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loveylangdon · 4 years

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If You Don’t I Will

Word count: 3.3k

JJ Maybank x Reader : showing jj subtle ways of how you care for him and John B is tired of him not seeing it

A/N: I wrote another JJ thing bc im a simp and I love him and this was also another idea thats been floating around. Fluff is you squint but you dont need to squint hard, next will def be angst bc I live for it Xx

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*not my gif full credit to owner*

“Hey” you let out as you carry 2 bags of groceries into the cheateu seeing the boys lounging on the couch gathered around John B’s phone you hear a chorus of “hey’s” as you move towards the kitchen. John B looks up and hands his phone to JJ making his way out the front door sending you a wink. Rolling your eyes you follow John B outside to your car.

“You didn’t have to,” John B says smiling at you grabbing a grocery bag from your trunk shooting you a look

“I have no idea what you’re talking about” you smile innocently to him and make your way over to grab the last grocery bag. You reach past John B until you feel his arm wrap over your shoulder, putting his grocery bag down he wraps his other arm around your shoulder engulfing you in a full hug laying his cheek at the top of your head. You wrap your arms around his torso and give him a squeeze

“Thank you really” he lets out into your hair. You just give him a hug, you haven’t known them for long but John B automatically became like your brother and JJ was definitely your confidant. When you heard about Big John and Uncle T leaving John B by himself, your heart broke. John B had to support himself and apparently JJ was a constant resident in the chateau and it got harder to support themselves even if they both pitched in. When you found out always being smart with your money you set some aside to help supply the chateau so the boys wouldn’t starve.

JJ broke down one night during a late night smoke sesh you two had to get away from everything. He ended up telling you about his dad and mom in its entirety. After that you guys were kind of inseparable.You told him about why you had to move to OBX and he told you where his bruises and split knuckles came from. You never would’ve guessed one of the most caring people you knew would have to go through that. After that you subtly did more little things that hopefully made it easier on him.

When you joined the Pogues you fell for his blue eyes and wild personality instantly his careless but protective nature made you fall hard but there was the rule. No Pogue on Pogue macking. Still fairly new to obx barely being here for a year you didn’t know how real the rule was. Being extra nice to JJ consisted of bringing extra of his favorite beer or asking him to buy you joints even though you didn’t smoke often, you would let him keep them, noticing his favorite snacks and bringing them on boat trips. Kie gladly gave up the title of caretaker and let you take over the snacks and picnics for day trips. After JJ told you his secret he made it clear that he didn’t take pity or handouts, you didn’t pity JJ you loved him and just wanted to make sure he knew it.

So you helped JJ whenever you could making it seem like you were doing it by pure coincidence, knowing that he lived with John B you helped out the house, in general, to make it less obvious. Claiming you all spent so much time there any way it wasn’t fair to not help stock the necessities.

Breaking away from your thoughts “I’m here for you guys always” you squeeze John B once more after you feel him loosening his grip “Let’s go I got ice cream” as John B fist bumps you snort “Oh I also got a better first aid kit” handing John B the second bag you move to the passenger side of the car. Hearing John B go back into the house you grab the first aid kit and hear footsteps as you open the back seat door to grab blankets.

“What are the blankets for,” JJ asks questionably moving over to you to help grab some and you see him eye the first aid kit before you tuck it into a blanket

“For movie night. You can’t have a horror movie night without tons of blankets JJ it’s like against the rules” You quickly come up with the excuse. In all honesty it was starting to get colder and knowing the Chateau has minimal heating capacity you were going to accidentally leave them in the house and let the boys use them. The last time you were here late you asked JJ to borrow a sweater or a blanket and he gave you the one he was wearing and soon realized it was probably the only one you’ve seen him wear ever. Noticing Kie always brought her own blanket you assumed they were more supplied for the warmer days. John B was a big boy he would ask for help when he needed it JJ, on the other hand, was stubborn as hell and would rather freeze then ask for anything to help.

“Okay” JJ says questionably not believing you entirely but not questioning it further “Are you staying tonight?” He asks you can see a glimmer of hope in his ocean eyes as he leans against the car door

“Yeah I think so” you smile and nod at him closing the car up “Are you?”

“No I’m just asking you so you can share my bed with Kie” he deadpans and your cheeks flush

“Sorry” you squint up at him and you see him smile his “sharky smile” “Are Pope and Kie staying too?”

“I think so” he nods at you biting his lip and you know he wants to add something but doesn’t

“Can I share a bed with you?” You ask assuming that’s what he wanted to ask “if I have to share a room with both Pope and Kie I might jump off the end of the dock, plus I got those joints still and extra snacks” you chuckle out trying to bribe him like you even have to. You see relief and a cute smile grace his features and you know that’s what he was trying to ask without even asking

“Yeah you can crash with me, I like you the most anyways” he winks at you and nods towards the house “Have you eaten yet?” He asks you softly as you walk up the driveway “Pope and John B went to help Heyward earlier while I went to work and apparently they ate already” JJ trails off and you frown knowing there hasn’t been food at the chateau in a couple of days and John B has been incognito

“I can make us food,” you say and he perks up “I haven’t eaten yet” you continue which is a lie but he doesn’t need to know that “I bought stuff to make that shrimp thing you were talking about the other day” and you see his face light up as you walk into the house you smile at him and you can see pink dust his cheeks at the fact you remembered that small detail. He puts the blankets down taking the ones in your hands as well and wraps you in a hug carrying you to the kitchen leaving you in a fit of laughter. You see Pope peek his head out over the freezer with raised eyebrows

“What are you doing,” he asks confused as to why you’re wrapped in JJs arms

“Get out Pope y/n is making our food” he throws a look at Pope as he sets you down making Pope return a hurt one

“You guys suck” he huffs out going back into the living room

JJ sits on the counter as you start to pull out ingredients to make his food, John B put the groceries away thankfully and you hum to a random tune

“Thank you” JJ lets out in almost a whisper and you look up at him and see he’s playing with the rings on his fingers a nervous habit he has while looking at his lap not making eye contact

“For what” you feign innocence even though his small thank you made your heart flutter knowing your efforts and little signs of affection didn’t go unnoticed by the blonde boy. Moving to the stove to heat it up JJ finally looks at you and he shrugs his shoulders softly before twiddling his thumbs in his lap

“For taking the time to care about me” he shrugs again like he’s not worth the effort, you go to say something and he cuts you off looking at you with his ocean eyes making you forget how to breathe for a second, sincerity is swimming through them and you can’t help the butterflies in your stomach “I know you had dinner with Kie already. She told me you guys were gonna eat at The Wreck during her break if I wanted to pass by before you went to run errands which I’m assuming was getting food for here” your face flushes at being caught lying about dinner “I also saw the first aid kit you bought, and Its a nice one. I almost stole one just like it from the pharmacy a while back and I know John B doesn’t need one that good” he goes back to looking at his thumbs “And I know the blankets aren’t just for the movie night” He shoots you a knowing look causing you to blush and smile at him, taking a moment in the comforting silence you assume the boys are outside messing around

Humming you smile giddily not confirming or denying “Okay I’m gonna make you food now go away” you joke shooing him out of the kitchen

He gasps in shock “You wound me” he clutches his chest with both his hands and falls back against the cabinets “Treating me how I treat Pope now that’s cold” He gets off of the counter still clutching his chest moving closer towards you

“Leave” you squeal at him as he traps you in between his arms and the sink, he leans in and you think he’s going to finally kiss you, heart beating so fast you think he could hear it if he got any closer. His eyes flicker to your lips and back to your eyes as he licks his lips your breath hitches in your throat, he leans down to place a kiss on your cheek leaving the kitchen and going outside. Watching him retreat you finally let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding in. “Jesus Christ” you huff and go back to making his food with a big smile on your face

____

“Holy shit” JJ practically moans at the smell coming in from the kitchen “I can’t even think of the last home cooked meal I’ve had what about you John B” You hear JJ ask as him as they walk back into the Chateau,

“Uh I think-” John B starts but is cut off by JJ

“That was rhetorical bro shut up” you hear them walk into the living room and see them come into the kitchen “we know you have a secret kook family chill” JJ lets out referring to the fact that John B disappears some nights and during the day and no one knows why. Causing a laugh to come from you and a scoff from John B

“That smells delicious y/n” John B lets out which earns a mean look from JJ

“You can’t have any” JJ says defensively “she made it for me and her you guys are all traitors eating without us” JJ winks at you “what happened to Pogues together for life” JJ adds pointing a finger at John B as you try to stifle a laugh grabbing plates

John B looks at JJ with the most unamused look you’ve ever seen which causes a burst of laughter from you. Catching John B’s attention he gives you a look as if asking if JJ is serious, you shrug your shoulders as John B scoffs “I welcome you into my home JJ and this is how you repay me” He tsks opening a beer for you and placing it on the counter by your plates, he gives you a side hug and places a kiss on your forehead before retreating outside to help Pope and Kie with a projector she found in her garage. As he walks through the living room you hear “Eat your food dumbass, and if you don’t marry her I will” John B shouts out and you immediately turn to look at John B who has his beer raised in the air “Salud” and he walks out of the Cheateu.

Turning to JJ his face is beat red and you let out a small laugh as JJ groans mumbling something about murdering John B “Here eat tough guy I’m gonna grab blankets for outside” you say as you place a plate in front of JJ. You’re about to walk into John B’s room when you feel JJ grab your hand

“Stay please” he lets out a smile while tugging on your wrist gently patting the spot next to him, you can tell he wants to say something again but you can’t tell what its gonna be because he’s looking down at his plate of food. Your foot starts tapping the floor a nervous tick you have when you can’t tell how something is gonna play out. His head snaps to your knee placing his hand there gently to stop it and he looks up at you “Don’t do that, not around me” he lets out looking at you

“wha-”

“You do that when your nervous or unsure of a situation” he squeezes your knee in a comforting motion giving you a small smile at your confused expression, “You think you’re the only one who notices things around here” he shoots you a look and his eyes go wide trying to cover up his confession with a chuckle

“Do you JJ Maybank have feelings for little old me” you shoot him an amused look with a gasp. He opens his mouth to say something but nothing comes out and he looks at you sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck while pink tints his cheeks

“Hey, Lovebirds we got the movie set up come on” you hear John B yell from outside. You move to get up and JJ stops you looking up at you with a look of concentration before he exhales

“I like you y/n a lot actually and it’s scaring me. I’m not gonna lie to you. I’m not used to this or feeling wanted, hell even wanting to be around one person constantly is new for me. You are this incredible person who came out of fucking nowhere and the first thing you did was make sure everyone is taken care of. I didn’t even notice what you would do for me at first because I was so angry at everything. John B pointed it out to me when we found more of my favorite snacks in the cupboard than his” he let out a chuckle and you did too “He told me to stop being stupid and I realized then all the small things you would do for me like when I wouldn’t eat with you guys you brought food, or extra snacks on boat trips when you knew I was going home after, you and Kie would go shopping and you literally got me a hoodie because you told me it reminded you of me. No one has cared about me in the way you have and I’m so sorry for not realizing it sooner” you squeeze his hand gently reassuring him noticing his voice waiver “you’re so strong and stubborn but god if it didn’t make me fall for you harder, and I wasn’t gonna say anything because there is no way in hell that I’m good enough for you, I mean seriously I don’t know what you see-” cutting him off you place a kiss to his lips to shut him up, he places his hand on the side of your neck holding your jaw melting into the kiss. This is what heaven feels like you think. This blonde haired blue eyed prince. JJ breaks apart and rests his forehead against yours smiling like an idiot

“I like you a lot actually too, if you couldn’t tell” you whisper out causing him to let out a laugh placing a chaste kiss to your lips, pulling you into his lap, your back to his chest as he nuzzles into the crook of your neck before you move to face him “Oh” you let out and he looks confused, you shoot him a look and he smirks. Hitting his chest playfully “get your head out of the gutter”

“I know exactly where I would like my head to be” he smirks placing a kiss to your pulse. Rolling your eyes at him you start off “If I hear you talk bad about yourself I will fight you Maybank do you hear me” you look at him knowingly and he raised his eyebrows as if telling you to proceed “That is a fight you will lose every time. I can promise you,” you look at him softly “you deserve the world and all the love that comes with it, you care so much about your friends you’re willing to do anything to protect them literally anything” emphasizing the literally he lets out a chuckle “You are so kind, generous always giving even when you don’t have much yourself that’s what I love about you. There is more good than what you define yourself as and if you have doubts I will be more than glad to fight them with you” you let out rubbing your thumb on his cheek which he nuzzles into until he crashes his lips into yours again.

“I thought you were eating, you haven’t even started are you kidding? YOU GUYS ARE MACKING we’ve been waiting for like 10 minutes” John B lets out from the doorway of the house raising his arms in a what the fuck motion, causing you both to laugh “J I’m proud of you for finally telling her, but Jesus come on guys the foods all cold, we don’t even have snacks because you’re distracting y/n, we’re dying out here” he fake whines

“Sorry John B” you let out a smile knowing you usually prepare the snacks for movie nights but got distracted

“My girlfriend is not your Slave John B get your own snacks” JJ jokes holding onto you tighter

“Says the guy she made dinner for but hasn’t even touched it yet!” John B says dramatically “honestly the disrespect happening in this house, everything is all out of wack,” John B says going to the fridge and grabbing a case of beer and candy making his way back outside before he turns around heading back to you and JJ “Actually,” he says out loud before taking JJ’s plate with food taking a bite and moaning at the taste John B continues “I’m serious y/n if he doesn’t marry you I will” he gets out with a mouth full of food, moving slightly to avoid JJ arms that are trying to swat him for taking his food. John B walks out of the house leaving you two alone again

“I’ll get you another plate, grab the blankets?” you ask chuckling as you move to get JJ another plate of food but he stops you.

Taking his pinky ring off his finger he places it on your fingers trying to find the best fit, finally, it fits on your middle finger, a little loose but not by much, he chuckles “maybe I’ll get you a chain for it” he states chuckling he kisses your knuckles when he’s done “Not an engagement ring but a temporary promise ring until we get you a real one so John B can stop trying to steal you from me.”

“I think its perfect” He smiles bright placing a kiss on your lips and you know that this is exactly where you’re supposed to be

________

A/N: so I wrote another jj thing bc who is not a whore for jj especially soft jj. Roughly edited but not really, this has been floating in my head for a while so feedback and commentary is again always welcome my inbox is always open I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did Xx

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deniigi · 3 years

Note

To carry on the MCU Peter anon: would you ever write a multiverse / blend where your Peter meets a more MCU Peter (actual MCU Peter not the fanon created one)? And/or initimable Peter meeting another version you’ve created?

Also, would you ever write a MJ (my beloved) POV fic?

Hey boo

So Question 1: I did a little piece with a MCU/Inimitable crossover here

It’s not quite the same, since it’s from the pov of MCU Peter.

The idea of young Inimitable Peter meeting someone who he could have so easily been if he’d not gotten involved with Team Red and had instead stuck closer to Stark would be an interesting thought, I must say. Not so interesting that I’d write it, but I’d def have half a drink and then a muse on the idea and how it would unfold.

For MJ, I have written some stuff from her POV! ( See just roll with it from the Dumpster Fires Verse)

I also wrote a terrifying piece a long ass time about about some non-NYC vigilantes trying to step in and overthrow the vigilante/Superpeople order of things by trying to goad Peter, Matt, Wade, etc into a fight. MJ narrates it and it’s sort of dark so I’m putting it under the cut here.

trigger warnings for violence (like Netflix DD and Punisher levels), violence against minors at school, and some pretty heavy injuries.

-------

“Michelle?” a voice she’d never heard in her life rasped into the classroom door. The smell of iron and smoke and god, blood—that was blood she was smelling—it was all suffocating.

“Michelle, honey, c’mon, sweetheart. We ain’t got time for being scared right now,” the voice said.

She’d never thought that she’d have to consider the fact that those were boots coming towards her, not sneakers, not shoes.

The butt of a rifle swung down into her view. Joined the boots right in front of her. Bones popped as the Punisher knelt down.

She knew him by the skull on his vest.

She knew him as a monster. Not a hero.

He held out a hand to her.

“I got you, baby girl,” he promised, “Ain’t no one gonna touch you.”

His hands were smeared in some kind of grease. Gun oil? Soot? It didn’t matter. He stayed crouching low. He didn’t wear a mask.

His nose was kind of crooked. And his eyes were deep set.

They were brown.

He said nothing, just held out his big, greasy hand.

She took it.

The Punisher’s grip was calloused and firm and he kept her behind him at all times. He was even bigger than she’d ever imagined; bigger than Mr. Murdock. Bigger than her dad. Maybe the around the same size and build as Wade.

He didn’t explain things; he used his hands to talk.

Stay behind me, said the press of his rough palm. Don’t let go, stay behind me.

Out front, the fingers said later, now curled over the tops of her own. Walk, walk fast. Out front.

Stay behind.

Out font.

Down.

He made her kneel with him and peeled off his vest. He didn’t give her a choice.

It was heavy. So heavy. He strapped it onto her as tight as it would go.

“Home stretch, darlin’,” he finally said with words, the noise of bullets and panic around them seemed quieter with him talking. She found that she didn’t want to leave him. “You go when I say, alright? You go when I say and you don’t look back, alright?”

No.

No, he would die if she left. He needed to wear the vest.

“Look at me, Michelle.” She did, through the tears. “You don’t look back.”

She nodded.

He said go.

She didn’t look back.

Not until Mr. Murdock was pulling her away, shouting at the top of his voice for an ambulance. She’d never heard that gravel in his tone before.

“Michelle, look at me,” Mr. Murdock told her, grabbing her cheeks and pulling her gaze away from the classroom where the Punisher was dying.

“Look at me, honey, look.”

There wasn’t much to look at, she couldn’t see his eyes through his mask.

“Are you hurt? Where are you hurt? Show me where you’re hurt.”

It didn’t matter, she couldn’t feel it anymore. The Punisher was dying in there, he needed his vest.

“Frank’s fine,” Mr. Murdock told her. He pulled her head back to face him, but he wasn’t looking at her at all. It was like he was looking down at the space between them. One of her hands felt warm on top, cold at the fingers. It didn’t want to cooperate as she pulled at the vest. “He’s fine, he’s gonna be fine. Fuck. Fuck. Put your arms around my neck, honey, c’mon. There you go, good girl. Alright, up you go. No, one more time. There you go, I got you. It’s okay, I got you.”

Mr. Murdock was stronger than he looked and he didn’t seem to mind that the vest was digging into his chest. His voice didn’t seem as loud, even though her head was right next to his throat.

She couldn’t tell if he was talking to her anymore.

She woke up.

There was white and blue and gray everywhere.

Her mom was burgundy. Her sweater was. Then she was tears, tears pouring out of her eyes, down over her lips. Her eyes weren’t burgundy, they were neon. Neon pink.

Her mom held her hand while the doctors explained to her that she’d have a lot of scarring, but she would be okay. She’d need some physical therapy to make the wrist do what it was supposed to again, but the bullet hadn’t caused irreparable damage.

The same for the wound in her ankle.

She’d be okay.

So why did she want to cry so bad?

She remembered why.

Peter was okay. He was in the room one over, attached to a lot of machines, but he was okay. His face wasn’t as clean as hers, the doctors and nurses hadn’t had the same kind of time to wash him down, they’d been busy trying to save his life.

His aunt had stepped out to go get things to wash his face for him. She was still wearing her scrubs. She worked in the ICU upstairs.

Ned was okay, he had a row of stitches from the bump in his wrist to his elbow. He told her tiredly that once he turned eighteen, he’d get a tattoo to cover the mark. Maybe laces, like sneaker, he told her.

Maybe stitches again, to remind himself what he’d almost lost.

Flash was okay. Abe was okay. Melanie and Gabriella were okay.

They were all okay.

Including the Punisher.

He came to see her in the hospital, he’d swiped a staff ID to do it. She thought that that was maybe overkill, but this was the man who’d offered his life for hers.

He was startled and went wide-eyed and stiff when she threw her arms around his broad chest and started crying. But he loosened up and told her that she shouldn’t be putting weight on her ankle. He let her hug him sitting on the bed instead.

He didn’t say things were okay like the others did. He grabbed her chin and shook it a little and said, “You’re fucking brave, girl. You’re so fucking brave.”

She didn’t believe him.

She’d just gone and hadn’t looked back.

“Sweetheart, there are times when you think, and times when you move. And both of them are different kinds of bravery,” he told her.

Different kinds of bravery.

“Do you mean courage?” she asked him.

He cocked his head. He had stitches of his own at the top of his cheekbone. Bruises from his temple to his chin.

“No, courage, that’s something else,” he said, “I’m talking about bravery.”

She didn’t understand. He said that he didn’t have a better way of explaining it. He smoothed her hair back and said that he was glad that she was alive and that she was going to get better.

He’d been the one who’d carried Peter out. He’d had to send her out first because he couldn’t carry both of them.

Mr. Murdock’s voice was raw and hoarse because he’d come running from the fire in the classroom next door and he’d been trying to find Peter. He was the only one who could hear Frank Castle through the fire and the bullets and the creak of the burning building. And Mr. Castle had told him that he couldn’t take both Peter and Michelle.

She remembered now.

Mr. Castle had been talking to himself the whole time they’d been running and hiding through that building. He’d been talking to himself, but he’d really been talking to Mr. Murdock who was trying to find a way in and a way out that wouldn’t get him killed.

There hadn’t been one, there were too many guns. The second she’d started running, Frank Castle had whistled, hard and loud and piercing and all the guns had turned on him.

She didn’t look back.

She thought that he hadn’t either.

“Thank you for saving us,” she told him.

He shook his head.

“Red’s your man, he called me screaming. Man never calls nobody in that tone of voice. You’d have thought y’all were his babies dying in there.”

Okay.

Okay, so was Mr. Murdock okay?

“Nah, girl. I don’t think he is. But I think he’ll get there.”

Mr. Murdock pretended like he was okay, but the way he wrapped his arms around both Michelle and Peter when they came to his office said that he was very much not. It wasn’t an awkward hug, even though there were two of them.

It was firm.

It was tight.

And Peter started crying and it was hard, really really hard not to join him.

Mr. Murdock let them go and pressed his forehead to Peter’s and said nothing. He just held Peter’s shoulder with one hand and smoothed a hand through his hair with the other. Peter wasn’t making words so much as he was making distressed sounds, but Matt understood him.

“He’s alright, Pete,” he said. “He’s alright.”

Who?

Wade was fine, somehow. There wasn’t a bullet hole in him. There wasn’t a scratch on him, he claimed, trying to smile and make Peter stop sobbing his heart out.

Matt told him that he wasn’t fucking helping and to just be fucking honest for once in his goddamn life.

Matt’s hands shook a little at his sides. His cuticles were still stained gray from the soot.

Wade looked from him to Peter a little helplessly and then at Michelle and he sobered. He held out an arm for her to come closer.

He was big, too. His ribs felt different from Mr. Castle’s.

“Where’s Ned?” he asked, pressing a hand on the back of Peter’s head to encourage him to direct his upset into his chest.

Ned was at home. Ned’s mom and dad were too upset to let him out of their sight for now.

“Yeah, I can see that,” Wade said. He didn’t hug her as tight as Matt had, he more laid a heavy arm across her shoulders and pulled a bit.

They weren’t allowed to go back to school. The whole campus was closed, there’d been significant damage to the south side and there were too many photos and crime scenes that needed to be documented.

Peter’s wounds were already mostly healed, while hers ached and burned with every movement.

He apologized for not getting to the room she’d been in faster.

That was some dumbass shit, that was.

“Who did it?” she asked him.

Peter set his jaw.

“We don’t know. Wade and Mr. Castle said they’re finding out. They aren’t letting me or Matt in on it.”

What did that mean?

“I think it means that it’s something bigger than us.”

And what did that mean?

“Uh, maybe bigger isn’t the right word. Lower.”

Lower. Like?

“Someone underground. Deeper in than me and Double D. We’re—we’re mostly surface level. Wade and Mr. Castle, they’re deep under there.”

“Were they trying to kill you, Peter?” she asked him.

He took a long shaky breath.

“I really hope not.”

---

They weren’t trying to kill Peter, Mr. Murdock eventually told them, having had them come to his home for this news. He had them sit on his faux leather couch as he said this.

He was trying to say something without words, Michelle thought.

She thought she was reading it right.

It was personal. This was personal.

“Were they trying to kill you, Matt?” she asked. He shook his head.

No.

They weren’t trying to kill anyone, they’d been trying to draw them out. As many of them as possible.

“They’re taking stock of us,” Matt said to his fists. His knuckles never seemed to heal. “Making lists. They knew a school would bring everyone out and we fell for it like fucking chumps.”

What did that mean?

“Means there’s something big brewing, and I want nothing to do with it.”

That’s not what his knuckles said.

“Peter,” Matt said, “Whoever they are, they’re going to target you. You’re young, that makes you an easy mark. Do not engage, do you understand?”

Peter understood.

---

Peter was hurt. He was hurt every day over the next few weeks. He had bullet wounds and knife wounds and it got to the point where, even after school reopened, he didn’t come back. It wasn’t suspicious, a lot of kids didn’t. Their parents were still terrified, maybe looking into other academies.

Peter was just sleeping. He had to sleep to heal and he had to heal because the second he set foot out the door there was someone there waiting for him and he couldn’t engage. He just had to take it. Suit or no suit.

MJ would have hit back by now, she was amazed that he hadn’t.

“The second I hit back, they’ll take that as permission,” Peter told her quietly at his desk in his room. May had bandaged his arm for him. She wasn’t concerned about school, she didn’t want Peter to even leave the house.

“Permission to do what?” she asked.

“To engage,” Peter said.

What did that mean, though?

“They’ll kill me.”

He couldn’t know that. He couldn’t—

“They don’t care who I am. It’ll be a message. As soon as I hit back, that makes whatever happens next fair game, so I can’t do anything.”

“Can’t Stark help you?” she asked. He sighed and looked at his bandaged wrist.

“If it gets any worse, he and May said I’ll stay with him for a while. But they’ll just move onto the next guy, and then the next guy, until someone engages. We can’t avoid them forever.”

