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strawberries-and-racing · 7 months

Text

i wanna be yours - mv1

pairing: max verstappen x fem!reader

requests that came together and inspired this series:

• nsfw prompts 9-13 (in pt. 2)

• 'listen up. Obsessive possessive crazy max for sweet innocent reader smut.'

• 'ok so we need dark FICS of any driver of your choice but make him very obsessive and possessive and don't forget the smut. Keep it up girlllll!!!'

summary: a lot of tension building between possessive max and sweet y/n.

warnings: alcohol consumption, fluff, slightly crazy max, some cliches (im sorry!) also the title is based off the arctic monkeys song because i felt like the vibes matched also i love arctic monkeys💕

a/n: screaming once again!!! this is the first fluff ive posted and it's part 1/2. the next part has the smut as promised but i wanted to take my time and build this up please enjoy🙏

the flight to the UK was long, but well worth it. two months ago you'd been offered an unbelievable opportunity.

an opportunity you'd been dreaming of for years, one you'd spent what felt like an eternity working towards— an engineering internship. not just any internship, one with the red bull formula one team.

you'd be able to travel with the team, shadow the engineers, help with various tasks around the paddock, and design parts at hq. an absolute dream.

after scouring a thousand real estate websites, you'd finally found the perfect place for to live.

a little 1 bed 1 bath apartment, tucked into a beautiful, quaint little neighbourhood. just 30 mins to the red bull hq.

you'd dedicated many late nights and ikea shopping trips to making the apartment your own. your comfortable escape from the grueling hours of studying and pressures of the internship.

you led a busy life, but it never bothered you. you adored what you did and formula one had been your passion since you were a little girl.

and now everything was falling into place. in fact, tommorrow you'd leave to attend your first race with the team. austria. red bulls home race.

you were ecstatic to say the least.

°~•☆•♡•☆•~°

you hurriedly made your way through the paddock and into the red bull garage. your eyes glued to the schedule on top of the pile of papers in your arms.

you were on your way to assist one of the senior engineers in preparation before the race began.

you were nervous, and it was no help that you weren't exactly sure where you were supposed to be meeting him.

suddenly, you stumble over your own feet and bump into someone.

you feel hands on your shoulders, their grasp firm, steadying you.

you look up and are taken aback by the pair of strikingly blue eyes staring back at you. his eyes were the kind of crystal blue that would capture anyones attention. but despite their bright colour, they had a sort of inexplicable depth, darkness to them.

there was something in his expression that you couldn't quite read. something stirring beneath the surface of his icy gaze. it was as though he wasn't just looking at you, but into you.

you abruptly become aware of his hands, still on your shoulders. you're so oddly aware of them, as if it's your first time being touched by anyone.

he holds you firmly, as if trying to hold you together. the moment seemed to last forever. the two of you frozen in time.

a stranger's eye contact and touch shouldn't be affecting you in this way.

"you okay?"

it's only once he speaks that you realize who the man standing in front of you is.

your eyes widen, cheeks flushing. you straighten up quickly, mouth slightly agape.

"oh'" you start, at a loss for words "yeah, im sorry." you manage a small smile.

you straighten up an take a step backwards, pulling away from his grasp. you miss the warmth of his hands more than you'd ever like to admit.

"it's okay, no worries," his eyes linger on you a moment longer before you both go your separate ways.

as you walk away, you cant help but glance back at him.

max verstappen.

you'd certainly heard him speak before on tv, but something about his accent in person was enchanting. his energy seemed to linger on you like perfume.

everything about him caught your attention, long before you'd bumped into him in person.

you'd seen his dominance on track, it was impossible not to notice. he could control the car like no other driver, handling each corner perfectly. he pushed the car to the limit every race and it payed off.

it wasn't just his driving you noticed. his persona. it was everything. and you couldn't ignore the fact that it was sexy.

his short temper, his tendency to snap easily.

it was unreasonably and indescribably attractive.

°~•☆•♡•☆•~°

the next time you see him he's across the room. you're studying the notes that the senior engineer gave you, papers and writing utensils spread across the table in front of you.

he was discussing something with his race engineer, he certainly wasn't doing anything that was particularly interesting or peculiar, he wasn't even looking in your direction. but for fucks sake you were distracted. you were somehow absorbed by his prescence.

ever since bumping into him you couldn't seem to get him out of your head. last night you'd replayed the memory over and over in your mind, finding it more difficult than usual to fall asleep.

all day, you'd silently prayed you would bump into eachother again. your relentless efforts to push your thoughts and feelings to the back of your mind were useless.

the mere idea of him was addictive, so alluring. he was drug-like to you and impossible to ignore.

although it was unknown to you at the time, max had found himself similarly hooked on you. or rather, the thought of you. even though he found enough strength to avoid looking at you, he was well aware of you. sitting at the table in the furthest corner. he was even more aware of the fact that your eyes kept flickering in his direction.

your energy was unlike anything he had ever known. you walked around with an aura of pure innocence. yet you seemed untouchable.

your smile shone. your laugh was contagious. you radiated sunshine. max had come to know these things about you.

you were magnetic in such a way that made him curious.

it stirred something inexplicable inside him. like you were another thing for him to win, to claim. another thing for him to dominant. to corrupt.

your innocence was tangible. and max wanted to be the one to wreck you. it was all he thought about.

ruining you.

°~•☆•♡•☆•~°

the light in your apartment was soft. that's how you preferred it.

you relished your alone time. your small apartment was tailored exactly to you. it was always where you felt perfectly safe and at ease.

light from the sunset was just beginning to spill through your windows. you're stirring a big pot of soup on the stove with lazy motions.

a buzz from your phone catches your attention, the screen lights up and you see a new message. it's from andrew, one of the young engineers at red bull who you'd grown close with over the past few months.

your eyes widen upon reading the message.

a dinner with drivers? you couldn't deny that it sounded exciting.

but then again, you were already in your pajamas and the soup was beginning to steam.

you suck in a breath.

fuck.

the three letters of his name were more than enough to change your answer.

°~•☆•♡•☆•~°

you spent half your time getting ready frantically choosing an outfit.

finally, you'd settled on your favorite black dress. your hair fell over your shoulders in soft curls left over from the day before.

now, you were standing outside the restaurant. you take a deep breath, trying to calm your nerves.

you walk in and the hostess greets you with a friendly smile. you're led to a booth connected to a big table that's only half full.

andrew waves you over and you take a seat next to him in the booth. lando sits across from you.

youd never spoken with lando outside of strictly professional context and you were pleasantly surprised by his charming humor. you're engrossed in the conversation with the two boys as the rest of the group fills the table. you look up to greet the others.

your breath hitches when you see him. his eyes stare into yours with the same intensity as they had two days ago. you don't break the eye contact until he sits down and a dark haired boy you've never seen before calls his name.

despite the abrupt rush of blood to your head, you manage to hold up the conversation with lando.

°~•☆•♡•☆•~°

max couldn't keep his eyes off you for long, and the longer he watched the tighter his grip got on his glass, until his knuckles turned white. he was so focused on you laughing and smiling with lando that he didn't pick up on the way you fidgeted with your ring. a nervous tell.

max clenched his jaw as you leaned in close to something lando said. far closer than what many would deem an action between two casual friends. your giggles and blushing and landos knowing smirk and your hand jokingly smacking his arm made max see red.

"you alright, mate?"

"im fine."

°~•☆•♡•☆•~°

as the night goes on and the chatter and laughter get louder, people begin shuffling around, moving to talk with new people.

lando is called over to a different group of friends and andrew leaves with him, leaving you alone in the booth.

"having fun?"

you recognize his voice immediately, sense his burning presence as he slides into the booth, sitting next to you.

"yeah." you manage a smile. "the food was really good."

"that's good." he says, briefly glancing away. your eyes involuntarily trace over the tendons of his neck.

he was wearing a dark button down, the sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. simple, but ridiculously sexy.

he turns his eyes back onto you. "i didn't know you were gonna be here."

"oh i—" you hesitate for a second, his eyes making your heart skip a beat.

"andrew invited me." you explained, turning slightly so you could face him.

"mm, so are you..." he gestures between you and andrew a few seats down, you know what hes asking.

"oh no, we're just friends." you toy with the edge of your napkin.

it was a bold topic to bring up during a first conversation to say the least, but it didn't feel weird. there wasn't the usual tension, usual coldness that typically came with talking to someone for the first time. it was comfortable, you were able to relax a little.

"hm." is all max answers with. he spreads his legs slightly and pushes his hips forwards, getting comfortable. his leg brushing against yours.

the casual action had your heart thrumming in your ears, beating so loudly you're worried he can hear it.

you swallow, having to glance away. you feel your cheeks turning red.

why max verstappen had such an intense effect on you was still a mystery.

"so um—" you start, trying to make some small talk that would distract you from his arm that now rested on the ledge behind you. you take a breath, composing yourself before speaking. "how often do you guys do this kind of thing?"

he shifted again, his leg touching yours, but he doesn't pull it away this time. the knot of nerves in your stomach tightened. you felt your face turn even redder. the physical contact made your body ache for more.

max smirked, his ego swelling as he saw the effect he had on you.

"once in a while, usually after a race."

you nod, biting your lip.

"congratulations by the way." you say, it wasn't surprising he'd taken first yet again, but you said it anyways. you prayed he wasn't able to pick up on the way your words came out slightly shaky.

you wanted to do nothing more than relax into him, but with the way he was looking at you that proved to be impossible.

you took a sip of your wine, desperate to cool down as an unexpected surge of heat washed over you which lingered between your legs.

max was different than anyone you'd ever talked too before. he reminded you of nobody. his sense of humor was unique and hilarious.

as the conversation continued you grew immensely fond of the dutchman sitting beside you. although you were absorbed in the stories from his childhood he told you, you remained acutely aware of how close the two of you were now sitting.

max's night couldn't have been unfolding more perfectly. your body language made your thoughts and feelings painfully obvious.

he picked up on the way you blushed immensely at any slight touch from him. the way your pupils dilated as you stared at him. the goosebumps that spread across your chest when he complimented your dress.

but the loudness of the restaurant was a little too much for him. there were too many people here. he craved something more intimate, more private.

"do you wanna get out of here?"

you're caught off guard by his words.

the question was so cliche, yet coming from his mouth it made your heart throb.

"there's a beautiful view not too far from here," he continued, "we could walk?"

his voice was like velvet and he leaned in close, speaking in a low tone as if he didnt want anyone to hear except you.

by now, you're practically having heart palpitations. the pit in your stomach gapes wider.

it was already hard enough for you to keep your sanity intact with him while surrounded by other people. you honestly aren't sure if you could handle being out alone with him.

you nod slowly your head spinning, breathe quickening.

"oh, yeah i'd love that." your voice was unsteadt, yet enthusiastic.

without another word he starts getting up, but before he slips out of the booth he gently touches your leg with his hand, as if reassuring you.

his fingers may as well have been made of hot metal, his touch affected your entire body, his fingerprints burned into your skin.

you felt like a little kid with a crush as you gingerly got up and followed max out of the restaurant, butterflies in your stomach and in your mind.

you don't notice all the eyes on you two as you leave the restaurant, too caught up in the giddiness you were feeling. your own eyes too focused on max in front of you, more specifically on his back which looked so good in that damn shirt.

max, on the other hand, was well aware of all the eyes on him. he fought to keep his cocky grin at bay. there were at least 20 other people there, and out of everyone, you were leaving with him.

he opens the door and lets you by first.

"thank you," you say, the night air cooling your overheated body.

"of course."

amongst the ever present—extremely active— butterflies that fluttered in your stomach, you felt a twinge of genuine nervousness.

you realize that you had just left a restaurant, alone at night, with a guy you technically barely knew. was this safe?

it certainly felt safe. max felt nothing like a stranger.

your nervousness melted away once max fell into step beside you. you looked up at him, at those intense blue eyes.

you were walking so close your arms touched. you had the urge to reach out and take his hand, but of course you didn't.

so there you were, walking alongside max verstappen into the dark night, to see the promised beautiful view.

you'd only walked two blocks before max carefully took your hand in his, entwining his fingers with yours.

please let me know if you want to be tagged for pt.2 (this might end up being three parts)❤

#max verstappen #max verstappen x reader #max verstappen fluff #max verstappen x you #max verstappen fic #max verstappen fanfic #mv1 #mv33 #f1 #f1 imagines #f1 x reader #prompts #fanfic request #f1 fanfic

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coffeeandbatboys · 30 days

Note

Congrats love! That's amazing.

Okay how about 7, Mayday, and 🥰

Merci buckets.

Love oo

Prompt: Writing little notes on post-its and leaving them in random places to read.

This one turned angsty but I promised that all of these would have a happy ending so obvs had to fix it.

Warnings: presumed death. Angst. ending.

Fate (Mayday x Reader)

The morning before Mayday shipped out was spent on bitter tears and desperate kisses. He promised that when the war was over he'd make up for all of the time you lost.

It had been hard, adjusting to the lack of company.

You'd periodically find a love note scribbled on colorful flimsi somewhere in your speeder or around the apartment. They brought you more joy than he'd ever know.

He had left you with no doubt about his love, and anticipating the next time you'd see him.

But weeks turned into months.

Months turned into a year.

The republic fell, replaced by an even more corrupt empire. A lieutenant had told you that most of the troopers on Barton IV were killed in action.

So you rebelled. For four months you did everything that the Empire stood against, and they made sure you were punished for every last insignificant crime.

They were banishing you to one of the infamous ‘hellhole planets’

You were dropped miles from the base with half a ration bar and a torn up coat. Trekking through the snow and the ice, you thought that maybe just dying was a good idea. You had fallen too many times to count, and it was becoming hard to get back up when you felt like your muscles were being stabbed by a million icicles. But a voice called to you. Someone across the frozen ground was running in your direction.

Standing on shaky legs you raised a hand to your eyes to get a better look at who it was.

You recognized clone armor and began to trudge through the snow once more.

When the trooper reached you, you had fallen again. He dropped to his knees and removed his bucket. You looked into his eyes and hope swelled in your chest.

He kissed you with the same passion as the last ones you’d shared all that time ago.

“M..mm..may..ay..d..d..ay?” You gasped through chattering teeth, blinking through the snow on your lashes. His forehead rested against yours.

“It’s me, Mesh’la,” his voice broke. “Come on, let’s get you out of here.”

He held you in his arms and helped you all the way back to the base.

You cried and held onto him for hours, praying to whoever that it wasn’t a dream. He was so different from the last time you’d seen him, but he was still your Mayday.

“I read your notes,” you hiccuped, tears freezing on your cheeks. “The imperials told me that you were dead…”

He tightened his grip on you and his beard tickled your neck. “No, no, cyare. I’m right here. I’m okay. Maker, I’m so glad you’re alive.”

You swallowed thickly. “Me too.”

You gave him the best kiss you could with how cold it was. As soon as his lips met yours, it was like something inside you exploded and it was no longer cold anymore. He nudged your nose with his.

“I missed you, Mesh’la.”

You scoffed. “You have no idea, Mayday.”

His expression turned playful. “Perhaps you should show me, then.”

#commander mayday x reader #mayday x reader #commander mayday #mayday x fem!reader #commander mayday x fem!reader #mayday tbb #tbb mayday #coffee’s 270 follower celebration #star wars

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mononijikayu · 2 years

Text

chapter i.

Rating: M

Warning: Language, Targaryen Incest, Depiction of Prostitution; Mentions of Childbirth; Depiction of Childbirth;

SUMMARY: In which, MELLARA TARGARYEN, has been cursed and blessed to live a life of loving a man like DAEMON TARGARYEN;

[it had been well known to all that the prince daemon targaryen was not one to ponder too long for those who cause him ire, but it was different when it was his lover, princess mellara targaryen. no bedfellows could match the woman he choose to love. such thought to love seemed foreign to those who observed the rogue prince, but others must be reassured, love grows in the strangest depths.]

- maester aeron targaryen; adust

A D U S T m a s t e r l i s t

< you and i burn together or we shall die trying >

chapter i / chapter ii / chapter iii / chapter iv / chapter v

chapter vi / chapter vii / chapter viii / chapter ix / chapter x

chapter xi / chapter xii / chapter xiii / chapter xiv / chapter xv

chapter xvi / chapter xvii / chapter xviii

Mellara always thought of him with love and hate. The cold air of the evening winds hiked its way through her cloak, her long silver hair pleated tightly in fine silk ribbons, neatly decorating the small of her back. Fighting back a yawn, the sound of clanking metal paving through the pavement woke her, though with irritation. This had not been the way she envisioned her night. The young lady thought that her night would be spent dancing with vigor among the fine men at court, to the jolly singing of singers. A glass of Arbor gold was sliding down her throat, loosening her tongue into merry laughter. But alas, she is here.

It was not good for a high-born lady to be out in the streets, let alone in the Street of Silk on her own. The Street of Silk was a desolate place of idle pleasure, of desires and wants. Her mother would certainly not approve if she was to hear of this. But at this hour, her lady mother would be preoccupied with her conversation with the queen. After all, it had been months since they had last seen one another. Perhaps such an urgency had been on his mind too. The only time he had seen her had been at the royal service of the High Septon at the sept.

Nonetheless, she is hesitant to jeopardize her dignity and life in this situation. Mellara would not be in the streets, allowing her ears to be violated by the sound of clashing pavement and steel if it weren't for his beckoning, of her fondness for him.Maybe it was her irritable mood that worsened the sound in her ears. She had thought that he would come to her, as he promised in his note. Yet, with the way his mind worked, Mellara should have known better than to expect him to stick to what he had planned. Spontaneity kept his mind from boredom. He hated the thought of ever ending up with any essence of boredom.

So did she, if she was being honest.

Perhaps that is why she was going to him in the first place.

Even when she hated him, she still loved him.

When they had arrived, she was escorted within the confines of the establishment. Mellara halted, eyes darting back and forth between the soldiers accompanying her and the scene unfolding. She felt her body shiver at the sight of the bright candlelight beaming like wildfire from the louvered reflection. Fire did not scare her. Fire never scares dragons. It was something else that had made her uncomfortable. It was the sight of violent, drunk men, screaming to the top of their lungs as they urged the others to a wild chorus of fanfare.

Cups continued to be poured by the women holding the silver pitcher. Mellara felt her hands close her cloak closer to her chest, eyeing the women dressed in thin, low-cut garbs of silk, pampered in wild flowers and bright colors. They were almost naked. Mellara could see their nipples etching the thin silks, almost like small mountain peaks. Mellara was not, in fact, a maiden with her virtue intact. Far from it. To be used to such sensual intimacy was one thing, but to be in a place was another.

Gulping, she led the way for the soldiers towards the steps going upwards. She knew he would be there, eagerly waiting for her. Daemon had not been a man of eager patience, Mellara knew. Out of spite, she found herself wondering if she should make him wait even more than before. Run away, to make him want her more. Chase her like any man had wanted to do before him. But Mellara had pursef her lips in disappointment once the doors

"You’re late." Those were his first words to her as she thrust herself through the thin space, rolling her eyes. "My, what attitude tonight."

Still wearing his untied red doublet, he sat with his black tunic hugging his lean figure. She could see his dark sister on an empty stool beside him. Abandoned on his bed was his glorious gold cloak, neatly pinned on the bed’s edge. Dark, dangerous, violent eyes pierced her own lilac ones, burning her passionately under the smell of embers turning into ash from the fireplace. He was pouring himself another drink, mindlessly pouring the goblet full and its contents falling onto the tablecloth. He didn't care for it, abandoning the pitcher in the corner of the table and drinking entirely his sweet joy.

"And pray tell, who is at fault in that?" She questioned him in return, throwing the hood backwards. "You with your ridiculous ideas. A pleasure manse? In the middle of the Street of Silk. Do you not care about my reputation? My mother would have my head!"

Snickering at her response, he adjusts his sitting position to gaze at her with intrigue. "A ridiculous idea it may be, but the action was taken by you. Your princess of a mother would not have mine."

She shook her head in frustrated, a pout curved at the edge of her lips. "You promised me that you would visit me yourself. You swore to me!"

"Plans do change, my love." His lips twitched in an amused smile. "The men wanted to have some time here, a request to celebrste their loyal service. They deserve it, my love. They had done well. As such, their reward."

"Oh, fuck you." She replied to him viciously, his eyes excited at the burning fire behind her eyes. "If you do this to me again, I will use Dark Sister to cut your heart open. Nay, I shall have your head as well."

Releasing an angry huff, she moved toward removing her cloak entirely. Before long, she could hear his boots rise from their quiet position and move towards her. As soon as her cloak had been abandoned to the ground, her waist felt a tight grip force her towards the warmth of his arms against her body. The already tight confines of her dark ruby dress covered in blackened damask and pearls felt even more constraining at his touch.

Trying to move away, Mellara resisted, but to no avail as Daemon Targaryen only pulled her closer to him. It was as if she melted at his touch. Mellara had always hated how easily she was enamored with him. In one moment, she was burning with anger at his requests, and as soon as he beholds her with the passion he only reserves for her, she becomes merely a dog that is eager for the affection of her master.

Mellara Targaryen knew that this was not how she should be, especially not as a dignified princess such as herself. But it was hard not to be, when he had charmed her in such a way that no man could even compare. Mellara had settled her thoughts on the matter for years. There was no escape from it. There was no escape from Daemon.

"Are you sure about that?" He whispers brazenly in her ear, setting her ears ablaze with scarlet. "Little dragon, must you lie? Your ears speak clearly. "

"It is hot in here, that is what it is." It was a clear lie, but it had made him laugh. Mellara had always liked his laughter. It had been so long since she had heard it. Like those times before, it still made her heart pump with such life.

Laughing, he places a kiss on her shoulder. "Even your easy lies, I have yearned for them too."

She laughed softly, tickled. "Did you? I thought you had others besides me to entertain you."

He shook his head, leaning on her shoulder. "No. They are nothing to me. Nothing but a wiltering rose."

"Are you sure? I feel as though you are only trying to save me from a wound. " She says, leaning against her chest. "I know you, Daemon. You are not one to be eagerly satisfied with one round per night."

His fingers tangled in her moonshone hair; his face lifted from her side to smell her essence. A smug smile approaches his lips as he smells the coveted Volantine perfume he had specially purchased for her. They were often hard to procure, especially as many who used them in Volantis had to be within the inner walls of the city—those with Valyrian ancestry. At the same time, the cost had been astounding. One lord could surely look at the price and think differently.

But it was for her. His little dragon, Mellara, deserved nothing but the best. In the whole of Westeros, it was only her who beheld this scent. Daemon had made sure of it. Not even Mysaria had been granted such a gift from him. Each time he longed for her, the scent of endless sweet flowers brought her back into his mind. She too thinks the same, yearning for him each time she beholds the small vase for her to smell. This scent was a symbol of the truth they beheld only together.

"You have worn it?"

"Who else would I wear it for?" He hummed approvingly, his arms loosening from her and turning her. He wanted to stare at her, grasp the woman she had grown into in their time apart. "What?"

