#or whatever Tia said when that happened

[charlesswife]

Una Noche En Monaco v

unem masterlist

5 Dias De Prueba (5-day trial)

pairing: charles leclerc x latina! reader

summary: after a one night stand between you and Charles, he continues on with his formula one career. until two months later, you come back claiming to be pregnant with his child.

word count: 7.6k - not proofread.

April 2023

"Do you wanna come to the next race? I can get you tickets, you can be my guest."

His words replayed in my head like a broken record. Why would I be interested into going to the race in the first place?

As I opened the door of my apartment I was greeted by the smell of something sweet.

I checked the time on my watch. 9:45 pm.

"Isn't it late to be baking Naughty Brownies?" I called from the entrance. I heard a small "Oh no" from Mateo and a "Busted" from Steph.

I heard Mateo's footsteps around the kitchen, "Tia you have to hide me."

"Okay, okay."

As I entered the kitchen, I saw one of the floor cabinets a little open. Steph had a smile on her face.

"Why is Mati awake?" I asked her. I heard a small gasp coming from the cabinet.

"Awake? He's not awake. He's in his bed with Percy." Steph answered, holding her laugh. Just as she said that Percy walked into the kitchen wagging his tail. I petted his face and he licked my hand, then he walked to the slightly open cabinet and stuck his head inside.

Mateo tried to push him away with his tiny hands. "Go away, you're gonna get me caught." He said in a serious tone, the Rottweiler started to lick him as well. In the end, the cabinet door opened, leaving Mateo in full display.

"Oh, Mati. I didn't know that was your new bed. Should've told me before I bought you that big bed you have." I said as I brought the brownie to my lips. Steph loves having slutty brownies before bed, but ever since Mateo was born, we had to change the name to naughty brownies.

He stayed quiet for a second, his green eyes started to gloss. "Am I in trouble?"

He is so cute, I wanted to laugh for a second. "No, mi amor. Come out so you can have a piece and go to bed."

When my mom was alive, she used to say 'When in doubt, leave your destiny in the hands of a coin, flip it and carry on' and while usually I would do it, sometimes I wish she was here to tell me what to do.

Heads - I go to the GP

Tails - I stay

I was never good at flipping coins. All the time I flip it and let it drop to the floor. So that is what I did. I didn’t dare to look down, at least not until the coin stopped circling around the floor.

I picked up the coin. This is my destiny and so be it.

The next day I decided to meet up with Charles, to tell him my answer.

I expect our meeting to be short and easy, so I told him to meet me at a parking lot. It sounds very sketchy now that I think about it.

I saw his car once I got into the parking, I tried to open the door but it was locked - which made sense - I knocked on his window and when he finally saw me he unlocked the door and I got in.

Europeans kiss both cheeks to say hi, and in my culture, we do it just once. But I am not in my country and I do not want to say hi to Charles, let alone kiss me. So when his body approached mine to greet me with kisses I stopped him. His body was close enough that I smelled his perfume. It smelled like a drug... very addicting to the point I wanted t smell more.

"Sorry," he murmured. "It's a habit." he tried to explain.

"Yeah, whatever." I responded. "This is what's going to happen. We are not co-parenting. Mateo is my son, so you don't get a say here. If you really say that you are ready to be a man and be responsible and be a father, that's fine, but you have to prove it. I will decide when is the right time to tell my son you're his father," I saw his Adam's apple go up a bit as if he was nervous.

"His name is Mateo?" he asked.

"Yes," I said.

"With one T?" My heart stopped for a second. The last time we spoke, he told me he saw a kid in the car, but he never said he met Mateo or even spoke with him to the point he knows his name is with one t.

"How did you know-?"

"Is it really?" his voice was higher this time. "I met him. At the bookstore. And I- I- I felt this connection the moment I saw him, and I asked his name and he said 'Mateo with one T'" His smile is so wide that I wondered for a second if his cheeks hurt.

I stared at him. I don't know if I should curse him out, or simply get out of the car and forget this meeting ever happen, because how dare he say he felt a 'connection'. He's full of shit. "Don't ever say that again. Especially not in front of me. You don't have a connection, you don't know him. I don't know which god or angel is on your side to the point that you found us and you even talked to him. I'm nice enough to actually give you a second chance, but I have my limits, so you better be careful with the things you say."

I took my phone out and opened the Calendar app. "Today is the 19th and most likely you have to be in Baku on the 25th. So you have five days you can spend with Mateo, with me present, of course. If you want to spend time with him, that is."

"Yes! Sorry, yes. Of course." He nodded. "Is it possible to have a dinner with my family? I want my family to know you and Mateo. They don't... they don't really know about any of this,"

"Your family doesn't know about us?" Us meaning Mateo and me, not Charles and I. He shaked his head. "I wouldn't be too worried about your family. If I were you, I would be more concerned about how the public would react to this. The truth will come out sooner or later, and God knows what they are going to say."

His face was blank. He knew I was right, or maybe he was thinking that I would release the information to the public. "I'll protect him. No matter what."

I wanted to say a sarcastic comment but I didn't want to. At least just for today. I saw the way his eyes became a bit red when I told him he doesn't have a connection with Mateo.

He cleared his throat a bit and then he looked me in the eyes. Oh, his big green eyes. "I just want to thank you, for giving me a chance. I will prove to you that I am worthy of you and Mateo." Why is he talking this way?

I texted him the address of my apartment, once it got sent I said, "That's my address, be there at 9:30"

Thursday 20th - Charles' POV

Am I early? Will she be mad that I am early? I stand in front of her door, debating whether I should knock or come back in thirty minutes. Just as I was about to leave the door open.

"Okay, Mati, see you later!" The woman said as she stepped out, she turned around and faced me. "Oh," she looked at her watch and said, "shouldn't you be here in thirty minutes?"

"Yeah, um I wasn't- um I was going to come back in a bit," I said.

"There's no point, you are already here so I might as well let you in. Just go inside and wait, and whatever you do, don't open the curtains." She opened the door again and pushed me inside.

The inside of her apartment was nice, but it makes me wonder how she can afford the place if she only works at a bookstore. I got into the kitchen first, it has an open area that leads to the living room. The tv was on showing a cartoon of what it looked to be a blue cat. On the kitchen counter, I saw what looked to be a tiramisu. I tried to be strong but I am weak when it comes to a good tiramisu.

I quickly found what I needed, a knife, a spoon, and a plate. I don't think Y/n would notice if it just take one tiny little piece. I got ready to cut and I heard someone say.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," I looked up and saw him. Mateo. He was beautiful. He made his way toward one of the couches shaped like an L and sat there. "My mami is very protective over her tirmisu and only lets me eat the tirmisu," he said as he mispronounced the name of the dessert, he then looked at me. "You're the guy from the store."

"You remember me?" I asked hopefully.

"I remember you are the guy from the store," he said like it was the most obvious thing.

"Do you remember my name?"

He was quiet for a second. "No, should I?"

His comment did make me sad for a second but then he let out the biggest gap and came running towards me, he put his arms up. "Lift me up,"

My heart is beating so fast, I lifted him up and secured him in my arms. Up close I could see the freckles on his nose, he looks a lot like me. He looked around the kitchen and then he pointed to the microwave. "Take me there. Go, go." Once I did what he asked, he opened the door of the microwave, and inside was a plate of brownies. He took two pieces out and closed the door. "Okay, put me down. Down" He started to squirm in my arms. Once I put him down on the floor, he looked at the brownies in his hands and gave me the smallest piece. "Thank you for the help" He then ran back to the couch to sit down. In front of him was a coffee table, there was paper and crayons all over it.

"Where's your mommy?" I asked him.

"Probably with Percy," he said, without pulling his eyes away from the TV. Who's Percy?

"Do you wanna see my drawing? My mami says I'm the next Picasso," he left the brownie on one side of the table and got one of the papers. I walked to the couch and saw the paper. It was a big house, 4 figure sticks and a small black figure with four legs. "This is Mami," he pointed at the tall figure stick, "This is my tia Steph," he pointed at the second tall figure stick, probably the woman that let me in, "This is me and my brother," he pointed at the two small figure sticks. Brother? He has a brother? "And this is my dog, and this is my new house, but they are building it right now so we live here."

"This is really good Mateo," I complimented him, but my thought are on the brother he mentioned.

"I know, you can have it. I'll sign it for you. Mami says I have to sign all my art so people know I made it," he explained as he grabbed the black crayon.

"Your mom is a smart woman,"

"How do you know mami?" he asked. "If you are the bad man that wants to take me away from mami I won't let you have the drawing. I don't like bad people that want to hurt mami."

"I'm not bad, I promise. I'm a nice person."

"Okay!" He wrote his name on the paper and then grabbed his brownie. "Are you my papi?" he looked at me.

"What?" my eyes widen.

"Yes. Are you my papi? If you're not bad, and you know my mom, then are you my daddy?"

How is this four-year-old so smart and how do I even respond to that? Before I could say anything, someone interrupted me. "Mati! Come here so I can put sunscreen on your pretty face." He got off the couch and went running into the hallway.

I grabbed the paper and stared at it. Did she have another child with someone else after me?

Y/n's POV

Mateo came running into the bathroom and the first thing he did was rub his face against Percy and give him kisses. "No, Mateo no beses al perro, mi amor. Ahora te tengo que lavar la cara otra vez." (No, Mateo, don't kiss the god, my love. Now I have to wash your face again.)

"Percy es tan tierno que solo le quiero dar besitos, mami" (Percy is so cute that I only want to give him kisses)

"Well you are cute too and you don't see me giving you kisses all do time," I said as I washed his face.

"You do give me kisses Mommy." he laughed.

"Alright, that's enough. I'm going to put sunscreen on you." I put sunscreen on my three fingers. "Where do we put sunscreen?"

"On the faceeeee" he said. "On the neeeeeck, y en las orejaaaas" (in the ears) I laughed at the way he explained it. Once I was done putting on the sunscreen, we both walked out of the bathroom and into the living room.

I started to open the curtains.

"Mami this man tried to eat your tirmisu" Mateo said. I turned around and saw Charles sitting on my couch with a brownie on his lips, just frozen, like when Mateo gets caught doing something he shouldn't.

As he was chewing, he said, "I um- I was, Wow these brownies are good. I didn't eat your tiramisu."

"So you eat my brownies instead?" I asked.

"NO no, no. Mateo gave me one."

That wasn't surprising. "Who is he?" Mateo asked.

"He is a friend," I said. "He is going away soon so he's going to hang out with us for some days. Do you like that?"

"Okay! Then he has to meet Percy!" he ran off to the hallway again. I looked at Charles.

He looked like he wanted to tell me a lot of stuff, and ask me a bunch of questions.

"How long have you been here?" I asked.

"Um, maybe like 10 minutes? Your friend let me in and then Mateo got me the brownie and this drawing," he showed me the paper. It was all of us, the house, Steph and I, my two babies, and my dog. "You look really pretty, by the way. Your boyfriend must be very lucky," Boyfriend? "I thought you only had Mateo, you didn't mention having a second child," he murmured the last part as he ate the last piece of the brownie. He thinks...

Before I could answer, Mateo came running back, "Look! This is my little dog, Percy!" Little is an understatement since Percy is a four-year-old Rottweiler. When the dog came into the living room, Charles got up and backed away.

"Mateo, I don't think Charles likes Percy." I told him.

"Why not?" he looked at Charles while his lips quivered.

"No, no. I love Percy! Percy is a good boy!" I know he wouldn't dare to pet the dog.

"Mati, grab your bag, we have to go." As he walked back to his room, Charles said.

"Did you name your dog Percy as in Perceval?"

"Don't flatter yourself, I named him after a book character."

At the end of the day, Mateo was tired. Reasonable. He was very entertained by all of the stuff the museum had to offer. But one moment kept replaying in my head.

My phone went off, remaining me to reapply sunscreen on Mateo, as I was applying some on his face I saw Charles, and how his face was a bit red.

"Do you not wear sunscreen?" I asked him.

He shrugged, "Only when I'm on the beach," he responded.

I gasped, and for a moment my mother self kicked in, "Charles, your face is red. Jesus, come here," Once he got close to me, I put the sunscreen on three of his fingers so he could apply it himself. He rubbed the sunscreen on his hands and started to rub it on his face.

"Acaso eres un animal?" (Are you an animal?) I told him as I stopped him from doing more damage to his skin. "You can't rub your face like that," I explained as I spread the sunscreen on his face, "You put on your face, on your neck y en las orejas," (and the ears) I murmured. Once I was done, I realized what I did and how close we were to each other.

“Is he going to meet Jules?” Mateo came out of nowhere. 

We visit Jules every week, I was planning to visit him once the day was over with Charles. 

“Who’s Jules?” Charles asked. 

“He’s my brother!” 

I looked at Charles for a second. He has no idea he’s one step closer to the truth, at least a part of it. 

Friday 21st

I had everything ready for the visit to Jules. I prepared some sandwiches and fruit to eat. The favorite snacks for Mateo and Percy. 

I loaded everything into the car, Mateo was in his baby seat with the window rolled down and I was waiting outside the car for Charles to appear. For being a Formula One driver, he is very late right now. 

“Well, I guess he’s not going to come. Maybe next time.” I told my son and his face deflated, I, on the other hand, am very happy, but that didn’t last long because Mateo pointed and something behind me. 

“He’s here!” I turned around and saw Charles with a visible line of sweat on his forehead. 

“Sorry, I’m late,” he said. 

“Don’t make it a habit,” I responded. I opened the passenger seat and said, “Get in.” He approached the door and I placed my hand on his chest to stop him. “Wasn’t talking to you,” I smirked, he looked down and saw Percy get into the seat. “You go in the back,” 

He didn’t say anything and simply did what I said. 

The drive wasn’t bad, Charles got to find out more stuff about Mateo. I, on the other hand, became more nervous the more we got closer to our destination. 

Once we got to our destination, confusion was obvious on Charles’ face. 

“Why are we-” 

“To see Jules,” I responded as I got out of the car, Charles following suit. 

I went to the back of the car and open the truck, I gave Charles the picnic basket. I opened the back seat door and took Mateo out of the car seat and set him down. I opened the passenger seat and got Percy out of the car. With my left hand, I was holding Mateo’s hand and with my right hand, I had the dog’s leash. I locked the car and we began walking. 

Charles hasn’t said anything yet, maybe he’s confused or maybe he’s just trying to process. After walking for an eternity, even though it was like seven minutes, Mateo let go of my hand and ran to our spot. I took Percy out of the leash and he went to be next to Mateo. 

As I was walking I turned around and saw Charles stuck to the floor. 

“Are you coming?” I asked, “I need the blanket that’s on the basket so we can sit down,” I continued walking. 

Charles’ POV

Jules Alexander Y/L/N 

6th November 2018

Loved Son and Brother. 

Ahora eres una estrella mas en el cielo (now you are one more star in the sky) 

Y/n didn’t have a boyfriend or a son with someone else. She had twins and she lost one. I had twins and I lost one. I didn’t know it was possible for my heart to break even more. 

I left her alone during this horrible time. 

“Look, Jules! We brought a friend. His name is Sharls,” Mateo said excitedly to the tombstone. “We got you floweeeers, and we have shanweches to eat,” he explained. Y/n was busy setting up the blanket and taking everything out of the basket. I didn’t dare to speak, if I did I would start crying. How much has this woman handled? 

“Mi principe, porque no vas tu y Percy a jugar un ratito while Charles and I talk for a moment, okay?” (My prince, why don’t you and Percy go play for a bit) Y/n said. The kid nodded and ran with Percy somewhere a bit far but still close enough so we can see them. 

I sat down next to her, still not able to speak. “Jules was the second one to come out,” she said. “There were some complications when I gave birth to him. He passed away thirty minutes after being born. He was only alive for thirty minutes and I wasn’t even able to hold him. Originally Mateo was supposed to be Mateo Agustin, but then Jules died so I changed his name to Mateo Alexander Jules. Alexander Agustin Y/L/N was my father,” She explained. 

“And Jules?” I dared to ask, my voice breaking. 

“I may not know much about you, or your family, but I know about Jules Bianchi,” she said. “I got Percy two months later. Percy was born on the same day. I thought it was a sign,” 

“What about your family?” I asked her. 

She laughed humorlessly, “This is my family. Steph, my son, and my dog. My parents died in a car accident, then I came to Monaco to start again. Getting knocked up wasn’t part of the plan, especially when the father can die the same way my parents did. I wasn’t expecting you to be an asshole either,” 

With tears in my eyes, I said, “I am so sorry. I-” 

“Yeah, me too” 

Y/N’s POV 

After he calmed down, I called Mateo back so we can eat. Everything was great until Charles asked me a question.

“Do you guys want to go on my boat tomorrow? Spend the day at sea?” I stopped eating and Mateo gasped loudly. 

“Can we, mami?!” 

One thing about me is that I am utterly terrified of the ocean. “No,” I said as I continued eating. 

“Mami, please, please. I’ll be good, I promise,” 

“I’m not going to be able to go with you baby,” I said.

“Why not?” he asked. 

I looked at Charles, who also had concern in his eyes. “Well, mommy has this fear of the ocean, and she doesn’t feel well, so she has to stay,” I tried to explain to him. 

I looked at Charles, who also had concern in his eyes. “Well, Mommy has this fear of the ocean, and she doesn’t feel well, so she has to stay,” I tried to explain to him. I could tell Charles wanted to say something but he didn’t dare. “If Charles promises to take great great GREAT care of you, then you can go with him,” 

“Sharls! Take care of me so I can go!” Mateo yelled excitedly. 

“Yes! Okay! Yes, I promise,” he assured me. 

On the way back to the car, I pulled Charles aside and told him. “I am trusting you with my life. Don’t fuck this up.” 

“I won’t. I promise,” 

“Was I stupid to trust Charles into taking care of Mateo?” I asked Steph.

“No, girl. You did the right thing. He’s going to be responsable of Mateo sooner or later,” I didn’t want to admit that she was right. 

I looked at the list I made for Charles so he can take care of Mateo. There’s only three things to follow. 

i - mateo will complain about the weather no matter what

ii - he doesn’t like sodas but loves orange and cherry juices, loves chicken but hates seafood. 

iii -  don’t forget to reapply his sunscreen, don’t loose the bottle. 

“Am I missing anything else?” I asked. Steph took the note and read it. 

“Why don’t you just send it on a text? What if he looses the paper?” She asked. 

“If he doesn’t loose the paper then he’s not going to loose my child,” I responded. 

“Fair enough. I think you got it all cover. That’s pretty much it - I mean, I thought the whole point was for him to get to know Mateo on his own. Why are you making him a list?” Why am I making him a list? 

I crumbled the paper into a ball and thew it at her. “I have to get Mati ready to bath. I’ll be back,” I got up from the chair. 

“Wait! I forgot to tell you, a cute guy passed by the bookstore, asking about you,” she wiggled her eyebrows up and down, “His name is Arthuuuuur," I know who she was talking about. "I gave him your phone number. I told him you are free tomorrow so you guys can go on a date,” she giggled. 

I rolled my eyes and left the living room and went to the bathroom to get the water running. “Mateo,” I yelled, “time to take a shower,” I approached his room, once I opened the door, I saw him playing with his toys, “Come on, little guy. Gotta get you nice and clean for tomorrow,” I waited for him to get up and grabbed his hand. 

Mateo is not the best singer, he’s just a kid, but he likes to sing in the shower. Once I was done with his shower, I wrapped him in a towel and carry him to his room, while I was getting his pijama ready, he started to jump on his bed. 

“Mami, I have a question,” he said. 

“Yes?” I asked. 

“Is Sharls my daddy?” I stopped for a second and looked at him. 

“Why do you ask that, love?”

“Well, he looks like me,” I laughed at his explanation. 

“Oh yeah?” 

“Mhmm” 

“So just because he looks like you, you think he’s your daddy?” 

“Well…” he stopped jumping and his gaze fell on the floor. It looked as if the hamster in his brain was turning the wheel. “Where is my daddy?” 

I sighed. Do I lie? Do I tell the truth? Am I ready for my kid to know the reality of what happen?

I texted Charles a little but after my shower. 

To CL: He knows. 

I heard a pin instantly. I thought it was Charles texting back but instead it was an unknown number, my eyes widen once reading the message.

From [phone]: hey, this is Arthur. i hope this isn’t weird, i asked for your number to one of the girls from the store. i heard you’re free tomorrow and i want to invite you to some coffee. 

From [phone]: if that’s okay with you of course. 

I added his phone on my contacts and replied “Not weird at all. I’d like to have coffee with you” I smiled a bit. 

From Arthur Cute Guy: great! see you tomorrow then ;) 

To say Mateo was excited was an underestimate, he was thrilled to spend the day with Charles. Once he got home, Mateo jumped into his arms and I think I saw his eyes tear up a bit. 

“Well,” I cleared my throat. Charles put Mateo on the floor, to pay attention to me. “I have his bag ready with towel and clothes,” I passed him his bad, which he was quick to put on his shoulder. “Have fun, and please, please don’t forget to put sunscreen on him every two hours. It’s in the front pocket of the bag. He can only use that sunscreen so for the love of god don’t lose it,” 

“I won’t.” he said. 

“Okay,” I let a long breath out, “Well, have fun,”

Mateo was tugging Charles by the arm, “Come on Sharls we have so much to talk!” I closed the door behind then and ran to my bedroom to get ready for my date. 

“Thank you for meeting me here,” Arthur greeted me with two kisses. “I haven’t been able to get you off my mind,” 

“That’s very bold of you to say,” I giggled. I looked at the menu, “Have you been to this Cafe?”

“A few times, they have good pastries,” he said. 

“Do they have a good tiramisu?” I asked as I looked at him, I feel like I have seen him before, like if I met him before our first encounter. He reminds me of someone, but who? 

“It’s good, but it’s not the best,” he told me, “I heard this popular restaurant L’Incantato,” I perked up at the name, “has the best tiramisu.” 

Curiosity got the best of me, “Have you tried it?” 

He made a disappointed face, “I wish. You would think that just because there’s three restaurants in Monaco that there would be any availability in any of them but no, it’s always packed. I can never get a reservation. I wanted to take my mom for her birthday last year but couldn’t get a seat, unfortunately.” 

I know the restaurant is always busy, and I felt a bit sad to hear he couldn’t take his mother to eat there. He’s very sweet. “Well, next time you go there. Tell them I sent you,” I winked at him. 

“What, why?” he asked. 

“You thought I would just own a bookstore? I also own all three L’Incatato restaurants,” I smiled, his eyes got so big I was wondering if they would come out of the sockets. 

“No way!” he laughed, “What are the odds?” I shrugged. “What else do I need to know about you?” he smiled. 

“Let’s get coffee first,” I said.

Charles’ POV

Everything was quiet. 

All I could hear was the sound of the waves. 

I felt at piece. 

The piece was interrupted by the alarm going off from my phone. I turned it off and looked at Mateo, “Sunscreen time,” I said. He got up from his chair and walked to me. I looked around me but I couldn’t find the sunscreen anywhere. Where did I put it? “I can’t find the sunscreen,”

“Oh-oh,” he said. 

“I think I have another sunscreen around, wait here,” I got up from my chair and looked into one of the compartments of the yacht until I found one sunscreen, I went back to Mateo and opened the cap. 

“I don’t use that sunscreen,” 

“I can’t find your sunscreen so we have to use this one,” I explained. I put some on my fingers and applied it into his face, gently. 

“It smells funny,” he giggled. I did as well. 

As I blended the sunscreen into his face I said, “What do you think your maman is doing?” 

“What’s maman?” he asked. 

I laughed a bit, “your mom,” 

“Oh!” he shrugged. “I don’t know. Probably on her date.” I stopped for a second. “Hey, why did you stop?”

“Your mom is on a date?” I asked. 

“Mmhm,” he nodded. “I heard Tia Steph talking about it. My mom sounded very excited,” 

Y/n is on a date? “And do you know who he is?” he nodded. “Who is he?” 

“I don’t know,” he shrugged. 

I smiled for a bit but I was so confused. “What- but you just-” 

“My face feels funny,” he scratched his cheek, “its itchy and burning,” my smile started to fade. 

His face was becoming very red. I have to call Y/n 

Y/N’s POV 

“So let’s see if I understand,” Arthur said. “You own a bookstore,” he counted with his finger and I nodded, “You own one of the most successful restaurants in Monaco,” 

“And Italy,” I added 

“And Italy!” he said, adding a finger to his count. “You are a bestseller author,” I nodded. “Your parents were also authors and they were like the Stephen King of murder mystery books,” 

“Mhmm,” 

“Wow,” he let out, “Simply wow. You amaze me.” I laughed. “No no, truly. You are incredible. You are too perfect,” 

“Oh no! I am far from perfect. I also have a son,” I said slowly. “His name is Mateo. He likes to said Mateo with one T after the daycare wrote it with two T’s” I laughed a bit. “He’s very special to me.” Arthur had an intense look on his face, like paying attention to all the words I am saying. As if whatever I was saying matter to him. “You would like him, he’s very smart for his age. 

“He sounds amazing, just like you,” he smiled. 

“Here,” I pulled up my phone. “Let me show you a picture,” just as I was about to show him one of the newest picture I took of him, eating the naughty brownies, I got an incoming call from Charles. “Sorry, I have to take this call,” I apologized. 

“No, no. Go ahead,” 

I thanked him and answered the phone, “Hello Cha-”

“Y/N something is Mateo on his face,” 

“What? What’s going on?” 

“I don't know! His face is all red and he says it’s itching. He’s crying and I don’t know what to do, please” In the background I could hear Mateo crying. My heart broken a little, I knew what was happening. 

