WARNINGS: Sad Spencer Reid, Mention of Suicidal Thoughts, Spencer wants to khs, Supportive Reader, Non-sexual cuddling, Depression/Feeling low, (like really low), pet names (baby), non-beta read
WORDS: 510
PAIRING: Spencer Reid x gn!reader
——————————————————————————————————————
★ a/n - Wrote this in under fucking twenty mins let's goooo
——————————————————————————————————————
Spencer lays in bed, his body weighed down with the sudden wave of depression that's hit him. He's been stuck in bed for a few days, not even sleeping, just lying there. He hasn't got up to shower, or to eat, and you can't help but worry. You've tried your hardest to pull him out of this slump, get him out to do things, even just spend an hour or two at the bureau with you while you work.
But, you've come to realize, he just needs somebody to be there for him. Not push him to be productive.
You lie in bed beside Spencer, his head resting on your chest as your fingers card through his slightly greasy hair. His head turns up to look at you, his eyes reflectionless as they gaze up at you. You let out a quiet sigh and kiss his forehead before adjusting yourself to rest yours on his, whispering “You'll be alright, Spencer.”
You can hear him swallow thickly, his lips parting a bit as he lets out a quiet breath before responding “It.. It surely doesn't feel like that.” The corners of your lips fall into a frown, your hand tightening it's grip on his hair as it stops stroking for now. “I'm here for you, you know that, right?..” You start, pausing for a second before deciding to ask, “What's going on in that heavy mind of yours?” In the most gentle, non-judgemental tone you can muster.
Spencer hesitates, his hand moving to rest on your hip as tears well in his eyes, the sight of his deep, doe eyes wettening like that making your heart break. “I don't.. I-I don't feel so.. well.” He tries to explain, sniffling a bit and letting out a shaky breath. Opening up is always so hard for him, especially when it comes to anything emotional. You grow confused for a few seconds before it finally clicks.
“Oh.. Oh, spencer..” You breathe, cupping his jaw to pull his face up to meet yours, your eyes full of worry and his full of tears. “I don't wanna do this anymore.” He sobs, whimpering out a pitiful “I can't take it.”
You pull him close, unable to stop the bit of tears that spring into your own eyes at the realization of just how bad Spencer's been feeling, how he's gotten so low without you realizing it is heartbreaking. You could tell he was feeling down, but you surely couldn't tell he was thinking about killing himself. Spencer cries into your chest, his grip on your hip tightening to a bruising level.
“Shh.. shh, I'm here.. I'm here, baby. I'll make sure you start feeling better soon, I'll be there with you as long as it takes to get better, Spencer.” You promise him, nuzzling your face into the top of his head and holding him even tighter, wanting to show him you're truly there to help and take care of him. His grip on you holds a silent beg, an unspoken plea.
“Please, don't leave me.”
——————————————————————————————————————
★ a/n - this is implied m!reader + no beta read but like
Uncle x Papa – Nephew!Kid!Lloyd x Adopted Son!Morro x Father!Uncle!Male!Reader (Ninjago)
Part 1
Ninjago Oneshot ! What if Garmadon and Wu had a Brother and while Wu stopped all contact with him, for unknown reasons, Garmadon kept up their contact and told him that he was an Uncle ? What if Morro never died in the Caves of Despair ? What if Lloyd was for a bit in the boarding school and then M/n with Morro collected him ? Well, let us find out ! By the was this is NOT canon !
WARNING!: Multiple Chapters, Angst, mention of abandonment, Morro has anger issues, we all know it, mention of fighting, mention of close to death encounter, blood x gore, injuries AND MORE ! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED !!!
Misako abandoned Garmadon and Lloyd and Garmadon never understood why. He couldn’t tell Wu about it, Wu was the LAST person he wanted to tell this. So he did, what he thought, he will never do. He searched his older Brother, M/n. As soon as M/n was old enough, he left the Monastery and lived on his own.
Wu refused to stay in contact with him, because he never helped them in anything. The war against the Serpentines he didn’t help, the war against the Time Twins...M/n NEVER helped. Wu hated him for that, partly.
Garmadon had no address to keep in touch with his older Brother, otherwise he would have written with him so much. He looked up to M/n a lot. He wanted to be just like him when he was older.
Who would have thought, that Garmadon would find M/n, on an Island, in the middle of nowhere ? He knocked on the door, Baby Lloyd tightly and thickly wrapped in a bundle and close to Garmadon’s chest. He was shivering himself, while Lloyd was asleep and very warm, hopefully...
The door opened and there M/n stood. He stared at Garmadon in utter surprise and shock.
“Garmadon ?”, M/n asked.
“Heh...Finally found you, Bubba.”, Garmadon greeted softly.
M/n looked at him and saw him shivering and holding a bundle in his arms.
“You must be freezing. Come inside and tell me, why you bothered to search for me.”
M/n made the way free and let Garmadon enter. He thanked M/n and entered, who closed the door behind him after. He led him to the Living room and Garmadon sat down.
“Do you want some hot chocolate ? Tea ? Anything ?”, M/n asked.
“Do...do you have hot chocolate and some milk, to warm up ?”, Garmadon asked.
“Milk...to warm up...?”
Garmadon gave him a sad smile and showed him the bundle he held. M/n’s eyes widened, in shock, as he stared at the face, of a sleeping Baby.
“Are they yours ?”, he asked.
“His name is Lloyd and yes, he is my Son. I married the Love of my Life, Misako. I think you remember how in love I was with her.”
M/n nodded and screwed his face up in distaste.
“I never understood what you saw in her. She seemed to act sweet and innocent, but I tell you, she seemed like she only pretended, to me.”, M/n said.
“I...I guess you were right...”
“Huh ? What do you mean ?”
“After a while, when we had Lloyd, she...she left. No note, no Goodbye...she just left us both.”, Garmadon said with tears in his eyes.
“So...Lloyd is Motherless ?”
“Yes.”
“How long was that ago ?”
“A week. She usually always tells me when she has to go for a while, but this time...there was nothing...”
M/n balled his hands into fists and scoffed angered.
“I knew it.”
Then he left the room and got to warming up some milk and making a hot chocolate.
“I don’t have a Baby bottle though.”, M/n called from his kitchen.
“I have one. The milk is just frozen...”, Garmadon replied.
M/n entered the Living room again and held his hand out.
“Bottle, little Brother.”
Garmadon set Lloyd down on the couch and pulled out the bottle from his backpack. M/n took it and left the room again. He let hot water inside the sink in the kitchen and put the baby bottle into it.
He watched the milk and after a few minutes, he had it on a very low flame, it was done. In the meantime the milk thawed inside the bottle and M/n cleaned it out. He filled the milk into the bottle and then shook it slightly, while he also balanced the Hot chocolate into the Living room.
“The milk is still a bit too warm, but I at least didn’t burn it.”, M/n said softly.
“Thank you.”, Garmadon replied.
M/n then looked at Lloyd again and saw that he was too warm, he started to fuss around.
“He is too hot.”, M/n informed Garmadon.
He looked at Lloyd and quickly took off some layers that kept him warm.
“So sorry, Baby. I forgot. Please forgive me.”, he said softly.
“You can also take off your clothes, Garmadon. I don’t think a thick jacket, shawl, hat and a pair of gloves, inside a well climated house, is comfortable.”
Garmadon blushed in embarrassment and took off his own clothes too.
“Sorry... I didn’t know if you would...you know...help me.”, he said softly.
M/n looked at Garmadon with softness in his eyes.
“Garmadon, you put so much effort into finding me, I would never throw you out after you finally found me. I’m sorry that I left and didn’t leave you any hints or addresses to my location, but honestly ? I didn’t think any of you two would come looking for me at all. I...wasn’t the best Brother the last few years.”