"You’ve grown even fairer since I last saw you." Daemon commented, his thumb brushing against her lips. Taking her hand on his own, the prince placed a small peck on the small of her soft fingers. "It makes me jealous."

She raises her brow in confusion. "Of whom, dearest cousin? Have you not claimed me so? "

"It makes me feel ill knowing undeserving men surround you at Blackhall." He tells her, venom echoing in his words, "I hear your mother is eagerly wishing for you to wed some bastard below your station."

It had been true. For many years, her mother, Lady Sarra Velaryon, had been much too worried about her status as an unmarried woman. At her age, it was expected that she would be a high lord’s wife or even her Velaryon cousin’s wife. But Mellara had, in all respects, declined marriage matches, eager to stay unmarried. None could truly force her. Everyone knew why. And no one spoke of it, not even the family. Cousin Viserys had let her be, as long as she held her silence and was discreet. Not too many would speak kindly of her choice in disposition.

That is why her mother may have been eager for her to find a husband. To save her reputation, should things escalate further between her and Daemon, then there would be an excuse. Despite her desperation, her daughter would not cooperate, and as such, there was no plan that could save her. This does not imply that Mellara's own lady mother would give up.Far from it, she concludes. But even then, she was sure she would not accept such a match. She wanted to keep her freedom, one where there was none to force her to make a decision. Unlike Daemon, Mellara had thought herself incapable of it. She was if anything too much like her father. Her princely father who did not care for any rules. It was Daemon she wanted in truth. Yet she would not have him, not lest the rules were bent for her to take him to marriage. She had doubt her kingly cousin would do such a thing. Not especially for his wayward brother, not especially for his cousin who denounces her role.

Though she had been sure that her suitors were all but refused, Daemon could not help but fail to lessen his distaste for these men. She could recall his blatant jealousy of cousin Borros years before, at a feast in Storm’s End. Had she not stopped him, maybe their cousin would have ended up naked and dead at the parapets of Storm’s End. Though she could change his mind with her carefully chosen words, not even she could stop the dragon from being one that seeks to get rid of his rivals. He would never allow anyone to take her from him. that they agree on. But she knew that one day there would have to be something of a compromise. One where she would let him know that he was the only man she loved, even if lords line through her home to wed her for her vast inheritance, for alliance and even for her dragon.

"Is that jealousy I hear?" She asked, a tone of teasing mixed in. "My, your grace, are you not married?"

He almost laughed wildly. "That bronze bitch, whom I do not love."

"Still, the wife you have. A good friend of mine, she is." She retorted back at him, rolling her eyes. removing herself from his gaze and taking a seat on his lonely bed. "Or do you forget? That you are still married to such a lady of great reknown.”

"No one shall bring us apart." Daemon determinedly declared, walking towards her and caging her body with his. Before long, her head rested upon the featherbed. "Nothing will break this. Not that bronze bitch, any whore in this world, not even my brother or your mother. You belong to me. Only me."

"I know that fully well." She lets her lips fall into a smirk, positioning her body for his view. "And you, my prince of the city? Are you only mine?"

He returned her smirk, moving forward with his hands itching her legs closer. "Little dragon, I lay myself off onto yourself only. My heart is yours. My soul is yours. Only you own me, little dragon."

Mellara Targaryen knew that to be truth.

Daemon leaned forward, smiling against her lips.

Vigorously, she returned it with her own passion.

Rhaenyra Targaryen could not sleep by herself these days. There had been nights where she had found herself weeping into consciousness at the sight of her mother in mistful nightmares. Her sworn sword had hastily come to find her aunt for her, so that she may not be alone. Mellara was easy to wake, with the sound of anything faint beckoning her to life. Her lady in waiting, lady Jeyne Rowan beckoned her with the words of Rhaenyra’s need of her. Eagerly these moons, Mellara Targaryen had went to the bidding of her niece and her need for companionship. The moment she would open the door, each time, fresh tears had drapped the beautiful sorrows in her niece’s purple haze. Each moment, the daughter of prince Aelor knew that it should be Aemma beside her daughter now, holding her with all the warmth only a mother knows. Each moment she reminds herself of such a fact, her dragon blood boils aflame with anguish, with endless anger for what her niece had been robbed of.

When she had been a girl, Mellara Targaryen had heard tales of her elder cousin Viserys when nuncle Baelon would visit Blackhall, at times it would be her father that would tell her the tales when he reluctantly attends to the bidding of royal authority. Viserys Targaryen was often described to be a jovial young man, with kindness in his heart and wits in his head. Peaceful of countenance, amiable in his desires. Her cousin had treated her kindly when she had first been presented at court and even still now with her dalliances with his younger brother Daemon had become a thorn on the throne’s side.

‘Even then, when we had lost what we had so longed for, he did not judge us.’ Mellara had lamented. ‘He mourned with us. Now....’

The thought of that day still tears Mellara apart, with the bountiful storm of flame burning with nothing but grief. She could still not look Viserys in the face, nor even entertain herself any chance to speak with him. The sight of the red sea still hammers in her head, Aemma’s screaming as her mother fought against the maester’s steady hand and his sharpened tool. Mellara could recall how she had pushed people away. How she had done her best to rest against the touch of burtish armor and strong bosterous muscle. Mellara could remember her own screams, her own anger. Blacknight could be heard from afar doing the same, shaking against his tightened chains. She could taste the metallic violence in her mouth, bitterly showering her with horrors. Suddenly, there was nothing but silence, no one spoke. There had only been barbaric silence, horrified tears shed in silence. The babe did not even cry, even if he breathed.

Mellara could feel her body shake, as she did then. Her resistance stopped and her shock pulsing through like the earth shaking to its core as she made her way to her beloved cousin’s side, her beautiful pale shine growing blue with cold. Her once warm body frozen in the winter of stolen time. She could not hear anything then, not even if she tried. It had all been such a haze, to face the reality of innocence being slaughtered by greed. There had been once or twice she had heard of how she had raised her hand against the king, unable to stop herself from growing mad with fury. Viserys did not stop her, not even when the kingsguard tried to intervene. Mellara was certain that she had felt his tears pierce her skin, but she hardly cared. Viserys Targaryen had departed away from the kindness that once she had adored in him and had become the monster that they all hated and feared.

The princess did not find herself stopped until the familiar touch of Daemon’s brutish touch wrapped itself around her. He was still clad in his armor then, exhausted and bruised from his defeat and yet even in his unsavory hatred for defeat - he had put her first. When she rested her head against the crane of his shoulder, that was when the sound of her grief was heard. She wailed and she screamed, crying loudly with curses at her cousin as Daemon murmured that old Valyrian lullaby in her ear. The one he used to sing in her growing belly, in those nights where his smile shined as brightly as his dark purple eyes. Daemon had murmured till she calmed into a stupor. She did not remember much after. But Daemon had been there when she woke, comforting her the way she now did their young niece.

Mellara had all but moved herself in Rhaenyra’s chambers, sleeping in a bed that had been brought in just for her. At times, the princess dowager of Blackhall would tend to them both, breaking her fast with them in earnest. Yet this was not a regular occurance, for the princess dowager was tending to the realm that grew with absence of a grieving king and the leeches that were intent to warm his throne. The princess of Blackhall did not mind. Her mother was the matriarch of their house, bound to her duty to keep this house burning bright with life. Even when it was plagued with death.

Mellara could not sleep much, not even dreamwine would help her. Daemon visited her often, hovering over her with worry. But she would not let him brush off his duty to the city guard to mother her. With each brutish kiss, there was endless reassurance in her part. In each touch, there was a hope for better days. In each climax of pleasure, there is yearning for this nightmare to end. But they both knew, that this nightmare would last for a long time. And they would have to dance around its tumultous beat.

When Rhaenyra woke from frightful dreams, the aunt stood quickly as she could and held her niece as much as she could for hours and hours on end. At times they watched in the weary quiet as the dimly lit sun rose against the sky. There were no need for words most days, not that Rhaenyra could find herself saying them without struggle. Yet those yearning for words to break this silence did not come, it did not need to. Mellara Targaryen understood the kindness this tranquil grief offered them.

Rhaenyra lay her head upon the silk sewn sheets, the princess of Blackhall could only let her fingers brush lightly against her niece’s moonlit hair. Bitter tears were gifted by the dragon princess in the silence of dawn, yet there was no bitter anger anymore. Rhaenyra looked to her aunt softly, the soft somber smile echoing in her aunt’s lips genty comforted her. For a moment, Mellara Targaryen thought the gods were playing wicked tricks as she gazed at her niece.

‘She could have grown this way,’ Mellara thinks to herself, her heart clenched sorrowfully. ‘I wonder if Daemon sees it too, when he looks at Rhaenyra.’

“Is anything the matter, aunt?” Rhaenyra asked, gently clutching her aunt’s hand. These were the first words she had spoken in days.

Mellara shook her head, smiling. “I was just thinking when your nuncle would come and pay us his company.”

When the day dulled, Daemon did not come.

When the night came, Mellara could only worry.

The next day dawned, Viserys banished him to the Vale.

Mellara Targaryen didn't even blink as she let the arrow fly. Her mother fidgeted with her hands, warming the bare skin. It was not a cold day, not by any means. But her mother had been one to easily chilled as a youngster growing up at White Isle, near Dragonstone. The coal-colored garment was layered by luxurious fur and studded with finely marked silver dragons. A large cloak covered her back, fashioned of the finest Lysene woolen silk. It was obvious why her mother was there. Her eye sight caught sight of her eye's desperation, anxiously waiting for her to stop. Her mood had not been the best as of late. Not with the loss of her cousin Aemma at her young age. Not with the loss of her baby nephew at his birth. Not more so with the loss of her lover to exile.

In these few turns of weeks, There had been a rift that had been growing in the family. A shadow looms widely against the proud house that had once been so united by the wonders that blossomed in each interaction. Yet the halls had grown quiet. Feasts had been rejected for empty halls. Minstrals had been fortreited for mournful prayers at the royal sept. The vibrant colors of the cloth turned to endless black, a sorrowful black that eclipsed any wonder of it. Rather grief looms heavy, a burden and a duty. Mellara Targaryen had never been good at grief. Not even when her own princely father passed. For her such loss had been devastating, an endless repetition of sorrowful moments. False hopes for losing such pain. .

But Mellara couldn't stop herself, not with a bow and arrow in her hand. Mellara Targaryen released one brief whistle as she jerked the string back with her might. It was almost as though she was preparing for combat, tugging so hard that it would eventually snap. The arrow was launched fiercely, its speed striking like a hammer and an anvil. Her mother was surprised, but she didn't show it. Elaena Velaryon was too proud to be afraid. No, not even when she was younger.

“I thought you would be happy.” Mellara says to her mother, moving towards the archery butt, her thick leather boots gracing the ground. “Daemon has been banished away. He can no longer corrupt me. Or as you say, make a lowlife off me.”

“I did not intend it this way, This is not the time, to air your anger and despair.” Her mother hissed back at her in a low voice.

Mellara glared at her mother. “I am only but despair! Daemon is gone, Rhaenyra is in more despair, with that foolish oaf declaring his intention to wed her friend. Aemma is still gone. I am despair, mother. What may I do?”

“You must bury them,” Her mother hissed back at her, burning with as much flame as she. “Our house needs us, far more than it needs our burdens.”

“Mother-”

“Now that that rogue cousin of yours is gone, his kingly brother now becomes mad with grief. Being taken advantaged by opportunists like Hightower.” Elaena reminds her daughter, her lips in a tight line. “You remember the last time the Hightowers had coveted power through blood, do you not daughter?”

Mellara shook her head, taking another bow. “Of course I do, mother. But our cousin Viserys is mad with grief. No matter what we feel about him and his actions. Cousin Aemma was still his wife and their son perished withotu a chance. He will be mad with grief, as anyone can be.”

Elaena shook her head, her lips in a frown. “Aemma was like a daughter to me. I grieve her with all my heart. As you do, my heart burns with anger at her unjust death. Just as it had done with your aunt Daella.”

“Then why do you weep with such viseral fear?” Mellara questions her mother, frowning. “Our house is not so quickly trampled upon at this moment, surely?”

“Optimism will not save this house, daughter. We need strength and we need your cousin to bring it to us now. Only he can strike sense to his brother.” Elaena shrugs deeply, her hands going through her gown’s sleeves to warm her. “You must remember, daughter, that the blood of the dragon cannot mourn too long. Or we will lose. We will burn.”

Her lips flaked to the cold, her own memories of grief flooding her head for a moment. “Then we must act.”

Her mother nodded somberly. “That we must. I survived the loss of your father, as you have. As did your uncle Baelon with your aunt Alyssa. As did your grandfather with your grandmother. You must be strong. We have to be strong. Our house would not survive without strength, even in the hardest times.”

Mellara let her fingers fumble against the bowstring. “Then I shall hope you will deal with Viserys.”

“Someone has to.” Her mother nodded her head firmly. “He ought to be the king your grandfather was, to command respect. Wield his power like the king he is. The king he should be.”

“Or what?” She cocked a brow.

“Then the crows will feast at the corpse of this dying house.” Her mother declares sternly, her darkened eyes burning. “I cannot fail, you neither. Do well, daughter.”

“Such a responsibility.” Mellara mumbles under her breath. “Troublesome, even.”

“We have no choice.” Elaena commands her daughter. “No matter my feelings of your cousin, he is still the sword of this house. We need him. Tis his responsibility.”

Mellara cocked a brow. “And if I fail?”

“You shall not.” Elaena reassures her only child, placing a hand upon her own. “He will nto abandon you.”

“He is not a rogue for nothing, mother.”

Elaena squeezes her hand. “Then turn him to heel. If not then, you will return and we shall do what we always must.”

“And what is that?”

“Make the realm feel fire and blood.” Elaena declares, almost as though a promise. For a moment, Mellara felt as though her mother was more dragon than seahorse. “Do as I bid, daughter.”

Mellara lowers her arrow, the words of her father echoing in her head like a song of a mother at the cradle. The princess pursed her lips before nodding. “Very well. I shall go to him.”

“Do you know where he is?”

“There is only one place he will be, mother.” Her silver hair sprang through with soft bristling of the wind. Picking up her bow once again, she positioned the heavy figure of the arrow against the bow’s shadow. Mellara sighed, pulling the string with ease once more, letting it loose against the battering winds and into the bullseye. Mellara turned to her mother once more, a sigh upon her lips.

“You will need Blacknight, will you not?”

Mellara nodded at her. “I shall go and get ready. Send a missive to the Dragonpit. Dragonstone requires my presence.”

Mellara kissed her mother’s cheek, bidding her farewell.

As she touched the scales of her mount, she took a deep breath.

“Sōvegon!” She commands, Blacknight roars as he soars high.

#daemon targaryen #daemon targaryen x oc #house of the dragon #hotd #targaryen #house targaryen #house hightower #dragonstone

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saradika · 10 months

Text

— WASTELAND, BABY

iv. like the holding of hands, like the breaking of glass

[masterlist] | [part iii]

boba fett x f!reader

rated E - 5.1k

tags: fallout au, post-apocalyptic, canon-typical themes, mentions of blood/violence/death, alcohol and drugs

a/n: ahh this was one was one of my faves to write - hope you like it! 💕

As you start to settle into your new life, more pieces of the puzzle begin to fit together.

You awaken feeling well rested.

No longer marking each passing day into the wall, no longer wandering without purpose.

There's ups and downs, but with each cycle of the sun, things feel just a little bit easier. The busy bustle of the city no longer makes your feel overwhelmed.

Though you've definitely gotten lost a few times - showing up late to meet Fennec, feeling stupid and sheepish.

There's a sort of comfort in knowing that in time - you will learn it.

Filling in a sort of errand girl. Picking up packages, running them from one part of the city to another. Helping mark shipments of food and supplies, noting what's running low.

It's a blessing, in a way. Keeping you mind busy. Getting you out, meeting new people.

You're actually a part of running conversations now, ones that are deeper than just ‘hello', and trickle from each day into the next. Faces that smile back when you wave, names starting to collect in your mind like small, hoarded treasures.

Learning more about this new world, things gleaned from those conversations. About how hard life was, before these settlements started being established. Months spent on the run from Raiders and worse - always on the move.

That some of that terror still lived on.

In cults that worshiped the radiation that still lingers, after the bombs.

In groups of mercenaries banding together, calling themselves Gunners. Taking pleasure in attacking the weak, leaving no prisoners.

In the strong that were stolen away from their families to fight in never-ending gladiatorial battles, working off debts they could never repay.

It has you feeling thankful, that you have a place here.

It's hard work.

Today, you're getting ready to head to the east wing of the building. The side that had taken the brunt of the blast, with crumbling walls and ripped apart floorboards. It's been a work in progress for years - repairing it would mean room for business, for people to live and stay.

You’ve spent months in the Vault mourning and bargaining and wishing. It had changed nothing. There was no turning back time. Instead - you try to pick out the small, good things in your day.

So yes, even though you often go to bed late and exhausted - you tell yourself that there is a sort of freedom in this new life. A simplicity, even though you know that this place is like a bubble, shielding you in. That the outside is still treacherous.

Here’s, there's no loans hanging over your head. No desk jobs. No long hours stuck in traffic.

What you're doing is making a difference - helping the town and the people. Earning your keep for a room that's started to grow on you, started to fill out.

A tidy collection of clothes.

An actual table and a second chair - set around a small hot plate.

An old leather bag with tools and supplies that join your trusty crowbar, so that you can repair things yourself. Bring them on your errands.

All still worn, but carefully repaired, and more importantly - yours.

Those tools are with you now, as you clear what looks to be an old hearing room. The lock on the door blasted off, anything good already looted some time ago.

A ring of toppled-over chairs sit among a dark-blue sea of scorched carpet. The chairs are useless - the fabric melted against the charred wooden frame, and you push them all up against one of the long walls.

Slowly making piles of things to toss and burn, things that can be repaired and salvaged or sold.

There's success in the few small things you find. Some bobby pins in the bottom of one of the desks, tucked into your bag. An old desk fan, one that the Mandalorian can show you how to break down into useable parts.

A success in knowing that the area you cleared out might become someone's home - a place for a family, who might have been spit up, otherwise.

It's not much.

But it helps you sleep a little better at night.

In the gaps of free time between those odd jobs, you often find yourself tucked into one of the nooks at the Palace.

There was always a swirl of activity, scores being settled, the occasional brawl. Some of those parts you could do without, but there was a certain attraction to the place that was hard to ignore.

It certainly didn't have anything to do with the man holding court.

For someone who had gunned down the Raiders so stoically and efficiently, it had been fascinating to see him in this new element.

The aura he held when he had been in the power armor - intimidating and commanding - still radiated off him in waves. Flanked by Fennec on his right side, eyes sharp in spite of her lounging, there was no doubt who held the power in the vast, circular room.

Your hands cup around a chipped mug, filled with a bitter, sludgy tea. Far from the best you've tasted - but it's warm and it was on the house, after you had helped reset their terminal the day before.

It had been a small triumph, something you had been able to bring to the table, other than manual labor. Crouched under the counter - as to not draw unwanted attention.

Fiddling with the wires that were so similar to the ones from the Vault. Until the screen flickered back to life, and the barista was clapping her hands with relief.

Now watching from under your eyelashes at the quarter-full room - most of the usual tenants preferring to spend time under the sun, making trades while the shop are open.

The meeting held openly with the man you had caught a glimpse of during your first day there.

He had been hard to miss, after all.

Despite the range of clothing worn in Mos Espa - everything from suits of armor, to close to nothing - someone in full historical garb, complete with a tattered, crimson frock coat and tricorn leather hat still stood out.

You think you even saw the flash of a flag knotted around his waist, but it had been hard to see from a distance. And from what you heard, his name matched his style.

John Hancock.

He was mid-discussion with Boba Fett - from what you picked up from whispers throughout the week, he was the Mayor of a town that was about a day's journey from here.

A place called Goodneighbor, the name at odds with the sordid history - founded by criminals, exiles from some bigger place called Diamond City.

"And what," Hancock is asking, "Could you offer us in exchange for a supply line? We've certainly been in business longer than you have, with no complaints that I've listened to."

He makes a show of looking around the room. When his eyes meet yours, they crinkle - beetle-black in the light, his fingers lifting to tip his hat as he winks. The swish of his cloak as he turns back, his hands bracing on lithe hips.

Boba shifts on the throne, an arm stretching out, fingers curling over the flat stone, "As I understand, there is not a lot of farmland in your area of the Commonwealth. Soon, we will be self-sufficient. We could supply your town with food, in exchange for things we need from the city."

Hancock shrugs, "Plenty of places to get food if you're not worried about rads, friend. Never been an issue for us Ghouls."

"Protection, then. Should you find yourself in that situation." Boba counters, fingers tapping twice.

The man's head tilts, shifting as a hand rests on his hip. The back-and-forth negotiations has you captivated.

Neither man has their voices raised - not like some of the others you've watched. A sort of easy-going smoothness to the rasp of the Mayor's voice - enough of an edge that warns you not to cross him.

"We heard all about your takeover, over in Goodneighbor." It's not a question, but it hangs heavy like one, a pause stretching a second too long.

One of Boba's eyebrows raises fractionally, "A necessary change."

"Something I can certainly understand. Also heard how you did all the dirty work yourself." Hancock grins at that - a crooked slash of a smile, "You don't delegate. I like that about you."

There's a slight curve to Boba's lips, his head cocking as he asks, "Do we have an agreement, then?"

"You know, a while ago I didn't think Goodneighbor needed a patron saint in power armor." Hancock's arms cross, fingers tapping on the sleeves of his frock coat, "But recently, there's been some... stirring. Somethin' digging at me. Makes me rethink a few things about my tenure."

A long beat, before he's stepping forward - hand extended, "So yes. You've got yourself a deal.”

"Excellent." Triumph looks good on Boba - the curve of a satisfied smirk, the pleased look in his eyes.

An easy way he relaxes back into place, the perfect way to begin wrapping up the busy evening, "You're welcome to visit as long as you'd like. I trust you've been enjoying your stay here."

"You bet your ass I have." The Mayor grins, and after everything - that has you smiling as well. The way that few would think to voice something like that, how Hancock doesn't bother the filter.

Something you're still getting used to.

The changes in social norms, how so many people cut to the chase. Respect and fear pushing over things you had been used to, not wanting to hurt feelings, hedging words and keeping things in.

Your eyes linger like your thoughts - watching as Boba fixes the helmet back in place. Disappearing behind the mask, as their conversation concludes.

"And if you'll excuse me," Hancock sweeps his hat off his head in a low mock-bow, "All these negotiations have made me thirsty."

Excusing himself, as he heads towards the bar.

Despite the open stools that curve around the counter, he takes the spot next to you. Up close, it's hard to not stare - which would be rude - even if you're motivated by pure curiosity rather than anything unpleasant.

