Supernatural, Hunting, Living And Love Part 17
Supernatural, Hunting, Living and Love Part 17
Dean Winchester x fem!reader
4.1k word count
fluff, idiots in love, friends to lovers
warnings none
Authors Note: 3 chapters to go!
Original / Previous Chapter / Next Chapter
I sat cross-legged on the bed, the weight of Cas’s words pressing heavily on my chest. Dean was sitting across from me, his brows furrowed as he listened to me recount every detail of what the angel had said. I could barely look at him, afraid of how he might react.
When I finished, there was a long pause. Finally, Dean sighed, scrubbing a hand down his face. “Look, about the Nephilim thing... I already knew.”
My head snapped up. “What?”
“Cas told me a while ago,” he admitted, his voice low. “He thought I should know, in case it ever... came up. But I didn’t think it mattered. You’re still you, Y/N. Nephilim or not.”
I stared at him, a mix of emotions swirling in my chest. “You didn’t think I deserved to know?”
Dean winced. “I figured it’d just freak you out, and you’ve had enough on your plate. I was gonna tell you eventually, I swear.”
I sighed, rubbing my temples. “And the pregnancy thing?”
“That,” he said with a dry laugh, “I’m pretty sure is Cas being Gods good little soldier. He’d do anything that guy says. But if it’s really bugging you, we can grab a pregnancy test and settle it.”
I shook my head, feeling a strange mixture of relief and frustration. “You’re probably right. It’s just Cas being... weird.” I hesitated before adding, “Let’s just forget about it for now.”
Dean nodded, his hand reaching out to squeeze mine. “Good call.”
I let myself lean back into the pillows, forcing the thoughts to the back of my mind. It wasn’t easy, but with Dean’s steady presence beside me, sleep eventually came.
…
The next morning, I was jolted awake by a loud banging on the bedroom door.
“Y/N! Dean! Wake up!” Theresa’s voice was practically vibrating with excitement.
Dean groaned, rolling over to glance at the clock on the nightstand. “It’s 10:30,” he grumbled. “What could possibly be so exciting at 10:30 in the morning?”
Before either of us could get out of bed, the door burst open, and Theresa stood there, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet.
“I’m pregnant!” she blurted, her grin so wide it could’ve lit up the room.
I blinked at her, the words taking a moment to sink in. Dean sat up straighter, his face a mix of shock and confusion.
“Pregnant?” he repeated, his voice flat.
Theresa nodded eagerly. “Yes! I just took the test. Sam and I are having a baby!”
The silence that followed was heavy but only lasted a beat before I broke into a wide smile. “Oh my god, Theresa! That’s amazing!”
I jumped out of bed, wrapping her in a tight hug as her excitement became infectious.
Dean sat there, still looking stunned. “Congrats,” he managed, his voice laced with a kind of bemused awe.
Theresa pulled back from the hug, her eyes bright with happy tears. “Thanks! I just had to tell you guys first!”
As she babbled on about telling Sam and their plans, I couldn’t help but glance back at Dean. His expression softened as his gaze met mine, a small, genuine smile tugging at his lips.
For the first time in a long time, things felt... good. Even with all the uncertainty hanging in the air, this moment was pure joy.
…
Theresa from the moment she told us hadn’t stopped talking about dragging me shopping to put together a gift for Sam to announce the pregnancy.
Theresa practically dragged me from one store to another, her excitement bubbling over as she picked up tiny baby clothes, soft booties, and pacifiers, holding each one up for my opinion. I couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm, even if the topic of babies brought an unsettling knot to my stomach.
“This is so cute, isn’t it?” Theresa asked, holding up a pale-yellow onesie with little ducks on it.
“Adorable,” I replied, my voice light even though my thoughts were far from the conversation.
By the time lunchtime rolled around, we had a few small items in hand, ready to put together a gift to announce her pregnancy to Sam. Just before we were about to head out, Theresa suddenly stopped.
“Wait, I need to pop into the pharmacy,” she said, gripping her stomach lightly. “This morning sickness thing... I’m not sure ginger cookies and ginger ale are gonna cut it no matter what Google says.”
“Of course,” I said, following her inside.
While Theresa chatted with the pharmacist about options, I found myself wandering down the aisles. My feet carried me to the pregnancy test section before I even realized where I was.
The shelves were lined with boxes in bright colours, each claiming to be the most accurate. My hand hovered over one, my heart pounding. I glanced back to make sure Theresa was still preoccupied, then quickly grabbed a box and shoved it into my pocket.
“Ready to go?” Theresa asked cheerfully, appearing behind me with a small bag in her hand.
“Yep,” I said, forcing a smile.
As we walked out, Theresa caught the scent of garlic bread wafting from a nearby restaurant. “Oh my god, we have to eat here,” she said, practically drooling.
I laughed. “Garlic bread it is.”
We found a small table by the window and placed our orders. The knot in my stomach tightened as I excused myself to go to the restroom.
Inside the stall, my hands trembled as I opened the box. The instructions were simple enough, but my nerves made everything feel harder than it should have been.