Garmadon looked at M/n with big eyes.
“You weren’t a bad Brother ! I know that Wu said you were, because of things you two never told me about, but he is lying ! He was angry and he regretted everything he said to you as you announced that you will move out.”
M/n shook his head.
“No. Don’t try to lie for Wu. I was a bad Brother. I let you train with Chen and Clouse. I knew they were a bad influence and I still didn’t take you away from them. I let Wu...never mind...”, M/n cut himself off.
“What did Wu do ?”, Garmadon asked.
M/n took a deep breath.
“Wu took in a homeless child. He trained him too. After we found out that Morro had the Elemental Powers of Wind, Wu was determined that he was the Green Ninja. Morro became obsessed with it. He got very easily angered, he wasn’t very kind and patient anymore either. Wu corrupted him, without meaning to. I told him to not tell the Kid about that, but he insisted and I tried to keep the boy stable. One day, he just left and never came back. Wu and him found out that he wasn’t the Chosen One and Wu refused to keep going with him, so he left and said he will prove that he is worth it. He blamed me for all of that since and we argued a lot.”
Garmadon stared at him with wide eyes.
“But WU did that mistake. Not you !”
“He still blamed me for what happened to his and Morro’s relationship. These two were like Father and Son, until he dropped the bomb of the Green Ninja. We also grew apart since that day and that was why I left. He kept blaming me each and every single day for that and I had enough.”
“I want to find Morro.”, Garmadon said.
“Who knows, if he is still alive, Garmadon.”
“Let us look for him ! At least WE care, right ?!”
M/n looked at Garmadon and then at Lloyd.
“You have a Son, Brother.”
“So what ? I will still have him ! We are just looking around for him.”
M/n sighed and nodded. He took Garmadon’s hand, grabbed the baby bottle and Garmadon had Lloyd in his arm. Then they teleported, to the Caves of Despair. Garmadon looked at M/n in confusion.
“Why are we here ?”
“It is one of the very few places, where I would bet my limbs, that Morro would be looking.”
With that they entered a cave and it seemed warm and sealed off.
“HELP ! HELP ME ! I’M STUCK ! HELLO ?!”, someone screamed.
Garmadon and M/n froze up.
“Morro...”, M/n whispered.
He ran to the blocked off ending and looked through a small gap.
“MORRO ?! IS THAT YOU ?!”, he yelled.
“M/N ?! HELP ! PLEASE HELP ME ! I DON’T WANNA DIE !”, Morro screamed scared.
M/n felt his heart skip a beat. He looked at Garmadon.
“Get out of here, I will break down the barrier ! Keep the Kid away !”
Garmadon nodded and ran out.
“MORRO STEP ASIDE FROM THE EXIT !”
He did so and yelled that he was out of the way. M/n took a few steps back and then ran at the wall. He did that three more times and then the stones fell and rolled out of the way. Morro was sweating terribly.
“MORRO ! JUMP AND GRAB MY HAND ! QUICK !”, M/n yelled.
He stretched his hand out and waited. Morro jumped and snatched M/n’s hand tightly, M/n pulled him out quickly and he carried him out of the Caves and to fresh air. Then he checked Morro for any injuries.
“Are you alright ?! What the hell were you thinking ?! If we wouldn’t have looked for you, you would have been nothing but bones ! No more hunting for impossible graves and treasures, for some stupid title, got it ?!”, M/n yelled at Morro, angered.
Morro nodded quickly. He hated M/n’s anger directed at him. It scared him.
“Good. You will live with me, Morro. You are NOT allowed to talk about the Green Ninja EVER again. I hear that coming out of your mouth, I will do more, than just put you into the Time Out corner.”
Morro nodded again.
With that, M/n teleported them back to his own house. He sat Morro down on the couch and then left to make some food in the kitchen. Morro then looked at Garmadon and his Son.
“Who are you two ?”, Morro asked softly.
“I am Garmadon, Wu’s Brother. This is my Son, Lloyd.”
Morro looked at them and nodded.
“I’m Morro. Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too, Morro.”
Then Lloyd woke up, fussed and started crying. Garmadon looked at his Son and instantly took the Baby bottle, M/n placed back on the table. He tested the temperature of the milk and deemed it okay. He started to feed Lloyd, who eagerly sucked from the bottle, looking at his Father with big green orbs.
Morro watched them and he felt jealous. His parents didn’t do that with him. His parents abandoned him... Then something clicked in his brain.
“Where is his Mom ?”, he asked.
Garmadon froze up.
“She...she left us.”, he answered softly.
“She...died ?”, Morro asked softly.
“No. She left one day and didn’t come back since. She abandoned us.”
Morro’s eyes widened and he stared at Lloyd. So, one of his parents also abandoned him. Now he could only feel sad for Lloyd.
M/n came back with microwaved food. He put it in front of Garmadon and Morro.
“I know it is only some baguettes with herb butter as a filling, but that is all I could make right now. Is Lloyd drinking ?”
“Thank you and yes, he is drinking.”
“Don’t forget to burp him after, Brother.”, M/n reminded.
“I won’t.”
“So you, Sensei Wu and M/n are Brothers ?”, Morro asked.
“We are, but I don’t like Wu all that much.”, M/n answered.
“Why ?”, he asked.
“He blamed me for his mistakes with you. He made you obsessed with something that you are NOT. I do not doubt you to be someone great, Morro, but the Green Ninja title, is more than just a name. It screams a lot of problems, possible death and worse danger. Even if you would have been the Green Ninja, you could have been easily corrupted. Be happy with the Element Wind that you have. It is very powerful and dangerous on its own.”, M/n said.
Morro stared at M/n in shock.
“He...blamed YOU for everything ?”
“He did. One of the few reasons I moved out.”
Morro seemed to get angry.
“What about Lloyd ? His Nephew ?”, Morro asked, with a bit of bite in his voice.
Garmadon looked away.
“Let us just say...he doesn’t have the time to see him.”
“So he abandons his own NEPHEW too ?!”, Morro yelled in anger.
That made Lloyd cry. Morro’s eyes widened in surprise and he looked at Lloyd with soft eyes. He didn’t mean to spook him.
“I-I’m sorry... I didn’t mean to scare him...”, Morro said with a stutter.
Garmadon looked at Morro, while he calmed down Lloyd.
“It’s fine. Just be careful around him. Babies get easily startled.”
Morro looked at Garmadon.
“I will be careful next time. M/n ?”
“Yes, Morro ?”
“Can you adopt me ? I wanna be Lloyd’s cousin. I wanna help taking care of him !”
M/n and Garmadon stared at Morro in surprise.
“What ?”, he asked in shock, his brain not catching up.
“I wanna help you with Lloyd ! I want to keep him save and be there for him when he needs someone.”
Garmadon looked at M/n and chuckled. His big Brother was nervous and excited to adopt Morro.
“Uhm...”, he said stunned.
“He will adopt you. His brain needs time to catch on.”, Garmadon told Morro.
Morro smiled at Garmadon.
“I know. He had those moments a few times near me. Honestly it is so funny when you catch him off guard. He needs a while to register what is going on after.”, Morro giggled out.
M/n shook his head and slapped his left cheek, to snap out of his stupor.
“Sure. I can adopt you, but then you have to listen to me and to me ONLY. Got it ?”
Morro looked at M/n and nodded eagerly.
“Okay. I will get adoption papers now, you take care of Lloyd and my stupid Brother.”
Garmadon looked at M/n offended.
“Hey !”, he protested.
Morro giggled.
“You can’t deny that you are stupid sometimes, Brother. Remember the prank.”
“From where was I supposed to know that YOU were that GIRL ?!”
“By being perceptive and observing.”
With that M/n left and later on in the day, Morro was officially adopted by M/n.