“Wash his face and keep him under the sade if possible, bring him to me now. This play date is over,” I hung up the phone and looked at Arthur, there was concern in his face. 

“Is everything okay?” 

“I don’t know why I thought it would be a good idea for my kid to spend time with his father, and now he got an allergic reaction, I’m sorry to cut this short, but I have to get going,” he felt bad having to leave like that. 

“Don’t apologize, I understand. I might not know the entire situation but from what you just said, it sounds like the father of your kid is a bad father,” he said. 

“Thank you for understanding,” I didn’t deny what he said because I don’t really know how Charles is as a father. 

“Please let me know how your kid is doing and if you need to talk, I’m just one phonecall away,” we said our goodbyes and I rushed to my car to get to my apartment. Once I got there, I got the aloe vera out of the freezer and got the aquaphor ready. Once I cut and slided the aloe vera, I put it was in the freezer. 

A little over an hour, Charles got home with Mateo in his arms, who was still crying, and the backpack I gave him on his shoulders.

Once he saw me he yelled, “Mamiiiii” he extended his arms towards me. 

“Ven aqui, mi amor, (come here, my love)” I carried him in my arms to the kitchen and sat him on the kitchen counter, I took out the aloe vera from the fridge and said, “This is going to make you feel better, okay?” he nodded as he scratched his eye with his fist, I pulled his hand out immediately. “You can’t do that Mateo. Youre gonna make it worse.” I put the aloe vera all over his face. 

“Why would he do that?” he asked. “I thought you loved me,” he looked at something behind me. I turned around and saw Charles standing behind us, bewildered after what Mateo said. He was only wearing his swimsuit, but none of that really matter now. He had the most sad face I have every seen. “But you don’t love me, that’s why you left me! You are mean! You are a mean dad! I hate you and I don’t wanna see you again!” he yelled. 

“Mateo, calm down, let’s get you in the shower. You need to rest.” I carried him in my arms again. Before I got out of the I turned to Charles and lipped a small ‘wait here’ 

I gave Mateo a quick bath under cold water, put his pijamas on and applied the aquaphor and aloe vera on his face, I brough one of the fans close to his face. 

“Are you okay now?” I asked him. 

His green eyes were red from crying. “Mami, am I going to be okay? Am i gonna die?” 

“No, mi amor. You are just having a reaction, nothing bad. You’re going to be okay in a few day,” I reassure him. “Now I need you to sleep. I’ll be checking up on you.” he nodded and closed his eyes. 

I got out of the room and saw Charles pacing back and forth. “He’s fine,” I said, my voice made him stop and look at me, “What happened to the sunscreen I gave you?” 

“I lost it, so I put another instead.” He took out the sunscreen out of Mateo’s bag. 

I took the sunscreen in my hands and examined the product. “You put a chemical sunscreen on his face,” I looked at him. “Mateo has extreme sensitive skin, he can’t use this type of sunscreen.” 

His eyes widen after that, “Why didn’t you tell me that?! I should’ve known that!” 

“Charles, I gave you one rule, just one. It was so simple. ‘Don’t lose the sunscreen’ that’s all.” I looked at the sunscreen again. “For fucks sake Charles, this sunscreen is expired too!” I threw the sunscreen at him, “Are you out of your mind? What is wrong with you?” I sighed. “Just… Go home,” I told him. 

“I-”

“Go!” he looked at me in the eyes and I knew he regretted everything that happened today. He nodded and left the apartment. 

I let myself drop on the couch, and fell asleep there. When I woke up, it was dark outside and Steph has just got home, I told hereverything that happened. 

“Mati said a lot of bad stuff to him, I thought Charles was going to cry on the spot,” I told her. 

“This kind of stuff could’ve happen to anyone, it’s nobody’s fault,” she said. Although I wanted to believe her I though that maybe I should’ve told him about Mateo’s situation. “I’m going to check on Mateo, you go to rest.” 

I got up from the couch, and stretched a bit. “Thank you, Steph.” I gave her a tight-lipped smile and made my way to my room. 

Monday’s are always difficult with Mateo. He never wants to get up, and just wants to keep sleeping. 

“Mateo you are not going to school,” I said as I tried to drag him out of bed, “I just need to face your face and then you can go back to sleep!” 

“I’m not going to school?” He got up and and started jumping on the bed, “Yes! Yes! That means I can hang out with Sharls more! Yes! Yes! Ye-” he stopped jumping and started at the wall. He gasped and covered his mouth with both of his hands, he turned to look at me. His eyes were less puffy and started to peel but his face was still red. 

I got in front of him and pulled his hands away from his mouth. His lips started to quiver. He hugged me so fast and so tight I always fell back “Mami I was so mean to him. I told him I hate him but I don’t hate him, and now I’ll never see him again,” he was crying so hard on my neck. I pulled him away from me and dried his tears. 

“Mateo I cannot have you crying right now, it’s not gonna be good for your face.” I pulled his hair out of his face, “Charles is busy today,” I lied, but I don’t think I’m ready to see him yet after yesterday, “But we can call him later on and you can talk to him and tell him you didn’t mean what you said, okay?” Mateo nodded, more calmed this time. “Okay, let’s go wash your face,” 

I love spending my days with Mateo, when we are just hanging out in the couch and we cuddle and he falls asleep in my arms. It reminds me when he was a tiny baby. 

We are cuddling on the big couch while watching Doraemon, a cartoon I saw while growing up. I heard Mateo murmur something I didn’t quite understand. 

“What did you say baby?” 

“I said you are my mommy and I love you so much,” he looked at me. 

“Yes baby I know,” I giggled. 

Mateo sat on the couch. “No mami, you have to say it baaack,” 

“Say what back?” I laughed. 

“You have to say that you love me too!” He pushed me a bit, he got on top of me and gave kisses. 

“No Mateo, your face!” I laughed now. “Okay, okay. Fine I love you!” He stopped and smiled. 

I was very tempted to text Charles and let him know about Mateo. I looked at the time, 6:32pm. I think that’s a good time to call him. 

“Mateo do you wanna call Charles now?” I asked him. He looked down at his lap and then at me again. I could tell he was being shy now. “I’ll be there with you,” I told him, this time he nodded. I put my phone out and press the phone button, I looked for his name and press call, at the second ring he answered. 

“Y/n?” 

“Hey…” 

“How’s Mateo? Is he okay?” I could clearly hear the concern in his voice. 

“Mateo is fine, he’s getting better,” I looked at my son for a second, “He actually wants to talk to you, I’m going to put you on speaker, hold on.” I moved the phone out of my face and put the call on speaker, I moved the phone towards my son. 

“Hi Sharls…” his voice was small. 

“Hello Mateo, your maman says you are doing better,” 

“Yes…” 

At the other line, Charles let out a long sigh. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to take good care of you. I never wanted to hurt you”

Mateo’s lip started to tremble, “I didn’t mean the stuff I said to you yesterday. I was very mean, I’m sorry,” 

“I forgive you, Mati,” 

“No, you can’t call me that, only mommy calls me that,” he was quick to say. 

“Mateo!” I said. 

“Okay, you can call me Mati,” Charles laughed through the phone. 

“Y/n, can I talk to you?” I pulled the phone back and told Mateo to get the cream and aloe vera to apply it to his face again, after he left the living to get the stuff I took the phone out of speaker. 

“Yes?” 

“Is it okay to still have the dinner with my family tomorrow?” Tomorrow is the last day. The day next day Charles is leaving to go to the Baku GP. 

“Yes, I thought that’s what we agreed on. How many are you guys?” 

“Ehh… It’s me, my mum and my two brothers,” he said. 

“Okay, you can be here around seven or eight,” I told him. 

“Okay, then I’ll see you tomorrow, say goodnight to Mateo for me,” 

“Alright, bye.” I hang up. 

I got everything ready, I got catering from the restaurant. I have the table ready. 

Steph came out with Mateo next to her, once she saw me, she stopped walking and covered Mateo’s ears. 

“Girl, you look so hot,” I was wearing a black satin dress and low shoes. 

“Really? I think it’s too much, I have to go change.” Just as I took one step, I heard a knock on the door. 

“No can do, ma’am. You have guests outside.” She let go of Mateo and pushed me towards the door. “Now be a nice hostess and open the door,” after she said that, she made her way into the kitchen. 

I took a deep breath, fixed my dress a bit, and then opened the door, but this wasn’t exactly who I expected to see on the other side. 

“Pascale?” 

“Y/n?” she asked. 

“Maman?” Charles asked. 

“Maman?!” I asked. 

“Y/n?” Charles asked again. 

“Charles, you’re…” Pascale started. She looked at me, and then at Charles. She knows the truth about everything. I feel my eyes burning. What the actual fuck is going on? Can this get any worse? A little far back, I could hear the voice of two guys speaking French. 

“Y/n, you know my mom?” Charles asked. I think I’m going to puke. 

Before I could answer, the two guys got behind Charles, still talking in within themselves. Is that…? 

“Arthur?!” The blond guy turned his face so fast. I was wrong, it can and it did get worse. I felt my whole body start to shake. I want to run far far away from this dinner, I want to floor to open a hole and swallow me whole.

“Y/N?” Seeing Arthur next to Charles, I could see the resemblance. The dimples, the smile. His face went pale and his eyes looked at me and then his brother. What are the odds? This can’t be right. 

Everyone was in some sort of shock, except for the other guy. He was just confused. He pushed Arthur behind and got in between Pascale and Charles. “I’m Lorenzo, very nice to meet,” He greeted me with two kisses on the cheek. 

“Yeah…” I managed to say. “Same…” 

What the fuck do I do now? 

Author's Note - Please please read.

AHHHHHHHH I hope you guys enjoyed the new chapter. This is the longest chapter I have written so far. This chapter has been so intense for me to write because of how long it is. It has taken me two and a half weeks to write. I would really appreciate to know what you guys thought of the chapter.

I love writing, I love the idea of Una Noche En Monaco a lot, and I really wish I could update more frequent. You guys are so lovely with the messages you sent me. Your comments, your praises and your support on this story is what makes me want to continue to write, truly. I mean the absolute world to me and I want to thank you guys for that. You guys are the best!

I have so many ideas for new stories of Charles that I wish I could be able to tell you. Like the royal!Charles x low class!reader, royal!Charles x royal! reader, Charles x Ferrari driver! reader, and two more that I can't even say.

If you guys let me vent for a bit, these past few weeks have been a bit of a struggle for me because I am not having that much work at my main job because we work with school and if there's no school, then there's no money, and my second job doesn't have events available to work. So I'm kinda jobless which is really really bad because I have tons of bills to pay and Miami is freaking expensive. All of this is freaking me out a bit and I just can't wait for school to start again so I can have work 😭😭

On better news, I have 736 followers! That is a lot! Like if I had one dollar for each follower I have, I would have 736 dollars?! That's a lot! I can't belie the amount of love you guys have given UNEM, you guys are the goat and I am sending a big kiss to each one of you! 🫶🏻🫶🏻

I'm also thinking about creating a discord group so I could let you guys know about future projects, let you know whenever I update and all that jazz. The reason behind it is that tagging can be messy and Tumblr doesn't let me tag more than 50 people, and some tag don't even work? But I know the people are there because I see their likes and comments. So it's confusing. So pls let me know what you think about the discord.

Also I saw my notes app the other day and remember the bulletpoint draft for UNEM and this whole series was going to be COMPLETELY different from what is it lmaoo, should I show it to you guys? 👀

AND TO ALL THE GIRLIES THAT WRITE ABOUT SEBASTIAN VETTEL, TOTO WOLFF AND FERNANDO ALONSO I LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND PLS UPDATE MORE BC THAT IS MY SOURCE OF LIFE RN SPECIALLY RBR!SEBASTIAN FICS AHHHH

TAGLIST IS CLOSED.

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[monzamash]

not in the mood — carlos sainz

carlos sainz x you (femreader) | 1.9k summary – grumpy uncle Carlos is struggling on the extended family holiday and you will do anything to shake him from his bad mood. rating – 18+ (sex, language, google translated spanish) a/n – i’ve decided to collate the sentence starters i got for each driver so that we can get a bit juicer and i can do a little more plot with the smut lol masterlist

You could tell from the moment Carlos stepped off his father’s sailboat that he wasn’t happy. It was a look you’d seen before – typically after a bad race or when the vintage car he’d been working on in his workshop wouldn’t start; infuriated and overtired, two emotions he wasn’t capable of controlling. The vein bulging on his forehead told you to keep your distance while he cooled off, leaving him alone with his own thoughts. Hopefully simmering down.

“Is tio angry at us, tia?” Little Edgar asked, tugging on your long sundress as he watched his uncle storm off towards the resort without a word.

“He’d never be mad at you, cariño…” You replied quietly and brushed the young boys curls from his face, encouraging him to go play with his siblings in the water. But the question had to be asked.

“What happened out there?”

Carlos’ father simply shrugged and threw the cooler filled with bait onto the sand beside his wife, “He gets so worked up over nothing – frustrated with me, frustrated with the little ones. Desagradecida,” He muttered under his breath.

Carlos never got upset over “nothing”. Sure, he was competitive and easily annoyed by small things, pouting to you that something wasn’t right in his mind but storming off a boat after what was supposed to be a nice afternoon with his father and nephews? That wasn’t your Carlos and you stayed silent, not agreeing with Papa on this one.

“Well whatever happened, I’m sure he’ll be over it by dinner.” You sighed, willing your words into reality for the sake of the holiday.

His mother nodded in agreement, knowing that her son was never upset for long. Thankfully she changed the subject and sent her husband on a mission to get her another cocktail from the beach bar. You took the break in conversation to return to your suite where you assumed your husband was brooding alone, probably grumbling to himself in the otherwise silent room.

And you were right. As soon as you clicked the door open, you heard it. The unintelligible Spanish that he always used when he was angry – quietly cursing whoever was coming to ruin his peace and quiet. But you didn’t care if he was annoyed by your presence; you’d been together for long enough to sense what the other needed, especially if something was upsetting them.

He would've done the same for you.

“Don’t throw a pillow at me. I come in peace,” You said, rounding the corner and surrendering your power with your hands up beside your face.

He looked exactly as you expected; propped up against the bed head, thick black rimmed reading glasses sitting on the bridge of his nose and his eyes trained on the book you’d gotten him from the market that morning. At first he ignored you, pretending to be completely immersed in the book he was reading. 

But the quick glance up in your direction was enough to make you smirk. The pout he had on his face when he breezed past you on the beach a few minutes ago was still there, shoulders tensed around his strong neck. The only difference now was that he was shirtless, gloriously tanned and looking painfully beautiful lying on the white linen sheets. You always compared him to a flawlessly chiselled statue, mouth-wateringly perfect in every way.

“You didn’t need to come at all.”

Okay, so maybe not perfect all the time.

“Well I came up because the boys were worried that they’d made you angry but I can’t imagine any scenario where that would be true…”

Carlos’ eyes snapped up to yours, his pout now a frown as he listened to your words. He felt a pang of guilt shoot to his heart as you sat down on the end of the bed, watching his brain tick over and finally realise the effect he had on the people he loved, his little carbon copies. He was Tio Carlos, after all. Their hero.

“Ay, they didn’t think I was mad at them?” He asked more as a question than a statement and you nodded – not to make him feel bad but because it was the truth. The bitter truth from the way his face dropped again, now sadder than before.

“Meirde,” Carlos mumbled under his breath, “I wasn’t angry at them – it was my father. He was shouting at them like he did to me when I was a boy… making them feel stupid so I told him to fuck off and he was not happy about that…” He trailed off, rolling his eyes with a huff.

“I’ll go down and see the boys soon but I just can’t be around him like this,” Carlos added and you understood. He was clearly fired up, fight or flight mode activated with the former winning out.

There weren’t many things that really got under Carlos’ skin but those kids meant more to him than anything. He was protective of them and seeing them being bullied like he was as a young boy triggered him – made him see red and although he was close to his father now, there was a lot of underlying problems that had never been resolved.

Obviously this was one of them but it would be a shame to let all of that pent up anger and aggression go to waste, you thought.

“Fair enough, honey,” You whispered and stood up, smoothing your long sundress out as Carlos went back to his book, “I’ll give you some space but I’m not wearing any underwear right now… Just thought you should know that.”

In true Carlos fashion, he didn’t even flinch at your words, not even a glance nor did he stop you from leaving at first. It wasn’t until your hand was gripping the door handle that you heard him yell out from the bedroom, “And where do you think you’re going then?”

His voice sounded hoarse, deep and tantalisingly sexy as you trotted back to where he was, now sprawled out on the bed and waiting for your return. The book he was seemingly so enthralled in when you left was still open but discarded as you crawled up beside it with a smirk, merely imitating the expression on his face as he watched you.

Eyes forever trained on yours, tempting you up onto his lap that he was patting. Your fingernails dragged along the exposed skin on his thighs that the short shorts weren’t covering, tanned and hairy. Strong and muscular, mind reeling from the things they could do.

Carlos was pouting when you leaned in closer to his face, telepathically sending signals for you to kiss him. It had been a rough afternoon but having you to take his mind of it well and truly made up for it. You smiled and pressed your lips to his, arms snaking around his neck as you settled onto his lap, letting the weight of the day melt into his touch.

His hands crept around your waist and naturally dropped lower to your backside that he was always mesmerised by. There was hardly ever a moment when you were alone that he wasn’t either touching it or gawking at it and you loved it. The attention, the physically touch – he had you wrapped around his finger, and him yours.

“Let your frustration out on me, baby.”

Your permission ignited something deep inside Carlos. A little spark in his eyes catching on as you pulled back and captured his stare, aroused by the darkness and the steeliness as he tugged you into his chest. He was groaning under his breath as you moved above him, stirring that feeling he couldn’t ignore and that you could feel between your thighs.

“Te quiero con todo mi corazón,” Carlos whispered as you reached up and removed the reading glasses from his beautiful face, peppering kisses all over his cheeks.

“I think you look so sexy in these but I don’t want to break them,” You confessed and he simply smirked as he lifted your hips up and pulled his shorts down, freeing himself from the tight material.

“I know you do, darling.”

You rolled your eyes and licked your palm before grasping his growing stiffness in your hand, delicately rolling your wrist to get him to where you needed him. It never took long and with all of the kissing and teasing you’d done to him all morning; Carlos was pretty much hard on sight. But you loved how big he felt in your hand and the way his eyebrows scrunched together when you gripped him a little too tight, a hiss slipping from his lips every time.

“Actually you look sexier like this,” You smiled and kissed him again as he started bunching up your dress, moaning as you continued to pleasure him, tease him. But he got you back, sliding his fingers through your slick and pushing two fingers into you without warning, jerking you forward over his shoulder.

“Oh my god!” You shouted, both hands now gripping the back of his head as he fucked you, knuckle deep and revelling in the fact that you were now on the receiving end of his pleasure.

“Shh, I can hear people in the other room, cariño,” Carlos whispered facetiously, voice taunting and secretly wanting everyone to know that he was the reason for your screams.

“Well don’t shove your fingers inside of me without warning and I would be quiet,” You snapped back before he hit that sweet spot, causing you to return to crook of his neck with a whimpering moan.

“Asshole.”

Carlos snickered at you waving your metaphorical white flag. He loved you taking control and that’s what you did once you sunk down on him, taking his thick cock all the way until you bottomed out. A low, raspy moan slipped from your throat when you felt him twitch inside you, hips snapping up in an attempt to get you to move.

“Don’t rush me, baby. You feel so fucking big… God, why do you feel so big?”

“Because I am huge,” Carlos shamelessly retorted, head titled back and watching squirming on top of him. You rolled your eyes and straightened your back; now feeling like you had a point to prove.

As you sat up, you pressed your hands to his chest, hips rolling achingly slow and taking full advantage of your position.

“Okay, with that kind of arrogance and the way you’ve been moping around all day, you’ve lost your touching rights, my love.”

You slapped his hands off your thighs and watched his eyes glaze over with lust, “Hands off.”

Carlos pouted and reached out with his grabby hands, “Ay, no, please. I have to touch you.”

There was a smirk tugging on the corners of his lips as he pleaded with you, and you could see right through his façade. Even with his unbelievably thick cock filling you to the brim, brushing against that spot deep inside you that would usually have you unravelling in a matter of seconds, you didn’t crack. Not even a little.

“Hands. Off.”

And with those stern words, Carlos simply laid back on the pillows and tucked his hands behind his head, watching as you gave him a show. He couldn’t have loved you any more than he did in that moment – for making him feel like his entire body was on fire and for remedying his bad mood.

You really were a miracle worker. And you were all his.

a//n – ayyyy, the first of the monzamash special! i'm so glad people sent in requests for carlos – he's so fun to write. the next one will either be charles or daniel so let me know if you have preference! and thank you all again for 700 followers x masterlist | askbox

#carlos sainz #carlos sainz one shot #carlos sainz imagine #carlos sainz smut #carlos sainz x you #carlos sainz x reader #f1 one shot #formula 1 #f1 smut #the monzamash special #monzamashmasterlist #mmrequested #carlos sainz fanfic #not in the mood fic

[justyouraverage-simp]

call me dad// tony stark

pairing: dad!tony stark x daughter!reader

warnings: mentions of injury, death of a parent, mentions of abortion, time jumps, shitty ending

summary: when tony first met his daughter she wanted nothing to do with him but when she thought she lost him she realises just how much he means to her

REQUEST

Being the child of a single parent is hard. But losing that parent is even harder. But what is even harder is finding out that the person you now have to live with is the one person who couldn’t have cared less about you in the past 15 years of your life. 

This is what happened to Y/N after her mother died. It was hard for her losing her mother but it was even harder when her case worker told her she would be living with her father over her grandparents as they believed they were not suitable to raise a child due to their age and health. Y/N had never met her father, she only knew about him because her mother would tell her stories of how they met and how everything was before his parents died, she would also use him as an example to her daughter on how to not be treated by a man, to show her daughter you can be successful and raise a child. 

//

Tony was stood in the living room at Stark Tower looking at the folder he had been given by Coulson when his phone rang.

“Hello”

“Hi, is this Mr Stark?”

“It is? Can I ask who’s calling”

“Of course, my name is Tia. I’m calling from Child Protective Services, it’s regarding your daughter”

“Umm, I think you have the wrong number. I don’t have a daughter” Hearing the word daughter caught Tony off guard, he doesn’t have a daughter there is no way he could. 

“Well do you know a Miss Stephanie Taylor?” That name. He hadn’t heard that name in over 15 years, of course he thought about her on occasion but not since Pepper. 

“Umm yes, why is she relevant”

“Well, I hate to be the one to tell you this Mr Stark but she passed away a few days ago and she has a daughter”

Tony was shocked to hear she had passed, but why was CPS telling him this. To say he was confused was an understatement. 

“I’m sorry but why are you telling me this I haven’t spoken to Stephanie for over 15 years”

“That’s the thing, she has a 15 year old daughter”

As soon as Tony heard those words he almost fell over, immediately he knew why they were telling him this but none of it made sense how the hell does he have a child…

//

“It’s only me honey” Tony called entering Stephanie’s flat that he had a key too. 

As Tony walked through the flat he was confused, normally as soon as he walks through the door he is being jumped on by his girlfriend but this time there was no sign of her. 

“Honey, where are you”

“I’m in the bathroom” He heard a small voice call out breaking slightly.

As he walked through to the bathroom the sound of sniffles and whimpers became slightly louder.

“Hey, what’s going on? What’s got my girl so upset” Tony said sitting next to Stephanie on the floor, causing her to rest her head on his shoulder.

“Tony, I’m pregnant” Stephanie said to him looking up at him slightly

“Oh, is that what’s got you all worked up, it’s going to be okay I promise”

“But I don’t think I want to keep it, we are too young, you’ve just lost your parents and we just aren’t ready”

“Breathe baby, it’s your body so you do whatever you need to do okay and I’ll be with you no matter what you choose” Tony said pressing a kiss against Stephanie’s forehead.

2 weeks later…

It had been 2 weeks since Stephanie had found out she was pregnant although she hadn’t decided what she was going to do about it. It’s such a big decision for the two of them. There was a part of Stephanie that wanted to keep the baby, she had always wanted a baby but just not right now, well it wasn’t planned to be right now. 

Stephanie walked into the party Tony had decided to throw for no reason but because he wanted a party which was very normal for him. Stephanie was wearing a deep red silk dress with a low back and a v-neck, and as she entered the room she was immediately looking for Tony. She needed to talk to him about their situation and it had to happen now she needed to get it off her chest. 

She turned the corner and saw Tony talking to a blonde women and before Stephanie could say anything he kissed the blonde. Stephanie felt sick, he was cheating.

She quickly left the party and rushed to the bedroom and packed her stuff up. She ripped a piece of paper out of a notebook she found a wrote this note on it:

Tony, 

I saw it all. I hope she makes you really happy, more than I could obviously. I’m leaving, I’m not going to sit back and watch as you convince her you love her more than anything in the world when I know for a fact you can’t love more than one person. Not really. That one person for you is you! 

Goodbye forever, 

Stephanie

//

Tony thought back to the moment he found the letter. He knew he screwed up badly but he also knew Stephanie and he knew she was stubborn and independent and there was no amount of words that could convince her to come back to him so he saved his breath and let her leave without a single word. 

He thought she had the abortion, she seemed so certain about it. If he had known about her he would have made more of an effort, actually been in Y/N’s life but instead she grew up without a dad and honestly it made her closer to her mum and grandparents because they stuck around but it also left her with some internal problems, it was hard for Y/N to trust people in case they would change so quickly just like her dad did and the thought of being alone scared her more than anything.

