how hard it could be to keep composed around them.

And here Evan was, hiding out with his work family while his sister, wife and boys all put up with his parents. The only relief was that at the end of the night when Evan went home, his parents would be staying with Maddie while they were in town. There was nowhere in Evan's house for them to stay with three boys in the house and a baby on the way; every room was taken.

A low whistle passed Eddie's lips as he secured his own helmet and waited for Evan to start the climb up the truck. "Very unlucky," He commented quietly, following Evan up onto the roof of the truck so they could get the ladder ready.

"It's not my fault I'm on shift, I didn't know my parents were coming down,"

In Evan's defence, he truly didn't know his parents were coming down until Maddie called and said they were almost in town and he couldn't swap or change his shifts around.

Both Evan's parents and (Y/n) and Eddie's parents had been less than thrilled when at sixteen, the pair of them announced (Y/n) was pregnant. (Y/n) and Eddie had moved from Texas with their parents and sisters when their dad got transferred for a year. Evan had been Eddie's friend first before he fell for (Y/n).

Having a baby changed everything. (Y/n) stayed with Evan when the rest of the family moved back to Texas after her dad's placement was over and that was how she wanted it. Away from an overbearing mother, a distant father and sisters who weren't always kind to her. Eddie was the only one she really missed, even when he came down every other month to visit her and Evan.

So when Eddie finally got out of the army and needed a change, he took the offer of moving to LA to be closer to his little sister and work with his brother in law.

"Alright, go get 'em, cowboy."

A jolt ran down Evan's spine when the safety clip was hooked onto the belt around his torso, pulling him forward a foot or two. His eyes landed on the red cable that reached down to the winch at the bottom of the ladder he was on.

"Will do," Evan gave Eddie a nudge, squinting through the downpour before he turned to face the end of the ladder that needed to be moved a few inches closer.

The ladder was close but not quite close enough for him to make a safe jump or climb over onto the balcony. They had to be at least another five inches closer, Evan wasn't doing any theatrics today like jumping onto a balcony, it would be his luck to go through the floor if he tried.

"Here we go," Evan muttered to himself as he climbed up the ladder. He could feel the rain trickling down the back of his neck and it made him shiver. The rain was so heavy that he couldn't see the end of the ladder and the downpour made his helmet rattle against his ears and droplets dribbled down his eyes and onto his nose.

His lips were drenched, his lashes were fighting off the rain and every inch of his skin was shaking from the low temperature.

"Fucking weather," He finally reached the end of the ladder and took a quick glance around.

There were three families still stuck inside the burning building who needed evacuating and the 221 team were trying to get inside through the lobby and clear the stairwell. Evan needed to go into the apartment through the balcony and help escort the last few people out to safety.

Eddie's voice came through the radio but Evan couldn't work out what he said, there was too much static and the thunder was starting to roll in.

"What?" He pressed his ear to the radio and gave it a whack, curling his upper lip as he waited again for a clearer instruction.

Evan jolted on the ladder, bending his knees and hunkering down when a horrid clap thundered across the sky. He tilted his head back enough for the rain to pour over his eyes and drip down the side of his face, but all he could see were thousands of white droplets cascading down from the heavens. The sky was a misty blue mixed with swirls of black like a canvas with only a few swirls of clouds to be seen through the rain.

Looking up from this angle made the rain seem like it was being sucked up from the ground rather than falling down from the clouds.

"What the Hell is that?" Evan pursed his lips, morphing his smile into a frown as he watched the sky change colours before his eyes and swirl like a tornado was heading their way.

They all heard it too.

The rippling noise that made them feel like they were deep underwater. The sky looked unforgiving, full of darkness without a single glimmer of light to guide them tonight. It made the building look like a beacon in the sheet of blackness, shining a vibrant burgendy with melted orange flames flickering at the sides. Leaking brown ash clouds up into the night sky.

"Guys I don't thi-"

Lightning. It broke through the clouds, a true act of God right before their eyes and Evan saw a pure cast of light break free from the sky that was so bright and pure it was blinding.

How was that possible?

How could the lightning have struck him like that? No one could have planned something like this in a million years. The strike was so precise it was almost legendary.

Eddie had never seen anything so pure yet so horrifying.

Sparks flew out from the end of the ladder like a firework display and rocketed off of Evan's body as he toppled backwards. His broad shoulders smashed into the very edge of the ladder before his weight shifted and he looked like an acrobat flying through the air. His body did a backwards flip, sending his feet over his head while his upper body tumbled down into the open air.

He plummeted down a few feet in mid air before the red cable attached to his waist saved him from a deathly drop down to the concrete.

The blood-red cable hung like a vein in the sky, straining against the edge of the ladder to hold up Evan's weight and keep him suspended in the air.

The buckle clip was holding steady to the harness around his torso which kept him suspended four stories in the air. His legs and arms dangled down, limp and lifeless and his head snapped so far back it was almost touching his broad shoulder blades.

With his head snapped back and the sudden flip in the air, the helmet perched on his head tumbled through the rain and landed with a sickening crack on the road beneath. Splitting the hardened plastic right down the middle.

"Buck!"

"Hen get a gurney, Chimney release the winch." Bobby spoke into the radio just in case his voice couldn't travel through the storm to his team while he stood directly beneath Evan.

Eddie was already halfway up the ladder when they looked ahead into the sky and he fell down, hanging his upper body over the side of the ladder to grab the rope. He couldn't pull him up. Not if he had all the team up there with him. The rope was caught on the ladder and Evan's weight was reaching towards the floor, dragging him back up wasn't an option.

A guttural scream left Eddie's lips as he waved one hand at Chimney to get him to go faster. He threaded the rope between his gloved fingers, easing down his brother in law as if he were a package being delivered from the Gods down to Earth.

"Come on Buck- agh, stay with me."

Bobby stretched his arms high up into the sky like he was giving an offering to God and he watched Chimney rush to his side when Evan was lowered enough to reach. Hen hurried out of an anbulance she had backed as close as she could to the scene and rushed a gurney out towards them.

When Eddie was down with them, they unclipped Evan and eased him down onto the gurney. Being quick to wrench open his jacket and shirt while Eddie's trembling fingers pressed against Evan's neck to try and feel for a pulse.

"Buck… oh God," His skin was cold and lifeless. There was no colour except a pale chalk grey tinge to his skin and there was no heat bubbling to the surface. Eddie waited with his hand against Evan's neck before he moved down to press his palm against Evan's sternum. "I can't find a pulse and he's not breathing!"

"Get the pack."

Hen placed the medic pack down beside Evan's left thigh and opened it up but she stopped when Chimney shook his head and stopped her from opening the defibrilator.

"He's been electrocuted and he's doused in water, a shock will fry his heart, we can't."

Evan had been drenched in ran before he got on the ladder and now his shirt was open, the heavens had poured down on him. He had been given a large shock which had stopped his heart, another one was going to do permanent damage to his heart and if he was wet, it was only going to secure his death.

"Get him in the fucking ambulance and I'll do compressions. Come on, let's go!" Eddie's voice rang out through the rain and the thunder that was bubbling through the sky like it was following them. He would do compressions in the ambulance and keep Evan's heart going but they had to move now. Any longer and CPR wasn't going to do Evan any good.

"Mayday, mayday. This is Captain Nash, we have a firefighter down. Repeat, firefighter down, struck by lightning. I need a team on standby at the nearest hospital."

Hen and Eddie shoved the stretcher into the back of the ambulance and climbed in. Straight away, Eddie knelt up with one knee on the edge of the stretcher to steady himself before he interlocked his fingers and began compressions on Evan's heart.

"Come on Buck, come back. You can't do this to us… think of (Y/n)."

Oh God, what was Eddie going to say to (Y/n)? How was he going to explain this to his youngest sister, the one he held closest to his heart? He couldn't tell her that Evan had died on the job. Evan had to pull through this, there was no way in Hell that Eddie was having that kind of conversation with (Y/n). She had been with Evan since she was sixteen. They had three kids and another on the way; she couldn't lose Evan now.

Chimney and Bobby climbed in the front and started the journey down to the hospital.

"Call Athena."

"What?" Bobby pressed his elbow against the window and smothered his mouth with his fist to stop himself from either screaming, crying or combusting all at once. Why would he call her now? They weren't even at the hospital yet. He wasn't calling anyone until they got Evan inside the hospital and seen by a team of doctors.

"You've just called in a mayday. The chief will be going down to Buck's house to tell (Y/n) what's happened. She's seven months pregnant, do you really want a stranger having that conversation with her? Get Athena down there when they go."

None of the team would be able to get down to Evan's house to talk to (Y/n), they had to stay with him, update the hospital and then talk to the chief to explain the situation. And Chimney could see that Eddie wasn't leaving Evan anytime soon and this was not a conversation he could have over the phone with his sister.

It was custom that the chief of any fire house would go down to talk to family when someone from the station had passed away or was gravely ill. (Y/n) had three kids at home and another on the way, a stranger coming to her door to tell her that her husband had been injured on duty was going to push her over the edge. They needed someone familiar, someone she thought of as family, to be there to give her the news.

Maddie and her parents were at (Y/n)'s house with her at the moment but that didn't change the fact that (Y/n) needed someone she knew to talk her through this.

Evan had to be okay. He had a family at home waiting for him.

***

(Y/n) smiled as she passed by the living room and caught a glimpse of her family huddled up in there. Evan's parents were knelt down on the floor with Jee and Alfie, helping them to build towers out of Lego which they would eventually knock down.

Maddie was sat in the armchair watching with a grin and Theo was slouched on the sofa, intently focused on a movie on tv.

The only one missing was Tommy but the one year old was already in bed, their busy day had knocked him clean out and Jee wouldn't be far behind.

Dinner hadn't gone as horribly as (Y/n) imagined after Evan left for work at lunchtime. His parents didn't overcomplicate things or push their way in and try to take over. His mother didn't make one comment about the food or the house and his father didn't try to over correct the boys and put them in line as he used to say.

They had been more than civil and (Y/n) wasn't sure whether it was because Maddie and Jee were here, or because they wanted to try and keep the peace.

They had never been very involved with any of the boys until covid hit and the world seemed to change. They tried to video call and take an interest in Evan in a way they never did when he was growing up. Now they were making more and more trips down to see all of them and Evan was trying to make things work too. He had spent too long resenting his parents and he didn't want that atmosphere around his kids.

As she passed behind the sofa, (Y/n) leaned down and ruffled Theo's hair, giving him a peck on the head which caused the teen to tilt his head back and grin up at her before she headed into the hallway towards the front door.

Evan must have left his keys again if he was knocking on the door to be let in. This would be the third time this month he had forgot his keys. (Y/n) was going to have to hang them on a chain around his neck at this rate.

"Did you honestly- oh," (Y/n) cut herself off and tightened her hand around the door when she opened it with a wide grin that faded immediately when she realised it wasn't her husband on the other side.

"Mrs Buckley?"

A shiver rattled down (Y/n)'s spine and fizzled through her blood that seemed to stop coursing round her body. Her fingertips went numb, her arms froze clinging to the door and a horrible stone set deep in the pit of her stomach causing the baby to wriggle. She tried to take in a deep breath but it didn't work, she only ended up taking little, shallow wisps of air as her chest rattled like an empty bird cage while her heart felt like it was going to stop completely.

Red and blue lights flashed on the police car parked in front of the drive. No sirens.

Athena was stood on her doorstep, her usual sunglasses no where to be seen, her smile long since gone and replaced with a solemn, if apprehensive look that (Y/n) had never seen before. She had her hands clasped in front of her waist and her lips were pressed into a very thin line.

Next to her was an elderly man (Y/n) had never come across before. He had his cap tucked beneath his arm and his fingers laced together in front of him. His expression was also an apprehensive, uncertain one but his eyes were like melting chocolate that was turning sour.

It was the logo on his blazer that made (Y/n) shake her head.

The chief of the fire station was on her doorstep, along with a seargent.

"Who is it?" Her voice quivered as tears blurred her vision and caused her lower lip to wobble.

They could only be here for Evan or Eddie. (Y/n) was the emergency contact for both of them since their parents were back in Texas. She was next of kin for Eddie, being his closest family member in LA and she was married to Evan which made her his emergency contact instead of Maddie. He hadn't had his parents as an emergency contact since college.

"Evan's been involved in an accident," Athena was using his given name, not his nickname. She had never done that even in an emergency or a serious situation. Something had to have gone gravely wrong for her to be here, calling him that, along with the chief of the department.

(Y/n) didn't know who she was expecting to be told was in the accident but hearing that it was her husband set off a storm raging inside of her. It wouldn't have been better to hear Eddie's name, in fact, it was almost anticipated to hear Evan's name. He was the one who seemed to be in the line of fire more than the rest of them.

Evan was the one who had a fire truck fall on his leg four years ago when Alfie was only three. He was the one caught up in a tsunami when he wasn't even on shift. Evan was always the one who came home injured or who took more trips to the emergency room than everyone else.

Why was it always Evan and no one else who got hurt?

"No," (Y/n) shook her head and leaned her chest and stomach against the door until the rough edge started to press achingly into her skin and cause a rippling pain to surge through her. "Is… Athena, is h-he," She couldn't say it.

This was the one job that Evan seemed to find his soul in. It was his calling, it was woven into his DNA, it was part of who he was and he could never think of doing anything else. And (Y/n) knew that he always took care of himself and that his team looked after him while he was with them. They kept him safe so he could come home to her. She knew her husband and brother were safe in their team, despite the dangerous job they did.

She had never had to think about a day where they never came home to her. (Y/n) never imagined she would get a call like this and she didn't want this to happen to her.

What was she going to do if they told her Evan had died?

How was she going to live without him? She couldn't look after four kids on her own. One of them wasn't even born yet, Evan couldn't die without meeting his newest edition.

"His heart stopped on route to the hospital, as far as we know, they're still working on him."

"I'm afraid you need to be at the hospital, Mrs Buckley," He looked like he was about to say something else, but whatever crossed his mind disappeared almost immediately.

The world felt like it was crumbling around (Y/n). The floor beneath her feet didn't feel so sturdy and safe anymore. The air in her lungs felt like it was being restricted and taken away. Her stomach churned in knots as bile rose in her throat and she was sure she was going to throw up. Her head filled with air, becoming a balloon that was overfull and ready to explode.

(Y/n) didn't feel her knees give way on her or the harsh landing they got when she hit the floor. She couldn't feel the hands grappling at her arms and Athena's touch felt distant and cold against her burning skin when the older woman grabbed her chin and tilted her head up.

She let her forehead fall against the door that was now digging uncomfortably into her protruding stomach and her nails dug into the wood until she started to feel splinters pressing into her skin.

Evan's heart stopped.

What kind of accident had he been in to cause that? What were they doing to him down at the hospital to make sure he didn't leave (Y/n) for good? Would it be too late by the time she got there? Was her husband going to die- again- before she even got to hold his hand or say goodbye?

Was he really going to leave her and their kids forever?

"(Y/n)? (Y/n), honey deep breaths," Athena scraped (Y/n)'s hands away from the door and held them up to her chest, trying to encourage her to copy her breathing and breathe enough so she didn't pass out. "Stay with me-"

Silent tears streamed down (Y/n)'s face but her eyes were void of any emotion and her face turned horrifyingly placid and blank. There was no hatred, pain or anger in her eyes. Her lips weren't in a frown or screaming in agony. Her lips were in a thin line, her eyes were half-lidded and her head was tilted against the door like she was in a trance.

"Oh my God, what's happened?!"

She didn't feel Maddie kneel down beside her or her hand on her back as Maddie's other hand grabbed her arm. (Y/n) didn't even hear Athena trying to explain the situation to Maddie; her ears were full of static that was sending her head into a frenzy.

"No, oh no, mum!" Maddie pulled (Y/n) off the door and into her chest while she turned her head, begging for her mother to come through.

She needed her mum to watch all four kids so she and (Y/n) could go down to the hospital. They needed to be with Evan and the kids couldn't know what had happened until they were certain what was going on with Evan. They had to leave now before his state deteriorated.

Before Maddie had explained the situation to her mother, (Y/n) suddenly tore out of her arms.

Her hands pressed to the floor, then to Athena's shoulder as she scrambled up on her numb, jelly legs and pushed past the chief. Her body wobbled as she moved down the first two steps and she could see the world tilting at an angle, sending her stumbling to the right until Athena was suddenly at her side. Athena's arms bound around her waist and gripped her arm, hushing her as she steadied her on her feet while a quiet, unsettling sound passed (Y/n)'s lips.

Maddie grabbed her bag and (Y/n)'s and slung them over her shoulder as she tossed hurried exchanges of her shoulder with her mum. She ran out the door and reached for (Y/n)'s other side to stop her from collapsing in the driveway.

"I- I need to see him. I need him."

Suddenly it didn't matter anymore that he had gone on shift and left her alone to defend herself against his parents. It didn't matter that Theo and Alfie were going to panic that she had left them without even saying a word. It didn't matter that they were going to be upset about being left with their grandparents, probably all night long.

All that mattered was (Y/n) getting to her husband before something else happened to him.

She prayed she wasn't going to be too late.

***

"I swear if you tell me to calm down," (Y/n) wrenched her arm away from her brother and turned her back to him.

Her arms cocooned to her chest, resting over her stomach while she brought a hand to her mouth and bit down on her nails that had been all but chewed down during the night. Even the skin around her thumbs was starting to swell and become sore from anxious biting.

"Stop fighting me and sit down before you hurt yourself."

She wanted to shrug off Eddie's touch but she didn't have it in herself to fight him anymore. She let his hands curl around her shoulders and loosened up when he guided her towards the chairs. Her body slumped down into a seat and her head fell down into her hands as Eddie crashed down into the chair next to her like a tidal wave.

"When Maddie gets here I'm taking you home."

"No you're not."

"(Y/n), please don't do this now." Eddie tried in vain to reach across and take her hand but she wouldn't let him. Her hands stayed rubbing over her face until it felt like her skin was going to peel off like a face mask. Her nails scratched into her scalp and her fingers moved to knot through her hair and brush the loose strands out of her face.

"I'm not leaving him Eddie, I can't." How could she go home and leave Evan here? How could she walk away, even for an hour, and know her husband was laid up in a coma? The first twenty four hours were crucial and (Y/n) had to stay here and wait them out because if something changed or happened and she wasn't here, she would never forgive herself.

"You think he's gonna know if you go home and rest for just an hour? That's all I'm asking, an hour to get something to eat and take a break."

"It's not about him knowing if I've gone, it's about waiting in case he gets worse Eddie-"

"And what about you? Buck would lose his shit if he saw you like this and you know it. And the boys? They won't last much longer with his parents, you need to talk to them and explain what's going on. They need to see you."

(Y/n) had spent the night sitting in the chair at Evan's bedside.

Eddie had stayed in the corner of the room while Bobby, Hen and Athena filtered in and out every now and then to check on them. Maddie stayed for most of the night before going home to see the kids and talk to Chimney. No one knew what to do next or how things were going to play out.

(Y/n) didn't want to leave. She knew she needed to go home to the boys, all three of them needed one parent there to explain things and calm them down and make sure they were alright. But it was so hard to think about going home and having the boys all have meltdowns and cry in confusion when (Y/n) knew she would be leaving her heart at the hospital with Evan.

She wanted to spend every second sat at Evan's bedside and go home to the boys when he woke up and she knew he was okay.

"What do I tell them?"

A tidal wave blocked up behind (Y/n)'s eyes and a lump formed in her throat at the thought of going home.

Home wasn't the same when Evan wasn't there but now he would be gone for a different reason and they didn't know if he was ever coming back.

Theo was the only one who would understand. He was fourteen, he was the one (Y/n) would be able to talk to and explain the situation fully and have him understand. But it was going to rock his world and panic him in a way he had never felt before. Alfie was seven, he would understand his dad had been in an accident but they couldn't explain life support or a coma to him. And Tommy was one, he wasn't going to understand anything except his parents weren't with him right now.

"We'll figure that out when we go home," Reaching across, Eddie curved his arm around (Y/n)'s shoulders and reeled her into his chest. His lips pressed to the top of her head and he sighed into her hair, trying not to burst into tears again.