-Four years later-
M/n went up and down in his house. Garmadon didn’t show up for the last 3 months with Lloyd. Morro was a Teenager with 13 years of age by now and he was getting really uneasy, that both of them didn’t come visit by now.
“Where is Garmadon and where is Lloyd ?”, Morro asked.
“He said he will be with Wu. Wanna check it out ?”, M/n asked.
Morro nodded and they teleported, only to see them both fighting with the Golden Weapons.
“No...”, M/n whispered as he saw Garmadon’s eyes.
“What is going on ?”, Morro asked.
“The poison in Garmadon’s veins...it reached his heart. He is corrupted fully now. Morro...Lloyd won’t have a Dad anymore. The Poison took Lloyd’s Dad away from him. I hoped...I hoped he will have him longer...”
Morro stared at Garmadon in shock and sorrow. They informed him about Garmadon’s condition, but he hoped it would never happen so early, to Lloyd.
“Garmadon ! Don’t !”, Wu yelled.
“He is about to end Wu.”, Morro whispered.
Suddenly a bolt of lightning hit him and Garmadon went black, he stumbled and the Underworld opened. He fell and Wu tried to save him, but was too late.
It’s been almost two years since your break up with Carlos but the memory of him is still fresh in your brain. It was hard for you to forget him when every single time you wanted to watch a race his name was plastered on the screen. A part of you is bitter really, knowing that you had helped him get there.
Instead, you were here, still finishing up your master’s degree in engineering and scrambling to find any internship possible. You had blindly applied to many- some even in the big league.
You didn’t really think much of it- sure Carlos would be around, but it’s not like you would get accepted anyways. And even if you did, you were definitely not giving up your dream in exchange for his, fuck that.
Fuck. That.
Fuck.
Link to all chapters (WIP).
Chapter 1 (3.1k words)
“A dónde vas?” You’re barely out of the bed when Carlos starts calling for you. You turn around and look at him, face softening at the sight of him fighting the sleep in his eyes. He reaches to grab your arm and before you know it you are being pulled back into the bed. The blankets are being pulled over you as Carlos only nuzzles closer, peppering kisses into your neck.
“Better,” you hear him mumble and you can’t help but relax a little, reveling into his touch.
“I need to go Carlos,” And this time you leave a gentle kiss on the top of his head before you slowly try to sit up again. It always broke your heart to leave bed first- especially when Carlos finally had a day or a week off from work. You kind of felt guilty too, knowing that he mainly just wanted to spend time with you in bed and relax.
“Mi amor. Stay a bit longer, porfa?” There is a small whine to his tone which makes you bite back a smile. You let out a soft sigh and lay down for a bit, thinking out your options. This is the perfect excuse for Carlos to wrap his arms around you again and pull you even closer than before. The sheets are warm, but Carlos is warmer, and it really is a hard thing for you to refuse.
“Vale, but only for five minutes,”
---------
Your alarm is blaring. Loud and clear and piercing through your dream. A groan escapes your lips, sitting up as you try your best to rub your eyes into reality. There is a cold layer of sweat clinging to your body, along with a sense of dread as you try to already forget your dream. Hazel eyes and tanned skin continue to chase you, and as many times as you try to rub your eyes, he seems to be sticking to the back of your lids, his image imprinted to its skin. You turn off your alarm but your thoughts only get louder.
The darkness in your room envelops you in a weird and hollow way. It’s cold, and you’re already missing the warmth in your dreams as you pull your sheets closer to yourself. “Fuck,” You mumble, already feeling the frustration bubble in your chest.
Fuck time, you thought. People always told you that time healed, but definitely not this wound. It had been almost two years since you and Carlos broke up. Your childhood friend, your best friend. Three years of dating and fourteen years of friendship thrown completely down the drain.
You try to convince yourself that it’s fine, it’s normal to dream about your ex sometimes. A part of you believes it right before you realise how many times sometimes is. You grit your teeth and let out another frustrated groan before you grab your phone, searching for any distraction to get your mind to leech to something else. It ends up being instagram. Five minutes wouldn’t hurt, you think to yourself. You just need to brush your teeth a bit faster later.
Five minutes become ten and ten become thirty and before you realise you are barely brushing your hair and teeth as you jump into the first pair of pants you find, along with a random shirt. You don’t remember the last time you ran this fast, maybe in PE class which almost feels like ten years ago. All your effort seems wasteful when you enter the lecture hall though, panting and holding onto the door frame as you scan the room with your eyes. Your professor wasn’t even there yet.
“Sorry,” You mumble as soon as someone excuses themselves to go pass you to enter the hall. Soon you spot Laura waving her arm at you, gesturing you to head to her. You head to her, still breathing harshly. Your legs feel heavier than usual and you land on the seat next to her with a loud thump.
“Are you good? You almost didn’t make it,” Laura asks, shifting in her seat and moving her things to make a bit more space for you.
“Yeah Lau, I’m fine,” You say before cringing at the small edge that was lacing your voice. You shake your head. “Sorry, not in the best mood today. Feel like I ran a whole marathon,” The smile that lingers on your lips is an apologetic one, but your best friend is more than used to it, so she easily waves her hand to you as a sign to say that it’s fine, really.
“It’s too early to be having this stupid class anyways.” She says and you’re more than grateful at how understanding she always is. You slowly take your things out of your bag, soon looking around for your pen. You’re too tired to look for it properly, so you just shove your hand in your bag, fishing for your pen in hopes to feel it around somewhere. Before you even find it though you see a pen hovering in front of your face.
“Here,” Laura follows up and you can’t help but let out a tired but soft laugh.
“You’re the best really,” You thank her. Something catches both of your attentions though as you look forward, seeing the professor set his bag on the table as he silently begins to unpack his things. You both roll your eyes simultaneously- not even surprised that he hadn’t apologised for being almost ten minutes late.
The class passes by slowly, you and Laura as always sneak glances to each other and take turns in asking questions to one another when one of you didn’t understand something. You don’t really understand why you need to learn half of the things the professor is discussing anyways, but the class wasn’t that hard either. It would be nice to get an easy grade on something. Although the lecture is scheduled almost for three hours- you and the rest of the students are dismissed thirty minutes early on the ruse of extra study time (but you all know even the professor looked bored out of his mind).
You all begin to pack your things up and you’re thinking about what to do after the lecture when Laura nudges her hip against yours. Your eyes shift to her with a small pointed look. “You okay? You seem a bit out of it.” Laura says, you shrug before zipping up your bag and throwing a strap over your shoulder. The books from yesterday’s classes that you forgot to take out strain your shoulder a bit but there is nothing you can do about it.
“Mhm- fine. Just tired,” You say, every part of you wanting to brush off last night’s dream, but a glance towards Laura does the job and you are spilling, as always. “I had another dream, again.” You say. This time Laura is the one that groans.
“Really? Another one?” And you hate the amount of times you’ve discussed this with her. Over and over like a broken record.
“Thought I was done with them too,” You say, walking out the lecture hall together with her. You’re still a bit shaken up- the boring lecture hadn’t snapped you out of your dream at all, your mind had wandered back and forth to Carlos’ voice, his warmth, his smile.
“How many times am I going to tell you this?” Laura interrupts your train of thoughts. She turns to head outside to sit on the benches by the trees. You follow her, waiting for her to continue speaking. “You need to get out there, live a little. It’s been two years. How many dates have you been on since?”
You set your bag down on the bench before sitting down, eyes darting around the trees and the greenery as you try to think. You begin counting a few out loud. “The coffee shop guy, the blue-eyed guy, the one who cooked?” You question momentarily before continuing with your list. “The really nice guy that we met at Paula’s- he did turn out a bit obsessive though but he was really nice-”
“Mhm I know which one. Now, how many more?” Laura asks and you purse your lips together before letting out a breath. You try to think but even your mind is blank. Have you only been out with four people? You try to not make a face but you can’t help it, because God Laura was right.