Still getting used to all the physical changes to the world as well, and there weren't too many Ghouls in Mos Espa that you had talked to. Humans who has taken the brunt of the radiation. Ravaging their skin as they mutated, while extending their life spans and their constitution to the elements.

His face is a rough, peachy-pale. Pulled tight over pitted, scarred skin, a smooth crater where the cartilage from his nose is missing.

Handsome, when he smiles - like he's doing now. Ordering a drink, the flash of a sheathed knife as he pulls out some caps reminding you to still stay alert, even if he is charming.

You shift in your seat - trying not to pay too much attention. Concentrating on your own as he fishes a tin out of his pocket - a sharp crunch as he bites down on two chalky tablets from inside.

A sigh then, a drawn out ‘fuck’, before an elbow knocks into yours - you turn just in time to see he's offering it out to you.

"Want one? They're grape." He offers, and you're shaking your head.

Not too keen on taking anything from a stranger, much less something like mentats. He's unoffended, tucking it back with a shrug and a “thanks, doll” for the waitress as she sets a bottle and a glowing green shot in front of him.

"How long you been out?" He asks, before he drinks - a long, gulping swallow.

It takes you a second to realize he's talking to you.

"Excuse me?"

"The vault." His head cocks, "How long?"

His question makes you go still, an alarm ringing in your head. An unconscious glance back to Boba - wrapped up in another conversation.

Your new companion picks up on your worry quickly, his hands raising, palms facing you, "Sorry, friend. I know someone like you, a good pal of mine. Just wondering how you were taking it, I saw him bring you in from the wastes a while back."

Some of the panic eases. You do remember this man, when you were in the marketplace with Din on that first day. One of the figures in the crowd, his red coat a beacon in all the browns and greys.

"I didn't think anyone would notice."

"Maybe they would, maybe they wouldn't." He shrugs, "The blue stands out, at least to someone like me. Probably a good thing you ditched it. People might try to take advantage."

"So I've heard," You begin to relax, then. In spite of his words, the warning in them. Fascination taking over, a curiosity at meeting someone from outside these walls, "Is this uh, your first time staying here?"

"Sure is." He leans back in the stool, "A guy like me's got plenty of reasons to avoid a place like this."

The shot gets tipped back next. The short glass clutched between three fingers as his head dips, the heavy bob of his throat as he swallows. A dark blink of those black eyes, letting loose a deep sigh - his shoulders as he leans against the backrest.

"But, now… I never thought I'd be on the same side as Boba Fett, I'll tell you that much." He smiles conspiratorially, a flash of teeth as you're left just looking at him with puzzlement.

"I forgot, you're still so green. Sorry, sister." Hancock's elbow bumps yours, as he leans closer, "He used to be a bounty hunter. Did you know that? The worst of the worst."

Your head shakes minutely, just barely resisting the urge to peek over his shoulder.

"And listen, I've done some bad things. Some really fucked up stuff, but not like that." He gives you a look, and there's something about it that sends a shiver up your spine.

Your voice comes out like a squeak, "Like what?"

His head tilts, eyes shifting your way, "You asking about me or him?"

"Either.” You squeak - before amending, “Both.”

"Let's just say I've done a little political re-arranging of my own." He comments darkly, "Bounty hunting though, that's a whole different animal. Not all the targets are criminals, doll. And bodies are paid for, dead or alive."

A small grin, as he does look - the sweep of his pointed hat as he glances over his shoulder, as if unable to help the double-check, "Thought I might have been on someone’s list, when I got the message that he wanted to meet."

It feels like things have changed so much. Yes, there were bounty hunters in your time, but they seemed to be a myth more than anything.

And this marks the second time you've talked so casually with someone who's uspured a position of power, but somehow - neither confirmed detail makes you want to flee the Palace.

For some reason, if anything - it intrigues you. Wondering again, why a man like him would treat you with such kindness.

It pushes you to prod, to ask more.

"Why did you come here, then? If you thought it might be a trap?"

“Curiosity, in the end.” He grins again, "You tell me you'd miss the chance to see the man that rode a deathclaw through Mos Espa? Not a chance, sister."

A deathclaw - it feels like a joke. You've never seen one, only heard about them in your holotapes. In fact, they don't feel real - had never existed in your time.

Apex predators, genetically engineered. Tall, with grey, leathered skin - a reptilian snout, and curling horns.

And claws - long and sharp enough to kill a man with one strike.

He sees your awed expression, fingers making an 'x' over his chest, "Cross my heart. But I'm sure you could get a better story out of someone here."

You make a mental note to do just that.

Knowing that out of anyone, you'd be able to get the truth out of Fennec or the Mandalorian - not one to weave stories, the way you feel this stranger might.

"Anyways, I’ve spent some time here. He does an awful lot for the city, for someone who was hired muscle." There's a tone of respect in his voice, the slow nod of his head, "Heard he was even on the front lines, when shit went down. I respect that. That’s Goodneighbor material."

You remember what he's talking about - what Mando had told you, when you had walked through the marketplace together.

"Yeah?" You ask - realizing you have the chance to ask about the outside world, "What's Goodneighbor like?"

"Sort of like this one. Smaller, for sure. More ghouls.", There's a fondness in his expression, "We got a saying there. Of the people, for the people."

The phrase has your eyes dipping down, to peek at his coat. So curious about his name, his clothes. So used to people wearing things scavenged from anywhere they could find it. It has you wondering just where his had came from.

"It's a good place. A place like that can change a man," His eyes drift over the row of bottles, unseeing. "It has me thinking, maybe this place has changed him, too."

There's a silence that settles - you don't know enough about him to fill it. The last dregs of the spotchka are drained from his bottle, as he downs it like water.

You're not sure how he can do it - you can smell the sharp bite of alcohol from here. His hand clapping your shoulder as he stands, staggering to his feet.

"You're not bad, vault girl. If you're ever in Goodneighbor, give me a holler. I'll make sure you have a good time."

There's a moment then, a question lingering on your tongue.

"Hancock," You ask, surprising yourself. "Your friend, who's... like me. How did they take it?"

"Nora." The way he says the name, the private smile, tells a story, "She's just fine. A real spitfire, really took to things right away."

He considers you then, with a tilt of his head.

"And something tells me you're gonna be just fine, too."

Hancock winks again, before sauntering off into the crowds.

You're left to think - turning over everything you've learned, pieces just starting to fit together in your mind. Getting a better understanding of the man who saved you, the enigma of one Boba Fett.

He sees much from his throne.

The location is not from a point of vanity, despite the occasional sharp barb from Fennec.

That, he has none of.

Instead, it's a place of power - a place to be seen.

It is also a place to watch. There's much he has gleaned, from behind his visor. The appearance of attention from those speaking to him - allowing his eyes to wander.

To catch things. People to keep an eye on.

Deals behind his back, to be swiftly dealt with. Disloyalty had no place in the balance of something that was already so tenuous, in spite of their growth and efforts.

But today, he was watching for something else. Relief at the agreement of the alliance, even as the Mayor sweeps low in a bow. His own jaw twitching in annoyance at the showmanship - all of his vague and winding questions, the pointed references.

Better to get to the point, and be done with it.

That annoyance morphing into a barbed stab of unease as the Mayor had wandered. Finding the seat next to you in spite of all the open ones, scattered across the hall.

Because in spite of his self-assurance on that first day, his mind had become a place where you had taken up residence.

No more than the whisper of a thought. A quiet wondering, when he catches you slipping in the room to watch him.

A curiosity.

His eyes narrow.

Even from here he can see the too-casual lounge, could already imagine the overly-friendly greetings.

The rumors of Hancock's proclivity for chems and warm company was wide-spread, even in Mos Espa. The former had no bearing on him or his opinion, but the latter flashes in his mind as the man leans against the bartop, and you smile.

He doesn't even realize he's clenching his teeth until his jaw aches.

Never giving the sharp throb that follows a name, even as the eyes that he tears away continue to drift back. Just in time to catch the way the man looks over his shoulder, how their eyes meet for just a second.

A smirk, before his head turns back, and he's leaning closer. Your head dips to hear him - he sees the arch of your brow as your face turns. Fingers itching, as the man's arm slings across the back of your barstool.

He's broken alliances before.

He has for less.

It's a pretty thing to think about, even if unlikely.

Better than thinking about what he might be asking you. Or worse - what your answer might be. If he's managed to charm you in these measured minutes. If you might be lonely, and he hadn't noticed.

It's none of his damn business, but the location of his throne haunts him now.

Leaving would be the only way to rid you of his presence. And he knows, not even that would keep his mind from wandering.

Better he keep you safe, from here. With a watchful eye, even as his fingers curl into fists.

A small huff of breath - because he thinks he has a name for that sharp feeling, now.

Minutes continue to pass, and relief only comes when he sees the Mayor leave.

An ache comes as his muscles relax - his irritation not helping the stone-hard structure of his throne. That split attention finally focusing back on the matters at hand, as he wills the evening to pass more quickly.

There's several more hours ahead before he can leave. And then a bit longer, until the day is over.

Because there's one more stop he needs to make tonight.

It's late, when there's a knock on your doorframe.

You're lounging in your bed, deeply engrossed in your reading. Not really registering the sound - you so rarely get visitors in your own space - until there's the shuffle of boots, and you're looking up.

He fills the doorway, where the door was cracked - left open to bring some fresh air into the room, stuffy and humid after the hot day.

Boba’s presence is unexpected, your book dropping down to the mattress as you spring up - smoothing down your sleepwear. A long tunic, the pattern worn and faded. Legs and feet bare, beneath.

Hardly appropriate for a visit from the Daimyo, but too late to amend.

"Apologies. I've interrupted you." His voice is low and smooth - helmet tucked under his arm.

Giving you a view of his face, the crease on his forehead, downward turn to his lips, "Your door was open, I had not realized."

"No!" You hasten to reply, "I'm not busy. It's uh, just warm in here. That's why my door was open."

Realizing you're rambling, you gesture to the chairs, "Would you like to come in?"

Boba moves inside - seeming too large in your small space.

It feels strange to see him here, when you're so used to seeing him in open areas. It feels... intimate, which sends a thrill down your spine.

A moment as his eyes take in your room - sweeping across the space you've made your own.

Over the shelf and the painted-shut windows, the little string of lights hung above your mattress. A lantern flickering on the end table, just off to the side.

"I came to see how you are getting along." He finally says, turning back your way. Making no move to sit, so neither do you, “I was harsh, at our first meeting.”

The words surprise you. It’s not an apology, but an admittance. Perhaps not changing what he would have done or said, but even the small acknowledgment feels like something important.

“We don’t meet a lot of vault dwellers. Not anymore. I am sure there’s been much on your mind lately.”

You realize he’s checking on you, in his own way. There’s a lot you’ve learned since waking.

"Thank you. I've been doing fine," A smile is paired with your words - before they are running off without thought, as your hand waves in the air, "Sometimes it’s just, this place. Everything. It's..."

Concern lines at his face, "Have things not been to your liking here?"

“Oh, No, that’s not what I meant.” You blink at that, "It's just... very different than what I was used to. But I am very grateful to be here. You've been so generous."

Guilt twists at you then - you've thanked Fennec, and even the Mandalorian. But had not spoken to Boba directly since that first day, a little over three weeks ago - too nervous to approach him yourself.

"I am sorry I haven't thanked you in person already. I should have."

Your fingers twist, but his head shakes, dismissing the apology, "That's not why I'm here. I know you are. I've seen how hard you've been working."

His words stun you - that he'd noticed you, at all. Assuming he was far too busy to pay attention to someone as ordinary as you, when there were so many more important people in the city.

There's the briefest hesitance, as he moves around the room with slow steps. A question still weighing on his mind, as fingers seem to brush your things unconsciously - dragging the tips against the tabletop.

Head turning as his eyes sweep slowly along the book spines that line the shelf, the bottlecap from home, the spoon that rests in front.

That old, rusted crowbar that hangs off the edge - a reminder of your first meeting. Something you could have easily replaced by now, but… you had kept it.

A small moment, before he re-words, "And you've been treated well?"

You think about that, a crease forming between your brows as you think. There haven't been disagreements per say, but on some of the errands for Fennec you've had to be firm. Had to use her name, or his, to ensure you weren't getting ripped off.

But you came out unscratched. No worse for wear, other than the slight thickening of some newly-found skin.

"Nothing I can't handle, I suppose."

He's looking at you now - warm brown eyes beneath heavy, dark brows.

"Even by our guests?" He pushes, "Perhaps earlier today?"

That catches you off-guard. A moment of hesitation, before you carefully voice, "Are you asking about Hancock?"

"Yes," His voice is short and clipped, "The Mayor."

You hadn't realized he'd noticed that either, with your back turned the way it had been.

"He has a... certain reputation." Boba continues, thick arms folding across his chest, "An ally, for now. But if he was untoward, I would need to reconsider our arrangement."

Your stomach flips at his tone. A sharp edge to it, that was not directed towards you. Sounding almost... protective.

"No, he was nice. We talked about-" You rush to explain, before the words are dying on your tongue. As you remember exactly what you had discussed.

Embarrassed at the idea of confessing that you had been talking about him - trying to scramble for an answer, "We... uh, just talked about Goodneighbor."

His lips press into a line, the slight frown deepening, "Did you, now?"

"He said I could come see it sometime, if I wanted," Guilt swirls at the omission, tasting sour on your tongue.

"Is that all you talked about?"

There's a pause, as you eye each other. You're sure he knows - you're not a good enough liar to hold the contact - your gaze darting away.

Not even wanting to lie - just feeling that you would look so stupid and obvious, with this little crush of yours. That he would see right through you, think that you were foolish for even dreaming about it.

"No." You finally sigh - unable to help the offering, "We… talked about you, too."

"I see." He answers, and with each shift you've noticed he's moved closer - until he's right in front of you. If your hand raised, it would be pressing against the diamond-shaped cut in his armor.

His next question is breathed out, "And will you be running off to Goodneighbor?"

Gazing at you, as if he’s trying to read your mind. Crowding you into your already small space, as the butterflies in your stomach seem to flutter their wings even faster.

"No! Of course not," The question startles you, your words coming quickly. Your hand starts to reach for him, before you catch yourself, "I wouldn't want to. I like it here."

There's the smallest pull to his lips, curling at the edges. Still a serious look in his eyes, "If you change your mind, I will take you there myself."

Your hand moves then, on its own accord.

Reaching for his arm, resting on the gauntlet - fingers brushing the rough canvas of the flight suit between the gaps.

You own words quiet, but firm in their own way.

"I won't."

His own hand raises, a finger curling under your chin. Tipping your face fully up to his. That few inches of space between you almost closing.

"Good." He husks.

There's the flicker of a smile, the slightest linger - before he steps away. Eyes still on yours, as he adds, “It would be a pity, to lose our little bluebird.”

You're certain it's a tease, but the name reverberates through you like a plucked string. Thrumming deeper than when you had first heard it, stealing your breath.

The helmet raises then, and his face disappears behind the mask once more. Breaking the spell, as he turns for the open doorway.

You don’t want him to leave. Clinging to the moment a little longer, as you grasp at anything - managing to pull something from earlier that evening.

"Boba.” You're unable to help calling after him - a moment, as he pauses in the doorway, “Did… did you really ride a deathclaw?"

His head turns, giving you the profile of his helmet. All those sharp angles and the green that floats through your dreams.

"I did." The vocoder masks his voice, making it low and crackling. Doing something to you, with his words - still managing to sound amused, "You can meet her sometime, if you'd like."

The prospect leaves you frozen into place, as he tugs the door shut behind him.

The room feels empty, now. Giving you ample to think over the conversation - to wonder if it really happened, before going to bed with even more questions than before he arrived.

There’s a small cardboard box outside your door, the next morning.

Curious, you open it up. Unable to help biting back the smile, recognizing the contents inside. Because you had seen it before, just yesterday.

The desk fan you had recovered from the hearing room.

Carefully restored and cleaned - just for you.

(just a tiny bit of context - Nora is the default name for the female player in Fallout 4, Hancock is one of the romanceable NPCs!) And thank you for reading! 💚 part v will be out thursday, the 29th! and if you’d like to get tagged, please fill out the series taglist here!

(0-pressure tags 💕: @spaceydragons, @luladoll, @obiknights, @wingofshadow, @bobathirstaccount, @reluctant-mandalore, @ohheyitsokay, @floral-force, @valentine-tx, @ri-a-rose, @dreamlandcreations, @vellichormybeloved, @writeforfandoms, @winchestershiresauce , @monada43, @rescuethewretched, @thegalaxys-edge, @honeydjarin, @ray-rook, @dumfanting, @bedky, @thirsty-boba-fett-posts, @dukeoftheblackstar)

#boba fett x reader #boba fett x you #boba fett x female reader #boba fett x f!reader #boba fett imagine #fallout au

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pascalscoffin · 4 months

Text

Away From The Devil pt. IV

Full Pedro Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Part V

Warning: Minors Go Away I Will Kick You In The Forehead. I just don’t want kiddos here. Yeah it’s all rewritten with the reader added in if ya don’t like it don’t read it. Reader is female and uses she/her pronouns. Reader is like 24, Joel is still 56 cause hot. Joel’s perpetually in denial. I guess the timeline is slightly different with this story to make time for bonds to form. Reader and Joel have a moment but Ellie does that thing kids do where they interrupt valuable dialogue.

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Ellie had no clue what she was talking about. Joel does not have the “hots” for you. He doesn’t okay? So what if he caught himself admiring you a little more? The last woman he was close to was Tess and that was months ago. And Tess was beautiful, sure, but your beauty was.. different from Tess’, more youthful and soft, and you had the personality to match, a youthful love for everything, it made his chest tighten and his throat close up, it’d been a long time since he’d been around someone so optimistic and it was fucking with his head.

You were fucking with his head.

It’s been about a day since the attack from the Clicker, you had spent the first hour afterwards locked in the closest bathroom you could find, checking for bites or scratches of any kind. He’d had to send Ellie in to help just to get her off his back.

When the two of you came out he’d been more relieved than he’d care to admit when he learned you hadn’t been infected. He wondered if you were doing okay, physically it was obvious, but you were quieter than before and he found himself oddly missing the sound of you and Ellie joking with eachother.

Hed asked the two of you if you’d wanted to stop the night before but you and Ellie had just shook your heads and insisted on walking through the night. The walk, however had been silent, Joel walking ahead of you and Ellie. You both looked tired, your feet dragging while Ellie had a slight disconnected look on her face. He wished he could’ve got his hands on David himself, a meat cleaver to the face, no matter how many times, just didn’t seem like a fruitful punishment to him.

“We’ll stop tonight. Suns coming down, we’ll head back out when it rises.” Years of tormenting you and.. god knows how long of doing whatever the hell he’d done to Ellie. He belonged in the lowest pits of hell. “You need to sleep we’ve been walking too long, you’re both dead on your feet. I’ll catch us something to eat. Saw some squirrels running’ off that way.”

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You looked towards the abandoned video store and then back at Joel and nodded in agreement. “Alright.” You mumbled, both of you too tired and hungry to object to stopping a second day in a row. Joel went in first to make sure it was safe, insisting you and Ellie were better off outside in case there was and he needed to get out fast, but also for the sake of neither one of you being over powered and eaten.

It wasn’t long after he went in that Joel poked his head out and motioned you and Ellie inside. “We’ll hole up in the back area,” He stepped back as the two of you stepped in. “Get some sleep and.. head out when the sun comes up. I’ll be back, you two stay in the back, be quiet. Don’t let yourselves get surprised.”

You nodded again and sighed. “Alright.” You headed into the back room with Ellie while Joel went to try and catch dinner. “Are you okay?” You looked over at her from where’d you been staring out the tiny window where you could just barely see Joel.

“Huh? Yeah, I’m fine.” You cleared your throat and turned around to face her, putting the newspaper back on the window. “.. okay.” Ellie squinted at you, suspicious. “Are you okay?” You asked her with a soft laugh, trying to get the spotlight off of you. “You’ve been quiet.”

Ellie sighed and shrugged a little as she sat down on the floor and leaned back against the wall, you sitting next to her. “I guess.” She shrugged. “What’s going on? Talk to me.” Ellie picked at her fingers a little. “… I’m immune.”

You widened your eyes and straightened up a little for a better look at her. “I’m immune I… a few months ago I… I was bitten… but I didn’t get sick.. and then I got bit again.” She said softly, rubbing at her arm before looking at you and tugging the sleeve up, showing you the healed bite marks as your eyes widened.

“That’s… that’s where we’re going.” She mumbled softly. “We’re going to find these guys called the fireflies… my bloods a cure.” You opened and closed your mouth before huffing and shaking your head. “W-what?”

You opened your eyes again and Ellie was looking at you with this hopeful, gleeful look on her face. “I just… you had to know, Joel didn’t want to tell you but… I knew you would understand, you understand, right?” Your eyes fell from Ellie’s face to the bite marks on her arm and swallowed thickly. “It’s… are they sure it’s gonna work..?”

Ellie nodded. “Yeah. Yeah Marlene- Marlene said they’ve been working on a cure for years so they know what to do and what to isolate and shit and once they run it through some fancy fucking machine it’ll be medicine.”

You looked up at her and laughed softly. “What the fuck..” you mumbled before laughing harder and hugging Ellie tightly. “You- I can’t-“

“You like Joel, right?” You blinked rapidly and pulled back to look at Ellie. “I- what? I thought we were talking about-“ Ellie shrugged. “I wanna talk about this now. Do you like Joel?” She raised a brow and you frowned deeply.

“Ellie-“ “so that’s a yes, then.” Ellie smirked and you sighed heavily as you shook your head. “Ellie- it’s not a yes.” “Well then that’s the yes.” You squinted at her as she tilted her head. “I’m not-“ “oh come on it’s not like he’s around to hear!”

You groaned and shifted a little before looking out towards the door just to make sure Joel wasn’t back yet before looking at Ellie. “… Joel is very attractive. There. Is that what you wanted to hear?”

“I mean- pretty much, yeah.” Ellie grinned. “I fucking knew it.” She laughed and jumped up, stepping out of the room and peeking her head in. “You need to change your clothes.” She scrunched her nose up and you gaped at her.

“Wow. That’s rude. You’re rude.” You shook your head and stood up. “You’re changing next. Seriously. Then we’re making Joel change.” “Ooo-“ “oh my god, Ellie no. Please.” You laughed and shook your head as you tugged your shirt off and replaced it with a clean one.

“You wanna see Joel shirtlessssssss.” “I regret ever speaking to you.” You changed your jeans next and stepped out of the back room. “Go change you’re driving me insane.” “You’re just freaking out cause now I have ammo against you.” She smirked as she walked backwards into the room as you looked at her with wide eyes. “You wouldn’t.” “I don’t know… I might.” She disappeared around the corner and you shook your head.

Evil. She was evil.

