Paul with the quiet reader who’s got a mouth (and is his imprint)
He was not happy to see you in the orange truck, with the one person who knew how to mess with the peace that’s been present for years
He hasn’t spoken to you in YEARS but that doesn’t change the fact that he remembers what it’s like to be scared
He didn’t like when you followed her out of the truck or when you nearly stepped in front of her to protect her from Jake
Or when you stood in front of him and pushed the two behind you
He hated the fact that you were there at all because you’re so- so-
Shit
You were more than confused and pissed off when Sam told him to go as he and Jake ran off to fight
You were definitely not going to follow them in the house
You tried to leave before anything else WEIRD could happen but you know, that didn’t work when the two stood by the truck as you were having a moral dilemma (stay or steal Bella’s truck, kindly return it, offer yourself up for your crime, and face the punishment from her father)
Bella was not going to deal with this alone and ran out, all but shoving you into the direction of the house while all the boys watched amused
You briskly walked into the house, leaving them all behind and stood awkwardly near the kitchen counter until Emily slid a muffin to you
You said nothing throughout the entire ordeal and hung back
Paul was the one to approach you (with his nerves FRIED)
“Oh, now you want to stop being a dick and talk to me?”
Everyone starts cackling, even Sam.
“I could honestly care less about whatever is going on so you can leave me alone and I would love a signed copy of your cookbook,” you said, turning to Emily for the last part.
“I don’t have a cookbook.”
“You need to make one and I want a signed copy because I can’t even get the warmth you poured into this.”
Bella tried kicking you out (jelly of everyone talking to you, even Jake)
You chucked her keys out the window in retaliation
Everyone learned to take it easy with you (as to not become a victim of your words)
Embry and Jared left pouting after you call the puppies (“pussy puppies” because they p couldn't kill a bug for Emily while Sam was out)
Quill almost started crying after you bullied him in scrabble
Jake nearly fell down the stairs as you barked at him for acting like a “love sick puppy”
Sam ran to Emily’s arms as you judged him for his dramatic walk in the rain after shifting one late night
Emily nearly cut her hand on an apple after you shamed her bed head (due to... stuff)
Paul always swoons when you're sassy (not that he'd ever say so)
You barely acknowledge Paul as is and him you despite his wanting to be near you all the time
Que Bella drama, you being dragged around, and almost dying for Paul to confess everything
You two take over a year before going out on an actual date BUT that makes it better and means more to the two of you
The power of friends to strangers to enemies to friends to lovers makes it worth it
“He was too much of a baby to ask me out.”
He pouts, “I was not.”
You smile and squeeze his hand. “It's okay. You're still my tough, big, bad wolf.”
“I feel the opposite.”
You roll your eyes. “Excuse me for trying to boost your ego squirrel brain.”
Happily Ever After: Don’t Fear the Beast or Inanimate Talking Objects
This is a collaboration with the amazing and talented @crazyk-imagine ! Thank you so much for partnering up with me! It’s a fairy tale au for the 86’ Naval Aviator squad! I hope you enjoy the stories! 💛
A/N: the HEA’s are going to be mostly the same story line as the Disney movies, UEA are going to be darker and more towards the Grimm fairy tales/stories.
He scoffs, “I’m serious.”
“So am I.” You sigh, “I don’t think he’ll follow in your footsteps.”
The boys come rushing up the stairs, coming to a halt before they could run into either of you.
Characters: Paul Lahote, Fem!reader, Bella Swan, Jared Cameron, Embry Call, Jacob Black, Sam Uley, Emily Young
Warnings: Fluff, minor angst, is it even angst, the pack being like big brothers, boys will be boys, paul being a cocky shit, paul and reader having a funny past, jared being dramatic, sam and jake being smart guys, emily serving everyone her delicious food, bella being a butt, reader being a smidge insecure, i don't know why this came to mind but it did, this has been done for MONTHS and i didn't know, i am clearing out my doc
"Bella, how the hell do you manage to attract the whole supernatural world, huh? Tell me, do you have a curse or something because I need to know whether to renew this friendship of ours or not."
"I- I," she shakes her head. "I don't."
"Liar,” you scoff. "You just pulled me more into a crazy world and ours is crazy enough."
"It's not like I did this on purpose," she says defensively.
You purse your lips, "I don't know, it seems like now it is."
She furrows her brows. "But- how do you even know about these things? I never really told you."
You shrug, "no reason."
"Oh, now who's the one evading the question."
"I'm doing it because I can."
"So, you're saying that me keeping my mouth shut about the Cullens secret wasn't a good enough reason but when I ask you a question, it’s okay? How is that fair?"
You raise a finger, "first off, did not say that and second, how can I pretend as if everything they do doesn’t add up with vampirism."
"Vampirism?" Jared snickers, nudging Embry's shoulder. "I bet that's a ten dollar word you've been waiting to use."
"I bet that wolf is the only reason you got yourself that ten dollar haircut."
He opens his mouth to respond when you beat him.
"Because it's actually a nice one. Well worth your money."
He turns to Embry and the two burst out in laughter. "Jake was right, you are good with weird. Especially you," Jared points to you.
"Thanks a million alpha wolf... man?"
She whispers to you, "what are you doing?"
You turn to Bella, mouthing, "I don't know."
"Really good with weird." Jared and Embry add.
You narrow your eyes at the two before catching the other two walking in as if nothing happened.
"Is that also a wolf thing?"
"What?"
"They're perfectly fine after they finished their pissing contest and now the cute one is fine while Jake is now accepting of your cult. I'm so confused." You push yourself off the stool and into one of the chairs around the table, placing your feet in his lap not realizing who it was.
"I need a muffin," you take a large bite as your eyes roll back into your head and it hangs awkwardly against the back of the chair.
"Sorry." You can practically hear the smirk in his pathetic apology.
You open your eyes and lift your head, only to screech and push your legs out of his lap before falling onto the floor, crawling behind the counter. "Oh my god." You whine, tearing up.
"What just happened?"
Jared snickers, answering Embry's question. "I think Paul scared her with his face."
The angry shifter snarls at his fellow pack members.
"I called Paul cute," you mumble.
"Yeah, you did."
You sniffle, turning to glare at him.
It takes him a few moments to process the fact that you're his imprint. "Why are you being so dramatic?" And there's his charm, you haven't missed that.
"I dropped my mouth watering muffin because of your ass."
"You gave me a view of yours, it's only fair."
Your jaw drops, you push yourself off the ground and poke his chest. "Don't stare at my ass."
"What do you expect me to do when you're crawling away?"
"Not." Poke. "Look." Poke.
The corner of his lips lift upwards as he stares at you, amused by your fake toughness.
"Why are you smiling? I'm not kidding."
"That's why it's funny."
You groan, turning away from him.
"Oh, shit."
Sam smacks the back of Embry's head.
"Ow!" He rubs the sore spot, "what was that for?"
"No cursing."
He inwardly rolls his eyes. "She's the one who was always arguing with him in school."
"And now she's, his imprint."
Your head snaps over to the two. "What?"
Bella and Jacob walk back inside.
You stomp towards her, grabbing her wrist. "Follow us and you're a dead man, Black."