They both had to go home to their kids. Their Abuela had taken Chris over to (Y/n)'s house where Chimney and Evan's parents had watched over the kids for the night until Maddie headed back to see them. Things had to be explained to all the boys and child care needed to be sorted before they came back for another long haul of sitting silently in Evan's room.

Waiting. Waiting. Waiting.

"Mum!"

(Y/n)'s head bolted up from Eddie's chest and she leaned around him, fright filling her eyes when her eldest son's voice hit her ears. She could feel Eddie's hand tightening on her shoulder and he kissed the back of her head before he turned to see his nephew.

Why was he here?

Maddie said she was coming down to sit with Evan so they could swap and (Y/n) and Eddie could go home to the boys. It had taken all Eddie's strength to get his sister to leave Evan's side and come down to the waiting room and he could see it had unsettled her and made her feel worse.

She had been awake for over twenty four hours. (Y/n) had spoken to numerous doctors, pushed past nurses and made her spot next to Evan's beside like a vigil. She hadn't moved all night. She ate nothing, drank nothing, had no sleep and she was running on fumes but felt like she could easily carry on this way for days, weeks, if she had to. She just wanted to be beside Evan.

"Baby," (Y/n)'s voice rattled as she pushed up to unsteady feet and held her arms out for Theo.

The eldest bolted over to her and knocked her back with his force until Eddie grabbed her waist to steady them both. His arms deadlocked around his mum's neck and he buried his face in her chest, holding her so tightly she had to bite her lip to supress a groan.

"Why did you bring him?" Eddie curled a hand into Theo's sandy curls that just made him look the spitting image of Evan as a teen. He kissed his nephew's head but his dark eyes locked with Maddie.

What was she thinking? Why had she brought him down here when they were coming home to see the boys?

"I wanna see dad."

(Y/n)'s shoulders slumped and she pulled back an inch, moving her hands to cup Theo's face and rest their foreheads together. Her lips tried to form a smile but all she could do was quiver and let fresh tears fall as Theo clung to her wrists like he was about to snap them.

"Absolutely not. You're not going in there- they don't let kids in the ICU, you're coming home with us." Eddie's hands clamped down on his hips as his chest tensed and strained against his shirt.

That was not a sight he wanted his nephew to see.

He thought of his dad as his hero. He loved seeing Evan on tv and watching him go out in uniform and see him put others first to look after everyone he could. Theo didn't need that image to change and see his dad laid up with tubes and wires in his skin and see the markings on his body. He shouldn't see his dad fighting for his life, unable to breathe on his own.

"Baby, he's not well and he's asleep. He won't be able to see or talk to you,"

"No, no I need to see him. I want my dad let me see him!"

Theo let go of his mum when she shook her head and turned away. She wasn't up for a debate or an argument and he could see in her eyes that if he pushed, he would win her over. (Y/n) knew her son. Seeing Evan wasn't something he should have to bear witness to, but if he was adamant, (Y/n) knew Theo could handle seeing Evan like that. It might do Evan some good if he could somehow hear his son talk to him.

He turned to his uncle, the only one he had to win over. When Maddie said she was going to the hospital, Theo begged her to take him. He wouldn't take no for an answer and she explained some of the situation in the car. He had to see his dad and make sure he was alive. He had to tell his dad to come back to them and make him see how important it was that he get better.

"He can handle this," Maddie held her bag in her hands that were tightly clasped in front of her.

"I saw dad when he shattered his leg-"

"Yeah, because he wasn't in the ICU he was awake and responsive."

"He's my dad and I wanna see him! Let me see him let me in! I'm not leaving until you take me to him! Dad!"

(Y/n) curved her arms back around her middle like she was trying to give herself a comforting hug but it didn't help when all she wished was that it was Evan holding her in his arms. Her lips rolled together and she tensed beside her brother when Theo started to lash out.

The teen balled his hands up into fists, twitched the end of his nose and curled his upper lip in an expression that mimicked Evan and made (Y/n) shudder. When he started to bash his fists into Eddie's chest, Eddie tilted his head back and sighed through gritted teeth, tensing his body as he tried to remain calm, but it was proving hard.

He let Theo unleash his anger and rage but when he screamed into his chest, Eddie was done.

His large hands enclosed around his nephew's wrists and he yanked his arms roughly until they were pinned up into Eddie's chest, leaving him unable to fight or pull away. Panic rolled through Theo in waves when his uncle leaned over him, standing so close that their breathing patterns started to match, their foreheads were touching and their noses were less than an inch apart.

The look in Eddie's eyes was maddening. Theo had never seen anything like it before.

"Calm. Down."

The unspoken rule suddenly hung in the tense atmosphere around them and seemed to dawn on Theo. When his dad was away or indesposed, his uncle was in charge. When Evan was in the hospital for his operations on his leg, (Y/n) had split her time between being with the kids and being at the hospital with Evan. Eddie stepped in to help with the kids and they all understood that what he said goes when Evan was away.

The same went for Chris when Eddie had been shot on the job or when he wasn't well and Evan was the one to look after him.

"You want to be a grown up? Fine, I'll treat you like one. If you want to go in there, you stop throwing a tantrum at me and your mum right now."

"Y-you'll take me to him?" Theo's chest heaved as he looked between his mum and uncle, unsure if this was a ploy to get him to calm down or if they were being serious. He knew he had won Maddie over in the car and he could see his mum was too fragile to argue with him which meant if he asked, she would say yes. Eddie was the one to please here.

"You clearly think you're grown up enough to handle this situation. So tell me if you can. Tell me you can handle seeing him laid in bed with a tube forced down his throat and a machine breathing for him and controlling his heart."

Eddie's arms folded over his chest as he leaned back and rose one brow, keeping a plain, expressionless face that masked his pain and grief far too well.

"Can you sit there and watch a machine pump his chest and one feed him? Your dad is in a coma, his heart and lungs were shocked. He won't move, he won't twitch or open his eyes and he won't respond to you or touch you or acknowledge you in any way. We don't know if he would be able to hear you. Can you handle that?"

Theo needed to know that this wasn't going to be like last time.

When Evan had his multiple operations on his leg, he had been laid up in bed chatting and laughing. He had his leg in a cast or elevated in a sling at the end of the bed. He was talking, moving, eating and looking awake and alert. Theo had seen the nurses repeatedly come into the room to tell Evan he couldn't get out of bed, not even for the bathroom. He watched them push him back into bed and he saw his mum sternly tell Evan that she was leaving if he played up the doctors and nurses.

This wasn't going to be the same. This time, Evan would be laid down, motionless and unresponsive. He wouldn't speak, he wouldn't blink or open his eyes or move his arm or twitch his hand when Theo went to hold him. He wouldn't talk, he wouldn't be breathing. There would be a large plastic tube taped into his mouth and down his throat that would automatically pump his lungs and cause his chest to rise and fall.

There would be a feeding tube in his stomach, IVs taped into his wrists and hands. Monitors glued to his chest, clips on his fingers to monitor his heartbeat.

No matter what Theo said or did, his dad wasn't going to do anything and there was no guarantee that Evan would hear anything they said to him. If he woke up, he might have no knowledge of Theo visiting him.

It was a lot for an adult to take, let alone someone of Theo's age.

"Can I cry?"

Theo's response sent a shockwave through Eddie and made him take a step forward when all he wanted to do was retreat into a cave and hide away until this was all over.

"What do you think we've been doing?" Eddie motioned to his face that he knew was sore, reddened and puffy from the amount of tears he had shed. When he reached forward and curled his arms around Theo, he felt his nephew's fingers digging bruisingly into his back. "Of course you can cry," He whispered quietly before he kissed the top of Theo's sandy hair.

"I wanna see my dad," His voice was calmer, more stoic and when he looked up at Eddie, he tried to hold his breath and show he was doing his best to be calm.

"It's a good job you don't look your age," Eddie curved his arm around Theo's shoulders, wedging his nephew between him and (Y/n) as Maddie moved to lead the way and make sure no nurses were lurking around. Theo could easily pass for sixteen or eighteen at a push. He was skinny and frail but he was tall and with his dad's bone structure, he gained a few years.

(Y/n) reached down and tangled her fingers with Theo's, pulling his hand up to kiss it as they headed down to the ICU.

They were lucky no nurses were doing their rounds, they got straight down to Evan's room without having to hide Theo or rush him around a bend to stop from getting kicked out. They would start asking questions if they saw Theo down here and at the moment, the staff were leaving them alone. The nurses didn't question the amount of people flocking in and out of Evan's room or the people crying and arguing and storming down the corridors.

(Y/n) kept tight hold of Theo's hand and moved her right hand to rest on his shoulder. She kissed the side of his head, feeling Eddie squeeze him into his side when they walked through the door.

Theo's breathing seemed to stop and the smallest, hushed whimper burned at the back of his throat when he looked over at the bed.

That didn't look like his dad.

He had seen his dad asleep countless times. He saw his dad fall asleep on the sofa, on the edge of his bed with one arm and a leg hanging towards the floor. Once when (Y/n) had been sick and fell asleep on the sofa, in too much pain for Evan to carry her upstairs, Theo woke in the morning to find his dad asleep on the rug beneath the sofa so he could still stay with (Y/n).

This was different. His dad was laid on his back, slightly propped up at an angle, as still as a frozen lake in winter.

There was a horrid, bubbling tube down his throat and pinned in place between his lips, connected to the ventilator, something Theo had never seen before. He didn't like the automatic, uneasy way it pushed his dad's chest to rise and fall in a horridly fluid motion.

His hair was curled up at odd angles, needing to be brushed. His skin was pale without a trace of his usual blush or baby pink patches. Every part of his dad was still when his dad was usually such a hyperactive person. Theo knew his dad would twitch and tap and rattle in his sleep, he couldn't even lie still when he was in bed. Being like this was unnatural for him.

"Come sit down,"

(Y/n) moved to the seat she had been in all night that was still warm from earlier. Her body easily slotted into place in the blue foam chair and she moved to curl both her hands around Evan's right hand. She brought his hand to her lips, kissing around the IV bandaged in place and she traced her fingertips up and down his arm, keeping his hand pressed to her cheek.

While Maddie sat in the seat on the other side of the bed, Eddie held Theo's shoulder and walked with him to stand beside (Y/n). He switched his hand to hold (Y/n)'s shoulder and lean into her while they let Theo decide what he wanted to do and if he wanted to say something.

After a moment of deliberation, Theo moved to sit down on the edge of the bed, taking a closer inspection of his dad.

"What's that?" He didn't know whether touching his dad would make him feel better or worse. Looking at his dad, it was as if he was a wax model and touching him would prove he wasn't real. But when Theo leaned forward and pulled the collar of his dad's gown down, he was surprised to feel warm skin beneath his touch.

"He was on the ladder when the lightning struck… it went down his arm and into his chest. That's why he isn't breathing on his own yet, it shocked his system."

Red streaks had swelled up on his right arm, gone all the way over his shoulder and down over his upper chest towards his sternum.

"How long will he be like this?"

When Theo reached out to touch Evan's arm, (Y/n) gently held Evan's hand out towards her son. He needed the comfort more than her, she had been sat clinging to Evan all night. It was Theo's turn to try and comfort his dad and calm himself down too.

"A few days at least, we're not sure yet."

"And you said he can't hear us?" Theo held his dad's hand and tried to rub his arm, being careful of the wires all around him. He had wires beneath the bedding, taped up his arm, on his chest and towards his throat. He looked more like a robot than a human.

"He might, some people in comas can still hear their surroundings and they say talking helps. You know your dad doesn't like silence," Maddie looked fondly at her brother before she looked back at her nephew. If Evan could hear them, he would need them to chat his ear off. Silence was something he hated.

A sudden wave of fear and nostalgia washed over Theo all at once and before he could stop himself, he moved around. He coiled his legs up onto the bed, brought his knees towards his stomach and laid on his left side with his back up against his dad's side. He curled his hands around his dad's arm that he pressed into his chest and laid his head on his dad's shoulder, feeling like he was a toddler sneaking into his parent's room at night.

"Please wake up soon," Theo whispered the words into his dad's arm before he closed his eyes and nuzzled his face into his arm, trying to pretend they were back at home. That this was just Theo waking from a nightmare and staying the night in their room.

His dad was just asleep. There were no wires or tubes or breathing machines beeping constantly in the background. They were just sleeping.

"I'm trying!"

Evan's hands curled into fists and slammed into the window so hard that if this had been the real world and not his consciousness, the glass would have shattered and his knuckles would have split open.

"Buddy I- I'm trying!" His forehead bashed into the window separating him from his family.

Why was he here? Why was he trapped behind a pane of glass like his life was a tv show he was watching? He didn't want to be in this world. Evan didn't want to be in a world where his parents were oddly affectionate towards him and he didn't meet (Y/n) until their twenties and they didn't have any of the boys. He wanted to be back there with his real family that needed him.

"I'm still here! I'm still. Fucking. Here!"

#buck imagine #buck x reader #maddie buckley #evan buckley #evan buckley imagine #evan buckley x reader #imagine #911 imagine #pregnant! reader #pregnancy #eddie diaz imagine

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djmorn · 5 months

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The Devil You Share a Room With

A/N: This is a shameless presentation of my weakness for bathing scenarios. Includes water sex and all the sloppy joys that come with it.

Alternative title: Bed Bath & Beyond

Summary: Tav got separated from her group in the chaos of the Shadow-cursed Lands. Pressing forward by her lonesome she comes upon Last Light Inn where she hopes to either reunite with her companions or take shelter for the night in one of the rooms. She finds neither, for the last offered lodging has just been taken up by a gentleman of the infernal persuasion. But Raphael is ever willing to strike a bargain.

Among the inn’s guests Tav found not a trace of her friends. Shame. She would have to continue her search on the morrow or await the party’s arrival at Last Light. The latter was probably the wiser option, so why not use the opportunity to take comfort in the tavern’s warmth and a welcome change to her lonely journey?

She approached the proprietor, standing behind a desk and polishing a cup. To her asking for a room Jaheira shook her head. ‘Sorry, all’s full up. We don’t offer much lodging to begin with. One of the rooms is reserved for Isobel, so she can work her magic over this area in peace, and the other one has just been taken up by a gentleman who also arrived here by his lonesome. The best I can offer is a straw bed in the stables.’

Tav was not relishing the thought of sleeping outside, stable or not. The prospect of making camp without the safety of her allies amidst the fog and shadows did not sit well with her. At her troubled face Jaheira offered another solution: ‘Or you could try and talk with the gentleman I mentioned.’ She regarded her from head to toe. ‘A pretty young thing like you asking all nice, who knows? Maybe he will give it up to you. He certainly seems the type.’

Jaheira had pointed her in the direction of the man in question and Tav approached the secluded corner of the inn, but immediately lost all hope once she saw who it was.

‘And whatever would you need a room in this place for?’ she asked, crossing her arms in confrontation.

Raphael looked up at her, visibly amused. ‘Ah, my favourite future client! How good it is to see you, and to walk into my arms without any of your annoying little friends as well. This must be my lucky day.’

Tav only glared at the devil who sat in front of a game of lanceboard, no one to play with in sight. She was still waiting for him to answer her question.

‘Surely you’d understand,’ he said. ‘I’m in as much need of a place to stay and rest my weary bones as you are.’

‘Then why don’t you just snap your fingers and return to your domain?’

Amusement danced around his eyes and lips. ‘I’m on a holiday.’ At her silent disregard of his little quip he continued: ‘The area is full of rich history and plenty of opportunity. In fact it has put me in good enough a mood to reconsider my claim to a room in this charming and cozy retreat of the unfortunate souls wandering about.’

Raphael gestured towards the chair across from him and Tav took seat.

‘Play with me,’ he said. ‘Beat me at a game of lanceboard – fair and truly, and you shall have the place.’

She raised an eyebrow at him. ‘So we are gambling over a room which you don’t actually need? Can’t I just buy it from you?’

‘Oh, come on now. Where would be the fun in that?’

‘Fine.’

The devil ordered drinks for the both of them and they started playing.

Tav looked over the miniature battlefield, at her figures, and then at Raphael’s. She sighed. ‘Well, I guess there goes my hope for a night spent under a roof… Apart from the one in the stables that is. Congratulations, Raphael.’

‘Ah, fear not, my dear. Not many can say to have come so close in beating a devil at lanceboard and besides, I’ve only got a good thousand years of practice to boot.’

‘Then thank you for the enlightening experience,’ she said and finished her drink. ‘I’ll walk the mile of shame towards the cattle.’

‘Not so hasty, little mouse. Not so hasty. There’s still a consolation price for the brave heroine to be had.’ ‘Which is?’

‘Let’s just say I’m willing to accommodate to the humble condition this estate offers and have an inclination to… share my lodging with you.’

He stretched one of his long legs and lightly brushed hers, seemingly by accident. Tav huffed in astonishment. ‘Absolutely not.’

‘Just think on the warmth I could have offered once you try to make yourself comfortable on the straw besides the livestock.’

She stormed outside.

The night did not go well. As if fate would see fit to see her punished for her dealings with the infernal a bitter cold struck the lands, followed by an unsettling thunderstorm to which Tav awoke constantly, her rest not made easier by the bite of the frost and the animals’ racket at the state of the weather. The wooden roof of the stable did little to shelter her from the pouring rain. Finally she grabbed her equipment and made her way back to the inn. Better to sleep somewhere on the floor than outside in this chaos.

There were quite a few guests who had passed out where they sat. Some still chattered quietly with each other, indulging in their drinks and company, only sparing Tav a quick look, then returning to their business. Raphael was not among them. Maybe he had left for good, coming here for the sole purpose of toying with Tav, never meaning to spend the night here at all.

She went up the stairs, ignoring the room she knew to be Isobel’s and approached the door to the one that belonged to the devil. And if he was there after all? Tav might just have to wing it, like she usually did.

Tentatively she knocked. Nothing. Luck was on her side. Relief spread through her entire body, followed by glee at the prospect of spending the rest of the night in a warm and dry room all to herself. With a huge grin on her face Tav entered the room, but the joy on her face froze in place as she saw what awaited inside.

‘I’m sorry, did you hear me say “Come in”?’ Raphael was lounging inside a lavish bathtub in the middle of the room, the place lit by the fires of a heating stove and a few candles loosely spread about.

‘Um, excuse me, I… I’d hoped you might’ve left already.’ Her mind was telling her to make herself scarce, run and not spare the devil and this godsforsaken room another thought, but she found that she could not quite avert her eyes from the scene before her. Raphael had only ever presented himself to her in the most formal attire and to now see him in this state of undress did… things to her body. Things her mind was powerless against.

‘Hoped I might have left,’ he said. ‘How sad to hear. And here I was thinking you might take me up on my kind offer after all.’ He looked her up and down. ‘You sure look like a nice hot bath could do you some good.’

She wanted to decline, like she did earlier tonight. It would be the wise thing to do. But the steam rising from the tub in contrast to her shivering limbs had the logical part of her brain reduced to a quivering lonely tadpole.

‘All right,’ she said. ‘I accept. I will… um, wait until you’re finished.’

‘Oh, that could take hours, my dear,’ the devil sighed. ‘I do so enjoy a long relaxing bath after a hard day’s work, and with no one about to help me wash… Who knows when this will be over?’ He must be joking. ‘I promise to help you in turn.’

Tav stood staring at a smirking Raphael. When she finally found her voice again the words came out weak: ‘You’re asking me to… join you?’ Raphael trailed his finger through the water. ‘This tub is big enough for the both of us I believe, and the water is o so pleasantly warm. Come on, Tav, and let us both indulge in it.’

Abandoning all sense of self-preservation she started stripping, well aware of the devil’s keen gaze on her. She shivered, not from the cold now, but with excitement. The thought of being so close – naked at that – with Raphael intoxicated her more than the hardest liquor ever could.

When she was done undressing she climbed into the tub. Raphael smiled at her while she adjusted her legs, careful not to make contact with his nether region, but it was near impossible to not brush her legs against his. Tav found she hardly wanted to miss the sensation.

The warmth of the water spread through her, drawing a deep sigh from her lips and whilst she inhaled she took notice of a most wonderful scent: A strong whiff of cherries, pepper, and palmarosa. How much of these pleasant sensations, both the smell and temperature, might be conjured up by the devil present, she wondered.