Tony agreed to take Y/N after the situation was explained by your case worker, it was either go with him or end up in the system and neither him or Pepper wanted that. She had agreed to help Tony raise Y/N and he wanted to be better, he felt lots of guilt already for not being around although he had known about Y/N for approximately 10 minutes but that was long enough. He had always said if he ever became a dad he would be more involved than his own father was but instead he was nowhere to be seen in Y/N’s life, it was almost as if she didn’t have a father at all. 

//

6 months later…

It had been an adjustment for Y/N to have a dad but to have that dad be Tony Stark was a completely different experience. Granted he was trying to be there for Y/N but with the current situation with Loki he wasn’t overly present, leaving Y/N in the trusted hands of Pepper and Happy. 

Both Y/N and Pepper were on the jet on the way to DC when they saw on the news that there was an attack on New York and of course Tony was there. The tension in the jet was felt by everyone, something pulled at Y/N’s chest although she wasn’t sure why as she had no major feelings towards her father he was just her responsible adult, he wasn’t her father, her dad, nothing. Just another man, she hadn’t even called him dad yet. 

She felt her phone vibrate in her lap which pulled her attention away from the TV, when she saw Tony’s name lighting up her screen. 

“Hello” Y/N said, confused as he was supposedly fighting Loki and his army. 

“Hey kid, look I need you to listen to me okay. I don’t know how much time I have left” Tony said.

“Yeah, um okay” Y/N said walking to the end of the jet away from the noise and other people.

“I’m sorry for not being there for you, I always promised myself I would be better than my dad but I ended up being just like him if not worse. If I could go back and try and find your mum before it was too late I would in a heartbeat. I wish I could have been there for all your firsts. These past 6 months have been amazing, you are going to do amazing things I just know it. I love yo…” Tony said as the line began to crack, eventually losing all signal. 

“Tony, Tony…” 

// 

3 hours later…

No one knew what actually happened that day, whether Tony survived the fall or not; they just awaited the teams return at Shield Headquarters. Both Y/N and Pepper were sat waiting in one of the empty offices when a car pulled up outside, without even seeing who pulled up the flashing of cameras from the paparazzi stationed outside the building told the two of them the Avengers were back. 

Both Y/N and Pepper rushed down to the foyer to see if he was there but they couldn’t see him. How had she gone from having a mum, then no mum to having a dad then having no one all in the space of a few hours. A few tears began to fall slowly down her cheek until she heard his voice. 

“Did you miss me?” 

Y/N rushed into Tony’s arms without even a second thought. There was slight confusion on Tony’s face, what had happened for Y/N to go from wanting nothing to do with him to now hugging him and crying in his arms. 

“I love you dad” Y/N said quietly

Tony was gobsmacked. He never once expected to hear those words come out of her mouth but he loved it nonetheless. 

“God, I love you too kid” Tony said holding his daughter close for the first time feeling content for the first time in years.

#kayleigh's requests #tony stark x daughter!reader #ironman #tony stark fluff #tony stark x reader #tony stark x stark!reader #the avengers #tony stark x oc #tony stark x y/n #teen!reader #tony stark x teen!reader

[fortheloveofbuddie]

Hi, as someone who discovered her first grey hair a couple months ago and had a crisis about it, I'm interested in Eddie discovering his first grey hair pretty please

Hi there!

Omg I did this a while ago and it was going to be a one shot (probably still can be as it’s not finished)

Here is a snippet of it 💕

Once they finished, Eddie went into the bathroom again to style his hair and he combed it through before running his fingers through it too. He then began to style with it with a little bit of gel and as he turned his head, he had to do a double take.

That better not be what I think it is.

He tried to brush it away with his fingertips, thinking, no, hoping that it was just conditioner that hadn’t been washed out properly. When nothing happened, he placed his hands on the sides of the sink as a sign of defeat. It was barely visible, not one, not two, not three, but four grey strands mixed in with the dark brown.

Has no one else seen them? No, if they had, they would’ve said something. They wouldn’t have left it alone.

Yet he couldn’t help but to wonder.

“Chris? Will you come in here for a second?” He called out, stopped dead in his tracks. No, it wasn’t a big deal. It’s just hair and he knew that for some people even getting to have grey hair is a privilege. That didn’t mean that it didn’t take him by surprise.

“Yeah, dad?” Chris questioned as he soon stood in the doorway.

“You see these too, right?” Eddie pointed to the side of his head where he had discovered the four, small grey strands of hair.

“You have grey hair” His son laughed and put his hand on top of his. Eddie couldn’t help but to laugh a little himself too and eventually pulled his head away from Chris’ touch.

“Not a word to anyone about this. Not even Buck, okay?” Eddie said pointedly at Christopher who just agreed with a big smile on his face.

Buck is going to know within seconds the next time I see him.

The entire evening that he spent at his Tia Pepa’s house, he kept touching the side of his head and smiling awkwardly every time that he got caught doing it. It felt ridiculous but so did getting grey hairs at 35. His dad didn’t even start to get grey hairs before he was in his early 50s and he knew that their life and stress levels couldn’t exactly compare but it still made him feel self aware. It was only a few strands now but he also knew that they would only keep on coming.

When they came back home, they sat on the couch and watched a movie until Christopher fell asleep with his head in Eddie’s lap. In the middle of the night, Eddie woke up with Christopher still sleeping on him and he ended up carrying him to bed before heading off to sleep too. But he was sat on the edge of the bed and he took out his phone, brought it to the side of his head and took a picture of his grey hair strands. He didn’t know why. Maybe to document it, maybe to prove to himself that he wasn’t actually hallucinating or maybe to find some acceptance in it.

He spent the following day at home with Chris and when Carla came to pick him up Monday morning, he realized that it had already been two full days since he noticed something new about himself.

“Dad has grey hair!” Was the first thing out of Christopher’s mouth as he opened the door for Carla.

“Your dad has what now?” She said, a smile lightening up on her face.

And there we have it.

“Nothing, absolutely nothing” Eddie shot Christopher a look but it wasn’t anger. It was a mix of embarrassment and a slight bit of annoyance.

“I’m pretty sure I heard your son say that you have grey hair” Carla stated as she went to the kitchen counter to pick up some of Christopher’s things as he put on his shoes.

“I mean… yes. I do. It’s just a few strands. Really, it’s not a big deal” Eddie said, trying to sound convincing.

“Whatever you say, honey” Carla smiled at Eddie and put on her hand on Christopher’s shoulder as they were heading out of the door.

This one also goes out to @wikiangela 💋

Ask me about my wips 💗

Using this as my WIP Wednesday 🫢

This is really a raw draft that I did a while ago but the idea just came alive then

Tagged by the amazing @daffi-990 💋

Tagging!! @thewolvesof1998 @theotherbuckley @jesuisici33 @callmenewbie @cal-daisies-and-briars @watchyourbuck @giddyupbuck @wildlife4life @butraura @honestlydarkprincess @fionaswhvre @disasterbuckdiaz 🫶🏻

#buddie #eddie diaz #evan buckley #911 on abc #oliver stark #ryan guzman #evan buck buckley #buddie wip

[chiquititaosita]

Monster Trio + Shanks, Ace, Doing the Quebradora with Latina s/o

Hiii so this one omfg I had so much fun writing this one and I love putting my culture into this because it’ll be nice to see representation for once. Even though y/n is your name there’s not that much we know about y/n. Like WHAT ARE THEY. What’s their way of life. Yk? anyways context so quebradora is a dance usually with two people in Mexico. It’s a popular dance at bailes (dance parties) rodeos, and quinceañeras. Lots of people usually sway, it’s usually common for a girl to be picked up and swung around heres videos for references. 😭😭

Luffy

- I am sorry but luffy at first will throw you like a rag doll in reference to this video

- “ am I doing this right?!” he’s just gonna be throwing you around.

- he has two left feet for dancing. I’m serious.

-teaching him was the worst.

- when he thinks he’s got it, he’s gonna make you dislocate your hip.

-THE FACT HE USES HIS DEVIL FRUIT FOR HIS HIPS TO ONLY MOVE 💀

- “ go!!! Y/n- Chan!!!” Chopper was just cheering on zoros head

- when it came to the bailes for the island y’all landed at. He knew you seemed off when coming to the bailes with him.

- sanji, robin and nami had to catch him up. “Luffy you didn’t pay attention with y/n! When she taught you FOR THE PAST TWO WEEKS!?”

-“SO THATS WHY SHE WAS TEACHING ME THAT DANCE!?” Luffy forgot literally and felt so bad. He didn’t like seeing you sad like at all. It hurt his heart.

- “It’s in the hips luffy. You gotta do this not whatever that was that” Sanji had just corrected him after he took a puff out of his cigarette.

- he watched you trying to teach luffy on the thousand sunny he couldn’t help but laugh the whole time, but hype you up more.

“Ohhh… yeah I screwed up. Imma go make it up to her.” He ran to go find you, he found you talking to your Tia. She hugged you so tightly, after you guys catching up. you let her go and told her you’ll be back

- “y/n dance with me!!!” He grabbed your hand while laughing

-“ you serious?”

-“ yeah the songs about to start. Let’s go. I wanted to show you that I paid attention!” He flashed that gummy smile you always loved you just said fuck it let’s just have fun. Because you knew in the end luffy wouldn’t leave you.

- when y’all danced bro. He actually did it!- if that makes sense. He had to put his own twist to it.

- “luffy! LUFFY! PUT ME DOWN IM GONNA FALL!”

-“ what?! Pick you up! Don’t have to tell me twice!” This was a reminder for you teach him more dances after that. start off with cumbias or merengue. No but he didn’t. He did it the way you wanted it to happen.

- He carried you and span you around, of course y’all did a bit of hopping which was cute. In the end y’all had fun.

- the night ended with you and luffy dancing the night away as he peppered you with kisses

Zoro

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRCxH6x5/

-now if there’s anything zoro doesn’t do. It’s dancing.

- he hates it.

-not when it’s with you he’s used to dancing with you alone in y’all’s shared quarters or on the ship

-he hates dancing in public bc it’ll ruin his “pirate hunter Image.”

-“I’m not dancing.”

-“fine I’ll just ask sanji, he’ll always say yes to me anyway.”

-“I’m gonna dance with Y/n-San?!!!” he just melted as you grabbed him to the dance floor at the baile.

- you knew how to push zoros buttons

- just as the song was about to start he grabbed your hand

-“never do that again.” He whispered into your ear while kissing the top of your head.

- seeing you smile is the only thing that matters. well besides being a pirate hunter lmao.

- when you jumped into his arms as he held you in that side to side bridal style move.

- he wanted to flip you which he did.

-“bet that curly couldn’t do that.” You giggled and kissed his cheek

- he’s now your forever dance partner. because he’s a jealous now he can say he’ll only dance with you.

“ too slow curly brows kyahaha!”this was his petty moment that he even told you some spicy things in your ear

- “Keep grinding on my knee like that, you’ll be screaming my name tonight…”

--y’all danced like the very first video. He was just trying to keep himself composed.

- you indeed couldn’t walk the next day.

-“this will be the last time you ever ask me to dance again.” he lied.

Sanji

when I decided to write about with him he’d just get all flustered it goes in two ways

- If he’s simpy he’s going to be just speaking utter nonsense or he’ll actually be shocked than process and than be his stupid self we all love

- “y-You want to dance! with me!” his eyes went into sparkles and almost passed out

- “come on I’ll teach you.”

-“you move your hips and relax, it’s gonna be like this. Is that okay?”

-he blushed furiously, “y-yeah that’s f-fine.” he looked away as wiped his bloody nose kissing his lips.

-“Y/n Chwan you’re so good at this!”

-“it’s just a dance I know.” You snorted

- when it came to the bailes, mans wanted to show you off. In which he does succeed

-the only time y’all did it successfully was the when the ship was swaying, or a tropical island.

-“you ready my darling?” he whispered and you nodded eagerly walking away from him.

- when you ran into his arms omg it felt like the whole world was just paused and only you two kept dancing.

- when he picked you up in that bridal style motion. You both touched foreheads and kissed only for a moment.

- “not bad for a cook!” you giggled as you pressed his chest against his.

-“only for you my princess.” He kissed the top of your head.

- “The way you move is sending me into heaven.” He gasps for sure, sighs in awe.

“I have been blessed by the gods!” you almost think he’s drunk when he’s saying this stuff

-“We should get married and have many babies together 😭😩💗” it’s cause of that hip thing that’s why.

- now you know why he loves that move. so whenever you dance with sanji you can tease him.

- “do you want to take a break now?”

- “ why is everyone looking at us?” Insert Confused pikachu face

-“ it’s because of your beauty and moves my sweet.” He flashed a grin against your lips. Kissing you once more.

-even if you have a fashion malfunction while dancing quebradradita.

- Sanji will I MEAN HE WILL COME THROUGH TO THE RESCUE like oh your dress ripped here. Wear my jacket.

-man can improvise and of course show you off

Shanks

- mans is a pro.

-surprisingly it was his idea and not yours 😭

- “imma throw you now!”

- “WHAT!?” your eyes widened

-“ HAHA im kidding, but imma gonna drop us down!”

-“ shanks your legs may not work the way they used to!”

-“oh really! Are you saying that I can’t do this!?”he squats down as y’all are dancing. Not gonna lie him proving himself wrong is hot as hell.

- he’s gonna show you off and than you’re gonna be light on your feet.

-“ PUT ME DOWN SHANKS SHANKS IM GONNA FALL!!!”

-“do you trust me?!”

-“No!”

-“good!” He just flips you as you scream in shock because it was out of nowhere. when you asked him to put you down nicely. you just had fun. Literally you heard his crew cheering you both

-“woah. You alright there sugar cakes?”

-you just groaned and rolled your eyes at him, as he picked you up bridal style.

-“guess that’s a no… sorry about that I got carried away.” He snorted, and kissed your temple

-“since you do so much for me I’ll take care of you tonight.”

- never have him do the quebradora. like that. Again. thank you but that’s a lie you can’t say no to him.

Ace

- imma be honest. Ace can’t dance to save his life as pirate on whitebeards crew 😭

- unlike sabo and luffy. HES GOT TWO RIGHT FEET 😭

- sabo can dance better it’s just observation according to sabo.

- “babe can I just spin you around if that counts?”

-“I don’t want to drop you.”

-“OW!”

-“ IM SORRY Y/N!” He felt guilty, and when he saw you laugh and fall on your ass he couldn’t help but laugh too

-“I love you so much.”

-“dude I’m gonna cream my pants if you keep riding my thigh like that!!”

-“why are you poking my boobs 😭”

- “And dip! Ooh now chips and queso sound good rn😩.”

- but at the end y’all had fun.

- the bailes you had fun at were cool too

- you and aced danced y’all’s little happy feet away

#vinsmoke sanji x reader #one piece x reader #trafalgardwaterlaw #law x y/n #luffy x reader #shanks x reader #ace x reader #zoro x reader #sanji x reader #one piece imagines #portgas ace smut #portgas ace x reader

[hrodvitnon]

Just got out of my first viewing (spoilers so tag accordingly)

Yeah that was the most ridiculous shit ive ever seen and i had a blast lmfao.

--

To get the few negatives out of the way: Syclla and Tiamat got COOKED. That's crazy. Especially Tiamat. I had no idea she was in the movie and like choked on popcorn when they said her name. First onscreen appearance and she dies in like 3 seconds... sucks to be her. But honestly... this is probably one of those moments where Fan Content messes with the perception of a canon thing, at least for me. It hurts a lot more because of the emotional attachment from stuff like Ozymandias's story, Shamhat, and other adjacent stuff. If I had never seen those and watched her die I'd probably think "oh she had a cool design, but whatever". But yeah, my only serious complaint is her being shafted and I don't even really think I can call it objective because there was definitely an attachment there.

Ok besides that this might be my new personal favorite Monsterverse. Could be recency bias but I don't think so. Every human is at the very least entertaining. Everything Trapper did in this movie made me crack up, hearing Bernie say the words 'Discord chat' and 'Ghidorahstan64' (i stg this was a callout of some kind) onscreen gave me terminal whiplash, and although Jia and Andrew's story was sorta surface level, it was still endearing. I'd rather have a good human storyline, sure, but if we can't have that I'll settle for entertaining.

Here I thought Suko was gonna be an annoying marketing ploy to sell toys... I physically snorted in the theatre when Kong slammed him into that one ape. MVP of the film lmao. Mothra was... also there. Yeah, it really shows that she was a last minute addition. But DAMN she sent Godzilla ROLLING with a single attack. Speaking of, I don't think the Tia-Zilla form was as underutilized as I've heard people say it was. Especially that new Atomic Breath effect. Holy eargasm.

Oh man though, Shimo and Skar are fantastic. Skar hits the same beat as like a Celestial Dragon or Vladimir Harkonnen with way more grace than I would've expected from a big monkey. They go shockingly dark with his treatment of the ape-slaves and Shimo... especially with that female ape insinuation.

Holy shit poor Shimo, man. I honestly thought the Skar controlling her aspect would be kinda downplayed and just regular mind control, not genuine torture of some kind. I love that they let her have characterization by resisting him at every chance she gets, and that the pain control isn't always active (i'm assuming that's the insinuation of keeping her all chained and behind magma, it depowers and restrains her when Skar's not actively using her), further insinuating she gets merciful breaks from hellish enslavement only to be yanked back into it whenever Skar needs something turned into a popsicle. I think my favorite moment in the film is right after Suko shatters the crystal and the light blue luminescence fades to reveal her actual eyes for the first time. Eyes are used throughout the film to show subtle humanizing features, like Godzilla falling asleep in Rome, Kong's wide eyes when he sees his kin, and shock when Shimo realizes she's free. Having her eyes glowing the whole film makes her seem way more monstrous and inhuman, so when that suddenly goes away she starts getting framed as just an animal. Also her eyes are pretty. Also, I lied, that wasn't my favorite part of the film. My favorite part was Kong giving her chin scratches and that cute half-hug. This needs to be normalized. He needs to hug Godzilla next film. I will pay someone a king's ransom for this to happen. Final little detail, I like that Kong doesn't do his final roar from on her back but standing next to her, on the same level as all the other apes. He doesn't look to elevate himself over her or everyone else like Skar did, which is a great touch.

Also also also: Think it's time for a Doug solo film where he tries to steal all the Titans' food. Make it happen Legendary.

Much agreement here! I'd love for a solo Mothra MonsterVerse film to really capitalize on her lore and give her stuff to do (without dying at the end preferably); maybe establish some connection between the Chen family and Jia. Also, I need a little shot of Mothra going to visit Godzilla while he's sleeping in the Colosseum and just cuddle up to the big lug.

Andrews and Jia were a welcome breath of fresh air after GvK reversed Mark's characterization and Madison became... that. There was still some slight tension between Jia not feeling like she belongs and Andrews wanting to do right by her, even if it means possibly giving her up, only for Jia to go "you're my mom, you're my home, stop being dramatic". You love to see it.

Adding to the Doug solo film idea... Shimo adopts him because he's cute and she thinks his shenanigans are hilarious. Let us have fun wholesome times!

#tosho89 #frostbite814 #godzilla x kong: the new empire #gxk spoilers

[trash-king18]

m pt. 7

i wanted y/n to be a dynamic character so you get to meet her family, and see her backstory a little bit in this one. i personally really enjoyed writing this part but as i said in pt. 6 dw there will be more smut to come

minors as always dni w/ any posts involving nsfw labels

————

“FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS!!! 

despierta cumpleañero! tu tia favorita esta aquí”

happy birthday! wake up birthday boy! your favorite aunt is here 

“TIA!”

“ay Diego mírate look how big you’ve gotten mi hijo”

look at you, my boy

Diego was your younger nephew, who was turning 6 this year. Your nephews were your most beloved treasure in any world, and your time with them always made everything immediately feel better. they got that from their father. whenever you visited home you could always go back to work feeling revived. 

You and your sister (technically sister in law) has arranged a whole day of Diego’s favorites. after waking him up with a spanish birthday song, you had churros and ice cream for breakfast a tradition he had picked up from you, then you had unlimited outdoor playtime until he would eventually get bored and you’d have a picnic and feed all the ducks and even some squirrels since you weren’t supposed to. later you’d have whatever meal was his favorite at the time and then cake and presents with more of your extended family. 

and of course the pinnate which was their favorite part. 

the boys birthdays were the only times out of the whole year you saw your parents. Tia May was still around from time to time but she didn’t always make it. 

this year was no different. the whole day was full of laughter, comfort food, and playing copious amounts of hide and go seek or tag. 

and the night… was full of awkward tension between your parents and you that you tried to ignore for the boys sake. your older nephew, Matias was 8, you knew he was beginning to be able to sense the tension. but if there was one thing you and your parents still agreed on, it was putting it aside for the happiness of the boys. 

Now of course the most important birthday tradition was the boys got to stay up as late as they could manage eating all the candy from the party and pick whatever movie they wanted. So naturally they crashed on their sugar high before 10. and once they were tucked in you and your sister took a bottle of wine up to the roof and drank and caught up while getting hammered. 

it felt extra good this time. you hadn’t been home in a while, too long. after laughing and gossiping for a while about everything happening here and her routine reassurance that your parents would come around eventually… she finally asked 

“how’s things?”

that’s all she had to say. those two words were all she ever asked about your job. She knew what it was, everything you had been doing the past few years even if you couldn’t give her too many details. 

“things are… complicated.”

“ahh i see. so.. who is he”

“..what?”

“the guy”

“the- there is no guy Crystal.”

“really?”

“yes really..  what?!”

“i just haven’t seen you like this in a while.”

“like what”

“wound up. he’s a confusing one isn’t he? i can tell by your face. part of you wants to smile when you think about him but the rest of you wants to tape a picture of his face to a dart board”

“i- no i don’t know what you’re talking about”

“he’s a real challenge isn’t he”

she’s relentless, as always, she’ll work you until you give up. it was her job as a detective. 

you sigh but you say nothing 

“ohhh he’s a real big challenge.”

“just drop it”

“is he hot?”

“hey knock it off i’m not talking about this”

“ok ok fine…. so he’s really hot then?”

“ugh”

you lay back on the blankets and pillows you’d dragged up 

“crystal i came here to get away from him.. it i mean it. work.”

“mmmhmm”

she lays down with you 

“that’s good.”

“hmm?”

“you need a challenge in a guy”

“what do you mean?”

she sits back up 

“hello? you started and graduated college early with a masters in biochemical engineering and now you work for a super secret multi dimensional superhuman organization”

“shhh keep your voice down”

“sorry sorry all i’m saying is: you never let anything be easy for yourself, you don’t know how to do anything the easy way. if you were with an easy straightforward guy you’d get bored.”

“i feel like you’re saying i have bad taste”

“nooo no you just like a particularly difficult brand of stimulating”

“well my job certainly is that”

“you know next time you come visit i expect to meet him, or at the very least a picture”

“alright girl settle down now.”

you guys giggle and drink more. before you finally ask her what’s been on your mind 

“do you ever think about getting back out there? ya know finding someone new?”

“no no between the boys and work i have too much on my plate.”

“i know and i’m sorry i haven’t been around as much works just been..”

“hectic? busy? don’t worry hermana i understand 

i married spider man remember?”

“Pedro would want you to be happy”

“i am happy. I have Matias and Diego, and you”

she nudges your shoulder 

“when you can take a break from your super duties“

you two look at each other and in your drunken haze you burst out laughing 

“Super duties”

you guys chat about simple nothings for a little while longer before she sits up. 

“I’m going to bed, don’t stay up here too late ok?”

she kisses your forehead with an overdramatic “Mwah” and then clambers over to the steps. 

you look out at the city skyline, you can’t help but remember how much you miss it. summer nights on this roof. mix of latin music and rnb drifting out of dimly lit windows. you and your brother begging your parents to let you go ice skating in the central city. you had so many memories here, but you still couldn’t seem to manage to enjoy those memories without the deep twang of guilt ripping into your chest right after. 

tears start to fall gently and you sniff and wipe 

your face. before raising your glass 

“salud, mi hermano. te extraño”

cheers my brother, i miss you. 

you’re too wrapped up in your emotions and nostalgia to notice the shadow lurking on the roof of the building behind you.

you finally make your way downstairs to pass out in your sisters bed. 

and Lyla pops up on the shadows wrist watch.

“Was it really necessary to follow her?”

“im making sure she’s alright. she was almost attacked the other night”

“is that the only reason?”

“Lyla why didn’t you tell me about her history? her family?”

“it wasn’t for me to tell, she asked me not to include it in the records. so i may have bypassed the system and taken.. some things out. Sorry boss.”

“It’s fine. i’ll be back to HQ soon.”

“Miguel? don’t project what you lost onto her. that’s not fair to her. she’s a real living person, and she doesn’t deserve that.”

“mm.”

————

taglist:

@urmotherswhor3 @marcswife21 @l3laze

#miguel o’hara x reader #miguel o’hara x you #miguel x reader #miguel x y/n #spiderman 2099 #across the spiderverse #atsv #miguel ohara #miguel o’hara fic #atsv miguel #miguel spiderverse #miguel o'hara #miguel o’hara x y/n #miguel o’hara thirst #miguel o’hara angst #miguel o’hara atsv #miguel o’hara fanfiction #miguel o’hara #miguel spiderman #miguel o’hara smut

[ughgoaway]

WAIT WHAT THE FUCK DID I MISS WHAT HAPPENED WITH LILY AND TIA I NEED INFO THIS CANNOT BE HAPPENING

- 🦀

okay so... a lot!

tw; mentions of murder and inappropriate tagging...

speedy rundown; tia didn't tag a fic appropriately, stranded pt 2, where matty was revealed to have been plotting to kill reader. there was 0 mention of dark themes in the tags. and that's fucked.

multiple people DMd tia, and I know that anons also had the same issue, idk who those were! tia freaked out, refused to believe she was in the wrong, and didn't tag it. then, when people were vulnerable with her about why she should, she still didn't care.

she tagged it days later, still with an inappropriate tag but whatever. still refused to believe she could ever be in the wrong, and acted like she was being personally attacked.