“And how many dates have you been on with each one?” She continues asking, and a part of you wants to call her out for sounding so smug but you know she is just trying to help you out (although you wish it was less of a call out).
“You know this Lau,” You grumble, looking away. It was a joke at the end of the day between you both, you hadn’t been able to get past the first date. Ever. “Look- I know that I need to get out there more- I just get really discouraged. I have barely clicked with anybody. As soon as we get into the topic of exes they become obsessed and ask about Carlos all the time.” At some point you felt like they were trying to get on a date with him instead of you.
You let out a sigh as you watch one or two other people run around campus, clearly about to be late themselves. “Can’t believe I went to campus only for one stupid lecture.” you huff before pulling your legs to your chest.
“Yeah- I wouldn’t do that,” Laura shrugs before looking ahead of herself. The statue of the founder of the university stares at you both. “But seriously, how long are you going to be hung up on this guy?” She asks, and you can see the concern in her eyes which only makes you lean your head against her shoulder.
“I’m sick of this as much as you are. It’s hard when I see him practically everywhere. Why did I decide to choose someone who was going to be famous?” You murmur.
It’s not like you chose him because he was going to be famous- although you both knew it was going to happen. Being the son of one of (if not) the best rally drivers and kicking off your karting career from the youngest age possible was a perfect recipe for a Formula 1 driver. The backing, the genes, and the drive that Carlos had. From the first day you saw him karting you knew he was going to make it. But back then, you didn’t even think anything would come out between the two of you. He was just your best friend.
The thing now was that seeing him drive, and learning the mechanics of it, had created an obsession for you too. You stayed glued to his side whenever you could, glued to him and his racing. You spent many hours after school with him and his dad, learning the ins and outs of cars, learning how the karts were made, and soon learned the beauty of the engineering world . You were glued to the TV too whenever you could be.
Both of you were obsessed, watching races, from the F1 big screen to scrambling earlier to watch the smaller series that came up over time. He had helped you find your passion, and was the first person to find out you had gotten accepted to engineering. Not only that, but seeing him grow from karting and being behind the screen, to actually rising to the european f3 series and also the Renault series. But then it all ended when Toro Rosso picked him up and your studies started to take more time. The relationship broke from the inside out and before you both knew it it was over.
He was out there now living his dream, moving from Toro Rosso to Renault. He hadn’t had the best of seasons so far- but you could see he was edging closer, only improving every year.
On the other hand here you were, still finishing up your master’s and scrambling to find any internship possible. You had blindly applied to many different positions, although you knew deep down where you wanted to be. You didn’t really think much of it- sure Carlos would be around, but it’s not like you would get accepted anyways. And even if you did, you were definitely not giving up your dream in exchange for his. Fuck that.
“Well it doesn’t help that you still follow every single race so you hear about him or see him almost every other weekend. Maybe you should take a break from watching.” Laura says sympathetically which makes you just groan. “Anyways- I heard about a party tonight,” She offers.
--- --- ---
You don’t know how you ended up at the party but you are definitely not drunk enough for this. The music is bouncing off the walls and you swear you can feel the floor vibrate with how strong the bass is. Laura somehow disappeared within the first ten minutes of you guys arriving and you’ve been searching for her ever since.
After a grueling hour of search you see her wrapped around a very cute blonde. You think about going to give her an earful, especially since she had dragged you there with a promise of a fun girls’ night but you both cross eyes and you can see how invested she is. ‘Please,’ she mouths and you hesitate for a second before giving her a small nod which she grins to. You and her know she owes you big time. Instead of going to chase her you go and turn- thinking of lingering around a bit longer just to make sure she really is okay before leaving but you end up bumping into somebody, almost spilling your drink onto the both of you.
“You should be watching where you’re going,” The guy says, grabbing your elbow gently to stop the accident from happening. There is a playful tone to his voice and you can’t help but blush a little. You look up to be met with broad shoulders and shaggy brown hair. He was definitely easy on the eyes.
“Sorry, yeah. I should have been.” You say sheepishly before thanking him for saving your drink. It had been way too expensive for your liking, and it was definitely not going to fall on the floor and be stepped on.
“Would have gotten a new one anyways.” He says with a smile before giving you a wink. “Are you here by yourself?” You can feel his eyes trail over you not so discreetly and fuck it, maybe you should have a little bit of fun yourself too.
“Came with a friend but she’s quite busy right now, are you here by yourself?” You answer, this time it's your turn to eye him over as he nods and puts his finger to his chin.
“Seems like it. My friend ditched me too.” He says before nudging your elbow this time, quite hard. You don’t expect this and part of your drink spills and your eyes widen.
“Hey- what was that for?” You ask, looking over at him. You’re surprised to see him grinning from ear to ear.
“Guess I owe you a drink now?” He asks and you can’t help but roll your eyes and smile.
“That’s ridiculous,” you say before pointing at him. “you owe me two.”
The night picks up a bit from there. You both find a booth that is miraculously hidden on the side of the club and decide to settle there. Before you know it the two drinks become five and a gentle pink hue has settled on both your cheeks as both of you talk about the randomest things. You learn that his name is Bastien, he has one brother and two sisters, and he recently graduated with a Business degree (and he‘s french too, although his accent had given you an inkling of suspicion).
It’s when he’s talking about his trip so far that you realise how close you both had gotten. His knee is pressed against yours and you can suddenly feel his fingertips gently rubbing at your knee. You don’t even remember how you both had gotten so close throughout the night, but there is a light tension lingering in the air but you’re kind of enjoying it.
“So, why is a pretty girl like you single?” He asks, leaning even closer. Your smile twitches a little into a frown and you shift in your seat instinctively. You hadn’t thought about Carlos at all tonight. Bastien seems to notice and he moves back a bit this time and clears his throat. “Ah- sorry, maybe I shouldn’t have brought it up?” He says, sounding a little bit apologetic which makes you shake his head..
“No it’s fine. Just had a rough break up and it has been a while but I haven’t put myself out much.” You say with a small shrug. “Nobody’s caught my interest.” You say honestly and look over to him. You take the initiative this time, putting his hand on his knee. This seems to loosen him up as he shifts to sit close to you again.
“Maybe I can change that hm?” Your cheeks are burning now, eyes looking over his.
“Yeah, you can try.” You murmur as you notice his eyes drop to your lips. You swipe your tongue over your bottom lip this time and you can’t help but move closer before he takes your mouth with his.
It doesn’t go further than a kiss (or several kisses). You both go home together, but he drops you off at the entrance to your apartment building, even gets out of the car to help open the door for you. “So,” you say as you get out of the car, he shuts the door for you and you lean your back against his car, “do you wanna come up?” You ask him, biting your bottom lip. He looks over you and smiles, leaning close as he rests one of his hands on his car and next to your head. He leans slightly over you and you feel your stomach flutter.
“As much as I am probably going to regret this, no.” he says which almost sobers you up. Almost. Had you done something wrong in the car? You’re about to ask if something had happened when he leans over to give you another kiss, your mind spins a little as you move closer to hold his cheek.
It’s almost embarrassing how you try to lean closer when he pulls away. “I'd rather take you out for dinner tomorrow night,” He says with a smug smile before pecking your lips. “Does that sound good?”
“Oh,” You say, quite surprised this time.
“Unless you want me to come up now?” He asks, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear.
“No- no.” You say, shaking your head. You couldn’t believe what you were saying. “I mean- I’d love that but, maybe dinner tomorrow is better.” You say before giving him a smile. You’re burning red but you don’t care. It’s the first time you’ve felt excited for a date in ages.