Jacob raises his hands, glancing back at the pack to figure out what happened.
Paul runs out, placing his hand on the truck door. "We need to talk."
"I heard and I don't want to."
"We're talking."
You spin around, crossing your arms. "You can't make me."
He smirks and before you know it, you're seeing the grass and his ass.
"Put me down," you tell him calmly, hoping that if he hears your tone he can listen to reason.
"No."
You huff and stop supporting your head. An evil smirks tugs at the corner of your lips, you reach down and pull up his shorts, giving him a wedgie.
He growls and sets you down, adjusting himself, giving you the opportunity to run back towards Sam and Emily's place. He runs towards you, wrapping his arms around your waist; keeping you close to him. "Where do you think you're going?"
You pout, reaching out for anyone to help.
They shake their heads and return to their conversations.
-
You sit with your arms crossed, eyeing the piece of muffin hovering in front of your mouth before taking it from him.
"I don't know who's worse, Sam and Emily or you two."
You both glare at him and say, "shut up, Jared."
"Oh, my god. They're even in sync," Embry adds.
Emily shakes her head, "would you two stop it? They're going through a lot right now and your comments aren't helping."
"Why aren't you freaking out about all of this?" Jacob asks.
"Huh?"
"The blood suckers and us. Why aren't you freaking out?"
"Internally I am."
"You seem like you already knew," Sam adds, understanding where Jacob’s coming from.
"I know things," you mumble.
"From the tribe stories?"
You sigh, "I was really obsessed with the supernatural when I was a kid, okay. So, I know way too much about... everything and they acted really weird but no one seemed to give it any thought and I didn't... tell anyone."
"Why?" Jared asks.
"Who would believe me?"
"I would."
Your head snaps in Paul's direction. "Shut up. You would not."
He scoffs, “how would you know?”
You push yourself up in the chair, suddenly uncomfortable. “Nevermind.”
“No, tell me.”
You shake your head. “I’m not going to judge you.”
“You already did.”
He glances around the room, wondering what you’re talking about. “What do you mean?”
They shake their heads, not sure what you’re talking about.
“You made fun of Travis because he was reading his supernatural book. You said whoever reads them are big babies.”
“Well, to be fair, he cried whenever he saw the pictures.”
You shake your head, “that doesn’t matter. You still made fun of him which made me think you’d do the same to me.” You pause, “which you have.”
“When?”
“Do you not remember all of the times when you were an absolute jerk?”
He furrows his brows, “what do you mean?”
You roll your eyes, “the time you placed a bucket on top of the class door in middle school, running into me in the hallway, cutting the lunch line, stealing my favorite snack out of my lunch, and-”
Jared gasps.
You furrow your brows, confused as to why he’s acting like this. “What?”
“You’re the one he always talks about.”
“I’m what?”
“Paul used to talk about this girl who was always annoying and talked back but had the best snacks. That was you!”
You owlishly blink, trying to comprehend what he’s talking about but your mind is working like an old window browser and then it clicks. “I,” you turn to face him. “You used to talk about me?”
“Used to? He still does.”
Your eyes widen. “You talk about me?”
He turns towards his pack members and growls at them.
You poke his shoulder.
He turns and his annoyance disappears. “I- I don’t want to answer that question.”
“Fine.”
You turn to Embry, “Embry?”
He pauses mid bite, slowly turning to face you.
You raise a brow.
He takes even slower bites of the muffin.
“It’s annoying, all he has to do is see you and that’s all he can think about.”
“Jake,” he growls.
You grab his arm and pull him back in the chair despite what Sam tells you. “Would you please stop trying to kill your furry brothers.”
He pauses before letting out a belly aching laugh. “You did not call Jake my furry brother.”
You sit on the bench, minding your own business as you wrap the yarn around your fingers.
“Oi, what’re you workin’ on there, grandma?”
The only person to give you such a rude nickname jogs closer to you, leaning down with his arm resting on his knee.
You roll your eyes. “You’re a little shit, Tartt.”
He chuckles with a wide smirk. “What are you workin’ on?” He shrugs, glancing over your project with genuine interest.
Despite what you may think, he genuinely is interested in the things you make and if he’s able to get a little rise out of you, well, that’s a perk.
You hum, “I’m making leg warmers because it’s so fucking cold here. Ted, lied to me about the weather and now I’m the one dealing with the repercussions.”
“Oh, is that it?” He hums, standing up placing his hands on his head as he stretches. “I wouldn’t know how cold it is.”
You scoff, “yeah cause you run hot.”
He turns to you with his hands still on his head. “You think I’m hot?” he smirks.
You roll your eyes. “I did not say that.”
“Nah, nah,” he teases while jogging down the seats towards the field. “You called me hot.” He spins around, still smirking as he jogs backwards.
“I said run hot! As in you- oh forget it,” you mumble. You huff as your loop falls off your crochet hook. "Little prick, making me lose my place."
Characters: Jamie Tartt, Quiet!reader, Ted Lasso, Roy Kent, Colin Hughes, Sam Obisanya, Dani Rojas, Jan Maas, Isaac McAdoo, Rebecca Welton
Warnings: Angst, fluff, mentions of Jamie's dad, mentions of abuse, this is not for the sensitive, please be advised, ted def does not know anime or mange, mentions of sensitive topics, pls be ADVISED HERE, this was so hard (personally) but so good to write, don't know if anyone fits the vibe but it does to me, the boys have the readers back, ofc, they love them and vice versa, ted loves the reader
Everyone on the team was kind when speaking about you. They all believed you to be sweet and kind, not having known an ounce of bad in you.
Jan joked about you being as mellow as Ted but was quickly shut down when they all shook their heads, trying to shut the Dutch man up.
Dani, Colin, and Isaac mouth for him to shut up, having heard a rumor about you losing your cool at someone talking about it.
You merely smiled at them and shook your head. "Sorry, Jan. They're right, I have a bit of a temper at times."
"I'd like to see you prove me wrong then because from what I have seen, I am not wrong."
You chuckle, walking out of the locker room.
-
No one had actually seen it before.
Ted did once when you two were out, trying to cheer him up after a fight with his ex-wife. Some guy wouldn’t let up, and you were irritated at his behavior.
Coach only heard about it but believed it because he knew he would do the same in dire situations.
But here is the fun part, although they heard of you getting really hot headed and upset, the team didn't believe it. Sure, you may have cursed and rolled your eyes but nothing more.
Until now.
-
You were walking towards the locker room, listening to the spectators through your phone. It became a team bonding experience. You listen and share what they say, tease and taunt and then kick ass.
You took your earbud out and heard the shouting immediately. You open the door with calm and calculated movements.
The door closes behind you.
Ted turns to you and his eyes widen. He wants to tell you not to interact, but he knows he won't be able to help Jamie himself and lets you take the reins.
You crack your neck, alerting a few of the team members.
Colin and Isaac share a look.
Dani wonders what's going to happen.
Roy frowns at the sight of you, oddly sensing a change in you.
Ted stops him with a shake of his head, knowing you got this handled.