‘We,’ Peter said. That meant that this was beyond him. This was everyone on that list those guys had shot her, stabbed Ned, scared everyone to make. The list that had set their school on fire.

---

It got worse.

Peter didn’t come to school.

He couldn’t breathe very well. He slept even more, but not at home. He slept at Stark Tower, where Tony Stark could guard him, because no one else could at the minute.

---

It got worse because they started picking on Matt.

Matt as Mr. Murdock most certainly would not have engaged, but Matt as Matt was struggling. He was very obviously struggling.

Just sit back and take it, was what he had to do. Unlike Peter, who slept and had somewhere to go when things got too bad, Matt didn’t heal and Matt didn’t have anyone to lean on.

He stopped showing up to work.

Neither Foggy or Karen said anything about it. They carried on with the cases and the work and the filing as if nothing was wrong, as if nothing happened. As if they weren’t both suffocating, trying to carry their friend’s pain with their own.

Michelle went to see him and Foggy told her to be as quiet as she could be.

He slept with a broken arm laid up on his chest. He shivered in his sleep. His knuckles weren’t bruised, but his neck was and he didn’t acknowledge anyone who spoke to him.

There was a woman there with him, she was his sister, MJ remembered her. Elektra was watching him with silent, stoic fury in her eyes. It showed nowhere else on her.

“She’s protecting him,” Foggy explained as he made them all tea. “Well, maybe not protecting, but guarding him so he feels like he can sleep.”

There wasn’t anything to say to that, not when Spiderman and Daredevil could only rest in unconsciousness.

“Why are they doing this?” she asked him. Foggy sighed and set the kettle down.

“Because they’re cruel and they’re jealous and they think that this will get them respect,” he said.

Respect.

Psh.

All it did was make her mad.

“If you show them that you’re angry, Michelle, that’s as good as engaging. We can’t let them know that they’re getting to any of us.”

This was bullshit.

---

Bullshit because Matt went to get groceries and didn’t come home and Wade had to go find him. They wouldn’t let Michelle see him, but she heard his sister screaming. She screamed at anyone who touched him, swore that she’d put the lights out of the next person who tried.

Foggy didn’t stop her.

Matt didn’t say anything.

He didn’t come to work and Foggy kept his office door closed.

Karen told Michelle that Elektra had taken Matt somewhere with her, where he would be safe. He wasn’t in Hell’s Kitchen. Elektra wouldn’t say where they’d gone, but she’d sent Foggy pictures so that he knew Matt was safe.

---

It was bullshit because they were too scared to fuck with Wade or Castle, so instead they attacked Hawkeye the younger and Michelle heard through Wade that Hawkguy had nearly exploded in his anger. He couldn’t do anything, of course he couldn’t, that was how this game worked.

But he’d swapped his easy-going persona for the one he used when he worked with the Black Widow.

Wade said it was eerie to see him so quiet and focused. Locked onto his target.

The people trying to pick a fight, well, they were scared of Hawkeye.

---

Not for long. They went in on both of Hawkeyes at the same time and soon Hawkeye the elder reached breaking point and called in the Widow so that he and his partner could get two minutes of peace. Just two.

---

It was interesting how the second the Widow got involved, everything went topsy turvy.

Michelle had passed by the place where Wade had told her the Widow was standing guard and saw nothing out of the ordinary.

Then she realized that whoever these guys were, they were really, really scared of the Widow.

Not so high and mighty now, huh, boys?

They abandoned the Hawkeyes and went after Jessica Jones.

---

It went on and on like this for two, three, maybe even four weeks. People took as much as they could. They picked themselves up. Some limped into the offices of Nelson, Murdock and Page. Some limped, watched carefully by people, in the street.

They were stopped at all hours by guys in plain clothes who struck out without warning. Threw fists. Feet. Spat on people. And instead of fighting back, local bodies threw them off and ran away. Avoided confrontation. Put walls and doors and fences between themselves and the others as much as they could.

It was, in a way, amazing.

The level of restraint was super human.

---

Then the new kids got cocky and shoved the Winter Soldier.

They were in for a lesson.

Michelle saw the conflict on the news. Five guys throwing themselves at Bucky Barnes, who was trying to buy a bottle of whiskey in peace.

He ignored them, counted out exact change.

He walked right through their group on the way out the door and they parted around him, then followed him out of the convenience store.

Camera phone footage showed him walking home, being heckled by these creeps. A few blocks, presumably, from his home he stopped walking and the gang of people drew in close around him.

And then they all leapt back.

The Winter Soldier wasn’t taking their shit, he’d apparently decided. Loud enough to be heard from the cameraman’s place across the street, he shouted, “Y’all have one more chance to get the fuck out of my way.”

Let no one say he didn’t warn them.

They went down hard and they went down fast and they all went down within a minute of each other.

Bucky Barnes held a guy by his throat and told them to call their motherfucking leader, he wanted to have a chat.

It was the beginning of the end.

---

Do not engage went right out the window and MJ woke up to her phone sending her six thousand alerts not to take such-and-such road or to approach such-and-such area.

The news showed her Peter slamming his fist into a man’s face like he was born to do it.

The Man in the Mask was out in broad daylight, stalking towards those people who were suddenly trying to escape him. He picked them up and dropped them without so much as breaking the rhythm of his pace.

Ironman beat the shit out of twelve people in the company courtyard.

Hawkeye had switched his bow for a rifle.

The general advice from all city personnel was to stay the fuck inside.

This was war.

---

And then it was over.

And everything was cleaned up and bodies were carted off if they were found.

Peter arrived to school.

Matt reappeared in his office.

They carried on like nothing had happened. But there was something about the aftermath of silence that made the day of brutality so much more violent.

Neither of them were smiling. They were cold, thawing slowly.

Michelle thought of all the things they weren’t saying.

She thought she heard their combined bodies whisper, this is my city. This is our city. Get with it or go the fuck home.

She didn’t know if it made her feel better, but it certainly made her feel safe.

--------

#fic #ficlet #dumpster fires verse #tw: violence

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dont-call-me-baby-posts · 2 years

Note

love the story!!! i just wish everyone would think of y/n a little more, i mean it seems anders and harry are closer then anders and y/n ever were, and it makes my heart hurt a little because she's been holding all these feels regarding finding anders basically dead and then all of the sudden he's besties with her ex and barely talks to her!! also with her mom telling her to remember that harry's had a rough couple months, but so has she!! it's maybe something i haven't really read into for the past few chapters, but it makes me feel like y/n has been more alone then ever, with anders, harry, logan, and her mom :'((((( LOVE THE STORY THOUGH THE UPDATE WAS WORTH THE WAIT <333333

NO BUT YOURE VALID FOR THIS LIKE THATS SPOT ON.

I think that’s just her personality is to put everyone else’s problem ahead of her own. She’s been through so much in the last few months like it’s actually insane to think about. What I will say is, Anders and yn are still close (not necessarily as close as him and Harry), I just haven’t included as much of their friendship for storyline purposes. We’re gonna get into that in the epilogue with yn and Anders because I feel a confrontation coming 👀

Also with the mom YES. Keep in mind while yn and Harry have been broken up the mom had been 100% on her side and has helped her through a lot of the stuff she’s been dealing with, and she means well when she’s talking about Harry. I know it still stings though for yn to always be told to take other peoples feelings into account when she’s still dealing with so much. And with Logan being preoccupied with Rachel and whatever… yikes it was all just poor timing I think. Def the loneliest yns ever been the last few months from like December to April for sureee.

I feel like her and Harry both still have a lot of anger and resentment and they’re trying to let it go but it’s still there. I don’t want to keep harping on it and bore you guys by bringing it up every chapter but there’s def some tension there that they’re ignoring. I might do a bonus chapter talking more about it because as much as we like to see them kiss and make up like it’s all fine and dandy you know there’s some stuff there!!

#blacking out and breaking hearts #bobh #TY FOR READING ILY #MORE SOON!!!

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darkmulti · 4 years

Text

Jealous pt.2

professor!Wooyoung x stepdad!San x female reader

Ugh, I just read the first part of jealous and omg🤮 the writing and storyline is horrid. So I’m def not gonna write a part 3 and will write another woosan smut. Also I’m not gonna write incest anymore, unless someone request it.

⚠️Warnings: incest, threesome, overstimulation, spanking, daddy kink, dirty talking, cum play, oral (fem and male receiving. I went wild on this one), spitting, marking, anal, double penetration, degradation, squirting

Last part was non con, but this is not. But again, no matter what, please read warnings and

READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Also wash your hands and stay inside. We don’t want no corona here❣️🥺

——————————————————————————

“Thanks for driving me home Wooyoung. Are you sure you don’t want to come inside?”

“Are you sure you don’t want to go to my place?”

“Smooth, but I’m afraid San will-”

“San? What about San?”

“He lives here. My mom and him are married.”

“Wait, you both weren’t joking?”

Wooyoung's jaw dropped and he furrowed his eyebrows.

“San is actually your step dad?!”

Wooyoung freaks out and squirms around in his seat.

“Uh, yeah. Why do you think I didn’t want to have sex with him?”

“Y/N I’m so sorry, I honestly didn’t know that. I swear to god, I thought you both were joking. I’m- oh my god I’m so sorry.”

You giggle at Wooyoung's reaction. He was so shocked it was hilarious.

“It’s okay. I know exactly how you can make it up.”

————

“Y/N this is not what I imagined.”

You take Wooyoung's hand in yours and pull him to the basement. The basement was soundproof so you didn’t have to worry about alerting San.

“Then what were you imagining?”

“That kitty of yours is still needy? Huh, what a dirty little girl you are.”

“Just for you daddy. I’m craving your cock.”

You purr out, and look at Wooyoung seductively. You bite on your bottom lip and wrap your arms around his waist, then bring your face closer to his. Both of your breaths were hitting each other’s faces.

“Kiss me.”

You whisper out, looking into his dark, lustful eyes.

Wooyoung immediately attacks your lips with his own and pushes you against the door, slamming and locking it. His lips flatten yours and he pushes his tongue in your mouth to taste your last meal.

He starts to rip your clothes off, and touches your body everywhere.

“Mmh daddy.”

“Little Angel craving for my touch too?”

“Of course! I love it! Please keep touching me!”

You said desperately. You lean back on the door, panting as Wooyoung goes down placing hickeys all over your chest.

“Lingeries are so overrated. They can be sexy, but your nude body is sexier.”

“You're overrated.”

You said sarcastically, but Wooyoung didn’t take it like that. He stops touching you, and grabs the base of your jaw making you look at him.

“I’m sorry, but you're the one over here desperate for my cock and attention. Am I wrong? Apologize to me now!”

“I’m sorry.”

You said carelessly. Wooyoung then lays a hard slap on your face, leaving a handprint on your now red face.

“Say it like you mean it. When I ask you to do something you do it properly the first time. I don’t like to repeat myself. Do you understand?”

“Yes daddy I understand and I’m sorry.”

“Good girl. Now strip.”

You remove the remaining clothes on your body, while Wooyoung does the same to himself. He makes his way back over to you, until a knock on the basement door disrupts you.

“Y/N? Are you in there?”

It was San. The room falls quiet and you quickly respond.

“Uh yes. I’m in here.”

“Why is the door locked.”

You look at Wooyoung and give him a panicked face.

“I’m sleeping.”

“In the basement? What happened to your room?”

He questioned.

“It’s too hot upstairs so I thought I would sleep downstairs tonight.”

Lies after lies, you made up.

“That’s not necessary. Come upstairs, I’ll turn the ac on.”

“No I’m good here. But thanks for asking.”

“You sure?”

“Yes I’m sure.”

“Okay now why don’t you go ahead and unlock the door.”

“I can’t. I’m- I’m not wearing proper clothes.”

“Fine. I’m going to sleep then.”

“Okay goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

You wipe the cold sweat away, and Wooyoung looks at you with a evil grin.

“Didn’t know angels could lie so well.”

“Well, now you do.”

Wooyoung grins and wraps his arms around your body, picking up where you left off. His hands knead your bare ass and give it a rough spank. You moan in the kiss, wanting more.

He then lifts you off your feet and throws you on the bed. His face goes in between your legs and he starts to tease you by licking your slit slowly and lightly.

“Daddy harder!”

Wooyoung moves and lays on the bed.

“Come sit on daddy’s face. You need a real man to eat you out.”

You throw one leg over and let Wooyoung's hands guide your hips in the right position.

“Right there. Stay there babygirl.”

Wooyoung starts to suck on your clit, then bites it lightly. You throw your head back and put your hands on his thighs, stretching your body.

“Ride my face baby girl.”

He growls and guides your pussy on his face and you start moving your hips back and forth. His tongue lays on his face while you ride him so he can taste you.

“Daddy I’m close.”

“Cum in my mouth baby girl.”

Wooyoung puts his fingers on your clit, rubbing it gently, throwing you off the edge. You squeal out, and cum in his mouth.

“Oh my god daddy. Mmh, ah fuck daddy!”

Your legs shake from the intense orgasm.

“Get on your knees, it’s my turn.”

Dropping down on your knees, you wait for Wooyoung to get up. He’s quick to do so and you don’t hesitate taking all of him in one try. Your hands massage his balls, where you felt a little piercing.

You take him out of your mouth and immediately suck on his balls, and twirl your tongue around the piercing.

“You like it? I got it recently.”

“Daddy that’s so fucking hot.”

He pets your head affectionately, and nudges you to take his dick again. Taking a deep breath, you take him in and suck harder. You force his dick down your throat and choke on it just for him.

You cough it up, bringing your mouth back to the tip, sucking it lightly.

“Fuck, do that again darling!”

He groans out, in pleasure and once again you deepthroat him, bring his tip up into your mouth and suck on it like a popsicle. Your hands massage his balls and finally Wooyoung strokes his dick and cums all over your face. His fingers spread his cum all over your face, making him feel so powerful.

“Fuck darling. You look so fucking beautiful with my cum all over your face.”

Wooyoung picks you up and places you on the bed, underneath him.

“This is what you’ve been waiting for.”

His dick slides into your wet and sensitive core and your mouth hangs open. This gave Wooyoung a wonderful opportunity to spit in your mouth, which he did and gives you another French kiss while his hips did the magic.

He licks some of his cum off of your face, and places a few hickeys on your neck and jaw.

You were both in the moment, but the basement door suddenly opens, startling the both of your and causing Wooyoung to stop the friction.

“I FUCKING KNEW IT. YOU LYING, DIRTY, WHORE! Wooyoung, get the FUCK out of my house.”

Standing in the doorway, there was a raging San. You held onto Wooyoung so he wouldn’t leave, or at least not without you. You sassily spoke back to San,

“It’s not your fucking house, dick head.”

“Oh yeah brat?”

San slams the door and pushes Wooyoung off of you. He takes himself out but before he can thrust into you, Wooyoung pulls him off and protects you with his body.

“You’re her step dad San. Fuck off! If you want us to leave, we will. We’ll leave in 10 minutes and let us clean up.”

“There is no ‘us’. You're not taking Y/N with you. She’s staying right here, and I’m telling your mother about this.”

“I’ll tell my mother that you took advantage of me.”

“She won’t believe you whore.”

“Well I don’t care. I don’t fucking like it here anyway!”

San ignores you and looks right at Wooyoung.

“Give her to me.”

“No! You’re gonna hurt her and I’m not allowing that.”

San sighs, knowing how stubborn Wooyoung is. The only way to get Wooyoung to play along was to tempt him.

“How about we take her like old times. Remember how we used to do it. Take a girl together at once.”

“No, not without her consent.”

They both looked over to you. You wanted to negotiate a deal with San. You do this one more time, and he leaves you both alone. But again, two dicks is better then one.

“I’ll do it one more time. But you have to leave us alone after.”

You said to San.

“Nope. How about I let you date him, but whenever I want to fuck you, it turns into a threesome?”

“I’d be down for that.”

Wooyoung says, turning to you.

You looked at San and he was eyeing your naked body. Once again, you found yourself in the same spot. He got you…….. again!

“Fine.”

San didn’t waste anymore time and pushed you onto the bed, thrusting into your needy core. He didn’t like that brat attitude and the first thing he needed to do was fuck it out of you.

Wooyoung takes some of his cum off your face and puts it in your mouth. You suck on his fingers while looking at him and play with his hands like a baby.

San didn’t like that you were giving all your attention to him, so he grabbed your hips and went faster into you, making your neck snap in his direction. Your face scrunches up into a pleasurable expression, and you hiss out feeling over the top.

“Okay San stop it’s my turn.”

San flipped you on your side, and lays behind you. Wooyoung lays in front of you and holds your fragile body. The two cocks push into your holes and you scratch Wooyoung’s soft back.

The man behind you takes his shirt off as well so you can feel him too. They let you adjust before the dick head behind you, holds you down and starts to aggressively thrust into you. Wooyoung starts moving as well, and gives you forehead kisses, trying to keep you calm.

With Wooyoung thrusting up and San slamming in from behind, one hand goes behind you, feeling San’s mullet and the other hand on Wooyoung cheek, rubbing it lovingly.

You tightly shut your eyes as the two men speeded up their pace, and the two dicks were now poking out in your stomach. San moves closer to you and his hand presses on your stomach so he can feel his dick.

You cry out, feeling overwhelmed. San licks your face from behind you and gently rubs his nose on your face, trying to soothe you.

Your legs intertwined with the two males, and you hold each of their hands.

“Ahh, daddy I’m gonna cum.”

Wooyoung pushes himself to your ear and his sweat rubs on your face and hair.

“No princess. You’re gonna squirt for us. Show your daddies how good you are.”

Wooyoung whispers this in your ear but San did hear. San brings his finger on your clit and rubs it as fast as he could, so that you could squirt. You let out a loud moan and your body starts to shake and you start breathing heavily.

“I’m gonna-”

“Go ahead princess, squirt on your daddies.”

San breathes out behind you.

You throw your head back and it lands on San’s shoulder. Your pussy twitches and you squirt all over the two horny men.

You hold in your breath, still releasing and finally panting out after it was done. Tears streamed down your face and your legs were shuddering.

Wooyoung takes your hand and places it on his cock so you can stroke it, and he can cum. You stroke his dick and play with his balls, then he releases in you.

San got a little jealous that you did that and pulled your hand behind and did the same thing. He pulled out and came in between your slit.

Your head collapses on the pillow and you sigh in relief. You finally catch your breath and relax your body. That was until two fingers slipped in you again. You whine and kick your legs, trying to get them to stop.

San laughs at you and brings his fingers up so you can taste the three mixes of cum. You lick and suck on his two fingers and he pushed it down your throat.

Not expecting it, you gag, making Wooyoung laughs. He then cuddles in closer to you while San lays kisses on your jawline. He then wraps his arms around your body and cuddles into your neck.

“Y/N, San? Where are you two?”

Oh shit! Mom’s home!

——————————————————————————

Omg I’m finally done❣️ last part to this smut thingy, but if you want to continue it go right ahead. Stay safe, stay at home, wash your hands, do your homework, and don’t procrastinate❣️

Xoxo n❣️

#san smut #wooyoung smut #ateez smut #wooyoung #san #choi san #jung wooyoung #ateez

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some-cookie-crumbz · 4 years

Note

Love your Huwumi fics!!! Can we get some Meet Cute 24 for them? Thnx

Well here’s another idea that’ll most likely escalate into something bigger lmao! Please enjoy this little bit of cute, flirty fun!

If not for Akiko’s insistence and offer of a discount, she wouldn’t have done it. Or so she told herself.

As far as Fuyumi was concerned, she still didn’t understand why she was expected to attend big, ritzy events to help promote her father’s business. After all, it wasn’t like she worked for or with him. She was a grown adult with her own career and her own life to live! She wasn’t obligated to do anything just because her father said so!

But even still… She liked to maintain friendly relations in her tense family. So when her father had offered to reimburse her the cost of some ballroom dance classes so that he could take her to an upcoming gala in two months time? She was… unenthused, but had agreed nonetheless. When she’d mentioned it to her dear friend, Akiko, she had jumped on it like a starved alley cat on a chicken nugget.

"You should take the class I teach!" she insisted before taking a small sip of her coffee. She made a face. "Ugh! They put way too much caramel syrup in this."

"I thought you taught salsa, flamenco, and ballet fundamentals?" Fuyumi asked. Akiko and her mother, Umeko, ran a dance studio together. Fuyumi had attended some of the ballet classes there back in high school but, once she entered college, hadn’t had the time to keep up.

She nodded, stirring her drink with her straw. "I do. But I'm also teaching pole and ballroom right now," she said. After deciding her drink was mixed up enough, she took another sip. She still made a face, but this time it was a bit more restrained. "Anyway, we're starting up a new six-week session this Friday. The class runs from 6:30 to 7:30, and I know you can make time that night."

Fuyumi let out a small whine and took a sip of her own drink, becoming immediately overwhelmed by the thick vanilla flavor. She swallowed hard and made a face. "You weren't kidding about them going hard on the syrup," she mumbled.

"Right?" Akiko laughed. "But back to the point at hand! The ballroom session we run doesn’t just teach the waltz; we also do the basics and intermediate steps of the cha cha and the tango! That’ll most def impress all those stuffy old douchebags you’ll be spending the night putting up with!”

Fuyumi whined a bit louder as she tried mixing her own drink up to try and distribute the syrup a bit more, maybe water it down a little. “I don’t know,” she trailed uneasily. Sure, it would be nice to be able to go to the gala and put her best foot forward, but more from the sense of just looking good for herself rather than out of spite. She loved Akiko but the other young woman was motivated by only a few things and vengeance was one of the biggest.

“Please sign up? For me? If you do, I'll have an even number of students to pair up! And I’ll even give you a discounted rate on the classes so you aren’t hurting as bad for cash while you wait on your dad to pay you back!" the other pleaded, fluttering her big brown eyes.

She snorted a bit at it before rolling her eyes. ”Okay, okay, you win. I’ll sign up,” she said, giggling when her friend openly whooped in delight. She took a sip of her drink again and found it… slightly more palatable. She then indicated the other woman with her cup. “But just know I’m only doing this for the discount! And you better draft up the receipts as if you charged the full amount!”

“Of course! Only if you agree to not tell mom that I gave you a discounted rate,” she said, tilting her head and waggling her eyebrows at the other suggestively. They stared at one another before devolving into giggles.

And before Fuyumi knew it, Friday night was upon her.

She swallowed as she walked into the packed room at the studio, the crowd thick enough that it was hard to catch glimpses of herself in the full length mirror against the opposing wall. She considered going over to talk to Akiko, but could see her preoccupied with introductions from some students. Instead, she headed over to the far wall where people were setting their bags down, the odd sensation of eyes on her making her move a bit quicker. She set her bag down and quickly tossed her hair up in a messy but tight bun before tugging self-consciously as the tank top she was wearing as her eyes scanned the room. Oh, gosh, should she have bought some proper dancer’s clothes? She had thought about it going out after work on Thursday, but there had been a last-minute staff meeting that zapped up what little free time she had before she needed to be home to have dinner ready on time. She had figured that the old tank top and capri sweats she’d grabbed would suffice for one class but maybe that was presumptuous of her.

She was snapped from her musing by a loud clap. She jumped and glanced over at where Akiko stood in front of the group with one of the male instructors by her side. “Okay, everybody, we’re gonna get you guys partnered up! Everybody stand with your back to the mirror and in height order, please,” she directed before turning to say something to her associate.

It was as she moved to join the others in the class that the sensation of being watched returned. From the corner of her eye she caught a flicker of movement and turned to face her watcher. She froze as she locked with sharp eyes of liquid gold settled in a tastefully scruffy face. He was physically fit, wearing a breezy tank top that showed off the defined muscles along his arms and dipped a bit low around the neckline to hint that there was more where that came from. His hair was a gleaming blonde messily pushed out of his face with a black headband. And then there was her deepest, darkest weakness; a light bit of facial hair along his chin and jaw. He was an attractive guy, to put it mildly, and must have confidence, given how he didn’t flinch away when her eyes sought him out. Instead, he slowly leaned back against the balance beam poised just in front of the mirror, tilting his head and flashing her a smirk, looking more like a model on set than some rando in a dance class.

She answered with a small smile of her own when he followed it up with a wink and wandered off to find her place in the line up.

Akiko did a quick scan of those present before she started matching up pairs. She took Fuyumi's wrist and led her right over to Mr. Golden. "Todoroki, Takami, you two will work together," she said, tilting her head out of the young man's view to wink at Fuyumi's pinkening face.

Takami was quick to take her hand with a small hum. "Todoroki-Chan, is it? A pleasure to meet you," he hummed, lifting her hand up to press a quick kiss to the top of her hand.

Fuyumi wished she could slap her cheeks in that moment but instead she politely cleared her throat. “Charmed,” she said gently, forcing herself to regain her composure.

“Oh, I am,” he practically purred.

She flashed a quick glance at her friend, greeted by the other’s dark brown eyes gleaming in amusement. “Okay, Takami. You can flirt with Todoroki on your own time, not my dime. Let’s get everybody on the floor and start with the basic moves, shall we?”

Fuyumi squared her shoulders, heart hammering as Takami led her to join the other pairs in the the lines, Akiko and her partner already having scrambled to the front and starting to give the overview of what the goal was for that days class. Fuyumi was rather relieved that there was a moderate breath of space between their bodies for the waltz steps, as it gave her some level of physical separation from her partner while still being close enough to exchange sly glances. Additionally, it seemed like Takami had a little bit of experience with some kind of dance before, given how easily he took the lead. Fuyumi herself had participated in other dance courses and, while the waltz lessons were new, also had a basic understanding of what to expect. She briefly wondered if Akiko also had some information regarding the prior dance history of her students to assist with picking partners, but couldn't say for certain.

She could, however, say for certain that her partner was charming and that she kind of liked the flirty looks they were exchanging.

“So,” he breathed quietly, at a point where Akiko stopped to help a different pair at the front correct their steps, “what has forced a fetching young lady such as yourself to a class like this?”

She felt a small smile turn up on her lips, a brief flash of courage sparking in her. “Hmm. That’s a rather strange way to put it. Do you think I have a reason other than humble interest behind being here?”