“Sounds like a plan then.” he says leaning closer to brush your noses together. “Can I have one more kiss though?” he asks with the dimpled smile he had been giving you the whole night. You give him a small nod before connecting your lips once more.
The feeling lingers on your lips the entire night, tossing and turning in your bed with a feeling of excitement that you missed. You even try to distract yourself by going on your phone, biting your lips as you check the notifications you had been ignoring the whole day.
Your throat goes dry though when you open your email.
The words are bold and clear and you suddenly cannot think of anything else:
Congrats y/n, you have been accepted to our talent program in Engineering. For the upcoming season you have been assigned to: McLaren’s F1 Team.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
In which Kris and Ralsei explore a ghost town, our favourite human suffers a terrible case of self-doubt, and the true extent of the threat facing them begins to come into focus...
As always, you can read by clicking the big link above, or by clicing the tiny little blue link if you'd prefer to consume this chapter on FanFiction.net (Here! I'm the tiny little blue link!)
Also as always, I appreciate any and all feedback on my work! Thanks for your interest and I hope you have a lovely day :)
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 1/3
Fandom: Star Wars - All Media Types, The Mandalorian (TV)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Din Djarin/Luke Skywalker, Din Djarin & Grogu | Baby Yoda, Grogu | Baby Yoda & Luke Skywalker
Characters: Din Djarin, Luke Skywalker, Grogu | Baby Yoda, Anakin Skywalker | Darth Vader
Additional Tags: Fluff, Humor, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, ManDadlorian | Parent Din Djarin, luke is Grogu's jedi master, Feels, Daddy Issues, seriously though, Children of the Watch (Star Wars)
Summary:
Luke Skywalker watches them with sad eyes because Din reminds him of someone he loved.
It hurts.
It doesn’t have any right to hurt.
Din stays silent.
Luke takes a slow breath. “-another strong, fierce man who always wore a helmet. He had done as much bad in life as he had good. He had suffered, he had lost, he was lonely. Then he lost his way. But I still- I always loved him. In the end, he was a good man at heart. I know he did the unforgivable but I couldn’t help it. I still loved him a lot. He died in my arms. I miss him. And I guess I wonder whether- If he met his son as an infant, would he have changed for the better like you did? If he got to hold his baby just once, would it all have been different?”
Big thanks to @theatreandcomicfreak for helping me work out my idea!! Can’t thank you enough <3<3<3
This is a Jasonette song fic to Everything Stays from Adventure Time, had this idea like a week ago and I’ve been working on it for almost 2 days now. It is the longest thing I’ve written so i hope you enjoy, and I didn’t check over it to much so sorry if there are many errors, but otherwise I hope y’all enjoy :>
///
Here she stood, it made it all to real. ‘Here lies Jason Todd, may he finally have peace’ A sob wrecked her small frame, Marinette no longer had an excuse to accept the inevitable. Years had past yet she still didn’t want to believe he was gone, it still feels like yesterday when she first met the boy with attachment issues.
It was a busy day in the bakery, the family was preparing for the massive gala they were catering. Marinette was now 12 so her parents let her help with preparations, they would need all hands on deck, this wasn’t any gala it was the Wayne Gala. Bruce Wayne himself had come in with the request a few months prior, it was to celebrate some achievement the Paris branch had achieved, it was something had gone completely over Marinette’s head at the time, she was just happy to help her stressed parents. The gala was tomorrow and they were finishing the decoration on the treats, everything from cupcakes and small pastries to thousands of macaroons still needed the finishing touches. To say it was hectic would be an understatement but the family had done it, 2 am everything was ready for transport to the venue.
Mari had dressed in a simple but elegant baby pink gown for the gala, her parents had dressed in formal attire with pink accents to match their branding. After the family with the help of the buildings staff set up Sabine and Tom decided to let Mari enjoy the gala, all the dresses of the high class event was sure to be an inspiration to the little fashion designer. As the doors opened to the massive ballroom a little girl was sitting off to the side to absorbed in drawing designs out of the Gothic architecture to notice. The gentle music was calming and helped inspire her more, once she had filled many pages she looked up and it was then the man himself made his grand entrance.
Bruce Wayne made an extravagant entrance after finally getting his new ward to put on his clothes presentably. Jason was hiding behind him, he had been living with Bruce for a few months now but that didn’t mean he was used to the attention, let alone positive attention. The large crowds combined with Dick not being there, Jason clung to his pseudo-brother like a lifeline, was getting to the young boy. Blue eyes surveyed the room, looking for somewhere, anywhere, to hide or sneak out, currently no luck came his way as he clung to Bruce’s leg, the older gentleman lightly petting his head, noting the kid’s distress.
Bruce quickly looked over the room, remembering that a little girl around Jason’s age was here with her parents who were catering. The parents seemed kind enough so when he spotted their child he subtly pointed Jason her way right as she was getting up. Jason nodded and while reluctant to leave the one person he knew, made a beeline to the wall where the small girl was. She had just finished smoothing out her dress when Jason reached her. Hand on the wall, slightly out of breath, he looked at her. A kind smile graced her lip, her hand already out, “Hi, I’m Marinette.”
That was the start of a beautiful friendship, while it lasted at least, the two were attached at the hip for the rest of his stay in Paris. She made him feel at ease and Mari was more than happy to make a new friend her age. The pair spent hours getting to know each other and became inseparable. It was a pleasant surprise for both sets of guardians, but not an unwelcome one. The call Dick got the night of the gala was not the one he expected, but one of Jason telling him all about the kind girl who told him stories about her life. Dick was happy Jason was able to find someone to be with while he wasn’t able to make it due to classes starting up again. When the Wayne’s had to go back to Gotham tears were shed, but promises to talk everyday and tight hugs were shared.
It wasn’t until almost two and a half years later that Marinette’s heart broke. She had been trying to contact him for a few weeks with no response, not totally unusual but still worrying, that she finally got a response that broke her. The news was playing in the background, but she couldn't hear it anymore, “Jason Todd, son of Bruce Wayne has died today as a result of fatal injuries” that was all she needed to hear to break down. She couldn't look at the screen when they showed his face, she didn’t read the letters she got from the Waynes, or acknowledge the invitation to his funeral. The pile was growing on her desk, the dust forming a noticeable layer, she couldn’t, it she did it would be all to real. For over a month she didn’t leave her room, her sobs could be heard from the living room. It took her almost two months before she would return to school, two weeks more before she said a real sentence to anyone besides her parents. Everyone who knew the sunshine that was Marinette was worried about her but didn’t want to make it worse so they just gave silent hugs and support where they could. Three and a half months after the funeral she was more or less back to her former self, though anyone who knew her before knew what things to avoid.
Six months later, she had caught up on all the work she missed and the new school year was starting Mari saved the life of an old man by the bakery on her way to class. It was later that day Ladybug and Chat Noir made their first appearance, almost 16 and she was tasked with saving the city she loved from a maniac who controlled people with butterflies and bad emotions. It was a good thing she learned how to keep her emotions in check before she was given this mantle. Chat and Ladybug decided to break to rule of not knowing each other's identities after it was clear they would need more help and had to call on other heroes. Fu wasn't happy about it but trusted their decision, it was about this time he started to teach Marinette how to become the next Guardian.
Six months after becoming heros the duo knew each other’s identities, a year after there was a team of full time heros. It was after they had been fighting for over a year and a half that the team agreed they needed more than themselves, they called the Justice League. At first they were ignored but through persistence they got the back up they needed. Two and a half years after becoming Ladybug Hawk Moth was tracked down and in cuffs before he could transform. The Watch Tower had been monitoring the Akumas and traced his location down to the Agreste manor, Nathile had put up no fight, and gave herself willingly to the authorities.