You hand your jewelry over to Roy and your phone to Ted, smiling at the two before it falls. (Roy swears the room got colder as goosebumps ran across his skin).
You tap his shoulder.
He turns, glaring at you. "What?"
You squint, tilting your head to offer a dark smile. "Jamie's dad, right?"
"What's it to you, twat?"
Your nose twitches. "You wanna yell at someone, yell at me because you sure as hell ain't gonna do it to him," you point to Jamie. "Anymore."
"Oh, yeah?"
You nod and take a step forward. "Uh huh and if you don't, you're fucking mean old ass is gonna beg to yell at anyone but him."
Jamie's dads face turns red as he starts spewing more ill-advised nonsense. It's over for him the second he lays a hand on you, tapping your head like you're stupid.
You grab his hand, pressing your hand into a pressure point before slamming your foot onto his.
He groans, hunching forward as you hit him in his solar plex with your free hand.
You remove your hand from the pressure point, shoving him across the room into a wall. Holding his head against it as you lightly threaten him. "Come here or near him just to shout again over your lost old man pride and I will fuck up your day."
You pull his head back and slam it into the wall. You pull his head back, turning it to face his son. "You get one last look at him because this is the last time you are going to be near him or my team," you hiss in his ear.
He tries to call out for help from anyone, but they all turn their heads and whistle.
"Security!" You shout.
They come running.
You hand the sad sack of a parent over to them and groan as he grabs your hand, trying to pull you back.
The boys closest to you stand up, ready to protect you until you maneuver his hand off you and reel your arm back to punch his face.
He groans as he whines about his cheek and nose while being dragged away.
You stand in the hallway, glaring at him. Once they disappear down the hall, you enter the locking room with the door closing behind you.
You make a beeline for him. "Jaim?"
He looks at the ground.
You gently reach for his hand as he launches himself in your arms. "Hey, hey. It's okay." You rub your hand against his back as he tightens his hold.
Ted, never one to miss out on a hug joins in then Coach who drags Roy behind him and the rest of the boys.
"We got your back, Jaim. Even the grumpiest of 'em all." You hear a small chuckle escape him. "Alright, guys. I don't about Jamie, but I need to breath. Release."
They all pull back, murmuring apologies.
You gently pull back from the player, patting his arm. A secret code you made for him.
He nods. "Thank you."
"It was nothing, I knew one of these days it was going to happen. Glad it was him. I am sorry if you kind of hate me after."
He shakes his head, a nervous smile tugging at his lips. "Nah, nah. I could never hate the spitfire."
You groan, "Ted."
"What?" He shrugs, "if you were in one of those ani-may shows, you would have been engulfed in flames and be steaming right now."
You sigh. "Why do I stay?"
"Because we're your team," Dani answers with a proud smile.
You cross your arms. "I was threatening a man. That means nothing."
"Aw, they are pretending to be tough to hide how much they love us," Jan adds.
You click your tongue rolling your eyes. "Shut up." You glance down at your hand. "I should get some ice and probably see someone about my hand though."
"Yeah, but I'll admit. You throw a good right hook."
You perk up, spinning around to face Roy with a chesire smile. "Roy. Is that a compliment?"
He grunts.
"It was!" You giggle and clap your hands before wincing at the pain now that the adrenaline has worn off. "This hurts like hell but Roy complimenting me takes my pain away."
"I hate what you're doing to me," Roy mutters to Ted, who pats his arm.
"Are you going to need to take time off?" Beard asks you.
"Nah, I'll just need to take it easier but I'm still coming around unless told otherwise."
The boys take their leave to the showers, needing to clean up while Ted and Beard make their exit to make sure their transportation is all set and that they've taken care of their duties.
You stay behind with Jamie.
"Hey," he reaches for your good hand. "Are you sure you're, okay?" He glances at you before looking back down, "you shouldn't have had to do that. I'm sorry that you-"
"Jamie Leroy Tartt."
He furrows his brows. "That's not my name."
"No, but I needed your attention." You grab his cheeks, holding him still. "You did nothing wrong and I regret nothing that happened today. What he did does not reflect onto you. You- you are better than him because you do not act like him. You are not some angry crotchety old man who thinks with his brainless head."
"I wouldn’t say that."
You roll your eyes, "now who's thinking with his brainless head ya sarcastic prick."
A small smile stretches across his lips. "I know. I couldn't help it."
You click your tongue. "You just want to get a rise out of me."
"Always."
You hum, keeping an eye on him before slowly letting go.
He reaches up and places your hand on his chest, resting over his heart. "Thank you."
You nod, "I'd do anything for you guys."
"Even if we both know I get special treatment," he adds with a nervous chuckle. "If I get special treatment that is."
"I can't tell you that or else it'll go to your head."
"It won't."
"I think you’ve had enough entertainment for the day," you pat his chest. "You should- uh- go get ready to leave. No one's going to want to wait while the team's pretty boy is showering."
"You think I'm pretty?"
"Go clean up, Jaim."
"Okay."
-
Coach and Roy pass their payment to Ted. While the boys pass their payment to Dani.
"I told you boys I knew that was going on here," Ted boasts.
"That's because you caught us last time," you add.
Ted looks up, "was that a butterfly?"
You roll your eyes. "Anyone of you say a thing to him. I'm kicking all your asses, or I'll make Ted train you."
"Oh. You train us? I don't know if you have the qualifications to do that," Jan adds.
"Oh, Jann, but I do."
The Dutch gulps at the evil glint in your eyes.
"Now, make way. I have to see the nurse or else I may pass out from the pain."
"You are tough!" "You got this!" The team chants as you struggle to hide the smile daring to come across your lips.
-
"So, Jamie?"
He turns around with a raised brow.
"How long have you been getting special treatment?" The boys ask with amusement.
"Oh, come on now, guys. Let's leave Jamie to his private business," Ted tries to ration with them as they keep hounding for information.
All happy that he found someone like you.
-
"Oh, god," Colin whines.
"You just had to run your mouth, Jan," Isaac groans.
"At least we are doing it as a team, no?" The Dutch man asks.
"On three, all charge at Jann Maas?" Sam looks to the others, who all agree.
You smile, watching them all go after him.
"You scare me with how much you're enjoying this," Roy says to you.
"Be happy you're not on the team, Roy. I'd make you their next target."
He grunts, glancing at you from the corner of his eye, keeping a close eye on you. "Where the fuck is, Ted?"
-
Ted sits with Rebecca in his office, munching on biscuits you helped him make.
Warnings: This was based on a request i lost :(, it's short but I hope it's meets the phantom req, fluff, short but cute, brook will always be bestie material, established relationship, this based more in season 1 maybe slight pre ep 1 if anything
You switch your history book for your English book, wondering what you’re going to have for lunch today. “Maybe it’s pizza day,” you mumble.
“What’re you talking about?” Brooke asks, standing beside you.
“Lunch, I don’t know what they have in the cafeteria today.”
“I think it’s a poor excuse for a burger.”
“Damn,” you sigh. “I don’t wanna have that.”
She shrugs, “that’s what you get when you don’t pack a lunch.”
You close your locker and turn to her. “You’re really blaming me when you’re the one who takes half.”