(more things happened but I don't remember everything)

also, I posted that teaser for the Vegas fic, then found out tia had also done a married in vegas thing, but I honestly didn't care because its not a unique plot.

but then tia messaged me, "Wild." with my post attached. I asked for clarification on what she meant (I knew what she meant, but I wanted her to say it) she claimed it was "autocorrect," which... isn't how it works. I was nice, and apologised for the "misunderstanding" (in hindsight, too fucking nice.)

the same thing happened to molly, but 100x worse. molly used 3 words in a fic of hers, genuinely 3 words, that tia had used those words as a fic title. And molly thought it was a cute little reference. tia did not take it that way.

she then went on a tirade claiming that molly "copied her" and "didn't give her credit"... OVER 3 WORDS THAT ARE A COMMON PHRASE. she was so horrible, and it really affected molly. Thank god she ignored tia and blessed us with more of her work. but she almost didn't because tia couldn't get her head out of her ass.

the things she said to molly were horrible. and she never let it go and started claiming that everything molly did was a copy.

she did it with tropes too. no one could dare write a fic with a vaguely similar plot. god forbid we have fun fucking hell.

anyway, back to the tags thing;

Tia still was being childish about the tagging thing and deactivated because she couldn't fathom that she was wrong and people didnt just bow at her feet when she "apologised" (didnt actually apologise but i digress).

then lily, her little puppet, came on and started it all back up. and accused people of things that were in no way true.

but guess what- she ran away too!

and let's just say tia had a fucking history.

oh well, over now and we can all be happy and write fics with APPROPRIATE WARNINGS. and can share tropes.

I hope they're both happier away from tumblr, because I am without them here lmao

#so sorry for the drama yall #so much was happening behind the scenes #i swear there is never usually shit like this #everyone else is lovely!! #anon! #🦀 anon

[hoodharlow]

Lil Jackie

AN: ngl idk what this is lol enjoy tho 🥰🥰🥰

Requested? No

Warnings: SMUT (🤪🤭🥴) mentions of throwing up and vomit, weirdos not respecting boundaries

Word Count: 5.6k words

Present

Jack jogged up the steps that lead to his daughter’s bedroom. Liliana, his two year old daughter, had been noticeably quiet. He was in town for a few days and was taking advantage of all of them to be with his daughter. They were currently at Monse’s place (which was technically a house his parents used to rent out before Monse and Liliana moved to Louisville) because Liliana forgot her avocado toast Squishmallow and she couldn't sleep without it. 

“Lil Jackie?” Jack called before poking his head in Liliana's bedroom. 

She was fast asleep hugging her Squishmallow with her little arm. Lalo, Monse’s four year old german shepherd, was curled up in his designated rug he liked to lay on. He got up and sniffed Jack, nudging his head so he could get some head scratches. 

“How long was she out?” Jack asked the dog.

Lalo whined and stood up, shaking its whole body before laying back on its rug. Jack decided he would rather deal with Monse scolding him than waking up his daughter, so he went down stairs. He grabbed a juice box and sat on a stool. He pulled out his phone, smiling at his lockscreen. It was a picture of him and Liliana in his suite before he headed out to the Met Gala that Urban took. 

He still couldn't believe that he's a dad. After that night with Monse, they kinda forgot about getting that Plan B and kept having unprotected sex until Monse noticed that she hadn't had her period in months. One trip to Planned Parenthood later she found out she was thirteen weeks pregnant. It wasn't an ideal time for the both of them. Monse was about to start her last year of undergrad and he was about to tour. 

Jack told her that he would be supportive of whatever she wanted to do. Monse originally decided on giving their kid up for adoption. She had come up with the perfect plan to avoid her parents, but they paid her a surprise visit and saw her with her bump. She expected them to be somewhat okay with it –well not okay with it–obviously her getting pregnant by some dude that she wasn't dating wasn't the smartest thing she ever did. What she did not expect was getting disowned and cut off by them. 

Her parents talked down to her and Jack, implying that he was a lowlife that got her pregnant to live off the trust fund her grandma left her. After they dragged Jack's existence, her parents came for the baby growing inside of her. Hearing all the awful things they said made Monse want to protect her baby, so she decided to keep it. She called Jack after they left and told him that she was keeping their baby. 

He was a bit hesitant at first, but respected her decision and supported her in ways he best could. His parents were on board. They were shocked by the news, but were ecstatic that they were going to have a grandchild. Even more that she was coming from Monse. They met her a few times when she would visit Louisville with Serena during school breaks. They even suggested Monse move to Louisville after she finished her undergrad so they could help her take care of the baby. 

Monse agreed. She had no one back home. The only person that cared for her was her abuela Lilia, but she passed away in early 2019. To her parents and sisters, she never existed. They deleted any trace of her off their social media. A few tias and cousins reached out to her to 'check in' but she knew it was because her parents were tight lipped and didn't say what happened. To avoid any further drama, Monse deleted her social media and started fresh. She moved to Louisville and with the help of Jack's parents, and her trust fund, she opened her own bookshop coffee shop. It became successful within the last eighteen months. 

Jack also accomplished several things as well. In 2020 the song he played for her in the car charted in the Billboard Hot 100 chart. That same year he dropped his debut album. Later in 2021, he collabed with Lil Nas X and Jack got his first number one hit. He got his second #1 hit just a few weeks back when he released First Class. Tonight his second album was dropping at midnight. He felt proud of everything he and Monse have done to provide their daughter the life she deserved. 

Keys jingled outside the front door, bringing Jack back to reality. Lalo trotted downstairs, ready to bark but Jack whistled at him and told be quiet so that Liliana wouldn't wake up. Lalo huffed and went back to Liliana's bedroom. Jack got up from where he was and went to peek. There was a butler door that divided the living room area, where Monse was, and kitchen, where Jack was. He stuck his foot out to open the door just a bit, so he could see who she was with. 

He knew Monse had a date tonight. When he came over to get Liliana, she was facetiming Serena outfit options because she was getting drinks with some guy from Bumble.

Jack and Monse weren’t together. They agreed that it would be easier for them to co-parent instead of forcing themselves to be a couple for Liliana. When she was born, Jack was with them in LA to help Monse so she could finish her undergrad. He was lucky enough that 2020 wasn’t hectic. He had a few performances here and there, but he mostly had to focus on ‘That What They All Say’. He flew between LA and Atlanta to work on it. 

Nonetheless, Jack and Monse still hooked up whenever he was in Louisville or when he would fly her and Liliana out to wherever he was traveling to. They went back to their original rules from when they started hooking up. Monse got an IUD after their daughter was born because she wasn't planning on having kids anytime soon. 

“You didn't have to walk me all the way in but I appreciate it.” Jack heard Monse tell her date. 

From where he stood he couldn't see her date, but he did get a great view of Monse’s ass. She wore a short dress with different shades of blue in a swirl pattern. She set her leather jacket down in a chair along with her purse, turned to her date. 

“What kind of date would I be if I didn't make sure you got in safely." 

Jack recognized that voice anywhere. It was Brody Hawthorne. One of the many people from high school that would say that he wouldn't make it in the music industry and that his music is ass. He also hated Jack because he got to be captain of their school’s soccer their senior year. Though Brody got him back their senior prom by telling Jack's then date some bullshit lie so she could go with him. 

Truthfully Brody was an unlikeable guy. He made his parents' bourbon company his whole personality. There wasn't a day in their AP Econ class where he mentioned his parents owned the second largest distillery in Louisville. He was rude, entitled and arrogant. In class he played 'devil's advocate' during socratic seminars and tried to force his close minded opinions on the class during class discussions. 

The alarm system beeped, starting a ten second countdown before the actual alarm. Monse mumbled something Jack couldn't hear and gave her back to her date as she put in the code which was their daughter's birth date (30920). 

"Well I should get going. Can I see you tomorrow?" Brody asked Monse.

She shook her head. "My best friend is flying in tomorrow for Derby weekend and tomorrow night I have a fundraiser thing." She said, slowly closing the door. 

"Serena, right? She's friends with Jack Harlow, right?" He pressed.

"I guess they are. I'm not too sure." Monse shrugged. 

"Okay, I'll call and we can set up another date." He said.

He took a step forward, reaching for Monse's waist, but she took a step back before he could touch her. 

"Bye, and thanks for dinner." She said, giving him a toothless smile.

Brody said something but Jack couldn't hear. 

"Why are you still here?" Monse asked when she walked in the kitchen. 

"Your daughter fell asleep." Jack said, finishing his juice. "So, Brody Hawthorne…"

"You know him?" She asked as she placed enough pizza bagels into the air fryer for her and Jack to share. She was still hungry from her date since Brody only ordered appetizers for them, and she felt weird ordering an actual meal when he didn't.

"We went to high school together. He was on the soccer team with me." He explained. "What do you think of him?" 

"He's okay. Talks too much about himself. We've gone on a few dates, but I'm thinking of ending it because there's something missing, you know?" She said, as she hopped on the counter. 

Monse sat directly in front of Jack. Her legs were slightly open. One glance and Jack could find out she wore the white thong he likes to see her in when they facetime after Liliana goes to bed. 

They made some small talk while the pizza bagels cooked. Jack told her how he and Liliana went to Costco and that their two year old begged for a churro only to not want it after one bite. After a few minutes the air fryer dinged. Monse got up to get them, but Jack stopped her. It was midnight. 

He looked up and smiled at her. "Happy birthday, Monse." 

He pulled her to his chest and gave her a hug. Monse hugged him back and looked up at him. Without thinking, their lips met. It was a soft kiss. Like it was testing the waters. Jack gently grabbed herself and kissed her once more. She kissed him back with full force. 

He sat her back on the counter and removed her dress. He quickly dropped his pajama pants and took off his shirt. 

"You're so beautiful, Monse." He told her. 

She threw her arms around Jack, pulling him back to her and kissed him. She felt him push himself against her legs to give him better access. His hands grabbed her ass and grinded her against his crotch. Monse threw her neck back, reveling in how good he felt against her. 

Jack nipped and sucked down her neck to find her sweet spot. He barely caught her strangled moan when he nipped the spot between her jaw and neck. He repeated his actions, earning a louder moan from her. He pulled away and pushed her down on the counter. Jack peeled off her thong, tossing it behind him. He sat down on the stool and pulled Monse closer to her. He placed her legs on his shoulders and dove in. He devoured her like he'd been in the desert for an eternity and she was the only who could satisfy his hunger and thirst. Monse gripped his curls, keeping his head in place as she lifted her hips. 

After a while Jack sat up and pushed her legs to her chest, so she was more exposed to him. With one hand, he undid the front clasp of her bra. He roughly squeezed her breasts then continued to eat her out. His nose pressed on her clit, making her a moaning mess. Minutes passed when he finally slid his middle and ring finger in her. 

With his fingers still fucking her at an agonizing slow pace, he sat Monse up and brought her mouth to his. Jack's beard was dampened by her arousal, a few drops fell onto her neck, rolling down to her chest. 

“I'm close…shit—Jack!” She whimpered and reached down to his wrist.

She tightly gripped the edge of the counter as she came. Once her high faded, Jack let go and let her lean into him. He slipped his fingers out of her and licked them clean, moaning at how delicious she tasted. 

"Fuck me, Jack." Monse begged breathlessly. "You can't just tease me with your tongue and expect me to not want your dick after." 

"Whatever you want, birthday girl." He smirked. 

Jack pushed down his boxers, just enough for his cock to be put. He stroked his length a few times then coated himself with Monse’s arousal. He placed one of her legs over his shoulder and slid into her. He pulled away and thrusted into her once again, earning louder sounds from her. 

Monse nails dig into Jack’s biceps as he pounded into her. He took her rough and possessively. She knew Jack was in a mood after seeing her come back from her date and used her birthday as a way to remind her that she was his and only his. And she let him. She didn't mind it. She liked it at times. Because despite everything, no one could ever measure up to Jack. 

He snapped his hips, burying himself deep into her with every thrust. It didn’t take long for Monse to come. She chanted his name and wrapped her legs tighter around him, wanting to feel all of him. Jack's orgasm followed soon after. With three shallow thrusts, he pushed himself deep inside Monse, spilling every last drop in her. 

Jack pulled out of her and grabbed some dish towels from a drawer. He wet them with warm water and cleaned Monse up with one of them. Then he cleaned himself with the other. 

"Thanks," she said softly. 

"No problem." He grinned. 

Monse hopped down and went to the laundry room. She had a load of laundry in the dryer that she hadn't folded and grabbed a pair of panties, a large t-shirt, and sleep shorts. She went to the guest bathroom and cleaned herself up. When she went back to the kitchen, Jack was fully clothed and wiping the counter with Clorox wipes. He tossed the wipes in the trashcan and washed his hands. He slid her plate of pizza bagels. 

"Don't you dare get the ranch." She warned him, taking a bite. 

There was a loud knock coming from the front, followed by the doorbell ringing. Lalo rushed out of Liliana's bedroom and went to bark at whoever was at the front door. 

"I'll go see who it is." Jack said. 

"It's Brody." Monse said, checking the cameras on the tablet the security system came with. 

She made her way to the front door, telling Lalo to back up so she could open the door. He obeyed but stood by her, quietly growling. 

"What are you doing here?" She asked.

Brody handed her her jacket. "You left it in my car. I took the initiative and drove back after I got home." 

Monse glanced down at the chair she usually set her things on when she got home. Oddly enough it wasn't there with her purse, she was certain she brought it with her.

"Uh, thanks." She said, setting it down on the chair. "Next time I would appreciate it if you text me to ask if you could come over. I don't like it when people show up unannounced, especially this late." 

"Geez, sorry for being considerate." He said sarcastically. 

"Goodnight Bodie." She said, knowing how he hated being called that. He went on a rant about it a few dates back. 

"It's Brody." He corrected her. "But I'll see you around. 

"Right," she nodded, closing the door.

She locked the door. Monse walked to the kitchen. Liliana was awake eating a pizza bagel.

"Comadre, why are you awake?" She asked the two year old. 

"Toasty." Liliana pointed at the Squishmallow Jack had on his lap. 

"Lil Jackie, finish that so we can go. Tomorrow we have to be up early so we can see some horses." Jack told her. 

She shook her head. "Sleep here." 

"Baby, you know the rules. When papi is in town you go with him." Monse reminded her. 

"Mami come." She pouted. 

"She already did…twice." Jack mumbled under his breath, but Monse heard him and pinched his side. He yelped in pain but quickly composed himself. "Lily, listen to mom." 

"Okay." The toddler nodded. 

Jack only ever used Lily when he meant business. 95% of the times he called her Lily, she'd comply without any fight. Lil Jackie was a nickname he made as a joke to annoy Monse that ended up sticking. Her full name is Liliana Jaqueline Harlow-Delgado.

'Thank you.' Monse mouthed. He nodded in response. Liliana finished her pizza bagel. Jack grabbed his keys and the Squishmallow then placed her on his hip. 

"Bye baby." Monse said, leaning to kiss her cheeks. "Love you."

"Love ya…bye." Liliana giggled, covering her mouth. She's been saying that for a few days since the video of Jack and Emma dropped a few days ago. 

"I'll text you when we get home." Jack said. 

Monse nodded. She walked them out to the front door and stood by it, until Jack drove off.

He didn't live that far from her. Jack texted her that they got home safely. Monse didn't respond. He figured she went to sleep. He quickly got Liliana ready for bed. Once she was settled and sleeping soundly in her bedroom, Jack went to his bedroom and facetimed the only person that could answer his questions. 

"What do you want?" Serena answered. 

"Brody Hawthorne?" He asked her. "You of all people know he's an asshole. 

"How do you know about Brody?" She asked, confused. "Are you stalking her dates again?"

"No, Lil Jackie forgot her Squishmallow at the house and we went to pick it up." Jack explained. "We were still there when he dropped her off. I don't know. I just got a weird vibe from him when he was there. Obviously, I couldn't tell her about him or she'd think I'm trying to sabotage her."

"Right and by fucking her after he dropped her off isn't some sort of sabotage." Serena said, rolling her eyes. She took in his worried face and sighed. "Look, I don't know much other than they met on Bumble and he didn't send her dick pics when they started talking. They met for coffee a few weeks ago and they've been going on dates here and there. It's nothing serious. You know Monse isn't looking to settle down. She wants to see what's out there besides you. That's all I'm gonna say because I already told myself that I'm not gonna insert myself in y'alls situation." 

*

“Papi!” Liliana squealed, running to Jack’s arms. 

“Hi, Lil Jackie.” he said, kissing her cheeks. He placed her on his hip and greeted Maggie. “Hi, ma.”

“Hi hun.” she said, pulling away to greet Monse. “Hi, baby.”

“Hey!” Monse said, wrapping her arms around mama Harlow. 

Every year, Jack’s parents hosted a breakfast the day of the Kentucky Derby before everyone headed out to Churchill Downs. Monse wasn’t going to go, but last night at the Derby Eve dinner Maggie insisted that she attend, resulting in Jack butting in to promise his mom that he would bring her. The dinner was a huge fundraising event that also served as a networking event. 

Their daughter stayed with Serena, whose parents lived next door to Jack’s parents, for the dinner since Jack’s parents also went. Liliana ended up spending the night with her nina Serena because in order to make sure Monse went to breakfast, she had to have her own sleepover with Jack. 

Monse followed the Harlows out to the backyard. Some of Jack’s team were there. She spotted Serena, her family, Miles and Ilias sitting by a table and went to them. Ilias Torres was one of the few friends Monse made in Louisville. Technically he was friends with Jack and Serena before her, but out of everyone in her baby daddy's friend circle, she liked him the best, save for Serena of course. 

Ilias owned a salon with his sisters. He was the main nail tech while his sisters did other things. He did other things, but he mostly stuck to nails. Even Jack went to him to get himself pampered and groomed. His salon was across the street from her bookstore. They always frequent each other's businesses. She would let him have a peek of all the new releases and he’d give her a discount on her gel manicures. 

“Hey,” Monse said when she reached their table. She went around the table and greeted everyone. Maggie came by and told her to grab a plate, so she did. Serena went with her. “Has Lily eaten?” 

“She had some fruit, but she’s mostly been playing with her wooden puzzles.” Serena told her, watching her grab another bagel for the two year old. “I guess I know why Jack asked if Lily could spend the night.”

Monse nudged her when one of Jack’s managers approached the table. Serena poured some mimosas for her and Monse busied herself by building a bagel sandwich with the food she piled on her plate, so she could make room for cheese danish and some fruit. 

“Mami, cookie?” Liliana asked her, pointing at the cookie platter. 

“No, you have to have breakfast before dessert.” Monse said. 

“Here have some, your mommy is silly.” Neelam said in a patronizing tone as she handed Liliana two cookies on a napkin.

“Grachas,” she said walking away. She mumbled 'mami silly' as she happily ate her cookies. 

Neelam walked away before Monse could tell her anything.

“I’m gonna kick her ass, my pilates class does a weekly boxing session.” Serena offered. 

“It’s fine.” Monse said in an annoyed tone. She walked back to their table and ate. The rest of breakfast she was noticeably quiet. She had her eyes on Liliana, making sure she didn’t get more cookies. She was beyond pissed. She hated it that people on Jack's team always butted in and undermined her. 

Monse heard Liliana's soft cries. She got up and rushed to her. When she reached her, Liliana's dress was covered in vomit. 

"Oh, baby." She said, picking her. 

She took her to one of the guest bedrooms in the Harlow household. They barely made it to the toilet before Liliana threw up once more. She blubbered and huffed. 

"Hey, it's okay." Jack said softly, kneeling beside her. He rubbed her back whispering soft coos. 

Monse looked next to her and saw Jack's diaper backpack. She reached for it and grabbed a t-shirt and leggings to change Liliana into. She turned on the shower and set it to the temperature Liliana liked. 

"Jesus what did you eat, Lil Jackie?" Jack gagged, flushing the toilet. He turned to Monse. "That looked nothing like the melon and strawberries I gave her. Did she eat with you?"

"No, and Serena said she had some fruit earlier." She said, omitting how Neelam gave Liliana cookies. 

Monse hated being near Jack's team and if she had it her way, shouldn't allow Liliana mear them. They were very nitpicky and needed to be in the loop of everything she does. They would constantly check on her to make sure she was following her contract. She doesn't do anything other than raise her daughter and run her bookstore. Monse was fairly positive that they blamed her for people finding out that Jack was a dad all because she wanted to take Liliana to the Birch Aquarium when Jack was doing his show in San Diego earlier in the year. 

She wanted to take Liliana herself but Jack insisted on going with them. He was set on joining their little outing, even after Monse reminded him that knew the area like the back of her hand because her dad is one of the biology professors at UCSD and she spent a lot of time there. The trio ended up getting spotted but Jack distracted the few fans with pictures, so she and Liliana could get away. Some of the fans got videos of them but nobody got a good picture/video of Monse or Liliana. 

Jack released a statement acknowledging that he had a daughter but he implored his fans to be respectful and to not go out of their way to find information about her or Monse. Surprisingly they actually listened and minded their business. There were a few whole made Twitter threads about, trying to figure out who could be his baby mama, but they never found any concrete evidence. The few bits they got were quickly debunked. 

"Hey, what's happening?" Maggie asked, walking in the bathroom. 

"Lily got sick and threw up." Monse said, carefully removing the dress so the vomit wouldn't smear. 

"It must've been all those cookies I saw Neelam give her. I tried to tell her that Lily was gonna get sick but she–"

"You didn’t think of telling us?" Jack snapped at his mom. 

"Don't talk to your mom like that." Monse responded to him in an annoyed tone. "If you're gonna be like this, please step out and cool off while I clean Lily."

Jack felt his cheeks warm. Monse was right he shouldn't have yelled at his mom. "I'm sorry ma." He apologized. 

"It's okay. I'm sorry too. I should've told you guys what was happening." Maggie said quietly. "Do you need anything?"

"Not right now, thank you though." Monse said, giving her a small smile.

Jack's mom nodded and walked out so the bathroom was less cramped. With one hand Monse unfastened her heels and got in the shower with Liliana. Jack helped her by holding the detachable shower head while Monse cleaned her. Once Liliana was bathed, Jack wrapped her in a towel and carried her to the bed. He left the guest room and went to his childhood bedroom to grab some clothes for Monse. 

"Here." He said, handing her the clothes when he came back. 

"Thanks." Monse said, unzipping her dress. 

She pulled her hair into a bun and got dressed. 

"Papi." Liliana pouted, making grabby hands at Jack. 

He took her in his arms and rubbed her back. "She won't throw up again right?" He asked Monse. 

"Let's hope not." She mumbled, pulling the drawstring to make her shorts tighter. "I'm gonna take her home so she can rest." 

"Let me drive y'all home,” he said.

Monse didn’t protest. She nodded and grabbed Liliana’s things. When she walked out of the room, she saw Jack talking to his parents. Liliana gave them a small wave as they walked out of the house. Monse went to the yard and grabbed her things from the table.

“I’m going home. Lily got sick.” she told Serena and Ilias. 

“Do you need a ride?” Serena asked.

Monse shook her head. “Jack is taking us.” 

“Where’s Jack? We have to go soon.” Neelam asked her in a demanding tone.

“He’s taking me and my daughter home because someone had the fucking genius idea to undermine me and feed her cookies nonstop to the point that she was throwing up everywhere.” she 

Jack’s manager frowned. “How was I supposed to know she was going to get sick?”

Monse balled her hands into tight fists, to keep her from strangling Jack’s manager and took a deep breath. “I’ll send you Lily’s dry cleaning bill.” 

*

Later in the evening Jack swung by the house after his appearance at Churchill Downs. Liliana slept the whole afternoon and by dinner time she felt way better. Monse made her some caldo de pollo and gave her some suero and Gatorade. Now they were cuddling in the living room watching Bluey with Lalo napping beside them.

“My mom can watch her, so you can come with me.” Jack offered. 

His official album release party was later in the night and he insisted on her going with him. But Monse wasn’t in a mood to go out. She just wanted to watch some Sabrina and eat some ice cream under the guise of granola, so Liliana wouldn't ask for some. 

“Jack, it’s fine.” she said, twirling one of Liliana’s curls. “It’s her bedtime soon.”

“Can I come over after? I’ll probably be at the party until eleven.” he said.

“That’s fine.” she nodded. 

“Lil Jackie, I’ll be back in a bit okay.” he said, pushing back her curls. “Love you.”

“Love ya…bye.” she giggled sleepily. 

“I’m never gonna live that down.” he muttered to Monse. He gave her a quick peck in the mouth. “I’ll text you when I’m coming over.” 

Monse nodded in response. Jack grabbed his coat and walked towards the front door. There was a figure standing outside the door. He opened the door abruptly, almost making whoever was outside fall, and instantly regretted it.

“Harlow? Holy shit how long has it been!” Brody exclaimed. 

Jack knew that tone. It was the same fake tone he would do when they happen to be at the same parties and he’d use him to get at girls. 

“I gotta get going.” Jack said curtly. 

“Wait? What are you doing at Monsi’s house?” 

“He’s friends with Serena. He thought she and her boyfriend were here.” Monse answered for Jack. He nodded in agreement and made his way to his car. She turned to Brody, crossing her arms. “What are you doing here? The other night I was very explicit with you when I said I don’t like it when people show up unannounced.”

“I thought we were going to Jack’s party?” he said. 