‘There,’ Raphael said. ‘Much better, don’t you think?’

‘Mhmm,’ Tav mumbled as she slowly let her eyes drift shut.

Suddenly they flew open again. Raphael had started to put a piece of soap to work along her left leg, followed by a gentle trailing of his fingers along the skin with his free hand. He halted at her silent protest. ‘Do you want me to stop?’

Hells no. His touch was bliss. Tav shook her head. ‘Please, do go on, if you will.’

He smiled at her. ‘With pleasure.’ And pleasure he gave.

Despite his infernal origin the caresses he administered were heavenly, drawing soft circles around her inner thigh, and moans from her lips. It was pure rapture to her weary body.

‘Don’t stop, Raphael. Please, more…’

‘Oh, you want more, dearest? Why, you’re in luck, for there is more to come.’ And he leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her left knee, then moving to the right, and kissing it in turn. How could she ever think to refuse him? The rain outside went on, and now it seemed to Tav like a blessing, for it had sent her here.

Raphael kept on working his washing and gentle strokes on her right leg, his hand on her inner thigh moving ever further and further… Was he–? Two of his long elegant fingers had found their way between her folds, and Tav’s arm shot out to hold onto his. The devil stopped his magic once more and looked at her with his deep brown eyes. ‘More?’ he asked.

‘Yes,’ Tav said, nodding.

Raphael started working his fingers inside her once more, and her now aching cunt welcomed them, drawing them nearer and nearer towards her innermost core. She still held onto his arm and Raphael inched closer, putting his other hand atop her knee, the piece of soap now all but forgotten, drifting in the water. He put his mouth over hers and kissed her deeply, hungrily devouring her moans while paying further attention to her clit, adding attentive strokes with his thumb. She could feel his throbbing cock brush against her quivering leg and Tav sneaked her free arm around his neck, burying her hand in his soft curls, and scratching his scalp with her nails while drawing him closer. All she wanted right now was have him be close to her.

Her oncoming orgasm was noticeably rising within her and she moaned Raphael’s name in thanks. But then he stopped.

The devil removed his fingers from her, drawing back to once again lean against his side of the tub. A few hairs were out of place but other than that he looked as immaculate as always. She herself must seem a mess. ‘Why did you stop?’ How dare he leave her in such frustration?

‘I think it’s time you start earning your stay. Don’t you agree?’ She would swipe that damnable smirk from his lips, leave him as much a moaning mess as he did her. Oh, she would do so much more than earn her stay. That her thoughts made her seem no more than a common harlot no longer held any power over her.

Tav moved forward, Raphael handing her the piece of soap and spreading his legs to make room for her. She started working on his chest, letting it glide over the fluff of hair on his body, her other hand paying attention to his side, softly caressing him, briefly wondering if the devil would prefer a firmer touch. A pleased sigh from him told her that her ministrations were just right. While her movements wandered over his stomach towards his bellybutton and below she leaned in to him, planting kisses on his neck and Adam’s apple, trailing them along his jaw and chin as she listened to the sweet sounds coming from him.

As she approached his nether region she changed course though, swiping the soap gently along his right calf, then the left, moving closer and closer just as he had done.

‘Such a tease,’ Raphael said in between moans. ‘I think we’ve both had enough washing now.’ He grabbed her by the flanks and drew her into his lap. Tav smiled, there was no place she’d rather be right now.

He adjusted her position, the tip of his hard cock brushing along her folds. Looking into his eyes there was desire and Tav knew hers reflected the same nature, but she also found hesitation, a silent plea for permission, and so she herself started lowering down, taking him fully, letting Raphael know just how much she wanted this. They moaned their pleasure in unison.

Holding onto his shoulders she rode him, water splashing about, hitting the floor around the tub. Tav didn’t care. It didn’t matter if they made a mess of the room, all she knew was that Raphael was still moaning beneath her, enjoying her movement on his cock, his hands guiding her, his hip arching upwards to find more friction, and that was her entire world right now.

She leaned forward to find his lips again, an action made harder by their mutual rutting. Noses brushed against each other and their kiss was as sloppy as it was passionate.

Raphael started pounding into her, both of them close in reaching their climax. Still finding enough strength in her Tav brushed her fingers over his flush cheek. ‘Oh, sweet Raphael. Tell me, have I earned my stay, fair and truly?’

The affirmation was given in groaning, his cock still hitting her walls in all the right places, and in a wuthering wave of water splashing all around them, Tav and Raphael moaning each others’ names in zealous praising, they both finally found their release.

The pair stayed like that in silence for a minute or two, the only sound in the room their exasperated breathing and the crackling of the fire in the corner. Tav noticed that it had stopped raining.

She laid her head on Raphael’s heaving chest, trailing a finger along his arm now resting on the edge of the tub. There was barely any water left to fully cover their bodies.

Finally they found it in them to move, Raphael gently guiding her out of the bathtub, for the floor around it was drenched in water that had been in the way of their pleasure. The devil snapped his fingers and all was gone along with the tub itself. Tav wrinkled her brow, she should have known that such an expensive looking and enormous piece of furniture was not a part of the inn’s equipment.

Raphael led her towards the bed, throwing the covers over them both and drawing her closer. Tav gladly accepted the invitation.

Before she drifted off to sleep, curled atop the devil she shared a room with, she heard Raphael whispering into her ear: ‘You know, once you reach Baldur’s Gate… I’m afraid there will be plenty of inns and taverns with more than enough rooms to choose from.’

Once again she leaned upwards to plant a kiss upon his lips. ‘I’ll make sure to find yours,’ she said.

In her dream Tav lost a thousand games of lanceboard, and welcomed each and every one of them.

#bg3 raphael #raphael bg3 #raphael x tav #my writing #my stuff #i like a good gif where he looks his sleaziest :3 #was waiting about an hour to edit this #my neighbour kept screaming into the phone #this place i swear #didn't want to go over and say anything #like 'hey lady i need to work on my smut over here'

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yujo-nishimura · 8 months

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Red Hair or Red Nose? - Part 2

Thank you all for asking for part 2 and the ongoing support. This is so much fun to write, so I hope you have the same fun while reading. <3

The two of them, occupied by their fight, had not realized you were behind them and you just kept watching this scene unfolding in front of you.

“Next time you play a prank like this on me I will kill you, Shanks. Damn you!" In a fit of anger, Buggy had torn his body into disconnected parts, an act of frustration that momentarily disrupted the scene. However, with a collected demeanor, he swiftly reconnected his disassembled body and resumed his composure. "You can consider yourself lucky tonight. I am in a good mood and just decided to enter this pub to get some drinks. And since I arrived first on this island and in this town I have priority in buying their stock of whiskey and rum…!”

“What about we enter this place at the same time and have a drink together just like the good old times?”

“A drink with you?” Buggy exclaimed, “I'd rather never drink again than with someone like you, you damned monkey!”

As Shanks took a step forward towards the pub, his gaze fell upon you. A subtle shift in his expression betrayed a momentary surprise, but whether he recognized you or was simply taken aback by your presence remained unclear. He chuckled lightly, his voice tinged with amusement. "Seems you were so noisy, Buggy, you attracted an audience from inside the pub."

Buggy, prompted by Shanks' comment, turned to look at you as well, his face and eyes unaffected, indicating that he likely had no recollection of who you were. He immediately changed to his usual flashy, entertaining self.

“Oh hello there!” Buggy said with a sly grin, “I see you've brought a lovely companion tonight, Shanks. But she's far too exquisite for a pirate like you!”

You gasped - what were they talking about?

Shanks, however, swiftly corrected the assumption. His gaze fixed directly upon you, he smiled and addressed you, "Unfortunately, I did not bring this lovely lady with me."

"I came here because you two disturbed my calm and peaceful evening!" you finally found your voice, the words escaping your lips with a mix of frustration and determination. In that instant, you noticed a flicker of recognition in Shanks' eyes. Perhaps it was your voice, your manner of speaking, or a combination of both, but it seemed that he had finally realized who you truly were.

"Apologies for the disturbance my dear friend Buggy has caused!" Shanks interjects, causing Buggy to shake his head in surprise at the unexpected term of "friendship". "I assume you're familiar with the pub's menu, so perhaps you could recommend a drink for us? And as a gesture of peace, allow us to buy you one as well."

Shanks takes a step closer to you, his towering figure now more imposing than ever. His broad shoulders and the three scars adorning his left eye serve as a testament to the challenges he must have faced. Despite his daunting presence, you don't feel small or intimidated, but rather protected and safe. The calm aura that surrounds him soothes your senses, and his captivating smile leaves you feeling somewhat weak in the knees.

"I wouldn't mind another drink..." you murmur, unable to maintain eye contact with Shanks, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness within you.

Shanks extends a welcoming gesture, calling out to Buggy. "Come on, Buggy. Just like the good old times, as friends!" His words hold a subtle excitement, and a knowing smile graces his face. In that moment, you realize that Shanks has indeed recognized you and is glad to see you. However, it dawns on you that Buggy remains oblivious to your true identity, adding an extra layer of amusement for Shanks. You both suddenly smile at each other.

With a mixture of anticipation and curiosity, you join Shanks and Buggy, ready to embrace the reunion...

To be continued.

#buggy x reader #buggy x you #buggytheclown #one piece buggy #buggy the clown x reader #one piece #shanks x reader #shanks one piece #red haired shanks #shanks x you

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foreverdolly · 2 years

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baby love | dom!austin butler x shy!reader

requested by a sweet nonnie. i made it extra filthy for you.

summary: you've gained some “relationship” weight since you and austin first started dating, and you find yourself growing more and more self conscious as time goes on. austin takes his time letting you know just how beautiful he finds you.

pairings: austin butler x reader

word count: 3,678

warnings/notes: austin is a dom and absolutely worships you, established relationship, rough sex, hair pulling, unprotected sex, creampie, dirty talk, overstimulation, it's cute though i swear. also wanted to quickly let you all know that you are beautiful no matter what size you are. so this goes out to my curvy/skinny-chubby babes. as someone that has been recovering from an ED for four years, my inbox is always open. it was extremely hard to watch my body change as i got healthy, so this one really hit home for me while writing it. much love.

masterlist | requests are currently open for business !

“I’m being serious, Austin.” You called out to him from the bathroom, tossing the bath towel onto the countertop so that you could get a better look at your figure. Whoever says that it was healthy for females to gain relationship weight when they feel happy and stable is an asshole. An absolute dick. Just six months ago you had been in the best shape of your life. You had been attending hot yoga three times a week and even started going to a personal trainer. You were positive that your taught body and trim waistline was one of the things that originally attracted Austin to you. You weren’t a celebrity. Far from it- you were just an artist who had been blessed enough to make it semi-big in California just a few years before the two of you met through mutual friends.

Sure, you were talented and absolutely hilarious, but so were a hell of a lot of other girls that would jump at the chance to date your boyfriend. Any time you brought up diets or started messaging your old gym buddies, Austin was quick to dismiss it. “You don’t need it.” or your personal favorite, “You’ve never been healthier, baby.” You grabbed at your stomach, grimacing as you realized just how much you must have gained. Twenty pounds? No. . . more like thirty or forty, if you were being honest with yourself. You had a scale somewhere in your shared apartment, but you were too scared to step on it. You dealt with body image issues all throughout high school, and you absolutely refused to go through anything similar again.

“You’re gorgeous, now come out here. I’m going to eat all the popcorn without you.” You grumbled under your breath as you shrugged on your thin white tank top and an oversized pair of his boxers, practically throwing the bathroom door open. He seemed taken aback by your sudden change in mood, noticing the way you were glaring so opening at him. “You go ahead and do that. I obviously don’t need anything else to eat today.” He gave you a once over, taking in your wet hair and sour disposition. Maybe he hadn’t thought that you were really this sad about it, because he was quick to deposit the large snack bowl onto the bedside table along with the remote control. He gave the spot beside him on the bed an eager pat, shooting you a small smile. You weren’t budging from your spot though. Seeing yourself in the mirror just a few seconds ago had shattered just about every bit of self confidence you had left. He let out a small sigh, leaning back against the headboard for a couple of seconds before leaning forward on the bed, moving his finger in a ‘come hither’ motion. You must have been an easy one to crack because you found yourself shuffling over to the bed. The second that you were close enough to him he pounced, dragging you onto the mattress with an ease that still shocked you.

“Do you want me to die of heart failure from eating so much butter by myself? Cause’ I’ll do it. I’ll eat that entire bowl and then make sure to write you out of my will.” Your lips twitched upwards into a small smile for a second, Austin watching you with a wide grin as he waited for your mood to change. It always did whenever you were on this sort of subject. He’d do whatever he could to assure you that you were beautiful, and then find some way to cheer you up- only this time it wasn’t working. Your bottom lip began to quiver, your eyes filling with tears. “Oh. . . Oh, my poor baby.” He cooed, wrapping his arms around you tightly and pulling you into his lap. You moved your legs to straddle him, sniffling softly against his neck as you tried to keep the tears to a minimum. They just kept coming though.

“I’m not pretty anymore. . . what if-” you swallowed back a loud sob, whimpering softly before you were finally able to get the rest of the words out. “W-What if you leave me?” Austin was peppering the side of your wet head with kisses. He hated seeing you upset in any way. It made his chest ache and his own anxiety act up.

How had he not seen this before? How could he not tell how serious this was to you? He had always tried to brush it off with humor and measly compliments, but never took the time to really assure you that he wasn’t ever going anywhere. An immense guilt rushed over him, so sudden and heavy that his arms began to quiver as they squeezed you even tighter. “Angel,” He mumbled against your wet hair. “You’re the light of my life. I loved you when you were counting calories, and I love you now. . . but baby, you’re beautiful like this. I know it probably won’t mean anything coming from me, but I truly don’t think you’ve ever looked this healthy before.” You pulled back, wiping your eyes with the back of your hand before you motioned to your stomach exasperatedly.

He let out a humorless smile, pulling up your shirt so that he could place one of his large, warm hands against your skin. “You’re soft, and cute, and way better to cuddle. I’m a skeleton, and I used to be able to feel our bones clattering together.” This made you laugh. Your shoulders shook with it, your adorable nose scrunching up in that delectable way that he loved so much. “When I look at you I see love. I see a potential family- I see forever. I don’t see anything undesirable in the slightest, alright? I promise you. Sometimes I’m scared that you’re going to leave me.” Your eyebrows furrowed as you tried to wrap your brain around where he could have gotten that crazy idea.

“I drool when I sleep, we have to get all of my pants tailored because my legs are freakishly long, i’m lactose intolerant and you love cheese,” God, he knew you so well. “I smack my gum, I drive too fast and scare the shit out of you most of the time, and I jump and try to shield my eyes when you force me to watch horror movies.” Your jaw dropped and you couldn’t help but throw your arms up in the air in disbelief.

“But I love all those things. You’re adorable.” Austin gave you a look, and you instantly felt like an idiot.

“Oh. . .” You licked your lips, moving to pinch the bridge of your nose. “Oh.” Sure, you weren’t everybody's cup of tea, but neither was he. You happened to be his favorite flavor though. People instantly saw him as this glamorous celebrity and wanted to be with him, all without knowing what he was like behind doors. Austin always thought you were beautiful. Whether your hair was frizzy because of the weather, or you had a stress pimple on your forehead- he adored you. Absolutely and totally. Everybody’s weight fluctuates, and so what?

His fingers began to lazily rub your hips through the cotton boxers, flashing you a lazy smile. “Yeah- ‘oh’ is right.” His voice had lowered an octave, his eyes suddenly locked on you and dripping with an unspoken suggestion.

You were always in a state of awe whenever you were around him. He always went out of his way to shower you with romantic gestures. You loved him with a ferocity that often destroyed other adult’s lives. It frightened you sometimes. It was as though Austin had possessed you, body and soul. He had hollowed out a place for himself deep inside your chest and made a home there.

You loved it especially when his blue eyes became lidded, his pale lashes catching the light like spun gold. It was often impossible to keep your hands off of him, so you never did. You didn’t fight those urges and neither did Austin. You two were constantly brushing against one another, even if it was just a chaste kiss or a quick brush of the hand- just like he was doing right now. He was taking his time with you, rubbing his thumb against your hips, slowly making his way upwards towards your chest. He loved your tits; told you all the time. Even as the months passed by, you could still see the excitement flash in his eyes whenever you were laid bare in front of him. Almost as though he couldn’t believe that you were real. That you were letting him touch you in such a debased way. He feasted upon your flesh hungrily whenever you let him, which was thankfully quite often.

You knew what he wanted the second those lashes began to flutter down, his eyes practically pinning you down. You still found it hard to breathe when he looked at you like that. You were still seated on his lap, and ever so slowly you began putting more of your weight on him, feeling that he was already hard. Ever so slowly you lifted back up, eyes flickering down so that you could get a good look at him. He had deviously thrown on the gray pair of sweatpants that he knew that you loved so much. It was probably because you could see his cock so well through them, even beneath all of the layers. “This is all you.” He mumbled under his breath, tilting his head to the side slightly as he watched you. He was never satisfied as far as you were concerned. He wished, some days, that he could somehow be absorbed into you- to claw his way under your skin. He loved you so much that it was maddening.

“Touch it,” His voice shook as he felt your dainty fingers brush up his thighs. “It’s yours.” You were tentative with your touches at first, almost hesitant. You felt better than you did ten minutes ago, but the self confidence issues were still there. You knew that you weren’t unattractive. You had a gorgeous face and a bright smile that lit up your eyes. Men still turned their heads to look at you when you walked down the street, and just yesterday a kid that must have still been in college tried to ask you for your number. That wasn’t the point though, because deep down there was a part of you that felt as though you weren’t worthy. Austin Butler was a Greek god of a man, and had a heart of gold.

Even after the endless laughs, the long nights spent talking, and the days spent curled up in each other’s arms, you still felt like at any moment he might walk out the door. You knew it was just a little extra baby fat, but it didn’t stop you from overthinking. Austin noticed your hesitance. He saw the conflict brewing in your eyes, like heavy clouds gathering just before a storm. He freed one of his hands from their spot on your soft skin, taking your hand in his and pressing it against himself. “Only you,” He placed a wet kiss to the underside of your jaw. “Always you.” And you melted. How could you not? Because he was right. No one could make him laugh as hard as you could. No one knew him- all of him- quite like you did, and you were certain that they never would. Nobody had ever taken the time to truly understand who Austin was, inside and out.

You were a balm to soothe the ache. You fulfilled him. Completed him.

He pressed his lips against the side of your head, his hand moving from the underside of your rips to your back as you began to put more pressure against him. You continued rubbing him through his pants, your fingers feeling along each divot and ridge of his length. The blonde let you know just how much he appreciated your touch, his low moans vibrating in his chest. “This tank top is killing me.” He mumbled, pulling back so that he could look down at you. It was an old tank top that you refused to wear in public anymore. Over time it had worn down to the point of practically being threadbare. It hadn’t been your intention to get him worked up like this, but it was certainly a plus.

He could see your entire chest through the white fabric. He ran his pointer finger over one of your nipples, smiling as he watched it reactively harden into a small peak. He switched over to the other side, his blue eyes flickering up to meet your eyes. He knew that eye contact during times like this did something to you. He’d be carrying out the dirtiest, most lewd acts, all while his lips are upturned into a smug little smile; eyes bright blue and boring into yours. You let out a small gasp, and that smile of his widened into a grin. “You’re the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.” You moved your hand away from his front, instead opting to work him up by pressing your core against him. You slowly began rocking your hips back and forth, careful not to put too much pressure.

You could be quite the tease when you wanted to be. Right now you wanted to work him up into a damn near frenzy. He’d be rougher with you that way.