“Yeah and now I’m going to starve thanks to you.”
You chuckle and roll your eyes. “Way to not be dramatic, B Davis.”
She gives you a fake innocent smile in return. “Of course.”
You want to ask her something but are interrupted but an arm being placed on your shoulders. You stare at the arm with furrowed brows.
“Hi, baby.”
Your head snaps to the side as you smile at your boyfriend. “Hi, honey.” You peck his cheek. “What do you have planned after class?”
He chuckles, knowing you have something planned. “You mean other than practice, not much.”
You lean your head on his shoulder. “Wanna go to Karen’s after?”
He sighs. “Do we have to?”
Your head snaps up, “I haven’t seen my chaotic duo in too long so, yes.”
He leans closer and whispers in your ear, “what if we go back to mine after?”
You shake your head, “no, you’ve persuaded me one too many times. I politely decline, baby.” You peck his cheek.
He sticks his bottom lip out, knowing there’s not much he can do to change your mind. Once you have something in mind, you stay firm with it; something he loves but dislikes in this moment.
“Is there any way at all that I can persuade you?”
You shake your head. “No, we're gonna see Luke and Hales, it’ll be fun.”
He sighs.
“C’mon, it’ll be fun. Please, please, please,” you beg him.
He shakes his head, “I’m going to die today, aren’t I?”
“Yes,” you nod your head.
“Thanks for being honest.”
You smile at him, “of course.”
Brooke shakes her head and reaches for you. “I’m stealing the future Mrs. Scott.” She pulls you behind her as you two start running down the hallway.
He pouts following after the two of you. “Brooke, dammit! C’mon!” He calls out for you two as you run across the yard.
You turn back and smile at him, almost tripping while doing so.
His heart races at that cute ass face of yours and speeds up to make sure Brooke doesn’t mangle his girlfriend.
Characters: Benedict Bridgerton, Fem!reader, Reader's Mother, Anthony Bridgerton, Kate Sharma, Violet Bridgerton, Alexandra (reader's maid), Reader's Father
Warnings: Fluff, readers family and bridgertons are besties, this has been in my drafts for months, reader being an introvert, readers mother not wanting to be a hermit, benedict being a simp, violet being the readers godmother, kate loving the reader, anthony being bested, mentions of death, allusions to family death, ones reputation being on the line, allusions to reader being bullied, hence why they don't like people, benedict is NOT opposed to marriage after your first meeting
Word Count: 1.7k
A/N: I NEED the fourth season like nowwww. So here is how I cope with that want lol
“Mama, please,” you beg your mother once again. “Don’t make me go. I am perfectly fine where I am. I don’t see why I have to make friends.”
She sighs, watching as your personal maid, Alexandra continues to work on your hair. “It will do you good to have a friend or two.”
“I don’t see you with friends,” you glance up to look at your vanity mirror, catching her unamused expression. “I don’t.”
“I have… friends,” she weakly argues.
“Who?”
“Violet Bridgerton.”
“You always mention her when I ask what your letters are about but I hardly see the two of you together.”
“We’ll be together today, when we go visit her and her children.”
You raise a brow. “That’s where we’re going?”
“Don’t sound so surprised, I’m sure I told you.”
You turn to Alexandra and dismiss her, wanting to talk to your mama alone.
You stand, moving closer to her; you settle down, reaching for her hand. “We don’t need to do this, if you don’t want to. I understand why you wish to try today.”
She offers a tearful smile. “I believe it’s my duty as a mother- your mother, to say that to you.”
“That may be true but-”
“But nothing. We will visit an old friend and you will finally be out of the house, away from all of these books you seem to prefer over people.” She reaches up to wipe her eyes before any tears can make their way past her cheekbone.
You frown. “People are… complicated.”
“Yes and that’s the same answer you’ve given me every time I ask when I take an afternoon stroll.”
“And, my answer won’t change,” you offer her a small smile.
-
“Isn’t this a surprise?” Violet says, in a joking manner.
“Is it though?” Your mama replies.
“And is this your daughter, the one I’ve read about from your letters?”
“The one and only.”
Violet studies you, adoration in her eyes, a similar look to the one your mother gives you. “I haven’t seen you since you were born.”
“You haven’t?”
How have you never heard of this before? You turn to your mama.
“I see you have a book with you,” Violet points out. “Would you be interested in seeing our library?”
Your eyes widen for a moment before you calm yourself, remembering that you were here to “make friends”.
Your mother sighs, “show her the library. She’ll tell me how sad she was that she didn’t get to see it when we return to our home in the evening.”
Violet chuckles, “I understand-”
You pull away from the two. “I can walk around and search for it myself. You two stay here and chat.”
You rush towards the door, “bye! Have fun discussing everyone's issues!”
The doors close behind you and that’s when you take off.
The smile never leaves your face.
-
“So far, I’ve found three guest rooms, two child’s bedrooms, an office, an art room, and no library,” you silently groan to yourself. “I’m never going to find it at this point.” You stand in front of the last door you plan on opening.
The door creaks as you slowly open it, keeping your door on the handle.
A victorious smile stretches across your lips, “finally!”
You quickly close the door behind you and find the coziest spot in the room, not wanting to be disturbed until it was dinner time.
You open your book and are submerged into the story, unable to hear a thing; not even the Bridgerton son behind you.
A gasp alerts you and you jump back, dropping your book and nearly gaining a new scar (you were an adventurous child before you realized how cruel people could be).
You open your eyes and are surprised to find a handsome man holding you so close; nearly breathing you in. You open your mouth, unable to come up with a response and close it.
“Y- your book,” he stutters.
You owlishly blink before pulling away from him, brushing away the imperfections of your dress, smoothing out the skirt otherwise your mama will have your head. “I- um,” you pause. “I should go.”
You rush past him and are close to turning the door knob when he stops you. “You- your book.”
You spin around, keeping your head down. “Thank you, Mister Bridgerton.”
He furrows his brows. No one has called him that for quite some time now, everyone knows he prefers going by his first name. “I- call me Benedict.”
You nod, “okay, thank you, Mister Benedict. I’ll be off now, sorry to impose on you and your privacy.”
-
You gently close the door behind you and lean against it, closing your eyes as you catch your breath.
Alexandra stops before you. “Are you alright?”
Your eyes snap open, “Alexandra, when did you get here?”
She furrows her brows, “a moment ago. Are you feeling alright? You look red in the cheeks.”
You nod and grab her arm, “I’m feeling well, is it dinner time?”
She nods.
“Well, we should go now or else we’ll be late.” You can tell how confused she is while you walk side by side but don't comment on it.
She fears far more than she needs to about interacting with people enough as is and you most certainly are not going to add a marriage into that.
-
You take a seat between the girls of your mama’s friend. You aren’t sure of their names as of yet but you’re sure your mama will remind you soon enough.
You reach for your cup and take a sip, catching the eye of Ben… you forgot his name but you know you're close.
Your eyes widen as you cover your mouth and harshly swallow the painful sip of water, trying not to cough too hard and gain more attention.
Your mama whispers her worries and you shake your head, offering a small smile to let her know you’re okay.