“How did you come up with that conclusion?” she frowned. 

“Last night…at dinner.” he said in a ‘duh’ tone which annoyed Monse even more.

“I don’t recall ever talking about Jack’s party with you.” she said.

“There’s no need for you to give me attitude just because you don’t remember.” Brody snapped at her. 

“I’m not giving you–I’m not going to argue with you. Believe whatever you want.” she sighed. 

“I’m sorry you don’t remember. Let’s go to the party and forget about this.” he said, reaching for her but she took a step back. 

“Something came up and I can’t go anymore. I have a long day tomorrow and I would appreciate it if you left.” 

Monse went inside without letting him respond, locking the door with all three locks and everything. She went to the kitchen and checked her cameras to make sure Brody left. She went to the living room and carefully picked up Liliana. Thankful that she made Liliana brush her teeth before they went to watch Bluey, she carried her to her room and tucked her in. She placed her avocado toast Squishmallow next to her.

Back downstairs, Monse fixed herself a small bowl of ice cream and a glass of wine. She switched out of the Disney+ to Hulu and played Saved by the Bell. She sipped her wine and thought back to the Derby Eve dinner. She still couldn't figure out how Brody could have come up with an invitation to Jack’s party. 

She spent most of the dinner with Ilias. They even took cheesy pictures at the red carpet they put up by the museum entrance. Jack came by and talked to them before he went on stage to sing 21C/Delta with the hotel chain owner. Brody randomly showed up because his dad was at the dinner and he tagged along. Ilias had to leave at some point and he told her ‘I’ll see you at the party’ but that was because she was still uncertain if she was going to the breakfast. 

There’s no way that Brody thought that was an invitation. He couldn't be that stupid. Even if he did, he could have texted her and asked. What was the point of showing up besides making her uncomfortable and making it clear that he doesn’t respect her boundaries? Monse pushed those thoughts away and paid attention to the show. 

She was half way into the murder mystery episode when Jack pulled up. He had texted her beforehand to make sure it was okay for him to come over. Monse replied and told him to let himself in. 

“Hey,” he said, bending down to kiss her. “How’s Lil Jackie?”

“She’s been asleep for the last few hours. How was the party?” she asked, moving her blanket so he could get under it. 

“The same as the others are.” Jack shrugged. Monse hummed in response. He placed his arm over her shoulders and pulled her to him, casually asking “What happened to Brody?” 

“Nothing, he thought I invited him to your party, but I didn't. It was gonna be this big thing, but I told him to leave.” she waved him off. 

“It’s not the first time he showed up like that. Do you want me to put more security or hire someone to make sure it doesn’t happen again?” he suggested. 

“It’s fine. I have Lalo.” 

“Ooh, I’m so scared of him.” he said sarcastically, nodding his head to Lalo who was fast asleep on the other end of the couch. 

“Dejalo,” Monse playfully nudged Jack. 

They dropped the conversation and continued watching the show. It didn’t take long for them to ignore the show and focus on wanting to get the other off. Without breaking their kiss, Jack swiftly picked her up and wrapped her legs around his waist. He carried her to her bedroom and they spent the rest of the night relishing in each others bodies. 

aglist: @cherryxcreme​ ​​ @heavyhitterheaux​ ​​ @carma-fanficaddict​ ​​ @youngharleezyxo​ ​​ @youngharleezy​ @babyharleezy​ ​​ @that-90s-girllll​ ​​ @alinaharlow​ ​​ @whywontyoulovemecami​ ​​​​ @meyocoko​ ​​ @harlowcomehome​ ​​ @nattinatalia​ ​​ @webinurcloset ​​ @gassyandsassy1 ​​ @jackharloww​ @awhore4moree​ @noescapricho-essentimiento​ @a-moment-captured​ ​ ​

#one down 7 to go #one down seven to go #1d7tg #jack harlow #jack harlow smut #dad!jack

[persephonewritessometimes]

me and the devil / unsub!hotch x reader / chapter three

Summary: Hotch has wormed his way into Y/N's life, much to her surprise. What happens when she lets him see the darkness in her? Will he return the favor?

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x AFAB Reader

Word Count: 8557 (i got a little carried away)

Warnings: HARASSMENT, MENTIONS OF M*RDER, Y/N TALKS ABOUT K*LLING SOMEONE (in self-defense), HOTCH TALKING ABOUT M*RDER, DARK!HOTCH, BLEEDING, KNIFE WOUND, STITCHES, MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS, strip club, cursing, Derek being a cheeky bastard, pilates (not sure if this should be a warning but putting it here just in case), hotch being pushy, stubborn!Y/N, stubborn!hotch, flirting, reid get's propositioned

Key: y/n = your name

Author's Note: I apologize for the slow pace at first, I have to lay the foundations of the story! Also apologies for the long chapter, I just had a lot I wanted in this one!

me and the devil series masterlist

This work is meant for readers aged 18 and over. You are responsible for your own media consumption.

I had just come through the door after a very long day at clinical when my phone started to ring. I cursed, dropped my clinical bag on the floor, and almost tripped over Cujo in the process. Where’s my damn phone? I’m digging through my bag then remember that I shoved it into one of my backpack pockets. I rip my backpack off and open the zipper pouch, not even checking the caller ID. It’s probably Tia, she’s really the only one who calls me anyway, usually wanting to tell me about her shitty boyfriend.

“It’s Y/N, what’s up bitch?”

“Do you answer the phone like this every time?” Hotch’s dry voice stops me dead in my tracks.

“Oh my god, Hotch, um, no I thought you were one of my friends. She’s usually the one calling me.”

“Don’t you have caller ID?”

“Yes, but you have horrible timing. I just got home and nearly landed on my face trying to get my phone out of my backpack.” He chuckles and my stomach flutters. “What can I help you with today, Agent Hotchner?”

“Are you busy right now?”

“Well, that depends. I have pilates in thirty minutes but you’re more than welcome to join me.” I say, knowing full well he won’t take me up on the offer.

“I’m down for pilates. Where is it?” My brain short circuits a little bit.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Where do you do pilates?”

“You? Want to come to the pilates class? With me?”

“Why not? I’ve been cooped up in my office all day.”

“Um, sure.” I give him the address of my favorite gym. “Oh, and the air conditioning is always on the fritz so dress light.” Seeing him drop off the car for me the other day made me horny enough, with him in a tight quarter-zip and jeans, I can’t imagine what seeing him in workout clothes will do to me.

“Got it. I’ll see you there.” The line goes dead, and I stare at my phone for a few minutes trying to understand what just happened.

“Okay. I’m a little confused, but I’ll take it.” I mutter to myself as I put my backpack away, shove my clinical bag in the closet, and head back to the bedroom. I shimmy out of my scrubs, tossing them in my hamper before digging through my drawer of workout clothes. I usually just throw on whatever is on top and call it a day, but now I’m pulling everything out. Y/N, he’s literally seen you in next to nothing and in sweats, it doesn’t matter what you wear to pilates.

I settle on a sky-blue matching cropped tank and shorts and rush into the bathroom to fix my hair before I slip on a pair of shoes, kiss Cujo on the head, and I’m out the door. I jog down the stairs to the car he’s loaning me – he told me it’s decommissioned, but it’s still a black-tinted SUV and draws a lot of attention. I feel like a badass every time I drive it, and also that I might accidentally take out an unsuspecting mailbox.

I hear a low whistle and I see one of my downstairs neighbors, Max, approach with his hands on his hips.

“Who’d you have to blow to get that ride?” He says, grinning at me.

“Would you believe me if I said no one?” I shoot back.

“Not in a million years. Looks military-grade, like the cars they have at the FBI headquarters.” I watch as the gears start to turn in his head, and I just smile at him sweetly. “Wait a minute. Is this an FBI car?”

“A woman never kisses and tells.” I say, turning to walk to the driver’s side and shout over my shoulder, “It’s been decommissioned!”

“Who gave that to you?” He shouts.

“Doesn’t matter! I’m just borrowing it!”

“Can I meet him?”

“Hell no!” I get in the car and slam the door shut, buckling my seat belt. The gym I like is only five or six minutes from my apartment and I make it there in no time. I check my hair in the car mirror, messing with it until I’m satisfied, before sliding out of the giant SUV. I’m locking the car when a matching black SUV pulls into a spot a few down from me. I try to swallow my grin as I stroll over to Hotch’s car, and when he gets out my mouth goes dry. I knew he was muscular under that suit, but god damn he’s hot. He’s in a black tank top and black shorts and I want to do some not-very-pure things to him.

“Hey!” I say, kind of out of breath and I curse myself for it.

“Hey to you too.” He shoots me a disarming smile, and I turn and start to walk to the entrance. "Is now a good time to tell you I’ve never done pilates before?”

“Well, don’t come crying to me when you’re in pain tomorrow,” I say, and grin at him. I push open the door and swing right towards the stairs. “You’ll probably be the only guy in class, so I apologize in advance if everyone’s ogling you.” I wink at him, and he laughs.

“Got it. How hard can pilates be anyway?” He says, and I laugh at that, someone joining in at the top of the stairs. It’s Lily, the pilates instructor.

“Famous last words, my new friend,” Lily says when we get to the top of the stairs.

“What’s the AC status today, Lily?”

“Lukewarm air, so you’re gonna sweat, sorry.” I groan and Hotch and I follow her into the large room. I grab a mat by the door, and Hotch follows suit.

“Do you want to be in the front, middle, or back?” I ask, motioning at the space. There are only a couple of people here so far, so we have our pick of spots.

“Front. So I can see what the instructor is doing.”

“Smart choice.” We make our way to the front and lay out our mats. I immediately slide off my shoes and start stretching. I sit with my legs out in front of me and stretch toward them, folding gracefully. I flex my feet a couple of times as I’m bent over and then come back up, stretching my arms as I go. Hotch follows suit, stretching as well and before we know it the class has filled up and it’s time to begin. I can hear them whispering about them, the two girls behind us. They’re not as subtle as they think they are. I glance at Hotch and mutter, “Well, it looks like you’ve already got two admirers,” and minutely jerk my head in their direction. He just grins at me and shrugs and I roll my eyes at him.

Lily starts off slow, but by the middle of the class, Hotch is trying very hard to conceal his panting.

“Not so easy now, is it?” I say, shooting him a smirk. He glares at me and says,

“Shut up.”

“You’re not doing too bad.” I say, easily shifting to the next pose while he struggles, and I add, “At least, for a beginner.” He glares at me again and I just smile at him. When the class is finished, he flops down on his mat, chest heaving, and shirt soaked with sweat. It clings to his sculpted chest, and I realize I’m staring. I shift my gaze away, busying myself with stretching out instead. I finish stretching and Hotch is still lying there, breathing hard. “Do you need me to call an ambulance?” I ask, sweetly, and I hear Lily laugh. He scowls, pushing himself up and looking at me.

“You’re barely sweating, how is that possible.” He mutters.

“Well, I do this three times a week. Sometimes four.”

“YOU DO THIS THREE OR FOUR TIMES A WEEK? What are you a masochist?”

“Fuck around and you might find out,” I say, winking at him, and I swear the flush on the back of his neck isn’t just from the workout.

He catches his breath a few minutes later and stretches out as I pull my shoes back on. I roll up my map, tuck it under my arm and make my way to the back of the class, putting it away. A second mat thuds next to mine a few moments later and I can feel him behind me, his body heat radiating off of him.

“So, the final verdict on pilates?” I ask over my shoulder as we make our way out of the room, and he falls in step beside me.

“Hard. But good.”

“Not a man of many words, I see.” He chuckles at that.

“Do you want to get dinner with me?” I almost fall down the steps at that, and my hand grips the railing. He must read my response as negative when I’m really trying to get my breathing under control because the idea of spending time alone with him has me sweating. “I’m not expecting anything, I just want to get to know you better. You keep me on my toes – you’re unlike anyone I’ve ever met.”

“And that’s a good thing?” I ask, arching an eyebrow.

“That’s a very good thing.” He gives me a small smile. I’m quiet for a moment before saying,

“I would love to get dinner with you, but I really want to change my clothes and take a quick shower, if that’s okay with you.”

“Of course. I’ll just hang out with Cujo.” I laugh at that.

“Cujo would love to hang out with you.” We part ways at the door, and I get into my borrowed car and drive home with him trailing close behind me. I unlock the door and let him into my apartment, Cujo running up to Hotch first, instead of me. “Traitor,” I mutter at him, and I can hear Hotch chuckle behind me. “Make yourself comfortable, I’ll only be fifteen minutes or so.”

“Take all the time you want. I don’t mind waiting.” I make my way back to my bedroom and I’m struggling to decide what to wear when I hear his voice call to me.

“Hey, Y/N, what if we just get Chinese delivered instead?”

“Fine by me, I have a menu for the local place on my fridge. My favorite dish is circled if you want to go ahead and call it in.” I holler back. That makes my decision on what to wear a lot easier, I pull out a big T-shirt and a pair of gray joggers. I grab a pair of underwear and fuzzy socks and walk into the bathroom, rid myself of my sweaty exercise clothes, and turn on a hot stream of water. I can hear Hotch’s voice through the door ordering food, and I smile to myself as I step into the scalding water. I scrub my body efficiently and am done within ten minutes. I turn off the shower, step out on my bathmat, and dry my body off. I slip into the clothes I picked out, give myself a once-over in the mirror, and walk out of the bathroom. He’s on the couch with Cujo’s head in his lap when I emerge. I suddenly feel self-conscious in my lounge clothes, but I swallow it down. This man has seen me in next to nothing, an old t-shirt and joggers aren’t going to erase scandalous pictures of me inside his head. I settle on the couch opposite him, tucking my feet up under me and my hair behind my ears.

“Seriously, though, how can do pilates and still look angelic at the end of it?” He asks, leaning his head against the couch and looking at me. I feel the tips of my ears grow hot at his half-compliment.

“Lots of practice. And self-discipline.” He furrows his brows.

“Do you not like doing pilates?”

“I like the endorphins, but I mostly do it to look my best for the club. You’d be surprised how much of my paycheck goes to maintenance: waxing, hair care, the gym, makeup, outfits, and shoes. Yeah, I make a lot of money, but I’ve had to make myself valuable to get to that point.” He nods, and I can see him thinking really hard.

“Do you like dancing?” He finally asks.

“Nobody really ever asks me that,” I say, and pause, “I like the money. I like the attention, which I know sounds bad, but it feels good to feel desired. I like Tia, my friend I met because of dancing. But dancing as a whole? I’m not sure. There are a lot of pros, but there are also a lot of cons. Men who don’t understand boundaries, men who expect more than just a lap dance and pretty smile, men who think they own you. I don’t like that.” I watch his jaw clench at that. “I can take care of myself pretty well, but dancing can be very isolating. After all, who wants to date someone who literally takes her top off as a job?” I laugh a little, but it comes out short and harsh.

“Well, if someone doesn’t want to date you because of that, that’s their problem, and they’re wrong for not seeing you separate from your occupation.” He says and strokes his hand over Cujo’s head. Cujo lets out a heavy sigh and we both laugh at that, and it lightens the mood. There’s a sharp rap on the door and I get up and open it to see the delivery guy – it’s James, one of Tia’s regulars.

         “James! How are you?”

         “Good! Whoever bought you food tonight tipped me handsomely, so please thank your new boy toy for that.” He says, handing the food over. I peek my head around the door and Hotch just smiles and shrugs. I narrow my eyes at him but bid James a good night before shutting the door.

         “How much did you tip him?”

         “Doesn’t matter.”

         “Mhmm,” I say and take the paper containers out of the plastic bag. It smells so good as I set the food on the coffee table and my mouth starts to water. “What did you order?”

         “Shrimp Lo Mein.” He says, reaching forward and grabbing a container labeled with an “S” on it. I grab my container of orange chicken and open the vegetable fried rice.

         “Do you want a plate for the fried rice?”

         “I wouldn’t mind one if it’s not a bother.” I set my container down and walk to the kitchen, pulling down two mismatched plates.

         “Do you need a fork or are you proficient in chopsticks?”

         “I’m proficient in chopsticks.” He says, and I can hear the smile in his voice.

         “Well, that makes one of us,” I say and walk back to the living room, handing him a plate. We divide up the fried rice and I settle back on the couch. We make small talk as we eat, but it’s not awkward. It feels like we’ve known each other forever. He asks me about being in school, and what I’m doing in my clinical, and I in turn ask him about his cases (which he claims he can’t tell me much about, but I know he’s taking some liberties with that as I do get more than a handful of details about his latest case). We finish our food and set our plates on the coffee table, and he says,

         “Oh, that reminds me. My team has been asking about you since our run-in with them at the bar last week, and Morgan finally conceded and agreed to be their chauffeur for the club. They’re coming tomorrow night, just giving you a heads up.” He scratches the back of his neck, seemingly embarrassed.

         “And will their Section Chief be in attendance as well?” I ask coyly and watch as the tips of his ears turn pink.

         “Well, someone has to keep an eye on them.” He says but won’t look me in the eyes.

         “That’s good to hear. And tomorrow is fantasy night at the club, so it’ll be a different setting than you’re used to, different clothes as well.”

         “Isn’t everything about going to a strip club a ‘fantasy’?” He says, miming air quotes on the last word. I laugh.

         “Yes, you’re correct, but this is like witches, elves, princesses, pirates, all of that sort. We started it a few months ago, and if I’m remembering correctly, you haven’t attended one.”

         “Keeping an eye on me, are you?” The room suddenly feels stuffy.

         “Just staying aware of my surroundings, especially of men who seem to stare at me.” I shoot back, grinning, and he holds his hands up in mock defeat.

         “So, what’s your costume?”

         “I usually go as an elven princess. I’ve got fake ears and everything.” He chuckles at that. “And I typically wear a white wig with bangs.”

         “Sounds like quite the getup.”

         “People love it, I make a lot of money on fantasy nights. My friend, Tia, the one you’ve seen, always goes as a mushroom fairy.”

         “What the hell is a mushroom fairy?” He looks genuinely confused.

         “You’ll see tomorrow,” I say with a laugh. We continue talking late into the night, and we jump from one topic to the next with ease. It’s nearing midnight when he suddenly grows serious and says,

         “Tell me your deepest secret.” I blink a few times in surprise.

         “Well, Mr. Hotchner, that’s a very serious question for a first, whatever-this-is,” I say jokingly, but I know he can tell I’m deflecting.

         “I’m just curious. There’s a lot I don’t know about you. A lot I’d like to know about you. If you’ll let me learn.”

         “And there’s a lot I’m sure you don’t want to know,” I mutter, and he just watches me. Finally, I concede with a sigh and whisper, “Sometimes I worry that I’m not a good person. That I’m there’s something twisted and evil inside of me, just waiting for the right opportunity to snap.”

         “Snap and do what?” It’s a non-judgmental question and I’m grateful for it.

         “I don’t know, but sometimes I’m afraid of the violence I feel inside of me.”

         “I understand that.”

         “You do?” I ask quickly, glancing at him.

         “More than you know. Thank you for telling me that.” It’s quiet, and I don’t know what comes over me, but I blurt out the next sentence quickly.

         “I killed a man once.” His hand stills from petting Cujo but resumes quickly. I can feel his eyes on me as I stare at my hands and pick at my cuticles. “A few weeks into working at the club, a man started to take a special interest in me. He started to request dances, and then private rooms where he would say horrible things and try to get me to do things that aren’t allowed. Then he started to threaten me when I told him no, saying he knew where I lived, and that he was going to kill me and my dog. I didn’t know what to do. I told my boss and she just made other girls dance for him, never really kicking him out or anything. After what happened, we now have tighter security, and my old boss was fired for negligence. I always rejected his advances, desperate to find someone else to service. One night, it was really late when I came home, and as I was unlocking my door, I was grabbed from behind and thrown to the ground. It was him. He pulled out a hunting knife and advanced toward me. I scrambled back and as he approached, I kicked him in the crotch, really hard. He dropped the knife, and in a mad scramble for it, he pinned me to the ground, hands around my throat, intent on choking the life out of me. I had almost lost consciousness when I felt the edge of the hunting knife. I was able to slide it towards me and grab it. Without thinking, I slit his throat and he bled out on top of me. The court dismissed it, due to the fact that it was self-defense.” I collect my thoughts for a few seconds, then add, “Sometimes, late at night, I think about that moment and the power that I felt. He thought he was the one to be afraid of, but it was me all along. That’s why I’m afraid of myself. I have no idea what I’m capable of.” I pause and look at him. I’ve never told anyone that story except for Tia. He has a very contemplative look on his face but doesn’t say anything. “I understand if you don’t want to continue whatever this is, anymore,” I say with a dry laugh and glance away. I feel his warm, calloused hand grab mine, and he squeezes it.

         “Nothing you say could scare me away, Y/N. I’ve seen and killed evil people, and I can tell you, you aren’t one of them.” My throat closes up and he has a sincere look on his face when I finally look at him.

         “Thank you,” I whisper, then clear my throat, “Now it’s your turn, what’s your deepest darkest secret?”

         “Well, mine’s along the same line as yours. I killed the man who murdered my wife.”

         I nod and rationalize it, “Well, he can’t hurt anyone else close to you if he’s dead. Good riddance, I say.” I throw in at the end, trying to lighten the mood, and he obliges me, tipping his head back in a laugh.

         “Good riddance indeed.”

         I don’t remember falling asleep, but I shift awake when I feel a blanket draped over me.

         “Huh?” I mutter, blinking slowly. “Oh, hi, sorry, did I fall asleep?” I whisper to Hotch, who’s standing over me.

         “Just for twenty minutes or so. I didn’t want to wake you, you looked so peaceful.”

         “It’s okay,” I reply, smiling up at him. “I guess I’ll see you out? Thanks for hanging out with me.” I stretch my arms over my head and yawn. Cujo is passed out on the couch beside me, and he doesn’t wake as Hotch helps me up. I walk over to the door, unlock it, and lean against it. “Well, I’ll see you,” I check my phone, “Tonight, I guess.” I give him a sheepish smile.

         “I’ll see you tonight.” He kisses my cheek and jogs down the stairs. I watch him leave, then lock the door. The food containers are gone from the coffee table, and the plates have been rinsed off and are sitting in the sink. I smile to myself as I open the fridge, and sure enough, my leftovers are sitting right on the middle shelf. I brush my teeth and fill up Cujo’s food bowl before getting into bed.

         It’s well past 1:00 PM when I finally force myself to get out of bed. I sit on the edge for a few minutes and collect myself, remembering that Hotch was over last night. I can’t believe I told him that. He didn’t need to know that about you. I scold myself. He’s a federal agent, Y/N, he’s probably done much worse than what you did. There’s something about him that I can’t quite put my finger on. It’s like he only lets me see so much, but despite that, I can feel that dark thrum from him, it’s something dangerous, akin to the feeling I had about him during the first meeting. He’s hiding something, and I’m desperate to find out what he thinks I can’t handle. I sigh and rub my eyes, Cujo sprawled across my bed and breathing heavily. I finally shuffle to the kitchen and make a slice of toast with strawberry jam, eating it over the sink, not wanting to dirty a plate. My phone starts to ring, and I walk back to the room to grab it. This time I check the caller ID, and I’m a little disappointed to see it's only Tia.

         “Hey bitch, what’s up?” I ask, wedging the phone in between my shoulder and ear as I dig through my closet to find my fantasy outfit. We only have fantasy night once a month, so I keep my outfit wedged in the back of my closet so as to not take up what little space I actually have in there.

         “I came by your apartment last night to hang out, and can you imagine my surprise when I saw you and your man get out of matching cars and head up to your apartment? When were you gonna tell me about that?”

         “It’s not like that! We were just hanging out and eating some dinner. Tia, he came to pilates with me!”

         “I’m sorry, a man willingly went to pilates with you?”

         “Yes!”

         “Did he almost die?”

         “You know it. It was so funny; I was holding in a laugh so hard.” Tia laughs at that. “I’m sorry for not telling you. It was kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing.”

         “I’m just giving you a hard time. So did you fuck?” She asks the question so nonchalantly and I choke on air.

         “TIA! NO, WE DIDN’T!” I exclaim. “Jesus.”

         “What? I’m just curious.” I can hear the smile in her voice.

         “He’s coming to the club tonight. With his whole team. He said they keep asking about me. Remember I ran into them a week ago at the bar?”

         “Ah yes, after your man heroically saved you from that group of men.”

         “Stop calling him that! He’s not my man! And I’m the one who threatened to beat the shit out of them, Hotch was my backup, remember?”

         “Okay, Black Widow, whatever. He’s coming tonight? On fantasy night? That man is going to be on his knees for you.”

         “You flatter me.” I snort.

         “We’re seriously getting the whole Behavioral Analysis Unit in the club tonight?”

         “Yes, but don’t tell them I told you about them. You already know about Derek, but I swear these people can read you like you’re an open book.”

         “Noted. What did you and Hotch talk about?”

         “Nothing really, just chatted.”

         “Yeah, sure. And how long was he over at your apartment?” I go quiet at that. “That’s what I thought. All I’m saying is, get your bag, get your mans, and get the hell out. I don’t care how many people you have to step on to do it, me included. I’ve seen the way he watches you; he would do anything for you if you simply asked.”

         “Tia, now you’re reading into things. Last time I checked, you’re not a profiler.”

         “I’m a dancer. That’s just as good, you forget that we know how to read people too. Use it to your advantage.” I finally find my outfit in the back of the closet and pull it out, throwing it onto the bed.

         “You’re talking like I’m going to war, not getting a boyfriend.”

         “Well, hopefully, you’ll be getting a husband.”

         “Tia! God! We’ve hung out once! We’re not getting married!”