He cocked his head back a bit. “Call it a hunch, but… I get the feeling there’s more to this than a ‘humble interest.’”

“Is that so?” she hummed as they were instructed to return to their starting position to go over the steps again as a whole.

“I’d love to hear more about your reasoning. Maybe over coffee? Or dinner some time? My treat, for getting your phone number and to pick your brain a little,” he said.

She let out a thoughtful hum, sliding her hand slowly up to just a bit beneath his shoulder. Internally, she delighted in being able to touch the muscle she’d been quietly ogling not too long ago. She noticed the light way he shuddered at her touch and a part of her was thrilled by the subtle reaction. “I’ll tell you what,” she drawled. She didn’t miss the way his palm on her upper back flattened a bit more, shifting her just a hair closer and pressing a bit more of his warmth into her, as she spoke. She met his eye fully as she spoke. “If you can encounter me outside of the classroom, on the streets during the day… I’ll give you my number and we can have a little meetup.”

His eyes widened a hair before his grin shifted to more of a smirk. “Oh, so you’d like to play a little bit of cat and mouse? I like that,”

“I had a hunch you might,” she purred back, delighting in the playful back and forth between them. She normally wasn’t this forward or responsive to someone flirting with her. But when it got a guy like this to look at her like that, who was she to complain?

“Well, before we start the game proper, can I at least get the privilege of your full name? To let me know who to be listening out for?”

“Todoroki Fuyumi,” she said. “And what about you? I think I have the right to your name as well.”

He smirked and leaned a bit closer, “Takami Keigo,” he answered, voice barely above a whisper, right as the music clicked back on and they resumed their practice. Fuyumi had to suppress a shudder of delight as they moved, step by step, along the dance floor.

She would need to thank Akiko and Father for their instances after all.

#crumbles grumbles #Huwumi #my fics #I... Really enjoyed this!#I feel like we need more casually flirty Fuyumi in this fandom!#And I am Ready to Provide it!

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soundofseventeen · 4 years

Text

Can I Have This Dance? Pt. 5 (Kwon Soonyoung)

Hello! Part 5! enjoy! I hope everyone isn’t going too stir crazy! (Also I def didn’t find a review thread of the seventeen perfumes for this) 💛

Masterlist

You walked around the gift shop, earbuds playing music that was just too loud and eyeing the different bottles of perfume. You took in how pretty the designs were, occasionally sniffing some. You found yourself laughing for a second when you found some that happened to be Seventeen member ones, spotting Seungkwan’s face on a box. (You wouldn’t tell Soonyoung, but Jeonghan’s was your favorite scent, it was the most floral after all).

Once you got back to your apartment, you couldn’t stop the tears from coming. Thankfully, Jiwoo was already at some shoot for the rest of the day, so you didn’t have to worry about her questions about why you were crying or why you were no longer going tonight. You were able to cry in peace, accepting yet another canceled event from your boyfriend. You should have expected this. You just thought that since this time it seemed important, he would want you there with him. You thought you were important enough to him to do this with him.

Although, if his parents were making him take this family friend, maybe he did have no choice in the matter. They both still terrified you to this day.

After crying for a while, you decided you weren’t just going to sit here all night and cry until Jiwoo got home. You had things you could do. You could still go do something.

So, you splashed some water on your face, changed into a large hoodie you got from a Nu’est tour and leggings, grabbed your bag and keys, heading out the door.

Except you really didn’t know where to go.

You didn’t have any errands to run, the flower shop would be closed by now, you didn’t need anything from the grocery store, it was kind of late to just wander around outside by yourself, especially down by the river like you normally did…

So, you went to the mall. You figured since you were indoors it was a little safer, you’d have options for dinner if you decided to get something, and maybe you could return the dress you got (you got the current selling price back, so you still lost some money but you guess you got something out of it). No one would really pay attention to you here, so you just went window shopping.

Admired some cute dresses, smelled some nice perfumes, sampled some way too expensive makeup, even getting to play with someone’s puppy at the pet store. It wasn’t too bad of a night, if only you could stop seeing Daeho dancing with some other girl at the party tonight in your head.

You continued to stroll the perfume, not noticing someone’s eyes spotting you as you glanced.

“Okay, I just need to grab a moisturizer quick and then we can head back.” Seungkwan said, Seokmin and Soonyoung following him in.

“So, I’m thinking we watch this movie tonight?” Soonyoung said, showing Seokmin his phone.

“Yeah, that one looks good.” He agreed, Soonyoung nodding his head. Seungkwan came back, holding up the box he was looking for.

“Guys, they still have our perfumes here!” Seungkwan said, also holding up his own bottle.

“Really?” Soonyoung grinned, looking at the box. “Do they still have mine?”

“Yeah, they’re all over there!” Seungkwan said, pointing to the other side of the store. All three boys made their way in that direction, chatting more about the movie they were going to watch.

“Woah wait, is that Y/N?” Seokmin asked as they got closer to the perfume.

“No way, she’s at that party tonight with…” Soonyoung looked up, eyes widening as they landed on you. You were picking up random bottles of perfume, sniffing them and then putting them back, occasionally nodding your head. “...What is she doing here?” He muttered, Seokmin and Seungkwan looking at each other.

“We’re uh… We’re going to go look at… Those masks over there.” Seungkwan said, Seokmin nodding and following him. Soonyoung glanced after them, silently yelling at them. But, he still took a deep breath, walking over to you.

“Hey.” He said, you not responding. “Y/N?” He said again, you still not responding. He tapped your shoulder, jumping as you jumped looking at him. You took out your earbuds, and turning towards him.

“Oh I’m… Soonyoung?” Your eyes widened seeing the boy standing next to you. “What… What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same question.” He looked at you, picking up a bottle of perfume. (Jeonghan’s actually, which was the most floral so he assumed that would be your favorite). “I thought you had an event tonight?” You blinked at Soonyoung, quickly trying to think up an excuse.

“Oh… Uh, well. Yeah, I did. But… You know this morning I really didn’t feel well and it just got worse throughout the day and I didn’t want to ruin the night or get people sick or anything…” You said, turning back to the perfume yourself.

“So why are you out now?” He asked, glancing at you.

“...I started to feel better and felt like maybe getting some fresh air would do me some good?” You said, putting a bottle back.

“So you came to an indoor mall?”

“...I...”

“Y/N, are you-”

“It was really nice to see you Soonyoung, but I should really be going. Uhm, I’ll see you Thursday for that thing! Bye!” You said, quickly turning and putting your earbuds back in, leaving the store. Soonyoung stood there, very confused. He was about to go after you when Seungkwan appeared at his side.

“Is Y/N okay?” Seungkwan asked, Seokmin appearing on his other side.

“I don’t know…”

You just got back to your apartment, leaning on the door trying to control your breathing. You don’t really know why you ran that last part, you knew Soonyoung wasn’t coming after you. But you felt like you had to get back into your apartment as quickly as you possibly could.

“What are you doing here?” You let out a yelp and turned to your living area, seeing Jiwoo sitting on the couch.

“What are you doing here?” You asked back, Jiwoo raising an eyebrow.

“One of the actors got really sick, there was a whole… vomit… episode, so we stopped the shooting for the night. I thought you were at the party with Daeho?” She said, standing up and walking over to you.

“I… was? It got done early.” You attempted to quickly go to your room, but Jiwoo put a hand on your arm.

“Y/N.” She said, causing you to look at her. “Please tell me you didn’t attend a formal party wearing your Nu’est tour hoodie.” You thought for a second, taking a deep breath and fully turning to her.

“Okay, I didn’t go to the party.” You admitted, Jiwoo turning to concern.

“Why not? Are you okay?”

“Just… Something came up and Daeho said-”

“Wait, he canceled on you? Again?” Jiwoo looked upset, causing you to shake your head.

“Look, it’s not a big deal-”

“Y/N, you can’t keep letting him do this to you!”

“Jiwoo, I really don’t want to talk about this.” You turned and started to walk towards your room.

“But Y/N-”

“Look I just… I just want to go to bed.” You said, officially walking into your room. You shut the door and went to sit on your bed, pulling your knees to your chest. You sat like that for a few minutes, your worst mood taking over. You almost wanted to cry again, but you felt like you didn’t have any tears left after that morning.

After a couple minutes, Jiwoo knocked on the door, slowly opening it. You didn’t look at her as she walked in and sat next to you, placing her arms around you and softly hugging you.

“Y/N, I just-”

“Look, I know how you feel about him, so you don’t have to say it again.” You said, feeling a tear fall. Maybe there was more in there somewhere.

“I know. I just want you to know… Y/N, you deserve so much better than this. I just… I don’t like seeing you hurt.” She sighed, neither of you moving. “I have a concert dvd set up and my mom dropped off some food this morning. If you don’t feel like going to sleep just yet, I’d love it if you joined me.” You hummed in response, Jiwoo smiling a bit. “Oh come on, when have your boys ever let you down? You know that they always bring that smile back.” She said, you letting out a small chuckle.

“...Maybe.” Jiwoo nodded, letting go of you.

“Well, if you decide to, I’m out there, okay?” You nodded, Jiwoo patting your head. She then got up and left the room, leaving you alone.

You sat there for another minute, then got up and walked out into the living area, burrowing under the blanket Jiwoo had ready for you.

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neshabeingchildish · 5 years

Text

Poly Wanna? 09

I have been struggling super hard and super long with trying to wrap this chapter up and lo and behold, I decided to just move forward and hope that it communicates what i was trying to communicate. I know it's a long chapter, but I just couldn't mentally wrestle with it anymore. Might have wound up changing it completely and I worked too hard to do that to myself. Hopefully, we're still having a good time, here.

Lemme know if I need to take you off the tag. Idk who’s actually reading because I’ve only heard from a couple of people, so idk if y’all still interested.

@adorkable-blackgirl @chenoahchantel @riebellion @woahjusttakeiteasy-man @up-the-tube @ciara-knightly @cactus-con @oof–musicals @lesbian-so-what @meadowstryingtobepretty @imma-sensitive-btch @okaygal21 @midernacht @divinereign4ever @xoxoemille@itsyaapollochild

Just Trying to Figure It All Out

Music was playing through the sound system as Henry cooked, Jasper set the table and readied the room. Charlotte had went to get washed up and dressed. The guys were talking about general stuff like the menu and how the night went for Charlotte (which, technically, they had gotten back so late that it was practically the next day) and she slept well into the afternoon, almost evening. Now, Henry was making a gourmet Italian meal, Jasper was making the place extremely comfortable, and Charlotte was staring at herself in the mirror, wondering if she was doing too much.

She had an espresso colored evening gown on with spaghetti straps and had pulled her hair up and decked it with flowers. The gown hugged her body, was satin and shiny and made her look like she was dipped in chocolate syrup, meanwhile, the cocoa butter on her skin had her beaming.

Upon further review of this bedroom, she probably should have guessed that it had been created for her. The bedding was silk sheets and pillow cases (numerous pillows), with a layer of blankets - a super fluffy one with a weighted one on top, then a cute, thin one with a floral pattern. The room smelled of rosemary, eucalyptus, lemon, patchouli, and ylang ylang. She’d thrown some rose and chamomile into her diffuser and together with whatever he had making scents - the room smelled like perfection. Plus, she adored the number of plants in there. She wanted to be a plant mom, but never had the time. All of these were plants that she loved (at least the aesthetic and scents of). Plus… she noticed when she went to grab her luggage from the closet.. he had a jar of gummy bears on the dresser by the door and a little tent card that read “Organic and Fresh,” in his own handwriting.

She grabbed a handful of them, helped herself to more Bang Bang Bubbly, and came out of the room, nervously. She paused and heard the guys laughing together. She peeked in and saw them playfully fighting over the cheese grater. Jasper was wrapped around Henry, who held the grater just out of his reach and pushed him backwards with his hips. It was very… intimate. Charlotte stepped into the room and made a small sigh of a noise that sorta sounded like a little whimper, just for attention.

Henry and Jasper both turned to look at her and they froze, still wrapped up in the wrestle, but completely distracted, now. They whispered, “Fuuuuuuck,” when they saw her and separated to stare. She sauntered in with her hands clasped together, kinda nervously. She didn’t know where her eyes should be, so she kept them on her fingers. She still felt the two pairs that were stuck on her. Henry’s mouth was wide open and Jasper licked his lips. “You look gooooood,” Henry managed to break the silence.

She blushed and looked at the ground, “My bruises are showing. I can’t look that good.”

“You will ALWAYS look that good!” Jasper said and came to her, gathering her for a kiss. Now, Henry looked at the ground, and set down the cheese grater. He folded his arms and leaned against the counter as Jasper led Charlotte to the table to help her settle in her seat. “Are you feeling any better?”

“I’m full of Bubbly,” she said and shrugged her shoulders.

Jasper squatted next to her chair and asked, “What can I get you to drink?”

“Just water, please?”

He kissed her shoulder and said, “Coming right up. God, you’re gorgeous!” He tapped her chin with his fingertips and went to get the water. She traced circles on the table and Henry came with a bucket of ice with a bottle of wine in it and sat down. Jasper returned with water and pointed out, “I’ve put the fresh fruit platter right in front of you, so that you don’t have to reach for it.” She smiled brightly. Her man knew what to do, like all of the time. She smiled sadly. “I wanna tell Jasper that I pressured Henry into telling me about what happened between them. But, we’re all at peace and everyone’s having a good time, so I don’t wanna do it at dinner. I wanna do it when we’re alone.. Then again, what if Henry were to mention it at dinner and it looks like I was keeping it from him? At this point, I’m so stressed out, but I also don’t want to ruin the time that we’re spending together. So… I just shut up and hope that it didn’t come up.”

The song Been to the Moon that Charlotte was singing the night that Henry went to the lounge began to play and Charlotte, with a mouth full of fruit, said, “Oooh! I love this song!”

“Yeah, I love it too, now. I wish that I had it in your voice,” Henry said, opening the wine. She waved a hand at him, feigning flattery. “It was the only song I remembered you sang that night, because the lyrics were pretty moving… and appropriate.” She blushed. That almost sounded like a declaration of love. She didn’t need that, not after that hug earlier. She wanted for Henry to pipe down. In fact, whatever she entered the room with he and Jasper doing… “Henry is confusing me. I can’t tell what he wants, and I know it shouldn’t matter, but for some reason, I’m preoccupied with it. Does he want to take Jasper away from me? Does he want to take me from Jasper? Does he just… wanna come between the two of us so that we can be alone or available to him?” *Bites her lip and looks both worried but really adorable too.*

“I was thinking that after dinner, maybe we could hang out and watch movies, unless you two just wanna be alone,” Henry suggested. He knew that he was much too eager to spend time with them, but he wanted to get as much of it as he could while nobody was mad or sad because of him.

“Sounds good to me,” Charlotte said. “I honestly can’t feel my feet or my face, so it’s not much that I can do anyway.”

“After about 3 days of Bang Bang Bubbly, I usually have my acupuncturist come over. Then, I sleep for hours and wake up unscathed,” Henry said. “That stuff changed my life. I’ll have her come in for you,” He began to send a message from his phone. “She’ll be here Wednesday morning to see you.” He smiled and set his phone down. “So! I feel like I didn’t get around to talking about things in the steam room, talking about everything, I mean. I didn’t really feel like I got everything out in the open that you both needed and I can’t really stand for you two not to have whatever you need out of me.”

Charlotte looked at Jasper, to see if he was going to say something. He was more interested in his plate. Charlotte placed her fork down and nodded her head, “Well… I want to say something. I wanted to tell Jasper about earlier.” Jasper paused when she said his name. “I have to tell you something. So, earlier, before you got here, I was kinda naughty…” His eyes narrowed in confusion and he tilted his head. “I used Henry’s desperation to get me to be nice to him to find out about what happened between the two of you, once and for all.” Now, as the look of realization set in, one of sadness flooded over him as well.

“And, what do you think of me now?”

“I think that you were in such a terrible place for 2 years of your life, and maybe if I hadn’t been so salty, I could’ve been the friend that you needed, to see you through that. What happened was a mess and you... had to have been sad, longer than before you broke up. You had to have noticed things. We always do, whether we want to or not. I’m sorry that you were treated that way.” She moved her chair closer to him, cupped his face and rubbed his cheeks with her thumbs. Henry watched them in what was literally the worst pain that he could recall feeling in his heart.

Jasper placed his larger hands over Charlotte’s and asked, “That doesn’t make you wanna leave me? That I was so weak and stupid? I avoided telling you, because anybody that I’ve told, if I was interested in them, they felt like there were things unresolved between Henry and I and they didn’t want me. That’s why I’ve been afraid to tell you.”

“Don’t be afraid. I have your back, forever Jasper. If we don’t last, I’m never gonna hurt you, okay? Forever and for always, I’m gonna be your friend and want what’s best for you.” He pressed his forehead to hers and just rested there for a moment.

Jasper eventually broke the contact and noticed Henry, watching them with his hands clasped on top of the table. He didn’t comment on Henry’s blend of emotions. Instead, focused the conversation on Charlotte, “So… Your dad stopped by last night. He was really worried and shoved right passed me to search the apartment and see if you were home. I told him that you were at Henry’s, and he thought that I was lying. He was like, “The only person that she wants to talk to less than me is him!” Like, did he stop by here? I don’t know if he knows where Henry lives, but I didn’t know that he knew where I lived, so I don’t know.”

“I’ve spoken to him, since then. I didn’t tell him where Henry lives, but I told him that I would stop by to see him after I was feeling better.”

Bringing on the Heartbreak by Def Leppard came on the playlist and the three all went completely apesh*t. Using utensils as microphones and instruments, a lot of unnecessary headbanging and hairography, but it was SUCH a classic and they were old enough to enjoy it and understand it and admit to appreciating the genre, even though they once called it “old people music.” Well… Charlotte and Henry hadn’t been too fond of it back in their day. Jasper would tell them that they were bad at appreciating good music. He was very much into to kind of stuff that his dad liked, mainly because he wasn’t really given many options of his own. He kinda had to listen to whatever his folks played and his dad was all about the hard rock and rock ballads, while his mom listened to some Irish folk music and weird instrumentals that Charlotte was always sure were made simply for vibrations to match drug usage. They never talked about it much, but they were relatively certain that she had some history with it.

When they sat back down, Charlotte was ready to sing more, now. She had Henry show her how his music system worked and she was getting ready to browse, but George Michaels began to play and she laughed and asked, “What IS it with you and these old songs?”

“I spend most of my social time around old people!” He said.

“This is actually a great song, though,” She said swaying to Careless Whisper.

“All of his songs are great,” Henry corrected her.

“Booty Bear, come dance with me!” Charlotte said. Jasper was staring thoughtfully into his empty plate and blinked when he heard her request.

“I’m kinda stuffed. Maybe Henry can dance with you,” he said. Something was wrong with him, but she didn’t know if she should ask him now or wait until they were alone, so she and Henry started to dance to Careless Whisper, singing along and breaking contact for saxophone portions that Charlotte couldn’t contain her movements to a slow dance for. One More Try came on next and now, Jasper jumped up and she smiled, about to ask him if he was gonna dance with her now, but he took the remote and turned it off. His hands were shaking a little, but he forced a smile. “Sorry. I didn’t wanna hear that one.” Lips of an Angel by Hinder came on and Jasper set the remote down and went to clear his plate from the table, “I’ll get it, Jasp,” Henry offered and went to him. He touched the small of his back and asked quietly, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I just… it’s bad memories, is all.” He smiled a little and Charlotte watched them, listening to this song and she would never admit that she felt a way. She felt like she was watching a music video. “My girlfriend’s in the next room, sometimes I wish she was you. I guess we never really moved on…” Jasper and Henry hugged and then Henry cleared the table and told them they could get comfortable in his room. Charlotte met Jasper, asked, “What just happened?”

“I… That George Michael’s song One More Try… That’s the last song thing that I could remember before I passed out. It just brought some things up.”

“And Henry was able to comfort you?”

“No. I mean, he gave me a hug, but that was nothing…” *Charlotte singing* And I never want to say goodbye, but (god) you make it hard to be faithful. With the lips of an angel… Is THAT something that you wanna hear in the background of your man hugging his ex that he was in love with most of his life, and then find out that what made him sad that night was thinking about the night that they broke up? Because, I was shook.

Henry threw everything into the dishwasher and went into his bedroom. Charlotte had grabbed the fluffy blanket from her room and was snuggled in it in the bed when he came in. "Where's Jasper?"

"Washing his feet."

"Wash… what?"

"You know how smelly they can get! He's gonna wash them and put some of the oil blend I made him for foot odor. Lavender, lemon, peppermint & tea tree… in case you're about to unleash something dank from those canvas sneaks."

"Nope. My essential oils game is STRONG. You smell that blend in your room? Daddy did that on his own!"

"Did… did.. you just refer to yourself as "Daddy?"

"I did and I hate that I did."

“I hate that you had Lips of an Angel playing and hugging my boyfriend,’ she said, unable to hold that inside for much longer.

“Oh. It’s just on that particular playlist. It’s not like I planned it that way.”

“So, you had no idea that George Michael’s One More Try was playing the night that he almost died?”

“WHAT? I was just now years old when I heard this! Is… Is he okay?” Henry honestly looked upset.

“I think so. I just… Are you still in love with him?” She asked. She could tell from Henry’s facial expression and hesitation what the answer was, but he didn’t get a chance to actually answer her.

Jasper came in, slightly damp, wearing a belly shirt, shorts and socks. "Decided to just take a whole shower. Hen… you need any foot oil?"

"No! My feet smell good!" Henry cheered, grateful for that rescue.

"This bed is extremely comfortable," Charlotte said, sliding over for Jasper. He simply smiled and got closer to her while Henry grabbed the remote for the projector. He'd turned his bedroom into somewhat of a home theater. He had a movie screen on the wall that the bed faced, instead of a TV and projected any movie that he had access to on his computer onto the screen.

"How's horror sound?" He wondered.

"I'm for it," Jasper quickly answered.

Charlotte cringed, "Why not something sci-fi or fantasy?"

"What do you wanna watch?"Henry asked.

She took his remote and he simply laughed and laid down next to her. "I guess you're in charge."

"Nothing new," Jasper said. "I don't run anything in our home."

"That's a lie!" Charlotte said, browsing her movie options.

"Lemme guess… he's the boss in the bedroom." Jasper blushed as Charlotte's face said it all. "I knew it. Everybody thinks he's sweet and innocent when he's really a sexual force to be reckoned with."

"I can't even speak half the time when he's done with me," she admitted, finally selecting something. "Forget having me wrapped around his finger. He's got me wrapped around his third leg."

"Stahp!" Jasper insisted, smiling so hard his face hurt.

Henry's eyes trailed the length of Jasper and for a moment, he thought about being wrapped around him. They made eye contact and Jasper's expression questioned him. He turned towards the screen and grabbed one of the pillows to hug against himself. Charlotte set down the remote and said, “Jasper, full disclosure, I told Henry what you were upset about tonight.” Jasper’s smile faded.

“I just don’t understand why Charlotte is dragging me through so many emotions on this night. Like, on the one hand, I see that she’s just trying to be open and honest and I DO value that, so much. She’s the most genuine person I’ve ever dated and everything that she does comes from a place of integrity and concern. But, right now, I just wanna, chill and not think about anymore of my pain, and she just keeps… coming back to it.”

“I don’t wanna talk about that, Char.”

“The Bang Bang Bubbly may be affecting her inhibitions.”

“No,” she said and shook her head. “I just don’t want to let anything go unchecked and I have some things that made my list at dinner. I’ve already asked Henry about that Hinder song, but I should tell you, I felt some kind of way watching the two of you interact while that song was on.”

“We were just talking,” Jasper said, with a tight smile. “No need to be jealous. You know that nothing is happening here, with the history that we have.”

“The history matters. Even I sometimes can look at Henry and forget for a moment that we had the worst breakup that I have ever had in my life, and I had an ex give me back an anniversary present on my birthday and dump me at the same time.”

“Whoa, what? To… Basically all of that?” Henry asked.

She ignored him and told Jasper, “I understand it if sometimes you feel confused.”

“I gave myself 2 years to get over him for the 2 years that I gave into him and I’m confident that I met my deadline,” Jasper said. “I’m very good at doing things that I put my mind to.”

“I know, but… You didn’t give him 2 years, though. You always loved him. What if it takes the rest of you life and that never goes away? What if you’re in a state of settling right now? You know, you can’t live your best life by limiting your intentions.”

Jasper picked up the remote and began browsing, “Guess we’re not gonna have our tears of joy wedding moment, at this rate,” he said sourly. (This had become their little inside joke), but Henry coughed on air or spit.

“You… two are getting married?”

“No. I mean, I don’t know…” Jasper said. “It’s an ongoing little joke we have, sort of.”

Charlotte furrowed her eyebrows and asked Henry, “Why, would that make you feel some kind of way?” Jasper nervously tapped his foot, wanting her to cut this out.

Henry squeezed the pillow far tighter than necessary and shrugged his shoulders, trying to answer calmly. “Well, I am human, so sure. Of course, it would make me feel some kind of way. I have very deep histories with both of you and seeing you together already stirs a lot of things up. But, I would be happy for you, like I’m happy for you now. You both deserve each other. There’s not two people alive more deserving of love than the two that loved me more than I ever deserved.”

“Would you look at that! I found a fantasy movie,” Jasper said and flung the remote, then laid back.

Charlotte felt like she should probably stop talking. Jasper was visibly bothered by what she was saying and clearly just wanted her to shut up and watch the movie. But, she couldn’t! “I’m glad that the three of us are here tonight and everything's out in the open. I asked you about how you would feel, because I’ve been noticing some things and I have to say something about it.”

“Okay?” Henry said, realizing that was directed at him. Jasper sighed and pursed his lips together.