“Yeah?” You questioned breathlessly, and his eyes did that thing. You watched in real time as his pupils began to dilate. “Yeah.” He agreed, nodding his head as he cupped your breasts in his large hand. He gave it a squeeze, rolling your pebbled nipple between his fingers tightly, nearly to the point of pain. Your hips jerked forward as you let out a hiss. His eyes widened at the added pressure to the friction, a breathy groan escaping his lips. “You wanna know something?” His tongue darted out to lick his dry lips, gathering up the fabric of your tank top so that he could finally feel your bare skin. “You may think that you look big, but look at how tiny you are compared to me. Hmm?” His hand slid up from your sternum to your throat, your breath getting caught there. He was over six feet tall, and his hand was the size of your head. No matter how big you might have gotten, the man was a giant compared to your stature. He added pressure to his thumb, feeling your pulse as he cut off a bit of the blood flow. Your eyes flickered open, needing to see his face as he moved his free hand down to your hip, grinding your own hips against him now. You didn’t stop him. You couldn’t tease him anymore. You’d take anything he gave you.

His eyes were practically rolling back in his head at the mere look on your face. “Keep looking at me with those big eyes like that and I might cum just from this.” The friction felt good, his length sliding along your core, stimulating you- but it wasn’t enough. You needed more. “Please.” You choked out, starting to get light headed. He tightened his hold on your throat to the point that you were beginning to see stars. He continued dragging your hips back and forth against him, moving his own hips languidly. “You’re such a greedy little thing, huh?” You were, you were, you were. Your lips parted, your head starting to tilt back so that you could stare at the ceiling. You needed something to look at that wasn’t him- because sometimes his gaze got to be too much. When he looked at you like that- like you were the only thing in the world that mattered- you came undone too quickly. “Do you feel how beautiful I think you are?” You did. He was as hard as stone beneath you. The second you nodded he had you pushed down, your back against the mattress and the side of your face pressed against your white duvet. His hand slowly moved up higher on your throat until his fingers pressed against your lips, pulling the soft skin down until they could slip into the warmth of your mouth. You accepted them gladly, your tongue gently lapping against the saltiness of his skin.

Ever so slowly he removed his hand from your throat, and you took deep gulps of air, your limbs already trembling, your core wet and aching for him.

He was going to fuck you now. He couldn’t wait any longer. He slipped his shirt off in a second flat, tossing it down on the ground next to the bed somewhere. His pants came off next, and you followed suit, kicking the boxers off as fast as you could. You were a shaky, needy mess. You weren’t quite sure how he always managed to work you up like this, but he did. You started to take off your tank top as well, but he stopped you. “Leave it.” And so you did. Austin slipped into you like he was possessed, giving you absolutely no time to adjust. You cried out, squeezing your eyes tightly shut as he began fucking into you, starting at a near brutal pace. He used one hand to support himself against the bed, and the other went straight to the tank top, gathering it up his fist before pulling it upwards, keeping his hand firmly planted against your sternum. He watched your tits bounce as he fucked you, sucking in deep breaths as he listened to your whimpers and cries.

You loved being able to look at him like this. His expressions were art. He’d suck his bottom lip into his mouth, his jaw clenching and unclenching as he watched you intently. His eyes were all over you. Your face, your tits, and then down to where the two of you connected. He had an odd fascination with watching himself fuck you. He loved it. Thought it was fucking adorable.

It felt good- so good like this- but you wanted more. You wanted to feel him deeper. “B-Behind.” You could barely speak. You found it hard to form words, but he understood. He nodded, panting hard as he pulled out of you. You started to sit up, but he grabbed your hips like you weighed nothing, flipping you over into your stomach. Your ass was in the air in a second, him using his knees to nudge your legs apart so that he could fit himself between them. “You’re the one that got me this worked up,” His voice was low, almost guttural as he spoke to you. He slipped inside of you a little slower this time, speaking through clenched teeth. “So you’re going to be a good girl and take it.”

And you could feel every inch of him.

Every. Single. Inch.

He fucked you at the same relentless pace. He was hitting all of the right places from this angle, his hips slapping against your ass. You couldn’t help but scream into the blanket, the sound coming out muffled. He must not have liked that, because he gripped you by the hair, wrapping it around his wrist and yanking your head up. “I want to hear.” And so you let him hear.

You almost couldn’t take it- he was practically attacking you at this point, his hips snapping forward, his moans loud and unabashed as he watched your skin slapping against his. He gave your hair another yank, pain tearing through your scalp but it felt good. Your walls clamped down around him, causing him to let out a low cry of his own. His free hand moved from your hip to slide along your stomach, searching for your core. “Don’t. Don’t.” You tried to shake your head, knowing that any extra stimulation would be too much, but of course he did it anyway.

Austin thought you looked pretty all the time, but you were the most irresistible when you were squirming beneath him.

His fingers pressed against your clit, rubbing you in tight circles. After months of nonstop exploration, he knew exactly how to touch you. He knew just how to work you up, and so he did. You couldn’t keep yourself from cumming. Couldn’t stop it.

“God damn, baby.” He groaned from above you, his hips snapping into your fluttering core. You were crying now, and you weren’t sure if it was because your hair was being pulled or if the pleasure was just too much. It was probably both.

Austin rode your quivering form through your orgasm, working you to the point of overstimulation. You were no longer just fluttering around him but damn near spasming, and that was when he couldn’t hold his own release off anymore. He released your hair, his large hand pressing your face into the blankets as he pumped into you. “Fuck.” He spat out, panting hard as he filled you to the brim. Only after he was sure that he had fucked every last drop into you did he slowly pull out.

He was instantly pulling you against him. He pet your hair as he began to kiss every inch of your face. “You did so good, baby.” He cooed, nuzzling his nose into your now partially dry hair. He breathed you in, eyes fluttering shut as he enjoyed the after-sex bliss. “I love you so much.” You knew that he did. You could feel the love radiating off of him and into you. It was such a warm feeling. “My beautiful baby.”

The two of you spent the rest of the night curled up in bed, watching shitty Kung-Fu movies and laughing your asses off at the criminally bad special effects.

Oh- and you two split the popcorn. With extra butter and salt. Just the way the two of you liked it.

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harrywavycurly · 1 year

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Okay hear me out for a moment…imagine you dated Eddie in high school and it was just a mess the two of you were just better off as friends but right when you two break up when you’re a little over eighteen you find out you’re pregnant. So now you have to co parent with Eddie but fast forward a few years later and the two of you have gotten into a great routine, your daughter is about to be four and you work at Family Video.

Steve who met you when you came in to fill out a job application has always thought you were cute, like the man goes full on heart eyes every time he sees you. He had no idea you were Eddie’s ex until one morning Eddie came strolling in holding the hand of a little girl who Steve knew immediately was yours because she had your eyes but Eddie’s unruly curly hair. That’s when it all clicked in Steve’s brain, every time you talk about your ex you’ve been talking about Eddie Munson who Steve already kinda sorta shares custody of a group of kids with.

Now Eddie may be an idiot but he knows enough about Steve to know that he has a crush on you, he can tell by the way his cheeks get all red when he’s just looking at you. Eddie doesn’t mind, he thinks dating someone might be good for you because all your “free” time is taken up by Family Video or the occasional girls night with Nancy and Robin. While he might not like the idea of Steve getting to be around his daughter when he’s not there he has to admit Steve is a good guy and also he knows you can handle yourself, a trait he already knows has been passed down to your very headstrong daughter.

You on the other hand are oblivious to the fact Steve has a crush on you, Eddie teases him about his red cheeks in front of you but you’re too focused on restocking the shelves or helping your daughter pick a new bedtime movie. You’ve known Steve for a while now, of course you think he’s cute you may be out of practice with the whole dating and flirting thing but you still have eyes and can appreciate a handsome man when you see one. You just assume he’s nice to everyone and that might have a little soft spot for you because of your co parenting situation.

It’s not until Eddie drops off your daughter one Sunday evening and asks “so has Harrington made his move yet?” that you begin to replay the last few months in your mind and Eddie just laughs as he watches your face go from confused to flustered. “If he hasn’t then you might have to do it for him.” Eddie adds as he hands you your daughter’s backpack. “Has she eaten?” Of course you change the subject because you honestly don’t know what to say and thankfully Eddie is in a caring mood and drops it and answers your question just as your daughter runs past the both of you and into the house so she can go greet her teddy bears she’s missed over the weekend. “I know it’s not my place but…Steve’s a good guy,” you just stand there as Eddie turns to head back to his truck. “See you Wednesday.” He says over his shoulder and you just give him a small wave as you stand there on your front porch holding a backpack as thoughts of Steve Harrington fill your mind.

“No way…” is all you say to yourself as you turn and head inside so you can begin your daughter’s bedtime routine and put the idea that Steve has feelings for you to the side because if he had a crush surely he would’ve said something by now right?

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anathemafiction · 1 year

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Jealousy — Part 2

Music plays in the air, and voices mingle with the big firepit burning in the center. The scent of cooking meat brings water to your mouth, and the light buzz of alcohol makes your head sway pleasantly. There's a warmth in your stomach, a silly smile on your lips, and you cannot, for the life of you, keep up with his fingers.

"There!" you yell and point at the back of one of the cards. "That's the one, I'm sure of it."

Vali, the rogue, smirks. "Are you sure?" he asks, his long blond hair catching the glow of the flames. He keeps it tied loosely to the back of his head. "I can do it again."

You narrow your eyes playfully at him. "I'm sure," you say, putting as much confidence in the tone as you can. You hit your palm on the table. "It's that one!"

Vali tuts. "I like my coin, but not like this. This is turning pitiful, you've already lost three silver." He lifts his eyebrows, giving you a charming smile to take the offense from the words. This is all for fun, of course. "Watch it one more time and then make your choice."

You laugh because you feel like it. "I know you're trying to get me to pick another because that's the right one.”

"That's a lie."

You laugh again. It feels so good to simply let go. "I've made my choice."

Vali sighs. "I really—"

"Just show the fuckin' card." His voice cuts through the air like a knife. It's flat, despite the heat of the words, and when you look at Rafael, he's glaring at Vali. Not that you're surprised, he has been scowling and frowning and glowering ever since your new friend approached your table. "Before I get a damn headache."

Vali, as the easy-going person he is, takes it in stride. He smiles at Rafael, who only scowls harder. "Very well, but I was just trying to protect your friend's interests."

Rafael scoffs. "Ya watchin' over someone's interests, alright."

"Raf!" you hiss, taken aback by his blatant hostility. You don't understand why he's behaving this way. He was in relatively high spirits when you came to the lodge, but now, he's ruing the game.

You wonder why he even bothers to sit here any longer, it's clear he's not having any sort of fun, but Rafael seems determined to not leave your table. He's just... this gloomy, sullen presence trying to bring the mood down. Well, you won't let him. "Just stop that."

Rafael's brown eyes shift to you.

(...)

"A name?" you repeat.

The woman nods. "Yeah. Look, it won't hurt, uh? What's the worst that could happen?"

And maybe it's because you're so frustrated, but you decide to give it a try. "Fine," you say, turning to face the horse again. She's a beautiful animal. Tall, strong legs, a long mane, and two eyes that shine with intelligence. "... Flora."

It's a goddess name, one of the forbidden ones. But the woman doesn't have to know that. No one does.

The woman puts her hands on her waist. "Go on, then. Call her."

She seems to be used to giving orders, and while the fact would normally annoy you, you can't help but... find it charming. She doesn't do it to be superior, you can tell. This is just a part of her personality. So, you do as she says. "Hey, Flora," you call. "Do you like that? Do you like the name, Flora?"

Flora shuffles her hooves, but after a beat, she neighs softly.

"Heh, I reckon she does," the woman says. She glances at you, then, and gives you a wide smile. "I'm Josie, by the way. Saw you struggling a bit. You don't mind me helping, do ya? Got nothing else to do, really."

She extends a hand.

You see a flash of movement from the corner of your eye. Turning your chin to the side, you cross eyes with Neia. The yellow burns brighter than the midday sun, piercing straight into you. She's leaning on her chair with her elbows on her knees, and her head pushed forward. Her jaw clenches tight, and she seems to dwarf the room as, even seated, Neia grows with each second.

You can tell she's displeased, but you turn your head away to smile at Josie. "I don't mind at all," you say and clasp her hand.

With Josie's help, it doesn't take long for Flora to calm down. You manage to step close to her, and then, following Josie's pointed instructions, Flora lets you strap the saddle to her back. "Ah!" you cry in triumph when you secure the last bolt. You shake Josie by the shoulders. "I did it!"

Josie laughs with gusto. "You sure did, lass. Now, go on, mount her." She takes your arm and spins you around, grabbing both sides of your waist.

You see another flash of movement from your periphery, but you don't care right now. Right now, you're high in the sky. Flora pounds her hooves anxiously, probably because of all the excitement, so you forcefully calm yourself down. Josie is a reassurance at your back as carefully, gradually, oh-so-slowly, you reach for the reins...

Neigh!!

Flora throws her head back, and Josie's hands tear from your waist. You spin around but are made speechless when you come face to face with Neia.

"Fuck out of here." Neia grabs Josie by the shoulder and roughly pushes her away from you. Josie stumbles, falling face-first on the sand. She springs up, and rounds back, her face contorted in anger, hands bawling, ready to—

She freezes.

Neia looms before her. The tall specter has her chin down, her lip twisted in a snarl and her broad shoulders cast a shadow over Josie.

Josie slowly closes her mouth. "I was just helping."

"Sure, you were," Neia growls, and jerks her chin to the exit. "I won't tell you to fuck off three times."

Josie looks at you and falters...

(...)

Someone told him, long before, that if you have nothing positive to say, then perhaps you should say nothing at all.

Lance likes that rule. He likes not saying anything at all, for it's rare for those who talk to listen, and Lance enjoys listening. There's no better grave than the one you dig for yourself, so why should he ever stop anyone from talking their way into their own hole?

Lance prefers to listen, but as of now, he's finding it hard to stay quiet.

There are very few positive things to say. The man's grip is wrong, his rhythm inconsistent, most of his notes are off-key, and Lance would bet his golden tooth that he hasn't bothered to tune his viola in at least a fortnight. The song filling the unfortunate walls of the common room is one full of mistakes and blunders, but worst yet, they are not missteps made out of boldness and passion. They are not creative, they are simply... terribly executed. An amateur, that man is, and yet, he introduced himself as an expert minstrel.

Lance's lips press on each other as another note makes him cringe. If one cannot find a single positive, one should remain silent. And he would. He will. Lance simply wonders why everyone else seems to miss the fact that the man on stage is a horrid player.

The tavern isn't full, but a good number of patrons pepper the tables. The big hearth burns, its crackling flames drowned by the shrill melody, and the barkeep is a voluptuous woman with red hair, a brown dress, and a cleavage that attracts the eyes. Not your eyes, however. Your eyes, to Lance's complete puzzlement, are set on the would-be-bard playing on top of a makeshift stage. Your table is the closest to it, and you sit with your chair dragged to the side so that you can fully face the stage.

You rest your chin on your palm, your lips are stuck in a smile that's so light, it radiates peace and softens your gaze, and your foot sways with the rhythm of the song.

The terrible, awful, song. And yet... you are enjoying it. They all seem to be. A man in the corner has his eyes closed and a blissful look on his face, while another group sways their heads as they speak with each other. For the old gods' sake, there are even a few coins on the hat placed at the man's feet and not just copper ones. Are they all deaf? He wouldn't care, really, Lance does not care...

But as the amateur— Lance refuses to think him a bard — makes a flourish, spinning on stage while the music gets to its grand terrible crescendo, your smile widens, and you clap your hands when, dramatically, the man stops, and bows.

"Thank you!" he shouts, and perhaps Lance is biased, but even his voice sounds wrong. He puts a hand to his chest while the other holds his viola high, waving it at the crowd. "Thank you so very much."

You clap a few more times, laughing with the others. Lance picks up his drink and drowns whatever it's inside, hoping to erase the sudden bitterness at the back of his tongue. His grey eyes are glued to you. It is over now, so, as painful as that was, he will finally have a respite. Perhaps Lance will venture to sit at your table, he'll only wait for—

The fake minstrel steps out of the stage, but instead of moving toward the bar, as he should, the man approaches your table. Lance puts the glass down as, immediately, he strains his earring, leaning forward on his chair.

But he shouldn't have bothered, for the man's baritone voice rings obnoxiously loud. "Good evening," he says, and then he bows. He keeps eye contact with you the whole time with a curling smile on his lips. "My name is Lucien, the Gifted, and I have to commend you."

That you didn't laugh at the pathetic name is bad enough. "Commend me?" you say instead. "What for? I should be the one commending you, Lucien, the Gifted."

Lucien shakes his head and reaches forward... to take hold of your hand. "No," he stage whispers. "You deserve all the credit. For all the years I've performed, never have I had a better audience."

You laugh, but it's not mocking. It is... amused. This cannot be. Surely, you have better taste. "I see you possess a silver tongue," you say coyly.

Lucien bends down and kisses your knuckles. "And you have immeasurably charm. I could write a song about you. I will!"

You laugh again.

Lance prefers to stay silent. He likes to observe. But he's pulled out of his chair by a force he cannot explain, and he's striding towards your table with a purpose he seldom felt before.

(...)

The Pirate King. He's slouched against the wall, one elbow propped casually on top of a shelf, hips cocked, and fingers idly playing with one of his axes. His severed thumb sweeps across the handle, shaped like a golden naked woman, and his canines flash from amidst the shadows. He's smirking, you can tell.

But you know from experience that usually signals danger.

If you could, you'd frown at him, but you can't, so you try to push the Pirate out of your mind and focus on George again. You're so close. "What haven't I heard?" you say in a light, breathy tone. You force another sultry smile and put your hand next to George's meaty one. He looks down and brushes your little finger, and it takes almost all of your willpower not to recoil. "But mostly, I've heard of your talent for acquisition. I was told you have interesting items. Items that..."

This is it. You pause and lick your lips, watching as George tracks the movement. You then go all in as you lightly drag your nails across his wrist. "You don't keep in the upper parts of the store, where the sun might reach, and wrong eyes might see them."

The Pirate's silhouette looms in the corner. You can feel his heat from the distance, his piercing gaze. You push him away again.

"If you'd be so kind as to show me your other merchandise," you whisper, leaning until you're practically lying on the counter. George's eyes go right where you want them to: the mounds of your cleavage. "I would be eternally grateful."

George seems stuck leering at your chest. Disgust once again curls in your stomach, but you wait in silence as he slowly lifts his fungi eyes again. His gums are red and bloodied as he licks his fat lips. "Gratitude is fine," George says, turning his enlarged fingers so he can latch onto your wrist. "But I want a little appreciation before."

He tugs on you, and you curse in your head. Lord's bloodied, fungi-invested fingernails!

"Pay me first, pretty thing, and then I might have something I can show you," he says, tugging you again, and you know then that it's all over.

From his corner, the Pirate moves. He swaggers closer, steps loose and unhurried with his axe hanging from one hand. He's smirking still. Smirking wide.

His eyes, however, are no longer on you.

"You damned fool, I tried to do this the easy way," you say to George with a disappointed sigh. You snatch your hand from his, shaking it as if to erase his touch.

George's eyes narrow. "What do ya—"

Crack!

The wood splinters open when a heavy axe cuts through it.

(...)

The entire pieces are available on Patreon!