Three years had passed since she had been given earrings that changed her life when a note appeared on her balcony inviting her to the Watch Tower. At 19 years old Marinette was apart of the Justice League, the rest of her team had moved on. They had lives to live, and while they didn’t regret being heroes they had other obligations. Adrien fell off the map with some help, he didn’t want or need the spotlight any more he was done, Luka was Touring with Jagged Stone, Kagami had become a world class fencer and had to carry on her family name, Alya was becoming the next Nadja so she was the face of the Tv network, Nino was well on his way to being a famous DJ, Alix had extreme sports to compete in and street art to make, Cholé had began to take over the hotel business and working to make it international, Kim was an Olympic swimmer and Max was on his way to being a head engineer at one of the leading technology companies in the world. Marinette was the Guardian and while they all said they would continue to help she couldn’t ask them to do that.
For the next 2 years she spent most of her time at the Tower, slowly building money from commissions to buy a house of her own. MDC was known around the world and was commission only, you had to know someone who knew someone to even get a chance to get a design. Close to her 22nd birthday she finally started to look for a place of her own, she needed a proper place for the Kawmi after all. After many long nights Marientte decided to move to the last place she knew he was. It hurt but she had put it off long enough, and to Gotham she went.
When she told Batman where she planned to move he was surprised initially but helped her find a place to call home. She ended up settling on a home in the outskirts of the city, isolated enough for privacy but plenty of room and ways to get to the city. When Bruce got a call from the girl about 2 weeks after her 22nd birthday asking if he could tell her where Jason was he was shocked to say the least. ‘Does she know’ was the first thing going through his head, granted it had been almost 4 years since Jason had come back from the dead but as far as he knew, no one outside of the BatFam inner circles and the Outlaws knew that. The fact that she hadn’t gone to the funeral and never mentioned him until now perplexed him as well, what had suddenly changed. Sure both had learned the other’s identity when she joined the League but that was a while ago, why now. The choked sobs brought him back to reality and the young women on the other side of the line, he gave her directions to the former grave. They left it there because they couldn’t bring it in them to remove it, it was a reminder.
Let’s go in the garden
Today was the day Marinette told herself. It had been years, she could do it, no matter how hard it was. She picked some marigolds, lilies and roses before leaving her home. If she was going to do this she might as well bring something to leave there. Marigolds, why did she ever plant those, must have been because subconsciously it was something he always called her. A single tear fell down her cheek before she wiped it away and tried to smile.
You’ll find something waiting
Right there where you left it lying upside down
Marinette’s small bag didn’t hold much; just her keys, phone, some tissues and the letters finally opened. She had finally opened them the day she asked Bruce where she could see him again, but couldn’t make herself read them until the night before. She cried reading about it again, condolences and an open invitation to stay with the Waynes for a while if she needed to. She felt 15 again, crying alone in her room. Only this time she wasn’t alone, she had the Kwamis and they helped her sleep. The tear stains still noticeable on the one she couldn’t bear to open from Jason himself. It was to be given to her if he ever died, she still wasn’t ready to full accept he was gone. She may be older but it still felt like there was a hoel in her heart that she couldn’t fill.
When you finally find it, you’ll see how it’s faded
The underside is lighter when you turn it around
Marinette finally did it, the tall gates towered over her. She hesitated as she reached to open the last barrier keeping her from the inevitable. A hand absentmindedly went to the earrings. She had thought about it once, using the wish, but she knew better. The cost could have been anything and while she missed him she wasn’t that selfish. How was she to know that is even what he wanted, it wasn’t right so she only had the thought once on the anniversary of his death after she found out about the wish.
Everything stays right where you left it
The metal was cold when her hand finally made contact, this was happening. Almost 6 years after and she was finally going to have to admit it to herself. But it was okay, that is what he would want, wasn’t it? Shaking her head before she went down that rabbit hole again she followed the cobblestone path to the Wayne plot of the cemetery. No backing out now. The whole area was varying states of care, you could tell who had family that loved them and who was the last of the line. Many headstones had vines covering them, clearly older than the pristine graves with fresh flowers and candles still burning. How the candle stays lit in a place where rain seemed more common than the sun she wouldn't know.
Everything stays
The sizable plot had a small black fence around it. There were five distinctive burials. The tomb of Martha and Thomas Wayne was white and while simple it was elegant. Not a single crack and a single dying rose laid beneath the inscription ‘May Martha and Thomas Wayne rest in peace, hand in hand forever’, it was sweet. Truly loving parents taken from this world to soon. Next to the tomb was a far more simple Romanian burial, the grass still growing a healthy green. Mary and John buried how they would have been back in their home land, Bruce insisted they rest in the same place his family did. It was the day it was clear how much Bruce really valued family.
But it still changes
Mari finally brought herself to look at the last grave. ‘Here lies Jason Todd, may he finally have peace,’ seeing the words made her break down. It was all to real, the dirt was even looking recently moved. Her sobs must have been heard from the other side of Gotham, her legs gave out. Lightly tracing his name she finally let out everything she had been holding on to for years. Her broken heart was allowed to properly feel the hurt it had locked away so long ago. The flowers forgotten by her side, she stayed kneeling on the fresh dirt crying her eyes out for what must have been hours before she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder.
Ever so slightly, daily and nightly
In little ways, when everything stays
Dick Grayson was doing his monthly flower change at the graves when he heard broken sobbing. His slow pace suddenly was a light jog, someone sounded broken, he had to help. Turning the corner he saw the unmistakable midnight hair and crumpled figure of the one person he never thought he’d see again in civilian life, let alone here. The one place he swore she’d never be, on his brother’s grave. He did the one thing he could think of and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, brushing her hair from her tear stained face and pulled her into a comforting hug. “It’s good to see you again Mari,” she held him like he was the only thing keeping her tethered to this realm.
Let’s go in the garden
“You want to come back to the manor with me, I’m sure Bruce would love to see you again. Alfred too,” her small head nod and last sniffles was enough of a confirmation to him. Helping her up, Dick took Mari’s hand and lead her to his car. During the ride he brought her up to speed about the new members, (Tim, Damian, Stephine, Cass), about how many pets they had, about really anything in their lives. Throughout she was slowly perking up again, laughing at his anecdotes about his siblings, completely avoiding bringing up Jason. Dick had already warned those at the Manor she was coming with him, and not to mention Jason. By the time they had arrived everyone was filled in and Mari had a smile on her face and a soft laugh as she heard about Damian bringing a cow home.
You’ll find something waiting
The movement the dark wooden doors opened Mari was engulfed with the smell of fresh cookies and a welcoming embrace of none other than Alfred. “Long time no see,” she patted his back and she returned the hug, the slight guilt in her tone immediately washed away when he held her tighter.
The family led her to the living room, she meets the other members of the house she was told about in her way there. Everyone was kind in their own ways, though those who had not heard of her before that day were wary of the newcomer. She livened up the room, it seemed that comfort and warmth followed her wherever she went. Alfred had brought tea and cookies for everyone and they talked about where life had taken them since they had last talked, then the topic came up.
Right there where you left it lying upside down
Damian didn’t mean to make the slip août Jason being a prick, he really hadn’t but the second Mari quieted he knew he said something he shouldn’t have. ‘How you you know’ was all that went through her mind, but quickly brushed the thought off, this could help. Everyone in the room held their breath as they waited to see how she would act, Dick had warned them and they didn’t understand until now. To say they were surprised when she had a small smile on her face after whipping a single tear would be an understatement.
When you finally find it, you’ll see how it’s faded
Marinette started to tell stories of her and Jason, about their close friendship. Everyone who knew the edgy man in question were in awe that he was once a ‘normal’ kid without problems expressing his feelings. She told them about the late night calls, the constant letters and gifts they would send each other. She spoke so roundly of him they couldn’t figure out why she had never come up until Dick had found her at his grave, what fallout must have happened caused her name to never be said, why were Alfred and Dick so happy to see her, so many questions went through the newer members’ heads.