Anthony calls out to you and you turn to the eldest, only knowing his name because of the Whistledown article and due to your mama informing you of the wedding (you were overseas studying with your father before he passed).
You turn to him, curious as to what he could say.
“Your mother informs me, you read more than you go outside,” he jokes.
You furrow your brows, “I walk… around the ton at… times.”
He raises a brow, “I see. Well, she also informed me that you happen to know how to bargain.”
“Oh, I- um,” you lower your head, flustered at his comment. “I wouldn’t um say that.”
He raised a brow before turning to the footsteps coming from the corner of the room, catching a glimpse of his wife. “Darling,” he nearly jumps out of his seat. “You made it.”
She smiles at him and quickens her steps.
You smile at the two while all the Bridgerton siblings gag and scoff.
You glance back at the second eldest and pause, finding his gaze on you.
You offer a small nod and reach for the cup, taking a small sip.
“And this is the one you told me haggled you, isn’t that right dear?”
You pause, setting the cup down before turning towards the two. Your jaw drops as a nervous chuckle escapes you. “Oh.”
Your mama whispers your name and you ignore her.
“I see you do remember me,” she smiles. “I’m Kate, this fool's wife.”
You owlishly blink. “Right.” You purse your lips. “I- um- I am sorry for-”
She waves you off, “don’t be. I was impressed. You helped me get a better deal.”
“Did I?”
She narrows her eyes playfully at you. “Don’t be so modest. You did better than I could and I thought I was the best at bargaining.”
You slightly perk up. “Oh, well. I wouldn’t say I did better. You had a good offer but the man clearly knew what he had was, what he thought was a fake, and I’m being kind when I say that. You started it and I merely assisted.”
“Assisted is a kind word,” Anthony grumbles. “I started the deal before I was sent away so she could take care of it.”
“Well, she takes after her father,” your mother jokes.
You lower your gaze as your grief washes over you. “He took me with him on most of his business travels and I picked up a few tricks, I suppose.”
“Good ones,” Kate commends you once more.
The dinner was fun, more fun than you would have thought.
You feel giddy and like a character in one of your books.
Your mother went ahead of you to ready herself, letting you take your time conversing with Kate and Anthony.
You make your way closer to the front door to get your coat.
“Hopefully we’ll meet again,” he whispers, handing it to you.
“Maybe.” You risk a glance and find yourself enamoured by him.
“I wouldn’t be opposed to another meeting in a library.”
You lower your gaze, cheeks hotter than the sun on your walk up the stairs to the Bridgerton’s home. “You mustn’t let another hear you or else one’s reputation would be tarnished.”
A mischievous smile breaks across his lips. “Would it?”
You sigh and turn around, heading for the door.
“Oh, no. Wait,” he runs in front of you. “If I promise not to make jokes, will you be around again? Seeing my brother thrown off by you was more than entertaining.”
You tilt your head, glancing at him from the corner of your eye. “I’ll think about it.”
“I’m taking that as a yes.”
You scoff, “cocky.”
“It’s not cocky if I’m right.”
You shake your head and take your leave.
-
A rushed voice alerts you and your mama.
You pull back the curtain, seeing him running towards you.
The carriage stops.
“You,” he pants. “You forgot this.” He hands you your book.
You glance down at it and back to him.
“Benedict, how thoughtful of you to return her book.”
So that was his name.
He sheepishly nods. “I- yes, I suppose it is.”
“Thank you,” you whisper.
“That was kind of him,” your mother adds as your carriage pulls away.
“It was.”
She hums.
“Mama, don’t.”
“What? I’ve said nothing.”
“Your eyes tell me more than that.” She only smiles in return.
You can tell she hopes you join her on her frequent journeys to the Bridgerton’s ton and is overjoyed at the sight of you making friends, much less a suitor.
(You can deny it all you want but she knows you two will be wed by next spring. No young man would rush to return a lady’s most precious item the way Benedict did).
Characters: Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, Ben Grimm, little baby Franklin
Warnings: Prob does NOT follow the correct movie timeline, based off what i could rmr before it came to disney lol, Johnny is a SIMP, lowkey gets sad, i have no idea where i was going half the time, reader is a scientist too, everyone loves and cares about reader, life happens, things go crazyyy, reader feels bad, mentions of babies and pregnancies
You’ve had a hard time after the mission four years ago.
Reed called for you unexpectedly and suddenly, you all came back with a little flare but for you…
You weren’t the same. You continued working in the lab alongside Reed, your interning turned into a real job although you were less a superhero and more of a behind the scenes.
You were worried you wouldn’t be stable enough to help them, having a harder time to control yourself.
Then came the beginning of it all.
-
You heard the quiet cheers before realizing what was happening. You leaned against the doorway and smiled. You take a deep breath and wince.
The faint pounding in the back of your head reminds you why you stayed in bed for most of the day.
Sue turns, almost as if sensing you; her smile slightly fell at the sight of you.
You offer a polite smile, “I knew it would happen for you guys.”
She opens her arms and you step forward to hug her. “Thank you,” she whispered.
You never gave up hope for and her husband to fulfill their dream of having a child, the one who even in the darkest of times with herself was always there to bring her back up.
You were careful to avoid touching her skin, not wanting to have another reaction; wincing as the pounding increases.
Johnny notices and tilts his head. “Never lose doubt, future Mama Storm.”
“Oh here we go,” Ben grumbles, jokingly. “The jokes have started.”
You pull back and let her get adjusted in her seat. “I can’t wait for him to come back after school and Sue come in full Storm mode, mama edition.”
Ben drops his head into his hands. “God, they’re only gonna get worse. I don’t know if I can take it.”
You narrow your eyes at him, watching as he jumps.
“Hey!” He points a finger at you.
You tilt your head and stick your bottom lip out. “Johnny did it.”
“Yeah,” the younger Storm nods. “Wait- what?”
You smile at the sight of the two boys bickering. “Hey Reed,” you whisper.
He turns to face you, his face full of shock, surprise, and joy; in his own Reed way. “Congratulations,” you smiled and pat his arm. “You two are going to make great parents.”
He takes a deep breath and you watch as his shoulders drop. He nods, trying to agree with your words. He reaches for your hand and squeezes it.
Your vision blurs as you see space, the one place you’ve come to feel bittersweet about.
Then purple eyes, human and not.
You blink, still unfocused. Your vision returns and everyone’s eyes are on you. You gulp, slowly pulling your hand away from Reed as he checks your pulse. “I’m okay.” You wrap your arms around yourself, offering a weak smile. “I’m okay. Um,” you pause. “I- um- I think I need to go lay down for the night.”
“You’ve been in there all day,” Sue starts. “You need to eat something.”
You shake your head, “it’s okay. I had a snack earlier.”
You push your chair back and stand up, almost tripping when Johnny catches you.
“Hey, hey.” He holds onto you, keeping you up. “I don’t think you should go back to bed.”
“We need to run some tests,” Reed tells you, mid bite.
You shake your head. “I’m fine. You guys are the ones who need to start preparing.”
“We can do that another time, right now. You are our worry,” Sue says, standing up from her seat.