         “You say that now. I’ll ask again a few months from now and see where you’re standing.”

         “I’m hanging up now. I’ll see you later.” I end the call and toss my phone onto the bed. I groan. Tia can be up to no good a lot of the time, but I don’t know what’s gotten into her lately. All she can talk about is how Hotch looks at me, and believe me, I’ve noticed that myself.

         I busy myself with homework for the next few hours; I’ve got a big test next week and I really want to do well on it. I heat up the leftover Chinese food midafternoon and eat it, still studying. I take Cujo on a walk closer to 4:00 PM and then gather all my stuff to get ready at the club. I kiss Cujo on his nose before carrying my bag and outfit to the car. I drive to work, parking closer to the entrance than normal. I’m not taking any chances after being followed last week.

         Tia’s already inside getting ready – her fantasy night looks are always extravagant and take a lot of time to put together, so she always shows up earlier than me. She’s halfway through her makeup when I sit down next to her and dig around for my makeup bag. I find my primer and get to work. I go with a dark eye with gold winged eyeliner, dramatic lashes, and black lipstick. Tia helps me get my wig on and secured, and then I put my fake elf ears on and slip into my dress. Tia buckles my shoes for me, and I glance at myself in the mirror and grin. I’ve always loved fantasy nights – a night where I can pretend to be someone else for a few hours. I look every bit like the dark-elven fantasy I’m trying to capture. I wait for Tia to finish her makeup and we chat; it only takes her fifteen more minutes and then I help her into her baby doll dress that she hand-painted to look like a red mushroom.

         “There you go, my little mushroom fairy,” I say, patting her on the shoulders when I finish zipping up her dress. She does a little twirl for me, and I laugh. “Come on, let’s get out there and make some money.” We make our way into the club and it’s starting to fill up quickly. I don’t have any stage sets tonight, due to my dress being a little longer than usual. I fidget, nervously adjusting the gold caps on my cape as I survey the crowd. Tia’s already run off somewhere, so I’m alone.

         “Look at you, baby girl!” I hear from my left and I let out a sigh of relief when I turn to see Morgan approaching me with a grin on his face.

         “Morgan! It’s so good to see you. Hotch said you and the team would be here tonight.”

         “Hanging out with Hotch, are you?” My cheeks grow hot at the insinuation. “Just messing with you. God knows Hotch needs some loosening up. Do you know how many times I had to ask him to come here with me? I asked for months. When he finally conceded, all it took was one look at you for him to ask me to come back with him.” My jaw drops a little bit. Morgan just winks at me, offering up his arm. “Want to come and talk to the team?”

         “Lead the way, Agent Morgan,” I say, and he chuckles. We walk towards the back left corner of the club, and sure enough, the team is commandeering an entire table. Penelope shrieks when she sees me, jumping out of her seat and rushing over to grab me in a hug.

         “You look like someone straight out of a fantasy game! You’re stunning! I’m literally obsessed with you.” She speaks quickly, smiling at me.

         “Thank you,” I reply and give her a small smile. JJ and Emily echo her sentiments. I feel suddenly shy as I turn to Hotch. “Well, what do you think?” I say low enough so only he can hear as I approach him.

         “You look like an evil queen. I like it.” My cheeks grow hot, and I glance down.

         “I need to go make some money, I’ll be back though, I promise,” I say to the whole team. “Please, enjoy yourself!” And with that, I make my way into the dense crowd.

         I’m true to my word. I’m back an hour later and eight hundred dollars richer. I take note of Hotch’s body language as I approach. He sits up straighter, eyes always following me. God damn it, Tia’s right, we are profilers…kind of. He looks me over like he’s assessing for damage, or he just wants to look his fill. I approach him, and lean down to whisper in his ear,

         “Can I sit in your lap? There are not really any open chairs here.” I glance at him, and he nods, shifting so I can sit in his lap. I feel the whole team pause for a split second, then continue their conversation, trying really hard not to stare. It gives me the opportunity to whisper in his ear, “I’m feeling generous, so I won’t make you pay for this.” He lets out a loud laugh at that and the table grows quiet again before quickly picking back up.

         “Thanks for sparing my wallet.” He murmurs in my ear, and I feel the hair on the back of my neck stand up. This is the closest we’ve been since that first meeting when I laid him out. I lean back and rest my back on his broad chest before joining in on the team’s conversation. They’re currently trying to figure out how many times Dr. Reid, whom I just met, is going to get propositioned. I laugh at this.

         “How many times has it been so far?”

         “Three!” Morgan exclaims, “Unbelievable!”

         “Not really. You’d be surprised how many girls prefer nerdy guys over, hmm, muscle head men like you, Derek?” I say with a smirk, quirking an eyebrow at him. Emily laughs at this, and JJ even smiles into her drink.

         “Aren’t you going to fawn over Dr. Reid as well, Y/N?” Hotch whispers in my ear. I twist my head back to look at him before simply saying,

         “He’s not my type.” I wink at him, turning back around and the team busies themselves with not looking at us. At that moment, I see a man making his way towards us. “Oh, fuck, come on!” I groan. The team looks confused, so I elaborate quickly. “The man that’s approaching kept trying to get handsy with me earlier. His hand literally tried to go up my skirt.” I feel Hotch stiffen underneath me, a hand coming to rest on my hip.

         “Hey, why’d you leave?” He says, coming up to the table, oblivious to the federal agents – one whose lap I was literally sitting in.

         “I got bored. Please leave me alone, I’m with someone right now.” The man looks Hotch over, and I feel his grip tighten on me.

         The man snorts. “Yeah, right. Why don’t you come with me, and I’ll show you what a real man is like.” Hotch’s anger is rolling off of him in waves.

         “If you keep bothering me, I’m going to get security and have them kick you out. You already tried to grope me; they would love to kick you out just for that.”

         “Fucking bitch.” The man says, lunging forward and grabbing my wrist, pulling me out of Hotch’s lap, but he isn’t too far behind, and as I trip over my shoe, he’s quick to catch me, his arm slinging low around my waist.

         “Leave her alone or you’ll regret it.” His tone is dangerously low, and I know if I were to look into his eyes right now, they would only show the promise of violence, not the man who always laughs at my jokes.

         “I’ll get a hold of you eventually, bitch.” The man spats, finally letting go of my wrist and he shoots Hotch and me a hateful glare as he retreats into the crowd. I massage my wrist, holding it close to my chest. Hotch turns me around, taking my wrist into his hand.

         “Does it hurt?”

         “A little bit. Doesn’t feel broken though, so I’ll be okay. It’ll probably just bruise.” His gaze darkens at that.

         “Are you okay?” He asks quietly, eyes searching mine. I just nod and he takes a seat again, making room for me. I step over on shaky legs from the adrenaline and position myself in Hotch’s lap again. He starts absentmindedly tracing patterns onto my thigh, and my mind narrows down to the feeling of his hand on my leg. I know he’s just trying to calm me down after the confrontation, but I feel like I’m manually breathing as he continues, before quickly remembering who else is at this table. I calm my breathing, forcing myself to talk to them when talking to anyone but Hotch is the last thing I want to do right now. If he’s aware of the effect he has on me, he doesn’t show it.

         Before I know it, an hour has passed, and I’m really enjoying talking to his team. They’re funny, and I find myself easily trusting them. I lean back to whisper to Hotch,

         “I’m gonna go and make more money.”

         “Will you be okay?”

         “I think you know I’m more than capable.” He grins at that.

         “Indeed, I do.” His hand retracts from my thigh, and I feel like I can breathe again. I slip out of his lap.

         “Where you off to, baby girl?”

         “To do my damn job, Morgan!” I shout over my shoulder and push my way back into the crowd.

         I just finished giving a lap dance to one of my regulars when I feel strong fingers grab my shoulder. I turn around, seeing who has the audacity to touch me that rudely and I’m face to face with the man from earlier. I try to wriggle out of his grasp, but he’s got me backed into a corner. To anyone else, this would just look like a more intimate moment, no one would suspect anything.

         “Get the fuck off of me!” I shout over the loud music.

         “You made me look bad, little girl. Now, you’re gonna pay for it.” He raises his hand to strike me, and I’m pinned in the corner, with no room to move. I brace myself for the blow that never comes. I open my eyes and see that Hotch’s large hand has closed around the man’s wrist. He pulls, hard, and the man goes flying back and lands on his ass.

         “I told you to leave her alone.” He growls, and many eyes are starting to watch us. Hotch starts to advance on the man, nothing kind left in his eyes. I rush up and grab his bicep.

         “Hotch. Not here. This is not the time or place to make a scene.” I hiss. “I’m fine.” He won’t stop. “Hotch. Look at me, I’m fine.” I squeeze his arm, hard. The last thing we need in the club is an incident. He finally turns and looks at me. “I’m fine. Let’s just get security and have them kick him out, okay? I don’t need you getting kicked out too because you beat this man into a bloody pulp.” He just nods, jaw clenched tight, and I run to get security. They quickly kick the man out, telling him he’s no longer welcome in this establishment. He looks pissed, but not as pissed as Hotch, and frankly, he should be more afraid of Hotch than anyone else at this present moment. If looks could kill, that man would be dead in a heartbeat. When the man is firmly out the door, Hotch turns and grabs my face in his hands, searching it. “See? I told you, I’m fine. I thought for sure you were gonna shoot him.”

         “I wanted to.” He finally grumbled. The first words he’s said to me since the altercation.

         “You scared the shit out of me, Hotch. I thought you were going to murder him.” I say, looking up at him. And I can see it in his eyes – just how deep the darkness goes. Despite that, there’s not an ounce of fear in my body, as if my darkness acknowledges him and welcomes him in. What secrets are you hiding, Aaron Hotchner?

         Finally satisfied that I’m okay, he grabs my hand and leads me back to the table.

         “Morgan, are they still teaching that self-defense class this weekend?” He asks, his voice clipped.

         “Hotch.”

         “Yeah, 11:00 AM at the recreation field, why?”

         “Y/N will be there.”

         “Hotch,” I say again, yanking on his hand. “I can take care of myself.”

         “And I would feel better if you attended the self-defense class.” He shoots back. Neither of us budges for a few seconds, just two stubborn people staring each other down before I sigh.

         “Fine. I’ll do it.” Hotch nods, pleased. I narrow my eyes at him.

         “Lover’s quarrel?” Morgan jabs and Hotch shoots him a glare so harsh that he holds his hands up in mock defeat. “Forget I asked,” he mutters.

         “Keep an eye on her. I have some business to attend to.” He shoots me a look as if to not ask questions, and there’s a glint in his gaze, something hard and unyielding, and I just nod. I’m not sure if I want to know what he’s about to do, but the less I know the better. He turns and leaves.

         “What the hell happened?” Emily asks, and I recount the incident to them and they all grimace. “Is this a common occurrence with your occupation?” She asks kindly, not judgmental at all.

         “You’d be surprised, but things like this don’t happen all that often. There are a few outliers here and there, but people are respectful for the most part.” My mind flashes back to that night, and I push it quickly out. Now is not the time to be thinking about that. “They’re typically whipped into shape when they get threatened the first time.”

         “And the more persistent ones?” I grin.

         “They get kicked out. Sometimes I like to kick out the ones who are harassing me. It’s very emasculating to be talked down to by a woman and then kicked out on your ass. I enjoy it. But I only do it to the guys I deem as not dangerous.” JJ looks sick to her stomach and Dr. Reid looks appalled, but Morgan just grins.

         “No wonder Hotch likes you; you have as much fire in your veins as he does.” I laugh and it lightens the mood. I talk with them for a few more minutes before saying, “I think I’m actually gonna call it a night, I’ve made enough. Thanks for coming you guys. I’d love to hang out with you all again.” The girls all give me a hug and bid me goodnight. I pass Tia on my way back to the locker room and she waves at me from someone’s lap. I wave back, grab my stuff, and walk to my car. I drive home, radio off, just spending some time in my own head. I park and head into my apartment, Cujo greeting me at the door like always. I fall into my routine quietly, eating a late-night snack as I undress, unpin my wig, and use a makeup wipe to get my makeup off. I take a long shower, needing to decompress after tonight. I’m out of the shower and in my pajamas when there’s a knock at my door. It’s 3:00 AM, and no one should be knocking on my door. I quickly grab my gun from the ottoman, holding it in my dominant hand. My peephole has been warped for ages now, distorting the image of whoever is outside of my door. I rip open the door, holding the gun up.

         “JESUS HOTCH!” I shout, then realize he’s wounded. I click the safety on and toss the gun on my entryway table. “What the fuck? Get inside!” He walks inside, teeth grinding as he holds his hand to his arm. “What the hell happened to you?” I say, peeling his hand away from his arm quickly. His shirt is stained red. I swear again. “Sit on the couch. And don’t move.” I grab my clinical bag from the bedroom, dig around and find my gauze pads. “These aren’t the most sterile, but they’ll do.”

         “That’s fine.” His words are short, leaning back on the couch. I chuck a bottle of ibuprofen at him, and he catches it easily, opens it, and swallows four pills dry.

         “What the fuck, Hotch. Showing up on my door at three in the morning bleeding? Who does that? That’s what a hospital is for!” I’m rambling in my panic.

         “I know, I’m sorry.”

         “Take off your shirt, I need to assess the damage. His arm is stiff as he attempts to remove his dress shirt. “Do I need to cut your shirt off you, idiot?” I ask and he just sighs and nods. I grab my scissors from my bag and make quick work of his dark blue shirt. Thank god he has a t-shirt on underneath it. “You have to take your hand away from the wound for me to assess it,” I say quietly, gently pulling his bloody hand away. I let out a low whistle. “Serrated hunting knife?” I ask.

         “How can you tell that?”

         “The way the skin ripped, it’s obvious if you know what you’re looking at. I can stitch it, but it’s going to hurt like a bitch.”

         “Do it.”

         “Are you gonna tell me how this happened?”

         “It’s better if you don’t know.” I pause my frantic digging through my bag and glance at him. He just looks back and I sigh, finally finding my suture kit.

         “Do you need something to bite down on?” I ask drily and he lets out a small laugh at that.

         “This isn’t the first time I’ve been stitched up on someone’s couch, and I doubt it’ll be the last. Go right ahead, sweetheart.”

         “Oh, so now you want to pull out a pet name when I’m stitching you up on my couch? You really know how to get women.” I mutter, stepping in between his legs. I rip open an alcohol wipe. “This is going to sting. I’ll be quick.” I press the alcohol wipe to his skin, and he hisses, hands coming to grab the backs of my knees. “I know, I know, I’m sorry. I’m done.” I toss the alcohol wipe to the side. “Well, the bleeding has slowed, that’s good.” It’s only three inches long, but I’ve never done stitches on a real person before. “I’m really sorry if you end up with a scar after this. Are you sure you want me to do this? I’ll happily drive you to the hospital.” I’m stalling and he can tell.

         “I trust you. The hospital will ask even more questions than you do.” He adds with a half-smile.

         “Fair enough. If you need a break just tap my thigh. I’ll make it as quick as I can.” I unwrap the sterile needle and grab the needle driver. My hands shake but I take a deep breath and use the tissue forceps to expose the wound. It’s deep. I line up the edges of the wound and push the needle through his skin. His hands tighten on me, but he doesn’t tap out. I pull it until the thread is two to three inches long on the end, and tie three knots in the thread. I readjust the needle driver and push it through his skin again about a quarter inch down. I make quick work of the wound and he never asks for a break, just breathes deeply, in through his nose and out through his mouth. I tie off the last stitch. “I didn’t do a bad job, but it’s not spectacular.” I say, stepping out from between his legs. He twists his head to look at the mostly straight line of stitches I’ve left.

         I grab the large Band-Aid I had pulled out earlier and unwrap it, gently placing it over his sutures. I then realize in my haste; I didn’t put on gloves. My hands are covered in his blood, staining them red.

         “You, uh, don’t have any blood diseases I should know about, do you?”

         “Nope, clean as a whistle.” I nod, retreating to the kitchen to wash my hands. I’m scrubbing them but some of the blood underneath my fingernails is stubborn. I try my best, then dry my hands with a paper towel. I walk back to the living room.

         “Do I want to know what you did to him?”

         “How did you?” I cut him off.

         “I can read people too. You’re not as subtle as you think you are. At least, not when I’m involved.”

         “He won’t hurt you again, I promise you that.” I decide to leave it at that, the man looks exhausted.

         “Is your son with your sister-in-law tonight?” He nods.

         “Come on, I’m not letting you leave until I know you’re okay.”

         “Y/N, I’m fine. I can drive home.”

         “If you’re making me take that damn self-defense class you can let me keep an eye on you for one night.” I snapped.

         “Fine.” He narrows his eyes at me. “I’m not sure who’s the more stubborn one here.”

         “And we’re not about to start a pissing match and find out.” I cross my arms. “Let me get you some clothes.”

         “Y/N, you’ve done enough.”

         “Shut up and accept my generosity,” I mutter and walk back to the bedroom pulling out a pair of lounge pants and large flannel left behind by a shitty ex-boyfriend. “Now, do you need help getting dressed?” I ask sweetly, trying to irritate him. He shoots me a look that tells me I’m already in enough trouble for making him spend the night. “Jesus, okay. Someone’s not in a good mood.”

         I walk back into the bedroom to give him privacy to change. I give him a few minutes, petting Cujo as he lay in his dog bed.

         “You decent?” I call quietly and get a muffled yes in return. I walk back out into the living room, and he looks so comical that I can’t keep a smile off my face. “Okay, come on, I’m not letting an injured man sleep on my couch.”

         “Y/N, seriously, I’m fine.”

         “I’m not in the mood to argue, Hotch. Get your ass in bed before I drag you, okay?” He sighs but follows me back to the bedroom. “I sleep on the left side.”

         “Well, that’s good, because I sleep on the right side.” He gets into bed, grunting as he has to move his injured arm.

         “You better not die in the middle of the night, or else I’m gonna beat your ass in the afterlife,” I mutter, pulling the covers over me. “Here I was thinking it would be an easy night, but, no, someone had to show up bloody on the nursing student’s doorstep.”

         “I’m sorry. I understand if you’re mad at me.” He says quietly into the dark room. I sigh.

         “I’m not mad at you, Hotch. You just scared me, okay?” I admit. In just two weeks this man has seemingly wormed his way into every inch of my brain.

         “I’m sorry.”

         “Just don’t do it again.” I pause, “Or at least give me a warning next time.”

         “I’ll do that.” I hear his smile in the dark.

         “Goodnight, Hotch.”

         “Goodnight, Y/N.” I listen as his breathing deepens and he slips off into sleep. It’s a long time before I do the same.

-

chapter four - coming soon!

-

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#hotch x y/n #hotchner #hotch x reader #hotch #criminal minds #aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner x reader #criminal minds fanfiction #meandthedevil!hotch #matd!hotch

[escudofracturado]

Always Gold || Milo & Luci

TIMING: Late September LOCATION: UMWR PARTIES: Milo (@escudofracturado) & Luci (@luci-in-the-stars) SUMMARY: After a failed attempt at dorm living, Luci enlists Milo's help in moving out. CONTENT WARNINGS: Sibling death tw

Luci had -admittedly - lasted longer in the dorm than Tia thought she would. She was pretty sure if Ingrid hadn’t absolutely hated her. Since she moved in she seemed to think Luci was a freak of nature and someone that should be removed from the school. It was probably all of the notebooks -or how Luci talked. Maybe she hadn’t liked Snow?  It wasn’t something that was wholly new to her, a lot of people off the bat didn’t like her in school for some reason or whatever, but she had hoped it would be different here. So while the administration had been willing to work with her - even offering to move her in a few weeks- Luci was fairly sure that just getting the waiver to move off campus would keep her from walking on eggshells. She needed space for alchemy and honestly, dorms made her sad. 

Besides, while she liked school and went to all of her classes she didn’t spend much of her time on campus now anyway and she didn’t think it would change. So, she had hopped on to the apartment listing and had been excited to get the okay to move. Luckily Ingrid had spent the last few days just ignoring Luci instead of wanting to get her expelled or something. Still, it hadn’t stopped Luci from purposefully moving her bed frame an inch to the left hopefully causing her to trip. 

Still, as she waited for her brother she sighed at how quickly she had to pack up her things again. Poking her figures through Snow’s carrying case to pet her white fur as she waited. “It’s okay Snow. Wynne is super nice and you’ll have more space there. Milo will be here soon,” Luci said reassuring her familiar who seemed more nervous than she was. She should have gotten a carrot for her. 

______

It had only been a matter of time before something happened. Milo loved his sister, and he would do anything for her, but between her curiosity and her difficulties with reading people, she did tend to find herself in some chaotic situations. Granted, it usually wasn't a huge deal, and she almost always managed to get away with it, too. Couldn’t be him. But still, he worried. Especially here.

He knew he needed to chill out, though, that he was making things weird between them, but how could he? Milo was the one who ruined everything and landed them here, and he knew he really shouldn't be around anyone like this— he was dangerous. However, Luci had come to find him anyway. And it wasn’t like he wanted to be alone, either. He wanted to protect everyone from himself, but he was too much of a coward, too selfish. He wasn’t able to just be alone with his thoughts, with himself, so he had managed to make some friends here. And he wanted to have a relationship with his sister. Aside from their aunt, they were all each other had now…

These days all he wanted was to lie face down on the floor of his room and never get up. But his sister needed help moving, so floor time would have to wait til later.

By the time he arrived at UMWR, Luci was already there waiting for him, of course. “Too cool for school dorms?” he asked in place of a proper greeting. Bending over, he looked into the carrier with a smile. ”Hi, Snow.“

______

Luci was still a little surprised seeing her brother now even when she tried to hide it looking over her shoulder as he approached. It was a bit odd - something that she couldn’t quite describe other than feeling off. Normally she might have asked Milo if he knew what she was feeling, but that seemed a little - rude at the moment. 

Instead she snorted, rolling her eyes at the notion and said, “I’ve never been too cool for anything, Milo. Ingrid though - um yeah she didn’t like me much.” She shrugged slightly, not at all bothered by the dislike even if it meant she had to move out of the dorms. It wasn’t the first time that someone hated her instantly and while she ought to feel sad about it she couldn’t. It was inevitable, and Luz just didn’t feel the need to keep energy on it. “I didn’t cause any fires this time at least right? Just me being a freak this time, I guess.” 

She let him see Snow, the little Jackalope’s eyes looking curiously at the other spellcaster and moving to get a pet instantly calm with two de la Vega’s around. It didn’t surprise Luci, and instead made her smile slightly. “I think that’s a hi from Snow. For the record, she didn’t like Ingrid much either. First night she tried to get Snow kicked out - but luckily I had some paperwork.” She had forged the paperwork months ago and the University had sided with her on that one. “I managed to get it all down here while she was out. - Um, we should probably leave quickly though. I don’t think she’s smart enough to realize what I did, but still. ” It was mostly because she had threatened Snow. Familiars shouldn’t be apart from their person. 

______

He could feel the awkward tension in the air, hanging over the interaction. His lips curled up into a smile as he managed to pull a laugh out of her, but there was still that feeling of uneasiness churning in his stomach. There were so many things that they had been purposely ignoring, leaving unsaid, and they hung heavily between the two siblings, creating a distance that had never been there. Not to this extent, at least. Never to this extent. But he tried his best to ignore it, to be the person— the brother— he had once been. 

He frowned as his Luci mentioned her ex-roommate. “Well, fuck Ingrid, then.” 

It was good to hear that she hadn’t started any fires, but his brows furrowed as she called herself a freak. “You’re not a freak, Luz. Did she say that?” Had his sister been getting bullied by her roommate? She didn’t seem bothered, but still the idea worried and saddened him. Milo had dealt with enough shitty kids back in school to know how vicious people could be, how painful it could be to hear the same hurtful words thrown at you over and over. 

It was nice to see Snow again, and to see that she was still comfortable enough with him to demand pets. Despite his worries, it brought a small smile to his face. He, of course, obliged to her demands, though he looked up with a scoff when his sister continued to tell him about Ingrid.

“For real, though, fuck her,” he repeated, shaking his head. Giving the jackalope a last pet for sensing the girl’s bad vibes and watching out for Luz, he finally stood. They probably should start moving, but she shouldn’t have to rush just because her roommate was an asshole. “But, like, what’s she gonna do? You’re already leaving. Also, I can go up if you missed anything,” he offered. 

______

Luci sighed a little at his response, shrugging and responding, “ I don’t - language, Milo. You don’t have to curse even if she wasn’t really nice.” It was partially to hide that she was annoyed by her former roommate. She had hoped to find a friend in her, but that had been pretty clearly not something the other had wanted. She hadn’t realized he would pick up the language either. 

At the question she shrugged, going to pick up the backpack that she had put between her feet. “Does it matter? I don’t have to talk to her again,” Luci said finally knowing that it was fair enough. She’d never really been considered particularly normal, and she didn’t really care much about it before. Sure, she wanted friends here in Wicked’s Rest, but she would survive without them if she had too.

While repeating the words she tried to not laugh, thinking that it was a little silly. “Oh I don’t think she can do anything to me, to be fair. I just don’t want to be here when she realizes I moved everything just slightly off kilter - or maybe the fact that she shouldn’t have been copying my old chemistry notes if she wasn’t going to be particularly nice - I think the midterm was a week ago? She should get the results now-” She said it matter of factly, knowing that she probably did tank her grade. 

At the offer of getting anything she missed she shook her head and said, “No, I was careful and I have everything packed and labeled even.” Luz didn’t have much - it hadn’t been easy to get to Wicked’s Rest, and she hadn’t been interested in bringing everything she owned, figuring that she could gather things as she lived here in the next four years. So everything had pretty much fit in the couple of suitcases she’d arrived with, plus a few ikea bags she’d managed to borrow last minute. She had already sent a few boxes to the apartment thinking it would be easier than lugging them there, and had a few things waiting for her anyway. 