“You and Jasper might not realize it, but you’ve been looking at each other. You seem to have these unspoken conversations and maybe me now knowing what happened between you will make those make more sense, but I feel like… I don’t know… Like the two of you didn’t get a chance to be what you could’ve been and that now that you’re a better person, Jasper definitely sees it and is curious about how it would go with this version of you… I’m… intimidated by it and I don’t want to be…” She shook her head. “It was like none of the words that I imagined could come out. Because, then the possibility might become more real. I don’t wanna be like my mom. I don’t wanna be like Jasper. I don’t wanna get played for a fool. I don’t want to be in the middle of something that was bound to happen and think that I was important when I was really just a placeholder. I don’t wanna be on TV crying as somebody I trusted flips on me, because they just couldn’t stand to not have this one thing.”

“I’d never do that to you,” Jasper said, reading her mind.

“I don’t think you’d purposefully do anything. I think that you were in love with somebody since you were a kid, and…”

“And it failed, miserably!”

“Because, he hadn’t evolved enough to be ready for you.”

“It sounds like you’re shoving me onto Henry and you just told me like five minutes ago that you’re not gonna hurt me. I’m feeling dangerously close to being hurt, right now.”

“That feeling might be fear! I just want you to think about it. My parents moved really fast and moved on their feelings and wound up married and with child before they even paused to see if they LIKED each other, as people. Turned out that they did not. I want me and you, Jasper, to always like each other. We’ve done really well for the past year and I just want us to always be great together, even if it’s not together…”

Jasper gasped and covered his mouth, “Are you breaking up with me?”

“I’m… extending to you some freedom to explore and figure out what you want, kinda how you did for Henry, but hopefully, with more respect between us. I just want you to be sure that you’re not missing out on anything.”

“But, we’re still together?”

“Yes.”

“You just want the door open, in case I want something with Henry?”

“I don’t necessarily want the door open, but feel like I would be more comfortable putting it out there right now that if something happens between you and Henry, I understand and I’ll let you figure out what that means for you.”

“Okay. Thanks for that. Ummm…” Jasper now avoided even looking in Henry’s direction. He didn’t want to know what he thought about what Charlotte said. He didn’t even know what he thought about it, himself.

“I really put my foot in my mouth, and that is not something that I normally do, so I’ll just go ahead and blame it on the Bubbly, which I have 2 more days of taking to go.”

Charlotte got up out of the bed and walked out of the room. “Where are you going?” Both men asked her. She shook her head and kept going. They probably think I’m stupid or crazy right now and I don’t blame them. Jasper told Henry, “Please, stop encouraging her to ask or talk about us. If anybody should be talking to her about us, it should be me.”

“Okay, but I thought you wanted me and her to work on us.”

“Not if it means she’s thinking I need myself a side of Henry!”

“A side of Henry could do you some good!”

“Shut the fuck up, Henry,” Jasper said and went after Charlotte. Henry followed. She just needed some breathing room, but Jasper’s emotions had been all over the place and he didn’t want to let her out of his sight. “Char? Where are you going?”

“I haven’t been to the Man Cave,” she said.

“Well, I’m sure that’s fine with Henry,” he said and looked back at him. Henry nodded and passed her to lead them to the elevator.

They made their way into the Man Cave. It was set up similar to the way it used to be, but Charlotte immediately noticed new tech and a different tone of the Cave. She went to explore, since they weren’t being filmed while there, and while she was, Henry tried to talk to Jasper, “Just so you know, she’s probably just medicated and loopy. I’m not gonna pay that any mind. I know that you’ve only got eyes for her.”

Jasper rolled his eyes and sighed, “And I know that you still want her.”

“If you know that, why did you let her stay here, by herself with me? I mean, even with feeling guilty about what happened, I would think that you wouldn’t trust me not to… Try…” Henry scoffed. “You thought that I was gonna try to come on to her! Did you even actually wanna see us try to mend things, or did you just set things up to see if I was gonna try to snake my way back to her?”

“Both,” Jasper said and shrugged his shoulders. In the background, Charlotte was getting excited about various additions to the place that they all used to spend most of their time.

“Wow. So, did you even forgive me, or did you say that so that I could let my guard down and open myself up?”

“I forgave you a long time ago. Forgiving doesn’t necessarily mean forgetting and I know that you want what I have.”

“I want what both of you have!” Henry hissed, then covered his face. “Yeah, yeah, I do still want her… but I want you too. I know that’s not possible and I know that’s one sides… or two sided, I guess… But, that’s my feelings. I have to live with those and I’ve resigned myself to it. I guess I just have to try harder for you to be comfortable enough to know that I’m bigger than my feelings, now. I’m bigger than my wants…” They both realized that the room was quiet and turned to see Charlotte, staring at them, holding something in her hand. Henry stepped back from Jasper and went over to her. “Hey, you’re finding all kinda stuff.”

“Yeah. What did I miss?” She asked (about he and Jasper’s little exchange).

“Just that you don’t have to worry about Jasper and I rekindling anything,” he smiled, but it was sad. It was that old smile that he used to give her whenever he lost a battle and didn’t want to talk about it, but didn’t want her to worry, either. She always used to worry. But, this time, she just felt bad for him.

“I could take it. I’ve actually been in mutually agreed open relationships before, and I’ve identified as poly for the past few years…”

Henry’s eyebrows shot up, “Really? You were… involved in a polyamorous relationship, or you simply realized that you lean towards such arrangements?”

“A little of both. It began with one of my open relationships’ friends. We got along a lot better than they did, but they were far more sexually compatible, so while they were seeing each other, myself and this other person began dating, of course, everyone was in communication about it. My partner felt a little weird about it at first, as he was the person who introduced us and saw him as “his,” but couldn’t deny that he saw the chemistry and didn’t want to obstruct our openness. It was the only time one of us fell for the other’s side interest, but that had never been a rule not to.”

“So, you’ve been in a relationship before… with two guys?” Henry asked, a little more encouraged than a few minutes ago.

“I have. It was difficult and didn’t last, because sometimes whenever you have more than a couple of people, especially if one or more isn’t used to the openness and honesty and sharing… Sometimes the dynamics can be confusing. Those days whenever you don’t really want to be bothered, so they go on without you, and you still feel slighted, even though if you were only with one person and you didn’t want to be bothered, you’d appreciate them respecting that. Whenever you measure up things, whether intensional or not and realize that the sex drive or sexual attraction for some of the others might be different in a way that makes you insecure… I mean… There’s a lot of reasons that relationship didn’t last.”

“Did you remove yourself from it?” He asked.

“No. I was broken up with by my original partner and when that happened, his side interest broke things off with him. He said that he came into a packaged arrangement and he didn’t want to be just with one of us. Of course, my ex said that he didn’t mind that they kept things open, but he just wasn’t interested in continuing to see me, on his end. I wasn’t interested in that. I was new to discovering myself and it seemed messy. None of the other stuff seemed messy, just like… you know, relationship work. But, when it got to where I couldn’t figure out what the purpose of the work would be, I definitely dipped. Long story short, I can handle Jasper exploring you without feeling discarded, and in the event that I’m not meant for a longer journey, I can accept that shit with grace.”

Whenever she brought the subject back to Jasper, Henry sighed, “He’s not interested.”

“That’s a lie.”

“He’s not interested in trying, and I respect that… Wait… Jasper was giving me a morality test, is that what you’re doing right now? Is this the part where I find out that contrary to my previous belief that seeing the two of you in love was my sentencing, it’s actually having both of you play multiple games to see if my heart is in the right place?”

She furrowed her eyebrows and turned up her nose, “I’d sooner not even deal with you at all. I don’t have time for games. I’m a broke ass genius. I’d use game playing energy to get a real job. What does this thing do?” she changed the subject, now, to the contraption in her hands.

“I can’t say that they are in it together, but I feel like it’s a coincidence that Jasper was testing me and she takes that time to openly announce that she’s fine with us trying a thing, and then she had that pretty convincing story of her experience with a polyamorous relationship with two men, a relationship that didn’t work out. If you’ve already failed at a similar relationship, then why would you be open to another?”

“It boggles my mind that he would wonder that, because that is precisely how relationships work. Most of us don’t have a relationship with the same person for our entire dating span. So, to think that polyamorous people would just give up when their first try doesn’t work out is… Does he ACTUALLY have those credentials? Because, I don’t know if I’d go to therapy with somebody who says the things that he says about relationships, not even for sexual advice… Though, maybe he’s only good at speaking about that aspect, and not the emotional. He could have just said that he and Jasper are too afraid to try out their emotions with me in the picture and kept it moving.”

The spa-hospital-sleeping-waking up etc schedule had thrown everyone’s body off a little bit. So that they were all still awake whenever it was time for the sun to come up. “We need to get to the roof. We won’t be able to see it anywhere else,” Jasper told Charlotte.

“You can see it from the balcony,” Henry said. Jasper remembered just as brightly as it was yesterday how Henry had snapped at him for interrupting sunrise for him before, and flinched at the thought. But, Henry took his hand and pulled him towards the balcony. He glanced at Charlotte, to see if this was okay and she followed, without much of a reaction on her face. They leaned against the bar and watched in complete silence. Jasper was in the middle, with Charlotte and Henry on either side of him.

Charlotte and Henry usually both watched the sun come up, but Jasper was having an emotional moment - because Charlotte had never withheld this time from him, yet Henry had. Today, they were both here with him and not only was Henry no longer withholding this moment from him, but Charlotte was here, as well. It was perfect and he was overcome. They didn’t know what he was thinking, but damn if he wasn’t gorgeous in the growing light of the sun. Charlotte had never noticed before; she was usually quite engaged with the view of the earth being brought into a new day. Henry hadn’t turned from said view since Char had left. But this day, both of them were staring at Jasper and he was a vision to behold.

They caught a glimpse of each other, staring lovingly at the man in between them and silently agreed not to bother each other about the fixation that they gladly returned to after that acknowledgement. At the same time, unplanned, they each moved a hand to the small of his back and their fingers accidentally brushed together. Both of them moved their hands to a different spot on his back and he collected them into each of his arms. “This is the warmest that the sunrise has felt in a while,” Henry said and snuggled in closer. Charlotte slid her hand beneath the back of Jasper’s crop top to stroke his skin more intimately.

“Yeah, it’s a perfect day,” Jasper agreed. He turned to smile at Charlotte, first and kiss her on the forehead, then leaned his head against Henry’s shoulder.

Henry had to water his plants after that, and talk to them. Charlotte offered to help, wanting to spend time with his herb garden, but he preferred to walk her through it, so they did that first and Jasper just hung around, amazed that Henry was finally so open with him and these areas of his life. Suddenly, Charlotte’s offer didn’t seem so… scary. Then again, the difference was that Charlotte was here. Yeah, he and Henry had made up and been nice to each other since their breakup and even during plant time, when Jasper interrupted, Henry was cordial about it. But, here, with Charlotte, that made a difference in how loving Henry was. Henry had admitted that he wanted both of them, to Jasper. So, of course, it made sense that he was standing way too close and unnecessarily touching her to show her how to care for the plants, but Jasper still didn’t trust this. He still felt a little bit jealous, though he was also kinda gushy about it.

Henry and Charlotte were a beautiful couple. He’d thought about them together, years ago. He’d thought about if he had been with her instead, would they have lasted and would she have dated Henry later. He thought about the three of them together… But, that was before the issues. That could never be a thing now. Although… She brought up the idea of he and Henry exploring. He could bring up the idea of the three of them.. And always play it off like he was trying to show her how ridiculous her idea sounded, if she didn’t seem into it. He decided that he would do that! But… this wasn’t the right time, was it? “You two are getting dirty. Might have to have a shower party soon!” He said, then immediately regretted it.

“What’s a shower party?” Henry asked. Charlotte had just looked at him like people looked at his 11th toe.

“I think he was making a joke about us taking a shower together.”

“Dude. You’re gonna make it weird. We’re having a nice morning,” Henry said. He and Charlotte laughed and she returned to the herbs. But, Henry stared at Jasper. He looked nervous and unsure of himself. Like, he wanted to say something, but he didn’t know how. “You okay there, Buddy?” Henry wondered.

“Why not the three of us?” Jasper asked.

“Oh, boy,” Charlotte said.

“I mean… why just me and Henry? There’s definitely something there between the two of you too. I guess I don’t understand why you think he’s good enough or changed enough for me to make attempts, but not for you.”

“It’s got nothing to do with that at all.”

“She’s insecure and just wants to be sure. You know, like how you set me up to try to get her by leaving her here with me? You two are playing the same damn game, Jasper.”

“I’ve already discussed that I’m not playing any games. You’re the master game player, so I know that you would know, but I assure you, if I was playing games, you wouldn’t be smart enough to peep it,” she said. She and Henry began fussing at each other, for the first time since they began speaking again and Jasper felt like he might have a panic attack.

Look at what he’d done! Henry tried to do something nice and take care of Char in this bright and beautiful space, and Jasper mistrusted him. Char tried to open up a chance for him to resolve any of his past, with perfect trust and no judgement and he’d shot her down. Now, he had them arguing again, and they were doing so well, since last night! He sniffled and both of them heard it, even through their loud voices.

He couldn’t hear their words of concern and affirmation through the sound of his heartbeat in his ears, but he could tell that they were both more concerned with seeing about him than with arguing with each other, unlike his parents, which sometimes, arguments made him think of… especially if he felt like it was his fault.

Charlotte stepped back and let Henry try to reach out to Jasper, cupping his face and trying to make eye contact with him. “Jasper, we’re sorry. We didn’t mean to start arguing, okay? It’s just banter, a little bickering, like old times. Remember when we used to do this? You’d just drown us out most of the time. It was no big deal. We’re good. We’re good. You’re okay. It wasn’t your fault, and nothing bad happened.” Jasper stared at him and it was like he’d finally realized where he was. “Heyyyy,” Henry said. Jasper fell onto him and hugged him. Charlotte rubbed his back and she and Henry exchanged guilty glances.

She suggested, “Since our sleep schedules are messed up, we might as well try to stay awake until tonight and get back on a regular rotation. You wanna go home?”

“You can stay!” Henry said. “I’ll make myself scarce. I mean, I’ll hang out in my room or down here or something. You two relax.”

“I’m fine,” Jasper said and shook Henry off of him. “I just had a moment.” He tried to smile. “Got a little headache.”

“I’ve got something for that,” Charlotte said and collected him. To Henry, she said, “Thanks for bringing him out.”

“I love him too,” he said casually, with a shrug of his shoulders.

#Poly Wanna #Nesha HD Fics #henry danger #henry hart #charlotte page #jasper dunlop #hd ot3

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whateverisbeautiful · 5 years

Text

Reveling in Richonne

#127: The Art (9x01)

The first five episodes of season nine, straight up blessed us with some of Richonne’s most precious moments. And Angela gets right into it by starting the whole season with a Grimes Family moment that’s pure artistry.

So the episode opens with Rick’s beautiful voice talking about how “Now the world begins, the new world begins.” And boy is he right. Cuz this season the new world also expands with a Richonne baby heir!!!

But we’ll get to that lol. 🎉👶🏽

The first shots of the season are of an all-new Alexandria, which looks super healthy and thriving cuz they got the baddest in the game leading it. 💯

I love seeing how much the community has evolved under Richonne’s leadership. They really did create the vision Carl dreamed of in this year and a half. Best parents ever. 🙌🏽 And that gets shown even more in the first scene of the season.

Now Angela knows the way to my heart because she knew the best way to start off season nine was with a beyond precious Grimes Family scene. I went into season nine with hopefulness but also timidity after season eight, but she quieted those doubts when she started off this way. I adore everything about this moment. It’s quiet and peaceful and adorable and joyful and I could go on.

It starts with Rick opening the doors to their upgraded home and Homeboy looks real relaxed. He’s finally at peace in a lot of ways and it’s lovely to see.

I’m emotional just over the first shot of him opening the doors as we hear Judith and Michonne’s voices. And then we see Rick watching as Michonne watches Judith paint a picture of their family.

I’m telling you right now Rick is looking at his heart. And it’s a beautiful heart. 😭

And Judith is actually talking about how the heart she’s drawing is drippy and I love that Michonne is very reassuring that it’s okay and then says “Cause the hearts so full. Is that why?” All I know is this scene is why my heart is so full right now.🥰

If that was improvised by Danai, which I feel it is, that was perfect. Plus it totally paints the picture that we’re coming back into the Grimes life at a time where their hearts are full and on the mend after the devastation of season eight. To see them all so happy after everything they went through was so great cuz it shows that this family unit can overcome everything and always find their way back to each other.

And I know it’s Rick’s relationship with Michonne and Michonne’s relationship with Rick that allows them to have grown this much and be this happy going forward.

We see that Judith drew her and Carl which cue my eternal internal tears. 😭 And I love the idea of Michonne getting up early to do art with Judith since it’s been established throughout the series that Michonne is drawn to art. It’s like she’s passing that interest on to her daughter which is really sweet.

She asks Judith to tell her about the painting and Judith explains, “That’s our house. And Aunt Maggie, and the King, and all our friends.”

This is kind of the first real dialogue from Judith, apart from saying bye to Michonne in season eight. And I love that her first dialogue here in season nine is with Michonne too, who is so clearly her mom.

I also love that Judith has a sense of TF (even though TF will all try my good sis Michonne at some point 😒) and it’s sweet that Judith drew Rick, Carl, Michonne, and her together like the perfect family they are.

So as Rick watches this preciousness personified he asks, “What’s that grumpy face?” lol

Judith turns around to smirk and say “You get a grumpy little face.” Her smile melts my heart. And I just love the shot of both Judith and Michonne looking over at Rick. Those are his girls, y’all.☺️

Rick asks, “You’re doing a grumpy face?” and smiles. Michonne chimes in to say “He has a happy face too.” And it’s so fitting for Michonne to say that cuz she has been the main cause of Rick’s happy faces throughout the majority of this series.

But Judith is sticking to her creative interpretation of Rick and she adds, “There’s gonna be his big tummy.” Y’all...

Judith is def Michonne’s daughter cuz they both have a great knack for teasing Rick and I’m here for it. 😂

I started laughing immediately when I heard this. One; cuz it’s just so cute, but also cuz you know that little actress didn’t actually draw this so this really is just her commenting on the fact that whoever drew this gave the people big circle bodies lol.

But I’m not the only one who found this hilarious. Cuz then Michonne can’t stifle her laughter and starts to crack up about this too. I adore Danai’s laugh lol. It’s the cutest thing. ☺️ And again I’d bet money this isn’t scripted so it’s just the most genuine and natural moment between this genuine family.

And Rick’s a good sport cuz he’s used to being teased by his family members so he just laughs and acknowledges that “That’s daddy’s big tummy”.

I love that even though they devastatingly lost a child last season, they’re still able to have these cute and joyful moments as parents and give Judith a warm and loving life. This is exactly what Carl wanted and envisioned.

And then we get extra blessed cuz it doesn’t end on this scene of them at their home. We then cut to the three of them walking through a grassy field. Michonne holds Judith as Rick follows and the shot is gorgeous.

They watch a large flock of birds fly and I know this is probably one of their sweet family fun days.

I’ve been doing my first ever re-watch of the whole series and there’s a moment in season two where Lori knows she’s pregnant and she says to Dale, “Tell me you believe my baby will grow up and get to be happy.” Back then the idea of a baby growing up and enjoying life seemed highly unlikely. And yet, against all odds, Judith does get to grow up and be happy thanks to her resilient parents.

I love that Rick and Michonne were able to give Judith these happy memories and a life worth living.

I remember this shot of them being the most visually striking clip from the season nine trailer and it was visually striking here too. I love that they got this moment with just the three of them to just be family.

And I’m really glad Angela felt it important to establish right at the start of this season that Rick and Michonne and their family are still going strong and are closer than ever. Amen. 🙌🏽

One thing I’ve noticed is that whenever there’s a time jump, Rick and Michonne have always grown closer than when we saw them last. In the season four, premiere there was a time jump and Rick was full on grinning from ear to ear to have Michonne back with them. In season six, there was that two month time jump and then Richonne became full on canon after that.

(Side note: I would watch a whole series dedicated to the Richonne evolvement that occurred during all of these time jumps lol 💯).

With their pattern of growing deeper in their love for each other during each time jump, imagine how much closer they’d be as parents of two within that six-year time jump. Ugh it hurts that this didn’t happen. 😞

But still, I love that in this year and a half time jump, as much as dynamics have changed between members of TF, Rick and Michonne have only grown closer and fallen more in love. Soul mates. 😌

Y’all, what a beautiful way to open this season. Those three are truly art together and I’m grateful we got to witness the wonderfulness of this family unit in Rick’s final season premiere. 🙌🏽🥰

gifs source: @michonnegrimes

#richonne #grimes family 2.0 #s9 #9.01 #this beauty belongs in a museum

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newhopegeorgie · 5 years

Text

reunited I r.b

(hello! i’ve been away on vacation but i’m finally back with another one shot. this one was based on a request from the very kind @wallows-spring. i hope you enjoy it! if it isn’t exactly what you wanted or envisioned then feel free to send in another request with some more details and i’d be happy to rewrite it for you! anyways, hope you all like it, feedback is always appreciated and requests are open if you’d like to send one in <3)

When New Hope Club announced that they were finally doing a show in your home country you were ecstatic. You’d been following the band since the beginning and only been able to see them perform live once. That was a year ago. You’d begged your mom to let you travel to a different country to go see their show and thankfully she decided to let you. Of course, you’d interacted with the boys on social media, they even followed you, but it wasn’t anywhere near the same as seeing them in person, and you really missed them.

But they’d just released some new tour dates and finally, your country was one of them. It took you no time at all to secure your tickets, making sure you were going to the meet and greet as well. You posted a screenshot on Twitter, tagging the boys and expressing your excitement for the show.

A few minutes later your phone dinged. You didn’t really think anything of it until it started blowing up with notifications. Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion and went to see what was going on. Your mentions on Twitter were going insane with your followers and some friends congratulating you. You wondered what it was you did that warranted congratulations, but then you realized. A few minutes ago, Reece had replied to your tweet about your tickets.

@ NewHopeReece: So happy you’re excited love. Can’t wait to see you it’s been so long xx

You’d be lying if you said your heart didn’t jump as you read his tweet. You were surprised by his message, definitely not thinking he’d ever remembered having met you before. The butterflies in your stomach were going crazy and you only felt more excited to meet the boys, despite your show being about two months away.

As the day got closer you posted updates on Twitter, not being able to contain yourself. Every few days you’d send out ‘29 more days!’ or an ‘only 2 weeks left !!’. And every time, without fail, Reece would like your tweet. He almost seemed more excited than you were, not that you were complaining.

Your show was the next day and you felt bits of your excitement turn to nerves. You’re overthinking had taken up most of the space in your brain, meaning to have posted a ‘tomorrow!’ update on Twitter but completely forgetting. A notification on your phone broke through your loud thoughts and you went to see what it was. A new tweet from Reece.

@ NewHopeReece: one more day! @ yourtwitter x

You swore felt your heart stop for a second. Had he been counting down too? You quickly retweeted it and sent it to your friends, being met back with ‘he’s def in love w you’ and ‘you guys are my faves’. You laughed softly at their responses before continuing on with your day. Your mentions were full of other fans saying how cute they thought it was or how they couldn’t wait to see videos of you and Reece meeting. All the kind words made you smile.

That night you couldn’t sleep. You were way too excited to shut your eyes for more than 2 minutes, let alone enough time for you to actually drift off. You’d already spent much of your time procrastinating sleeping. You’d picked out what you were going to wear, practiced your hair and your makeup. Hell you’d even practiced faces to make in your pictures with the boys, you told yourself it was so you didn’t have to worry about not liking your pictures, so you felt less silly about the whole thing. You really didn’t want to be tired though, so you willed your body to sleep despite your racing thoughts trying to keep you up.

•••

The next morning was kind of a blur. You were practically on autopilot as you got ready. All your brain could seem to do was theorize every possible way you could screw this up. You tried not to dwell on it but the thoughts kept nagging you at the back of your mind. You friends had come over not too long ago to get ready with you, as you were all going to the show together. They’d helped put your mind at ease, telling you Reece was probably even more nervous than you, making you chuckle a bit.

“Seriously Y/N, I’m pretty sure you have nothing to worry about,” one of them reassured you.

“Yeah, literally listen to what he just tweeted. ‘@ yourtwitter todays the day x’. Even he’s counting down,” another said with a laugh. Their words made you feel a bit better about the situation and you decided to stop worrying and just let yourself enjoy the night.

After everyone was finished getting ready, you all headed out. The meet and greet didn’t even start for a few hours so you and your friends decided to go get lunch first. You took a picture of your meal, and your friends sitting across the table from you and posted it to Twitter.

@ yourtwitter: concert pregame with these girlies lol

A few minutes later you got a notification. And, yet again, Reece responded to you.

@ NewHopeReece: Didn’t even invite me? I’m hurt @ yourtwitter

You gaped at his message, quickly turning your phone to show your friends what he’d said. “What am I supposed to say?” you asked them. Your friend took your phone from your hands, typing out a response and sending it before handing your phone back to you.

@ yourtwitter: haha i’ll bring you something i promise xx @ NewHopeReece

You laughed at her message, thinking it was funny and that’d be the end of the conversation. But not even a minute later Reece tweeted at you again.

@ NewHopeReece: I’m holding you too that ;) @ yourtwitter

“I was kidding when I put that but now you really have to get him something,” your friend said laughing. You rolled your eyes at her, making a mental note to buy him a cookie on your way out of the cafe.

It was finally time for the meet and greet and you and your friends had just entered the venue. You definitely weren’t the first ones there but you also weren’t too far back in line so you were happy. You felt your excitement rising as you waited, gradually moving closer to the boys. You chatted happily with your group, the cookie you’d bought for Reece held in your hands. The boys were stood in order of George, then Blake, and Reece at the end so you were going to meet him last.

As you got to the front of the line your friends hastily pushed you forward to go first. You approached George with a wide smile on your face. He welcomed you with open arms, saying hello to you. You hugged him tightly and asked him for a picture together. He was incredibly sweet just as you’d expected. The two of you got to talk for about a minute before you were ushered to move on.

When you got to Blake it went about the same as with George. Hugs and pictures and getting to chat for a bit. “Reece is very excited to see you,” he said, handing your phone to you after getting a couple pictures. You let out a giddy laugh, “Seriously?” you asked him. He nodded his head quickly at you. “Hasn’t stopped talking about it. You might wanna go say hi before he shouts at me for taking up all your time.” He said lightheartedly. He gave you one last hug before sending you on your way towards Reece.