“I-” You all turn at the sound of a voice echoing through the city.
You turn around and tell Johnny to join the others and go.
He’s reluctant to leave your side and opens his mouth to argue.
“It’s okay,” you whisper. “I can stay here until you guys come back.”
You watch them go and turn around to head inside until you catch something from the corner of your eye. You freeze at the sight of her.
Herbie beeps at you, worried at the sight of you.
Your stomach turns. You feel her eyes on you. Her words replay in your mind, much like they have been the last few months.
You lost track of how much sleep you lost because of her.
The robot beeps, sensing more energy in the room than there ever has been.
You narrow your eyes, finding her watching you. You jump over the railing and head towards her.
With the moon and stars out, you have more energy to move around.
You stop, higher above than she is. You avoid making eye contact with the team, knowing they’re too confused by what they’re seeing right now. “Sh-”
She surfs away and you chase after her, Johnny trailing behind you.
You force yourself to move faster the higher up she goes. You can feel the intensity of the stars as you reach for her surfboard. You grab onto it, “you cannot choose us.” You whisper, “you must find another planet.”
Her head pops up and she tilts her head at you before speaking in her own language and surfs away.
You can hear the rush of the wind through your ears as you fall backwards, unsure of where you might land. You close your eyes, the pounding in your head worsens.
-
Your eyes snap open and the sound of her language fills your ears. “Turn it off.”
“What?” Johnny turns, eyes widening at the sight of your conscious figure. “Woah!” He slips and lands on his back as he’s rushing to step towards you. “You- you shouldn’t be out of bed.” He holds his arms out to you.
“I’m fine.”
“Fine, doesn’t include you passing out and free falling from space.”
“It does in my case.”
“No, for once, he’s right,” Reed interrupts with his arms crossed.
“No,” you pout. “Not you too.”
“Did you regret not informing me of anything else?” Reed gives you a hard stare.
You place your face in your hands, rubbing your tired eyes. “I just- you were already dealing with so much as is-”
“Oh, and now she wants to give excuses.”
“Sue,” you whined.
“No, no. You- how- you know it’s really hard to talk to you right now without being disappointed. I thought we were closer than that.”
You open your eyes, tears close to escaping. “I know,” your bottom lip wobbles. “I know and- and we are. I- I was an idiot-”
“You are not an idiot,” Johnny interrupts.
“Johnny,” you whisper. “I am because I- I’ve been thinking I can handle this alone. I- you all have each other.”
The Storm siblings nod. “Right, we all have each other which is why I’m having a hard time understanding how you could keep this from us.”
“Sue, you all have each other. I have no one.”
Johnny’s hand touches your arm, pulling your attention away from the others. “But you- you do have someone,” an airy confused chuckle escapes him. “I- multiple someone's in fact. So, I don’t get how you can think that.”
“I am not a part of the team. I’m- I am just the intern,” you shrug. “The one that went up with you all and came back worse. I’m not one of you,” you whisper.
“You might not be one of us-”
Sue and Johnny both call for Reed.
“But you,” Reed places a hand on your shoulder, “have become much more than that.”
You raise your head, confused by his gesture. The nicest thing he’s done was let you eat in the lab a few times when you both were too invested in creating the machine he uses to make sure little Franklin is okay. “You’re family and you don’t get left behind.”
You throw yourself into his nonexistent embrace, crying into his sweater.
“Oh when he says it, it’s sweet. But if Johnny says it, it’s not.”
You yanked him over and pulled him into a three person hug, followed by Sue and Ben.
“Johnny thinks Reed is uncomfortable with this hug.”
“C’mon man,” Ben groans. “Not the time for third person.”
“Johnny thinks Ben’s upset because he’s not as cool as Johnny.”
“Oh, I’ll show you cool.”
You all pulled away, listening to the two bicker.
Sue places her hand on your back, pulling you with her. “What else has been going on? Anything else we should know about?”
You pause, mind suddenly drawing a blank. “I mean, I sleep during the day but at night I’m wide awake at night and then there’s- there’s the visions of this whole thing and-”
“You’ve been having visions of Galacticus?” Reed’s voice cuts through your rant.
You shrug, “not until recently.”
“How recent?”
“Um.”
“It was when we announced Sue being pregnant, wasn’t it?”
“I don’t feel comfortable answering questions without a lawyer present.”
“Do you know how much time we have?”
You shook your head. “I don’t- I didn’t see that. I only saw her- the woman.”
He nods his head. “I see. And this only happens through what exactly?”
“Oh, from what I’ve gathered, physical contact but it has to be skin to skin but since Franklin’s been around, it’s lessened.”
“What does that mean?” Sue asks, rubbing her belly protectively.
You sent them both a small smile. “Meaning, your little boy is going to be a marvelous young man and is already helping others without realizing it. He is your savior in life and is the reason you two will be great parents.”
Sue reaches for your hand, smiling softly at you.
You return the gesture before your vision blurs. All you can see are purple eyes. You blink, eyes wide at what you saw.
“Uh, is anyone else seeing stars right now?” Johnny’s voice pulled you out of your haze.
Your eyes widen at the sight of the room, covered in mini milky ways and hundreds of tiny twinkling stars. “Oh, oh no. I- I’m so sorry.” You stand up, waving your hand through the air. “I don’t know how to get rid of it. I’m sorry.”
“You need to calm down before it gets worse,” Reed instructs you.
“I am trying,” you hissed.
“Oh, look, Orion’s belt. That’s fun,” Johnny says.
You bury your face in your hands.
The warmth in front of you is comforting.
“Johnny’s going to reach for you… is that okay?”
You whisper, “yeah.” You owlishly blink, hardly seeing him so close. You don’t know how to function.
“Hey- uh- the stars are getting brighter,” Ben’s voice startles you. “Oh, look. There’s a star shaped like me.”
“Hey, hey,” Johnny calls out to you. He adjusts his hold so he can hold your hands, thumb brushing against your knuckles. “Don’t listen to him. He doesn’t get how cool it is to be you,” he jokes.
It brings a small smile to your face.
The stars twinkle around the others.
“They’re linked with her emotions,” Reed mutters. “I need to run some tests.”
“No,” Sue places a hand on his arm, pulling him back. “No, honey. Not tonight.”
-
You never thought you’d be back here again.
They told you to stay behind; your gut told you otherwise and you were out behind them.
He wanted him, he wanted a child; their child.
You couldn’t let that happen. Your hands twitch at your sides as you hone more of the stars, pulling them closer to surround him.
"You want the cosmic powers, right?" You ask.
The attention is on you and you float above the team.
His eyes narrow in on you, he can feel it but yours is hardly anything compared to the child’s as his eyes filter back on Sue, who’s induced into labor.
"Come and get me." If you could distract him long enough for them to get out, it’d be worth it.
"No!" Johnny shouts.
The silver woman follows you.
"Johnny, get her and get back to the ship," Reed tells him.
"I'm trying," he grunts. His watch beeps.
You pause, closing your eyes, using your powers to send her into a spin and give Galactus an appetizer.
-
You made sure Ben grabs Johnny in time, listening to the door shut.