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About fifteen minutes, with Ellie in the back area “still” changing into slightly cleaner clothes, you sat with Joel by the front while he made dinner. “.. that was pretty impressive yesterday.” You looked away from the cooking squirrel meat and at him instead. “.. thanks. I guess.” You laughed softly and looked back towards the small fire, just big enough to cook the squirrel.

“… she doin alright?” You blinked a little and looked towards the back and then at Joel. “… she’s doing about as good as you’d expect, I guess, she’s finding distractions but.. yknow it’s hard.. coming back from..” you frowned as you tried to think of the words. “I imagine.” You looked up, grateful he wasn’t waiting around for you to put something together.

“But she’s strong, resilient. Much more than myself so.. I think she’ll be alright.” “You’re pretty resilient.” Joel huffed beside you. “Had me on my ass.” “Oh god don’t you start too.” You laughed softly. “Ellie thinks it was the coolest thing in the world… I don’t have the heart to tell her I’m ninety percent sure it was just the adrenaline.” Joel chuckled softly and shook his head. “It was more than that. Self preservation is a very motivational thing. Add other people to the mix and usually it makes the urge stronger.” Joel shrugged like it was just a normal conversation.

“… i get the feeling you’re speaking from experience.” “Oh do you?” You laughed softly at Joel’s sarcastic tone and shrugged. “Don’t think I didn’t notice you bleeding.” You looked at him. “When you got to the town. You were hurt, looked pretty bad.. James came back earlier that day for Penicillin and left again…” your eyes trailed to where the blood had been, now covered with a new shirt that didn’t have a hole in it. “.. killed six guys while fighting off an infection. Sounds like a hell of a lot of self preservation.”

“I didn’t do that for me.” Joel looked at you and then towards the back area. “.. I did it for her.” He sighed and looked at the fire again. “… she saved my life out there. Stitched me up, got the medicine.. even tried leading em away.” You watched his jaw clench. “I even tried to get her to leave me there, just let me die and go back to my brother.” He sighed heavily. “Stubborn ass wouldn’t listen.” You laughed softly and nodded. “Makes sense. Doesn’t seem like the type to listen.” “She ain’t.”

You laughed a little harder this time, shaking your head. “At least you know she won’t leave you in a sticky spot.” Joel chuckled and nodded. “Yeah. She’s a reliable little brat.” You cleared your throat. “On that note I uh… wanted to say thank you for letting me come.” Joel looked at you and nodded slowly. “I know she didn’t give you much choice but.. you still had a say.. both times so.. thanks for letting me come and… extra thanks for letting me stay.” “Yeah.. you’re welcome.”

You and Joel sat like that for a moment, a few inches apart with your eyes locked onto each other’s. Before you could stop them your eyes fell to Joel’s lips, and you could’ve sworn you’d seen his do the same thing for just the briefest of seconds.

“Uh-uhm.” You jerked your head over when you heard Ellie clearing your throat and blinked a couple times before looking at her clean shirt, and then up at her shit eating grin. “Nice.” You motioned to the shirt, almost like you weren’t passive aggressively telling Ellie to bite you.

Joel cleared his throat and pulled the squirrel of the spit. “Just in time. Dinners ready.” He muttered, that momentary softness you felt in the air gone.

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You’d stayed awake for a while that night, laid on your side with your eyes locked onto the wall in front of you, your hands pushed under your makeshift pillow. You could hear rustling over near the door to the room, where Joel’s sleeping bag was stationed so he could sleep and still wake up if someone tried to sneak up on you.

After a while you heard more shuffling and then you felt eyes boring into you, hesitantly, you turned your head towards the door and immediately locked eyes with Joel, who straightened up when he was caught but didn’t really stop looking at you.

You hesitated before slowly turning onto your other side, just laying there holding eye contact with Joel, swallowing thickly. Joel was a hard man to read, but if you looked hard enough you could’ve sworn you saw something there, something underneath those stoic eyes and down-pulled facial expression, something that made your stomach burn at the bottom.

Joel’s head tilted a little bit and his eyes squinted like he was trying to figure something out, and that burning in your stomach got hotter and pulled tighter, a barely visible smirk stretching across his features when you gripped the shirt/pillow under your head.

After a moment it all got too much, maybe you were imagining it, but even if you were you couldn’t let yourself continue to imagine it, so, with a final shift you pulled your sleeping bag up higher, all the way to your nose before closing your eyes and pretending to sleep until you finally managed to actually sleep, still feeling Joel’s eyes burning holes into you.

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Taglist:

@romanarose @orcasoul

#joel miller #joel miller x reader #pedro pascal #pedrohub #the last of us #joel miller fanfiction #the last of us fanfiction #Joel tlou #Ellie Williams #Ellie tlou #away from the devil #away from the devil part four

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cupoftaae · 9 months

Text

Forever And A Day (KTH x READER) series ♡ Francis Forever (chapter 17)

Summary: your lifelong friend is forced to face his true feelings for you once he breaks the number one rule of becoming friends with benefits: dont fall in love. He knows he loves you, but you on the other hand need more convincing of the most important thing: the right decision.

Genre: fwb. Roommates, friends to idiots to lovers, fluff, angst, smut, the whole 9 yards tbh.

Pairing: taehyung x female!reader

rating: 18+ (minors dni!!!)

word count- 5k

warnings- swearing, angst, mentions of miscarriage, confused feelings, some kissing (some smut not really its like 2 seconds), REALLY EMO

a/n- guys....we have reached the final chapter of Forever And A Day, oh my god. Ive worked on this story since January, its very dear to me, Thank you for everyone who tagged along. I love you so much! there will still be an Epilogue posted as well. Enjoy the chapter angels

-nini

Your feet led you down to the kitchen, where your mom was currently cleaning.

"hi honey" she mumbled, not turning around to see you as she scrubbed the top of the stove.

"hey.." you walk over, opening the fridge and looking for something to snack on. Granted- there was something made for breakfast but you hadn't woken up until 12pm. Technically, it was now lunch.

"do you want me to make you something?"

You peer over to your mom whos putting things away in the storages

"no thats okay" you grab a sleeve of crackers from the cabinet and some cream cheese, opting to sit at the kitchen island with your sad "meal"

"thats not lunch, missy" your mother scolded as she turned to you finally

"meh" you shoved the cracker in your mouth as you watched her grab her coat from the hanger. "where are you going?" you spoke with a full mouth.

"I have to run to the store"

"didnt you just go the other day?"

Your mom peered over her shoulder, waiting a moment "yes...but, I forgot to grab...uh....planter feed, for my little window plants" she nodded over in the direction of them.

"okay....can I come?" you mumble, throwing another dry cracker into your mouth.

"no" she laughed, making you look up

"what, why?"

"because" she began to ramble "well...I love you but Ive spent every minute with you this week, its good to be alone for a few hours"

You raised an eyebrow as if you didnt believe her.....because you didnt. "okayyy..." your voice dragged out

"ill be back in no time, no worried dear." she grabbed her bag and walked to the door, "ill bring you back a coffee" she winked as she left.

Once you heard the door lock, you stood up, licking the cream cheese off your fingers.

why was she in such a hurry to be gone?

Your feet wandered over to the little plant cabinet she had, opening it to see a freshly stocked basket of soil feed packets. Of course she was lying.

She was probably looking for an excuse to see that guy shes been talking to for months now. Why would she lie though? does she think you couldn't handle it?

Chosing to ignore it, you picked up her cat and made your way upstairs to your room, sitting down at your desk.

These days you werent out much, last time you saw other people was 2 days ago when you went to go grab the mail from the mailbox in the pouring rain. Nonetheless, you still loved to get yourself dolled up as if you were going out.

You applied some makeup, carefully drawing out your eyeliner to a sharp point. The way you applied your face could be compared to how you applied yourself to everything else in life- strict and neat, and you hated when you had a smudge

You pushed through your makeup bag, searching for a certain lipstick that you are now realizing you left back in Paris.

"that was $20" you sigh, standing up to wander to your moms room. Surely she has something to use, shes always been one to paint her face, she used to let you play "makeover" when you were young, which might be why you love it so much now. It was always enjoyable, even if you made her look like a clown a bit.

You wondered where she would keep her makeup, as it wasnt in her bathroom. A quick scan around the room brought you over to her vanity drawers.

"ahh, there we go" you happily looked at all of the collective lipsticks and palettes sprawled out in front of you. You grasped a few of them to look for one you would use, when your eyes fell onto a folder underneath all it.

Pulling it out and carefully looking inside, because you were snoopy even with your mothers belongings, you saw what appeared to be a booklet of Polaroid photos.

You giggled softly at the cute older photos of your mom when she was younger, the silly gestures in the photos reminded you that she too is human and has her own emotions.

You came across a specific one in the pile where your mom was looking out the window in her old apartment, obviously pregnant.

that was you.

Smiling softly, you slid through the last bits before picking up one that made your breath hitch.

Your dad.

She still kept every photo. Hidden.

Photos of your dad sitting on the deck of the house with newborn you resting on his chest, photos of him not knowing your mom was even there while he did tiny activities, like fixing or repainting something.

It was so real and so raw, and you wanted to criticize your mother for keeping all of these, because as you looked at his face, you felt nothing but anger.

But you had to remember she spent a majority of her life with him...she had a kid with him....and you almost felt a sense of sympathy for her and the life she thought she would have with him.

He ruined so many things and even after all of that, she cant toss the photos.

Its never really over, huh?

You knew deep down that you should've respected your moms privacy and left the room, considering you were only on the look for a lipstick.

But you found yourself still digging an hour later, looking at photos and notes and everything in between. In a way, you felt like the snooping mom looking into her daughters room.

Perhaps you shouldnt have, but you took one of the photos and kept it for yourself. It was of your mom, she had to have been your age in it, and she was standing in front of the old ice cream place she always took you to before it got demolished.

She looked so happy and pure, she had that gleam in her eyes that you struggle to find in her nowadays.

You put the photo into your bag, making sure it was flat and not bent.

With any lesson learnt from your parents, its that your biggest fear is to spend your life in the wrong situation, trying to make it work only for it to end up as the opposite, and leave you with a broken heart.

But on the other hand, you also realize that you dont want to be like your mom, although you admire and adore her, you want to find your place so desperately, and not let any opportunity go to waste.

The doorbell downstairs rang, startling you a little as you rose to your feet, trying to head down quickly.

"coming!" you shout, your bare feet leading you to the locked door. You open it and see a young man with a pizza in his hand. "oh!"

He bows his head polietly, "Hi, pizza for Y/N?"

You almost laugh, "ah...I didnt order anything?"

you thought for a moment and considered that your mother probably ordered it for you, knowing that your choice of meal this morning was crackers and cream cheese.

"its already paid for" he spoke again

"im sorry but-" you sigh "okay....thanks?" you reach out, almost burning your hands at how warm the box was. You dropped it off on the kitchen counter and looked at it.

It was cheese and bacon, your favorite, how did your mom know that?

"should I trust this?" you looked down at the cat crawling over your feet, she smelled the yummy food just above and was trying to access it.

Before you could grab your phone to call her, you heard the doorbell ring again. "seriously...?"

once more, your feet dashed you over as you opened the door, assuming it would be another delivery. You dropped your phone onto the floor as the person standing in front of you turned around.

"I hope you are open to sharing that pizza" Taehyung spoke quietly, a small smile on his face.

"what are you doing here....?" you looked at him like a deer in headlights; scared, relieved, shocked, happy all in one.

He calmed his expression and stepped a bit closer, "can I come in?"

You stepped back and thought for a moment

"please....?" he persisted

"y-yeah..yeah come in" you stepped away and watched him slowly enter the house, taking his shoes off before turning back to you. He didnt have a moment to speak before you threw yourself into his chest, wrapping him up into a tight hug.

His arms snaked around you, pulling you closer as both of your breathing became uneven.

"i-im so sorry...i missed you a lot and I havent texted and, fuck, youre here and im so-"

"shhh...shhh" his hand held your nape as you looked at you, forehead against yours, "dont apologize its okay"

"but-"

"no...lets just go sit down and talk" he whispered, rubbing your back.

You exhaled shakily "okay"

You led him over to the kitchen, still in absolute shock at the fact he is here with you right now. All of the guilt began to seep back in the moment you saw his face.

You took a seat at the counter and looked at him, the sun peaking in through the blinds, leaving stray lines of orange through the room.

He smiled and looked around, pulling the seat out next to you as he sat down.

"So.." you looked at him, swallowing harshly. "wh-"

"your mom called me" he spoke honestly, sitting down and shielding the sun with his hand. "I was worried sick about you, I cant lie"

Yep. Guilt.

"and I didnt wanna bother you, but she called me and said that you wanted to see me so..." he smirked a little, looking down.

You sigh loudly, "oh tae.....i never told her to tell you to come...."

He laughed, throwing his head back "ah I figured sort of...I knew you would have probably texted me yourself"

You nod, stomach fluttering at the sound of his amusement. "yeah..'m sorry for not texting, that was really shitty of me Tae"

"dont apologize, youve gone through a lot, I understand its not easy to jump back in yet...and thats okay." he whispered "but...how are you? what are you feeling?"

"right now? im....im honestly really happy you showed up...."

"yeah?"

You nod, "mhm, i, er, missed you" you fumbled with your words, not wanting to sound needy or desperate.

"I missed you too" his response was quick.

you both looked at eachother for a few moments silently, before you spoke up, "you ordered that pizza, didnt you?"

He began to laugh, "yeah I did"

"I knew my mom wouldnt know I liked bacon...." you giggled, he moved a little closer and smiled.

"and listen, im not here to course you to coming back to Busan, I just wanted to come check on you...because you know I love you always"

You felt your face heat up, "I know...I know tae, I love you too."

"how are you physically?" he spoke quietly

Shrugging, you answered truthfully, "I think Im okay....my body is beginning to go back to normal, so....."

"good, thats good" he nods

"mhm...im glad I have my mom, but I really did miss having you nearby, and I know you dont want to hear it but I have to say it" you mumbled

"you can talk, y/n"

"im so sorry...for everything....its not fair-"

"but-"

"just listen please, its not fair...what I did to you, and I shouldnt have left, that was so shitty to leave you back in Paris knowing you were hurting too"

His face softened

"and what I did has been haunting me so much that I was afraid to contact you in fears you resented me....in fears that perhaps you hated me now-" your voice choked

"y/n, no, no," he grabbed your hands, "I could never hate you....never ever" he whispered moving to see your eyes, "listen to me, It was a bad situation, and perhaps we could have done better, yes, but stop apologizing for dealing with grief."

He wiped the tear stain on your cheek, holding your face close to his, whispering, "does your mom still have popsicles in the freezer?"

The random question made you laugh, "what?"

"this is serious, y/n, does she?"

"I- I think?" you stood and watched him search, successfully finding them. "why?"

He smirked, "you know why" he grabbed 2 and held your hand, bringing you upstairs to your room, opening the window and climbing out to the ledge of the roof

A place you two always sat during your high school days...with popsicles.

"ohh...." you giggled, now understanding his method to the madness.

"been a longgg time since we sat here, why didnt we do it when we visited a few months ago?" he smiled, opening the wrapper and licking the watermelon pop

"Im not sure..." you opened your own, happy that the sun wasn't directly on you two anymore.

Taehyung laid back against the roof, eyes on you from behind. Its been so long since hes seen you, and with every passing day he grew more impatient.

When he got the phone call from your mom, he knew it was mostly her doing, but he was not about to pass up a free opportunity to see you, even knowing the risk of you despising him was still high.

He wanted to call you beautiful, the way the orange sky illumintaed on your skin, it blended perfectly, it was straight out of a disney Princess movie.

He had no clue as to what label you two stood as, was it okay to call you baby? there was never an official breakup. Was it too much to want to kiss you as soon as he saw your face? his body yearned for you in every way, he missed the feeling of your hand in his and your body on his chest at night.

He missed all of you, and it hasnt even been that long.

"you know..." he began, closing his eyes, "Im starting to think im a bit too dependent on you" his voice was teasing,

"why do you say that?" you looked back at him, licking the popsicle.

He shrugged, smirking, "just cant seem to stay away...."

"i dont understand you" you laugh, looking forward again. "ive been such an ass, Taehyung"

"youre not an ass you just feel things deeply and I love that about you"

"is this some kind of kink?" you joke, watching him laugh

"maybe?"

You shake your head as you continue to eat the pop, "I dont shame"

He looked up at the sky, glaring at a plane flying across. He wondered if you two could be seen from the window.

He wondered how tiny and insignificant you would appear to the passengers aboard, who had no idea what situation you both were dealing with, like how he didnt know what they were dealing with.

Life is weird like that.

What problems you have and seem huge may seem meaningless to others, or how from space, you are the size of a grain of salt. It puts things into perspective, and over the past few weeks, hes been thinking about everything deeply and truly....deciding that although it may change nothing, seeing you was the best option.

"Tae?" you spoke, noticing how quiet he got

"remember when we were 16 and it was Easter? My family was over with yours, and you and I climbed up here after dinner and tried to smoke my dads cigarettes for the first time?" he laughed at the memory

You smile, "I smoked it wrong and began to choke"

You both were giggling again now

"you almost swallowed it, how does one fuck up smoking so badly?"

You nudge him, "hey!"

He shrugged, still smiling

"you are quite the smoker yourself now, huh?"

"I grew up with him smoking so yeah, I sort of picked up on it"

You nod, listening

"you hate it though, right?" he smirked

"well you are a grown man, you can chose to do as you please"

"oh cmon dont play coy, you know you would never give up a chance to scold me for it"

"yeah youre right" you sigh at his knowingness "I worry about your lungs!" you tease

"my lungs are okay" he smiled as you laid down on the roof next to him, the sun casting both of your shadows behind you.

"you dont know that!"

"trust baby, if anything was wrong youd be the first to know"

You froze after he called you baby, it wasn't like you two had been gone for years, but neither of you had been lovey in over a month, it felt almost foreign, almost wrong.

He wasnt going to apologize, it did slip, but did he regret it?

nope.

His eyes scanned over yours, softly and lovingly as he moved his hand over your hair, pushing it out of your eyes.

You stared at him, an expression reading shock. He pulled away slightly

"am I making you uncomfortable?" he seemed worried that he stepped too far, scaring you.

"n-no!" you spoke, reaching for his hand. "it just feels odd you know? its not you, its just...."

"been a while" he finished for you

"yeah..."

You still felt safe with him, how could you not?

You didnt want him to make the assumption that you were not okay with his touch anymore, because that definitely was not the case.

You slowly cuddled closer to him, both of you laid on your backs as your head rested on his shoulder, his head leaning against yours.

Both of your lips were painted pink and red from the popsicles, it made you smile.

The sky above you two seemed so big, so endless.

Staring at it was almost frightening.

You reached for his hand and intertwined his fingers with yours, he quickly squeezed yours out of affection.

"ahh..." he spoke up suddenly, voice quiet. "I shouldnt.....I shouldnt have taken you to Paris"

You looked up at him

"maybe the plane ride was too much? maybe your body couldnt handle the stress?" he exhaled shakily, eyes still up at the sky. "Im sorry...I really am"

"you dont have to apologize for anything" you turned your body on your side so you faced him, though he still wouldn't look at you.

"hey.." you tried again, "you know, my mom told me she also miscarried when I was 3 years old...and thats why she never had kids after me"

He closed his eyes, squeezing your hand

"So I guess its runs in the family.....not our fault" you shrugged, "Its breaks my heart but...we dont have to blame ourselves"

He turned his head to your finally at the sound of your voice cracking, He brought you closer to his chest, hand rubbing your back. Taehyung swallowed harshly, clearing his throat to talk quietly "I've been...having a hard time dealing with it.

You rested your hand on his chest, looking at him sympathetically. His eyes were now watery, it took a lot to not cry yourself.

Youve already cried.

Youve cried so much

Perhaps you were now accepting the miscarriage for what it was, you were even able to say it aloud now, and thats growth.

You wished the same for Taehyung.

"that's okay, too" you whisper, hand snaking around to brush his hair between your fingers behind his head.

His eyes went back up to the now purple sky, tears reflecting the image in front of you. "do you think they are up there?" he smiled softly, rubbing your back still.

You look up at the sky, the clouds creating a beautiful set up as the sun set behind them. The world felt blanketed and secured in this moment, almost safe.

"yeah" you whisper, squeezing his hand, "but they are also here...with us, you know?"

He looks at you, tear marks on his face as you move to wipe them with your sleeve. "I think we will always be parents, that cant change. I feel that connection so deeply, and I know you do too. They arent gone, they just arent in this world" you add.

Taehyung smiled softly at your words, nodding slowly, "yeah....yeah youre right"

His thumb runs over your knuckles, calming you both down.

"I cant get myself to get rid of anything...like the stuff we bought." you mumble, looking down at your hands.

He chuckled, "mmh, you dont have too."

You sighed and looked at him again, a warm blush coating your cheeks.

"you know...I dont give you enough credit" he spoke "youve been through so much"

"Tae..." you brush his hair back, "youve given me everything....we need to look ahead...the past cant be changed."

He slides his hand under the hem of your shirt, touching the soft skin on your hip bone. It wasn't promiscuous or anything, simply an act of love and affection, silently showing you he's here and is listening.

"Im really sad" he choked out

You hugged him close as he began to cry into your shoulder

"its okay baby, its okay....its okay to be sad, you dont have to be strong for me" your hand caressed his back. "I love you so much, please know that"

He took a moment to calm down before pulling back to look at you, "y-youre right....we do need to look forward now"

You nod softly, holding his face.

You were a little worried to see him in this state, you didnt know he was feeling this and keeping it down for so long.

All you could do was comfort him and be there.

"I just.....are we still...." he trailed off, making you smile as you cupped his face again, brushing your thumbs over his cheeks lovingly.

"mm" you slowly leaned forward to kiss him

It was a nice kiss, not too slow but not too fast, just what was needed after a month of distance and no contact.

He blushed brightly, holding you as he whispered, "do you think we could start over? I really want to treat you right, and I want this to work. We can work it out right? the correct way this time?" his voice wavered

You nodded, still looking at him "yes....we can try again, the right way" you giggled as he leaned forward to kiss you again, this time a little quicker.

He bit your bottom lip, hands gently squeezing your hips

"baby-" you exhaled into his mouth, gently pulling back to look at him. "maybe we shouldnt"

"why?" he frowned, almost looking like a little kid

"well for starters we are on my roof" you giggled, sitting up

Taehyung smiled and looked around

"and....I dont know...sex is what brought us this mess" you teasingly nudged him, making him laugh. "lets just be with eachother for a little bit and let our feelings lead us to what happens"

He sighed, knowing you were right. "okay....can I still cuddle you though?" he whispered, making you coo at his cuteness.

"of course, lets go"

You slowly led him back into your room off the roof, closing the window before settling down on the bed with him. "when are you going back to Busan?"

He held you, face hidden in your neck "maybe in a few days...I dont want to leave you yet if thats okay"

"okay...thats fine, but, I think I'll head back with you...."

He smiled, rubbing your back "yeah?"