His face brightened as he saw you, immediately scooping you up into a tight embrace. “Reunited at last!” he shouted. A few fans that were in line laughed at your little reunion. “It's been so long, I’ve missed you, love!” He let you out of his hug and held your arms, keeping you close as he spoke to you.

“I know, it's been forever!”

“Do you want a picture?” he asked, gesturing to your phone. You nodded and he took it from your grasp, throwing his arm around your waist to take a few photos with you. You thanked him once he was done, shoving your phone into your pocket. “Now if I’m not mistaken, you promised me something earlier.” He said in a teasing tone.

“I did promise you something,” you laughed. You handed him the cookie that you’d gotten for him, “I don’t break promises Bibby,” you said, teasing him back. His face lit up as he took it from you.

“I thought you were joking! Wow, you really are the best,” he said to you, pulling you into his side for another hug. You smiled brightly at him, gladly accepting his warm embrace.

“I’m kind of sad, I don’t want to wait another year to see you again,” you frowned, a half-hearted laugh escaping your lips. Reece placed the cookie on a table not too far from him, frowning at your statement.

“Awe, love I don’t either. I promise we’ll figure something out, I won’t make you wait long.”He looked you in the eyes and for some reason, you trusted that he meant it. One of the event coordinators was trying to move you along, saying you were out of time. Reece hugged you one last time before you had to leave. “The boys and I have a free day tomorrow before we leave, I’ll dm you,” he whispered to you. The coordinator was now rushing you off, getting impatient. You smiled at him, saying goodbye as you left, not before seeing Reece send you a subtle wink.

After the meet and greet you got to enjoy the concert. It was amazing, exceeding all your expectations. It went by far too quickly for your liking and before you knew it, you and your friends were leaving the venue. You all talked a mile a minute, recounting everything that's gone on the past few hours. Your Twitter was flooded yet again and you wondered what's happened.

You opened the app to find countless videos of your interaction with Reece. People were tagging you and him, saying how they shipped you two or thought you guys were adorable. You smiled at the messages, liking and retweeting a few that made you laugh. You wondered to yourself if Reece was actually serious about dming you like he said he would. Of course, you wanted nothing more than to receive a message from him, but then again he was Reece Bibby so you didn’t get your hopes up.

•••

The next day you woke up to the sun shining in your eyes. You smiled to yourself, replaying the previous day over in your mind. You rolled over in bed to go through your phone, much like you did every morning. You’d gone through most of your social media, tapping on the Twitter icon last, opening up the app. You saw a dm notification and furrowed your eyebrows, confused. When you clicked on it you felt your heart jump to your throat, not believing what you had just read.

From @ NewHopeReece: Hey love, it’s Reece. You busy today? x

#reece bibby #reece bibby imagine #reece bibby one shot #reece bibby fluff #blake richardson #george smith #new hope club #new hope club one shot #x reader #reece bibby x reader #request

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naruwitch · 4 years

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Code Geass: Paladins of Voltron Chapter 9: The Fall of the Castle of Lions

"The monster fell from the sky! It was an epic battle, but Voltron was victorious!" The Arusian King exclaimed from the stairs. Three Arusians were on top of each other, seven others were standing on each other with a sword and shield. They were reenacting the battle that Voltron had fought just the previous day. Allura had announced that they would be leaving the planet tomorrow, but as thanks, had invited the Arusian village to the Castle for a farewell feast and party.

The three Arusians threw a ball at the seven, and they ended up collapsing underneath. "...No! I said Voltron was victorious!" The seven Arusians quickly leaped back to their feet as the three collapsed in defeat. The rest of the Arusians cheered and raised their drinking goblets as the Princess watched in amusement.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for that…" she raised an eyebrow and grimaced slightly, "...wonderful production," she then changed to the most innocent smile she could. "It saddens me that we must leave tomorrow, but we must continue our battle with Zarkon and spread peace throughout the universe." She then turned to the King himself, her hands clasped, "Your Highness… Please accept this gift," she opened her hands to reveal an Altean communicator. The king took the device apprehensively, "This will allow you to contact us anytime you need help." The king smiled in gratitude, "Arus will be the first planet in the Voltron Alliance."

"Hoorah!" the King exclaimed, holding the communicator in the air as his subjects cheered again.

Milly, Rivalz, and Shirley were in a little group in the crowd, holding small cups of their own.

"You know, we should get something like that," Shirley said.

"Like what?" Rivalz asked, confused.

"You know, like a cheer. Like, a team cheer that we do," the Orange Paladin clarified.

"Oh! I like where you're going with that, Shirley!" Milly giggled, "Hmmm… how about: I say 'Vol' and you say 'Tron.' Vol-"

"-Tron!" the two exclaimed.

"Vol-"

"-Tron!"

"YES! It's perfect! Now we just need the others in on it!" Milly winked before sipping her drink-before immediately spitting it back into her cup, a full-body shiver followed. She zipped over to Coran, a peeved look on her face, "Coran, what is this?!"

"Oh, this is Nunvill, the Nectar of the Gods," the advisor smiled after sipping his glass.

Milly stuck out her tongue, disgusted, "It tastes more like hotdog water and feet!"

Missing the disgust in her tone, Coran smiled, "Yeah, makes a wonderful hair tonic as well." He stuck his hand in the glass before sprinkling some onto his mustache, causing it to fluff up, before sliding gracefully away. Despite trying to maintain manners, this only caused the Ashford President to gag again.

Kallen was leaning against the wall, afar off from the crowd, scowling. She never was much of a party person to begin with, but her mind was on other things as well. It had now been officially four to five days since they all went missing. She'd be shocked if the news hadn't caught wind of their disappearances by now. She knew her step-mom knew she snuck out of the house now and then, but the longest she'd ever stayed away was about thirty-six hours. She was probably one of the first to contact authorities. Not because she loved Kallen, but to save her name and reputation.

Not to mention the Black Knights and Zero. She was their most potent Knightmare pilot. With her gone, they would have to find a way to compensate for their loss. And it wouldn't be good on their end. Plus, she shivered, Ohgi was probably worried sick about her as well. Just like-

Kallen sighed and stared up at the ceiling. She hated to admit it, but she missed her mom. Her real mom. Who worked and endured ridicule in the Stadtfeld home just to stay by her. Why couldn't that woman just move on and get a life already?

"I'm sorry guys…" she whispered, continuing to brood in the corner.

Meanwhile, Shirley and Rivalz were attempting to assist Milly, who was still having problems with the Nunvill drink. Rivalz poked her, where she fell, rather comedically on her side.

Rai and Suzaku were also standing apart from the crowd. But for entirely different reasons than Kallen. They were tense as if waiting for a whole army of Galra to come barging in through the wide-open gates.

"Not feeling well?" Coran asked them as he approached the two, "Try some Nunvill. Settles the stomach and brightens your smile."

"Coran, I don't think it's a good idea to be letting everyone wander in and out of the Castle like this. It doesn't seem safe." Suzaku admitted.

"Oh, these Arusian won't hurt anything-"

Coran was interrupted as two Arusians came floating by, hanging from a hovering plate of drinks.

"-Much." he cringed as the platter collided with another one. "Besides, it's only fair to let them see the inside of a castle that's been sitting on their planet for so long."

"Okay, but who knows when Zarkon will attack again?" Rai asked pointedly.

Suzaku pushed himself away from the wall, "I'm gonna do a perimeter check. Just in case. Coming Rai?"

"Sure!" the Green Paladin said, following close behind.

o~o

Meanwhile, far across the way from the Castle, two adversaries laid in wait for the perfect opportunity to strike.

"Commander Sendak, the sentries are in position around the Arusian village," Haxus said.

Sendak grinned. He was eager to gain revenge on the Paladins and kill the Princess personally. Emperor Zarkon would reward him generously for doing so. He zoomed in to get a better look at the castle with his unique Galra eye.

"Luck is on our side. Look, the Castle defenses are down. The door is wide open. With all these Arusians coming in and out, it should be nothing for you to infiltrate."

Haxus looked through his binoculars and spotted Rai walking around with Rover, the drone that he had reprogramed. "I may not have to. Look. The green one has a Galra drone they've repurposed. If I can just get close enough to clone its signature code, I can send our bomb drone in undetected."

Sendak grinned sinisterly, "I knew you would not disappoint me, Haxus."

Haxus got up from his crouch next to him and left to find a spot closer to the entrance, to fulfill the plan.

o~o

As everyone was having fun and socializing, Lelouch finally emerged and was out carrying around a small backpack, discreetly stocking it with some of the food from the party.

Up above, Allura gazed down at the paladins with a smile, with the light blue mouse, Plachu, perched on her shoulder, "Look at them, the new Paladins of Voltron. The fate of the universe is on their shoulders."

She watched as Shirley took a drink of Nunvill. Her eyes widened impossibly before she spewed it out in Rivalz's face, his head ducked down as if to cover his eyes.

"Ow! My eyes!" Rivalz exclaimed with a cackle as he had put two of the stick snacks into his sockets. The two, along with Milly and the Arusians surrounding them, threw back their heads laughing.

Allura cocked an eyebrow at the display. Not exactly the most proper Paladin behavior, but she saw that they weren't necessarily causing trouble, and allowed it to slide. "... I must portray strength so no one can tell how concerned I am about the fate of our mission."

Plachu chittered close to her ear as he perched on her shoulder. Allura's eyes widened before she blushed and smiled sheepishly, "Let's... keep that a secret."

He chittered again quietly. Allura's face became intrigued. "Who else has secrets?"

Plachu leaped down and joined his siblings on the ramp. He then took Platt's cheeks and squished them upwards like he was trying to eat something he probably should've ate in smaller bites.

"Rivalz tried to eat what?!" Allura laughed, "That is rather amusing. What other secrets?"

The tiny mouse, Chulatt, hopped onto Plachu's head and styled his hair to look curly like Milly's. He then grabbed his tail and, with a devious smirk, spun it around like a lasso.

Allura frowned slightly, "That sounds like something Milly would attempt."

Chulatt then dropped down back to the ramp, and standing in front of Chuchule, the pink mouse, offered his paw out to her. Chuchule placed it there, and Chulatt lightly kissed it, as Chuchule batted her eyes and gave a flattering squeak.

"Lelouch is a what?!" Allura reeled back in shock. She quickly zeroed in on the Black Paladin, who was in the process of casually dumping another plate of snacks into his backpack. He suddenly frowned and looked around. He spotted a stray wooden pick in one of the snacks that an Arusian was carrying. He even proceeded to dig it between two of his canines before pulling it out. He frowned before tossing it behind him, apparently satisfied.

Allura scowled skeptically, as she doubted even by Earth standards that that was how royalty acted. "Hmmm...Are you sure?" she asked. The mice squeaked in confirmation, "I'm getting to the bottom of this."

Meanwhile, back down below, Rivalz stared skeptically at the Nunvill still in his cup. "I guess we should get used to this space juice. Who knows when we'll get back home again?"

"Yeah…" Milly frowned, swirling her cup. "If ever…"

"It's our new life," Kallen suddenly snapped next to them, "get used to it!"

"What do you mean, Kallen?" Shirley asked.

"Well think about it, if this Zarkon character has been ruling for 10,000 years, how long do you think it will take for us to fix it? You know, if we live through it?"

"You're right…" Shirley frowned, picking up a bowl of food as a tray floated past.

Kallen rolled her eyes and sighed again. 'Seriously?! Can they not understand that?!' she ranted as she slinked back into the crowd.

"You know… ever since we got here, Kallen's been acting like a completely different person." Shirley said.

"Yeah," Rivalz nodded, "what happened to the sick, frail Kallen Stadtfeld we know? It's like she's never been sick! Not to say that's bad! If anything, I think it's a big improvement. She's a lot more attractive now."

"True, definitely love the spikes she's added to her locks," Milly commented.

"Kallen has a point, though…" Shirley murmured. "It could take forever for us to fight Zarkon. And who knows what will happen. Some of us might not come back!"

"Yeah. Right." Rivalz nodded solemnly.

"But hey! What do you think the chances are of us landing on another glitter planet?" Milly asked, trying to change the subject to cheer them up. "Oh! Or a planet made up completely out of nachos? That would be one for the journals!"

"Well, there's only one planet with beautiful beaches, pizza shack looking over the water, and the garlic knots and... my mom's hugs…" Rivalz eyes started flooding with tears before ducking his head, "I'm sorry. I think this Nunvill is getting to me. I gotta go."

Milly and Shirley looked after him in concern. Coran also watched him go up the stairs with a concerned frown, the conversation he was having with two Arusians briefly forgotten.

As Rivalz was hurrying up the stairs, Allura passed him coming down, making a beeline for Lelouch, his backpack still flung over his shoulder.

"So, Lelouch," Allura started, trying to sound casual, "we haven't had a chance to really... talk. Tell me about yourself."

Lelouch blinked in confusion for a moment, wondering why the sudden interest, but he sighed and relented, thinking a couple of facts should satisfy her. "Hmmm… well, my favorite color is indigo, I prefer turkey over ham sandwiches, and my favorite tea is jasmine, with a small dollop of honey in it. I also like peanut butter and peanut butter cookies. But I refuse to eat peanuts on their own. They're far too dry and salty."

Lelouch tried to escape from the princess after that, figuring that was enough. Allura blocked his path, "I-I suppose I was thinking of something a little more... personal?" She asked with a knowing wink. That sounded suspicious to him. "We do have a lot in common."

Lelouch's eyes widened in alarm. Then they narrowed as his Geass activated, "What do you mean?" he demanded as the sigil flew into Allura's eyes.

The princess's eyes glowed with a red ring around the iris as her face went slack. "I mean that fact that we are both prince and princess of royalty," she replied monotonously.

Lelouch gasped before he grit his teeth in anger, "How'd you find out about that?!"

"The mice told me. They overheard a conversation with you and C.C. about it."

Lelouch sighed. That was his fault then. The fact that the mice shared a mental link with the princess completely slipped his memory. Satisfied that he had the information, he broke the command off.

Allura blinked before she refocused on Lelouch, and then noticed his strangely aggravated face. She quickly backtracked, "I'm sorry! I overstepped my bounds. I just want you to know that you can confide in me. If there's anything you ever want to talk about..." She leaned in uncomfortably close to Lelouch's face, "Anything…"

Though a little irritated, he might as well say it now, since she was technically asking. "Fine, I do have something to tell you."

"I had a feeling~" Allura sang with a giddy smile, "What is it?"

"I'm leaving Voltron, and going back to Earth."

Allura took a breath like she was about to speak something else entirely different. Her mouth turned into a confused frown, "Wait, what?!"

"You heard correctly; I'm going back to Earth. With C.C. Tonight," he informed with a tone of finality.

"Lelouch, you can't. You're one of seven Paladins," her hands landed on Lelouch's shoulders, "You have a sacred trust to defend the universe."

"Well, I regret to tell you, Princess, but I have previous engagements and priorities back home!" Lelouch exclaimed, back away defensively, "Tell me, did you have any other family besides your parents? A brother or sister, perhaps?"

"Well- no but-!" Allura protested.

"Well, I do!" Lelouch exclaimed, "My mother is dead, and my father abandoned my sister and I. She's blind and crippled. She can't move unless she uses a wheelchair! She needs help with almost everything! Don't you get it?! If I'm not there for her, who will be?! And I'll die first before I let my father get his filthy hands on her again!"

Allura stood in frozen shock. She had never seen Lelouch this emotional about something. Where was the calm, stoic, Black Paladin she was familiar with?

He drew in a sharp breath, eyes glossy with tears, "I'm sorry. But I should inform the others about this."

o~o

Outside, Rai and Suzaku stood guard at the entrance, squinting out into the darkness. Rover was hovering closer to them, assisting in patrol.

"Rai, Suzaku?" Lelouch asked as he came up behind them.

"What's up, Lelouch?" Suzaku asked.

"I need to talk to you about something."

Off to the side, however, no one noticed the galra Haxus hiding in the rocky outcroppings. He leaned out and pointed a device at the drone and trio. It quickly scanned them as the three started walking back to the Castle. It got full encryption of the drones codes, which he promptly prepared a copy of it.

"Signature code cloned," he muttered. He quickly pulled back behind the rocks when Rai looked over in his directions with narrowed eyes. The two then followed Lelouch back into the castle. He pulled out a drone of his own and scanned the code into it. Its glow went from red to bright blue, copying Rover's code perfectly. "Bomb activated."

The fake Rover started hovering towards the entrance, following the trio from a short distance as Haxus leaped over the rocks and retreated to Sendak's position. Now all they needed to do was wait.

o~o

Rivalz sat sulking in the castle's bridge. His head was rested on one of his fists as thoughts rolled through his head. He missed his mom, sisters, uncle, and baby cousin. What Kallen said struck closer to home than he anticipated, because she was right! This was war! People died, and who was to say that he wouldn't be one of them?

"Mind if I join you?" Coran asked gently as he hopped down from the platform Rivalz was sitting against.

"How far away from Earth do you think we are, Coran?" Rivalz asked. Maybe if he saw the distance, and that it wasn't far at all, it could reassure him.

"Let's take a look," Coran went up to the central control and brought up the holographic map, the planets, and stars surrounding them.

"Earth is over here," Coran said, pointing to the space that they marked for the paladins, "And we're aaaaaaall... the waaaaay... oveeeeer..." The kept swiping his hand over the map. It seemed to take forever. And it didn't help Rivalz's sudden homesickness at all.

"You ever notice how far the planets are from each other, Coran?" he asked forlornly.

"Yes," Coran replied, still swiping, "haven't you been paying attention?"

"Yeah," Rivalz walked up next to him, "but I mean, like, they're really, really far away. Like, say, Earth? It's so far; I can't even see it. The... The blue oceans, the white clouds, green grass... I c—-I-I... I can't see any of it!" he confessed, looking down with a depressed gaze.

Coran gazed at the Blue Paladin with sympathy, "You miss Earth. I understand. I miss Altea."

"I know we're supposed to be brave Paladins and Defenders of the Universe or whatever, but, honestly? I just want to go home." Rivalz complained as he looked down, depressed stare still prominent.

"If I could go home, I would," Coran confessed, looking down and sad as well now.

"I miss the rain," Rivalz said randomly, "and splashing in puddles."

"Rain?" Coran asked, intrigued.

"Yeah. It's water that falls from the sky?" Rivalz provided, looking up at their Milky Way Galaxy.

"Oh, we had that on Altea. Only, it wasn't water, more like rocks. Razor-sharp and boiling-hot. Oh, they could knock a hole right in your head."

"Sounds fun," Rivalz said unenthusiastically.

"Yeah."

o~o

The Galra drone that was rigged continued to fly down the hall completely undetected. It scanned each place as it went, looking for a convenient place to go off. Its destination was the bridge, where the primary power source of the Castle was. Once that was taken out, the Castle would be completely defenseless.

o~o

"Lelouch, no!" Suzaku exclaimed. He, Rai, Allura, and the other Paladins, except Rivalz, were gathered in one of the halls. Lelouch had just broken to them the news of his departure.

"Nunnally needs me Suzaku," Lelouch said, "and I have other things I need to do on Earth. And besides, with the way things are right now, should the Galra attack, no one would stand a chance, not even Britannia."

"Lelouch, you can't just leave!" Milly argued, putting her hands on her hips.

"We're not in school, Milly, so you can't tell me what to do. Besides, C.C. and I have a pod ready to go already. She's probably waiting for me."

"Okay, seriously, Lelouch, what's with you and that C.C. chick?!" Kallen suddenly exclaimed angrily, "She sneaks onto the Blue Lion, following you, and now you're leaving with her?!"

"And if you leave, Lelouch, we can't form Voltron!" Rai said, angry as well, "And that means we can't defend the universe against Zarkon. You're not the only one with a family; we all have one. All these Arusians have families. Everyone in the universe has families. My mom and sister are still out there as well, you know!"

"Yeah, I have a family. They live on Earth. I want to be with them. Is that—Is that, like, a thing that can happen?" Shirley spoke up timidly.

"You want to leave, too?" Allura asked, aghast.

"Of course I do. Look, Voltron is super-cool, don't get me wrong, but I never signed up for a lifetime in space fighting aliens." Shirley said, trying to make Allura understand.

"Lelouch," Milly said, "I care about Nunnally as well. We all do. But think about the bigger picture. You're putting the life of one person over the lives of everyone else in the entire galaxy—!"

"—Guys, wait!" Suzaku finally spoke, "This isn't how a team should operate. People have to want to be a part of it. They can't be forced," Suzaku looked at Lelouch, with a small desperate gleam in his eye, "Lelouch, If you want to leave, we won't try to stop you. But, please, just think about what you're doing."

Lelouch inhaled deeply, "I'm sorry, but you need to find someone else to pilot the Black Lion."

As Lelouch started walking away, Kallen suddenly caught up to him, grabbing his arm, "Fine! Then I'm going with you too!"

"Wha- Kallen!" Allura protested.

"Look," Kallen interrupted, "I hate the idea of leaving this too. But he has a point. Our world right now is completely unprepared for an attack. We need to at least warn them! So that's what we'll do," she then walked up to the princess and whispered, "and maybe I can convince him to come back."

Allura gasped slightly as Lelouch, and now Kallen both started walking away.

"I can't believe it. This team is falling apart. How will we ever form Voltron?"

o~o

Rivalz and Coran were finally leaving the bridge when the fake Rover came hovering in. They had a good talk about their homeworlds, and Rivalz had to admit he was feeling a bit better.

"Hey, Rover!" he greeted as it passed him. It continued in its path until it stopped right next to the crystal.

Rivalz suddenly stopped, noticing something crucial. "Wait… Where's Rai?" he asked as he turned around slowly.

As he looked back at the drone, it suddenly started beeping and flashing red.

Rivalz gasped, realizing what was happening.

"Coran, look out!" He shouted, tackling the Altean as the drone exploded in an inferno.

o~o

The explosion was felt throughout the Castle. The Arusians panicked and started running in all directions and out of the Castle. Suzaku, Rai, Milly, Shirley, and Allura all gasped in horror as small pieces of debris fell around them. Lelouch, Kallen, and C.C., who had been waiting in the shuttle for them, also paused, staring in terror.

Soon the lights on the Castle of Lions flickered out. No power was flowing from any part of the ship. They were now truly stuck.

o~o

Coran groaned as he slowly got up. The bridge was dark; smoke was gently cascading around him. He blinked several times until he figured out what he was seeing. He heard footsteps as Allura, C.C., and the other Paladins ran into the rooming, some coughing from the smoke.

"What happened?!" Lelouch exclaimed as Suzaku and Kallen helped Coran up.

"Ugh… I'm not sure," Coran said as he stood up. The smoke slowly cleared to confirm Allura's worst fear, though.

"The Crystal!" It was in shards everywhere. Their power was gone, and therefore, nothing was going to work until they got a new one. What was even more horrifying, however, was the still figure almost directly underneath it.

"Rivalz!" the Princess gasped.

Rai ran forward and gently picked up the Blue Paladin, cradling his neck, "Rivalz?" The Blue Paladin groaned in pain, "Rivalz!"

"We have to get Rivalz to the infirmary!" Shirley exclaimed.

"Without the Crystal, the Castle has no power," Allura said frantically.

"Meaning that those healing pods won't work either," Lelouch said before cursing.

"He doesn't look good…" Milly said, kneeling next to Rai, tears gathering in her eyes.

"Lion warriors, our village is under attack!" the Arusian King cried, running into the room, "We need help!"

"Let's get to the Lions!" Suzaku said.

"You can't. They're sealed in their hangars. There's no way to get them out. We're defenseless," Allura explained frantically.

"Will you not help us?!" the king asked, eyes shifting between the Paladins in a panic.

"We will. We just-"

Rivalz groaned in pain again, interrupting Kallen. She looked back at her friend, biting her lip.

"Well… this is quite the predicament," C.C. said as if she was talking about the weather.

Ignoring the immortal's tone, Coran straightened himself, taking his arm away from Shirley, who had had it draped over her shoulder.

"We have to get a new Crystal to get the Castle working again. But, to get a new Crystal, we need a ship."

"Use the pod we were loading," Lelouch said, pointing down the hall they came from, "the bay door should still be open!"

"I can use the scanner on the pod to see if there's a Balmera nearby. Shirley, C.C., you both come with me. I'll need some help with carrying the Crystal."

"You're making women do all the heavy lifting? How very ungentleman-like of you," C.C. quipped sarcastically, casually crossing her arms.

"A Balmera?" Shirley asked, sounding out the strange word.

"It's where the Crystals come from. I'll tell you two about it on the way!" the advisor said as he, Shirley, C.C., Kallen, and Lelouch exited the room for the hanger.

"I'll go see what's happening at the Arusian village," Suzaku said to Milly and Rai.

"I'll go with you, Suzaku. I brought this on the poor Arusians." Allura said, a layer of guilt in her tone.

"Okay, we'll look after Rivalz and guard the Castle." the Green Paladin said.

o~o

Coran, Shirley, and C.C. had gotten settled in the pod as the advisor turned the scanner on. Lelouch and Kallen were standing outside it.

"It's our first bit of luck," the Altean said, looking at the star map, "There's a source not too far. We won't need a wormhole to get there, thankfully."

Shirley quickly adjusted her helmet as the screen lit up with the path to take.

"Hold on; Rai's been doing some tinkering around here. He told me he added some modifications to some of the shuttles. I'll try and explain them the best I can," Lelouch said, leaning in and pointing at one of the screens. "The first change is a cloaking device that he reverse-engineered from the invisible walls on the training deck. The second is a tank of booster fuel that he mounted on the fuel line."

Coran, however, didn't look very impressed with the second option, "Using that during flight would turn the whole pod into a bomb!"

Shirley paled considerably, and even C.C. looked a little nervous. Not to say she'd never been blown up before, but the experience was never pleasant. And especially not out in space.

"Oh-kay, maybe refrain from using that modification then," Lelouch said, looking a little apologetic. "Mental note, have Rai take it off the shuttles ASAP when this is done."