You nearly collide with Shalla-bahl as you make sure the crew gets back to the ship. You pop in front of Sue, holding your hands out. "Sue, it's going to be okay," you tell her. "I'm here."
She grunts.
“Reed, gravity isn’t here. Your baby is coming now,” you shout. “Ben, Johnny. Keep Silver busy,” you tell them before glancing back at the mother-to-be. “Sue, honey,” you offer a smile. “I know you’re scared but whether or not you’re ready, you’re little peanut is coming. I can help. Can you trust me?”
She whimpers and nods. “Make sure he’s okay.”
“He is overjoyed and wants to meet his parents but right now his soon to be favorite aunt is going to see him first.”
She cries.
“Reed, I need you to comfort your wife for a bit,” you call for him.
He’s already beside you before you can finish.
You close your eyes, reaching for Sue’s hand and placing your other on her belly.
Sue can feel the change in the energy as she does what she can to use her powers and hide the ship.
You open your eyes and spin around in time to see a silver hand trying to reach through you. You release Sue’s hand and wave yours in front of Shalla-Bahl. “Go away,” you scream.
She shoots out, far enough where she can’t get you for a time.
You whirl around in time, feeling the surge of cosmic waves flow through you. “Sue, push.” You cradle the baby in your arms before passing him to his anxious parents, smiling once he’s situated.
You find Johnny smiling at you before you pass out.
-
You awaken to the sound of her voice. Your mind is groggy, unsure of where you are exactly. You turn your head, seeing Johnny there. “Turn it off.”
He nearly trips over his feet to lift the needle off the record. “You- you’re up?” He’s hesitant to come closer. “I- Reed said you wouldn’t wake up for a while but this- this is great,” he adds with a soft tone.
“How much time do we have?” You ask.
“I don’t think now is that time to-”
“Johnny,” you cut him off. “We are running out of time. How little do we have left?”
“I- a few hours,” he sighs.
“We’re already that far into it?”
“I mean, yeah?” He shrugs. “I- I tried talking to them but they won’t listen-”
“Johnny. Where are your notes?”
“My notes?”
You nod, stumbling as you get out of bed. “You’ve been- god passing out sucks- you’ve been trying to decipher her language.”
“I mean, yeah kind of but it’s nothing-”
“Johnny, you’re so close. You don’t even realize it.”
He pauses, arms hovering around your waist. “I am?”
You nod. “You did a good job analyzing Shalla-Bahl’s language.”
“Huh- wait, you know her name?”
“Comes with the unfun perks that mess with my mind.”
“Oh.”
You suck in air through your teeth, “yeah.” You turn around, glancing through his notes. “Oh, god,” you mumble. “This- this is horrible.”
“What?”
You stare at him with panic in your eyes. “She’s the one who finds the planets to feed Galacticus. I mean I knew it was bad but I didn't realize she actually made the decision.”
You lean down, spreading the notes on the ground. “These are people’s cries for help. People begging her to not destroy their homes and this,” you point to the first one he started writing. “This is her people thanking her.”
“Woah.”
You slowly nod.
-
You roll your eyes at Reed ignoring his brother in law. “Reed,” you butt in, hardly getting a glance.
Johnny keeps pushing for someone, anyone of the three to listen to what he (with the help of you discovered).
You roll your eyes, exiting the room. The energy in there is exhausting you with Franklin being the only one calm enough to be around.
-
You kneel beside his crib, smiling softly at the baby. “Little Franklin,” you mutter. You wave your fingers in front of him, distracting him without fully interrupting his calm aura.
He giggles, reaching up for your hand.
You watch him slowly eyeing your hand. You owlishly blink, swearing you saw a piece of the galaxy in his eyes. You stayed in the tower with Franklin once they teleported him back to the tower.
You spun around at the beam coming through the window, freezing at the sight of Galacticus barreling towards you two. “Herbie, take him,” you ushered the car seat into his hands.
He beeped at you with worry. ‘Don’t go.’
“I got this,” your eyes soften at his sad eyes. “Herbs, take care of him if I don’t come back.”
He beeps. ‘Johnny wants you safe.’
“You know it.” You heard him calling out for you when you all went to space the first time. And then again during Franklin’s birth but this- this is your chance to prove yourself. Prove that this mutation is just who you are. You run up the stairs, to the balcony and wait.
‘One.’
Deep breath in.
‘Two.’
Deep breath out.
Deep breath in.
‘Three.’
You jump over the balcony, feeling less than cool. You can’t let your nerves get the better of you, not when you can feel Sue risking her all for the baby.
-
You hear Franklin’s cries before you see him. You move faster than they ever anticipated, skidding by Sue.
You latch onto her arm, pulling your hidden anger and grief to push Galacticus back. “You have to stop,” you tell her.
“Not until my baby is safe,” she groans.
“Reed’s going to get him.” Almost as if you sensed it, Reed cradles his baby in his arms.
You stand in front of her, not letting up with her shield.
Her eyes widen at your purple eyes.
You press your fingers to her forehead, “sleep.”
She falls limp as you raise yourself into the air causing Johnny to pause his movements.
You slowly float closer as the shield forces him back into the portal. The sky darkens as you use more energy.
Your anger for him trying to take your nephew. The anger of everyone wanting Sue and Reed to sacrifice their baby.
Your grief of knowing you will never be normal in everyone’s eyes. Your grief of living in a world without them, your family.
Your pain of dealing with these unknown abilities alone due to your inability to open up to your family.
You scream as you think of Galacticus destroying you and the world you’ve come to know and care for.
You can feel Sue’s energy picking back up as she slowly opens her eyes.
Ben’s eyes widen in horror, fearing what you may do.
Reed forces himself to refocus on cradling Franklin as he watches you sacrificing it all for his child.
Johnny’s flames die down for a millisecond as you charge towards Galacticus. “Oh, god,” his vision blurs as his tears cause his eyelashes to stick together.
You don’t remember Shallah-Bal forcing you back. Or your body slamming into the street as your body drags into it like a meteor.
The purple galaxy fades around you as the sky lightens to its original bright cloudy weather.
You never heard Johnny whispering to you or Sue panicking as she tried feeling for a pulse.
You never heard the cries of everyone when they looked at your ever slowly dying body.
Franklin's cries accelerated as he fought to reach for you. “Give him to me,” Sue whispers. She cradles the baby in her arms, kissing the top of his head as he squirms in her grasp.
He lays on top of your chest.
You feel your heart stop and only Franklin’s cries flood your mind. Your hand twitches.
Sue pulls her son back slightly, worried something went wrong.
Ben leans in, not wanting to admit you're gone.
Reed’s brows furrow, upset at the fact that the one other person to keep him sane is going through such… pain.
Johnny- Johnny goes to reach for your hand until you gasp, flailing on your back.
It feels like your blood is boiling. All you see is purple. The cosmos’ envelope all of them, the baby claps with laughter.
You groan, squinting at the bright sky. You pull away from the warmth before realizing it was Johnny trying to ground you. You whimper as you struggle to push yourself up.
He’s behind you in a second, half cradling you in his lap, half hovering.
“Did I just die?” You ask, voice horse due to the screaming.