Crossing the Line —The Pirate King & Neia

Upstaging — Lance & Rafael

#Most of these don't start at the beginning #Neia #Lance #Rafael #The Pirate King #Patreon #The Golden Rose

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freshlove-sturn · 4 months

Note

i know i JUST sent a request but if you don't like that one, maybe you could write one where chris and the reader are just friends and there's one day when chris is in a bad mood bc the triplets and the reader had planned to go out, but the reader gets her period and can't go, so chris is just being bitchy towards everyone and matt tells nick "it's probably bc his girlfriend isn't here" and chris debies it; then maybe it gets chris thinking about how much better his day would be is the reader was actually his girlfriend so he could comfort her while she's on her period ? and maybe that motivates him to ask her out ? idk

i hate that i said something so specific, you could take the idea and make it your own if you prefer ! thank you 🩷 :)

philia

part 1 part 2

philia (greek)- affectionate love. a type of love that involves friendship. this is the kind of live that friends have for each other. greek philosopher, plato, beloved that philia was stronger than the love that is eros (physical/ sexual desire, passion, lust, and/or romance. the kind of live couples have for each other) he believed that relationships built off of philia and eventually leading to eros were the strongest. friends to lovers.

a/n: i took this request and did my own little spin on it. i hope you like it!! i didn’t really proofread so there’s probably some errors in there, i had to copy and paste this whole thing from screenshots in my camera roll 😭 anyways… enjoy!!

chris pov

i’ve been stressed out all week. between filming and my brand, it’s been getting harder and harder to find time for myself. i’m in dire need of some sort of distraction. i need to get my mind off of everything going on. and in all honesty, there was only one person that could make that possible. y/n.

i’ve been best friends with y/n for as long as i can remember. our moms are best friends, so we’ve known each other since diapers. we have been practically attached at the hip since we could walk. she has always been my person. wanted to get away from my brothers for a bit? i’m texting her to hang out. needed to vent? she’s all ears. advice on an outfit? i’m spending 10 minutes in the mirror trying to take the perfect picture to send to her. hockey or lacrosse game? she’s there cheering me on in the front row wearing my jersey number. she has always been there for me.

today my brothers, myself, and y/n had all planned on hanging out. its our second day back in boston after a month of being in la. we’ve had this planned since the day y/n dropped us off at the airport before we flew back to la. i’ve really been looking forward to it. i haven’t seen y/n in so long. the transition from seeing her everyday to going weeks on end without hearing her laugh, smelling the sweet smell of her perfume that i could never get enough of, and overall just the lack of her presence has been much harder than i’m willing to admit.

my alarm goes off at 8 am. i wanted to make sure i had plenty of time to get ready for today. i groggily reach over to my night stand, my face still buried in my pillows, feeling around for my phone to shut off the blaring sound of my alarm. i finally feel the cool glass of the screen. i pick it up and bring it closer to my face, squinting my eyes at the sudden gleam of brightness beaming from my phone. after i hit stop on my alarm, i notice a text from y\n.

i know its not her fault. she has no control over that. but couldn’t help but feel a wave of disappointment crash over my chest. this was the one thing i had been looking forward to doing for all of a month and now the one person who was going to make it worth while won’t even be there? great. just my luck. i stick my tongue in my cheek and begin typing a response. careful not to come across as upset. i didn’t want her to feel bad. my reliance on her isn’t her problem and i couldn’t make her feel like it was.

i roll out of bed and throw on a white t-shirt i had taken off the night before and thrown at the end of my bed. i walk downstairs into the kitchen, opening up the cabinet to grab a cup before slamming it shut.

“what is your deal?” nick asks, who was already sitting at the island in the middle of our kitchen, scrolling on his phone. his brows furrowed with a confused yet annoyed look plastered on his face.

“nothing” i mumble. avoiding eye contact and opening up the fridge. pouring myself a glass of water from the brita.

nick rolls his eyes at my blunt response. not even bothering to entertain the situation further.

“do you know when y/n is coming over or are we just gonna pick her up on our way to the movie?” he asks, changing the subject. unbeknownst to him that his question rubbed salt right in the wound.

“she’s not coming” i reply.

“oh. why not? is she okay?”

“she doesn’t feel good.” i bemoan. “she said she might come around tomorrow”

“aw” nick frowns sympathetically. “i hope she starts feeling better. that sucks.”

“yup” i concluded the conversation. not wanting to talk about it anymore. the more i thought about it the more upset i became.

soon matt comes down the stairs. nick informs him of the situation. he responds with the same soon matt comes down the stairs. nick informs him of the situation. he responds with the same nonchalant 'oh i hope she feels better response that nick had. the same one i'm sure anyone would have. anyone who didn't need her to function that is. i wish i didn't care so much. i didn't know why i did. it's like the betrayed feeling of when your friends texts you and tells you that they won't be at school. except it was ten times worse. growing up it had always been no y/n, no chris. we were like a package deal. invited to a party? only if y/n also got an invite. vacations? i was begging my parents to let her come with us. she is my rock.

when it comes time to leave for the movie, i practically have to drag myself out of the door. i open up the door to the van, get in, and slam it shut.

"dude what is your problem?" matt looks over at me from the drivers seat.

"he's been in a pissy mood all day long. its getting on my nerves nick interjects from the backseat.

“im just tired. we were on a plane all day yesterday and i couldn't sleep" i defend. lying through my teeth. i knew my brothers knew it too.

"you sure it has nothing to do with y/n not being able to make it today?" matt questions.

" don't care that she can't come." i lie. again.

"yeah right" nick scoffs. i look back at him and roll my eyes. he returns the action.

we arrive at the theater and buy our tickets. we get popcorn and soda and find our seats. matt and nick discuss what movies they wanted to see next as the previews play on the big screen in front of us. i say nothing. i just sit there and scroll on my phone. y/n hasn't texted me all day. i knew it was because she wasn't feeling well and she was probably just sleeping. but i couldn't help but feel a shot of jealousy coursing through my body.

"chris get off your phone the movie is starting." nick pushes my phone down.

i could hardly even pay attention to what was happening in the movie. my brain was taken over by the thought of y/n. why can't i stop thinking about her? sure she's my best friend and i thought about her enough as is, but something felt different today. i've never felt like this before. it felt like a brick was stacked on top of my heart. another being added each time i saw something that reminded me of her. anytime her name even crossed my mind, which, was going on about 5 times per second it felt like. it was suffocating. i don't know why i'm feeling like this. i didn't want to know, if i'm being honest. it scared me. more than i’m even willing to admit.

the movie ends and we all get up from our seats. the lights slowly become brighter. the crunch of popcorn under peoples feet as the stepped filled the air.

after we get home, i don't feel like talking. matt and nick were both sitting around at the island in our kitchen, discussing the movie. i head straight for the stairs.

"someone's upset they couldn't see their girlfriend today" nick jokes.

"she's not my fucking girlfriend. i don't care that i

couldn't see her today. i really don't. my life doesn’t revolve around y/n. you guys are being ridiculous." i argue. girlfriend. the word hit me straight in the gut.

"she may not be your girlfriend sure but you wish she was” matt interrupts. there it is again. that feeling. that feeling i wanted to stop being corrupted with. the feeling i couldn't pin down. the feeling of her.

"you're insane” i hiss. turning my back and going up the the stairs and into my bedroom.

i slam the door shut behind me and lay down on my bed. staring at the ceiling. i just wanted to sleep. i didn't want to think about it anymore. but i couldn't.

girlfriend. the thought of y/n being my girlfriend almost suppressed the gut wrenching feeling that was still brewing in my chest. it's like it was almost satisfied. like i almost had it all figured out.

the more i sat in silence, the more my mind overtook me. the more y/n had flooded everything i had inside of me.

just as my eyes grew heavy, and my thoughts began to slow. it hit me.

im in love with my best friend.

i sat straight up in my bed. i check my phone. 2 am.

unlike hours before, this was the first time i wasn't thinking. i race down the stairs and put my shoes on. y/n only lived just down the street. i could get there in less than three minutes. i open the door, the cold butter air instantly hitting me. i didn't care though. i step out and make a bee line to y/ n's house.

her room was on the second story. when we were 12, we hid a ladder underneath her deck. for years i would use it to sneak up to her room late at night just to hang out. i pull out the ladder from underneath her porch. careful not to make too much ruckus, in fear that i would wake up her parents. i set up the ladder right in line with her window in 10 seconds tops. i knew this like the back of my hand. i climbed up the ladder and tapped on her window.

readers pov

a gentle tapping on my window pulls my eyes away from my book. it didn't scare me. i knew it was chris. only chris knew how to get up here. only chris knew our secret knock pattern that we came up with all those years ago. but at 2am? in the freezing cold? what did he want? he hadn't even texted me letting me know he was coming. weird.

i threw my legs over the side of my bed and make my way to my window. i pull my curtains aside, unlock the window, and let him in.

"chris what are you doing here? it's 2 am and freezing outside." i question and he steps over the window sill and into my bedroom.

"y/n im in love with you" he breathes heavily. his blue eyes looking down at me with desperation. i felt my heart sink.

"w-what?" i ask. i couldn't believe what i was hearing.

“im in love with you. so undeniably, inevitability, embarrassingly in love with you. i think i always have. just haven't really known what it was j was feeling until now. i love the way you laugh. the way your smile lights up every room you walk into. how kind you are to everyone, even when they don't deserve it. i love the way-“ he rambles and i cut him off.

“chris-“ he doesn't stop talking.

“-i love the way you do your hair. i love the color of your eyes. i love how you dress. i love-" i cut him off again.

"chris!" i raise my voice louder this time. needing his attention.

he stops talking and looks at me. waiting for me to speak.

i take a deep breath.

"i have a boyfriend.”

to be continued...

a/n: I HOPE YOU GUYS LIKE THIS. WOOHOO. again, lemme know if you want to be on my taglist!!

taglist: @chrissturnioloswifesblog @rac00ns-are-c00l4 @pepsiimaxx

#chris sturniolo #chris sturniolo x reader #matt sturniolo #matt sturniolo x reader #nick sturniolo #sturniolo #sturniolo triplets #sturniolo triplets x reader #chrissturnioloxreader #christopher sturniolo #matthew sturniolo #nicolas sturniolo #space camp #cut the camera podcast #nathan doe #fresh love

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nightmare-before · 8 months

Text

There is no me without you

"You should have left me behind".

Helmeppo started at the sound of his best friend's voice. The mood on the ship was low, the celebrations about having successfully rescued Koby quickly ended on the realisation that Garp was staying behind. After that everyone just ….It was now dark and other than those on the night watch in the crows nest, they were the only ones awake.

"What?" Helmeppo asked, turning to Koby.

"You should have left me behind" he repeated, "this is all my fault".

"Koby" Helmeppo started, but Koby continued.

"If I hadn't been so stupid, Garp wouldn't have been injured. He could have been able to keep up and come back to the ship." Koby bent down and buried his face in his hands. "If I was a better captain, I would have been able to have fought better against Hancock and taken her down before Blackbeard even got there. "

Helmeppo was silent for a moment.

"Do you think Garp is stupid? That he has no idea about battle?" He asked.

Koby's head snapped up "Of course not, I just-"

"Am I and the rest of our crew useless or fools because we got turned to stone?"

"NO," Koby shook his head furiously, "I don't mean that at all"

"Then why" Helmeppo continued "would you be saying such shit." He turned and began to pace.

"Garp and every single person on this ship knew the risks. Every single person came of the own free will and were willing to do whatever it takes to get you back".

"But they shouldn't…" Koby started.

"But we did, we fucking did!" Helmeppo yelled, with tears streaming down his face as he turned to face Koby.

"Do you have any idea about how fucking worried I've been, about how worried we've all been? 'We should have left you behind' what bullshit is that? You are the beacon of hope and the proof that marine means something good and worthwhile, everyone damn well knows it! We need you. I need you."

"Helmeppo-san" Koby spoke gently. The anger left Helmeppo's face, replaced with a loom that was both sad and tired.

"I would die for you, I live for you. Please," he begged, "Don't make me be alone, there is no me without you. "

Koby's eyes welled up with tears as he rushed forward, wrapping Helmeppo into a tight embrace. He could feel the taller man shake as he sobbed. It took a while but the crying started to slow down and then eventually stopped. He took a few deep breaths in.

"It's going to be alright". Helmeppo promised "If anyone is going to get away it will be Garp. You'll see. Knowing Garp he'll be back before we are, asking what took us so long."

Koby laughed into his shoulder and then leaned back.

"Your right," Koby admitted "Garp will tell me off for being so silly when he gets back."

"Let's go to sleep. We'll need our energy tomorrow. Garp says we are the future of the marines, so we'll need to think of a plan going forward. Blackbeard, Cross Guild, they need to be stopped for good."

Helmeppo matched his grin and saluted. "Yes, sir." The two then walked together, ready to move forward and stop looking back.

#one piece #helmeppo #koby #coby #fanfiction #kobymeppo #cobymeppo

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ateenyyy · 7 days

Text

baddie

this is (my attempt to write lol) a fic for my fellow boss lady kpop stans <3 go get it girl! san x fem!reader didn't specify that san is an idol bc it's not referred to in the story word count: 684 warning(s): one curse word, not proofread, idk if there's anything else really??

when you first stopped at the new wine bar your friends had been hyping up for the past couple of weeks as the perfect place for date, in anticipation of your boyfriend joining you later on, you didn't suspect anything off about the place.

you still didn't care much when, after san had come to join you, you were on the receiving end of several eye rolls and stares. and of course you knew why. this wouldn't be the first time other girls would wish san wasn't taken. 'jealous much, bitches?' you laughed to yourself. 'someone tell them that envy doesn't solve their loneliness issues.'

however, the waitress who came to serve you and san's drinks served more than wine. she wore a very much flirtatious smirk as she served san's wine, in sharp contrast to the disgusted look she threw your way. to top all of that, she even 'accidentally' brushed by san's shoulder while leaving your table.

by this point, your blood was already boiling and you felt like throwing your heel at her, but san's hand reaching across the table touching yours was able to calm you down just in time.

"there's no point," he said gently. "you shouldn't let her spoil your mood. if you want to leave, then let's go somewhere else."

your angry breaths gradually slowed to a halt. "alright, i'd like to go. but let me use the bathroom first."

after washing your hands, you were convinced that all traces of your initial spite was gone, and you weren't going to let anyone stop you from enjoying your day with san.

"wonders shall never end. how do polar opposites like that end up together?"

you recognised that as the voice of the waitress who'd served you. instead of coming out of the bathroom, you stayed by the door to listen.

"you're asking me? maybe she has connections, money, something he wants. because he certainly can't be in love with someone who looks like that."

"i saw the girl going to the bathroom. i think i'd like to meet the guy and let him know that he deserves better."

so much for miss nice girl.

"excuse me, would you mind repeating what you said to my face?"

by now you had come out of the bathroom and was looking at the waitress and her gossip partner.

"how dare you eavesdropp on my conversation?" she asked.

"how dare you talk about me like that? you hardly even know me!" you spat back. "and you were even going to approach him knowing full well that he is taken. who does that?!"

"whatever." she huffed. "it's not like i lied about anything. do you really think he's going to stay with you? i bet he's looking forward to the day he will dump you."

when you heard that, something new snapped inside you. you had no idea what it was, but you were definetely going to use it to teach this girl a lesson.

"people like you get som sick pleasure from putting others down. how could you just take one look at me, literally not knowing me from anywhere, and decide i was not good enough for my boyfriend?" you used your eyes so shoot daggers at both women.

"and you," you continued. "you want to try to 'talk' to my boyfriend? why don't we just meet him together, huh?" you didn't bother to waste any more time on those two women who clearly couldn't see your worth. so with that, you turned your back on them and began to walk away.

only, as you turned the corner leading you to the main area of the restaurant, you saw someone waiting for you, wearing the proudest grin on his face.

"sannie! how long have you been standing there? sorry for keep you waiting so long," you apologised.

he didn't reply, immediately, instead choosing to rest his hand on your back as you both walked out of the restaurant. and as you both finally made it out of there, you could faintly hear a whisper in your ear.

"that's my girl."

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fandomxpreferences · 1 year

Text

The Invisible Woman Chapter Five: Wild Women Who Are Stronger Than You

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Jake seresin x female!reader

TW: mild violence I guess

Summary: Jake gets humbled and you receive unpleasant news.

Word Count:1.6k

Ever since that night, you and Jake have been inseparable. He kept his promise, continuing to stay over even after you were beyond well-rested. It's become something of a habit now, his clothes occupying several of your drawers and all his personal care items scattered on your bathroom sink.

It's never been an explicit conversation, but it's an unspoken understanding that the two of you belong to each other. Your souls are entwined now, sharing the darkest part of yourselves with each other.

You grunt as you re-rack the weight bar and Jake bends down to kiss you. He's spotting you while Bradley and Phoenix spar in the corner of the gym. The two of you started working out together as a coping mechanism and stress reliever, and now it's one of your favorite things to do with him.

Besides the endorphins and mood boost, it doesn't hurt to watch his muscles ripple as he lifts weights shirtless. You can think of worse ways to spend your time.

You stand up, sweat dripping down your face and Jake smiles.

"You ready to go?" He asks and you raise your eyebrows.

"Tired already, cowboy? We've barely started." You tease and he scoffs.

"You just repped twice your body weight. How are you not tired?"

You give him an arrogant smile and shrug. "Guess I'm just stronger than you." You tease as the two of you make your way over to your friends.

It's friendly sparring, Bradley definitely taking it easy on the much smaller woman. You turn to face Jake and jerk your head toward them.

"Wanna train?" You offer and he looks at you like you've lost your mind. Bradley and Phoenix stop to listen, already entertained by the conversation taking place. Jake has a severe physical advantage but they really want to see what you're capable of.

"No, I'm not going to fight you." He says exasperated and you playfully shove him.

"Why? Are you scared?" You taunt and he looks genuinely offended.

"No, of course I'm not sc-" He starts and you cut him off.

"Tell you what. I'll spar you and Bradley at the same time so you have a better chance of winning." You offer and the look on Jake's face makes you laugh.

"Wh- Have you lost your mind? Bradshaw, tell her she's lost her mind!" He exclaims, looking to his friend for help. He doesn't find it as Bradley just shrugs, an amused smile on his face.

"I'm game." He agrees and Phoenix nods her head, desperate to see how this goes. Her money is on you easily.

You clap your hands with a smile and wink at Jake. "Okay, that settles it then. No low blows and faces off limits?" You suggest and he turns to Bradley again.

"Are you seriously going to fight my girlfriend?" He complains and Bradley smirks.

"No, we're going to fight your girlfriend." He counters and Jake groans.

"I don't want to hurt you." He sighs and your laugh only makes him slightly nervous.

"Jake, you're not going to hurt me. Trust me, I've taken on way scarier opponents and look at me. I'm still standing."

He brushes off the comment and finally relents. "Fine."

You give him a quick peck before pulling back and beginning to wrap your hands. "Don't you dare hold back, Seresin." You warn with a finger pointed directly in his face.

He leans forward quickly and bites it, laughing when you recoil and give him a betrayed look.

You pop your elbows and put your hands up loosely guarding yourself. The two of them follow suit and approach you.

Jake is behind you and Bradley is in front. You're bouncing back and forth, light on your feet, and both of them immediately regret agreeing to this.

Bradley lunges first and you quickly dart to the side, dodging it easily. Your arm comes down to block Jake from behind and they look at each other.

"Gonna have to try harder than that boys." You laugh and Jake wraps his arms around you.

There's not much you can do to prevent him from slamming you to the ground due to his size advantage, but once you're down you quickly maneuver and regain control. He hops back up and Bradley tries to attack from your blind spot.

You leg sweep him and he goes crashing to the ground, landing directly on his back with a loud groan. When Jake takes another swing, you grab his hand and twist his arm behind his back, sending him down to his knees.

He yelps as his palm touches his shoulder blade and you smile victoriously. "Mercy?" You ask and he nods aggressively.

"Yes, mercy! Fuck!" He exclaims and you let him go. He stands and rolls his shoulder while frowning at you.

"What the hell?" He asks and you laugh.

"I just wanted to prove a point." You tell him casually and he throws his hands up.

"What point?! I didn't even want to do that!" He exclaims and you just smile.

"I was more so proving it to myself. Just wanted to see if I'm still sharp in hand to hand." You tell him and he eyes you with an annoyed expression.

"Could've warned me." He grumbles and you raise your eyebrows.

"You wouldn't have done it. Besides, you should know that a Navy SEAL can kick your ass. Unless you thought it didn't count because I'm a woman?" You jokingly accuse and his eyes go wide.

"Wha- Don't put words in my mouth." He whines, clearly in distress.

"I'm just fucking with you, Jake. Geez, relax a little." You tease and Phoenix laughs loudly. Her arm wraps around your shoulder and you smile at her.

"Have I told you I love your girlfriend?" She boasts and the two of you start toward the showers before he can respond. He and Bradley are left watching as you exit the room and Bradley shakes his head.

"The two of them should never be left alone together. They're probably plotting world domination and the scary thing is, they could do it." He mutters and Jake nods his head.

"Yeah, no shit."

The next day Jake’s walking to the cafeteria at work when he sees you get pulled into a superior's office. You have a nervous look on your face and he frowns, making a mental note to ask if everything is okay.