"Ya think?" Kallen asked sarcastically.

"Are we ready, then?" Shirley asked Coran.

"Yes, let's go!" Coran lowered the pod window as it prepared for take-off. The engines ignited, and it hovered as it approached the bay doors.

"Good luck!" Lelouch said, giving Shirley a smile and thumbs up. Kallen waved after them.

From inside the pod, Shirley blushed and sent a thumbs-up back before it shot out the doors and into the Arusian night sky.

o~o

Meanwhile, Rai and Milly were slowly transporting Rivalz to the medical wing. Milly was holding his legs while Rai had hoisted him up by the shoulders. They planned to use some of the other supplies inside and their limited knowledge of medical treatment to try and help heal some of the wounds.

"Hang on buddy, help's on the way," Rai said. He stumbled when Milly came to an abrupt stop. She was staring at the entrance to the Castle, petrified. Rai followed her gaze, and his blood ran cold. There was a small Galra troop coming towards them. They were dragging a large purple crystal behind them, and the one leading the assault was-

"Sendak!" Rai snarled, gritting his teeth.

"He's still alive," Milly whispered. The two Paladins quickly guided Rivalz body to lie down by the wall.

"Stay here!" Rai said as he raced for the entrance. He met the Galra outside and was the only thing standing between him and the Castle. Both parties stopped.

"Stand aside," Sendak said as the two continued the standoff.

"No!" Rai shouted, whipping out his Bayard in a flash of light, readying himself for battle, "You're not getting in!"

"Yes, I am." Sendak thrust his robot arm out towards the Green Paladin. Rai raised his arms to block, but the arm actually grabbed him and dragged him further outside towards the Galra forces. Rai was dragged along the ground with a yell before landing right in front of Sendak. He barely had time to dodge backward as the large arm came crashing down on the ground.

Rai grunted as he pulled out his Bayard again, this time igniting it to full charge. He ran forward with a battle cry, arm ready to swing his Bayard inward. Sendak raised his arm to block, and the katar scraped across its surface, not even scratching it! He quickly leaped up and swung again, causing Sendak to have to step back to dodge. Rai ducked and rolled out of the way of another strike, flipping backward to get out of range.

He roared again as he sent a frontal attack forward, the Bayard crackling with electricity. Sendak's fist also returned with an onslaught of his own, punching his metal hand in Rai's direction. The attacks clashed, the two stuck in a stalemate, though Rai was starting to pant a little.

Sendak's eye narrowed before widening, his robot one whirling. He then smirked, "I see you spent some time with the Druids. They do love to experiment. Too bad you're letting such an ability go to waste."

"Huh?" Rai blinked. What was he talking about? He didn't get the chance to ask this though as the Sendak's arm fluctuated and launched the Green Paladin backward into the Castle. Rai skidded and tumbled back to where Milly and Rivalz were hiding.

"Rai!" Milly gasped as he finally stopped next to them. She couldn't inspect his injuries, as they both had to jump away from Sendak's arm again. It slammed so hard into the ground it left a small crater, and the force sent the two Paladins tumbling back. Sendak was already using the momentum of his attack to propel himself at them again. This time though, Rai managed to grab Sendak by the shoulder and throw him away from them. The Galra roared in fury as Rai ran at him again, Bayard activated. The two were soon locked in another stalemate, Rai's Bayard by Sendak's neck and Sendak's claws under Rai's chin. If either one of them made a move, they were as good as dead.

"No!" Milly cried out from behind him. Turning around, Rai saw that some sentries had grabbed Rivalz and had thrown him to the ground. Milly was standing behind Rai, surrounded, her Bayard out in its kusarigama form. She looked like she was going to attack, but Haxus was also holding a gun to the Blue Paladin's head, looking her in the eye, daring her to try.

Milly looked back at Rai, terror plain to see on her face. This moment of distraction was enough for Sendak to launch Rai forward, catching the Yellow Paladin off balance and knocking them both unconscious. The two collapsed right by their fallen comrade, prisoners of war to the Galra.

"Voltron is ours," Sendak proclaimed with a sinister grin.

o~o

"Damn!" Lelouch whispered as he and Kallen hid behind the balcony.

"What do we do?!" Kallen asked urgently.

"Let's get out of here. It won't help anyone if we're caught as well," the Black Paladin said as the two scrambled down the hallway. Lelouch's brain worked furiously to come up with a plan to get the Galra out of the Castle and save the others in time.

o~o

The Arusian village was in flames. Blasts from guns desecrating the structures and leaving the homes of the people in ruins. The King and his people could only watch in terror as everything was slowly engulfed. Suzaku and Allura quickly joined them at the top.

"What's happening?" Allura asked.

"Look! Attackers!" the King pointed towards the town square. There were multiple Galra sentries with blasters in their hands, and explosions went off in many directions.

"I'll go in for a closer look. Stay here with them," Suzaku ordered as he slid down the wall, gritting his teeth.

"Suzaku!" Allura called out in alarm.

The Purple Paladin leaped into the blaze, using his jet pack to slow his descent. He sneaked through the burning village, hiding behind buildings in case he was attacked… and he wasn't. Warning bells went off in his head as he got closer to the square. He looked through the window of one of the huts, well hidden from the sentries. As the watertower crashed to the ground, one of the droids also fell to its side, limp.

Suzaku blinked, "What?!" Now that he had a closer look, he saw that all of the sentries were damaged and not operating. Some of them were even mounted on stilts and had their arms wrapped around their guns with cloth.

His eyes suddenly widened in realization, "Oh no! They tricked us!"

Allura's face paled as Suzaku's voice rang into her ears through her earrings, "It was just a diversion to separate us and thin the Castle's defenses!" Allura whipped her head around, her eyes widening in terror as she gazed at the defenseless castle.

o~o

Inside the Castle, the working sentries plugged the Galra crystal into the Castle's central power system.

"Power up the Castle," Sendak order, the symbol of the Galra Empire flashed to life on the screens. The once soothing blue lights of the Castle of Lions was soon flooded with a sinister violet. Even the lights outside had switched to match its new master's.

o~o

As the system reactivated, the screens on all the Lion hangers flashed to life, showing all seven felines sitting dormant in their chambers. The Galran commander smirked cruelly in victory. "The Lions are all in their bays. Raising particle barrier. Begin launch sequence."

Suzaku and Allura ran as fast as their legs could carry them as the now violet particle barrier descended over the Castle. The wall slammed to the ground just as the two collided with it. Suzaku slammed his fist against it, but it didn't budge.

"We're too late… No!" Suzaku shouted in anger.

"They have control of the Castle. They're taking Voltron!" Allura gasped in fear.

o~o

After checking over the crystal one last time, and glancing at his three unconscious prisoners, Sendak turned to Haxus, "Make contact with Emperor Zarkon."

His fellow Galra nodded and pressed a few buttons on the holopads. The screen in the middle blinked to life as a link was made. Soon the Emperor's sinister face flashed onto the screen.

"Sendak," he acknowledged.

"My mission is complete," Sendak debriefed, grinning in triumph, "I've captured the Altean castle, along with all of the Voltron Lions. I am currently preparing for launch and will be delivering them all to you shortly."

"This news is most pleasing," Zarkon said, showing little expression, "You've done your duty. Vrepit Sa!"

"Vrepit Sa!" saluted as the communication ended, "Haxus, ready the Castle for take off."

"Yes, Commander."

o~o

Suzaku morphed his Bayard to its katana form, looking at Allura desperately, "Can we break through the barrier?"

"No. And whoever has taken the Castle has a Crystal, which means they'll be able to fly the ship. We have to stop them," she answered.

"How are we going to do that?" he asked.

"Suzaku, can you hear me?"

The Purple Paladin gasped at the voice, "Lelouch?! Is that you?!"

"Yes, Kallen's with me as well."

"Where are you two?"

"We're inside the Castle. We managed to evade capture… for now," the Britannian Prince answered.

"Sendak has taken over, and he's preparing for launch. He's got Rai, Milly, and Rivalz." Kallen added in the same hushed tone. Rover, who they ran into as they escaped down the hallway, was hovering next to them.

"Lelouch, Kallen, listen. If they've started the launch sequence, then we don't have much time before liftoff to stop it." Allura informed them urgently.

"Tell us what to do," Lelouch ordered.

"You have to get down to the main engine control panel and disconnect the primary turbine from the Central Energy Chamber," Allura instructed.

o~o

Inside, Lelouch tapped his armor gauntlet, pulling up a screen. It contained a map of the Castle's interior. He pushed a couple more commands, and soon a red path lead him to the chamber the princess was talking about.

"If you can do that, Sendak will have to reset the whole system. That might give us enough time to find a way to stop them."

Lelouch glanced at Kallen. They both nodded before shooting up from their hiding place and running down the hall. At that very moment, the fate of the very universe rested on their shoulders.

o~o

Shirley never knew how alone she felt until the pod was finally out of range of the Castle. She felt the bond she shared with Orange (they had to come up with some better names for their Lions) fade and then disappear as they traveled through the stars. Now being alone in her own mind felt… weird. Like a crucial part of her spirit, her very being had been removed. She shivered as the sensation seemed to deepen the more they traveled.

"Are we almost there?" C.C. asked from the back seat. She sounded bored.

"Almost, don't get your hair in a knot. It's not safe to pilot this pod any faster," Coran said.

Finally, a planet that had several large rock pikes and edged mountain ranges came into view.

"Is that the Balmera planet with the crystals?" Shirley asked.

"It's not a planet. Balmera are ancient animals. Petrified, but still alive," Coran informed her. Shirley looked out in shock at the 'animal' they were propelling closer towards. She had no idea that creatures this big existed. Even C.C. looked intrigued at this revelation.

"Their bodies naturally create the crystals that help power many Altean ships. I often accompanied my grandfather to visit these majestic creatures when he was building the Castle of Lions," Coran reminisced. The pod screen pulled up a picture of a Balmera from 10,000 years ago, the ground sparkled with blue crystals. "I'll never forget the first time I saw the sparkling surface of a Balmera. You're both in for quite a treat."

As they finally broke through the cloud surface; however, it wasn't sparkling landscapes that greeted them, but a wasteland with large, dark-colored machinery drilled into the Balmera's surface.

"Oh, no!" Coran gasped, as they flew over several gaping holes in the surface, some more reinforced than others, "This is horrifying! The Galra have turned this into a mining colony! Oh, they're completely destroying it! They have no regard for the poor creature!"

"Incoming, we've been spotted," C.C. informed the Altean as a large shadow drew over them.

"Hailing unidentified craft. State your ship ID, entry code, and landing destination," the ship's robotic voice demanded as it hovered over them.

"Um… what do we do?" Shirley asked, starting to panic.

Before Coran could reply, C.C. leaned forward, "Hailing Galra aircraft," she spoke monotonously, "this is ship number XG21G2D4. Requesting permission to land at once."

"There's no ship of that number expected to come through here," the voice said, the ship descending to almost being on top of them, "land immediately and prepare to be boarded."

"With pleasure," C.C. smirked before turning to Coran, who was looking at her with an expression of shock. A similar expression was on Shirley's face as well, "See you down below."

Coran blinked before it understanding C.C.'s silent message as he yanked back on the control handle. The pod rocketed backward from underneath the ship. Shirley held on for dear life as she screamed in terror, while C.C. braced herself against the wall.

The shuttle swerved left and right to avoid the blasts from the pursuing Galra ship.

Then Coran had an idea, "Not done yet. Hang on!"

The pod pitched downward into one of the gaping holes in the Balmera. It was large enough that the ship would've fit comfortably in the middle, longwise. Shirley continued to scream as they descended at breakneck speed into the abyss.

It was about thirty seconds of straight diving before the Orange Paladin eventually got control of herself enough to ask, "How deep is this thing?!"

"Look out!" C.C. cried as one of the beams appeared right in front of them. Coran managed to swerve the pod out of the way just in time. It barely missed knicking the post.

The swerve did cause Coran to lose control of the pod, though. The trio tumbled the rest of the way down before landing ungracefully at the bottom with a lurch.

Shirley sat there in shock for about a solid minute before having the courage and strength to move again. The window of the pod flickered out as the passengers groaned from the impact. C.C. could already feel the bruises forming on her immortal body.

Shirley wrenched off her helmet, her hair flowing down her back (as she didn't have time to pull it into a bun or ponytail) and looked around the bottom of the crater. She could barely see the light of the surface above them. She gazed to her right, which had a small tunnel leading away from the crash site.

She froze and grabbed her Bayard as two sets of glowing yellow eyes stared back at her.

"Uh, Coran. What lives at the bottom of these mines?"

o~o

Back at the Castle of Lions, Kallen used her clawed Bayard to wrench the elevator shaft doors open. She shoved against them with her feet and back. She panted as Lelouch looked over her leg and down toward the shaft below. Rover hovered over them, before positioning himself above the center of the shaft.

"Okay, here goes nothing," Lelouch leaped forward, using his jetpack to propel him and jumped across the chasm to the lower ledge underneath. Kallen grunted, letting the doors slam closed before following after him. The faithful robot drone quickly tailed behind them in case they needed help.

o~o

"Run main cluster activation sequence," Sendak ordered.

"Activation sequence initiated," Haxus confirmed. "Powering up for launch."

o~o

After wrenching another pair of doors open, the two paladins, though exhausted, finally made it to the Central Energy Chamber. The ball of pure energy was alight with a blue glow.

"Okay, Princess, we're near the turbine," Lelouch said.

"It looks like its started!" Kallen added.

o~o

"Then you'll have to hurry," Allura said, "Cross the catwalk to the main column in the center."

o~o

The two Paladins panted as they sprinted to the center column. They couldn't afford to waste any more time!

"Okay, we're there," Kallen said.

"Now open the hatch," Allura instructed. Lelouch bent down and removed the covering and looked inside, "Find the central computer control hub and enter the following sequence..."

"Princess, wait! Which is it? All these labels are in Altean!" Lelouch snapped, cursing at himself for not learning at least some basic Altean while he was here.

o~o

"Commander Sendak, we are ready for launch," Haxus said, looking at the commander.

o~o

The orb in the center of the chamber suddenly pulsed, large bolts of energy hitting it at once. The turbine was powering up, which only meant one thing! It was about to launch.

"Argh! I can't tell which one it is!" Lelouch shouted.

"Allura! Allura?! Dammit!" Kallen cursed as the link lost the connection.

o~o

"I've lost connection with them!" Allura exclaimed as she and Suzaku backed up in horror, "Oh no! It's taking off!"

o~o

Lelouch was still kneeling in front of the control panel, trying to make heads and tails of the connections. For all, he knew if he adjusted the wrong one-

He was thrown backward as Kallen got in the way. Her Bayard claws were extended.

"What are you-!"

"The hell with this!" Kallen screamed as she buried her claw into the circuits. She was shocked backward, almost hitting Lelouch. She groaned and held her arm, as it felt like it was on fire, her Bayard bouncing away.

"Kallen! Are you alright?!" Lelouch asked, kneeling next to her.

"Peachy!" she hissed sarcastically, glaring at him. Kallen's impulsive maneuver seemed to work though, as the turbine's sound subsided, energy levels dropped, and the energy ball in the center decreased to about an eighth of its original size.

"Well, I guess that's one way to do it," Lelouch shrugged with a sheepish grin, helping Kallen sit up. She grinned viciously at him, though she was also relieved it worked.

o~o

"The main engine just shorted out!" Haxus exclaimed in alarm and frustration. Sendak scowled and approached the screen. The camera came online and zoomed in on the two figures with the modified drone. The two of them had wrenched the doors open to let it through before bolting through themselves.

"We have some saboteurs. Find them and take them out."

#Fanfiction #AU #Code Geass #Voltron #lelouch lamperouge #kallen kozuki #suzaku kururugi #rai (lost colors)#shirley fenette #milly ashford #rivalz cardemonde #c.c.#princess allura #coran #sendak

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yaachtynoboat711 · 5 years

Text

Fonder Ch. 3

A/N: Hopefully, this isn’t as angsty as the previous chapters have been. I have become a monster 😭😭😭. Anyways, I hope y’all enjoy. Enjoy the houseclaim link too.

Word Count: 1966

Warning(s): Angst, slow burn

Friday, September 12, 2014, Los Angeles, California, 9:35 a.m., Winston’s Apartment

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

“Fuck. Already?”, Winston muttered to himself as he slowly twisted his body to shut the alarm off. Nearly three months after his breakup with Yaa and he still wasn’t used to not being greeted with a funny text of some sorts from her. No funny voicemail or meme to start the day off with. Fuck, I miss her.

His phone buzzed; it was from Michelle, his new girlfriend of almost a month and a half. She was sweet and caring, but not Yaa by a long shot. They kinda just met—no bells and whistles. They met at a coffee shop when he was filming for Person of Interest. She was coming to town for a few weeks for an assignment. As a freelance journalist, she didn’t have a choice to pick or choose what assignment to take.

“Hey, you.”, Winston answered.

“How are you, honey?”, she replied.

“Just waking up. Have you boarded yet?”

“They’re about to close the door. Calling you to remind you that my flight gets here at 2:35 and—“

“—and you want me to pick you up? I was actually thinking about letting you hang out at the airport for a few while I got dinner ready.”, he suggested nonchalantly.

“What? Winston,no! Why would you do that? You don’t want me there or something?”, she squeaked.

“Geez, Michelle, r e l a x. I was kidding! Can’t take a joke?”, he answered defensively. Michelle definitely wasn’t Yaa. By now, Yaa would’ve cussed him completely out before adding, “That’s why I’ll get some old dick or my side nigga to come get me, since you playin’ so goddamn muhfuckin’ much.” Yup, Khalida was a Carolina reaper and Michelle was a bell.

“Ok. I’ll call you when I land. Talk you then!” The phone clicked.

“Damn,bye.”, he said as he locked his phone.

After he showered, he walked into kitchen to hear Power 106 playing “Tuesday”. His song at the moment. Bop and bop, he danced without a care in the world. He’d had a productive week after all: he’d just returned from New York for more work, met his audition quote for the month, and folded his clothes the moment they came out of the dryer. He was long overdue for a haircut, but hey, he wasn’t trying to impress anyone.

Since it was Friday, he had laxed schedule: gym, pick Michelle up, date at the house, take her to her hotel, and possibly watch some TV or Netflix.

But, since he had time before going to the gym, he was going out for a run.

4:27 p.m., Vons

Going to the gym before running bus errands was probably the dumbest decision he’d made in a minute. His thighs were still on fire and so were his arms. Dumbass. He sat in Vons’ parking lot for a breather and to Google what wine goes with lemon chicken piccata. Yaa had taught him the basics of wine pairing, but advanced pairings weren’t quite his forte. Sauvignon blanc. Bet.

Winston confidently walked into Vons ready to conquer the wine and spirits aisle. He got a little too overzealous; he went to the wrong aisle. When he finally made it to the right one, he just about had a heart attack. Is that—nah. She wouldn’t be out here. Lemme go over one more aisle and come through the other way to get a better look. He tussled with the idea that she would be in California, but then again, what other copper loc’d, Alabama crimson and houndstooth wearing, thick Black woman would be in Malibu? It is Khalida.

He conjured up the perfect plan: she was glued to her phone (when wasn’t she?), so he would intentionally bump into her cart so she could look up. Here goes nothing.

He got closer to the middle of the aisle, taking his box of cereal out of his hand basket. He bumped into her, causing his cereal to fall from his grip and her her phone.

“Goodness, I am so so sorry. I need to stop driving distrac—”, she finally looked up and her eyes immediately bugged out, dropping the box of cereal. “Winston?! Wh-wh...What are you do-doing out in Malibu?”, she tried searching for words. Winston chuckled deeply.

“It’s nice to see you, too, K.D.”, he said unenthusiastically. “The question is: what are you doing in California?”

The two hugged deeply. Three months apart and the spark was still there. They both took in each other’s scents and finally separated.

One thing he definitely noticed about her was that she was taking of her self. Fresh re-twist and color? Check. Skin cleared up? Most def. Been to the gym? Had she?! She was thicker, yet toned. Her ex-boyfriend had to be responsible. My God from Zion, she still looks like an image of beauty.

“Well, not even a week after we broke up, Kimya and I get a call saying we’d been invited to work out here in L.A. on this secret project. It’s due October 20th and we’re leaving November 1st. How’s LA been treating you?”

“I’ve been back in New York actually filming Person of Interest. I think I recalled you watching it at some point.” Why couldn’t I have just waited?!

“Word? I stopped watching after the first season if we’re keeping it a hunnit. How big of a role are we talking?”, she crossed her arms in anticipation of his answer.

He was ready to brag now. “I can’t say much, but it’s a pivotal role in the season’s progression. I’m playing someone totally opposite of myself.” He was feeling himself; he sported a full grin. “You look good. Working out?” Yes, God, she is. Blessed be.

She noticed him staring at her slightly toned but oh so edible thighs. Her calves were more defined. Thanks to dancing and working out with Matt, she was physically in the best shape of her life.

“I have, actually. Thanks for noticing.” She jokingly struck a pose. “ANYWAYS, I gotta go because I got oxtails braising on the stove and that’s the only thing that should be braising when I get back.” Oxtail?!?! Surely, that’s not just for her. Has to be Matt. Lucky bastard. She picked up the wine she came in for.

“That’s what I came for, too. I have a uh...date tonight and I just googled what to get in the parking lot.” They laughed.

Even though she laughed, he could sense her energy shift.

“A date?! Who’s the lucky winner?”, she asked.

“Her name is Michelle. She’s a freelance writer. You seeing anybody?” He asked with bated breath.

Khalida nodded and covered her mouth as she processed the new information. “A freelance writer? Nice.” Her energy reverted. “And to answer your question, nope. This project gotcha girl swamped. I don’t have time to entertain a relationship.”, she was partially lied. I'm surprised she didn’t pull anyone the week after our relationship. I’m amazed Matt hasn’t scooped her up.

Winston looked down at his watch. “Shit! I gotta go start dinner. Before I go, here’s my new number. It was nice seeing you.” He gave her his new number and they exchanged addresses before they hugged one last time and traveled their separate ways.

Deep down, he wanted to just scoop her up and drown her in kisses, but he still had to go home to Michelle.

“Hey, Wins.”, she called out, walking back towards the end of the aisle. He quickly snapped his head around.

“Yeah?”

“Don’t be a stranger.”

He lowered his head and laughed. “I won’t. I promise.”

8:36 p.m., Winston’s apartment

He replayed that in his head over and over again. Why did I just let her go like that? For some reason, he decided to play an Apple Music break-up playlist . Of all the songs that aided him with the agonizing break-up, only one spoke to him: She’s Out of My Life by Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson was Khalida’s all-time favorite artist (second was Beyoncé), so the pain stung a tad more. She kinda hated that song because she wanted to know, in her exact words,“who the fuck would hurt my good dawg Mike the way they did. Punk ass bitch. ” The thought of Khalida cursive a hypothetical person out 35 years after the fact always made him cackle. Even though the song came out in 1979, Michael was speaking to Winston’s exact to situation.

It’s out of my hands

To think for [seven months] she was here

And I took her for granted, I was so cavalier

Now the way that it stands, she’s out of my hands.

So I learned that love's not possession

And I learned that love won’t wait

Now I’ve learned that love needs expression

But I learned too late

Winston stared off into the abyss, deep within his thoughts, and tears staining his face as the song looped for what seemed like an eternity. It was true: he sorta realized that he was being possessive about their love and that love wouldn’t wait. Damn Khalida for being right the whole time. Damn Carrie for throwing that stupid prophecy over their heads and ultimately being right. Damn Michael Jackson for making this song especially for him. But mostly, damn himself for allowing himself for pursuing a woman out of his league like Yaa. She was walking Black Girl Magic and he didn’t deserve to be in the same room as her, yet alone call himself her boyfriend.

He could hear his phone ringing in the other room. He let it ring and it rang once more before he got up to answer it.

He took the phone off the charger and saw 2 missed calls from his mom. Shit,shit shit. He tapped on the notification with the quickness; she quickly answered.

“Winston, my son, I called you twice. I began to worry.”, his mom opened.

“I know, I’m sorry,mum. I was in another room. Everything ok?”, he answered.

“I should be asking you the same question. I’ve been worried about you lately.” She could sense something was wrong with her youngest born. “I called because I’m worried about you.”

He sat up. “Wh-what? Why?”

“I sense an emptiness in your voice and in your spirit, Winston.”

“An emptiness?”

“Yes, my child, an emptiness. Like someone stripped away something precious.”

“I...I couldn’t honestly tell you. I may just be homesick and missing you.”

He wasn’t totally wrong, but neither was he telling the whole truth. While he was adjusting to the rapid LA pace and lifestyle as the “new normal”, part of that new normal was adjusting to his life without Khalida. It was rough, but he was managing.

“Well, just know that I’m praying for you. I don’t know what it is that void, but whatever it may be, don’t allow to rob you of the joy God has blessed you with, eh? It is my prayer that you find peace and comfort. I want you to have a full and complete life, ok? I love you.”, she said.

He flicked away the tear that fell. “I love you,too.”

Leave it to his mother to say what needed to be said without actually knowing what was actually going on. He sat at the edge of the bed, thinking about how much growth and maturity that needed to take place in his life. Khalida mentioned it before their break-up and she was right. Both of them needed to grow before they could be together again. The repairs on the plane were in its beginning stages.

Tag List, You’re Doing Amazing ,Sweetie.

@muse-of-mbaku @kumkaniudaku @eriknutinthispoosy @whoramilaje @mbakusthrone @mbakuwife @crushed-pink-petals @inlovewithmakeupcomicsanimelove @jackburtonsays @randomwordprompts @bartierbakarimobisson @wakandan-flowerz @blackpantherreblogs @babygirlofwakanda @eerythingisshaka @washyourlinens @turn-thy-paige @doublesidedscoobysnacks @wakandas-vibranium @theunsweetenedtruth @dramaqueenamby @destinio1 @sonofnjobu @teheeboo @chefjessypooh @sarahboseman @iamrheaspeaks @chaneajoyyy @fonville-designs @supersizemeplz @starryeyedsav @lovelynervouschaos @cay-cah @coonflix @katasstrophey @foxfables @mareethequeen @jozigrrl @great-neckpectations @jellybean531 @yofavcocoa @storibambino @maya-leche @blackgirloneshots @royallyprincesslilly @texasbama @abeautifulmindexposed

#thefonderseries #winston x yaa #dukeandthedoctor #winston duke x oc #winston duke imagine

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rizzizzsins-blog · 5 years

Text

From the Ashes, Ch 8

Wanna read this on Archive? Click here.