"mm" you kissed his head, closing your eyes.

You were still healing. To say you fully recovered was not true, but as you sat in his arms things felt normal again, even if it would be temporary.

Perhaps you needed to be with him to fully heal, to fully be yourself. Taehyung was your other half, and he knew you better than anyone. To give this another chance is like a breath of fresh air.

Putting your pasts behind you in hopes of feeling happiness again, in hopes of both of you becoming better people for each other.

Taehyung doesnt want to leave you, ever, and you cant say you want him to.

You dont spend half of your life with someone then let them run away just because things go downhill.

If your father was in your presence, you would teach him this lesson.

When you love someone, you hold their hand and walk through hard times together, you dont let them leave over something that both of you know you would need eachother's support for. To think- you almost let him out of your grasp, you almost lost him.

And Taehyung loved you so much...that if you asked him to leave....he would have.

You dont know what the future entails, and yes, its fucking terrifying. Life is scary, theres ups and downs, and suprises and failure, but theres also a lot of love, and happiness, and success if you look hard enough.

You do hope one thing for sure, and thats that he will be at your side as you grow up, to be there when you are right and wrong, healthy or sick, happy or sad.

As you both began to pick up the pieces of what was broken, you appreciated the past, knowing you had to let it go, but it also brought you here, back into where you feel most safe.

You renovated the apartment and turned the Nursery into a craft room for Taehyungs painting. He kept all of the baby belongings in the closet, hoping for the day in the future when he would open it again and feel that sense of excitement but nervousness.

You continued work and college classes, pursuing your acting career that youve always wanted, and when you graduated, Taehyung would never let you forget how much he admired you.

He kissed your neck softly, his hand pressed into yours as he hovered above you, "so beautiful, my love...."

you bit your lip before exhaling a shaky moan "ohh..f-fuck"

"so smart....youre so perfect baby, I love you"

He kissed you gently, still moving his hips against yours as you held him close to you, fluttering your eyes shut.

things had settled into place once again.

Taehyung got offered a job as an art teacher at the college you graduated from, taking the full time position while you worked at the local theatre, producing and preforming sold out plays every weekend.

The saving money part was hard for him, he wanted to buy you anything you laid your eyes on.

"did you seriously buy the couch?!" you tossed your bag, running from the doorway to the living room to see the grey couch you had pointed out shopping with him literally the day prior.

He shrugged, "yeah...whats the big deal?"

"taehyung!" you giggled and hugged him.

He was too spontaneous for his own good.

A few years passed, and looking at your current life now, you would not believe how much had changed. You can say for the first time in a while you felt happy...and oh what an exciting and freeing feeling that was.

"I love youuuu! my baby!!!!!" taehyung danced around on the icy sidewalk outside of your apartment door, it was new years eve and he was drunk.

very...very drunk.

He pointed at you as he sang, "my babyyyy! woo!"

You giggled, sitting on the steps and recording your man child boyfriend whom you loved so much. "baby be careful dont sl-"

too late.

He fell on his ass, laughing so hard he almost puked, which of course made you laugh too.

"cmon ya big baby" you ran over and helped him inside. Midnight had already passed earlier, pre-drunk taehyung had danced with you around the living room, gifting you a small kiss once the clock read midnight.

"hm, I dont get it, whats so different about a new years kiss? its like every other one?" you laughed after his lips left yours.

"well its special because I get to be the first to kiss you in the new year" he smiled cheekily

"tae...your the only one who gets to kiss me any year" you point at him

"damn right" he snaps his fingers at you as he walks past into the other room.

Every holiday you spent with him felt special, every event, every grocery run, it all felt so much more authentic now.

You two were in your mid twenties now, and a lot of mental growth had come along with that. With pride, you can say you were better people than before, and thats why things worked so well.

You could easily live like this forever.....

it was basically an endless sleepover with your best friend. You were okay if you could come home and see his face waiting for you on the couch.

Your sweet boy.

You had no idea what was gonna happen next, whether that was marriage, or another attempt at having kids- you felt ready.

Ready to give him anything he wanted in return for him saving you.

You could do anything, be anywhere or anyone, in good or bad conditions, and you will still only crave him.

Your lover.

You want him for months

for years

for eternity...

For Forever And A Day.

And God knows he felt the same.

A/N- wow guys....this is it....I cannot thank you enough for reading my first story on here, im not perfect at writing but you guys keep me motivated and confident in my work, and I love you for that. This will not be the end of this couple, we still have the Epilogue as well as eventual drabbles.

You guys are amazing. ily.

-Nini

taglist-

@turnthepageandbeburnt @taebangtanbabe @borahaexoxo @lelefoodlover @tan-veee

#bts #bts fanfic #bts fluff #bts smut #kim taehyung fanfic #kim taehyung #taehyung #taehyung fanfic #taehyung fluff #taehyung smut #taehyung bts #bts taehyung #kim taehyung series #taehyung series

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livwritesstuff · 8 months

Text

Eddie is the luckiest bastard on the planet.

He has to be.

There’s no other way around it.

There’s no other possible explanation for why he got to wake up this morning with Steve Harrington still fast asleep against his side, an arm curled around Eddie’s stomach so his hand rests warm on the curve of his waist, his cheek smushed against Eddie’s collarbone, and their legs entangled beneath the sheets. There’s no other reason for why he’s gotten to wake up like this pretty much every morning for the past year and a half (they’ve actually been together for a little over two, but it’s been a year and a half since Ed replaced Robin on the lease for their little apartment by the harbor in Tacoma, Washington).

Maybe luckiest on the entire planet is up for debate, but, god does Eddie feels fucking lucky — and not just because he’s the one who bagged Steve Harrington, king of Hawkins High (though he seriously hopes Steve will be up for attending their high school reunion whenever it comes around).

Steve just loves so hard, he’s like a bottomless pit of goodness and kindness and love, and by some grace of whatever God is in charge of that kind of shit, Eddie gets to be on the receiving end of it.

Christ, is he fucking lucky.

In the two years that they’ve been together, Eddie has spent a considerable amount of time wondering if he even deserves Steve. He’s pretty firmly landed on he doesn’t, but Steve doesn’t seem to be with the program (and Ed is irreversibly head over heels for him, so he’ll take it).

“Ed,” Steve mutters from beside him as he rolls back towards his side of the bed, his sleep-addled voice rough like gravel, “Go back to sleep.”

Though Eddie is far too awake to fall back asleep, he hums his agreement, molding himself to Steve’s back and tucking a hand between his thighs.

Eddie’s sleep schedule is kind of fucked at this point. To be fair, it was kind of always fucked, but his saving grace as a teenager had been the fixed schedule of school, and then as an adult, work. Ten months ago, however, he signed a real-life publishing deal for the book he’s been working on for ages that came with an upfront payment and the expectation of writing full-time. Since then, he’s had free reign to live by whatever hours he sees fit, for better or for worse.

Recently he’s been trying his damndest to stick to normal waking hours, which hasn't exactly been easy for the night owl that he tends to be, but Steve’s last semester in his PsyD program started up last week after a short break, so spending time with him means abiding to the same hours (and more than anything, more than any vocation or any job or any amount of money, Eddie just wants to spend time with Steve).

At this point, they’ve got a whole routine down —

Steve will pull himself out of bed with his alarm.

Eddie will do whatever he can to convince him to skip out on his clinical and spend the day with him, which Steve will ignore.

Eddie will then spend the morning killing time.

Steve will call home midway through the day. He’ll asks what Eddie’s been up to and tell him he misses him, and Eddie will fall just that much more in love.

After they hang up, Eddie might manage to put in a good few hours of writing, might have a meeting with his agent or his publishing house, and sometimes he’ll go out to pick up some things for his and Steve’s evening — usually groceries and a bottle of wine (Steve is becoming a wine guy in his old age of twenty-eight, and while Ed’s not totally sure he’s convinced, he has been noticing his taste in beer becoming less and less redneck, as Nancy ever-so-kindly describes it).

Steve is the designated cook in their relationship (thank god, because any relationship where Eddie is the more culinarily-inclined of the pair is not a relationship destined to be sustainable, and Ed needs this to be sustainable), so Eddie won’t actually get dinner started per se, but he will put a tape on (Led Zeppelin’s IV, more often than not, because “Going to California” reminds him of Steve), and he’ll clean up the kitchen, put the wine in the fridge to chill, and get a pot of water boiling because he’s usually pretty sure that whatever Steve has planned includes pasta.

(And if it doesn’t, it usually works out anyway because when Steve returns home, they’ll make out against the kitchen counter for so long that all the water boils off).

They might watch something after dinner or maybe they’ll start a new puzzle or maybe Steve will convince him to play Mario Kart with him or maybe they’ll do something else entirely, but no matter what they’ll talk and rib each other and tell each other about their days.

If Steve turns in early, Ed will go with him. He’ll stand behind him in the bathroom with an arm around his middle while they brush their teeth together, and once they’re in bed he’ll let (let, as if he’d ever say no) Steve cuddle up against him while he jots down something that had popped into his brain in the notebook he takes with him wherever he goes.

It’s a routine Eddie is pretty goddamn happy with, actually.

He loves Steve — he loves him, he loves him, he loves him.

He loves his old-man schedule that has him rising and falling practically with the sun. He loves his sexy early-morning voice, loves the way he snores when he sleeps on his back for too long, loves the way Eddie can gently smush a hand into Steve’s face for a moment so he’ll stop.

He loves Steve and his absurd collection of houseplants and the way their coffee table is almost always consumed by a puzzle (Steve likes the tricky ones — they’re a 1000-piece minimum household) and his determination to try a new recipe every week.

He loves how Steve ends every phone call with love you, Ed and every note with a doodled heart, smiley-face, and star, and how he cuddles with his nose shoved into the bend of Eddie’s neck so he can feel his heartbeat and how he likes to keep his socks on during sex.

“I don’t like it,” Steve always responds whenever Ed brings this up, “I'm just not gonna put a pause on everything to take my fucking socks off if it doesn’t make literally any difference to me.”

Which, Eddie supposes, is fair enough.

CONTINUE ON AO3

#steddie #the satellite and the sky #steve harrington #eddie munson #he's just so so so in love

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kyndaris · 7 months

Text

Adrenaline Rush

After slogging through Diablo IV, all the while listening to video essays about terrible authors (thank you ReadswithRachel), there were still a mountain of games that I needed to tackle in order to bring some semblance of order to my ever-growing backlog. But rather than play through yet another hundred-hour adventure, I opted for something far shorter. Enter: Hi-Fi Rush.

While I have very mixed feelings about Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda and now, it seems, Activision Blizzard, there is no denying that Hi-Fi Rush is a masterpiece of a game that serves as a breath of fresh air for anyone tired of the dull doldrums that come from staring at dirt or uninspired graphic design.

In fact, there is definitely something to be said for choosing a colourful, high contrast and bombastic art style to go with one's game. It certainly livens up the screen and makes everything pop. Something that could not be said of the recent triple-A games that I recently played through.

Beyond that, it just brings a smile to my face to see a game that doesn't take itself too seriously when it comes to world-building. And it's all the better for it.

Too many games these days have gone the realistic grimdark route and it has honestly sapped some of the fun out of what would have been interesting worlds. As a random aside, you can still be grimdark and still have a colourful world filled with a mixture of fun and funny characters.

But back to the game at hand!

Releasing at the start of the year with no fanfare to describe of, Hi-Fi Rush was a sleeper hit for many gamers although it has tracked well with critics. So, when it was on sale on Steam, I went ahead and bought it. And instead of sitting there for years and years, the delay between purchase and me playing it was only a few months, give or take!

What struck me immediately was the art. I loved seeing the bold lines that defined the characters and the environment. Instead of the dreary atmosphere that came from Diablo IV or Forspoken, I was met with a highly saturated world that wasn't afraid of splashing around a little colour.

True, it might not be a colour scheme or graphic choice for every game but it certainly stood out from the stuffy triple-A crowd.

The second thing that I fell in love with were the host of allies, from Peppermint to Macaron, CNMN and finally Korsica. Though the game was fairly short and the time that I spent with them didn't extend to hundreds of hours, I enjoyed what few conversations that Chai had with them and the immediate dynamic that naturally sprung up between them through in-game banter.

This was a game that didn't waste one's time with endless backstory. It was a burst of game that could be replayed if one wanted and did not overstay its welcome.

Combat, too, took on an interesting twist with attacks landing on beat. This provided some extra challenge to combat but never made pulling off combos difficult as I slashed and slammed my way through the Vandelay Technologies offices to bring down the man - or in this particular case, greedy CEO Kale Vandelay.

It also made sense from a narrative perspective with Chai having his music player being inserted into his chest when his broken arm was initially replaced with a robot arm at the start of the game.

And perhaps that's what makes Hi-Fi Rush such a great game. Almost all of the aspects of the game are interconnected - be it the gameplay, the narrative or even the logs that players can pick up. The fact that the game isn't afraid to also poke fun and get a little meta, which only adds to the game's charm.

While the villains were a little one-note, playing into stereotypes, there were also hidden depths to their characters that were often revealed in their boss battles. And what spectacles they were! Especially against Roquefort! That was truly wonderful - especially the homage to Scrooge McDuck's money bin.

Honestly, there were so many iconic moments, it's hard for me to nail down which one was my favourite.

If I had to say what my main gripe with the game was though, I'd say it had to be the lack of healing options during battle except for special abilities. It was also disappointing to see how little Chai recovered when he picked up the small health energy that was scattered around the environment.

Still, it did make the boss battles nailbiting knowing that I could only heal Chai only once I'd managed to fill up the energy bar to use my healing special ability.

As for gameplay that wasn't combat related, while it annoyed me that I couldn't explore every inch without first unlocking another character first, I enjoyed the challenges although I did find the platforming a little finicky on occasion.

Overall, though, Hi-Fi Rush was an excellent palate cleanser after the less than impressive Diablo IV. And while I would have liked to spend more time in the world of Hi-Fi Rush to understand the backstory for a few more of the characters, I enjoyed my time with it - from the zany plans to the humorous gags that are maintained through the entire game like the Vandelay robots rebelling by ensuring all the coffee machines only serving decaf.

Here's hoping that developers learn to break up their usual doom and gloom with something that brings back the joy of gaming. It almost feels like we're returning to the early 2000s when all games needed to have dark broody tortured protagonists except they're also now extending it to the game design and game world. Which, in all honestly, I'm not enjoying.

After all, you can still make gut-punching emotional games and still have a beautiful world to admire!

True, don't go the route of Thor: Love and Thunder but it doesn't need to be another cookie-cutter stale grey world.

#video games #hi-fi rush #chai #peppermint #korsica #cnmn #macaron #sticking it to the man

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nicoline1998enilocin · 10 months

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Off Limits IV | The one where they're caught

PAIRING | Steve Rogers x Female!Reader

WORD COUNT | 1.9K

SUMMARY | The two of you have been keeping a low profile while dating because you really didn't want Tony to find out. When you think everyone is gone for a mission, you get a little bit reckless and it gets steamy in the living room. That is until someone walks in, and you get caught.

WARNING(S) | This is your official trigger warning. Do not proceed if any of these topics upset you. Implied shower sex, make-out sessions, cock warming, nipple play.

Likes and reblogs will be very much appreciated 💜

Main Masterlist | Steve Rogers Masterlist | Series masterlist | Part III | Part V

The past few months with Steve have been nothing short of amazing, apart from the sneaking around you both have to do. The night of your first time with Steve, he asked you to be his girlfriend, and you happily accepted. You're only demand was that you wanted to keep it a secret for now. ''As long as I am with you, I don't mind keeping it a secret,'' he said. There have been some stolen kisses when no one was looking, or some extra cuddles during movie nights, but nothing that would get the two of you caught. Until now.

Bucky knows his best friend through and through, so when he started acting a little different around you, he got suspicious. It wasn't enough for him to directly worry, but it was noticeable to him. It all started on the night of Tony's party when he saw the two of you dancing together, a lot closer than friends usually would, but then again, he was frozen and brainwashed for 70 years, so what did he know about modern times, right? But ever since that night, he was happier, his mood often lighting up when you walked into the same room where he was. He also noticed that you were called up to his office more than the rest of you were, and he couldn't figure out why. So he decided to bring it up to Steve on their morning run.

''So, how is Y/N?'' Bucky asked casually, not trying to show his suspicion too much. ''She's good, settling in well in her role,'' Steve said, and he wondered where this was suddenly coming from. ''I bet she is,'' Bucky muttered, but Steve chose to ignore it, although something didn't feel right at this moment. ''The two of you seem to be getting pretty close,'' he said then, and Steve agreed. ''We're really good friends, that's all. We enjoy hanging out together and we have a lot of fun when we're preparing for missions,'' he said while shrugging his shoulders. Bucky chose to not pry any further, it didn't feel right to do it so he would just leave it at that. The rest of the run they spent catching up about missions and life in general.

When Steve comes back from his run, he finds you laying on your stomach in bed, wearing only a pair of lacy panties and reading your book. ''Hm, I don't mind seeing this every time I come home from my runs, love,'' he says and he's practically drooling over you. Steve's room is soundproofed so when he lands a smack on your ass and you shriek out, neither of you is worried about the others hearing it. ''Babe, warn a girl next time! Now I couldn't enjoy it as much,'' you said with a little pout and Steve couldn't help himself. He rolled you over and laid on top of you, softly kissing you and brushing one of his hands over your nipples. ''Want to take a shower together? That way I can make it up to you a few times…'' he said with a mischievous grin and you couldn't say no.

1.5 hours and a combined total of 5 orgasms later, both of you were laying spent on the bed, still recovering from the mind-blowing shower you just shared. ''I should surprise you like that more often if that's how I make up for it,'' Steve said with a chuckle. ''I think so too,'' you said and you brushed his cheek with your thumb before planting soft kisses where your thumb just was. ''I think everyone will be gone on a mission in a few days except for us, maybe we could venture out of the bedroom a little bit for once,'' you say, and judged by the shocked look on Steve's face he doesn't think it's a good idea. ''I don't mean we should have sex in every room all day long, but I wouldn't mind having a good make-out session in the living room or something,'' you say and Steve turns red at the idea. He still isn't used to you talking about things like that so openly.

''I wouldn't mind that, but how about we have one right now?'' he offers, and you agree. ''We can spice this one up a little bit if you want though,'' you tell him and Steve can immediately tell you have something on your mind by the look on your face. ''I've noticed you're already hard for me again, and I wouldn't mind keeping it warm for you during our make-out session,'' you offer, but he isn't sure what you're getting at. ''I could cockwarm you if you're up for it. You'd slide it in while we make out, and if one thing leads to another, all you would have to do is move your hips and I could cum for you again,'' you tell him, your eyes blown with lust. Steve agrees and you wrap your hand around his cock first and pump a few times to get him ready before straddling him and sliding slowly down until he's bottomed out. ''Oh fuck, love, feels so good,'' he moans and you kiss him.

The kisses start slow and soft, but soon both your hands are wandering a little bit, and the kiss is deepened. Steve licks your bottom lip and when you open, he softly sucks your bottom lip into his mouth, letting it go with a soft pop. This makes you smile and you do the same to him, but you also nibble softly on his, getting a soft moan out of him right away. ''Feel so good inside me, Captain,'' you whisper against his mouth and when you say it, his hips buck up out of reflex, getting a louder moan from you. You reattach your lips to his again and you both deepen the kiss immediately, sucking on each other's tongues one by one, taking your time to explore each other's mouths. After a while, Steve can't take it any longer and softly starts lifting his hips, and it doesn't take long for either of you to have another orgasm. ''That was amazing, love, I think we should do that more often,'' Steve said with a smirk on his face, and you agree.

~ 2 weeks later ~

You and Steve have been preparing for the mission the rest of the Avengers will be going on, the two of you weren't needed for this one so you took full advantage of it. Steve usually woke you up with either his tongue or his cock and now the both of you gladly spent the entire mornings in bed together. At some point, you remembered the moment you asked Steve about maybe moving your escapades out of the bedroom, and you brought it up again. ''Babe, remember when we talked about maybe having a make-out session out of the bedroom for once? I think today would be the perfect moment, everyone's gone on the mission and they won't be back for a few days, so we can just let go for once,'' you say and Steve agrees with it. ''Just the making out, or also the cock warming?'' he says with a bit of mischief in his voice. ''STEVE!'' you exclaim and smack him against his arm playfully, there are boundaries to this after all.

You're both dressed in loungewear so you can be nice and comfortable on the couch in the living room, and Steve picks you up by putting his hands under your thighs and lifting you. Out of reflex you wrap your legs around his waist, and your arms around his neck, so you can be carried like a koala bear. He walks you to the door and instead of opening it, he pushes you against it and kisses you deeply, he honestly couldn't wait. When you pull away to breathe, you tell him you didn't even make it to the living room yet. ''It's gonna be a long road if we stop every time,'' you said with a giggle, and with a fake defeated look, he opened the door and carried you to the living room. When you reached the couch, you unhooked your legs behind his back and he sat down, you straddling his lap and thighs now.

Steve looked at you and admired your beauty for a little bit, whispering sweet nothings to you which made you blush like a tomato. When he figured you'd be red enough in your face, neck, and chest, he softly attached his lips to yours, slowly and tenderly kissing you without a single worry in his mind. Your worries and thoughts also melted away the second he placed his lips on yours, and your hands started wandering over his body. Down his arms, over his waist, and up his chest until they found their place on his neck again. Steve also let his hands explore your body, softly brushing his fingers over your back, up to your shoulders, and down your arms, before slowly moving under your shirt to feel the naked skin under there. His hands moved up to your nipples, and as soon as he pinched them softly you gasped, giving him the perfect opportunity to slip his tongue into your mouth while he kept softly pinching and rubbing your nipples, making them nice and hard.

''You like that, baby? You like it when I play with your nipples here?'' he asks you and you softly moan in response. Just when he was about to mention how hard he was because of you, the two of you heard a gasp and Steve immediately let go of your nipples. ''Good friends, my ass,'' Bucky says when he walks into the living room. He was on his way to the kitchen to get some water for his throat, he wasn't feeling well so he stayed home from the mission. You quickly try to move from Steve's lap but he keeps you there, not wanting to show the erection he got from your make-out session. You were both showing the same deep red color on your cheeks from being caught and you couldn't look Bucky in the eyes right now, so you hid your face in Steve's neck.

''I'm happy for the both of you, don't get me wrong, but I can't get over the fact that you lied to me, Steve. You could have told me the two of you are together, and I would have kept it a secret,'' Bucky said, still shocked at what he saw. He was just going to the kitchen but he wasn't sure if anyone was awake so he tried not to make any noise, and he succeeded because they hadn't heard him due to his assassin-like walking. ''I'm sorry Buck, but we hoped to keep it a secret for a while longer, we're enjoying the fact that it's just something between us - and now you know of course,'' Steve explained, and Bucky understood what it felt like. ''I get it, but you do need to be more careful in that case, you never know when someone might sneak up on you,'' he said with a smirk before going back to his bedroom. ''I'm happy for the two of you though, you are perfect for each other,'' he said and he left. You and Steve looked at each other and burst out in laughter, your make-out session long forgotten now.