“That’s a likely probability. We’ll need to do some tests once your back has been treated.”
“What?” You question, squinting at him.
“You- you crashed into the ground trying to protect Franklin, do you not remember?”
You shake your head. “Oh god, you've got a defibrillator for a baby.”
“Jesus, kid. You did not call him a defibrillator.”
You tilt your head at Ben. “He shocked me back to life. If that’s not a defibrillator, then I don’t know what is.”
Reed helps Sue slowly rise from her crouched position.
Johnny offers you his hand. “Can you get up?”
You shake your head. “I can’t feel anything right now.”
Ben gently lifts you into his arms, taking steady steps to not rock you so much.
-
After a few months since the whole incident, you finally managed to recover properly and become more in tune with your abilities.
Johnny, the worrisome guy that he is has been like a helicopter parent the entire time (even though he promised he wouldn’t).
And Herbie was by his side every step, ratting you out if you did something on your own.
“Traitor.”
“Are you really calling our sweet Herbie a traitor?”
“You tell me he isn’t. I am this close to getting bubble wrapped by your brother,” you whine to Sue.
“Your fingers are touching.”
“Exactly!” You cry out which causes Franklin to giggle. “You’re one to laugh, mister.” You scoop him up from his mom’s arms, swaying through the living room at Ben’s “kitchen” music.
-
“I still can’t believe you haven’t asked her out,” Sue mutters to her brother.
Johnny pauses, mid bit of his handful of cereal. “What?”
“You heard me.”
He rolls his eyes. “She isn’t going to break if you ask her a simple question.”
“She won’t break, no but if another-”
She places her hands on her brother's shoulders, “John, I love you but if you keep letting that fear stop you and you keep hovering, you will lose her. I’m lucky I got Reed to understand that, that is not what I need and I know she feels the same.”
The two turn to see you showing Franklin the stars (the real ones outside, not yours).
“We’ve all been through a lot. We’ve survived a lot.”
“She almost didn’t,” he whispers. “She almost didn’t come back.”
She smiles softly at him, cupping his cheek. “You can’t let that stop you from living life. If you let your worries stop you from simply being there then that’s not a life worth living and you, you are all about living dangerously.”
He huffs through his nose.
“Why not live a little more together, while you still can?”
He shrugs her off. “I don’t like that you might have a point.”
She smiles victoriously while crossing her arms. “Oh, John boy. You have no idea how right I am.”
He groans. “I told you to stop calling me that.”
“What’s wrong with John boy?” Ben calls out, stirring the sauce.
“Not you too,” the blond man sighs.
“I just wanted to enjoy my pre-dinner snack in peace. Was that so much to ask?”
“Yes,” the two tell him.
“I don’t know what the conversation was about but I agree with these two,” you add.
“That is so not fair.”
“What’s not fair is you hogging the cereal,” you stick your tongue out at him as you tuck Franklin into his high chair.
“I don’t recall seeing your name on it, therefore it’s up for grabs.”
You narrow your eyes at him. “Really? Is that how we’re going to play it?” You tease him.
Sue watches with her arms crossed, amused at the two of you.
The atmosphere feels different now, better than before; more lively if she had to say.
Ben shakes his head at the two of you, missing this energy and the fun atmosphere.
You step closer to him, flicking his forehead leaving behind a purple milky way after snatching the cereal from him.
“That’s not fair. You used your powers.”
“Oh, and you become a human torch when the power goes out, isn’t the same?”
“That’s different.”
“How?” You tilt your head, setting the box on the table.
“It just- it just is.”
You smirk, knowing he has no legitimate answer. “Sure, John-John.”
Sue and Ben share a look.
“Now that’s a nickname I haven’t heard in ages,” Ben hints.
You hum, shrugging. “It felt right.”
Sue elbows her brother as he passes her, to which he glares at her while clutching his side.
“Was nobody going to call me for dinner?” Reed interrupts, fiddling with the buttons on his sleeves.
“I was but then your dear brother in law started a war he can’t win.”
The younger Storm sibling glances at you as you wink at him.
Sue snorts, covering her mouth to hide her amusement as Ben’s jaw drops. “Holy-”
“Baby!” Sue and Reed remind him.
“-Paloy.”
You chuckle at Ben’s poor save for almost cursing in front of the baby.
“Hey, can I talk to you?” Johnny asks with a nervous tone as he starts drumming his fingers against the counter.
“What’s up?” You ask, head tilted as you try and decipher what’s going on.
“I- um- god this is harder than I thought.”
You place a hand on his arm, “are you okay? Do I need to get Reed?”
He grabs your arm, pulling you back as he shakes his head. “No, no. I- um- I have something I want to tell you but I also don’t want to freak you out.”
You pull his hand off your arm, holding his hand as your thumb brushes against the back of it, wanting to comfort him. “Johnny, I literally came back from the dead. What you want to tell me won’t scare me off.”
He sighs, squeezing his eyes shut. “That’s the problem.”
“What is?”
“You- you keep joking like it doesn't mean anything.”
“Joking about-”
His eyes are shiny when he opens them to look at you. “You joking about- about you dying isn’t funny. I thought I lost you,” he grips your arms, pulling you close. “We thought we lost you.” He throws himself at you to give you a bear hug. “I was so… scared,” he admits after some time. “I thought you weren’t coming back and I’d- I wouldn’t be able to see your face again.”
You can feel the shoulders of your shirt sticking to you.
“I was so scared to not feel your heartbeat, to not hug you again.”
You squirm your way out of his hold, just enough for his arms to fall around your waist. You cup his cheeks, wiping his tears as you softly smile at him. “Johnny, it’s going to take a hell of a lot more to get rid of me. I would fight anything and everything to make sure you’re safe. You know that right?”
He shakes head. “I don’t want you too.”
“Well too bad,” you huff, letting your tears fall as you lean in. “I love you too much to think about living without you.”
He freezes, his shoulders tensing at the realization. “What- you- really?”
You glance between one eye to the other before nodding. “How could I not? There’s a reason I always check on you before me or even tease you worse than the others.”
His brows furrow. “I thought you thought of me like family.”
You scoff, “it’d be pretty weird to think about kissing someone if I saw them as family.”
“You- you want to kiss me?”
You owlishly blink. “You are so lucky you’re cute.”
His cocky bravado returns. “You think I’m cute?”
You shake your head. “I said nothing.”
“No, no. You admitted you think I’m cute.”
You roll your eyes. “I said nothing.”
He keeps his gaze on you. “I feel the same you know,” he quietly admits, almost like it's a secret.
“What?”
He leans in close, his breath fanning against your lips.
“I love you so much that thinking about having to go another day without being able to kiss you will drive me to utter insanity.” You glance between his eyes and to his lips.
“Why don't you do something about it then?”
You shrug. “I don't want to scare you off.”
"Test the waters and find out.”
He leans in closer, slowly pressing his lips against yours, wanting to take his time.
“I think I'm a little scared.”
“Yeah?” He jokes.
You hum, nodding your head. “Maybe you should do it again to ease my nerves.”
He smiles, pulling you closer. “Who am I to deny a lady her request?”