The shopping trip was a success. Asher rediscovered his love of cyberpunk, and he looked like an extra out of Akira . After he and Cinn had lunch at the food court, much to Edge’s dismay, everyone piled into Edge’s Jaguar, and they were off.

“You both have such nice cars,” Asher marveled a bit.

“Don’t compare my brother’s hunk of junk to my marvel of nature!” Edge frowned a little.

“Listen ‘ere, that Pontiac took me an entire year to restore. I’d like to see ya try it,” Cinn smirked.

“That’s not fair! You know I’m not a tinkerer like you!” Edge protested.

“Then quit throwin’ shade at my baby. She’s perfect the way she is, save fer a little dust from this one,” he nudged Asher with his elbow.

“Oh, sorry,” Asher apologized; Cinn shook his head. “I’m just jokin’, princey. It’ll be alright. ‘S a memory, that’s for sure.”

A memory, huh…

“This may be a bit of a drive, so feel free to fall asleep,” Edge remarked, adjusting his mirrors a bit before driving off.

“You got it, bro.”

“I’m not talking to you! I need your help with the directions! The place doesn’t appear on my map apps, since it’s technically a closed business.”

“Yeah, alright. Make a left, then stay on 64 for about 10 miles.”

Asher slowly sunk into the Jaguar’s leather seats. He hadn’t realized how tired he was. The shopping trip had left him completely drained.

Asher was in the community garden; the sun was slowly coming up. Dew dotted all of the leaves, and the tulips were lazily opening, one petal at a time.

It was around the time to harvest the dandelions. Apparently humans treated them as pest plants, but they were quite a good food source, so his glen grew them. It was best to pick half while they were flowering and half afterwards.

As he reached out to them, they shrank away. Asher moved his hand closer, and the plants leaned further away. Frustrated, he reached out and snagged an apple off a tree. As he was about to put it in his mouth, he felt something wet and sticky in his palm.

The apple was decomposing rapidly in his hand, until it melted into a viscous, black sludge. Asher turned to see where he’d walked; the grass was dead in every area where he’d stepped.

“Samara! You’re ruining everything!” His mother shouted, her hands in her hair.

“Mom! I’m sorry! I----” The rot spread faster and faster, crawling up his mother’s roots.

“You ruin everything, Samara. Everything.” Her flesh rots, and her teeth fall out one by one.

Asher screamed himself awake.

“JESUS FUCKING CHRIST!” Edge pulled over hard, turning off the ignition. “WHAT’S HAPPENING?” His eyelights glowed intensely, and the magic of battle brewed in the air.

“I’m sorry, mom… sorry….” Asher mumbled. He was awake. It was over.

“I shoulda fuckin’ warned him about the nightmares, Boss. It was my fault.”

“No, I could have done so as well.”

Asher shook his head. “Don’t worry… I can’t remember the last good dream I had. They’ve just never been that bad.”

“Yeah… our dad never talks about his. Makes sense, though, since he doesn’t fuckin’ talk about anythin’.”

“Hmph, it is frustrating. I can tell that it’s bothering him. He has the same microexpressions as I do when I’m upset. But he just shoves it all down and acts like an asshole. That’s going to blow up in his face some day.. I hope I’m not around for that,” Edge sighed.

“So… we almost there? Sorry for scaring you.”

Edge restarted the car, and they were off. They were pretty out of the city; the interstate was mottled with wildflowers and tall grass. Large houses with acres of property made up most of the landscape.

“Yes, just one more turn off this exit and it’s the first place on the left.” They rounded the hill next to the exit and…

Jesus Christ. The house was an absolute horrorshow. It looked like the kind of place that a church would run a haunted house in to raise money for charity. How it hadn’t been condemned or demolished was beyond Asher. The shutters were slowly sliding off their windows. Some windows were missing panes altogether, covered by plywood instead. The parking lot was full of luxury cars and retrofitted antique vehicles.

“This is… a little worse than I expected, Edge.”

“I know it looks a bit haunted on the outside, but that’s simply because they don’t feel like fixing it. The inside is a lot nicer,” The captain assured him as they pulled into the lot.

He checked his phone. Goddamn it, a whole bunch of them had dipped out of lunch. Including Vanilla.

Fuming, Edge smiled at Asher. “Excuse me for one moment, Asher.”

“Easy, bro.”

“NO! THEY SAID THEY WERE COMING! WHY AM I THE ONLY ONE TAKING RESPONSIBILITY?”

Edge basically slammed his fingers into the keypad as he dialed someone Asher didn’t know.

“VANILLA! WHAT THE FUCK GIVES?!”

“What can I say? Not interested.” Looks like Edge hit the speaker button in his hurry.

“YOU COULD APOLOGIZE!”

“I’m not the one doing something wrong. You’re introducing some decomposing rando into a house of already half-functional skeletons. And now the queen wants to throw in that psycho? Count me the fuck out.”

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN, THAT PSYCHO.” Edge’s eyelights went out.

“Oh, you haven’t heard? He just got released from prison, and that’s what Fafriel wants to do with him. You should probably make peace with your old man before he’s wiped off the face of the earth.”

“RIGHT. AS IF YOUR FATHER IS GOING TO LEAVE HIS HOME JUST BECAUSE OF TWO NEW PEOPLE. NOT EVERYONE THROWS IN THE TOWEL WHENEVER THEY FACE ANY LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY, SANS.”

The line went quiet.

“If I have to drag my dad out of that building by force, I will. I’m not losin’ him after just getting him back.”

“OH, YOU’RE GONNA DRAG HIM OUT? HE’LL JUST TELEPORT BACK. OUR FATHERS ARE EVEN BETTER AT TAKING ON CHALLENGES THAN YOU ARE AT RUNNING AWAY FROM THEM. GOOD DAY, SANS,” Edge hung up with a wicked grin.

“Who was that?” Asher asked, wrinkling his nose.

“Vanilla. Cinn’s Tale Kingdom counterpart. We’ve both been on the Surface for the same amount of time and he hasn’t evolved or matured one bit in that time. I for one, am proud of all the progress my brother has made. Vanilla and Honey just seem to go backwards, frankly. I feel sorry for Papaya and Azure.”

“There’s no need to feel sorry for me, Edge! Sans is just going through a rough patch!” A skeleton in a suit jacket, leather elbow patches and plaid orange dress pants put his hand on Edge’s shoulder.

“NYAAAGH! DON’T DO THAT, PAPY!”

“See? You don’t like it when you’re talked about behind your back , do you?” the other chuckled. “Don’t worry! I would have dragged Sans by the ear here if I had to. Brother, come out of the car!”

A dark blue-eyed skeleton skulked out of his brother’s Ferrari.

“Coming.”

“Hello, little dryad! My name is Papaya Aster, Esquire. It is truly an honor to meet you!” He seemed so excited he could barely contain himself, pulling out a fidget spinner to burn off the extra energy.

“Go on, Papaya. It doesn’t hurt to ask,” Edge clapped him on the back.

“A-ARE YOU A HUGGER? E-excuse me, I tend to be a little too clingy sometimes!” Papaya smiled apologetically.

“Oh? Sure. Haven’t been hugged too often, but I like trying new things, hahaha.”

Papaya scooped Asher up and spun him around, before setting him down carefully, making sure he landed properly.

“Jeez. Can’t say I’ve ever been hugged with quite so much enthusiasm. Thank you, Papaya.”

“It’s no issue! If you’re ever wanting a hug, I am always ready to give!”

“Yeah, and that’s just the issue,” his brother muttered. That must be Vanilla.

“Nice to meet you,” Asher smiled, offering a hand.

Vanilla takes it. The others seemed to have expected something to happen, since they were all cringing. But nothing happened.

“Nilla’s the name. I’m one of your landlords, I guess.”

“Right,” Asher swallowed.

“Is anyone else planning on showing up?” Edge sighed, pinching his nasal bridge.

“I believe Azure is coming in. Honey’s… a little impaired at the moment.”

“You can say drunk , Papy,” Edge spat.

“I don’t want to make a bad impression!” Papyrus responded. They weren’t upset, not with each other, at least.

“Considering the unpleasantness that was the phone call with your brother, I think that we can drop all pretenses.”

A car braked hard in the parking lot. A pair of heels stuck out of the door, as well as… a riding crop?

“ESPRESSO! CORTADO! GET OUT OF THE CAR, THE TENANT IS ALREADY HERE!” He shouted, a curt rasp in his voice.Two thumbs up popped out of the windows, before two long, yellow eyed skeletons stepped out of the car. The one yelling stepped out last, needing assistance from one of his brothers to get down from their enormous Lexus GX.

The smaller seemed to be in charge, the other two trailing behind him. One of them was hunched as he walked, his hoodie dipping just a little over his eyes. Headphones sat squarely on his shoulders. The other was much dressed like his brother, walking straight, in a rather futuristic black trench.

“ESPRESSO! PICK UP THE SLACK! WE ONLY HAVE A LIMITED AMOUNT OF TIME TO ASSESS THE TENANT BEFORE YOUR THERAPY SESSION!”

The hunched one nodded, running a little to catch up with his brothers.

The two militant ones squinted at Asher hard.

“CORTADO. HIS STATS.”

Wait, Asher’s stats?! What the hell did they need those for? Were they about to fight him or something?

“Illegible. Nothing but VOID-garbled gibberish, Captain.”

“THEN GIVE ME AN ESTIMATE!”

“Uh… do I need to do something here?” Asher asked Edge.

“No. This is just… their routine. Riesling, do you intend on wasting all of lunch staring at our tenant, or will you introduce yourself like a normal person?”

“THIS IS PERFECTLY NORMAL! CORTADO, I GROW IMPATIENT.”

“DEF 50. ATK 30. HP 30/30. Soul of Justice.”

“PATHETIC! A COMPLETE AND UTTER WEAKLING! GOOD. YOU ARE OF NO THREAT TO OUR FATHER AND MAY PROCEED.”

“Al...right?” Asher wasn’t sure whether to be relieved or insulted. Maybe a little bit of both. He wasn’t a complete weakling, right?

“WE MUST WAIT FOR THE LONE COMMANDER, AS WELL AS OUR COUSIN AND HIS PATHETIC EXCUSE OF A COMPANY,” Riesling sighed.

“You know Scamp and Sliv are always late. Let’s just go inside and get this over with,” Nilla sighed deeper. Cinn gritted his teeth.

“You’se guys go on ahead. I’m gonna need a moment.”

“Fine,” Edge nodded. “Asher, would you mind staying for a moment with my brother? I would like to make sure our fathers aren’t doing anything abnormally dangerous, and set up a bit, before you enter.”

“Alright, sounds good.”

Everyone except Cinn and Asher went into the house. The door practically screeched whenever it was open and shut.

Cinn pulled out a cigar and sat on the hood of the Jaguar. “Y’ want one?”

“I can’t smoke. It’s really bad for plants. Even though I’m more rot than plant, I still don’t want to risk it,” Asher declined.

“Suit yaself.” He snapped his fingers and the tip of the cigar lit up. So he knew a little fire magic…

“.... So that was… a lot. Are you all related? Or what’s the story?”

“We’re all counterparts. It gets kinda messy. Our names started out as nicknames, but eventually we had ‘em all legally changed. Got sick of gettin’ ‘calls for Sans and Papyrus’. How was we supposed to know which pair people wanted?!” He chuckled a bit.

“But, yeah… I’m sorry yer havin’ to go through all this. I’d hoped this would be a little easier than you livin’ on yer own, but all I’ve done is complicate the shit outta your life. This one’s on me, princey.”

Asher shook his head.

“You know, it’s at least been different. I got so used to my routines with Theo that I kind of forgot what life was like outside of that. Sure, not everything’s fun, and certainly not Vanilla, but it’s been different, and in that sense, refreshing. It helps me keep my mind off… this,” he smiled, gesturing to his broken body.

“Yeah. That’s what velcro shoes an’ jackets are for. Ya look right outta Blade Runner.”

Asher’s smile grew a little bigger. “I have mixed feelings about that film, but the aesthetic is top notch.”

“Yeah…” Cinn drew in a big puff, before blowing it out in the shape of a heart. “Hehehe, I still got it.”

“Can you blow it out your eyes?” Asher had to ask.

“Hell no! Shit burns like a motherfucker. Who showed ya that?” Cinn shuddered.

“Me. Nyeh heh, didn’t mean to set the bar too high for ya, shorty,” Scamp popped in and noogied Cinn mid inhale, giving him a coughing fit and stealing his cigar.

“You sack of fuckin’ shit, you planned that!” Cinn growled. Asher could kind of tell they were playing around.

“Brother. Please. We arrived with a duty, and we must perform it.”

“DON’T TREAT IT LIKE A DUTY, TREAT IT LIKE AN ADVENTURE! WE GET TO MEET A NEW FRIEND! HOPEFULLY CRIMSON WON’T INSULT THEM SO MUCH THAT THEY LEAVE CRYING THIS TIME!” It was odd. The two voices sounded like they were from the same person, yet one of them was heavy and flat, and the other was bouncing off the walls. Eventually, Asher was able to see the two skeletons talking. They had showed up in a sporty motorbike and sidecar, removing their helmets before coming to say hello.

“Nyeh heh, you Blue’s side piece now?” Scamp joked with the quieter one. The two motorcyclists looked almost inverted. The quieter one with muted purple eyelights robotically shook Asher’s hand, before the bright-eyed one grabbed Asher’s other hand and shook it vigorously.

“HELLO! I DON’T BELIEVE WE’VE MET! MY NAME IS AZURE ASTER, AND THIS IS MY FRIEND, SLIVOVITZ ASTER!”

“Yeah, here’s my big bro. Well, big metaphorically.”

“Hardee har har. Because I’m short. Very original, brother,” Slivovitz sighed. “I would at least like to supervise Edge making the food, even if he will no longer let me assist.”

“MAYBE IF WE’RE LUCKY WE CAN SNEAK MAKING A FEW SIDE DISHES. COME ON, SLIV!” Azure grabbed Sliv’s hand and basically Naruto ran to the door.

“Well, princey, whatcha see is whatcha get. You still wanna go in that house?” Cinn checked. “Y’ can say no. I’d fuckin’ say no.”

Asher shook his head. “I’m ready. I want to give this a try.”

Without realizing it, Asher took Cinn’s hand, and they walked inside. It was lunchtime.

#fta #from the ashes #ssll inspired #ssll #undertail

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peacefulwriter88 · 6 years

Text

Bad Habit - Part 3

Lance Tucker x PoC

Warnings: Fluff, PG 13 stuff

A/N: Lance has ruined me to my core...thanks Sebastian. Also i finally got off my ass and made a mood board for this series!

Previous Part here

It was odd, not having his mother in his life. The week he had gone home for the funeral had been surreal, the only thing he could truly remember was you by his side. You both didn’t talk about how you fucked each other into oblivion that day you came over. When you showed back up at your parents house the next morning, you had come up with the story that Lance had locked himself in his room and you had been given specific instructions to come back with him, so you stayed and talked to him through the night outside his door. It was believable, it was something he used to do as a teenager and so no one questioned the love bites on your neck, the bruises on your waist.

But you didn’t abandon him. You stayed by his side, squeezing his hand tight after he had walked with his mothers’ body down the church aisle. Stayed with him that night, his arms wrapped around you as you both cried silently and drank wine, looking at old photos and videos of Ruth. Lily couldn’t get herself to go into the house so it was in the comfort of isolation you were both able to mourn.

Then he had to fly back to L.A. and you had to go back to New York and that had been the end of that.

Which, at the time, he was ok with. He had to process this new perspective of loneliness, his mother snatched from him all to suddenly and make amends with this new void in his heart. He was used to filling in his alone time with catching up with his sister, talking to his mom and fucking women he didn’t have to worry about seeing again.

But it was different now.

Lily was being distant, more distant than him. He eagerly called her and she avoided him, finally texting and telling him she just needed space. Because listening to his voice triggered things.

I love you Lance but right now, I just need some time with the boys and Derek. You remind me of mom and...I just don’t think I can handle that right now

He understood. Lily wasn’t ever one to deal with change well like most humans - when he had permanently moved to L.A. She hadn’t talked to him for a month. He knew that he reminded her of mom, the way he used humor to disguise pain and it was probably too much. He understood but it made him still feel so isolated. It was the longest he had gone not speaking with his sister or his nephews. While Lance seemed outwardly cold – he was surprisingly close to his family and the idea of not being able to speak to her scared him.

He had gone out to bars, clubs with a few co-workers but the scenery had changed. The idea of fucking another woman, surprisingly after you, felt horrible – empty. The pretty girls that typically threw themselves on him looked different now that his mother was gone. Trashier, needier – pathetic. All the words his mom had used when they flirted with him openly in front of her all those years ago.

Now she was gone and her words echoed in his brain as woman after woman threw themselves on him. And he just didn’t care to be satisfied that way anymore.

“My sister broke you - wild stallion you are.” Xavier called him every other day, more than he normally did worried for his friend. Knowing the impact of losing his mother. It was a rainy Tuesday morning and Lance was stuck in L.A. traffic, talking to him on his blue tooth as Xavier got ready for bed.

“You don’t think I know what you both did that day you guys basically quarantined yourself in your mom’s house. you both reeked of sex when you walked in. My sister is compassionate but she typically would have dropped your ass Tucker.”

Lance snorts as he replies,

“What are you talking about? Your sister hates me.”

This time Xavier snorts,

“Stop the act. My sister’s been asking about you ever since the funeral. she feigns she worried but I know better. You both got under the others skin. No matter how long you got without talking - you both just have this pull to the other. You’re getting old and realizing that...that’s why you don’t care for the dumb bimbo’s you’ve been hooking up with. And you don’t have your mom to help buffer your feelings anymore...I get it.”

Lance hated when Xavier was right. The man was right of course. For a long time, when he thought of you his mom was there to buffer the feeling. Now she was gone and that weight broke him down despite him thinking he was getting better. It was always when he least suspected it - like early mornings when he was going over documents at the gym or sitting with friends over drinks, it would hit him the realization. Nothing mattered anymore because his mother, his life, was gone. He didn’t know how to handle that. Didn’t know how to process it. He didn’t know what to do. Didn’t care about how well the girls did as they prepped for a new season, or the prospect of opening up a gym somewhere new in the country. He just didn’t want to live the way he was living. Living in a ball of pain and what felt like isolation.

Until he got the notebook in the mail.

It was Saturday afternoon. He had spent the morning in the gym, running and lifting weights, needing a distraction. The only thing he knew outside of gymnastics was athleticism and it was all he had known to do to get rid of the aching loneliness in his heart. To distract his brain from the isolation from you, his mother, his sister. He had gone to the beach, sat on the oceans edge, thinking of the last time he was with Ruth and how they sat like he was now, watching the waves in silence. And then he had gone home, debating what to do for the evening and the package was sitting at his doorstep.

He knew your handwriting instantly, the pretty cursive letters standing out against the FedEx box. He was curious to know how you got his address and why you would send something but had eagerly walked inside with it tucked under his arms, shedding open the box the moment he reached his large, granite island and letting the contents spill out.

It was three things bound together – an envelope, a journal and an album. He grabbed the envelope, opening up the thick paper to reveal a letter. It smelled of you and he’s overwhelmed by the sense as his eyes rack over the words,

Lance,

Its been two months. Two months since your mom has left this world, her star burning out to only live somewhere else. Its odd not having Ruth Tucker in my life. I thought that when I went back to New York it wouldn’t hurt so much. But it does, every day. I talked to Ruth once a week, as much as my mother. Its odd having lost that cadence even if its pushed my family closer together. And Lily – Lily I can’t get enough of. I know she’s been distant to you and I’m sorry for that. I think she’d reach out more if you lived closer. Know its not because she doesn’t want to talk to you. I think she fears the distance, that one day she might try calling you and she’ll have to find out you’re gone too. I told her that’s preposterous but it’s how she’s dealing with her grief. She’ll open up soon, promise. But my asking her makes her curious to why I keep pushing her to you considering I haven’t wanted to talk about you to her in years….

Which leads to me writing this letter on a Wednesday night, two glasses into the Malbec I bought an hour ago.

Because I miss Ruth, I do, but I miss you more.

Firstly, I’m not pregnant. Yea – I def. bought a Plan B and purged the possibility of a little Lance Tucker. But not because I didn’t want to, no, Lance I’ll always love you. I’ll always want to be a person that maybe one day you could consider settling down with and having little ones of your own. Not pressuring you into that but figured you’ve been so honest lately i could be courteous and do the same.

Xavier told me a few days ago that you do this thing where you check his social media to check up on me. It was random the comment, but he figured I should know because he knows about our little rendezvous. Should’ve known better we couldn’t fool a lawyer but he said he has only addressed you about it which is fine. Wanna know a little secret you don’t know about me? You don’t have privacy settings on your Instagram so I stock you probably on a weekly basis too. I’ve done it since I’ve learned you’ve had one. I do it because I just want to know you’re ok. I know that you are happy in your bachelor L.A. lifestyle and I’m not trying to challenge that.

But if I miss you and Ruth the way that I do it makes me wonder how you are faring. I don’t have your number and no way I’ll ask Lily – nope – she’ll wonder why and I can’t handle that. Xavier would give it to me kindly but I’m not going to give him the pleasure. Both were curious when I bugged them for your address to mail you something....

My point is Lance I love you and I want to make sure you’re ok. So here’s a journal. I remember once upon a time that you used to write when you were anxious or unable to tell the world what you were feeling. Write it out. Get it out. Cry it out. Don’t hold this burden on your own Tucker. You’re not alone. You have me. You have Lily. Your dad. My parents. Xavier.

You’re just not alone.

The second thing is….its selfish. It’s something I go to when I’m drunk and lonely and missing you. It’s the album you gave me for our last anniversary together. Remember that day? Such a shit show. I was so mad at you and you were so sweet - making my favorite meal. Baking for me. Watching my favorite movies from the 80s. Sorry...I was still mourning and it hurt when I looked at you to think what our child would look like. But I took this gift and cried happy tears because god Lance, you knew how to make me feel loved and safe. You still do. So here’s the last piece of us before I let us go completely.

I need to let it go Lance because I can’t live in something that I don’t know exists anymore. Despite our love for each other we’re miles away. We don’t know how to be anything as adults. I don’t know if you even want to...sex is great but its familiar and we’re both mourning and...I can’t get lost in my head thinking if Lance Tucker still truly loves me or just has a really solid sex game. Probably the latter.

So my task for you – pour a hearty glass of whiskey, go through memory lane, write it out and know that I am always here. And afterwards if you are sure that I am no longer what you want in your life then throw it away and I won’t look back.

I love you Lance,

Always and forever

Y/N Y/L/N

He re-read the letter twice, hearing your voice. He knew that you hated expressing yourself as much as he did, hated being vulnerable and this probably took a lot to write. He stares at the words, ingesting them before he cautiously pulled at the journal. It was simple, navy blue and inside you had written his name. He flipped through the pages, wondering what you looked like as you debated which notebook would suit him best, your eyebrows knitted together as you drummed your thumb over your lips. Your serious thinking face is what he used to tease you about. It bought a smile to his face. And then he crumbles as his eyes flicker over to the album.

He remembered it now. It was cheap the album, but you had kept it in pristine shape. His fingers move down the spine of it, feeling the textured fake leather over the pads of his skin before he pulls away like he’s been burned. It had been so long. He shakes his head, walking away.

He couldn’t do it. Not today. Not like this. Opening the album meant solidifying what his hurt already knew.

He needs you.

Loved you to your core and it scared the shit out of him. How could he love you the way you deserved, the shell of a broken man.

The album stays on his kitchen counter for a week. He goes out with co-workers Friday night but is un-amused by the crowd, the women and once again he’s taking an Uber home, scrolling through his Tinder hoping to find salvation. He doesn’t. The women were beautiful sure, he loved women. But he didn’t need that false validation anymore. All his tipsy brain can do is think of you - the way it felt to have you wrapped in his arms the night you watched childhood home videos after the funeral and sipped on beer, your head resting on his chest. That was what he wanted instead; to be home with you wrapped up in his arms as you chatted about your day, eating take out and watching something stupid on Netflix. That realization scares the shit out of him and so by the time he walks into his clean home, throwing his keys on the counter he spots it. The album that’s been taunting him all week. He grabs a beer, opening the cap and debating what do next before he slowly walks over, frowning. He hasn’t touched it since that Saturday and the idea of going down memory lane burns him but he’s tipsy and the feeling of missing you outweighs his logic so he grabs a beer before swiping the album, slowly walking to his couch.

He takes two long sips before he opens the first page and he’s flooded with your memories, your scent strong and overpowering, that expensive Dior perfume you wore infiltrating the room as he takes in the first picture.

You were 15 and he was 17. You were both outside, you are donning a cheerleader outfit while he smiled in the polyester wife beater and shorts, his arm thrown casually over your shoulder as your free hand wrapped around his waist, pom-poms in sight. You both were fresh out of practice, smiling cheekily as you stood close to each other. He had wrote,

One day I woke up and couldn’t stop thinking about you. It was the day after we took this photo

The picture couldn’t reveal how his dad had cussed him out before school that morning, forcing him to choose either gymnastics full time or get serious about college and how torn he had been. Couldn’t show how you, a simple freshman, had pulled him aside and asked if he was ok because you knew him and he had been in a mood all morning, teachers commenting on how uncharacteristic it was for him. How he had broken down and revealed all the anxiety during your lunch break after he saw the note tucked in his locker and sought you out. Couldn’t capture how you skipped out the rest of the afternoon, you the goody two shoes who would never miss a class for fear of missing important information, as he took you to the mall to walk around licking ice cream and creating a list of pros and cons and ultimately decided that gymnastics was more important for him. It was the first time he saw you – not as a child but a full, mature adult.