"At ease, Commander." Your shoulders relax as Admiral Cooper takes a seat and you follow suit.

"Is everything okay, sir?" You ask and he nods with a long sigh.

"I know that your previous mission was last second and had some complications." He begins and you hold your breath. "Do you feel confident in your abilities?"

Confusion washes over you and your eyebrows pinch together. You give him the answer he wants, knowing better than to give him reason to doubt you. "Yes, sir."

The truth is, you're not. Ever since the mission almost two months ago, you've been dreading your next deployment. The nightmares have gone away and you're mostly back to your old self outwardly. However, your confidence is shot and you aren't sure if you're in the mental space to be shipped out.

He nods his head and you pull your focus back to the conversation. "Good. Start making arrangements, you ship out in a month." He tells you and your heart plummets.

"Sir?" You press, needing more details.

"You're being assigned team leader. You'll be briefed on the mission when you arrive on sight. The next three weeks will be filled with training exercises so make sure you're sharp." He grunts and you swallow thickly.

"How long?" You pry and he shrugs his shoulders.

"Current estimation is two weeks. The mission itself shouldn't take long, but it's a trek to get there and back." You want to ask more questions but you can tell he's done talking and nod your head.

You stand to salute him and he waves you off. "Dismissed."

Your feet drag as you walk to the cafeteria, your mind spinning with what-ifs and fear. You don't think you're ready, but that doesn't matter. You have a job to do and your feelings can't get in the way.

You go through the motions of getting your food and hear Jake call your name. You turn toward him with a thinly veiled smile and sit down at his table.

"Everything okay? I saw you get pulled into Admiral Cooper's office." He whispers, careful not to let the rest of his team hear.

You give a short nod but avoid making eye contact. "Yeah, all good. He just had a couple questions." You respond and your stomach lurches as the lie leaves your mouth.

He watches you skeptically for a second before turning back to his conversation and dropping it. Jake has gotten to know you like the back of his hand. He's aware that you're not telling the whole truth, but he doesn't push it.

He knows you'll come to him when you're ready, he trusts you. You spend the rest of lunch mostly silent, only chiming in when you're called on. You pick around your food, hardly eating before dumping it in the trash.

"Hey, Ozzy." You hear Jake yell and you stop to look at him. "Shoot straight." He smiles and you return the gesture.

"Fly safe." You retort and he gives you a mock salute before the two of you go your separate ways. You'll tell him eventually, but right now denial seems like your best friend.

@drakelover78 @manyfandomsfanvergent @ssprayberrythings @disturbedbeautywrites @desert-fern @one-sweet-gubler @callmemana @luckyladycreator2 @bookchik26 @taytaylala12 @michalkasimp @xoxabs88xox @loveless-simp @withakindheartx @formulapierre @ccristata @shanimallina87 @k-k0129 @izz-ayes-world @kajjaka @oxxolovemelikeyoudooxxo @phantomxoxo @rosiahills22 @gspenc @chair-things @benhardysdrumstick @cookielovesbook-akie @dempy @wellshit6 @zbeez-outlet @sopheeg @callsign-milano @gizmodear @cornishkat @fox-bee926

#jake seresin #top gun maverick #top gun imagine #hangman top gun #jake seresin top gun #jake seresin fic #jake seresin x reader #jake seresin imagine #jake seresin series #jake hangman seresin #hangman x reader

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yellowkitkieran · 11 months

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To Have and To Heal (Part 9)

Masterlist

Read part 1 here

Word Count: 5.6k

Summary: Single working dad Martin Odegaard is navigating the ups and downs of parenthood all on his own, and he’s struggling. That’s not to mention football, life and... love?

"Those yellow heels don't work," your best friend says, her voice scratchy through your phone speaker. You set the device on your vanity and throw your hands up, noting Jen's upturned nose. She's the closest thing you have to a fashion expert, so naturally you called her an hour ago for some final advice on what to wear on tonight's date after sorting through your closet for an hour on your own.

"Well then I have no idea what to do," you whine, at your wits end as you toss the uncomfortable heels onto your bed. They land on top of the pile of discarded outfits you've tried on, none of them flattering enough for you to feel confident meeting Martin in. "This is ridiculous- I should just put on jeans and a hoodie and call it good."

Jen snorts, "Absolutely not-"

"It's probably what he's gonna wear! It could be cute if we wind up matching-"

"Babe, listen to me." You stop rummaging through your closet at the sound of Jen's teacher voice, listening instinctively to what she says. "You're not wearing something that simple. Martin has probably, like, rented an entire restaurant for you. I'm not letting you show up dressed for a date at your local pub!"

You decide against snapping back with a retort along the lines of 'actually, I don't know where my date is because Martin hasn't told me,' and opt for biting your tongue instead. It seems the better option when you've already gotten a light verbal lashing from Jen and you're loath to set her off on a tangent while you're already frazzled.

"Okay, fine. How about this?" You dig through your discard pile and pull out a red dress you tried on towards the beginning. It's simple, nothing more than a form fitting sheath of rich red fabric with three quarter length sleeves and no embellishments, but it feels like the right balance of classy and sexy. Jen hums, tapping her chin as she leans closer to her own phone until her face fills your screen.

"I like it, that could work if you pair it with that charcoal blazer you wore last week, and then those matching heels? The low ones, just in case you wind up doing a lot of walking."

After a minute of struggling you finally get into the dress and come back into the frame of your camera to show Jen. She wolf whistles, which is a sign of her approval. "Ooohhh girl that's the ticket! Do a spin- yeahhhh! That's hot, Martin is gonna lose his head when he sees you!"

"I mean I hope so, it took us literal years to pick out!" You both laugh, yours a touch awkward as your nerves begin to shine through. The ball in your stomach has gained momentum and now feels like a boulder in your gut. It weighs you down and keeps your feet rooted firmly to the carpet. You should be ending your FaceTime call and heading downstairs to call an Uber, not contemplating your outfit again to distract yourself.

Tonight's date is the highlight of your week. You've been looking forward to it since the second Martin asked you, and you hope he's felt the same way.

Maybe he's nervous too, you think. I can't be the only one. Then again… footballers probably don't get nervous. He's probably been on dozens of dates. This is probably routine for him.

Sighing to yourself, you realize belatedly that Jen has taken it upon herself to hang up on her own. "Love you too," you mumble to your phone, stuffing it in your bag and slowly making your way towards your front door. You tap through your apps and order an Uber to the address Martin gave you, fiddling with your keys while you wait for its arrival.

The ride is quiet, the young woman driving not bothering to try and make conversation due to your obviously negative mood. Being nervous isn't something you're particularly used to; normally you're quite confident and outgoing, which is why you're such an excellent teacher. Kids don't do well with shy adults.

When it comes to Martin however, he turns you on your head. Everything about him makes you feel backwards, out of your comfort zone, though not in a bad way. If given the time, you feel like you might grow with him. Like he might bring out a side of you that you don't realize exists.

Twenty minutes into your mysterious drive, the driver pulls over along the river and parks. "You sure this is the place?" The blonde looks as skeptical as you are as she meets your eyes in the mirror. You double check the street sign outside your window and match it to the one in Martin's text before you nod.

You don't see much other than a few traditional brick houses lining the quiet lane, each with matching floating flower beds hanging from the window sills. The wrought iron street lights cast a yellow glow over the uneven pavement. A few people mill about, either coming from work or out on their evening run before cosying up inside for the night.

"This is it, thank you." You give the woman a genuine smile as you place your sweaty palm on the door handle.

"Do you know this person you're meeting? I can hang around a minute and make sure everything is as it should be."

Your heart swells thanks to this stranger. Women looking after women, recognizing something suspicious and not being afraid to speak up about it. The smile that graces your lips now is brimming with confidence, as is the nod you offer her.

"I know him very well, he's a friend that's just finally offered to take me on a date, so I'm a bit nervous is all."

"You look wonderful," the woman offers. "He's a lucky man, that's for sure. I'll be crossing my fingers that it goes well for you then, but be confident! It'll be fine!"

"I appreciate that, I guess I better go find my date before he thinks I've stood him up."

You don't see Martin as you cross the street, which only makes you more concerned that maybe he's gotten cold feet. But you push on, following the low voices catching your attention and surveying the water in the canal on your right- which is when you finally see him.

The boat Martin stands on is slender, barely six feet wide. The Maiden is painted in flowing black script on the rear deck. Years of feet have worn down the white paint surrounding it, leaving bare wood in their wake though the name itself remains in perfect condition, like the vessel's superstitious captain avoided stepping on it at all costs.

The man Martin speaks with is dressed handsomely in a full black suit and silk tie. Martin, unaware of your approach, continues talking quietly and you get the sense that the two know each other well. Martin's companion flicks his eyes up when you shift your weight, finally drawing Martin's attention to you.

As Martin turns, his smile is the first thing you notice. He's already grinning, lips tilted in that devilishly handsome way that has you feeling like you're free falling, wind whizzing through your hair, and Martin is the only one that can save you from certain disaster. You're so caught up in him that you don't realize how dressed up he's gotten for the occasion until he calls your name, his voice breaking your stare so you can sweep your eyes over him.

It is clear Martin has placed as much weight on tonight's events as you have. He's dressed as if he were attending a red carpet, minus the suit coat, which is a plus because you prefer the rolled up sleeves of his white button down. Martin's strong shoulders fill out the shirt perfectly. You swear the row of buttons down his chest are set to burst open at the slightest movement, not that you'd mind that happening. His black wingtip shoes shine, either brand new or just simply very well kept like the man wearing them.

"Come join me solskin," Martin says, "I swear Antony doesn't bite."

You lean on the chain railing in front of you to peer over the edge of the canal, not noticing any steps. The water is higher than normal, which means you should be able to step onto the boat without issue, but you don't trust your clumsy self to do so without tumbling over the side and into the drink. Tonight of all nights, you'd rather not embarrass yourself.

"How am I meant to get down there?" You ask, biting your lip when Martin's musical laugh sings over your skin. His laugh sounds like a snowy winter's day, curled up at the hearth with a hot cup of cocoa and a fuzzy blanket. In your daydream, you suppose there's room for a handsome Norwegian footballer at your side, too.

"I'll help," Martin says, offering his hand as he comes to your side. Without a second thought, you bend your knees one at a time to slip off your heels and hand them over. "That's not exactly what I meant solskin, but-"

"Could I have your coat? I'm sure you've brought one."

Martin blinks, clearly contemplating what you're up to before he nods and disappears into the small cabin. He's in and out quickly, careful not to allow you more than a brief glance inside which reveals very little about what your date may entail. The mystery only serves to have you more excited, like a child waiting patiently to open the pile of gifts under the tree at Christmas.

"Thanks Mar," you murmur, unsurprised when he predicts your intentions and lays his jacket on the bricks at your feet. Polite as always, Martin averts his eyes as you maneuver to sit on the canal, feet dangling over the edge as you take the two foot leap onto the barge. The vessel sways with your sudden weight, forcing you to grip Martin's arms for balance until it rights itself.

"Careful," Martin murmurs, his warm hands finding your hips to steady you. When you look up, you're met by Martin's ridiculously perfect smile and those mischievous blue eyes. Until you met Martin, you never understood why everyone lost their heads over blue eyes. Now the hype is obvious; in the sun, Martin's eyes sparkle and shine like white-capped ocean waves. In the moonlight, they're deeper, like the depths of a lake that you yearn to explore and discover what secrets they hide.

"Thank you for meeting me here," Martin says. "I'm glad you didn't mind me keeping it all a bit of a mystery. It's a good thing I did though, because I almost had to figure something out last minute because my original reservation got canceled- but Antony was kind enough to help me out so I could still bring you here."

Martin's little ramble is adorable. You note how he fidgets with the cuffs of his shirt, like one of your students when they're paired with their crush on an assignment. The childlike innocence in the action only has you falling harder, like you've tripped over your own two feet destined to hit the pavement, only to find Martin is there to catch you.

"I don't mind at all. I'm just happy I didn't have to do any of the planning because that sounds like it was a bit of a pain." Despite the warmth of Martin's hands, you shiver when a chilled breeze sweeps over the water. Martin realizes the temperature change and reaches for his jacket, placing it on your shoulders over your own.

"Hopefully that will warm you up." Martin's tone is rich like warm caramel, brimming with a sweetness that makes your teeth ache nearly as much as your heart.

"It definitely will, thank you."

"Take her inside," Antony stage whispers behind his hand. The brunette winks when you glance over at him, then rolls his eyes as if Martin's mannerisms are nothing new to him. Perhaps they're old friends. It doesn't matter now- as Martin leads you inside, you find yourself smiling at how perfectly his hand fits in yours, like the puzzle piece you thought you'd never find finally snapping into place.

"Watch your step. And your head," Martin adds, his free hand flying up to cover the square edge of the door frame as you stoop down to enter. The gesture is instinctual but sweet, intended to prevent you from hurting yourself.

You aren't sure what you expected, but the candle lit dinner that awaits inside certainly exceeds your wildest dreams. A round, worn wooden table laden with snacks is situated in the middle of a U shaped bench. Latched oak cabinets with peeling white paint line the wall on your left with a niche for a small sink dotted with rust from years of use. A basket with a few wool blankets sit to the right of the door, which leads you to believe that one could sleep in this tiny space if they desired to. The whole thing is like something out of an old sailing catalog and feels somewhat like a time capsule to an age where the world was a freer, more enriching place.

Martin's cologne washes over you when he reaches to flick a switch above your head to dim the lights until only the candles remain. You crane your neck to watch his deft work. Another switch and a dial adjusts the soft, instrumental music to his liking, and when he finally steps back you're dizzy from the soft sandalwood scent of him that lingers in your nose.

"I hope this is alright. I didn't want to take you out to some fancy restaurant and risk being recognized or interrupted."

"This is perfect," you assure him and take a seat on the yellow padded bench. Plates of finger sandwiches and bowls overflowing with fresh cut fruits align with Martin's easygoing personality more than the romantic vibe of your surroundings. You like it better this way however, especially when Martin pulls a bottle of wine from the ice bucket on the seat next to him and pours you a short glass.

"I'll fill it when you're low, it's just better to not have a full glass incase we hit a little wave," Martin explains. "And I think this is your favorite, right?"

"Let me see." Martin is already in the process of spinning the bottle to show you the label when you speak. You grin at him, a hand on your chest when you note the vintage handwritten on the sticker. "It is- how did you even know that?"

"I asked Jen," Martin admits. Candlelight dances in his proud eyes, his smile shining brighter than anything in that moment. "She pointed me in the right direction. Like I said, I wanted tonight to be perfect."

"You've done plenty to make this perfect Mar. I'll admit I would've been happy with a home cooked meal or a trip to an arcade but this? Martin, this…" You shake your head, gesturing to the walls and windows to indicate the entire evening. "No one has ever gone through so much effort to make me feel appreciated like this. I know we've only just sat down, but this is already the best date I've ever had by far."

Hearing that seems to set Martin's mind at ease. His strong shoulders lose some of their strained rigidity. His face softens and his smile has butterflies stirring in your gut.

How can Martin bring out your soft side so easily? You're not one to let your guard down quickly. Normally you keep your heart in a cage to shield it from hurt because you aren't sure how many more cracks it can handle. Something about Martin has you throwing your self-inflicted rules out the window. You aren't terrified of being used because somehow you know his intentions are genuine.

"Atla was very upset when she found out that I was seeing you tonight and she wasn't allowed to come with me." Martin spoons some fruit onto his plate and spears a piece of pineapple with his fork. "She said I betrayed her trust, which seems like an awfully big phrase for a little girl to be using."

"Ah, then she's learning. Good to know that she's been paying attention to our books."

Martin quirks a brow, "Oh? I guess that's a positive. What exactly are you reading her? I hope it's appropriate," Martin teases.

"Oh, I'm reading her Shakespeare," you say nonchalantly, ignoring the surprised look Martin throws your way as you throw his teasing energy right back at him. "She loves it! It makes sense that she's picking up some bigger, sophisticated words with how quickly we're flying through Romeo and Juliette. You should see her when we're reading a tense scene, she likes to act out the fights and the drama."

"Really?" Martin, for as intelligent as he is, can be a bit too trusting at times. You struggle to keep a straight face, covering up the beginnings of a smile by sipping from your glass.

"Mhm, she picked it out all on her own. We started with Macbeth, and next we're probably going to move on to A Tale of Two Cities or something. She likes the old settings, you know?"

Martin hums, lips pursed as he tries to imagine Atla reading literature that most high schoolers would struggle through. "Wow, I didn't think Attie would be interested in anything like that, not when she's so young at least. I wouldn't have dreamed-"

You cut Martin off with a laugh that bubbles out of you in the most unflattering, unattractive way. It continues past the hand you have clamped over your mouth, catching Martin off guard until he laughs along with you. You'd be embarrassed if you weren't unafraid of being yourself with Martin. He embraces your quirks, especially the bits that make you, you.

"Mar I'm kidding," you wheeze when you're able to catch your breath. "I wouldn't read that to a student! Gosh, she's far too young for something like that!"

"Good because I was gonna start questioning your teaching ability! I was thinking whether or not I'd need to report you… I'm glad I don't have to make that decision!" Martin laughs, running a hand through his blonde hair. The few strands that stick straight up only add to his natural charm, somehow making him more attractive. You find yourself wondering if his locks are as soft as they look. If you ran your own hand through them, would they fall flat again or would they leave the same endearing spikes behind?

When the laughter fades, a comfortable silence falls as you both snack on the array of snacks provided. Silences normally feel stagnant and bloated with words left unsaid, which is why you avoid them as often as possible. But it isn't that way with Martin. The quiet is comfortable and for once you don't feel the need to fill it with a random story from your childhood or an out of pocket fact about architecture. With Martin, you embrace the lack of speech and instead focus on the soft music playing from a hidden speaker.

At one point you peel back the curtain to peek outside and are greeted with a stunning view of the Tower Bridge. The lights of the city create rippling constellations on the Thames. When you've had your fill of drinking in the city, Martin asks about your hometown, your family, your friends, anything and everything to keep you chatting. You ask him questions of your own when he leaves you space to interject, but overall he seems more interested in getting to know the real you than letting you past his walls.

That's fine, you can work with that. This is only one singular date, the first of many if you're hopeful. Seeing as you've not embarrassed yourself yet, there's every reason to believe Martin will ask you on a second, and at that time you can turn the tables on him and learn what makes him tick.

Martin checks his watch and smiles to himself. "If you peek outside again, you should see the parliament building, I always forget the name. But I know you said one day that you wanted to see it from the water, so I thought why not do that tonight?"

"No way!" Throwing all manners out the window, you grip the windowsill with your fingertips and haul yourself around to confirm what he's said. "How did you remember that? I mentioned it ages ago!"

"I remember most of what you say, all of the important things at least."

Luck is a fickle thing. Is it finding a four leaf clover in a field of threes, or is it finding a penny on heads? Luck can be waking up on time when an alarm isn't set, or it can be this: landing a date with the man of your dreams, who goes out of his way to ensure you're aware that he values you as much as you value him.

*********

An hour later, Martin's rented boat has docked where your journey began. Martin helps you climb to street level, where the two of you now walk aimlessly at a leisurely pace.

Martin's expectations for tonight hadn't been high. He's surprised by how easy it is to talk to you. You take turns asking baseless, silly questions, like how impossible it is that some people find pineapple to be a suitable pizza topping. Neither of you are willing to let the night end, but when you begin to shiver, Martin knows he cannot be selfish any longer.

"Can I drive you home?" Martin asks finally. "You're on my way anyway, so you can't say it would be an inconvenience to me. And by the way, I would still offer if you lived across the city."

"Yes, I think you can. I'd appreciate that, Mar, thank you."

Martin's eyes are stuck on your smile. It consumed his thoughts for days, made his own lips tingle with the need to feel them pressed to yours, to discover whether you taste as sweet as you smell. Martin wonders, not for the first time, if you think of him at night the way he does of you. He needs to know, sooner rather than later. All it would take is him leaning forward a few inches and he would know.