The underside is lighter when you turn it around
Throughout her stories she had started to mess with the chain around her neck, it was going to need to be replaced soon, the daily wear was getting to it. When Marinette finally took it out to show, Dick’s eyes widened, he knew pendant. Mari gave it a sad smile before exhaling it was the last thing she had of him, it was the thing she valued most. It was the last gift he had sent her, a silver pendant with a warn robin resting on a blossom branch. Dick had helped Jason pick that out so many years ago. She told the group how she never took it off, only to fix the chain or replace it. Eventually she admitted, both to herself and the people in the room, her still existing feeling, “I think that’s why I couldn’t let it be real, let him go… I always wanted to be by his side, with him through thick and thin.”
Everything stays right where you left it
Everyone in the room heard the helmet thump when it hit the hardwood floors. Standing in the doorway was one Red Hood, domino mask still on with his mouth hanging open wide. Marinette was quickly out of her seat ready to strike should he pose a threat, but Dick’s gentle hand on her shoulder made her relax slightly, still not taking her eyes off of the new comer. “Jay-bird…” Dick wasn’t able to finish what he was saying or stop her when Mari launched herself at Jason, crying openingly again as she held onto him for dear life.
Everything stays
After the initial shock of finally seeing her again he returned the hold, just as strong petting her hair lightly, “I’m here, I’m here and I’m not going anywhere,” the pair didn’t care to notice when the rest of the Waynes left the room to give them privacy, nor did they care. They were finally in each other’s arms after so long, the dam broke all over again for Mari but this time her tears were joyous, her Jay was back in her arms. It didn’t matter how what mattered was he was there and he was real, actually here not some joke or illusion but the real thing, nothing would take him from her again if she had a say about it.
But it still changes
Finally pulling back to look at each other they took in the small changes. Marinette’s hair was longer and to her mid back hanging in a low ponytail, her freckles seemed more prominent. She stood tall and confident, it was clear she was built and while the years had been tough she had come out stronger because of it. Her eyes were still the most beautiful blue Jason had ever seen. Jason had become tall and puberty did him many favors. His muscles would show in pretty much any shirt he wore. And while those were big changes the most noticeable to Mari was the unnatural white streak in the inky mess of hair he had and the supernatural green that seemed to move in his eyes. It was still him though, nothing could change the fact he was still the Jason Mari had fallen for and couldn’t bring herself to let go.
Ever so slightly, daily and nightly
Mari took his hand, leading him to the couch so they could properly catch up. The helmet forgotten and domino mask on the coffee table. If anyone had walked in they didn’t stay. They talked for hours and hours, the sun was rising by the time Mari had yawned for the first time, it had been a long day. “I could take you home if you’d like,” reluctant to see her leave. “Why would I go anywhere, you’re right here,” she made herself at home on his chest snuggling ever slightly closer. The light breathing lulled Jason to sleep not long after.
In little ways, when everything stays
Tim was the one who found the pair sleeping, in what looked like the first time in a while, peacefully. Sneakily taking a picture to send to the family chat he left the room to get more coffee, they deserved to sleep.
Marinette woke up to slight nudging and warmth, “Come on Mari, we should eat.” Startled she jumped up, almost hitting the table, forgetting where she was for a second she panicked but seeing his face brought back memories from the night before. “Oh thank god it’s you,” and with that she pulled them both in the direction of what smelled like food. Alfred had left out some food for the two before going out for the day. Marinette left after eating leaving her phone number with him and in return she got a small business card from him.
Do down to the ocean
Two days later and Marinette sat kicking her legs of the dock in the warehouse district. The card just told her to wait on this dock today and to be there by 6 in something casual but flexible. Is here she sat, waiting with light blue jeans, black vans and a dark red hoodie, music played in her ear as she waited. Being early she had nothing to worry about, she trusted he’d show up and it’s not like if something did happen she couldn’t protect herself.
They crystal tide is rising
The cargo ship in the dock next to the one she was sitting on was almost finished unloading its crates. A horn behind her brought her out of her thoughts, a motorcycle was waiting for her expectantly.
The waters’ gotten higher as the shore washes out
Grabbing the extra black helmet Mari held on tight to the person already on the bike. Once she was secure they sped off down the docks and to the amusement park all the while she was having the time of her life. Speed was something she loved and he gave it to her, taking the scenic route so they admire the view of the ocean and enjoy the ride.
Keep your eyes wide open, even when the sun is blazin’
The moon controls the tide, it can cause you to drown
Skitting to a stop in front of the waterfront amusement park Jason took off his helmet, a sly smirk as he watched Mari jump up and down in excitement. “That was the most fun I've had in years!!!” she handed him the helmet taking in the lights of the park, they were like stars on the dark night sky, shining in a rainbow of colors. “Well Cream Puff, we are just beginning, I got a lot of missed dates to make up to you,” Jason slung an arm around her shoulders and lead her into the park. They stayed up all night playing the carnival style games, winning each other prizes until they couldn't hold any more. As the sun rose they ended up back at Mari’s home collapsing on her bed in a fit of giggles, it was just like old times. Their prizes surrounding them as the two as they looked in each others eyes, they felt like they were 14 again. Maybe they could make this work, not maybe they would.
You smiled at Erwin, affectionately rolling your fingers over the knuckles on his left hand and the golden band on his ring finger. Your eyes were bright and you could tell Erwin was oozing happiness; across the table, Levi’s hand stood around Hanji’s shoulders as Mike scrunched up his nose and Nanaba watched him with growing concern. Once your dishes arrived, everybody dug in with the exception of Mike, who excused himself with a frown.
"I'm going to check on him." Nanaba informed with a small smile while getting up and quickly following her husband.
"It doesn’t look great." You stated with furrowed eyebrows, putting down your fork and observing Mike and Nanaba as they argued.
"There’s no couple on this Earth which doesn’t argue." Hanji shrugged as you watched Mike’s repulsed expression, eyes were burning a hole in your table while Nanaba tried to calm him down. You felt like his gaze prod at you like he knew something.
You went back to your food with a gulp but Erwin was quick to squeeze your hand and whisper: "(Y/N), are you feeling alright? You seem pale."
"I'm perfectly fine, Erwin, thank you." You flashed him a small smile as your gut warned you not to eat or you’d be rushing to the washroom less than a minute after. The face Mike was making managed to tie your windpipe in a knot. You glanced across the table at Hanji, who eagerly devoured her dinner, before your gaze slid over to the man at her side - short but handsome.
Your gazes locked and you could tell you were equally disturbed - it made you wonder if he’d noticed Mike’s staring and the disgust in his voice as he uttered something to Nanaba. When the couple returned, the tall blond’s gaze was set on you. For the main part the night was nice - there were lots of conversations and laughter, some eating and mainly the happiness of being with your friends. Still, the unsettling feeling of Mike’s hues never let you stray from dread.
Later than night, you went for a drink with your girl friends - and it might’ve been a shock to most men since not all women cheated on their husbands when saying they’d be with their friends. You got together with Hanji, Nanaba and Petra, having the freedom to laugh a lot more than you did at the restaurant you’d visited earlier the same night. Petra told you about Oluo and their recent decision to have a baby. Your group of three was quick to congratulate her, mostly because none of you had ever been set on having kids.
"I apologize for not being able to come earlier. Oluo was working late and I had to bring him food." Petra scratched the back of her neck with a sheepish smile. "So how was it?"
"Everything was great." Nanaba smiled while you took a sip from the vodka in your glass.