The next photo is a year later. You were freshly 16, Lance having turned 18 a month earlier. You were wearing jeans and a simple V-neck t-shirt, hair thrown up in a ponytail as your legs wrapped around his torso. He had given you a piggyback ride and the moment that Ruth had snapped this photo she had caught you both laughing, gazing up at each other with love filled youthful eyes. There were other pictures from that night, with the last one being you dancing with him in solitude in your backyard, your hands resting on his shoulders as you rested your head on his chest while he kissed your forehead.

What a creeper my mom is! Paparazzi much?? He had written beside it drawing a smile.

He remembered how mad he had been when he realized that his mom had captured this snapshot, capturing this intimate moment. He had been so embarrassed because he could no longer put up the ruse that he was a playboy. His mom had been able to see through his guise. Knew that he had fallen for you.

The girl next door. His younger sisters best friend.

His other half.

The next pictures were a blur of memories. Homecomings. Winter formals. Football games. Basketball games. The day you stopped cheerleading and got into theater. You were really good, he remembered that. Hated that you had stopped – figured you were good enough to act on Broadway. Going into New York to see more theater. You at his gymnastics meet. Pictures with him graduating. Making the Olympic team. Prom. Being at the beach in the summertime. Pictures of the both you hanging out with friends. Hanging out with Xavier and Lily. Pictures of each other.

He remembered each feeling from each photo, knew each comment he made beside them:

When I fell in love with you.

When I knew you fell in love with me. At least I’m pretty sure.

When other people don’t see your beauty the way I do, remember how you felt this night. (a reference to a bonfire where he finally told you he loved you for the first time)

When I have my rock beside me – my angel – the only person who gets me

I love you! – enough said

He had spent three nights, 26 hours and 48 minutes to create this album. He had scrounged every photo he could find of the both of you. Had asked his mom and Lily – avid scrap bookers, to help him make a timeline. This was his anniversary gift to you – the culmination of his love for you. He wanted you to see what he felt, all of his love, knew deep down in his heart despite the shitty circumstance from months earlier. The abortion he knew he could never take back.

He can’t help the tears he allows to fall, to stain his cheek as he goes through each one. You were the last time he remembered being happy. Not distracted with happiness, or fame or attention. It was the first time that he had been seen, loved had felt loved. Didn’t want to be selfish – wanted to be selfless for you. Didn’t need sex to get him through spells of loneliness. That he wanted to be a better man so he could be worthy of you.

You were made for him. And he had allowed you to slip away again.

By the time he gets to the last photo, he can’t hold back the hard sobs that erupt out of him. It was before you had told him about being pregnant. It was a picture of you, him and Ruth. You all had been baking cookies and Lance had convinced you to come over during a winter storm to help out.

You had battled with bulimia for a year when you were in high school. You were always curvier, thicker in places that most of your classmates weren’t and you had believed that getting rid of what you ate would make you beautiful. Knew you couldn’t combat having a different skin tone but at least if you were skinny they would have to accept you. Lily had known for three months before she told him. And that’s when he stepped in. He didn’t tell your mom or his. Instead he had helped you learn the importance of eating healthier, doing exercises that made you feel comfortable. You had been doing well for two weeks in this photo and he wanted to reward you, to show you that you could reward yourself and not feel guilty and was even sacrificing breaking his diet for it.

In this photo you both are covered in flour and dough as Lance looks at you, arms wrapped around as he lifts you, your face bright with laughter. Ruth is pretending to eat the large spoon of batter you have in your hand as you bring his face toward you with your other as he pouts his lips out in a kiss toward you.

A true capture of love and joy.

He had simply written, All of my favorite women in one room – Lily’s taking the picture so it counts!

And he smiles at the thought, of the memory that you had helped him build. And then he realizes it done, there’s no more pictures of the two of you and his heart tightens, desperate suddenly.

He needed you.

He flips one last page, just to be safe and there’s one last photo. Its of you, Lily, Jack and John. He takes in your face as the four of you make funny faces at the camera from the obvious selfie, the boys sandwiched between you and his sister. You’re wearing a white spaghetti shirt and it pops against your skin (along with your breasts he can’t help but notice), all of you with messy hair and he’s sure this was taken one morning the boys woke the two of you up. You have a small note beside it,

I had to learn to make new memories with these fun Tuckers but there no you. No one ever will be. But if you ever want to give this a chance, creating new memories, give me a call. I’ll always be around...

You had left your number and he can’t move fast enough, spilling beer on his white t-shirt as he digs his phone out, quickly punching your number in. Doesn’t think twice as your phone rings and he falls back on the couch, ignoring the uncomfortable way the beer sticks to his skin with his shirt before he hears your voice, low and scratchy as you whisper out,

“Hello?”

He’s stunned, realizing that he wasn’t expecting you to answer – he had no idea what to say. He’s a statue and you have to repeat the word before he clears his throat, managing out,

“Y/N?”

Silence before,

“Lance? Is that you?”

“Yea. Hey….”

You’re silent and he can hear you shift, the soft sound of a click.

“Hey. Are you ok? Everything all right?”

“Yea I’m fine. I’m fine. I just…I started looking through the album and…I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

You give a relieved sigh before saying,

“Yea, no that makes sense. I was worried – its like 1 a.m. out here. Worried you got yourself in trouble.”

He pinches his eyes close, cursing himself. You lived in New York and he had completely forgotten the time zone. No wonder you were confused.

“I’m sorry – shit I shouldn’t have woken up. You need to rest, I’m an idiot, we can talk later…”

“No! Lance, no lets talk. It’s okay – you were bold enough to call now, probably drunk so why not. I wondered if I was ever going to hear from you…”

He can hear the insecurity leaking in your voice and he sits up, his instincts kicking in,

“I’m sorry about that Y/N. I just…..you…”

He can’t be vulnerable with you. Not yet. Not like this.

“It’s ok Lance.” You say softly and he sighs, shaking his head.

“No its not. It’s not okay. There was a time I used to be able to tell you without hesitation how you made me feel. You just….it scares me. It scares me the power you have over me, even now.”

“I know Lance.” Your voice is still a soft whisper and he can’t help the sob that bubbles out of his chest.

“I love you so much. How did I ever allow myself to let you go?”

“Lance, don’t do this to yourself.”

“I mean it. You were my world Y/N. Outside of gymnastics, you made me feel safe, happy – complete. And I had to go and fuck it up.”

“We were young. To be fair, I could have been more vocal. I could have fought for what I wanted. We were both really young Lance. It happened and we learned how to be independent. Learned to be on our own. Probably for the best. Stop beating yourself up for it.”

He gives a deep sigh, his head falling back on his sofa cushions as he eyes flutter close.

“You still there Lance?”

“You’re too damn perfect, trying to shift the blame from me. Let’s be real Y/N – I was a selfish asshole. I still am. I’m an asshole – I don’t treat women right. I did it because, for years, I was so mad at you and didn’t want to get attached. But you’re all I’ve ever thought about it .You taint my mind.”

He hears you give a shattered sigh, hesitating before you say,

“Lance…”

“Can I fix this? Can I work to prove to you that I’m worth it.”

You give a soft chuckle,

“Lance…”

“I want you Y/N. I’ll work to prove that I want to earn the right to be yours again.”

“Lance I sent you a photo album that you gave me from high school. I let you fuck me for hours on end. Of course I love you but…”

You hesitant and he sits up, his attention focused on you. The alcohol in his system burning as he patiently waits,

“I’m just scared you’ll give this a go and get bored. That you will want something else. It won’t be easy, if we try this. We’re halfway across the country – what if you go out and some hot model hits on you.”

He snorts, shaking his head.

“I’ve fucked enough hot models to tide me over a thousand lifetimes. I don’t want any of them Y/N. I want you. We can figure it out.”

“You really think that.”

“I know it baby girl.”

You give a soft chuckle and he could imagine how you looked. Hair array as you fell back on your headboard, the sheets pulled up to you.

“Let me think about. Can you honor that?”

He wants to scream no but he knows he won’t win with you. Not that way. He nods instead, knowing you can’t see it before he says,

“That’s fine. I’ll wait.”

He pauses.

“Can you at least stay on the phone with me. Please. I just...I don’t want to go to sleep yet. Can’t deal with the nightmares on the other side.”

He can hear the smile though he can’t see it as you say,

“Of course. I’ll stay with you until you get tired.”

He gives a grateful sigh, beating his hands on his knees before he debates a topic. Something familiar.

“Did I ever tell you about the firs time I won my first Olympic medal?”

When you first receive the notebook in the mail, it takes you off guard. Your on the phone talking to your production assistant and juggling your keys, your work bag and your gym bag with your current clothes in it. Your name is written in the clean lines of the small FedEx box and you frown as you mumble,

“I have to call you back.”

You walk into your very cramped loft, walking to your couch and sitting down. You debate it, what could be inside, before you tear the package open and pull out the journal – the journal you had spent way too much money on mind you – out.

At first you think its Lance’s way of saying fuck off – I don’t need your sympathy.

But then you look at the pages, that look work and slowly pull off the band that’s keeping the journal together, surprised by the few scraps of paper that fall out on your lap.

You open up the first page and you’re accosted with him – his scent infiltrating your space and you fall back and groan, missing him deeply, surprised by the feeling. You look down at the words, taking your time to read them.

March 10, 2018

I literally have been staring at this blank pages for hours. Its 6 p.m. at the gym, the height of when we are busy, but someone came in listening to that terrible 80’s song you used to listen to. What was it by – Wilson Phillips? There one and only song to fame. They were listening to it and I was immediately drawn back to lying in your bed while it plays in the background, your head resting on my chest while you told me your day and I had to write to you.

I’m locked in my office, hunched over this trying to figure out how to start.

First – thank you for taking my call the other night. I woke you up and you had work the next day but you stayed up for five hours (you are crazy. Night owl or not you are crazy. Sleep is important remember that) to deal with my craziness. Thank you.

I guess the real reason I was so hesitant to write this down was because I’m afraid too. I’m afraid I’m going to disappoint you. But I won’t – Y/N – I don’t want to be the man I’ve allowed myself to become. So I decided I would share my thoughts like this, with you in this journal and hopefully, if I can earn your trust, you can do the same.

I went out to my favorite restaurant for lunch with one of my gym colleagues two days ago. We ordered and the waitress kept putting the moves on me but she was just everything I don’t care for in a woman. A few months ago she’d be fine - cute, eager and simple but the idea of it now kinda disgusts me. Its pitiful. By the end of it she has the nerve, the nerve, to tell me that either I fuck her or she will tell all her girlfriends I have a small dick. That her co-worker Lisa said I was a sure thing and would end her with her drought.

I chuckled and left because what the fuck was that?

And then I started taking in all the places I frequented and I realized – shit – she was right. I was THE sure thing. A male fucking jigaloo. A fucking joke.

I don’t know if I want to be that anymore.

I’m getting older. I’m still healthy, sure, but I can’t continue doing what I’m doing. Especially because all I want to do is be with you. Laugh with you. Hold you. Talk to you. Treat you right. Dance with you. Fuck you. I want it fucking all with you.

So I have to be honest with myself. And I have to be honest with you. I have to earn your trust. I get that. Even if it fucking sucks because…..I’m not used to having to do this with woman. Being patient.

But I can be patient for you. Become a goddamn eunuch if it meant having a life with you. So here it goes: I’m going to share with you the real Lance Tucker from the past 10 years. The good. The bad. The disgusting. And if you still want to make this work – make this relationship a relationship than write me back

I’ll be waiting.

Love,

Lance Tucker

The next page was a bullet point of what Lance Tucker had capture of his personality. You get up, grabbing the half bottle of wine in your fridge, not even bothering with a glass before you sit down and take the words in:

I’ll start with the shit. The shitty things that define my personality:

1. I can be selfish (duh!)

2. I typically only care for myself

3. I haven’t been in mass for months. The funeral was the first time I’ve been in church and I worry God may be disappointed in me though I have no plans to remedy the problem

4. I have a maid that cleans my house – Ruth loathed it. Lily I’m sure still does

5. I lease my BMWs so I can have the latest wheels

6. I sport my USA jacket so I can get compliments

7. I will fuck women for personal gain. Typically to deal with an insecurity or my loneliness.

8. I flip people off when I drive and I don’t regret it

9. I won’t offer the door open to a younger woman if I find her unattractive

10. I hate to hear other medalists who have done better than me. that shit drives me insane

11. I hate my father. Deeply. I thank him for my genetics and that’s it but you already knew that

12. Three years ago I really missed you and went out, found a woman, and purposely moaned out your name while I fucked her. Made her cry and didn’t give two shits about it (that might actually be the second worse thing I’ve done, outside of asking you to get an abortion)

13. I’m sure there’s more but those are the ones I typically confess to

Things that I think make up for the better parts of my personality:

1. I’m confident

2. I’m loyal to the people who matter in my life

3. I consider myself a good brother and uncle, a good son to my mother

4. I’m ambitious and driven

5. I am really good at fucking

6. I’m even better at giving head

7. I’m honest

8. I have a great body

9. I have a decent job

10. I love you

11. I’m open to hear what you think about me, good and bad….if you also promise to be honest about yourself

You chuckle as you shake your head, re-reading his list again. This was Lance, offering an olive branch because he wanted to try.

Because you knew, despite the walls you wanted to build up, he loved you. Lance didn’t admit things he did wrong – or right and you’re sure he wouldn’t write them down for the privacy of your eyes. And despite your history, despite your hesitation thinking about why he was reaching out you can’t resist.

So you pick up the journal and start writing away. Nothing bad could come from this. You were being honest with your ex, helping him through his grief and when this was over he would go back to being his old self and you could go back to figuring out your life.

No harm in that at all.

Even your heart was calling bullshit on it but you ignored it, like you did most things when it came to Lance.

Permanent Tag List: @xgminigypsy @zohoffman @ssweet-empowerment@capsofwinchesters@tacohead13@harleycativy@pietrotheavenger@francezka10@papichulosebastian@obsessionsofmynerdheart@melaninmarvel@avengedqueen26 @nasteaxluvgal@winterbuttmunch @ohlumi

#Sebastian Stan #lance tucker #lance tucker x reader #lance tucker x person of color

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totaltozier · 6 years

Text

Always Been You - Richie Tozier x Reader

REQUEST: fuck idk if you write for IT that much but if you do could you write an imagine where richie is mean to the reader and she’s like “we used to be okay when we were young” and he’s like “that’s before you got fucking hot” or something. and if you don’t write for IT you can def do this as a mike wheeler imagine

NOTE: OKAY SO I actually had a fckn blast writing this so I pray that you love it as much as I do!!!!! It’s really long but its great I swear! And yes I do IT imagines too if requested!

WORD COUNT: 2448 (don’t let this number scare you!)

WARNING: just some swearing because well, its Richie Tozier we’re talking about here.

PLOT: Richie is secretly in love with you but he’s a dick at showing it.

Richie had been your best friend for as long as you could remember. It was the second day of kindergarten when he had approached you. You were sitting on the swings alone on the playground and he had just walked up and started talking about who knows what until the bell rang to head back inside. Ever since, Richie had continued to talk about anything and everything to anyone who would listen.

Over the years there were countless playdates, riding bikes around the neighbourhood until the streetlights came on, hiding in your backyard treehouse until your mom insisted it was time for Richie to go home and get some sleep. You two were inseparable, always by each other’s side. Eventually you welcomed new friends into your lives, a few other kids with no friends themselves, often called loners or freaks. After a while you started to call yourselves the losers club, a name that fit but in a good way.

Despite all the new friends, it was always you and Richie who would still be sitting around in your treehouse after everyone had gone home for dinner, just the two of you circling the neighbourhood on your bikes after everyone else’s legs were too tired and decided to leave. It was you who Richie always came to when his parents were gone again or his house was too loud or too quiet that he couldn’t he couldn’t stand it anymore. It was your window that he was crawling through late at night when he couldn’t sleep. It was always you.

Until for some reason, it wasn’t anymore.

“Hey Y/N, I’m hungry as hell, can you get us more snacks?” Eddie asked. The club was sitting around in your backyard not doing much other than talking about random stuff.

“Ya sure, Richie can you give me a hand?” You asked, standing up and heading to the backdoor.

“You’ve got two hands, try using them” Richie stated, his eyebrows furrowed.

“Um, okay then…” You mumbled.

Bev stood up. “I’ll help you out, Y/N!” The two of you went inside to the kitchen and rummaged around for some snacks.

“Do you think Eddie would want Tostitos or Ruffles?” Bev asked you, holding up one in each hand.

“Since when is Richie so rude?” You blurted out, bothered by Richie’s tone outside.

Bev shrugged. “Richie’s always been rude, have you not heard that trash mouth of his?”

“Okay, yeah he’s always been rude but he hasn’t always been rude to me” you responded.

Bev poured the chips into a bowl. “I don’t know, Y/N. Boys are just dumb, I guess.”

“Then why are we friends with so many?” You asked back jokingly.

Bev laughed picking up the snacks she had prepared and turned towards the door.

Back outside, Eddie and Richie were telling some elaborate story about some crazy event that apparently happened last weekend.

“And then that asswipe came out of nowhere! Practically launching themselves over the bushes!” Eddie exclaimed, acting it out as he spoke.

“And so obviously that piece of shit fucker had it coming when I decked him in the face he started weeping like the cry baby his is! And that’s why those two weren’t at school on Monday.” Richie finished explaining.

You set the snacks down on the ground in front of everyone. “No, it wasn’t,” you added, “Jimmy wasn’t at school on Monday because his sister was in the hospital, Mr. Roberts said it himself during first period.” You explained.

“Shut the fuck up, Y/N. As if you would know!” Richie spat back.

You had no idea why Richie was being like this. Sure, he always had a foul tongue but you were never at the other end of it. The afternoon went on and soon one by one everyone had headed off back home until it was just you and Richie left alone like always.

“What’s up with you today?’ You asked. “You seem off.”

“I’m fine” Richie snapped.

Your face held a frown. “Are things bad at home again?” You asked gently.

“I said everything is fine, Y/N. Back off” he said, picking up his bike off of the grass. “I’ll see you later.” And with that, Richie was pedalling away, far out of reach.

Now it was just you, left alone. A feeling you hadn’t truly felt before.

As the weeks went on, school came to an end and summer vacation had finally arrived. Things were still weird between you and Richie. You hardly spent any time alone anymore and you couldn’t help but wonder if everything was okay for him. The club was always hanging out together trying new activities other than the regular sitting around in your backyard.

Today’s activity was going to the quarry to swim and jump off the rocks. You guys hadn’t been to the quarry for the last two summers so you were excited to go back again.

Everyone had ridden their bikes and once you had reached the quarry, you all hopped off and let your bikes fall to the ground without a care.

Closer to the edge, Bev was the first one to take of her clothes, ready to jump in. “Are you all just going to stand there or are you going to go swimming?” She asked as she made a run for the edge and jumped off into the water below.

You ran to the edge and looked down at Bev in the water as she resurfaced. “How cold is it?” You yelled down.

“Not cold at all!” Bev replied.

You took a few steps back and started to take off your clothes, first your shirt than your shorts.

“Holy fuck” Richie gasped, just loud enough for you to hear.

You looked up to see him staring right at you. “What’s wrong?” You asked looking down at your body. “Does my swim suit not match?” You said confused.

Richie blushed and quickly looked away. “Nothing. I didn’t say anything.” He insisted. He threw off his shirt as fast as he could before running to the edge and jumping off.

You waited a few seconds before following him into the water. You hit the water, the height being just enough to make it splash sting before resurfacing. You looked back up at the cliff and watched as Eddie and Bill jumped off together.

All of a sudden the water started splashing around Eddie and you could hear him crying out. “My shorts! My shorts!” he said as he hit around the water.

“Shut the fuck up!” Richie yelled from beside you.

“I can’t find my shorts!” Eddie cried again. Everyone began laughing and you could see Bill reaching out in the water in front of him, picking up Eddie’s shorts and waving them in the air.

“Oh, you m-mean these?” Bill asked joking around. He quickly swam away from Eddie and the smaller boy yelled out after him to give them back.

Everyone was having a fun time in the water, swimming around and enjoying themselves. Eventually Mike had an idea to play chicken. You chose to be a spectator at first, watching as Bill was on Mike’s shoulders and Bev on Stan’s. You, Eddie, Ben, and Richie cheered them on, you rooting for Bev. You could hear Richie yelling for Bev to ‘beat that son of a bitch’ from beside you.

Ultimately after a few minutes, Bev had managed to knock Bill off of Mike and into the water. You volunteered to go next as you climbed onto Bev’s shoulders. Richie decided that he would fight you and chose Mike as his base. Eddie counted down, yelling ‘fight!’ as loud as he could.

Bev brought you close to Richie and you reached your arms out as he tried to knock you down. Minutes passed and you were sure that you were going to win until Richie practically punched you in the neck, shoving you off of Bev and into the water.

Your resurfaced as fast as you could, rubbing your nect where you had been hit. “What the fuck, Richie?” you yelled.

“What? I knocked you off fair and square!” Richie said back, confused as to why you were mad.

“You didn’t have to fucking punch me in the throat!” You exclaimed. You could hear everyone around you go silent. Now you were the one with the trash mouth. “What the hell is wrong with you lately?” You yelled as you started to swim away, wanting to get out of the water. “I can’t fucking breathe.”

You made your way to the rocks and climbed your way out of the water and back up to your clothes. Back in the water, everyone was running their mouths at Richie.

“What the heck happened?” Bev asked, confused as ever.

Richie closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I didn’t mean to punch her, I swear.” He said. “She ducked down as I was about to push her chest, I swear! I would never hurt her like that on purpose!” Richie claimed.

“Well, I think you already have…” Eddie said solemnly.

Richie sighed, knowing that he had fucked things up with you. “I’ll go now.” He said before turning to swim to the rocks where you had just climbed out.

You had wrapped yourself in your towel and sat down on a nearby log trying to steady your breathing when you heard the bushes start to rustle. Richie appeared from behind them, water dripping from his hair onto his body. He picked up his bag and pulled out his towel, wrapping it around himself before approaching you.

“Can we talk for a minute?” He asked as he stood in front of you.

You rolled your eyes and ignored him.

“I’ll take that as a yes” he said and sat down next to you on the log. “I’m really sorry, Y/N, I really am. I would never mean to hurt you like that. I had got caught up in the moment and acted too fast, I would never hurt you intentionally.” Richie pleaded.

You turned to face him and crossed your arms across your chest. “Okay so you didn’t mean to hurt me physically but you meant to hurt me emotionally all those other times though?” You asked with a biting tone.

Richie scrunched up his face in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

“You’ve been nothing but shit to me for the past month, Richie!” You exclaimed. “You snap at me, you’ve been rude to me when I’ve done nothing wrong to you, and you won’t shut that goddamn trash mouth of yours ever!”

Richie sat there, knowing exactly what you meant and looked down away from you not saying anything.

“You basically won’t talk to me anymore and act like you hate me!” You added. “I miss the way things used to be. We used to be okay when we were young. Better than okay. We used to be great when we were young.” You sighed.

Richie was playing with the corner of his towel. “Yeah that was before you got hot.” He chuffed under his breath.

“What?” you asked.

“You’re fucking hot okay?” Richie blurted. “We used to be great but then you grew up and look so fucking good now and I don’t know to act around you anymore, okay?!” He practically shouted.

Your jaw dropped open. “You think I’m hot?” You asked him, confused as ever.

Richie looked away and into the woods. “Nah, you’re better than hot, you’re beautiful.” He said. “But I’m an idiot who has been such an asshole to you lately so I don’t blame you if you hate me for the rest of eternity or whatever.”

You placed your hand on Richie’s leg, making him turn to look at you. “I don’t hate you, okay?”

“You don’t?” Richie asked with a frown on his face.

“You’re my best friend, I could never hate you. So, yeah you’ve been a real douche the past few weeks but I’ll forgive you if you just admit that you’re in love with me and you’ll never be a douche again.” You said with a smile.

Richie scoffed. “I am not in love with you!” He blushed, trying to play it cool.

“Okay fine, you’re not forgiven then” you joked.

“Okay, okay, okay!” Richie pleaded. “I’ll only say I’m in love with you if you admit that you’ve always been in love with me!” He conditioned with a smirk.

“I have not been in love with you!” You insisted, knowing that you weren’t telling the truth.

“Come one, Y/N. How could you not be in love with all of this?” Richie smirked gesturing to his whole body.

“Shut up!” You laughed, your face turning a bright pink.

“Just admit you love me back, Y/N! You love me! You love Richie Tozier!” He sing songed.

“Okay, fine!” You exclaimed. “I’m in love with Richie Tozier, always have been.” You admitted.

“I knew it!” Richie shouted, jumping up with joy. “I love Y/N L/N and she loves me back!” He shouted at the top of his lungs.

“Shut the fuck up!” You heard Eddie yell from down below, still in the water.

You both laughed with each other. “See, I miss this. I miss being this way with each other” You said.

Richie sat back down beside you. “I miss it too. I promise that it won’t go away again, okay?” he said.

“Okay.” You said with a smile. Richie reached for your hand and held it in his.

“I really want to kiss you right now.” He whispered just loud enough for you to hear.

“I really want you to kiss me” You whispered back. Within a second Richie had put his lips on yours kissing you with such a passion that you could tell had been building up for a long time. After a moment, you two pulled apart and rested your foreheads against each other. You couldn’t help but smile really big.

“Get a fucking room!” Eddie shouted from the water below.

“You know what would be great?” You asked Richie.

“If we went back down there and annoyed the fuck out of Eddie?” Richie answered.

“Exactly.” You answered. You stood up and threw your towel down and Richie followed suit. You grabbed his hand standing back from the edge. You both looked at each other and nodded silently before running towards the edge and jumping off into the water below.

As soon as you resurfaced from the water, you could already see Richie splashing and attacking Eddie as the smaller boy laughed. Things were back to how they used to be. Actually, they were even better than before.

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