#steve rogers #steve rogers x female reader #steve rogers fanfiction #steve rogers x y/n #steve rogers x reader #captain america

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paroxysmal-distaste · 2 years

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proximity. || ch13, weird

IVE LITERALLY BEEN GONE ONLY BC IM GOING INTO UNIVERSITY IM SO SORRY HERE'S A CHAPTER UIJKRF THIS HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY DRAFTS FOR MONTHS

◬ Chapter 13 - Weird ◬ ◬ Pairing: Bill Cipher x Fem! Reader ◬ ◬ Date Published: 27/05/2019 ◬ ◬ Word Count: 5146 ◬

Sixty degrees that come in threes. Watches from within birch trees. Saw his own dimension burn. Misses home and can't return. Says he's happy. He's a liar Blame the arson for the fire. If he wants to shirk the blame, He'll have to invoke my name. One way to absolve his crime. A different form. A different time.

...

The entirety of your night was spent tossing and turning, clutching the sides of your head the same way you would if you had a headache. What you had, however, was worse.

Gaining Bill’s powers hadn’t taken a toll on you this badly. Not before, anyways. It’s like your body was allowing you to slowly digest each ability as a way of adjusting and preventing you from going into instant shock (or death) from the sudden change. Evolutionary, perhaps?

Sure, you could handle a little intangibility or teleportation, things that very much differed from your normal ‘day-to-day’ metal control or electrical generation- but last night marked the beginning of a new problem.

Every. single. hour was spent trying to ignore the cacophony of overlapping thoughts from hundreds of different people at once.

Out of both curiosity and as a way to feed your sanity, you managed to tune into the mind of a random but strange individual, probably someone only a few kilometres away from you, only to be marvelled at how disgusting and unfiltered their thoughts were.

Made sense, these were their thoughts- it’s why they’re so personal, and it’s not expected someone could involuntarily end up reading their mind anyways. In some manner, who were you to make judgements about someone in the privacy of their own head? But after hearing that man’s dialogue, you had opted for trying one last time to sleep (out of horror), forcing the multiple human voices to be hushed into white noise.

But those whispers of rhyme… what did they mean? Was it because of Bill?

Your mind drifted off to the events of yesterday.

"Na-ah-ah, doll. You didn't think I'd forget about you calling me your boyfriend, now did you?"

Ugh.

You hated the way Bill made your face glow multiple times a day. Just the very recollection made a bad taste spread across your tongue. Call it a blow to your pride or genuine embarrassment, you didn't care- all you knew was that you didn't like it.

Obviously, your embarrassment was due to his teasing and that would be fine if you had to only dabble in his presence every once in a while, like a proper friend. But he was attached to your hip. He saw every reaction he wanted and he was basically living with you at this point, so moments of embarrassment for you were as clear as day and came more often than not.

After hearing his question, you got a little defensive, turning your head from him, absolutely mortified you had just walked into a trap that will give him enough fuel to last him weeks.

“It was the first thing I thought of! What the hell did you want me to say?” It was a hoarse whisper shout at best, and your eyes flickered to the group of teenagers behind Bill.

Bill’s grin grew so incredibly wide you wanted to slap him for being so annoying. You let out harsh air through your nose as he closed his eyes lightly and tsked, shaking his head.

“Why would that be your first thought?”

You paused.

Ironically? It wasn’t actually your first thought. But still, you could’ve said he was your cousin or family member... you later realised. You chewed on your bottom lip, staring at the ground in thought.

“Doll?”

“Hm? Oh.” You tilted your head up at him, hands on your waist defiantly, “I would’ve told him we were friends but the last time I visited I told him I had no friends, so it was just a precaution. I was being paranoid.”

He snorted, “You got that right.”

You lightly smacked his arm, muttering ,"Which part," before adding, "You're really not the sort of person I'd usually be caught dead hanging out with anyways."

He quirked an eyebrow, a flicker of disdain flashing across his face so fast that it scared you.

"For someone that doesn't have any 'friends', you've got quite the mouth on you." He replied almost a little too quickly, as if he was ready to pounce at any sign of your rebellion.

"I don't have any friends because I don't want any. Sort of requiring too much effort–especially with my time spent on people I'm never going to talk to again 5 years from now. Not because of my personality or anything." You sounded unsure now, and perhaps a little insecure. Pure pure coping right now.

Friends were something you had barely stayed in contact with, but it still hurt to not have anybody checking up on you. After a while it was something you got used to, and nowadays having friends seems to be more of a burden than anything else. It didn't matter, you told yourself, you've got your work to focus on.

"Maybe that IS why you don't have any."

Your mind had already drifted into another hazy thought and the 'friend topic' was now gone. Hearing Bill's comment had actually made you falter in what the hell he was going on about this time.

"I hope you realise how bad that sounds." You replied absentmindedly, slapping a hand over your forehead and cringing when you realised what you said.

"Hm? Your mind's going there, huh?" He smoothed his hand over his opposite forearm, smiling at you with eyes half-lidded. The look would be complete if he had a cat's tail waving mischievously behind him. Or maybe the Devil's tail.

You flushed trying to cover up your mistake and backtracking, "Not like that, God." A glance from side to side and then back to Bill made you squint at him this time, "...Besides, I don't see your friends anywhere."

"I don't just keep my friends nailed to my sleeve, doll. Not anymore. They're waiting for my return in my dimension, you'll see." He smiled sleazily at you, like he knew more than you did.

God, it was annoying how he seemed to have a response for everything.

You snorted as his grin grew wider, "No but seriously doll! Last time you visited, you also hadn’t met me.” He used both hands to refer to himself proudly and raised his eyebrows like what he was saying was factual and he was just waiting for you to get it.

“Aww, what are you saying? That you do see me as your friend?” You held your hands together, and batted your eyelashes, scrunching your nose with a smile.

Bill rolled his eyes, “Unfortunately for you, doll, I’m not your boyfriend.” He diverted his attention to the teenagers talking behind the two of you, a fire lighting up inside his eyes when he settled his vision of fury on Dipper.

“Very funny. What would I know about relationships? Clearly you're the expert– pathetic me would stand no chance in the presence of Bill Cipher.” You spoke sarcastically, whispering the last part, deciding to play along mostly out of curiosity.

I mean, who could really blame you? This dream demon talked so much mad game, it would be next to impossible to not feel even an ounce of intrigue in whether or not he's actually managed to be hooked into the life of another romantically. "So tell me, have you ever been in one?" You asked boldly, gnawing on the inside of your cheek.

Bill looked away, "I don't know what you're referring to."

Your eyebrows furrowed, embarrassment beginning to creep up your neck at the question, "You... you know what I mean. Relationships."

“...I don’t like to engage in human affairs,” he huffed, turning to examine his surroundings. The action was suspiciously avoidant and you crossed your arms and tilted your head, a gleam beginning to show in your eye.

“Wait. So you’ve never-” you caught yourself as the words began to fly off your tongue and into the air.

Bill whipped his head over at you after eavesdropping at the Pines and your brother’s conversation, “What? Whaddaya mean?”

You blinked innocently.

“I mean,” you fiddled with the hem of your coat, regretting indulging into your , “You’ve… you’ve never…?”

If Bill knew what you were hinting at, he definitely didn’t show it. His face showed how perplexed he was and he nudged his head to tell you to continue. Another trap? Probably.

“Out of all the trillions of years you’ve existed, and the billions you’ve had in contact with humans, not one time, as a human… have you ever…” You avoided his gaze.

He squinted.

If he wants to play games, so can you. Ask and see his reaction. Then... gaslight gatekeep girlboss? You weren't sure, you were just curious to see what he would say if you referred to something more. Curiosity, that was it.

“Had contact with a human.”

Bill’s eyes widened, his milky one catching your glance.

Now he was getting it.

“So that’s the human affair you were referring to.”

Your own eyes widened and you frantically waved your hands side to side, partly in an attempt to see his reaction before taking it back like an absolute coward, "No, I just meant the whole relationship part! Not that intimately. Unless you wanna answer- I meant, you’ve never had a significant other before? Not even as a deal?”

Nailed it.

He stared at you as if you were slimy. “As a deal? How desperate do you think I am?”

“Not sure if you want that answered, to be frank,” you stuck your tongue out to the side as he crossed his arms and glared at you.

Bill looked like he was going to retort quickly but B/N’s voice from behind interrupted first, “Guys, I’m taking my leave now!”

Right, you had forgotten that you were conversing outside the Mystery Shack, with a couple of teenagers having their own talk a few metres away from you.

And that brought you to here, at home.

As soon as you arrived home, you dropped your body onto the couch and fell asleep. Bill must've noted this earlier because when he wrapped his arm around you to teleport the two of you home, he murmured something about your obvious eyebags.

You sniffled and didn't reply, slightly ashamed that your disgustingly unstable sleep schedule was beginning to show on your face.

When you awoke however, the last thing you expected to find was a warm thick crochet blanket you kept in the linen laid across your body. Well, across was an overstatement. It looked like someone threw the blanket in your direction and hadn't bothered to straighten it out.

It was as if the intention was there, but the effort wasn't.

You sighed, Bill.

Your toes curled as you stretched your legs and you hazily opened your eyes, blinking to unblur your vision. What you did not expect was Bill's transparent eyeball inches away from your face.

"Y'ellow."

A shrill scream left your throat and you, quite terrified, scurried your body back to lean against the couch arm rest, breathing heavily as Bill only burst into laughter and pointed at you, "You should have seen the look on your face!"

Your hand automatically went over your heart as you took a deep breath and closed your eyes, in some effort to calm down. Smacking your lips together, you clicked your tongue and looked away from him for a second, finding the words to express your annoyance.

Rubbing your eyes harshly, that's when you noticed that it was Bill floating in front of you. Not his human body, but his triangle outlined form - the same way he looked when you first met him.

You raised an eyebrow at him, "Wait, how are you- oh my God." You half screamed as your eyes trailed to the doorway, where Bill's body laid, his eyes hallowed out.

It looked like a legitimate corpse- it's mouth wide open, its soulless and limp display like... well... a puppet. Bill really has outdone himself this time and your top lip wavered, "W-what the hell did you do?!"

Bill's single eye trailed to the stiff and cold body laying on the ground in front of your room.

"Oh, that?" He pointed before flying over to it, attempting to kick it only to have his foot go through it, "Apparently these meat sacks need rest, so I figured if I just leave it for a while, I won't have to actually sleep."

You frowned, pinching the bridge of your nose. Despite his mental age, this had to be one of the stupidest logical fallacies he's ever displayed, "Bill, you still have to sleep in it. If you go back in it later, it's not going to be any less deprived of sleep than it was before. Your soul may not require the sleep, but the body does and it probably needs something to occupy it to really count as 'sleeping.'"

Bill didn't reply, but instead went back into Brendan's body, the hallow eye sockets filling with eyeballs and his skin brightening. He stood up, and dusted himself off. "Happy now?"

"Sure." You replied, letting your back hit the couch and pulling the blanket over your shoulder. "Now go away, I want to sleep some more."

"Aren't you forgetting doll? We have to go shopping for tomorrow's party! Remember the plan?" He squatted himself down in front of your body and lifted a hair strand away from your face, a gesture that made you swat away his hand.

You groaned, "Bill please, we can do that later. Just let me sl...." Your hand waving in his face caused him to gently grab your wrist and set it down, "Doll, I might just have to leave my body again if you don't get up right this second."

You sat up suddenly, "I'd rather die."

"Now that's the spirit!"

"Alright, you seem to know Gravity Falls more than I do. Where to?"

The two of you were stationed in the middle of the Gravity Falls town, with a variety of stores surrounding you. To be quite honest, it looked larger from the inside, especially with the escalators on either side of the mall indicating a second floor.

"Gravity Malls. But that place is disgusting. I don't want any old peasant streetwear. I want to look charming." Bill flashed a cheesy grin and shut his eyes, almost as if to imagine cloudy visions of paparazzi photographing him or something.

"Let me see what I have and what we can afford." You reluctantly pulled out your phone and removed three five dollar notes and a coin from its case pocket. "I have $17- nope, never mind. That is a chocolate coin."

"Think you can cover for me? I'm not very liquid right now." Bill turned his pockets inside out and a white moth flew out of it. That's how poor he was. You raised an eyebrow and blinked at him quizzically.

"What if I conjure something? I mean what good are these powers if I don't put them to use?"

Bill nodded, "As much as I hate to admit it, you are almost as strong as me, but that doesn't mean your fleshy body is." He pokes your side, "Think you're up to it, doll?"

"How hard can it be? It can't be that difficult." You stated, squirming away from his touch and looking up at him with your eyes wide.

"That's both cute and ignorant, sweets."

You laughed, shaking your head, "Well, I'm not even going so it shouldn't be a problem to only focus on your outfit."

Bill stopped and turned to you, grasping your shoulders dramatically, "What! I thought we had a mutual agreement! A deal, even."

You gently removed his hands from your shoulders and stared at him, "Bill... I don't know... I don't think it's a good idea using Old Man McGucket. I've heard he's a little wacko now. I don't doubt he's a nice man but I'm skeptical on how he could be of service to us."

"It's the best chance we've got! You do want this portal completed, don't you?"

"Yeah, but what am I going to say? 'Hey, can you help me assemble a portal leading to another dimension?'" You asked rhetorically in a dumb and mocking voice, Bill rolling your eyes at your lack of confidence in him.

"You need this just as much as I do, you just gotta confide in my ability to sway others. It worked on you, didn't it?"

"You KNOW that's not true. I only agreed because we both mutually benefit from ridding me of your insane powers." You walked ahead of him as the two of you strode through the double doors of Gravity Malls.

"That's how it always starts, doll. That's how it aaaaalways starts." He jogged a little to keep up with you and you only rolled your eyes at his mindless comments.

"Oh you shush," you put your hand on his face and pushed aside, Bill spluttering at your sudden contact to his delicate features, as he would call them.

"Hands off. Besides, I'll do the talking. I just want you to fancy up a little! You're too... high strung."

"So those are your true intentions." You bit your lip, "The whole thing just seems weird to me- it's not really my... scene. Usually it's me, my work and I. What the hell do I know about a masquerade ball? Which is, super old fashioned by the way." Waving your arms about, you ultimately stopped your movement outside of a store called 'Edgy on Purpose' and spun around for his reply.

"Come on, sugar?" He neared you, licking his top lip, "For me?" The new nickname made your eye twitch.

"You just gave me even more of a reason not to do it." Honestly, this whole event seemed really intriguing and maybe a little fun, but with your lack of sociability, you did not want to fumble, especially in front of Bill.

Bill groaned, rubbing his temples indecisively. Wow, he was the fed up one?

"Okay, then please? For you? You gotta live a little, ya know? Otherwise you'll never have those friends you always complain about not existing."

You groaned, eyes shut and in deep thought, crossing your arms and tilting your head to the side.

Maybe there's no harm in it.

"Letting that slide. But... alright. I'll go." Your lips were pulled taut into a straight line, but it was to hide the smile that you knew so well that Bill would eat up. Surprisingly, as soon as you uncrossed your arm, Bill grinned and pulled you into a hug, catching you, (and probably anyone, since its Bill) off guard. You tensed, your arms stiff and set on your sides. Honestly you would've hugged him back if you weren't so dumbfounded.

"You won't regret it." He said, suddenly realising what he was doing and pulling away, patting your back roughly and brushing off his shoulder. Had to be one of the most out of character actions from Bill, so much so that you questioned if maybe someone else had possessed this body for a second. He seemed more indulged in his own reaction to even begin to notice the warm glow emitting from your cheeks, something you slapped yourself in the face lightly for feeling.

"I-I hope so," you mustered weakly.

"Right, so because you're new to this, we should find ourselves a more basic version of our outfits. A base, if you will. Something that just matches the colour."

"Have anything in mind?" You questioned.

Bill tapped his chin in fake thought, "Tell me if you get the picture, doll." He suddenly grabbed the back of your head and pulled it towards his own, your foreheads just barely connecting. He shut his eyes, almost as if he was getting you to read his mind.

On cue, you felt an image manifest itself in your brain and as it grew clearer, you realised what it was. "Woah, that's kind of cool," you breathed, more about the mind connection than anything else.

Yellow, almost a gold shimmering tailcoat, with black sleeves, gloves and tailored pants. That was Bill's idea? Sure.

You cocked your head but didn't say anything particular about it, "Guess we'll need a yellow shirt and black jeans." The two of you walked into Edgy on Purpose and awkwardly went on the look out for what you needed.

After picking the two articles of clothing off of the nearest rack, Bill suddenly spun around, almost causing you to trip over, "What colour dress are you going for, doll?"

Right, you were attending too, you almost forgot. You shrugged, "I don't usually do this so I don't really know where to start. Any pointers?"

Bill scanned the store, eyes squinted before pausing. He walked over to a rack, pulled a summer dress off and held it up for you to see.

"How bout it, doll?" He waved the dress at you and wagged his eyebrows in a silly manner, seemingly proud of the choice he made upon seeing the broad grin forming on your face.

Your fingers rubbed at the end of the dress, feeling for the fabric's quality. "Wait- how did you know F/C was my favourite colour?"

"How did I know that you talk in your sleep?" Bill's own smile disappeared almost as fast as it appeared and he lowered the dress, "Who's Oliver?"

You gaped like a fish, "E-excuse me?"

One hand on his hip showed how much he was demanding an answer for someone who should not be in any place to be asking invasive questions, "You heard me, doll, who is this 'Oliver' character ?"

The phrasing of his question was enough to make you giggled but you relented with the pressing question of: how does he know about your ex?!

"Were you- did you- You watched me sleep!?"

"Yes. Who's Oliver?"

You turned away, both embarrassed and irritated, "No one, just an old flame."

Bill waved his hand up and down, as if to signal you to keep talking. You squinted your eyes, "I heard he lives here now, so I don't know... I was thinking about him for a bit. That's probably why I dreamed about him briefly."

Bill looked at you, very annoyed, "Why didn't you mention it before?"

You swung around, shocked that he would say that. "Why would I? It's not really something I would bring up. To be frank, I didn't think even you cared that much about my personal life unless it benefitted you. Am I wrong?"

Bill frowned, not knowing what to say.

The feeling bubbling up in your chest hurt a little, and you weren't sure if it was the sudden mention of Oliver's name all over again or Bill's reaction that made you feel so sick.

"It's not really an experience I'd like to detail again."

"My mistake, doll."

"Its... whatever, let me pay for these." You snatched the dress from his hand and walked a few metres to the cash register, leaving Bill stunned. He wiggled his fingers as his arm was bent and held close to his torso, unsure of how to approach you next.

You exhaled, passing your clothing items to the cashier. She looked at you slyly, "How long have you two been together?"

Your eyes shot up, clear contempt swirling within them, almost as if to challenge her to continue, "Sorry?"

The guilt would come later for how rude you were being, it just seemed like the world kept throwing hints at you about Bill– and you had no idea how to take it.

The cashier looked taken aback by the emotion in your pupils before she pushed her lips up in the direction of Bill, "Him. That man, you two were arguing about something. You just looked like you were a couple and I was going to offer a piece of advice."

"Urm, what makes you say that?" You asked, feeling slightly uncomfortable as you took out your money from your phone case.

The cashier trained her eyes on him, "The way he looks at you."

You turned around, only to make eye contact with Bill. His pursed lips turned in a smile. You immediately felt bad now for your previous reaction.

"Thanks." You mumbled, taking your bag with newly bought items, walking to Bill and dragging him by the hand.

Bill visibly brightened at this, "Getting touchy already?"

Weird. He said 'hands off' not long ago. I guess he doesn't like anything in his face.

Aaand you're overthinking again.

You shook your head dismissively, pressing your lips together, "No, the cashier was just... being weird." You let go of his hand at the mention of it, and wiped it against your coat.

Bill fake pouted.

"Let's go home. We've got some party outfits to make."

“The answer is yes, doll.”

“Hm?” You tweaked your head to catch Bill laying on the couch, book in hand. No idea where it came from, since it wasn’t yours- but he didn’t seem morally grounded enough to not commit petty theft, so you settled on that.

“You asked me earlier if I’ve had… that human contact.” He gave you a side glance.

Your eyes nearly bulged out of their head, “Oh-! But... but I thought you said you didn’t engage in human affairs. I guess, unless it benefits you?” You sat up from your own seat, shifting to make yourself comfortable for this conversation.

Seated where you were, you had been laying the newly bought clothes on the table and dressing them on a mannequin, with a lot of struggle.

Bill obviously didn't help, so it was mostly silent with the two of you basking in each other's company. That is, until Bill randomly spoke.

“I said I didn’t like to engage, not that I didn’t.” He snapped, shutting his book and mirroring you, staring across the room mindfully.

You watched his jaw clench, “You know, if the topic makes you uncomfortable, we don’t have to-“

“Don’t patronise me.”

You gulped, looking away and tucking your legs beneath your chest. Bill cast a glare towards you before sighing, “It wasn’t part of a deal, like you said. But I had to persuade some people my own way. Sometimes the situation called for it, and a demons’ gotta do what a demons’ gotta do.” You didn’t miss the glimpse he gave you to gauge your response and you tightened your lips.

“Well," you paused, "...It sounds like a very regrettable stage in your life.”

“It was- is. Having to associate with meat sacks in that manner, doll- it was torture. Not in the pleasant kind either. It was…” he wiggled his fingers, staring deeply at them like they held a secret.

“Wait, are we talking about the same thing? How… how far did you go?” The lump in your throat demonstrated how unfamiliar you found discussing a topic you weren't experienced in. Luckily, Bill was on the other spectrum- knowledge truly was a curse at times.

However, it was because you were inexperienced that hearing about a demon's own form of affection appeared so interesting.

“You know… the act where humans press their lips on each other? Just the very thought of it makes me want to flip myself inside out.” He was somewhat like a child- all this intimate conversation disgusted him.

“A kiss?”

“Gah, I know what it is, I’m not 1 billion.”

“Well what else do you want me to call it? Because that’s what it is- it’s kissing. Generally it’s not that unpleasant, so I think you might’ve just been kissing the wrong people.” You crossed your arms, ignoring the nudge in your skull saying, What do you know? You've only kissed like two guys. Not even.

“What? And you know?” He sounded disgusted, and you furrowed your brows, sulking.

“Uh, yeah- I’m human?”

“Right right, sorry doll. I had forgotten you and Oliver probably got it on many times over.” He air quotes you with his fingers, a resentful scowl growing on his face.

The mention of his name again in a private setting versus a public one like the mall made you unbelievably upset, “Hey- don’t… don’t say that.”