______

“Sorry, sorry,” he said, raising his hands in surrender. Milo’s filter was not the best. He didn’t like insulting people with curses, but he was terrible at keeping his language ‘clean.’ At work, he could mostly keep it in check, but anywhere else? All bets were off. Especially with people he felt comfortable around. And despite the weirdness, Luci was still someone he felt comfortable with— she was his sister, after all. He tried to respect her non-cursing, but he also just really wanted to hear her curse? Also, like, for real though, fuck Ingrid. 

He watched her reach for her bag, frowning at the response (or the lack of a response, he supposed. But that felt like an answer itself.) He had fixed his face by the time she looked his way again, but the feeling of frustration and worry continued to swirl around in his gut. “Yeah, that’s fair, I guess,” Milo replied, dropping the subject. He didn’t want to push it– he couldn’t, not with the way things were between them.

It startled a laugh out of him, Luci’s admission. “F– reaking amazing,” he laughed, catching himself. Man, he’d missed her. Shoving down the sudden guilt and sadness, Milo tried his best to focus on the amusement and fondness in that present moment. Luci was brilliant, and she should not be messed with. 

And of course she had thought to label and pack everything, he wasn’t surprised. Still, he had moved a few times now, and he always managed to miss Something. “Figured. But, you know, if you need it, offer stands,” he shrugged. 

But it was time to do the actual moving, so Milo grabbed some Ikea bags, letting out a small ‘oof’’ as he stood up. They were heavier than expected, weighed down by her books, probably. “How many books do you have in here?”

—

Luci snorted not believing for a second he’d actually be able to keep himself from cursing. She loved her brother, and knew him well enough that it would only take a few minutes before it happened again. It was something she had oddly missed, although she wasn’t going to encourage it either. Snow was there after all, and her little ears shouldn’t have to hear curses. 

He didn’t used to let her get away with non answers, but she supposed now most of their relationship seemed to be dancing around answers. If she was braver about it she might have called him out on it, instead she just secured her backpack on herself and grabbed one of the suitcases to push Snow safely under her arm. 

Luci couldn’t help the grin hearing Milo laughing and stuttering out a fake curse. It was nice to hear, and while she wouldn’t say she was especially funny it was something that always made her feel better. Mostly, Milo had a habit of laughing with her, not at her, and it was something that after she noticed had made her want to say more and more outrageous things. 

Luz nodded, starting to move the suitcase with a nudge. Hearing him picking up the bag she gave a chagrined look at being caught. “Uh - well define what a book is. If it’s a finished volume, only five, if you mean journals too - twenty between the two bags. Sorry I can trade you for Snow if you want for one of them.” 

—

This felt good. Even if it didn’t feel totally right, even if they were ignoring both of the very large elephants in the room. He wanted things to be okay so badly. Nothing was, but for a moment it felt like it could be. Luci was smiling and laughing, and the tension? It didn’t feel Quite so heavy. It certainly wasn’t as heavy as the twenty whole ass journals that Luci had packed away.

…okay, he was being a little dramatic, they weren’t that heavy, but it was heavier than he had been expecting. Milo shook his head, grinning at her reply. “And how many did you have when you got here?” he asked, wondering just how many she had managed to finish in the span of a month. It always astounded him how quickly she could go through notebooks, how she managed to write so much, how she always managed to find so much to write about. It was like how she processed the world, made sense of it, being an observer. And it was interesting to him, to see how his sister’s mind worked, how she looked at things. 

He supposed it wasn’t Totally different to how his mind worked, especially these days when he didn’t really feel like he was in his body most of the time. His emotions were trapped, muted, behind a glass wall most of the time, and there were times he literally felt like his being was a few inches to the right, clipping through his body. Didn’t that sorta make him an observer too?

Still, he’d always worried the habit could keep her from fully being present, keep her from fully enjoying or experiencing things. Not to mention people being dicks about anyone doing stuff that was outside the norm. But he wasn’t being very present at that moment. 

“Nah, you’ve got her,” he said, waving her off. But he continued with the bit because he had to. “I’ll just suffer.” 

It was very extra.  

—

At the question Luci raised one of her eyebrows in fake thought as she said, “Well I brought six that were half finished, and five that weren’t started yet. There was a sale. I got the rest here. Mostly because everything here is pretty fascinating. Did you know there’s statues that people say can see you too? I don’t know if I believe that, but wouldn’t that be interesting.” She had one she hadn’t touched - the one that Gen had given her last Christmas that for some reason she couldn’t seem to write in. She hadn’t quite figured out why, but that one wasn’t in the bags anyway. 

She kept that in her backpack, if only to keep it out of any official counts. Stretching her arm slightly she said, “A few of them are from my job actually. Vera has a lot of instructions so I’m making sure to write them all down. It’s actually pretty helpful.” 

Writing had always been easier for her to gather her thoughts, and while she was pretty comfortable typing there was something to physically writing things down that had always helped her. That and she had a habit of mixing little technical diagrams next to things. It felt like something an Alchemist should be good at. After all, her magic was pretty much a form of writing at the end of the day. It was also her way of making sure not to miss little things about people, to understand why they were doing what they were. What if she didn’t notice something and it turned out to be important? 

At the comment of suffering Luci chuckled and said, “Your sacrifice has been noted. I appreciate the help, and for the record so does Snow.” 

—

It was so many notebooks, he could never. And he definitely couldn’t manage six at once. If anything, there would be one, and it would be So Messy. 

The town was definitely fascinating. However, that wasn’t the first word he would use to describe it. And at the mention of the statues, Milo froze for a moment. “Yeah, I– Watcher’s Way, right?” he asked. But he already knew exactly what she was talking about. “They’re creepy as fuu–dge,” he finished, nodding. “Creepy as fudge.” Censoring himself only made it sound silly, but that was probably for the best. Also for the best? Changing the topic. 

“Oh, yeah?” he asked, grateful to talk about literally anything else. “How’s that been going, by the way? What’s Vera got you doing over there?” While he’d been to the magic shop before, he wasn’t sure how much Actual Magic they had going on over there. 

…he’d really been doing a piss poor job at what he’d come to this stupid town to do. But he had to work and that often sapped up all of his energy. Sometimes he wasn’t sure how he worked up the energy to drag his ass out of bed. However, being around other people helped him get out of his head for a few hours, which was something. His head wasn’t a super fun place to be, after all. 

In response, he gave her a two finger salute before reaching for the other suitcase. “Of course,” he shrugged. “You know I’d do anything for you, kid.” It didn’t matter if things were weird between them, Milo would always be willing to help his sister. 

—

“Hm, I think so. I’d have to check,” Luci said as he asked where the statues were. She had written it down somewhere, but she didn’t want to get it wrong. At his attempt to not curse an eyebrow went up, a part of her wanting to make fun of him but nevertheless holding her tongue. After all, she had to give him something. 

“My job? It’s okay. Mostly it’s just working in the front and helping customers. Vera gives me little projects to do though so that’s nice.” She didn’t add the fact that most of the little projects ended in failure, of her getting something wrong. Vera was still pretty nice about all of it though. Chalking it up to Luci’s age and not something being wrong. Alchemist had to start somewhere after all, and well even when her magic wasn’t fighting her it wasn’t as if Luci’s experiments always went well anyway. “How’s your work going? Still have birds around?” 

Luci nodded at the sentiment, even if it felt a bit heavy in the air. She believed him, that he would help her through most everything. It was the bits on the outskirts that made her pause most though. That maybe he would try and help, but he couldn’t do everything. It was like when people say the day they saw their parents as humans with flaws and not superheroes - she couldn’t quite picture it with their parents but she did with Milo and Gen. 

“I know,” Luci still ended up saying out loud, as if maybe the both of them needed to hear it. “That’s why I called. Well that and I really didn’t want to do it alone. Also so you could meet Arden and maybe Wynne if they're off work.” 

—

“Well, either way, Watcher’s Way? Zero out of ten, do not recommend. It’s giving weeping angels,” Milo offered in lieu of any actual explanation. Just thinking about the odd experience with the then googly eyed statues felt unsettling. 

“Ah, customer service,” he sighed with a smile. It was probably difficult for Luci— hell, it was difficult for him, and he was usually good with people. There were just some incredibly rude and unpleasant people in the world, unfortunately. “But it sounds pretty cool aside from that– you love a good project.” 

At the mention of birds, he shook his head, “Always with the birds. They’ve been getting kinda rowdy recently, I dunno what’s up with that.” 

“But, aside from those little narcs, it’s chill,” he shrugged. He liked his job well enough. “My manager’s a bit too serious, but my coworkers are mostly okay. And customers aren’t usually a problem— see a lot of the same art students and the seniors from the knitting circle at the community center.” They always asked about his projects and gushed about whatever they were currently working on or planning, and it was very sweet. 

“Plus, always some cool local art,” he added with another shrug. He’d been thinking about his job more recently, about what he wanted to be doing, if he should just go work at the Sugar Pot with Alistair. It would be a good environment, and he got along quite well with the older spellcaster, but that was part of his reservations. As much as he said otherwise, Milo was sure he’d bother the man if he was around him constantly. Always too much, but simultaneously not enough. He’d ruin it somehow because he ruined things…

But he tried to shove that aside for now. 

Luci had called him because she didn’t want to have to move all by herself. She knew he would help, would be there for her, would want to meet her new roommates and make sure she was safe in her new apartment. That was good. That made him feel good. Despite it all, she still trusted him, and that made his chest ache something awful. 

They would be okay …could be okay. He could do his best to pick up the pieces and try to be a good brother for her. 

For as long as she would let him, at least. 

“Oh, I know Wynne a little!” He said, perking up. “But it’d be good to meet ‘Arden,’ and just see the place, yeah.” He had to look out for her, after all.  

#sibling death tw #writing #wickedswriting #collab #luci in the stars #wr luci #i won't let go of your hand; luci

[joonslfttiddie]

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Chapter 32: Gifted...

💜Fic Pairing: OT7 x OFC

💜AU/Genre: Reverse Harem/Polyfidelity/Ghosts/AMBW

💜Warnings: Mentions of Arson/Fire/Anxiety Attacks/Death of Main Characters/Murder/Adult Language/Sexual Activity/Stalking/Cancer/Loss of Parent/Ghosts/Explicit Smut/Ejaculation/Oral Sex/Nipple Play/Death of Main Characters/Unprotected Sex/Hate Crime/Blackouts/Orgy/Mention of Gun/Breath Play

*Warnings are for entire work; not chapter specific*

💜Rating: MA

💜Word Count: 3789

*FLASHBACK*

"Didn't I tell you that you drink too much?"

My mother eyes me as I'm pouring my nightcap.

"Mom, you make me sound like an alcoholic. Even my doctor says a glass of red wine a day is good for the heart."

"Well, whatever, I just worry about you. You need to make an appointment with your doctor, just for a check up."

Clean. That's the best way I can describe my mother's scent that creeps into my nose as I hug her from behind, placing my glass on the counter next to the sink, making sure to handle her frail frame gently.

"Yes, ma'am. I'll call in the morning. AND, I'll do a cleanse, just for you, okay. No alcohol for a month," I concede, resting my cheek on her shoulder.

"Don't do it for me, do it for yourself. I know your liver is screaming for a break and more water."

"Dang, ma!"

Our laughter fills the kitchen just as my sister enters the house.

"Sis, come get your mama," I acknowledge Jasmine as she's placing her keys on the hook, then removing her shoes and purse.

"No, come get your wino of a sister," Mommy quips.

"All I heard was wine. Gimme some!"

Mom's jaw drops as Jasmine's coming around the corner, causing us girls to erupt in laughter.

"You heifers get on my nerves together. T, don't play around with your health and call the doctor's office first thing because it'll be hard to get someone after lunch. Ask them to do a urinalysis. Jas, wash your dishes if you decide to eat dinner. I made the sausage, gravy, and rice you guys love."

"Deh," we say in unison as Mommy, in passing, tucks a clump of Jas's curls behind her ear with one hand and grabs my cheeks with the other. She calls over her shoulder as she's ascending the stairs.

"Also, y'all need to avoid taking the interstate in the morning. And don't be in here doing all that cackling, you know I have another round of chemo tomorrow."

It wasn't uncommon for mom to warn us of things or worry over us. Yes, most mother's want to try to protect their children, but this goes beyond that. Our grandmother had the same gift that is said to be bestowed upon the women of our family by age 30, having skipped me as I'm already 34. With this gift, Mom and Granny had a history of predicting things in our lives and shielding us from danger. Not that she considers herself a psychic or anything, Mom just has 'a feeling' sometimes. She would alert us of dangers and things yet to happen in regular conversation, like there was nothing odd about it. And she could always read us like a book.

"Tia."

On my way to my room, I stop abruptly in front of my mother's bedroom door when I hear her calling for me.

"Ma'am?"

Sitting propped up on a mountain of pillows, she puts her book on the bed and motions for me to move closer. I already know the drill as her hands are extended, so I go to stand next to the bed, leaning over for her to hold my face in her hands. She first looks into my eyes, shifting from one to the other. It's almost as if she's looking through me. Closing her eyes, she takes a deep breath in through her nose and releases it through her mouth.

"I just wanted to check in on you again. Don't be too worried about your doctor's visit. It's not anything life threatening but you do need to get checked out."

"Will I need to get a shot or something? Medicine?"

"Probably just medicine. You'll be okay," she reassures me then opens her eyes. "I've been meaning to ask you, do you still have those dreams?"

Even without the details, I know exactly what she is talking about. The dreams that feature the same seven men, guiding, helping, and comforting me as I sleep. I'm curious as to why she's brought this up even though she asks every few years.

"Yes, ma'am...I had another one a couple of days ago. Why?"

"No reason, really, I just thought about it. You are gifted, Tia, and I, honestly, believe those men are assigned to you, to keep you safe. Just know that if you ever encounter some sort of danger, your love will protect you."

"My Love? Like my man? And gifted? I'm already years past thirty so if I was gifted, it would have shown by now."

"I'm not quite sure, T. I just see you experiencing new beginnings... fate... home... seven... death... love... purple... fire... hate... rebirth." Her brow furrows and she closes her eyes again, tilting her head ever so slightly before she continues to speak.

"Ma, wha-?"

"Shh..."

Whenever she gets like this, something big is coming. She can never tell us when, but she definitely gets us prepared for what's to come.

"Something will come after you, or has come...something dark and spiteful. There will be a fire, or there has been a fire?" She quickly releases me, fanning her hands as if she'd been burned. She just looks at me but I can't read her expression as it's a mixture of worry and confusion with a hint of fear. "Baby, you've always been a tough nut to crack, since the day I brought you into this world. Sometimes, I can't tell if you're coming or going but you are something special, the universe knows that. You're going to experience a great loss, or you already have? I don't know, Tia, but you will have your happily ever after."

"Okay, well, I'm not scared at all," I tease sarcastically.

"And you shouldn't be. No weapons formed against you shall prosper," mom begins to pray over me ending it with an 'amen'.

"Amen. Well, I'd better get to bed, too. Are we still getting pancakes before your appointment?"

I love getting on her nerves, joking and picking with her to make her laugh. Maybe that's my toxic trait, resorting to humor to not focus on the seriousness of situations.

"I wish! We can stop to get you some but unfortunately, I'll only be having a small, bland meal before."

"Boooooooo! No, I'm kidding. You know I'm going to eat what you eat...let's suffer together."

"Girl, goodnight. Get outta my room with your silly self. And, try to stop stressing so much. Even the Lord needed seven days to create heaven and earth." She catches what she just said and can't help but to laugh at herself. "Seven... the number of completion."

I chuckle lightly before stepping towards the door.

"Yes, ma'am. Night night."

*PRESENT DAY*

Another POV

"Please, try to be quiet when you're sweeping this room as someone is sleeping," Jungkook advises and the technician nods, his plush lips curving up at the corners.

The door opens slowly, allowing the beautiful young man to enter the space. He seems to float around the area, gracefully running his device across every surface. Jungkook can't seem to peel his eyes off of the young man as he steps past him, making his way to the armchair near the bed. Having not left Tia's side for more than a few minutes since she was discharged from the hospital this morning, he takes her hand before sitting in the chair he'd drug to her bedside. He and Taehyung have decided that one of them should be with her at all times and Jungkook takes this opportunity to stare at her sleeping features, barely noticing the man now standing next to him.

"A real life Sleeping Beauty, huh?"

Jungkook meets his eyes, "Yea, she is beautiful, isn't she?" Looking back to Tia, and kissing the back of her hand before he continues, "I could just stare at her like this all day."

"I see why! My goodness, she is breathtaking." Hoping to not cross the line, he asks, "Will she be okay?"

Glancing up to him again, Jungkook could have sworn he had tears in his eyes. "Y-yea...she'll be okay, she just needs to rest and stay hydrated." Just as the technician is about to speak again, Tia's phone vibrates. Snatching it from the nightstand before the sound can wake Tia, Jungkook takes the phone answering it as he walks out of the bedroom.

The young man, as if enchanted, keeps his eye on her sleeping face. Her smooth, golden brown skin seems to glow, her lips full with a slight sheen, he is drawn to touch her. Tia's eyebrows scrunch and she moans lowly, giving the man an excuse to rush to her side. After quickly placing his equipment on the floor, he takes her hand into his.

What the fuck am I doing?

He can't deny the pull he feels but knows that he has free will, being able to walk away whenever he wants. But he doesn't want to. Like Jungkook said a moment ago, he could stare at her all day long.

"Jimin!" A voice whisper shouts from the bathroom.

He drops her hand and turns on the spot to face his colleague.

"Shh!" He tries to hush the man before he wakes Tia, but is unsuccessful.

"Who are you," the small voice asks from behind him. Jimin looks around to see Tia staring back at him.

"Hey, sorry to have woken you up. We're here to sweep the house for any hidden cameras or listening devices."

"Where is JK?"

"JK?" As Jimin is asking her, Jungkook returns with some fruit and water.

"Hey, babe, I'm here. I'm glad to see you up. How are you feeling?"

"Okay, I guess. I'm a bit groggy and my head is banging."

"John said you'll probably feel that way for a few hours. He said that you'll probably be lethargic, too, and to call if you need something for nausea. Your memories may come back all at once or in spurts, but try to not stress yourself out. Here...take this," he hands Tia a couple of red and white tablets, "Hopefully, this will help with your headache."

She takes the pills, and washes them down with the water. Jimin doesn't realize he's stuck in place, watching this interaction between the two until Tia speaks, looking directly at him. He sees her mouth moving but doesn't hear what she says. He jerks himself out of his trance and says, "Ah, sorry, what was that?", asking Tia to repeat her question.

"I said what's your name?"

"Oh, Jimin...Park Jimin."

"Nice to meet you. Was that you holding my hand a minute ago?"

He's blushing red and rubbing the back of his neck, embarrassed, having been caught. Nodding his head, he admits his actions.

"I'm sorry...you just looked so beautiful, and you were moaning, and your brows were tense. I didn't know if you were having a bad dream or if you were hurting. I'm sorry, I just felt compelled to comfort you. Forgive me if I overstepped-"

"We are so sorry, ma'am. We'll just finish searching this area, then we'll be out of your hair," the other man cuts Jimin off to apologize.

Unintentionally ignoring the other man, Tia's focus remains on Jimin.

"Thank you...Jimin. You didn't overstep at all," Tia shows her gratitude and the way his name falls from her lips is intoxicating.

Jungkook's POV

Thankfully, Tia slept through the entire process of getting her discharged and home. I don't think I would have been able to stand the void look of confusion in her eyes or her staring at me like a stranger. Not again. Thankfully, I'm off duty during the day today and get to spend it caring for Tia. Taehyung will be back after he takes care of some things at the office and, luckily, he's the owner of the business, so he'll be able to take a few days off to be here as well.

Tia is still sleeping when I answer the door for the technicians to come in and sweep the house. There's something about one of the men that causes my heart to race when he's near. I feel an immediate connection to him, almost like a long lost brother. Unable to tear my eyes from him, I watch as he practically dances around Tia's room, something so elegant in his movements. The only thing that can take my attention from him is Tia's peaceful features and I have a seat to further take them in.

As we converse briefly, I swear that I see tears in his eyes and I can't help but to wonder if he's possibly experiencing the same attraction to her as me and Taehyung. As I open my mouth to ask, Tia's phone vibrates across the bedside table and I quickly grab it before it wakes her. I rush out of the room to answer the call.

'Hello? Tia?'

"Hey, Brandon. Tia is unavailable at the moment."

'Oh, my bad. You must be her boyfriend. Hey man, I was just calling to check on her after hearing about what happened. I got called to the police station to give a statement about a past employee.'

"Yea, I appreciate you checking in on her. She's past the critical part and is home resting now. Would you like to leave a message for her?"

'Yeah...yeah. Could you tell her...tell her that I'm so sorry for what happened and what she had to go through. I fired him shortly after we started on her reno. After I had caught him doing some suspicious things, but I should have said something or reported him, I don't know. Like I said, he was suspicious but I had no proof of anything. I didn't know what else to do but to let him go.'

Of course I already know the details of this case but I listen anyway, making my way down to the kitchen.

'I'm not innocent in all of this as I was inappropriate at times and said some things about her when she wasn't around, but it was just locker room talk, you know? Men being men. I promise, I never meant for anything bad to happen to her.'

"Look man, I get what you're saying but making sexual jokes and references about a woman is not locker room talk. You being a dick and acting spiteful because Tia rejected you is more accurate. Men being men? Don't ever generalize your behavior as a 'man' thing. I'm nothing like you because real men don't do shit like that. I'll give her your little message, and you can go ahead and delete her number, bro. There's nothing else for you to talk to her about."

I end the call and slide her phone into my back pocket before rummaging through the fridge for something light for her to eat and some water, thinking of John's recommendations. In one of the cabinets, I find a bottle of Tylenol and take a few in case she has a headache before I go back upstairs.

Tia's POV

I'm in between sleep and consciousness when visuals flood my mind. I can't tell if I'm dreaming or not, and my heart breaks seeing Jungkook and Grey cry. What happened? Am I dead? There's a warmth that suddenly covers me like a warm blanket, and I feel a sense of peace. Is it coming from the person holding my hand? Is it Jungkook? Taehyung? Whoever it is, they give off the same comfort as them.

When I open my eyes, I'm still not sure if I'm dreaming when I see a man standing next to my bed, his back to me, strong yet beautiful. Mom taught my sister and I to trust our gut, that our intuition would never steer us wrong, so even though I can't see his face, I feel comfortable as my body is reacting as if I know him. He feels familiar. The sharpness of his jaw line is the first thing I notice as he's turning to face me, followed by his pillowy lips and breathtaking features. I swear, my heart skips a beat when his eyes meet mine.

When Jungkook walks in, my mind wanders as we're talking, unable to take my eyes off of the unknown man. I can recall bits and pieces of what happened last night and I know that I had to go to the hospital, but the details are vague. He starts telling me about what John had said regarding my recovery but stops to trace my line of vision, meeting the man standing a few feet away.

"Who are you?"

Jimin...again, I feel like I've said his name a million times. So, it was him radiating the same energy as the other two.

"Thank you, Jimin," is all I can give him at the moment and with a forced smile reassure him that he's not overstepping my boundaries.

Jungkook offers me some of the fruit he brought up but I don't have much of an appetite at the moment, and I can feel my headache getting worse by the minute. Not even 10 minutes later am I in the fetal position on the bed, awaiting the moment my skull splits in half. Thankfully the other technician has finished the sweep in here and is outside in the work van. I think there's something vulnerable about suffering and I didn't want him to see me this way but I'm comfortable with Jungkook...and Jimin. Fragmented memories are swirling through my mind, searching to land on their specific string of experience.

"Oh my God, baby...I'm so sorry," I say between tears, unsure if I'm crying because of the searing headache, the visual of my loved ones sad because of me, or both.

"Shh...it's okay, baby. I know. I know you didn't mean it."

Jungkook is kneeling next to the bed, kissing the back of my hand and rubbing my butt, trying to console me. Being that my eyes are closed tight, I don't see when Jimin comes over to kneel next to him.

"May I?"

Assuming he got the go ahead from Jungkook, I almost melt when his hands caress my scalp and firm circles rub across my temples. This doesn't alleviate the pain completely but it's definitely relaxing. This in combination with the booty rubs calms me enough that I end up falling asleep.

"Jagiya, wake up, love...you need to eat something."

I awaken to Taehyung's gorgeous face and I'm enthralled but unable to show it much as I'm still in pain. It has subsided a ton, but is definitely lingering.

"Hi, Tae. Are you done with work?"

He still blushes and gives me that boxy smile whenever I call him by his nickname. He is so fucking cute.

"Yeah, I just had to speak to a few customers and move some appointments around. How are you feeling?"

"I feel like shit but not as shit as earlier. I missed you."

"I missed you more, and I'm glad you feel less shit."

"Also, I'm so sorry about last night."

"No need to apologize...we know it was the medicine making you like that. Here, sit up. I brought soup. Koo told me you haven't eaten much."

I'm able to sit up and have a few spoonfuls of the soup, the rich warm broth heats me from within. After taking more medicine, I scoot over to make room for Taehyung to lay with me, and bump into a sleeping Jungkook. Thankfully, I don't wake him but it does cause him to stir, he grabs my hips, pulling me to lay flush to him. With hushed voices, Taehyung and I converse with our foreheads together.

"So?" He questions me, wearing a knowing smirk, my thumb grazing over the slight stubble along his cheek.