"Actually what happened with Mike? You seemed to be arguing." Your question made the blonde’s brows furrow, as if she were debating on whether to share or not. In the end, you were a close circle of good friends so she took a breath.
"At first he said we shouldn’t prolong our stay because he couldn’t stand the smell. I thought it was the food but Mike’s always had a weird sense of smell so he picks up on things we can’t..." Nanaba glanced at her glass darkly as you and the rest anticipated the conclusion of her story. You had a bad feeling about this. “He said he hated how infidelity reeked. It’s stupid to think one of us is cheating, more over when Mike’s nose is the only proof." Nanaba tried to chuckle but the atmosphere had turned heavy and no one was laughing.
Petra was looking down at her drink with furrowed brows and pursed lips, strawberry blond strands of hair falling from behind her ears in front of her face. Nanaba was thoughtful and frowning. Hanji wore a look of concentration but the gears in her mind were motionless. You remained calm but the grip you had on your glass was tight, your knuckles turning white as you eyed he wood under your hands grimly.
"Otherwise we had fun." Nanaba’s statement made everybody return to reality.
"Not as much as we did when we were teenagers, though." Hanji chuckled weakly and a small smile creeped over your lips. Well, your teenage years were done for but you could at least remember them with good.
"Yeah, the period everybody dated the wrong person." Petra giggled sweetly and though she was partially right she was still wrong in your opinion.
"(Y/N), you were dating Levi at the time, weren't you?" Hanji turned to look at you with a giant grin even though she was verifying that you’d dated her husband in the past. An awkward ‘yeah’ slipped past your lips as a blush poured over your cheeks. You thanked the poor lighting in the bar.
"And what did you think of him?" Petra inquired and you cursed mentally.
"I can't really discuss other men when I'm married, you know. I guess he was okay." Your stiff statement made them all laugh.
"Come on, (Y/N). Let’s just forget we’re married for tonight and talk it out honestly." Hanji grinned at you while gulping down all of the intoxicating beverage in her glass.
Petra eagerly nodded along: "Yeah, come on! It'll be fun."
"I guess it would be nice to not think about our husbands for a while, too." Even the usually respectable Nanaba had gotten on the ‘let’s be crazy’ train.
"Well, since you were going out with my current husband why don't you say what you thought of him?" You looked at Petra, who only chuckled, obviously tipsy.
"He was sooooo tall and toned as hell, I always thought he’d break me when he fell on top of me after sex!" She exclaimed with a grin while you laughed, relating to her fear since you had it yourself.
"And what did you think of Mike, Hanji?" Nanaba asked when your laughter died down and the brunette licked her lips prior to her story.
"He was always so nice and everything. He’d sometimes sniff me during dates because he always thought I cheated on him! He stopped after the fourth month and it’s how I knew I had his trust." She stated seriously as you added:
"And then you actually cheated."
"No! I never cheated! We broke up because of his scholarship. I met him five years later with a job, a wife and all that jazz, I’m happy for him."
"Actually how did you break up with Levi?" Petra asked and you sighed, sipping some vodka and then asking for your fourth refill.
"I already told you, he dumped me because he thought I was cheating on him."
"Were you?" Nanaba asked suspiciously and you shook your head.
"No, he just caught me texting my ex because I was going back to my home town and I needed a lift from the station. Levi didn’t even let me explain all that, he just ended things. I always wondered why he was so abrupt but it’s in the past." You shrugged as Hanji laughed weakly and Petra stated:
"I read once in a psychology study that cheaters grow paranoid of their partner cheating on them."
"So that means Levi was cheating on me at the time?"
"Probably." Petra nodded and all eyes focused on Hanji.
"I wonder who the lucky girl was." The brunette gave an awkward chuckle, making your eyes narrow as you rolled them. "He's your husband, no need to grow nervous over having sex with him."
"It’s still immoral even if we’re married now." She sighed guiltily as you stared at your drink darkly. You should be feeling guilty. You were patting Hanji’s shoulder, saying it didn’t matter when Nanaba intervened:
"So now your opinion on Levi?" You glared at the blonde, then drowned your drink and exhaled.
"He was the greatest boyfriend ever, okay? He did everything right and accepted me for who I was, and I wished he’d never dumped me." You sighed heavily after speaking, feeling something lift from your shoulders as your heart was weighed down. "I said it, I just don’t want you to get mad, Hanji."
"It's not a problem, (Y/N). I literally stole your man and married him while being your friend. I feel like a traitor because I learn just now how you’ve felt about it all along.” Your eyes were getting teary as she hugged you - a tipsy pair of women embracing at a bar. "I'm sorry, (Y/N). I didn't know I’d done that to you." She buried her face in your hair as tears poured out of your eyes.
"I'm so sorry for making you say such things, Hanji. You shouldn't fucking apologize for liking somebody. He married you, please I beg you don't say you're sorry for that." You held onto her and your vision blurred when Nanaba and Petra's worried faces entered your vision.
Hanji patted your back and parted from her only to look at your three best friends’ worried expressions. You couldn’t do this to her anymore. You excused yourself and quickly headed to the restroom, where you fished your phone from your purse and hurriedly put it to your ear after dialing. A few beeps of anticipation and the call was picked up just as you sniffed and observed your bloodshot eyes in the mirror, along with the mascara smeared under them.
"Hey, Levi. Let's... stop this, okay?"
"(Y/N), what are you talking about? Are you drunk again?" The raven asked, making you sigh.
"You know what I'm talking about. I can't keep doing this to the people who love me. Hanji’s my best friend and Erwin’s the greatest husband I could’ve gotten. Please, let’s just stop." You begged, tears welling into your eyes as you spun the sink’s faucet.
"I love you. What about me?" He asked, additionally breaking your resolve. You loved him, too. But you also loved Erwin. This was wrong.
"That's the problem. We're not supposed to love each other." You stated, trembling hand searching for your make-up in your purse for after you washed your face.
"So you're cutting this off because you feel guilty?"
"Don’t you?" Your desperate question made him click his tongue. You glanced at the door worriedly, stomach doing flips with every second of the conversation becoming longer.
"I don't care as long as you're with me."
"I can't keep this up, Levi! What we’re doing is wrong and I don’t want to feel this way! Like Mike’s seeing through all our bullshit and Hanji’s going to end our friendship and Erwin’s going to file for a divorce--- I don’t- I can’t afford to lose the people I love!" You were nearly choking on your sobs.
"Don't you fucking love me?"
"I'm not supposed to, Levi. I-- I don’t love you." You tried to be serious and harsh but he already knew you were crying and that meant you were lying.
"Then we’re through. Better delete my number and all the messages if you're so scared of being caught." He stated coldly into the speaker, making your blackened tears drop in the sink as you covered your mouth and met your own gaze in the mirror.
"... fine." You chocked out, watching your bottom lip quiver.
"I'll always regret being too stupid to hold onto you, (Y/N)."
The line went dead, your phone was placed on the side of the sink and you started washing your face after breathing for a while. You watched the phone’s screen with Levi’s contact indicating your last call with him. Your fingers brushed over the screen with uncertainty as you pressed and held, closing your eyes and pushing the ‘detele’ button. You started fixing your mascara with a sigh, feeling like you could burst into tears again.
"Hey, how was (Y/N)? Is she coming back? You both stayed there for quite a while." Hanji asked cheerfully as the bartender refilled her glass and Nanaba shook her head lightly.
"She’s just emotional because of the alcohol, she’s coming back in a bit." The blonde sat down on her own stool, staring at her drink for a few seconds with a black gaze as Petra asked:
"Hey, do you have any guesses as to who Mike was talking about with the infidelity?" Hanji laughed in the background whilst lifting her glass to her lips. Nanaba could see your form exiting the restroom with renewed make-up and bloodshot eyes.