“Look what this stupid vessel is doing to me. I’m becoming more human! I'm... feeling... things. It's dreadful." Bill stared at you, like you were the source of his problems, "Doll, all the more reason to hurry this up so we can go our separate ways." He suddenly stood up and began to leave the room, riling up your emotions more, "Hey! Running away never solved anything! It's cowardly!" You bit your lip, regretting that last part.

He stopped walking and eerily turned his head over at you, "Not wanting to engage in pathetic chatter with a proletarian isn't cowardly. It's self preserving."

You stared at him, amazed at his sudden cruelty while he just scoffed and continued to walk away. A sigh escaped your lips. With Bill? It's always 3 steps forward and 10 million microsteps back. He brought up the topic too!!

Progress with Bill was almost impossible, but to say you hadn't seen a change in his behaviour towards you for the past few days, would've been a total lie. Now it looks like that had all unravelled. What had happened? What did you do wrong? Maybe he was right, maybe he was turning more human. You hoped it wasn't something that ignited from you.

Maybe that's why he surprised you when you were napping with his translucent form. He tried to cover up his reasoning with his twisted humour in seeing you frightened at the corpse-like appearance of Brendan laying on the floor, hollow and lifeless.

Bill knew you were going to see it at one point so he might as well have called attention to it himself and explained it.

It meant-

It meant that that little sneak was lying. He didn't leave Brendan's body so he didn't have to sleep in it. He's not stupid- Bill should know that leaving a body doesn't suddenly make it replenish itself.

Suddenly, it occurred to you why.

He left it because he could feel himself becoming more human.

So he was trying to spend some time in his normal default form because he probably felt himself getting carried away with his mind conforming to how a human brain thinks.

To how a human brain feels.

He probably felt scared. Embarrassed, even. He was changing into something he wasn't comfortable with.

Bill was slowly becoming more and more human, and you weren't what you could do about it.

taglist: @spilled-mi1k | @crystalsdoodles | @kenryug | @bones-baggins

If you want to be removed or added to my taglist, send me a pm for which story!

If you don't see your name here, it's likely that I can't tag you!

#paroxysmal #x reader #bill cipher x reader #gravity falls x reader #bill cipher #gravity falls #proximity #paroxysmal.proximity #paroxysmal.fics #paroxysmal distaste

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meredithdoesfandoms · 2 years

Note

Byler First Date HCS? 🧙🏻‍♂️💕

BYLER. FIRST. DATE. im losing my shit rn

(also i pretty much write hc’s as like a fanfic with bullet points so enjoy)

theyre together awhile before they officially go on a date, not surprisingly since they are a queer couple, and friends to lovers

will: ive never been on a date before

mike: we’ve been dating for a month??

will: and ive never been asked on a date

mike rolls his eyes and mockingly gets on one knee to ask will out on a date

will blushes and rolls his eyes and says yes (and then calls mike an idiot because that was SO embarrassing even if it was a joke)

will assumes that mike wont have much planned, and they will probably just go out and watch a movie

mike spends HOURS planning the date, asking el and max for advice

mike goes to pick up will, even though will is usually the driver for the two of them (i hc mike as being a TERRIBLE driver)

they pull up to the playground of the elementary school. and walk to the swings.

will starts crying. like instant sobbing.

mike FREAKS TF OUT cuz “omg i just ruined this date i didnt even plan a nice dinner”

mike apologizes profusely because he thinks hes rlly fucked this up

will sits on the swings, mike sits next to him, still apologizing

will tells him to stop saying sorry, because this was where they met. where it all began. where they both knew that they had met someone who would shape their lives.

they hug. not like a soft hug. like an intense will-el reunion type hug. mike is now sobbing at this point too.

and then they just talk. for hours. about everything. wondering where all the time went, how everyones been, what life will be like.

mike planned to take will to dinner at enzo’s after, but they spent so much time at the playground, that they both agreed to skip the reservation

sigh of relief from mike because theres no way in hell he could afford to pay for that

mike wanted to go out and see a movie, but they wanted to hold hands and cuddle, which they couldnt do in public

they go back to the wheeler’s basement, and watch a movie together (its some dorky superhero or fantasy shit)

will falls asleep on mikes shoulder, which mike doesn’t complain about but he is blushing and flustered

will wakes up, they kiss goodbye, and mike drives will home.

at the doorstep, mike looks around quickly to make sure nobody can see, and then kisses will before he goes inside

they say their goodnights, and while this isnt what mike planned, it was perfect. will is perfect.

#THANKS FOR THE ASK #byler #stranger things #st4 #stranger things 4 #stranger things season 4 #mike wheeler #will byers #byler is real #byler rights #byler headcanon #byler s4 #byler season 4 #stranger things headcanon #stranger things headcanons #byler headcanons #byler hc

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lovelytsunoda · 1 year

Text

take one down // francisco jenkins (the night agent)

summary: its been six months since cisco was shot, and if he didn't have her by his side, he's not sure he ever would have made it out alive

pairing: francisco jenkins x female! reader

SPOILERS FOR THE NIGHT AGENT SEASON ONE!!! DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE FULL SEASON!!

author's note: justice for francisco!! all he wanted was to make a nice dinner for his tinder date, and now he's dead because he has a big heart and decided to help peter save the president.

he woke again, feeling the phantom pains of the bullet ripping through his skin, the disorientation of the airbag that had just been pressed up against his face.

francisco sat up slowly, listening to the hammering of his heart against his ribcage, trying to slow his breathing.

he was safe. president travers was safe. peter was safe.

the doctors had told him that if the bullet had been three millimeters to the left, he would have been laying on a cold metal slab in the morgue instead of the uncomfortable hospital bed, with ivs in his arms.

"cisco?" she mumbled quietly, the bed rustling next to him as she rolled over, rubbing at her eyes. "baby, did you have another panic attack?"

"it's nothing, y/n. just go back to sleep."

he wouldn't have made it through without her. they had been supposed to have dinner together that night. he had made a three course meal using a recipe he found on the food network, and he had shelled out more than fifty dollars on wine, because he didn't know what she liked.

and then peter fucking sutherland had knocked at his door, with rose larkin in tow. and because he was such a good person with a big heart, francisco rescheduled the date.

and then he got shot in a car chase, by a woman who looked like she let a toddler cut her hair. all because peter cried conspiracy.

peter had been right and now they were both national heroes, but that's semantics.

he had been so disoriented from the crash that happened just before, that he had moved too slowly, too sluggishly, pain ripping through his muscle and tissue as the bullet made a home in his shoulder.

it was by sheer luck that y/n had heard a radio report half an hour later about state trooper francisco jenkins, who had been shot in a car chase mid-911 call. and when he didn't pick up the phone, she jumped in an uber and tried four different hospitals before she finally found him, and they had spent their first date eating mary browns chicken in a hospital room after a surgeon dug a hunk of metal out of his skin.

"ssh, shh, baby, i'm right here." she said softly, running her fingers through his hair. "you're safe, okay. nobody is going to shoot you. hold my hand, hon." she spoke calmly, kissing him on the cheek, paying close attention to the rise and fall of her lover's chest.

still breathing heavily, cisco reached out a shaky hand and pulled her into his side. he kissed the crown of her head, running his fingers along her skin to ground himself, trying not to let her see just how rattled the shooting had made him.

she was his rock. he hadn't asked her to stay by his side during the recovery process, she had made that choice for herself. she had been patient, caring and supportive, through the rehab and the media shitshow and the investigation.

he didn't know what he would have done without her.

he'd only just started going back to work, and the panic attacks had grown in frequency since he'd returned to the state trooper's office. there was always that fear that next time, he wasn't going to be so lucky.

"thank you for staying with me." he didn't recognize his own voice, the way that it wavered as he buried his face in her tangled hair. "i couldn't do this without you."

her heart swelled at her lover's admission. thought it had been painful to watch francisco recover from the shooting, it had been a labour of love. she had been sure she was in love with him before they even met, just from their conversations over tinder.

she smiled sadly, moving to straddle him, the hem of her oversized t-shirt riding up. "lay back down, baby."

"while you're on top of me?"

"francisco." she scolded. "lay. down."

rolling his eyes, the state trooper lay back down against the egyptian cotton sheets, the st. christopher pendant on his neck sliding across his skin from the movement, coming to rest just over the scar where the bullet had entered his shoulder.

y/n hummed contentedly, lowering her body so that she was resting against his bare chest, head nestled into ciscos neck as she pulled the comforter over their bodies. her shirt had ridden up over her calvins, cisco's hand moving to gently run along the expanse of her soft, warm skin

"i love you, francisco jenkins." she said gently, kissing the side of his neck. "and i'm always going to be here, yeah?"

cisco gripped her hand gently, craning his head to kiss her softly on the lips. "i love you more, y/n. i'm so glad that you've been with me through this."

#the night agent #the night agent x reader #francisco jenkins #francisco jenkins x reader #cisco jenkins #cisco jenkins x reader

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fire-but-ashes-too · 8 months

Note

Your objective: To plot a murder to subtle that not even the victim (one of your characters) knows what's happening until it's too late.

Rules: You cannot use poison, but are free to use whatever else you feel like. You cannot carry out said murder in real life (for legal and moral reasons). Simply describe how you would go about it with any specific character of yours.

Have fun!

no poisons and do irl murdering? bummer :(

BUT YES FINALLY PLEASE TAKE A SIT AND GRAB POPCORN OR LEAVE THIS POST IF URE NOT SO EXCITED ABOUT MURDERS!

this is a very cool scheme tm i thought about a few days ago (cause yes its what i do in my free time)

did u know that air, the one we breathe every day is VERY dangerous if it gets in ur lil blood system? well, now u do.

our dear victim, lets say.. giada, shes been around the dead too long theyve now infected her >:D

i was saying, Giada, as the very health attentive citizen that she is, is going to get a vaccine cause, ya know, ✨covid✨ and who she finds there to give ehr the vaccine? me ofc! (lets all take a moment to appreciate my dedition to this since i am terribly agophobic)

so, Giada sits down and i give her a nice air shot. BAM. heart attack!

its a little one tho, as a cover so i make her lay down and raise her legs to make the blood circulate better *wink wink*

the air gets around and she eventually faints. i quickly throw the empty siringe in the bin and call someone (idk like emergency button? something like that) and start "panicking".

as soon as they arrive (so very soon) what they see is a woman who didnt handle a strong vaccine well (and who already spent hours in a not so healthy environment) and an absolutely panicking nurse.

BUT, its not finished yet! the best part has yet to come!

ill let a month or so pass, the news was on the papers and shit, our next target is giada's old enemy (never even mentioned in the story but ofc she has one).

we are going to make a very touchy and badly executed murder, and what i mean by that is that well leave fingerprints, strands of hair and so on EVERYWHERE, but, but, but it wont be OUR dna! no no no! it will be giada's!

this murder (im considering an external part from the rules since the ha-bet-u-didnt-see-this-coming murder was giada's) will be a very nrmal one, like stabbing or sometihng like that.

the knife will be there etc.

then, thank u holly jackson and all the creepy and very detailed books ive read, were gonna make it seem as if the murder has happened wayyyy earlier by leaving it in a VERy hot room and absolutel NEVER moving the body.

were gonna get ourselves an alibi and take out a couple relics from a month ago: a silicone replica of giada's hands, with fingerprints and all, some of giada's saliva and a couple of strands from giada's hair.

were gonna go back to the crime scene (which is now cadaver-less) and leave proof around, possibly not seen but if we must, undercover looking like giada and leavung evidence very quiclky.

were now gonna come back with some more of giada's dna to leave on the body and put it again in the crime scene (which should be a place without security cameras) plus a sprinkle of giada's dna.

we leave the crime scene (still masked as giada) and leave the body there, brutally murdered and in plain view.

the police find it and everything leads to a dead person.

the body cant be more than a couple days old and all proof leads to their longly deceased old nemesis.

BAM.

(notes: it is very important to wear a mask, gloves, goggles and a bald cap or a silicone swimming cap while performing the second murder, preferrably all black and to be shaved as in to leave no dna behind)

the perfect and way too creepy murder!

#also this was so fun!!#thank you!!#and feel free to use #ust give me credits #id u use it in fiction #dont if u use it irl #murder #writerblr #asks #crime

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grippingbeskar · 2 years

Text

The Element of Surprise | Chapter Seventeen

Part Seventeen: The Force

mando x fem!reader

word count: 7.9k

warnings: canon typical violence, description of injuries, mentions of blood

a/n: WOW i cant believe ive stuck with something this long - i think I only have like two chapters left?? i wanna do an epilogue too so plus that but I think just two omg! thx for reading u beautiful people

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷

You needed to change clothes.

When you scrambled out of the room you hardly got to spend 24 hours in, you didn’t even think of grabbing clothes. Your bag was sinking low on your back, straining your shoulders with the weight of whatever weapon you stuffed in there, though.

At least that was something.

Din left a strew of weapons around the Razor Crest, and you noticed how he stopped keeping his few personal items locked up the longer you spent around him. Now, he just dumps whatever he was carrying and knows it will be just as safe where he leaves it, because he trusts you. Your heart pulls at the mere thought of him.

You didn’t think that an emotional feeling could cause such a physical response, but you feel it everywhere - like you were being dragged underwater by it. You missed him - so much it made your mouth dry and your body cold. The only thing worse than the longing, though, was that you were worried about him. You know he can take care of himself, you’ve seen him in action enough to be sure, and he’s been doing this kind of thing alone for years before he ever met you - but it didn’t make the terrifying thoughts in your brain any less real, and did nothing to soothe the pit in your gut when you imagined who was after him. It was physically exhausting - trying to keep yourself somewhat composed enough to take care of the kid while simultaneously look for any sign your bounty hunter was still alive.

Your first thought was to make your way back to the ship - but after checking with the same mechanic you left it with, it was clear Din hadn’t so much as passed by. The mechanic remembered you - and the speed in which he ran away as soon as you took your leave told you he would have remembered seeing the Mandalorian.

So - you gather your information.

The ship was still here, meaning there was a very large possibility he was still on the planet. It would take an army to tie him down, so your mind isn’t convinced he would have been taken off world. There was still a few days before all the repairs on the Razor Crest would be finished, and you gave the mechanic your best puppy dog eyes to convince him to work as fast as possible. But - there was still at the very least 48 hours.

Anything could happen in 48 hours.

Ships continue to zip past as if nothing has happened. The planet still beats down in heat with its risen sun, people open up there stalls next to you preparing for yet another day, but time had stopped for you. It was the first time in months that you remembered what it was like to be truely on your own. A little hand came out the top of your bag and whacked you on the head again.

“You do that again and i’ll cut off.” You grumble and hear him squeak.

Okay, that was mean.

“Hey. I’m sorry, okay. I’m just scared, and stressed. I know you are too.” You feel him - not his little hand but his energy reaching out to you like that first time under the tree. You can see flashes of things - lights, planets you don’t recognise, faces and voices that don’t match. Moments that you remember and some that you dont, and they all blend together. You have to take a few steps to the side and lean against a wall, your head starting to pound at the intensity of his Force slamming into your brain.

Grogu is showing you something. He’s trying to share something but it’s all fuzzy. You can’t tell if it’s him not being clear or you not being focused. It’s all coming so fast - so you zero in on one. It’s the one that seems the strongest, holds your attention the most as it flashes past.

It’s one of Din - of course it would be.

You see the image come into view, clearer now that you have something to focus on. You remember this, remember this moment that plays in front of you. The background comes first, busy city and hot air surrounding you. Nevarro. Home of the Guild, he called it. You know this is your memory because you remember how you felt here.

You were angry with Din. Angry because he’d left you alone in the ship for hours after he…

Shaking the thought away you keep searching the memory, trying to keep concentration through all of the power surging through you. That’s when see another body come into view. Your hand felt cold, because it was resting on the knee of beskar armour, and you were sitting in a cantina. It was strange to see yourself - know that you were there but watch as if you were a stranger. You were sitting next to Din, and there was someone opposite the two of you.

Greef Karga.

He slides you a drink, you know it’s him because you remember he mentioned your father that day. He knew him. You listen to the voice - you see Kargas mouth moving, the words slightly out of sync as he spoke.

“I thought you might recognise him.” The holo gram. You remember why you were there in the first place - Din was picking up new bounties. Karga slides the puck closer to you, and you see yourself lean in as he continues to speak.

“Part of the crew that are responsible for your father’s untimely demise. Take it if you want, don’t if you don’t, but I had a feeling you might be the type interested in a little revenge.” A small burn comes to your throat as you stare at the face in the holo gram. It’s a face you would never forget - the face that belonged to the body of the man that slaughtered your people like they were nothing more than farm animals. The face that killed your father, tore apart your life and your family - destroyed everything. Your mind starts to fracture and you lose the memory for a second - Grogu’s urgency splicing you.

“I can’t - slow down, kid.” You hear him squirming around, and the memory plays again, a little cleaner now. The words sync up with his movements, and you can’t help but look at Din as he sits next to you, obscuring your body from view. You didn’t notice at the time, but every so often he would stare at the hand that hung around the back of your chair and then look away, as if he was contemplating where he should put it. You blink a few times as the memory continues.

“Take it if you want” Karga says. Dins hand comes up and slides the puck into his pocket. He took it. You completely forgot that he took it. You were mad at him after, too. The emotion rushes back and you stumble a little, leaning harder on the wall as it hits you all at once. You thought he didn’t trust you enough to take it on yourself. You argued with him, and then he told you why he refused to let you follow it. Why he wouldn’t follow it. You hear his voice in your head and you physically sink down the wall at the sound of it.

“Why give this to me now?” Memory-Din snaps your focus back in as he speaks to you. He knew Karga better than you, better than probably most because he was so damn observant, so he knew it wasn’t out of the kindness of his heart that Karga gave this tracking fob over, and that he made it a point to do it in front of you. “Something else at play.” His voice begins to fade out and you try your hardest to focus, to reel it back in, but soon your vision returns and the memories are gone, so too is the comfort of his voice. You stare at the opposite wall - it was almost the colour of beskar.

“Holy shit. That’s where he’s going?” Finally your mind comes back to you and you suck in a breath. Grogu just whacks you on the head again, as if he was trying to push you forward. You shake your head in disbelief. You don’t really know what to think right now. Most of you is happy - ecstatic even. You have direction, you know the kind of person chasing him. At least it’s not the empire.

But you couldn’t help the low burning in your stomach. You were a little angry. Not really - he was missing and there was nothing more important than finding him. But he made you feel like an idiot for even thinking about going after that bounty. He called it a trap, and now he had put himself in harms way on purpose.

For what reason - you had no idea. You would deal with that later, because there would be a later. You would have all the time in the world to argue with him and be mad at him, so long as you had him with you. The anger soon chips away, worry gnawing in your chest and Grogu whacks you on the head again.

“Okay! Okay, I get it. You have any more smart ideas about where I should try first?” You open your mind and instantly - as if the Force was just waiting for you to reach out, you know where you should go. You turned left, the beating sun interrupted as you walked by the flashes of ships that zipped past. You tried to clear your mind as best you could, but as you focused on your goal, it was impossible to get Din out of your head.

You’ve seen these guys take down entire groups of trained Jedi. Hell - they probably killed your father. He was strong in the Force, and a skilled fighter - so was everyone on your home planet, and they were slaughtered all the same.

Your mouth went dry again as you started to sweat. You turned right, and prayed to anyone listening that they would lead you to him.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Maker, you missed him.

Just walking down these streets again, you remember when you arrived just a day ago. How easily time passed - too fast - just talking about nothing. You were really trying to focus on what you were doing - but you were so in your head that it was almost impossible to do anything but drown in your own stupid thoughts.

It’s been a few hours since you last tried the comm link, and you haven’t said a word out loud since - too absorbed in your own mind. Grogu has fallen asleep in your bag, and your glad he doesn’t have to be awake for this walk - you knew you probably weren’t that great company right now. You can’t help but imagine what would have happened to him if you hadn’t told Din to bring him in the room, if he hadn’t been sleeping right next to your head. Even if you had woken up a second later. The blaster in your bag feels a little heavier now you know you’d have to use it if they caught up to you again.

Eventually, the people bustling around you start to thin out, not because it gets later but because you start to reach the outskirts of the city. The buildings are far shorter and fewer between, less ships have been whizzing past as you walk further out. You only notice because of how hot it starts to get and you miss the occasional breeze of a speeder as they fly past. Tatooine is hot, but you had never maintained a connection to the Force this long on that planet, and it was taking its toll. It took focus and a lot of your energy to consistently find the right path, so at the first sign of a semi-safe spot out of the sun, you collapse on the side of the road.

There was a cutoff just past the end of the street, and a few crates stacked up sheltered you from any peering eyes. You also take note of the fence, and how it was small enough for you to get over but tall enough to buy you some time if you have to make an exit. This was the shit you had to think about back on Tatooine when you first arrived, before you found a little place. You slept on the streets for about three months, so it’s not the familiarity of the cool concrete beneath you that sends a slow shiver down your spine.

You had thought you’d never be out here again.

Since you met Din, you had dared to dream that these days might be behind you. He made you feel safe. Protected - like, how even though you knew you could, you wouldn’t have to fend for yourself any more. You would protect each other. You even missed how people slid out of your way when you were with him, the hustling city sending people flying into your shoulders and nearly knocking you down every few feet. You forgot what it was like to feel invisible, and you don’t like the taste.

The bag slides to your side and Grogu’s sleepy head pops out. Seeing his giant bug eyes makes you smile a little, feeling you back in.

“Hey, buddy. You doin’ okay in there?” He gurgles a sound and you think it means he’s happy, but doesn’t smile. You know he must be missing Din too. They’d spent a long time together before you. He jumps out of the bag into your lap. You were pretty tired - all that flying around in the ship has done nothing for your stamina. Maybe if you just rested here for a second….

It’s almost as if he knew. As soon as you closed your eyes, the comm link crackled static. Like it was turning on.

You move so fast Grogu screeches in your lap. The comm link was still in your ear - you were scared you would miss something if you put it down for even a second.

“Hello?!” You shout and whack at the side of your head. You lower your voice to say his name a couple times, and sink into the silence that follows. Nothing comes back, and you say more words, any words you can think of to fill it. He has to be there.

Waiting. Still static.

“Din?” you whisper, voice shaking.

Suddenly-

“Ge- outsi- ty. Co-“ That voice. His voice. How-

“Din! Shit - Din! Where are you?!” More static. A few blaster shots, you know what they sound like through the comms. Then -

“Get out of- city. I’ll find you.” A full clear sentence, only interspersed by what you can only describe as chaos crackling down the comms. You don’t have any time to question it.

“I am! Din, just tell me where you are! Please!” Grogu was wildly buzzing around on the floor, clearly hearing the same voice.

“I’ll find you.” The static comes back and then the line goes dead.

“Din! Hey!” You take the comm out of your ear for the first time in hours and try to turn the camera on. You don’t see the green light like last time, and no more static has buzzed.

He’s gone again.

“Din!” You said a little half hearted.