But Martin can't shake the intuition that moving too fast with you might be a mistake. And it's not just the fact that he hasn't kissed anyone in three years. It's that he doesn't want you to write him off as just another man who wants nothing more than to take you home and undress you. Martin wants more than that. He wants to know what lies beneath the surface. He has too many unanswered questions to let you slip away from him because he can't think of anything but how you might feel pressed against him.

Plus, he has a daughter at home. Martin can't just bring you over whenever he pleases, and he knows that as soon as he gets a taste of you, he'll be addicted. Once won't be enough; he'll need you every second of every day.

"That Audi is yours, isn't it? It's very nice. I love the color."

"It's just gray," Martin notes, thankful that you don't call him out for staring. "Nothing special. It's not even a premium color, it's just one off the showroom floor."

You shrug those elegant, slender shoulders. "Still, I think it's pretty. I don't know much about cars, but- oh!" You hold your hands over your head as the skies suddenly open up, the beginnings of a downpour rumbling in the clouds. Martin immediately slings his jacket off and holds it over you, shielding you from the rain as you both walk towards the car as quickly as your heels allow.

Rain. Martin hates rain. It's slippery and dangerous and nothing good ever comes of it. Your foot slips as you step off the curb and Martin lurches for you, catching you in time to keep you upright.

"Please be careful," Martin says, more than a hint of panic in his voice. That familiar, unwelcome fear begins crawling its way up his throat. He hates this, he hates all of it. He should have insisted on getting you home earlier, when he could've been positive you'd be safe. Now it had to go and bloody rain, ruining a perfect night.

"I'm okay Martin, really! I'm alright." You smile when he opens the passenger door for you. He takes your hand not to be polite but because his soul demands he ensures you're alright. When did his chest get so tight? Why are his fingers tingling? God, Martin can’t form a single coherent thought.

Martin closes your door and stands in the rain for a few seconds, letting it pelt his skin. It's frigid. His shirt is stuck to his skin, probably semi transparent by now. He doesn't care. He lets the chill ground him until you knock on the inside of his window and break him out of his head. Martin hurries around to the driver's seat and starts the engine, messing with the climate controls and the lights until he's got them perfect. His mind is running faster than an Olympic sprinter and he can't hold onto a single thought longer than a second, except for one.

Keep my solskin safe.

Martin knows he holds no ownership over you. Certainly not after one date, and probably not ever. Not if he continues to act like a skittish cat who can't keep his head together.

"Mar, are you alright?"

The soft melody of your voice breaks through his internal panic. Your fingers graze the back of his hand, his grip on the steering wheel white-knuckled. For once, Martin is thankful he's had the foresight to drown himself in cologne or else he’d probably stink to the heavens.

"I'm fine," comes Martin's strained reply. He's not fine. He's anything but fine, actually. He'd rather knee slide on asphalt than drive in this sort of weather. And now he's meant to get you home safely? Martin isn't sure he trusts himself to do so.

"Do you not like driving in the rain?” There you go again, reading him like an open book. Just this once, Martin wishes he could be an enigma, that you couldn’t see into the depths of his mind with a single glance. “We could call an Uber, it would be fine-"

"No," Martin snaps. Regret washes over him in an instant when you blink, taken aback. You hide it well, but Martin still notices because it's you and he notices everything when it comes to you. He hates himself for it but he can’t help it, you distract him any time you’re close enough for him to smell your floral shampoo.

"Okay, then we can sit here until it lets up a bit." You try to pry Martin's fingers off the wheel with a gentleness he does not deserve. He’s upset you and yet your instinct is still to try comforting him.

"No," Martin repeats, softer this time. "I can do it." Martin pulls away from the curb using no more than a toe on the accelerator, his left foot hovering over the brake just in case. His eyes dart across the road and between all of his mirrors, on high alert for anything or anyone out of place. He doesn't realize you've turned the radio off until you clear your throat and it startles him.

Martin is wound tighter than a two dollar watch, near his breaking point. His fingers ache thanks to his death grip on the wheel, his eyes fatigued from working overtime. Though he takes great, gasping gulps of air, his lungs feel starved of oxygen. He swears he smells perfume, which wouldn't be concerning, except for the fact that it isn't your perfume he smells, but that of someone else who used to occupy his passenger seat.

"Mar? Just turn here, it's a touch longer but there's less traffic."

Martin operates on autopilot to follow your directions, joints protesting due to the tension held in his muscles as he turns the wheel. Martin swears under his breath when the car behind gets a touch too close for comfort. He's well aware that to the average person it was an acceptable distance, but in all honesty, Martin would rather be the one and only vehicle on the road at this moment in time.

Martin counts his lucky stars when your house comes into view. Nothing tragic has happened on this trip, and he can finally relax knowing you're home safe. Getting himself back in one piece, on the other hand…

"I have a guest room." Martin swears you can read his thoughts. "You could spend the night, I think there's some sweatpants in one of my drawers that my brother left behind at some point… you don't have to drive home in this awful weather, Mar."

There is little Martin detests more than pity. Of all the emotions that compose the human experience, pity is one of the few Martin wishes to eradicate. Since Maria died, Martin has received an endless stream of 'poor Martin, being a single parent is a struggle, you must be struggling all on your own' or sentiments along those lines. He hates knowing other people think that he becomes small when faced with a challenge. It's just rain- Martin won't let a spout of nasty weather defeat him.

"I'll be fine," Martin says, mindful of his tone. Over the years he's found it easier to mask his true feelings by ensuring his voice remains level and even. On the pitch, letting your opponent know you're afraid can be the first domino that falls in defeat. In life, it's much the same. Martin refuses to let you see the side of him that he has fought so hard to protect.

"If you say so." You fiddle with the straps on your bag, searching outside the car for a distraction. Martin forcibly drags himself into the present, pushes any thoughts of the past from his mind.

"I'll walk you to your door. Wait there?" When you nod, Martin grabs his jacket and comes around the passenger side, doing his best to shield you from the lingering storm that insists on ruining the perfect night. You climb the handful of steps slowly, like someone reluctant to come home because they know they're in for a scolding. Except in this case it should be Martin that is reluctant, because he doesn't want to leave you with a sour impression.

You crowd closer to Martin under the safety of the awning. This close, he can see the tiny hairs plastered to your forehead but he doesn't care, he still thinks you're as gorgeous now as you were when you peered at him over the canal railing. He'll take you dressed up, dressed down, or looking like you went for a dip in the ocean; he doesn't care, as long as he's with you and you're safe.

"Be careful on your drive home, will you? Don't go crashing and ruining that pretty face of yours."

Why does the universe insist on constantly reminding Martin what he's lost?

"I'll let you know when I've made it home," is Martin's tense reply. It's not your fault that your joke hit his fears squarely on the head. He hates that he can't forget and move on.

"Well… goodnight Mar."

In romance novels, this is the part where the love interest initiates a passionate kiss. The main character will act surprised but really she saw it coming; she's planned for it after all. If Martin were living in one of those novels, he'd brush the hair off your cheek and cup your jaw, tilting you towards him for the mind-blowing, earth-shattering kiss that he's dreamed of for weeks.

But Martin is a rational man, as most Scandinavians are. He is not in the headspace to facilitate such romantic gestures, nor does he want his first kiss with you to be overshadowed with thoughts of Maria.

God, Maria. Martin misses her. For half a second, Martin swears the light tints your eyes the same shade of vibrant blue that he called home for so long, there and gone in a flash. Guilt hits him like a freight train, knocking him right back to square one.

"Goodnight, solskin."

You catch Martin's wrist when he turns to leave. Before he can open his mouth to ask why, you rise up on your tiptoes and press your plush, soft lips to his cheek. Immediately, Martin's soul rights itself. His vision clears, his mind quirks, and he finds his center. You replace the fear in his bones with a calm that he only ever experiences with a ball at his feet or with Atla in his arms.

Perhaps home, too, is a fickle thing. Sometimes it's rings on fingers accompanied by promises of forever. A family can feel like home too, with children running and laughing, creating messes and memories. Other times it's rain-soaked cheek kisses that speak greater volumes than a thousand words. Home can be as simple as this: feeling one's semblance of self return, thanks to no more than a smile on the lips of a woman one admires.

#oof this is a long one #martin odegaard #martin Ødegaard #martin odegaard fic #martin odegaard fanfic #martin odegaard imagine #martin odegaard fantasy #arsenal fc #jac writes #alt timeline lover

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savemeafruitjuice · 6 months

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hi hi!!! if you don’t mind, may i pls request kokushibo chasing douma and tickling him silly after he heard one too many complaints from the others? (bonus if the chase manages to scare the others when they see douma running from kokushibo like his life depends on it🤣)

omg of course myst! gimme a little bit :>

Lee! Douma

Ler! Kokushibou

"Kokushibou, can you get Douma to stop pestering me? He seriously won't mind his business!"

Kokushibou opened his eyes, being interrupted from meditation. Uppermoon 2's antics were quite common, and the redhead getting annoyed by him wasn't unheard of either. Kokushibou sighed, waving him off.

"Tch.." Akaza put his head down and exited the room. Uppermoon 1 closed his eyes again and returned to meditating.

Some twenty minutes later, a soft knock could be heard on Kokushibou's door. After a brief moment, he called out "Come in." The door cracked open a bit, just enough for two demons to enter. "Ah. Daki and Gyutaro, what brings you here?" Daki rubbed her arm sheepishly, while Gyutaro spoke. "Well, Lord Douma has been harassing my sister and I, calling us rather appalling names and following us around like some sort of lost puppy.. Is there anything you could do about it?"

"I suppose. Thank you for consulting me, and this shall be dealt with." The lower-ranked demons bowed before exiting the room. "Thank you, Lord Kokushibou." The six-eyed demon pinched the bridge of his nose, now having to deal with the rowdy other instead of enjoying the night alone.

Rising to his feet, Kokushibou heard commotion down the halls of the Infinity Castle. A loud crash echoed through the building, followed by a screech. Uppermoon 1 quickly traveled down the hall, concerned for the safety of one of his peers, only to see Lowermoon 5 twisting under the hands of Douma, the little spider cackling as his belly was squeezed.

Kokushibou squinted rather confused. If he had eyebrows, they definitely would have been furrowed as he watched the scene before him unfold. "Hehehelp! StohohoOHOHOHP THAHAT! UNHAHAND MEHEHE THIhis instahahahnt!" Douma was teasing the little moon, pinching and prodding at various spots along his torso, all but delighted with the reactions he was causing.

"Douma, stop that. I have received multiple reports on your behavior and I wish to consult you about it." The white haired demon froze as he turned his head to face Kokushibou. "Ahh~ You want me to be lonely and stay in my room forever? Koku, I value my friends and it would dampen my mood to be without them~" "Then allow me to accompany you."

A moment of silence was exchanged as Rui rolled away from Douma, running to a safe distance to watch. An intense glare met Uppermoon 2 as a small step was taken forward. Douma rose to his feet and bolted, Kokushibou making chase. Rui jumped back before giggling in his sleeves. The two scurried down the halls, complicated routes being taken as the icy demon attempted to avoid the wrath of the other.

As the two fled throughout the area, they came across Lowermoon 1, Douma barreling past them as they squeaked, rather startled. More confusing yet, was that the highest ranked among them was right behind him, hyper focused on the man in front of him. Figuring there must be a good reason for this, Enmu clutched his chest and fawned over the two. "How peculiar..."

"Eep!" Douma looked behind him briefly, only to see Kokushibou a mere few yards behind him. He picked up the pace, pumping his legs as he tried to lose the other. A turn was taken, then another. The lower rank looked behind him again, relief flooding through him as he saw that he had made a good distance from Kokushibou, however, that emotion was taken from him as he crashed into something, or rather, someone. A gasp was heard from whatever he knocked into.

Tumbling forward, Douma was caught midair by a single hand. He stared at the fist clenched around his shoulder, only to notice the dark fingers and red nails enclosed on him. Crap. Mere seconds later he felt two hands wrap around his torso. Douma's blood went frigid. Akaza removed his hand as Kokushibou took over, pushing the white-haired man to the ground and straddled his thighs.

The striped demon's face overtook his vision as an eerie grin sent chills down his spine. "So your finally getting what's been coming to you, huh? You know Douma, I think you've bothered enough of us for today." "I agree." Douma looked down to see Kokushibou agreeing with the lower-ranked out of the three.

"Although Akaza, I believe it is my duty to deal with this one. You may be excused." "Really? After all the times he's bothered me, your not going to let me get payback? Geez."

"Do not argue with me. I will not tolerate it."

"Ugh, fine. Douma, you suck."

Akaza hopped to a nearby platform, rolling his eyes as he headed off. Douma giggled nervously, averting his eyes as Kokushibou stared him down. "Um, Koku? Can't we talk about this? I didn't mean any harm!" "...What have I told you about calling me that. I intend to punish you for harassing multiple members of the Kizuki, as well as disobeying my orders in referring to me in such a manner."

"Oh.. What exactly did you have planned?~" Kokushibou's completely stoic expression changed, a small flicker of amusement flashing across his face, though it happened so quickly the icy demon questioned if it even appeared at all. "I figured I'd return one of the actions I've witnessed you give Lowermoon 5. It intrigues me to see how this treatment might affect you."

"W-What do you mean? Surely you wouldn't resort to-EEHEHEEK!" All the other had done was latch his hand onto the other's side, though that seemed to work just fine. "Yes, I wouldn't usually partake in such activities, but I'm willing to make an exception." The hand that was once attatched to the other now spidered up and down Douma's side, the blonde squeaking and turning his head to the side in a vain attempt to hide his reactions.

"Now, now, we can't have you hiding your face, can we?" A hand darted upwards, now scribbling along his neck as the other hand continued tormenting his side, occasionally squeezing his hip. "NoohohoHO! PLEHEHEase, I'm sohohoHOHORRY!" The blonde ducked his head down, writhing as he wrapped his arms around his torso, laughing like a child.

"I really don't believe that, and I can tell you don't either. Now, I think it is necessary that you properly apologize, as this is not the first time you have frustrated others by a long shot." Kokushibou switched spots, now pinching the shell of his ear and squeezed Douma's lower ribs. "ACK- Wahahahahit! Plehehease! Ihihit tickles!"

"Huh. I never considered that." the small glint in Kokushibou's eyes was back, but this time it remained on his face as Douma kicked his legs out, pushing at the higher-ranked demons shoulders. "Are you ready to properly apologize to all of those you have bothered, or do you want me to continue?" hands squeezed the other's hips.

"PFFFTEHEHEHHE! PLEHEHEASE STOHOHOP! I'LL AHAPOLOGIHIHIZE! IHI SWEHEHEAR!" seeing that the demon had had enough, Kokushibou stopped, now sitting next to the other as he recovered. Excess giggles spilled out of Douma's lips as he curled into himself. A few seconds later, He huffed out a breath as he sat up, a smile still etched onto his face.

Kokushibou rose to his feet, Douma following soon after. "Are you ready to apologize?" the smile splayed across Uppermoon 2's face turned cheeky, using the nickname once again. "But of course Koku. Let us go, shall we?" Kokushibou rolled his many eyes.

"Don't make me tickle you again."

I hope you enjoyed! I'm still recovering from a super high fever, but hopefully I'll be better soon. Have a good day/night!

#kny #kny tickle #lee douma #ler kokushibou #demon slayer #demon slayer tickle

36 notes · View notes

m0llygunn · 4 months

Note

Can we have a sneak peak of chap 2 BWB?

yes we can!! almost 600 words of sneakily peeking, enjoy!! (also i think we need a consensus on the name cause its already been called so many things, which i acknowledge is my fault because of all the unnecessarily fanciful parenthesis lol but i've been using fwbb (friends with baby benefits), if chill lmk

───── ⋆⋅୨୧⋅⋆ ─────

“It’s almost nine now, so it’ll be ready at…”

“9:20,” you say when Eddie takes a concerning amount of time doing the math. The ride home was quiet. Being out of the fluorescence helped your nerves, and as you got further and further away from the pharmacy, and closer and closer to Eddie’s place, you started to feel normal again.

“I knew that, I was just… thinking,” he responds. He sits up from where he was crouching in front of the dresser, using it as a table to put together the test.

Decidedly, it was just nerves that had put you on edge, that’s it. The test is nothing but precautionary, just to rule out what could have made you sick. Eddie joins you, sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Uh— before, we get a response,” he pauses, wringing his hands together. His eyes move down to his lap and your chest tightens. “I just want to say that whatever it is… I don’t regret what we did… and whatever it is, I’ll be there… for my girls.”

He looks at you, his smirk widening by the second, and you can’t help the snort of laughter from escaping. Like every other ill-timed joke that he's pervasively told over the last month or so, he gets you, and you appreciate it this time as it lessens the gnawing feeling in your belly.

Despite the joke, when you really look at him, with his lips spread in a smile, his eyes swarm with the same trepidations that you feel. He’s a comedian but even the comedian is human. You try your hand at lightening the mood.

“What if it’s not a girl?” you ask, playing along. He smiles, bumping his shoulder into yours as he huffs a breath from his nose. Shaking his head in an almost mirthful way, you think you were successful, until his demeanour drops into something serious.

“What did you mean earlier?” he asks, “When you said that it doesn’t feel like you ate something bad?”

“I just— I don't know. I just, I thought I had a feeling,” you explain. Eddie hums, eyes now set forward on the test. “I think I was just nervous, that’s all.”

Twenty minutes has never felt longer. Eddie accepts your answer at face value but doesn’t do much to show it. He doesn't do much in general, and neither do you. At the ten minute mark, his hand found your knee. At the fifteen minute mark you were curled under his arm, resting your head on his chest as he rubbed up and down your arm. In the last minute, you had taken his hand in yours, playing with his fingers as you watched the seconds tick by on his casio watch.

9:19:59 turned to 9:20:00, and you turned to Eddie. Synchronously and in silence, you parted from each other. He stood and you sat. He moved to the dresser, and you held your breath.

With his back facing you, you watch with unblinking eyes as he reaches for the instructions. Humming to himself, your lungs ache. You try to parse the meaning behind his tone, or vibration, or pitch— or anything that could give way to what he's seeing, but it’s far too vague. Taking a deep and vital breath, filling your begging lungs with air, you're just about to ask what it is, mouth already open, lips already forming words, when he speaks.

“It says negative.”

“It says negative?” you parrot in disbelief.

“Negative.” Eddie answers firmly.

─────────

#fwbb #eddie munson #eddie munson x fem!reader #eddie munson fanfic

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allari-ammayi · 8 months

Note

I just binge read "butta bomma" and I love love love it already! The banter with bhalla is so cute🥺. I'm so so excited for next chapters!

(I have my physiology exam tomorrow but I couldn't stop myself from reading the fic as soom as I saw the notifications!😭❤️)

Ahh, thank you so much, I'm so glad you're enjoying it!! 😭❤️ (Good luck on your exam if you haven't done it yet, and if you have, well done!!)

Butta Bomma

A. Bahubali x Reader x B. Deva

The Etiquette Lessons

Synopsis: Following the events of the pooja, Bhalla has taken it upon himself to hire a royal trainer to aid Y/n with her Etiquette in hopes of making palace life easier for her. But when Y/n's etiquette classes go down in hell, Bhalla grows a soft spot for the girl and subconsciously assists her. Bahubali, on the other hand, guides her through the ins and outs of etiquette and openly encourages her, striking a pang of jealousy in Bhalla.

4.2k Words

Prev || All || Next

As Y/N and Gowri strolled through the corridors of the palace, their conversation flowed freely. Y/N had grown accustomed to Gowri's presence and had come to appreciate her as a friend despite the initial shock of seeing someone familiar from her own world in this strange place.

Gowri, her tone tinged with curiosity, asked Y/N about her experiences in the palace. "How have your lessons been going, Y/N?"

Y/N sighed and rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Oh, you know, the usual. I've become a pro at curtsying and pretending to be fascinated by endless discussions about royal protocol."

Gowri chuckled, understanding the challenges Y/N faced in adapting to the courtly life of Mahishmati. "It's not easy, but it's useful to fit in. You're doing well."

Just as Y/N was about to respond, Bhallaladeva made his unexpected appearance, causing Gowri to discreetly step back and bow, giving the two some space. With a low bow, Gowri looked over at Y/n before scampering away from the two in a rush.