"So? So, what?" I'm genuinely confused.

"Jimin?"

I pull away for a moment to fully search his features for any indication of anger or jealousy... nothing. He only smiles and wiggles his eyebrows at me. So he and Jungkook talked while I was sleeping.

I snicker and playfully cover his smile with my palm and say, "Yeah? What about him?"

"Koo told me about you guys giving each other 'bedroom eyes'."

"No one was giving anyone any kind of eyes. I mean... he was handsome and sweet."

"Yea, that's not the way Koo described him. He said he was fine as fuck and looked like he was sent from heaven, on some Keyshia Cole type shit."

We burst into silent laughter, trying not to disturb Jungkook as he has to work tonight.

"Oh my God! Stop, stop, stop...my head hurts," I whisper yell to him, still wheezing.

"Oh shit...my bad. I read somewhere that an orgasm will help relieve headaches," Taehyung apologizes while still smiling and rubbing my head with his thumb, his comment only causes us to laugh more. Once we finally settle down, he kisses my forehead and asks, "Bath time?"

"Ummm," I agree, never turning down a bath, nuzzling my face into his shirt. The scent of his cologne makes me clench my thighs in an attempt to cease the throbbing. Bitch, you could have died just yesterday and you're thinking about fucking?! I allow Taehyung to assist me from the bed to the bathroom, struggling to fight against the weakness and lightheadedness. He holds my arm firmly as I step into the empty tub, sitting me down slowly.

"Lay back and try to relax a bit," Taehyung advises as he starts the water, adjusting it until he finds the perfect temperature. I move my hair to drape over the lip of the tub before I lay back. Leaving briefly, he comes back to sit behind my head. I'm assuming he went to get a hair tie as he's now collecting my strands to put them in a bun atop my head.

I'm practically drooling when his hands leave my hair and begin to massage my neck. Applying firm pressure, using water as lubrication to slip from the base of my neck up into my nape. With his thumb still rubbing circles in my hair, his free hand is massaging my shoulder. My eyes close on their own, moans flowing from my nostrils.

"You like that, huh?"

"Uh huh," I nasally respond, allowing my head to rest against his palm.

Noticing that the water is now covering my breasts, Taehyung pauses his massage to turn the water off, coming back to start where he left off.

"Have you spoken to Koo about the suspect they arrested last night?"

"I haven't but I know that's a conversation that needs to happen. Since I've slept most of the day, I don't think he's had the chance to bring it up."

"How are you feeling about all of this, like, now that he's been caught?"

"Honestly, I feel free and light. I feel like I can exist without having to look over my shoulder, you know? But, mostly, I'm just glad he wasn't able to hurt me or the people that I love."

Taehyung gently moves my head to the other side to massage my other shoulder. I open my eyes as I hear the bathroom door opening to see a groggy Jungkook coming in, hair a mess atop his head.

"Hey, Sleepyhead! Did you sleep well?"

A/N:

Thanks so much to @moonleeai for beta reading this chapter! 💜

#bangtanwhq #joonslfttiddie #ambw #bts fanfction #bts fanfic #bts smut #kim namjoon #kim seokjin #min yoongi #jung hoesok #park jimin #kim taehyung #jeon jungkook #arson #hate crime #reverse harem #haunted house #reincarnated lovers #black protagonist #black original character

[alec-1016]

hey i watched and finished 911 lone star this week, so imma bring uo something that is very old(s1 or 2) but that impacted me A LOT

And that is the first(second? one of the first) tarlos fight, about Carlos telling his parents TK was his friend. I understand and feel for TK, especially after being fresh from a traumatic break up from a relationship in which he was clearly more invested than his partner(fuck u alex).

But I feel so much for Carlos. I am brazilian, like Rafael, and I feel like i live in the Reyes household, when Carlos was young. I am Carlos at 17, coming out, being hugged, being loved, and then having that part of himself be pushed under the rug. I will never come out to my extended family. I may take a while to transition medically, or never transition, not because I live with especially close-minded people, but because I live with humans that are sometimes afraid of what they don't know.

When Carlos said "I don't wanna rub their noses in it" I felt that, because I can't even talk to my mom about Lone Star without telling her that what drew me to it was the queer rep, esp the trans rep. Lat time I talked to my mom about a show like this, it was Star Trek Discovery, and she said "Wow, are there only gay people in these things you watch?". Needless to say, I tend to refrain from mentioning characters that arent cishet now.

I will have to cut contact with most of my family when I come out, if I wanna get married, get my name changed, etc.

When TK said "I thought they were nice people" and Carlos said "They ARE nice people. But they are not perfect" I felt that because I love my mom. She supported me though all of my crazy dreams, and my depressive episodes, my autism diagnosis. But she doesn't see her son when she looks at me, and she can't say my name. I have complicated feelings about my father, because he is a cheater w anger issues, but he calls me his son. He sends me articles on trans rights here in my town. He wants to see me become whatever I want. But he also left.

What I wanna say is, I never realized I needed latino rep in my media until I got it, especially queer latino rep. I am white passing, though both my grandmothers are/were black, so I always thought I was ok with seeing characters that were brunettes, like Hermione, or Belle. But seeing Encanto, and now Lone Star I actually saw my family there, with the mess and the thousands of tios and tias and primos, and the catholic guilt and the good food.

What I'm saying is Rafa said "The fact that we [Ronen and Rafa/ TK and Carlos] can just walk into your living room without your asking? Yeah, that brings me joy" bc ls is not a queer show.It's a show about first responders, and some of them happen to be queer. It's not next to RuPaul's drag race on the straming catalogue, but next to action shows. And it reminds me that people think that is "shoving it in theur faces". Because they feel queer rep, and queer PEOPLE should come with a warning, because they ferl they have the right to simply ignore out existence. Sometimes ut feels like simply existing is "shoving it in their faces" and I'm tired.

I am very privileged in my country, being the child of university professors, even though both of them grew up very poor. I am middle class, with fairly open parents and a queer sister, and for that I am grateful, and I realize that my situation is better than a lot of people's. I am not denying that. But it feels nice to see a story that looks like mine, not just a face. A story in US media, that I grew up watching and worshipping, far more than the relatively conservative media from Brazil(especially the novelas, jesus christ, someone save us from globo, recodrd and band and sbt), with a boy that reminds me so much of myself. With a trans male character for fuck's sake, that has to deal with the mess of dating as a trans person, of navigating your family and your transition. These people showed me that I am not alone.

Also Rafael is from my town and ever since I foumd that out I have been giggling internally, you guys have no clue 😅😅

Oh well, another rant no one asked for but I delivered anyways. I am very depressed, very disphoric and very hyperfixated on 911 ls, so...sorry, not sorry?

#Rafael Silva #911 #911 lone star #carlos reyes #tk strand #tyler kennedy strand #tarlos #latino #latina #latine #latinx #latino rep #brasil #brazil

[driftward]

Title: FFXIV Write 2023 - 3. Soulmate Characters: Liana kir Vaux, Papanan kir Sosonan, Datum lux Lorimus Rating: Teen Summary: The Nyx Project has run into some problems, but its newest member may have found a solution. This happens approximately twenty years before ARR. Notes: Thanks to @yzeltia for the word prompt for today. CW: Mild gore, frank discussion of an autopsy-like activity

The dead body of another hybrid Allagan creation lay on the bench in the Garlean laboratory. It looked for all the world like a Miqo'te, a Keeper of the Moon, with rounded pupils and skin a shade of deep blue so dark it almost appeared black. Giving away its artificial nature was the pulling back of the flesh as rot had set in, and in those places where the flesh had pulled back far enough, one could see the dark goldish hue of what was presumably Allagan technology. Flesh wrapped around what had previously been an ambulatory metal skeleton, an automaton of some sort.

It had lasted for three days after activation. The rot had started at thin black lines on the creature's skin, initially too thin to be seen, but those lines were where the flesh had first pulled away from the skeleton as the thing degraded. And as its flesh rotted, so too seemed its mind. While it had initially been able to follow simple orders, it rapidly grew to misinterpret them, or to seem to not hear them at all. And then, at last, it had collapsed, twitching and flailing in violent seizure, as its body collapsed to the floor, and some hours later, stopped moving.

Three days, and those three days represented a new record for for how long those scientists working on the Nyx Project had managed to keep one of the creatures running. The project, overall, was an attempt by the Garlean empire to capitalize on their ownership of certain Allagan ruins to bring new technology to life for the empire.

It was not going well.

Liana kir Vaux and Papanan kir Sosonan were now looking the construct over, to see if they could determine what had gone wrong this time. Liana's hands traced over its body, her eyes half-lidded as she attempted to find any thread of aether that might still be coursing through the thing. Papanan in the meanwhile had peeled back layers of polymat skin and artificial muscle to now examine the fine lines of fibers and tiny workings of machinery and circuitry that existed deep within.

Neither of them looked up when the door to the area opened. The only people who came this far into the Castrum, who were even permitted into the space, were those working on the project. And neither of them paused in their work when the swearing started, followed by the exclamation of their fellow scientist.

"Emperor preserve, that smells awful. Find out why it failed yet?" Said Datum lux Lorimus.

Papanan just glanced up at Liana, who nodded and stood with a sigh, stretching her back out as she did so.

"Same as number six. Everything appears to be in order, but the organic components refuse to maintain their vitality. And I believe Papanan has found that the fiber harness is all intact, but with no signals, there's no motion."

Papanan harrumphed. "Going to have to crack this one open too, I suspect."

Liana looked over to Datum. "I thought you would still be working on translation."

Datum went over to the nearby console. "Not anymore. We're fortunate. There's been a breakthrough. Some original tomestones have been found that I believe are related to whatever work was being done here, and I came here to review them in the original Allagan. Whatever work it was that E'lan jen Tia did is practically a waste. He was translating a translation of a translation - others' interpretations of what they found when they came across these ruins over the eons."

"Too many layers removed, then, I take it?" asked Liana mildly. Papanan barked a laugh.

"Well, unless you want to try to wake up the next unit and find it a soulmate using a spiritual fishing hook. All we have to do is dangle it in the deep blue sea and wait, apparently, according to what E'lan had translated. Ah, if it was only that easy. Maybe I'd have stayed in dear sweet Thanalan and found myself a wife instead of a calling," said Papanan.

"Careful," warned Datum.

"Please. If the Frumentarium wants me gone, they know where to find me, and I'll hand them the noose."

"I just would rather not have anything happen to either of you," said Datum quietly, as he sat down at the console and connected the tomestone to its interface.

"Come around on us savages then?" asked Papanan.

"Don't antagonise him, Papanan," said Liana, to Papanan's shrug.

"...whatever happened to that E'lan fellow, anyroad?" asked Datum, gently shifting the topic as the tomestone loaded in.

"I rather suspect he found he could not stomach what we were doing to what looked rather uncomfortably like kin to him. This work is rather gruesome. Macabre, even. Morbid, if you will. Ghastly. Downright ghoulish."

Liana just sighed and Pananan chuckled to himself.

"You know," he continued, "It's interesting. Every single one of these we've dug up has looked like quite the fetching young Miqo'te woman. It's weird. It's like how, you know, most Spoken undead seem to be Hyurs for whatever reason."

"The running theory is that the Hyur constitution is balanced in such a way as to favor necromantic energies," said Liana. "I do not know that there is any truth to that. I think it's perhaps just bias. You can find Hyur almost anywhere, so you find plenty of Hyur undead. There are plenty of Duskwight undead in Gelmorran ruins, as a counterpoint, but you do not find my people far from there often."

"Hmn, just so, maybe."

Datum just nodded as the tomestone finished loading, and he began to read carefully through its output. Liana and Papanan returned to their work.

It was nearly a bell later when Datum sat up suddenly. Neither Liana nor Papanan noticed, both of them still deep in the work of disassembling the construct.

"What was that you said earlier. About a soulmate?" he asked.

"Eh?" replied Papanan, who had only been halfway paying attention. "Oops," he said a moment later, as he dropped a spinal linkage.

"Careful," admonished Liana quietly. "It won't hold as well now that we've detached the myomer."

"Soulmate. You mentioned earlier that E'lan thought that these constructs needed soulmates."

"Oh, right, that. No, it was really ridiculous. He thought we needed to attach a spiritual fishing hook into the main assembly, then dangle it into a deep blue sea until we got a soulmate for it."

Datum frowned, and he turned back to his console, rapidly flipping back and forth between different sections of his reading.

"Was that exactly what he said?"

"Hells if I remember."

"Close, as I remember it. Not just any sea - he specifically said the depths of the Azure sea," said Liana.

"Which is ridiculous. They're all blue."

"... oh, he was close," said Datum, a trace of excitement in his voice.

Liana and Papanan now both fully stopped in their work. "Datum?" asked Liana. "What have you found?"

Datum just turned and looked. "Can you get flip it over? Open up the back of its main chassis? I want to see something."

"...sure. Hang on, let's back up, it's heavy. Let the arm handle it," said Papanan.

Liana nodded, and went over to operate a big crane with a large hand at the end of it, flipping the construct over. Once it was flipped, the three scientists moved back in, and Liana reached her fingers in underneath the shoulder blades, and pulled off a large panel of muscle and skin off its back.

Datum covered his nose, and moved in closer, his fingers tracing over the exposed metal that had been hidden in the torso.

"Can we open that?"

"Sure, hang on," said Papanan, as he picked up a nearby tomestone and started connecting it to the construct using fiber cables.

Liana looked over at Datum and raised an eyebrow.

"You know that thing that's over in section three - the so-called Cauldron Boundary Unit?" said Datum.

Liana nodded. "We've had no luck making any use of it. It claims to be a forge, but anything we drop in it just gets dissolved into aether and byproduct."

Datum nodded to the construct as Papanan finished hooking up the wiring. "I think it was meant for these."

Liana frowned at Datum, but he ignored her as he just stepped forward to watch while Papanan thumbed some controls on his tomestone, opening the metal inner shell of the construct. The areas where its shoulder blades had been folded upward, revealing its inner workings. A deeply complicated nest of wiring and unrecognizable machinery, dominated by a central sphere that it all seemed to either be connected to or harnessed around, suspended in the chest cavity. Datum reached out, and touched a hand to it, glancing back and forth down at his own tomestone.

"Artifacted nethicite."

"E'lan was pretty sure that word was meant to be 'auracite'," said Papanan idly, and Datum just shook his head.

"We've no other translation for it, but the phonetics in the original Allagan are obvious. Whatever it is - that serves as a core for these things. Do we have access to the aether transfer array here? I want to try to charge it."

"I can take care of that," said Liana. "What are you trying to do?"

"I just want to see what will happen."

"Might want to see what will happen a bit further back, if you think this will get it going again," said Papanan. "You weren't there for the seizures, but don't be fooled - it looks like a little Miqo'te, but that thing's muscle density is way higher than it should be, and it's a fast bastard when it's up."

"It's got nerves different from we do," said Liana, explaining as she set up the aetheric array. "Faster or broader or something. When it moves, it really moves. Its twitch motion is nearly twice as fast as any other Spoken."

"I... think I shall be over here, then," said Datum nervously, and Papanan went with him. Liana ducked down from where she was standing.

"Ready when you are."

Datum took a deep breath, and nodded. "Fix release."

Liana triggered a switch, and a steady beam of aether flowed from a crystalline array in the ceiling, aimed at the torso of the construct. Rather than flowing around it or dissipating into nether, the aether seemed to just flow into the core and stop there.

For several long minutes, nothing further happened. Liana stuck her head up over the console, while Papanan leaned out from where he was hiding. Datum, however, just watched intensely.

"Can't keep this up much longer," said Liana, looking over her readouts. "We got another minute before I'll need to turn it off and let our stores refill and the system recharge."

"Keep at it," said Datum.

And then, the core gained the faintest glow, hard to see from around the aether stream pouring into it. The construct began to twitch violently, seeming to vibrate in place as its whole body twitched, its fingers and toes violently and rapidly curling and uncurling. It began to make a low, unsettling guttural groan.

Datum grimaced. "That's enough. Shut it down."

Liana did so, and as the aether stream faded away, so did the glow from the construct's core, and its body settled back down to become still.

Papanan put his hands on his hips, and nodded, looking to Datum. "Well well well! That's progress. What is it you've got, then?"

Datum stood up, and began to fiddle with the accoutrements to his lab coat. "Well. I think that has proven several things. We won't be able to get the core online with just aether alone. But I know what will, now."

He looked to the other two. "We don't need to find them soulmates. What we need is to mate a soul to them - to quicken their cores. E'lan's translations were from secondary sources, but I see how he got them. It's not a spiritual fishing hook. It's a soul gig, and it's part of the Cauldron Boundary Unit. It's called a cauldron because it's the last step in forging one of these to completion. As for the boundary part - the cauldron leads deep down, we know that much. How far down has been a matter of speculation, but I suspect I know now. Far enough down to reach the aetherial sea."

"That's preposterous," said Papanan, but Liana just frowned and looked thoughtful.

"And that's the last puzzle piece of E'lan's translation. Not a deep blue sea, but rather, into the Azure Sea - a common enough name for the aetherial sea by civilizations past, owing due to the nature of its color."

"I understand," said Liana. "By using the cauldron to go past the boundary of the material, the Allagans thought to perhaps attach a soul to it to help power and maintain it."

"Ridiculous," said Papanan, but there was no real dissent to his voice as he looked up at the crystal transfer idea. "The idea that we would be attaching a soul to this thing seems quite beyond what even the Allagans were capable of. But, we have one of the most powerful aetheric transfer systems that have ever been devised in the modern era. I propose instead that if this cauldron does lead to the sea, or even if it does not, it leads to somewhere with deep aetheric capability. I suspect what we will be doing instead is simply charging the core. Hardly needs a soul for explanation. We saw it start moving."

Liana crossed her arms. "Perhaps leave the theorizing on the nature of aether to the aetherlogical expert."

"Oh, sure, if you'll leave the machinery to the mechanical expert. I'm telling you, this thing doesn't need a soul, just some juice, and maybe something to keep it from rotting. A dense source of aether just might do the trick."

"In either case, we know what we have to do next," said Datum. "I shall inform Kyb mal Donos. Perhaps we can get another extension while we retrieve more of these... frames."

"It's just a body. No need to get prissy about it," said Papanan, grinning up at Datum. Datum just shook his head.

"Whatever the case is, we know what we need to do next."

"Do we?" asked Liana. "And what of the current experiment? We've not gotten one to start moving again before."

"It's still half rotted. You two may be used to the smell, but we'll need to show these things to the Legatus eventually. Once the system's recharged, try again, make sure we can replicate the findings. Liana, maybe try to see if you can bind a familiar to it, we'll see if that's enough to keep them moving without having to resort fully to trying to see if we can get the Cauldron Boundary Unit to do what we want. But when you're done, just consign it to the graveyard. I'm going to report back to Kyb. Any questions?"

"No questions." "Nothing from me."

Datum just nodded, and then looked down at the weird hybrid construct once more.

"We'll get one of you to life yet," he said.

#ffxivwrite2023 #final fantasy xiv #liana kir vaux #papanan kir sosonan #datum lux lorimus #soulmate #202309-04 #biot writes #cw: gore

[catierambles]

The hostess of the restaurant was still talking to the uniformed officers as Walter walked into the dining area. He saw the body right away, a young man, maybe mid-twenties, laying amidst overturned tables and shattered glasses. The slash marks in his chest were readily apparent, but even from his vantage point, he could tell they looked charred around the edges. The body was twisted unnaturally, limbs obviously broken.

Another Lieutenant came up to him and Walter looked at him.

"We have an ID?" He asked and he nodded.

"Already ran it. Came back with an outstanding warrant for petty theft."

"Who found the body?" Walter asked.

"The hostess." He said, "She called 911."

"Anyone else here?"

"The owner of the restaurant." He said, "He's in his office and is refusing to speak to anyone."

"I've heard of him and this place. Reservation only, and they're booked out months in advance." Walter said, "He never does any interviews in any food magazines. Bit of a recluse."

"My wife and I managed to get a reservation for our anniversary, and I had to book it almost a year in advance." The Lieutenant said, "The food is fantastic. A damn religious experience. Portions were generous but not overwhelming, and it didn't break the bank."

"Probably why this place is so popular." Walter said, "Let's talk with the hostess, see what she can tell us." They walked over to her, and Walter dismissed the uniforms. "Ma'am, how're you doing?"

"Still shaken up." She admitted, rubbing her arms as is she were cold. "I've never seen a dead body before and he's..."

"I understand." Walter said sympathetically. "He was already dead when you got here?"

"I had to come back for something, and I found him. Mr. Tia locked himself in his office and told me to call 911." She said.

"Was he the only one here?" The other Lieutenant asked, and she nodded.

"It's not uncommon for him to stay late after we've closed for the night, and everyone has left." She said.

"Ma'am we need to talk to him, get his version of events." The Lieutenant said.

"I can ask him--"

"We need to hear it from him." He said, starting to sound annoyed, "I understand he doesn't like talking to people, but there's a man dead on his dining room floor. His privacy doesn't matter right now."

"Let me talk to him first." She said, "He's wary around strangers."

"Take too long, and we'll drag him into the station." The Lieutenant said and she walked away towards the back of the restaurant.

"Bit heavy handed, don't you think?" Walter asked.

"He was the only one here, Marshall. Chances are he killed the guy."

"I'm not saying it doesn't look good for him, but maybe get his side first before jumping to conclusions?" Marshall suggested, and the hostess came back out.

"He's agreed to meet with you." She said, "But only one of you. Him." She pointed at Walter briefly. "He was watching on the security cameras and didn't like your aggressive body language towards me."

"It doesn't matter what he--"

"If that's what he wants, I have no problem with it." Walter said, "Stay here and wait for the medical examiner."

"Whatever." The Lieutenant scoffed, and Walter gestured for the hostess to go first, letting her lead him through to the back of the restaurant. They stopped at an office door and she knocked on it gently.

"Mr. Tia, it's Evelyn again. I have the police officer who wanted to talk to you."

"Mr. Tia, I'm Lieutenant Marshall. Can I ask you some questions about what happened tonight?" There was a pause.

"Come in." Said the deep, masculine voice, and she pushed open the door. He was sitting at his desk, and Walter stopped in the doorway, looking at him with wide eyes. He was slight of frame, probably shorter than him when standing, but what stood out most was the feline ears poking through his dark hair at the top of his head, and when he looked at him, Walter could see how his vivid purple eyes were vertically slitted, faint markings around them with stripes curving down his tan cheeks.

The ears drooped a little and tilted back at Walter's reaction to him and he sighed.

"Now, do you see why I seclude myself, Lieutenant?" He asked.

"What are you?"

"Not of your world." He said, "Please, come in. You said you had questions, and I would answer them sooner rather than later."

#henry cavill #walter marshall #b'shal tia #my writing #im going to bed

[achitka]

Day Five: Cold

Day Five: Cold

Mirabel sat looking out of her fifth-floor dorm window at the white flakes falling from the sky. She cracked the window open and put her hand out. Little white flecks dropped onto her hand and immediately melted. Tia Pepa’s snow would often melt before it even hit the ground, seeing so much of it in person was just fascinating. Still, the unstable weather patterns here made her miss her Tia, then her parents, then her abuela.

While she never experienced this much actual snow before. She’d read books about the stuff and yesterday the weather was nice, not too cold but blustery. Today… snow. Mirabel shivered when the wind swirled into her room, bringing some snowflakes along with it. The weather in this part of the United States was so unpredictable, and she noticed it was starting to cover the ground.  Mirabel wondered how long it would snow for as she pushed the window closed.

It was quiet here, sometimes a little too quiet. She didn't realize just how much she would miss the random tile movements that had been a part of her life since she was a baby.

She didn’t have any classes today, so went to her desk and turned on her laptop. She promised her Mamá she would write her an email every day. It would be nice if she could call, but cell service was sketchy at best in the mountains. She kinda regretted that promise, but being the youngest of her mom's kids, it was her cross to bear. On the upside, Christmas was coming, and she would be going home to Colombia soon. She hoped she’d be able to see them all, but Tío Bruno was in Mexico to pitch a movie. Isabela was somewhere in Chile doing plant surveys of endangered species for her postgraduate of something or other.

Mirabel clicked her email box and found she had a number of emails from Antonio. She smiled when she realized they had all been sent within minutes of each other. He did that whenever he had something to tell her that he forgot to put in the last one. She counted a total of seven from him, and she noticed she had one from Camilo. That almost never happened, before she could open it, there was a gentle knock on her door.

Mirabel got up and opened it to find Luisa standing there holding out a coat, some gloves and a knitted cap. Luisa lived off campus. She was set to graduate in the spring next year, and that was why Mira was at this university. When she was sixteen, she tested out of secondary school, so her parents decided she could go to university early but only if she went to this university. But if she had to be stuck in the middle of nowhere America, Luisa was the one she'd want to be stuck with.

“Come on, Mira. There’s finally enough snow on the ground to make a snowman,” Luisa said as she came into her room.

Mira took the coat, hat and gloves but said, “I was just getting ready to... ”

“Whatever it is, do it later. It's getting late, and it’ll be dark soon,” Luisa said and handed her the boots they’d gone shopping for the month before. “Seriously, Mira, you haven’t even taken the tags off.”

“I like my regular shoes.”

“Not in the snow, you won’t.”

Mirabel shrugged and took the boots. She glanced back at her desk and then at the window. She didn’t like being out after dark, and these days it was dark by six o’clock. The snow was really coming down, and she thought, why not. So once she was geared up, they headed out into the winter wonderland and made a snowman.

#mirabel madrigal #luisa magridal #encantober #cold #encanto fanfic #encanto #encanto 2021