It was pointless. Maker, he could be anywhere on this planet being shot at and your sitting in some dumb alley feeling sorry for yourself. You put the comm back in your ear and bite your lip to try and not cry. You are so focused you nearly miss it.

“-always find you, cyar’ika.” His voice crackles through the static one final time before cutting off for good. Your heart swells. It’s been less than a day and you nearly forgot what that word sounded like coming from him. Even muffled, with a heaving breath in between it made you warm all over. You knew what it meant now - sweetheart. He knew exactly what you needed from miles and miles away and -

Oh god, you needed to move. Like, now.

“Come on, kid. Let’s get the fuck out of here.” You scoop him back up into your bag and swing it over your shoulder. You pull the blaster out before, though, and attach it to your hip.

Just in case.

You were tired as shit and your legs hurt, but he needed you, and hell if you weren’t going to get to him.

You let yourself focus. Stepping out onto the street, your eyes fluttered shut as the Force buzzed all around you. You needed calm, your emotions were through the roof right now. The only person who even seemed to allow you that peace, though, was Din

So you drilled into that. Him - his voice, the words he whispered in your ear he thought you were asleep. Helmet off and body warm behind you in a makeshift bed. The way he feels - his skin, every scar and where they were and how they feel under your hand. How he reacts when your lips drag over each part of him, the sounds he makes. You see him in your mind - and he’s helping. Guiding. Just like before you jumped out the window. Like he has all along. You turn right out of your little alley. You feel Dins hand, how surprisingly soft it was against your cheek that first time he touched you. How it lit a line of fire across your face, how he left your breathless from that one touch.

You turn left, catching yourself off guard. You were doing this. For him. For yourself.

You keep walking.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Eye spy with my little eye, something beginning with ‘S’.” Grogu squeaks out a little sound in answer, and you sigh in defeat. “Yup. Sand again. You are just too good at this.” He slinks back into the bag, shuffling around to get comfortable.

Lucky guess, considering all you’ve been able to see for the past few hours is god damn sand. Ever since the city disappeared into the horizon behind you, it’s gotten significantly darker, and you could only just make out the lights of ships passing the taller buildings as they sped home. You had been following your senses as best you could, sometimes just closing your eyes and letting your mind lead you completely, but doing it for this long was exhausting.

He told you to get out of the city - but you had no idea how far that was, nor did you have any idea where to go from here. Exactly - here. As in right where you were standing in this moment. It’s like your mind just went blank.

No matter how hard you tried, there was not even another hint of where to move from this exact spot. You were in the middle of the plains outside of the city. The only evidence of life was the glowing city in the distance.

You were so far from everything - why would your mind lead you here?

Doubt began to wash over you - how could it not?

You were walking around half blind on a foreign planet, under a shit tonne of stress trying to follow the vaguest of instructions that has now led you to the middle of nowhere. You spun around in your spot, waking Grogu with your movement, who finally popped his head out. His head spun around in excitement.

“Be my guest.” You mumble in defeat as he begins to wriggle around. You swing the back pack off your shoulders and gently place it on the ground in front of you. Grogu jumps out and begins to wander around aimlessly in front of you, and you slump onto the ground in exhaustion.

Everything hurt. Your head was pounding from how hard you had to concentrate all day - trying to follow your own intuition was something that did not come naturally to you, years of suppressing your abilities have clearly made it hard to maintain. That paired with the overwhelming power of Grogu’s intensity earlier, you didn’t care how dirty the ground was, you could sleep right here if you weren’t so god damn terrified for Din.

As soon as you think of him, Grogu squeaks. You turn your head and struggle to see him at first in the dimming light. He’s gotten further away than you thought, your mind starting to faulter in your exhaustion, so you grab your bag and hurry over to him, adjusting the blaster on your hip. As you go to move, you nearly stumble over, feeling light headed.

No - just a little longer.

He’s waddling around in a circle, kicking at the sand as if he’s found something you don’t see.

“Sand, bud. Plenty of it.” You kick at the pile next to your foot, and the scrape of your boots against something hard makes you stop. Dropping to your knees you can feel the difference underneath you. Oh.

It’s metal. Like the floor of the Razor Crest. Hard and unnatural in the terrain.

Swiping at the dirt and sand, more and more metal is revealed under the dying light. You would have missed it completely if it wasn’t for the kid - you expose as much of it as you can from your spot. After a while, hinges and ridges are slowly revealed.

Silver reflects back at you, and you twist your body on the spot to fully examine the space. Not big enough for more than two people to fit side by side. -

Its a trap door.

Or maybe just a door. More like a hatch. There’s a handle, so you pull it.

It’s locked.

Of course it’s locked.

“You are so smart, kid. Think you can pull this open for us?” Grogu had ten times the strength you did, so if anyone was going to be able to open this door, it was him - and you would help. As much as your exhausted brain could.

It took all of your concentration as Grogu waddled over next you to even focus on the surface. You ran your hands over the hinges - reinforced metal. You shuffle back, knees aching as you slide off the centre of the hatch. You and Grogu used your combined strength, beginning to pull the trap door upwards.

You tried to focus - calm your breathing. You thought of Din, how he needed you now, needed you to focus and just push a little bit longer even though your head was throbbing and every muscle in your body was screaming at you to stop. You were starting to shake. You knew you were pushing yourself further than you should - but you needed this. Needed to find where he was and if you just looked a little harder for a little longer you could -

“I’ve been looking for you, girl.”

Your eyes shot open at the feeling of the end of a blaster being pressed into the flesh of your neck.

Fuck.

You were so concentrated on the hatch. On finding your way. You were followed - and you didn’t even realise.

The blaster pressed harder to the back of your neck. Your own pressed into your thigh. The kid waddled in front of you and one hand shot out to bring him closer to you. The other inched a little closer to the blaster. Just an inch -

“One more move and you lose your head.” You felt him step closer. Everything was on high alert. You suddenly felt strong.

No pain.

Adrenaline. Powerful shit.

You could hear your own heartbeat. Grogu’s heartbeat. Both were fast.

Unlike whoever was behind you.

He was deadly calm.

You heard the click of the gun. You closed your eyes.

He wouldn’t shoot. You don’t know why you knew - but he wouldn’t shoot. The gun will not go off, and he wouldn’t pull the trigger. That’s why he was so calm. He knew he was just here to intimidate, which meant he probably had back up somewhere. Your eyes flicked to the side and Grogu squeaked in your arm as you saw a quick flash of metal. Another man appeared to your right, then another to your left. The one on the left had his gun raised, and his heart rate was elevated slightly. If anyone was going to shoot, it would be this guy.

“Toss the gun.” You don’t move - just monitor. Trying to gauge how much you can get away with right now. If it was just you, you probably would have made a move already. It was dark so you had cover, and you knew with all this adrenaline you could run far enough into the outskirts - but the kid. You couldn’t trust yourself to keep him safe as well. You were outnumbered and weighed down. “Toss the gun, or my friend isn’t gonna be so nice to your little womp rat here.”

The guy on the left clicked his gun. He would shoot if you didn’t do what he said. The gun on your neck was still pressing painfully tight. You toss your gun just out of reach.

“There’s a good girl. Just like your daddy.” Your eyes goes wide and you don’t hold back as you whirl around - but it’s too late.

The butt of the gun whacks you straight in the face as you spin, and the world goes black.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

You suck in a huge breath.

It felt like someone was standing on your chest. When you sucked in more oxygen a sharp pain shot up your right side. He kicked you - you think.

The butt of the gun knocked you out cold, but you had moments of clarity; throwing your body around in desperation. You hoped you at least got a few good hits in - they certainly did.

You could feel the dried blood across your brow, and your ribs had to at least be seriously bruised. Your knuckles were sore, and the ropes around your wrists were burning against your skin. You sucked in another breath, spluttering against the pain as you let it out, trying to collect yourself.

You were tied to some kind of metal ring on a concrete wall. The entire room was a dark grey, and there was a toilet in the corner that looked like it hadn’t been touched in this lifetime. Apart from the gated door, small slates only just allowing light into the room from the hallway, the room was bare.

Bare.

The kid - Fuck!

You suddenly remembered where you were - what was happening. Instantly you were thrashing against the rope - desperation fuelling your movements. How long had you been out? Maker - if they had the kid -

You knew what they did to Jedi.

Oh god - you were going to be sick. Maybe if you could just focus. Calm your mind.

You can find him.

You were still pulling at the ropes, but you let your eyes close, squeezing them tightly together to block out the room. You tried to channel that energy that led you to the hatch in the desert.

Grogu - you called in your mind. You had no idea if this would work. You didn’t have any hope of reaching someone without the Force, but Grogu was strong. Maybe if you stuck your hand out he could do the rest. Hell, you trained him. You knew he could.

Grogu - you could hear footsteps approaching from the hallway. Boots on pavement. You knew the sound. They were - troopers? It sounded like heavy armour, similar to beskar but not quite. These guys weren’t empire though, where they?

Grogu! Your mind flashes white, and you pull against the rope in surprise when you here him. A squeak followed by him saying your name. He was safe. You don’t know how you knew it because he didn’t say anything except your name, but you knew he was safe. He was calm - hidden somewhere. Thank the Maker he got away. Was he down here somewhere? Had he found Din? There has to be a way to get out of these stupid ropes.

You tug against them again and hiss in pain as you feel the rope rip your skin, blood seeping down your wrist.

The door swings open, bright lights flashing over your eyes.

It takes you a second to see the figures clearly. But when your eyes adjust, you would know them anywhere.

Stormtroopers.

Stark white armour, the two troopers already have guns drawn. One steps forward and presses the hilt into your stomach and you wince, face screwing up. You swear the second trooper flinches as he turns to shut the door, locking you in with the both of them.

“No tricks, Jedi. Your surrounded.” The troopers low drawl makes your eyes open again. Your hand slips a little in the rope, and you think now it’s cut into your skin the blood around your wrist has made it easier to slip out. You need to be subtle. The second trooper stays back a little - lurking in the darker corner like he’s waiting for something, and you think you would rather he just punch you in the face. It would be less intimidating.

You need to buy yourself some time.

“Surrounded? What, by you two?” You scoff and twitch your body, trying to move the gun off the bruised side of your ribs. With the movement your hand slips a little further out.

“There’s more where we come from, kid. If I don’t bring you up, someone else will. Or they will just shoot you where you stand. Maybe I will.” He presses harder. Why hasn’t he made a move to untie you?

“You couldn’t make the shot with your gun taped to my head.” You hear the second trooper cough a little, and the one in front of you punches you square in the face. Your eyebrow begins to bleed again and everything goes a little fuzzy.

“I’ll teach you to disrespect the em-“ The trooper is cut off by a single shot.

To his head.

The blaster from the second trooper is still aimed and smoking, and your vision focuses enough to watch him place another perfect shot in the exact same place through his skull after he fell to the floor, confirming his kill.

Your hands slip from the rope and you move.

You catch him off guard, slamming your shoulder into his stomach. The air is sucked out of him as he crumpled to the ground, and you drop on top of him in the same second.

The blaster from the first trooper lays discarded on the ground, and you use your last remain strength to Force-pull it into your hand, aiming it right between the eyes in his helmet.

You can feel his deep breathing as you sit on his chest, his hands coming palm up beside his head in surrender as your knees keep his biceps pinned to the ground.

Two hands hold the gun to his head, and your half tempted to rip the helmet off him and press it into his skull - just to make sure. Your hands shake slightly but you have enough strength to hold him down. He doesn’t say anything, though. Just sits there with his hands up - staring silently as you both catch your breath.

“The door. You’re gonna open it.” Your head tilts towards the locked exit, and the light streams perfectly over his helmet so you can see him tilt his head to the side - almost like he’s confused.

“The door.”

He lets out a strong breath and you rise up a little higher.

Was he-

laughing at you?

No. He only did it the once. Maybe he’s winded - you did hit him with everything you had.

You click the blaster into place. His head straightens. You don’t know what this guys deal is. He just killed his partner and now he’s sitting underneath you - saying nothing to justify his actions nor save himself. It’s almost as if -

“So demanding, cyar’ika.“

You nearly melt into the floor when you hear his voice. All the air leaves you and you can’t say anything. Dumbfounded. Confused. Was he-

“I told you I would find you.”

“Holy f-fuck. Din.” You flop onto him, discarding the blaster next to your bodies as he sits up and curls your body against him. Relief is the only thing you can feel as he holds you tight - so tight your ribs ache but you don’t fucking care because he was right here. You found him - he found you. It doesn’t matter because he’s here and you almost shot him for a third time - “You fucking asshole.”

It’s halfhearted at best, the insult coming out in a broken voice as he buries the stormtrooper helmet into your neck. The armour feels foreign against your skin but you grasp at any part of it to have him closer.

He was here.

You don’t know how long you sit there, your legs wrapped around his back pressing your entire front against him. His arms twist so far around you they almost meet twice, and he doesn’t move his face from your neck as you feel him breathing hard - harder than normal.

You pull back, staring into the white trooper mask and holding it with your hands.

“Are you hurt? Is everything - Grogu? We need to find him I-“

“He’s okay.” His voice cracks. The voice isn’t as modulated through the trooper mask - it sounds a little more mechanical, but you would know it anywhere. You just nod at him and press your forehead to the mask.

“Are you okay?” You whisper, not wanting to crack this moment.

“I am now.” You can’t help it - you grin at him and try to get him closer to you, pull the helmet closer. It doesn’t look like him but it’s him. There’s less protection around his neck so when your hands link behind him, you can feel every muscle relax under your touch.

“Din - I was so scared. I thought you - they came. To the house when you left. I had to run.” He nods and his own hands mimic yours, gloves cupping your cheeks and pulling your face impossibly closer. If he wasn’t wearing the helmet you would be kissing him.

“I know, baby. I - the guy who put us up. He sold you out. Apparently these guys have been paying some people in high volume places to keep an eye out for potential hits.” Fucking asshole. He swallows, and tries to continue. “I never should have left - this whole thing is my fault. I put you in danger, the kid as well I-“

“No. Din, please. This is not your fault. Let’s do this later. You’re here. I’m here. Kids here, somewhere. That’s all we need.” As much as you want to know what the hell is going on here - you need to go. The dead trooper wasn’t wrong when he said others were coming. You could hear another pair of footsteps descending stairs in the distance.

Din doesn’t let go of your face for a second.

“I will never put you in danger again. I - the - I love you. You are too - I’m sorry.”

“I love you. Do this later.” You mumble into his helmet and he scoops you up, legs finally unfolding to stand on your own.

“Your arms.” You are still so close that he doesn’t have to reach out to examine the damage. Your wrists were raw and there were some tracks of blood running down. They hurt, for sure, but nothing serious. It wasn’t until you took a step that you realised how bad your ribs were hurting. “Don’t move.”

His hands - so gentle in comparison to what they just did, lift up your shirt. You look down and see the dark purple bruise coming up most of your side. Both of you wince at the sight in unison, and you are the one that has to push your shirt down, because Din hasnt taken his eyes of the evidence, only moving when your hands link with his.

A feather light touch on your forehead causes you to flinch on instinct, but only for a second before you lean into Dins hand, not caring if it hurts. You want to feel him - to know he’s still there. It doesn’t feel real, for him to just be here.

But he always said he would find you.

“I have an idea, cyar’ika. You just have to stay very still.” He whispers into your ear, and it sends a shiver down your spine. Even here, he overtakes every rational thought. You just nod, exhaustion overwhelming you as he scoops you into his arms. “This doesn’t hurt?”

Shaking your head, you can feel the vibration of his words through his chest, the trooper armour significantly thinner as he lifts you into his arms, legs dangling in the air. It feels so good to be off your feet - finally - the aches in your legs almost disappear for a second. The door unlocks and you feel yourself change directions, and suddenly it gets light behind your closed eyes. Only one of Dins arms supports your weight under your upper thighs, the other free to execute his plan, whatever that is.

You hear the footsteps coming closer and your instinct tells you to run - or fight, but you just stay very still, trusting Din to lead the way. Your head rested against his chest and you could hear his heart beat. Proof he was alive and there.

“You should of seen him. Bane went ballistic when they said he couldn’t have it. Shot up the whole cantina.” A trooper speaks from the end of the corridor, and you feel Din turn to the left. “Hey! What are you doing?”

He freezes for a second, and then turns.

“Captains orders. She’s to be brought to the front.” Din repeats, his voice perfectly calm and monotone - just like a stormtrooper. It made you shiver a little.

“This is her?” You feel the figure step closer to you and you resist the urge to hold your breath. You were faking being passed out, not dead. Din must nod his head, because the trooper just scoffs. “Put up more of a fight on the way in. Doesn’t look like much now.”

Don’t react. Don’t react. You feel the energy radiating around you, and the light above you goes out.

“Uh - we have to - keep moving, trooper.”

“Yep. Move along.” Both troopers begin to rush past you, chasing the lights that haven’t gone out above them. Lucky that your head is buried into Dins neck or they would probably see your smile. You know Din can tell it was you.

“Nice touch.” You exhale once, but even the small movement and expel of your energy has your heart rate slowing. “Rest, cyar’ika. I’ll get you out of here.”

You do. You close your eyes and forget everything except Dins arm wrapped around you. How he’s holding you so tightly - like he’s forgotten how to do it and he needs to learn the shape of you by moulding it to him. You take every second of it, and pretty soon you think you fall asleep.

That is, until, you start to move. Fast. Wind starts to whip past your ear and everything around you is blurry when your eyes tear open.

“D-“ You go to say his name, but you see troopers.

Lots of them.

“What’s happening?”

“Kids through here. I need you to grab him and move. There will be a door on the left, go through it. I’ll- i’ll come to you.” He puts you down in a small corridor, and suddenly there’s a small door in front of you. He takes a step back and you grab his arm.

“No. We stay together.” Boots come up the stairs. You don’t know what happened but there’s red flashes lighting up your current hiding place. Alarms blaring. That must be what woke you.

“We - No, you have to go.”

“I’m not leaving you alone. There’s too many of them.” There must be dozens of them. They are getting closer, monotone shouts of orders echo at the end of the hallway.

“You have to go.” You just shake your head.

You just got him back. There wasn’t a chance in hell you were leaving him here. He takes a step back and you match it forward.

“I’m not leaving.”

“You are hurt. The kid needs you. I - I need you to be safe. I’ve done enough.” His voice cracks again. Sure, you get the need to protect you, he’s been doing that ever since you met him, but he’s going to get himself killed.

“You aren’t alone. We can do this together, okay?” He doesn’t say anything. Instead, you see the helmet look up a little to the door behind you. “Let us help you. Don’t leave - don’t leave me again.”

Maybe that was harsh - when you got a chance you know he would explain all this. Whatever it was, but it still did the trick. He looks back down at you, and even though he’s a little harder to read in this new helmet, you know he’s listening.

“Where’s your armour?” His head flicks towards the door and you pull him inside, shutting it behind you. You hear the troopers turn towards the sound. It won’t hold them long. “Where’s the kid?”

Instantly a little squeak comes from the corner, and Grogu waddles out, dragging something behind him. Your bag.

“You little genius.” You kneel down and you know you don’t have time but god - you were more worried that you realised. Here he was, both of them.

Safe.

The door bangs with the force of troopers slamming into it. You unzip your bag. The blaster you had in your hip is gone, and they’ve taken your other weapon. Din had half his armour on in seconds, and when he turned to face you, beskar helmet back on his head. You look down at your empty hands - you have nothing to fight with except you. Grogu quickly waddles over to Din and squeals in excitement. You would have to be enough.

This whole time it felt like he was protecting you - from what, you weren’t sure. Maybe that’s why he left you in that house, he thought he was protecting you from all this. But the truth is that you’ve been in danger the minute you chose to run all those years ago, leave you life behind, and it was only a matter of time before it caught up with you.

Whether Din was chasing this bounty for you or not, you were on this planet and they would never stop coming - you would never stop endangering the only two people you loved if you didn’t end this here. It couldn’t follow you any longer. Grogu’s little hand grabs onto your ankle, and he looks up at you. He would never be safe with you.

Not unless you did this. Now.

You were tired. Your rib cage was bruised to hell and your entire body was sore, but you felt it all around you. The energy - a life force in every part of this place. You recognised it - welcomed it as a friend instead of using it as a weapon, moulding it into something it was meant for, and it felt familiar. Safe. Warm. It was meant to protect and defend. To balance. You looked at Din, and he replaced his gloves and started attaching the copious amounts of weapons to his armour.

He had enough enemies, you wouldn’t drag your own onto his door step.

You were tired - but right now you never felt more alive.

Powerful.

The door flung open, and three stormtroopers burst into the room at the same time. Weapons drawn, they were firing the moment they stepped through the archway.

You braced for impact, Din’s weapons drawn faster than you could comprehend.

Except nothing came.

You didn’t realised you had your eyes closed. The click of blasters filled the room, but no shots were fired. Your eyes opened.

Red blaster shots. They were there, of course they were. Troopers were trained to kill on sight. Surely there shots were not this off target - you had heard stories…

No, the shots were on target. You knew because there was a small, red flame hanging just above your eye level. A shot that would have been a direct hit on Dins armour had you not stopped it.

You..

Stopped it.

In mid air.

All of them, actually. Every single shot fired was floating in the air, even Din’s. You could feel them. Count them in the order they were let off. Grogu was still wrapped around your ankle, you could feel his Force low and strong on the floor under you. Waiting. It wasn’t him, this was all you.

Your father would be proud.

Din says your name, and you don’t turn, afraid you’ll drop your focus. Somehow though, knowing how close he is to you, that he’s right there with you makes you feel sure that you won’t drop. Won’t lose focus. It’s almost… easy.

You turn the shots and send them in reverse, dropping the three storm troopers before you can blink.

You don’t know what to say. Clearly Din doesn’t either, because he just moves in front of you and stares.

“You aren’t leaving me again.”

“I’m not leaving you.” Din says lowly, and swallows before he nods and leans out the doorway. “Seventeen of them. You think - think you can do it, that, again?”

You nod once; confident.

“If I could kiss you right now, I would.” You have to smile at that - the thought of him under that helmet. “Just so you know.”

You scoop up the kid in one hand, and it’s with that movement you realise it doesn’t hurt to move. Your ribs… they were fine. You felt fantastic - better than normal, actually. Grogu clung to your side, head dropping like he did when he was about to fall asleep. Though he only looked this tired after a training session. Had he…

“He healed me.” Din moves closer and lifts up your shirt, though he could have just looked at your now healed wrists. It sent goosebumps up your skin when his gloved finger traced a line along the now healed area. Completely healed, no bruising, nothing. No wonder you felt incredible. You brought him up to your face and hugged him closer. “You are so good. So good, little bug. I’m gonna get you all the lizards you can eat I swear.”

Grogu giggles in your arms and climbs over your shoulder into the pack you put on your back. Dins hand comes up to touch your face, drag a line across your cheek bone.

Just like the first time.

You both step out, seeing the troopers reinforcements, and this time you stand in front of him.

—————————

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