Bhalla's entrance was met with a cool, annoyed glance from Y/N, who was clearly not in the mood for idle chitchat.

With a smirk that hinted at his satisfaction in riling her up, Bhalla inquired, "How have your lessons been going, Monkey?"

Y/N's lips curled into a sarcastic smile, her annoyance evident in her response. "Oh, absolutely splendid," she retorted, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "I can now curtsy with the grace of a swan and maintain a poker face during the most riveting discussions about tea ceremonies."

Bhalla couldn't help but find her snark amusing, and he leaned slightly closer, his gaze locking onto hers with an almost mischievous glint. "Ah, the essentials of court life. You're learning to blend in admirably."

Y/N's scowl deepened at his response, her irritation far from concealed. She quipped back, "Of course, because nothing says 'Mahishmati royalty' like mastering the art of politely nodding while inwardly screaming."

Bhalla, not one to back down from a snarky exchange, shot back with a teasing smirk, "Ah, necessary evils, Monkey. Even Monkey princesses need refinement."

Y/n, rolled her eyes and huffed, having had enough of Bhalla’s annoyance.

“You know what, I have better things to be doing right now, Your Royal Snarkiness.” Y/n spat, irritably, Bhalla arched a brow.

“Oh yeah?” He smirked, “Like what, Monkey? Climbing trees so you don’t fly too far from your roots?” Y/n glared at him, her eyes narrowing.

“No. Like practicing how to gracefully and formally kiss someone’s ass for my next class!” She yelled in a whisper.

With that, Y/N pivoted on her heel, her sari swaying with each determined step, and began to walk away from Bhalla, her annoyance propelling her forward.

Bhalla watched her retreating figure, his amusement still evident in his features. It was becoming increasingly clear to him that Y/N was not one to back down from a snarky exchange, and he couldn't deny that her spirited responses intrigued him.

Then, as the seconds ticked by, Bhalla couldn't contain his laughter any longer. The chuckles bubbled up, and soon enough, he was outright laughing at Y/N's sassy retort. It was a side of her he hadn't expected, and her fiery spirit had just made her all the more intriguing in his eyes.

The laughter lingered in the corridor even after Y/N had disappeared from sight, leaving Bhalla with a bemused smile.

It seemed that every encounter with this mysterious outsider brought a new layer of complexity to their relationship, and he was growing more captivated with each passing day.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Y/N's next lesson in the etiquette hall seemed like an exercise in patience.

The instructor, known for her stern demeanor and meticulous attention to detail, had lined up her students, which was a group of patient Mahismati children ranging from five to twelve years of age and one impatient ‘Mexico-ian’ of over twenty that stood out like a sore thumb.

She ordered them to balance books on top of their heads while maintaining a perfect posture.

As Y/N struggled to balance the heavy books on her head, her eyes began to wander, seeking even the slightest distraction from the monotonous exercise. The instructor's voice droned on in the background, explaining the importance of grace and poise.

Unable to bear the tedium any longer, Y/N mischievously glanced around to check if the instructor was too engrossed in her lecture to notice. Seeing an opportunity, she decided to make her escape from the seemingly never-ending lesson.

With deliberate care, Y/N slowly lowered her hand to the stack of books on her head, one by one, gingerly removing them and holding them by her side. Her posture remained perfectly composed, but her actions were far from what the instructor intended.

Just as she successfully slid the last book away, Y/N tiptoed toward the exit of the etiquette hall, her eyes scanning for any sign of the instructor's attention shifting in her direction.

Amused by the audacity of her act, Bhallaladeva had been silently observing the scene from afar. His lips curled into a faint, smirking grin as he watched Y/N's escape.

Y/N's nimble footsteps and the quiet creak of the door echoed through the hall as she made her daring exit. She thought she had succeeded in evading the instructor's watchful eye, but little did she know that she had an audience of one.

Bhalla's amusement grew as he continued to watch her, his eyes following her every move. It wasn't the first time he had witnessed Y/N's rebellious spirit, and he couldn't help but find it intriguing.

As Y/N slipped away from the etiquette hall, Bhalla decided to let her off the hook this time. After all, her daring antics had provided a welcome break from the monotony of royal life, and despite how much he denied it, he secretly enjoyed the way she kept the palace far from dull.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Y/N found solace near an isolated pond within the palace grounds, the serene waters offering a moment of calm amidst her frustrations. She had managed to escape the relentless etiquette lessons that had been testing her patience, but her mood had yet to lift.

As she sat by the tranquil pond, the ripples in the water seemed to mirror the turmoil in her thoughts. However, her moment of solitude was soon interrupted by the arrival of Bhallaladeva, who had tracked her down.

Bhalla, with a playful grin on his face, questioned her presence by the pond, clearly aware that she had skipped class. His tone was teasing as he asked,

"What are you doing here instead of gracing your presence in the hallowed halls of education?"

Y/N, still harboring her earlier annoyance, responded with a defiant tone, "I'm doing what I want, so mind your own business."

Bhalla grinned at her feistiness and then added in a mockingly stern manner, "Ah, but remember, I am the prince, and I could have your monkey tail cut off for such insolence."

His words were laced with humor, but Y/N wasn't in the mood for jests. She shot him an irritated glance and turned her gaze back to the rippling water.

Undeterred by her annoyance, Bhalla took a seat beside her, his eyes still dancing with amusement. He inquired more sincerely this time, "Alright, enough with the monkey business. What's bothering you?"

Y/N hesitated for a moment, weighing her options. She had grown accustomed to their banter, but something about Bhalla's tone and genuine curiosity made her reconsider.

"Why do you care?" Y/N responded, her voice a mixture of frustration and resignation. Y/n shot him a dark glare, “Besides, if you’re just here to poke fun at me, I’m not in the mood, Your Royal Snarkiness.”

Bhalla's playful facade faded as he sighed, his expression softening. "I may have my moments of jest, but I genuinely want to know what's troubling you. So, please, tell me."

Y/N glanced down at the rippling pond, her reflection distorted by the moving water. Finally, she decided to open up about her struggles.

"It's those blasted etiquette lessons," she began, her voice laced with frustration. "I'm terrible at all that formality and grace stuff. I’m the oldest in the class by roughly ten or more years, and all the others are better at it than me!

A five year old! A five-year old passed the test and I didn’t! And we had the same thing! The instructor seems to have it out for me, and it just keeps getting worse every day. I can't figure out why."

Bhalla listened attentively, his eyes fixed on Y/N as she spoke. The mischievous prince had given way to a more thoughtful and empathetic Bhallaladeva, which was as rare as could be. He could sense her genuine frustration, and it tugged at something inside him. Something he’d never felt before.

After a moment of silence, Bhalla offered a sympathetic smile. "Formality and grace may not be everyone's forte, you know. And sometimes, instructors can be a bit... rigid in their methods. But you shouldn't let that bother you so much."

Y/N glanced at him, surprised by his understanding. "You think so?"

Bhalla nodded. "Absolutely. Being true to yourself is just as important, if not more so, than adhering to the rigid standards of etiquette. Besides, I've always admired your... uniqueness."

Y/N couldn't help but smirk at his use of the word ‘uniqueness.’ "Well, thanks for the pep talk, Prince Bhalla.” Bhalla gulped, a small tint of red starting to appear beneath his dark beard.

"Anytime, Monkey. And if that instructor gives you any more trouble, you know where to find me."

Their conversation took an unexpected turn, leaving Y/N feeling a bit lighter and Bhalla reflecting on the complexities of the spirited woman beside him.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Amidst the backdrop of courtly etiquette and formalities, Y/N continued her relentless pursuit of grace and decorum, much to her own chagrin. Bhallaladeva, the prince with a reputation for his snarky and ruthless demeanor, took an unexpected interest in her progress.

One day, as Y/N struggled to execute a particularly challenging maneuver for her homework out of class, Bhalla couldn't resist offering his snarky insight. "Oh, look at that, Monkey," he quipped, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You're almost as graceful as an elephant on roller skates."

Y/N shot him an exasperated look. "Well, you try doing this with a straight face."

Bhalla leaned closer to her, his tone still dripping with sarcasm. "I'm afraid I wouldn't want to outshine you, Monkey."

Y/N's brow furrowed in annoyance, but she couldn't deny that there was a glimmer of helpfulness within Bhalla's snark. "And what, may I ask, is your great suggestion?"

With a sly smile, Bhalla responded, "Simple, really. Just imagine you're gliding through a field of thorns while balancing a glass of water on your head."

Y/N rolled her eyes. "Oh, thanks for that enlightening advice, Your Snarkiness. I'll be sure to use it next time I'm in a field of thorns."

Bhalla grinned, his amusement apparent. "You see, Monkey, you have to learn to find elegance in the absurd. That's where true grace lies."

Y/N let out an exasperated sigh, not realizing that Bhalla's seemingly snarky comments actually held kernels of useful wisdom. She continued to exchange snarky remarks with him, unaware that their interactions were slowly transforming into a unique connection.

As Bhalla watched her storm away from their conversation, he couldn't help but feel a growing fascination with the spirited woman who refused to conform to convention. He had found a worthy challenge in Y/N, one that intrigued him more than he cared to admit.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Y/N's thoughts swirled with Bhalla's unexpected advice as she strolled through the palace corridors, her mind racing to decipher the hidden wisdom in his snarky remarks. Lost in her contemplation, she was taken aback when she collided with a sturdy presence. Before she could stumble, strong arms reached out to catch her.

Bahu's warm smile greeted her. "Y/N, why’s your head in the clouds today?" he teased, a twinkle in his eyes.

She let out a small laugh, her cheeks tinged with a hint of embarrassment. "I guess I've been preoccupied with these etiquette lessons, or rather, my apparent lack of grace during them."

Bahubali's empathetic nature immediately sensed her distress. "Ah, the infamous etiquette lessons. Don't worry, you're not alone in your struggles."

Y/N couldn't help but smile at his reassuring words. "It's just that I feel like I'm fumbling through a maze of unfamiliar rules and expectations. His Royal Snarkiness- I mean- Prince Bhallaladeva tried to help, in his own snarky way."

Bahu chuckled. "Ah, Bhalla and his snark. But don't be too quick to dismiss his advice. Sometimes, he has a peculiar way of shedding light on things."

She nodded, reflecting on Bhalla's words. "He did mention something about finding elegance in the absurd."

Amarendra Bahubali nodded thoughtfully. "That's Bhalla for you, mixing wisdom with sarcasm. But he might have a point. Sometimes, breaking away from convention can lead to true grace."

Y/N's curiosity was piqued. "Do you think you could show me, Your Highness? Help me understand these customs better?"

With a warm smile, Bahubali extended his arm. "Of course, Y/N. But first, let’s drop the formalities, I think we’ve been acquainted long enough to be on first name basis.” Y/n gaped at the prince, before quickly gulping and forming a small smile on her face. “Let's take a walk and discuss this further."

“Of course… Bahubali.”

As they walked through the palace's grand corridors, Bahubali shared insights into the kingdom's customs and the intricate world of courtly etiquette. He explained the significance of each gesture, each formality, and how they were rooted in the history and culture of Mahishmati.

Y/N listened intently, her initial anxiety giving way to a growing sense of appreciation for the traditions of this ancient kingdom. Bahubali's patient guidance made her feel at ease, and she began to see the beauty in the customs she had previously found intimidating.

Their conversation meandered from the complexities of courtly behavior to more personal matters. Y/N learned about Bahubali's childhood, his dreams for Mahishmati, and his fascination with the world beyond the palace walls. In return, she shared stories of her own world, the adventures she had imagined, and her desire to explore new horizons.

As they continued their leisurely stroll, Y/N felt a sense of gratitude for Bahubali's kindness and guidance. She realized that amidst the grandeur and formality of the palace, she had found a genuine friend in the prince, someone who not only offered her wisdom but also a sense of belonging in this unfamiliar world.

Bhalla's cryptic guidance did not go unnoticed by Y/N, but it was Bahubali who watched her lessons with genuine curiosity. Unlike Bhallaladeva, he didn't hide his amusement when she stumbled through the intricacies of courtly behavior. Instead, Bahubali often found himself chuckling at her endearing mishaps.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

One afternoon, as Y/N attempted to execute a particularly intricate curtsy, she tripped over the hem of her sari, nearly toppling over. Bahubali, who had been observing quietly, couldn't contain his laughter any longer. He burst into a hearty chuckle, drawing the attention of the instructor and fellow students.

Y/N, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, couldn't help but laugh at herself. "I suppose that's not how a lady should curtsy, is it?"

Bahubali grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, it's not the most traditional curtsy, but it's certainly one of the most memorable I've seen."

Their shared laughter echoed through the etiquette hall, breaking the tension and earning them amused glances from their classmates.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

As Y/N continued to navigate the intricacies of courtly behavior, Bahubali's curiosity evolved into a deep admiration for her resilience. He marveled at her determination to master these customs, despite her initial awkwardness. Bahubali recognized that Y/N's journey in Mahishmati was far from ordinary and that her uniqueness was a breath of fresh air in the palace.

One day, after her class had ended, Bahubali approached Y/N with a warm smile. "Y/N, you have a remarkable way of finding humor in your own missteps. It's refreshing to see someone approach our customs with such an open heart."

Y/N returned his smile, grateful for his encouragement. "Thank you, Bahubali. I've come to realize that every mishap is a lesson in itself, and laughter can make even the most challenging moments bearable."

Bahubali nodded in agreement. "Indeed, laughter is a universal language that bridges cultures and brings people together."

Their moments of laughter and shared understanding created a unique bond between them, transcending the formalities of courtly life. As Y/N continued her journey to navigate the complexities of Mahishmati, she found solace in the genuine friendship she had forged with the prince, someone who appreciated her quirks and celebrated her resilience.

Y/N couldn't contain her happiness upon receiving Bahubali's advice. Without thinking, she threw her arms around him in a spontaneous hug. It was a genuine, unrestrained display of gratitude.

Bahubali chuckled warmly at her enthusiastic reaction. "You're very welcome, Y/N."

Realizing her lapse in formality, Y/N quickly composed herself and executed a playful but exaggerated formal bow. "Thank you, Bahubali, for your valuable guidance."

Bahubali's laughter rumbled through the corridor. "No need for such formalities, Y/N. Just Bahu is more than enough."

With a bright smile, Y/N nodded. "Of course, Bahu. Thank you again." She then bid him a hasty goodbye. "I'll put your tips into practice right away."

As she turned and hurried away, Bahubali watched her with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. Y/N was a whirlwind of emotions and spontaneity, a breath of fresh air in the structured world of the palace. Her genuine enthusiasm left him both mystified and pleasantly surprised, and it brought a warm smile to his face as he continued on his way.

Y/n's newfound determination was evident as she arrived early for her etiquette lessons the next day. Her early arrival took the teacher by surprise, who had likely anticipated a less enthusiastic Y/n.

As the lesson progressed, the teacher, still slightly skeptical of Y/n's progress, decided to give her a final test, partly as a form of punishment for her previous escapade. She wanted to gauge just how much Y/n had improved, if at all.

Little did she know, she had two unexpected observers eagerly awaiting the outcome.

Bhallaladeva, despite his usual stoicism, couldn't help but feel a wave of nervousness wash over him as he anticipated Y/n's performance. His snarky demeanor had been replaced by genuine concern for her. He decided to sneak into the hall, hoping to catch a glimpse of her and put his mind at ease.

On the other side of the hall, Bahubali also felt a sense of curiosity and concern for Y/n. He had provided her with some advice, and he was eager to see if she had taken it to heart. Bahubali, too, decided to quietly slip into the hall to observe her progress.

However, fate had a twist in store for both brothers. Unbeknownst to each other, Bhalla and Bahu ended up bumping into each other in the shadows. The unpleasant surprise of seeing each other in this unexpected place was evident on their faces. They exchanged silent glances and decided to go their separate ways, each finding their discreet spot to watch Y/n's test unfold.

Y/n, oblivious to the presence of her secret observers, took the test with determination and focus. Her every move was executed flawlessly, and she demonstrated a level of grace and poise that had previously eluded her. The teacher, who had been skeptical of Y/n's abilities, was now visibly impressed by her transformation.

Y/n, drawing from the snarky but helpful remarks of both Bhallaladeva and Bahubali, tackled the test with newfound confidence. The tips and tricks she had gathered from the brothers played a crucial role in her success. She executed the lessons with grace and poise, her movements fluid and her posture perfect. Even the teacher, who had previously been critical, couldn't help but be impressed by Y/n's remarkable transformation.

When the teacher informed her that she had passed and was no longer required to attend classes, Y/n couldn't contain her excitement. In a moment of unbridled joy, she fist-bumped the air, her elation evident for all to see.

Both Bhallaladeva and Amarendra Bahubali watched Y/n's jubilant celebration from their hidden positions, their expressions shifting from surprise to pride. Despite their initial differences and the unspoken tension between them, they had both played a role in Y/n's journey, and they shared in her success.

Little did Y/n know that her triumph had not only earned her freedom from etiquette classes but had also deepened the interest and connection of the two princes who had secretly watched her with a mixture of concern and admiration.

Bahubali couldn't hold back his excitement any longer. As soon as Y/n had completed her final test with flying colors and celebrated her success, he couldn't resist the urge to congratulate her. With a warm smile on his face, he quickly exited from his hiding spot and approached Y/n.

"Congratulations, Y/n! That was an amazing performance," Bahubali said, his eyes filled with pride. "I always knew you had it in you."

Y/n's cheeks flushed slightly at Bahubali's kind words. His encouragement meant a lot to her, and she replied with gratitude, "Thank you so much, Bahubali. Your advice really helped me."

Before Bhallaladeva could make his way over to Y/n to offer his congratulations, Bahubali had taken the initiative. Bhalla watched from a distance, mildly annoyed that his brother had beaten him to it. He decided to wait and congratulate Y/n later when she wasn't surrounded by well-wishers.

But Bahubali's presence brought a genuine smile to Y/n's face, and she appreciated his support. However, she knew there was someone else she needed to thank. She turned to Bahubali and said, "Bahu, there's someone else I need to express my gratitude to. His Snarkiness also helped me during my lessons, and without his advice, I wouldn't have made it."

With that, Y/n excused herself and left the hall in search of Bhallaladeva. She ran through the palace corridors, eager to find him and offer her thanks for his assistance during her etiquette lessons.

Y/n's excitement was palpable as she raced through the palace in search of Bhallaladeva. She finally spotted him nearby and sprinted up to him, her eyes gleaming with exhilaration.

"Bhalla!" she exclaimed, coming to a stop in front of him, completely forgetting all formalities in the excitement and calling him by his name. "Guess what? I passed my test!"

Bhallaladeva's face lit up with feigned surprise. "You did? Well, that's quite an accomplishment," he said, his tone dripping with mock admiration.

Y/n couldn't contain her enthusiasm, and she raised her hand high, ready to high-five Bhalla. However, she quickly realized that the concept of a high-five might not be familiar to him. Bhalla looked at her outstretched hand with uncertainty, unsure of what to do.

With a cheerful laugh, Y/n said, "Oh, sorry, I forgot that high-fives are a modern thing. We do this." She gently slapped her own hand with a demonstration of a high-five.

Understanding dawned on Bhallaladeva, and he eagerly followed her lead, giving her a high-five. "Ah, I see. Well done, Y/n," he said with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

Y/n couldn't help but share a piece of her world with Bhalla. "Where I come from," she explained, "people high-five each other when there's good news or just when they're happy. It's a fun way to celebrate."

Bhalla, ever the snarky prince, couldn't resist making a teasing comment. "Wow, I'm surprised you managed to complete it," he quipped, "I didn't know monkeys were so good with etiquette, monkey."

Y/n's initial excitement waned as she scowled at Bhalla's comment. She wasn't one to back down, though, and she quickly responded with her own snarky remark. "Well, Your Royal Snarkiness, I may be a monkey, but at least I'm a monkey who can pass an etiquette test. Can you say the same?"

The two of them began walking together, their banter back and forth like a playful game of verbal tennis. Snarky comments and witty retorts filled the air as they continued to exchange playful jabs. It was a dynamic that had become a hallmark of their growing friendship, a unique connection forged through teasing and laughter.

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