Minutes later, I stared at the small screen, holding my breath.
Negative.
A wave of relief washed over me, so strong I had to sit for a moment to steady myself. I tucked the test into the little trash bin and washed my hands, staring at my reflection in the mirror.
“Get it together,” I muttered to myself.
When I returned to the table, Theresa was happily munching on her garlic bread. “This is the best thing ever,” she declared, holding up a piece for emphasis.
I chuckled, sitting back down. “I take it we’re ordering more for the bunker?”
“Absolutely.”
As we ate, the conversation shifted to Sam’s gift. We brainstormed ways to wrap it, deciding on a small box with tissue paper and a handwritten note.
Theresa brought up pregnancy care, casually waving off the concern. “I’m sure we’ll figure something out,” she said, popping a piece of bread into her mouth.
I nodded, but her nonchalant attitude left me wondering. I made a mental note to look into options for her later.
By the time we left the restaurant, the heavy weight on my chest had eased. Theresa’s joy was infectious, for a moment I let myself believe that maybe just maybe Cas was wrong, that maybe he was just saying what God wanted him to.
Just as we were about to leave the restaurant my phone buzzed dragging me away from our conversation.
“Oh well looks like our plans are on hold” I sighed looking at the text “Dean messaged, apparently the holidays over”
…
We sat around the war room table, maps and files spread out in front of us as Dean leaned back in his chair, tossing a pen between his fingers.
“Just got off the phone with Bobby,” Dean said. “He says there’s something weird going down in a little town called Centerville, Pennsylvania. Looks like a couple of demons are running the place, setting up some kind of... meatsuit recruitment drive. At least fourteen people have gone missing after passing through.”
I frowned, leaning forward to study the map of Centerville. “Fourteen? That’s a lot, even for demons. What’s Bobby think they’re planning?”
Dean shrugged. “He’s not sure. Could be they’re stockpiling bodies for something bigger, but whatever it is, we’re gonna shut it down.”
“Sounds like a solid lead,” Sam said, pulling out his notebook and jotting down a few details.
Dean turned to Theresa, his tone firm. “You’re sitting this one out.”
Theresa’s eyes widened. “What? Why? I’m perfectly capable—”
“He’s right,” I interrupted, giving her a meaningful look. “You should stay behind, and we’ll call Bobby to come hang out with you.”
Theresa’s confusion mirrored Sam’s as he glanced between us. “Okay, what’s going on?”
Theresa hesitated, then reached into her bag, pulling out a small gift box she’d carefully prepared on the way back from town. She slid it across the table toward Sam, her excitement bubbling just beneath the surface.
Sam took the box, his brows furrowing as he opened it. Inside were the baby items we’d picked out: the tiny onesie, a pacifier, and a positive pregnancy test.
For a moment, he just stared, as if his brain needed an extra second to catch up. Then his face broke into a grin so wide it was almost comical. “You’re... you’re pregnant?”
Theresa nodded, her smile just as wide.
Sam was out of his chair in a second, pulling her into a tight hug. “Oh my god, this is incredible!” he said, his voice full of unrestrained joy.
Theresa laughed, hugging him back. “I was gonna tell you last night, but the timing didn’t feel right.”
Dean cleared his throat, his expression softening as he watched the moment. “And that’s why you’re staying behind. No way we’re risking you and the baby out there with demons.”
Sam nodded quickly, turning to Theresa. “Dean’s right. It’s too dangerous.”
Theresa’s smile faltered. “I’m not helpless, you know.”
“We know,” I said gently, reaching out to touch her hand. “But this isn’t just about you anymore. And Bobby will make sure nothing happens here while we’re gone.”
Theresa sighed, crossing her arms. “Fine. But I’m not happy about it.”
Dean smirked. “Noted.”
Within the hour, the Impala was packed, and the three of us hit the road to Pennsylvania. As I settled into the seat beside Dean, I glanced back at Theresa, who stood in the doorway of the bunker, Sam’s arm draped protectively around her shoulders.
We had a job to do, but part of me already couldn’t wait to come back.
…
After what felt like an eternity on the road, we finally rolled into Centerville under the cover of darkness. The town had a strange vibe—quiet, too quiet for a place that had a growing reputation for disappearances.
“Motels are a no-go,” Dean said, scanning the town as we drove through. “Too many eyes.”
Sam pointed to a dilapidated house on the edge of town, its windows boarded up and the lawn overgrown. “That’ll work. Looks abandoned.”
Dean turned the Impala into the dirt driveway, parking beside a rusted shed attached to the house. We all piled out, stretching and shaking off the stiffness from the long drive.
“Hide her in there,” Dean said, nodding toward the shed.
Together, we pushed the Impala inside, closing the rickety doors behind us. The house itself was better than I’d expected, but not by much. The inside smelled like dust and decay, and the floorboards creaked with every step.
“It’s got charm,” I said dryly, earning a snort from Dean.
“We’ll make it work,” Sam said, tossing his bag onto what might have once been a couch. “Let’s head into town, see what we can dig up.”
We cleaned up quickly and headed out, walking toward the town center under the dim glow of streetlights. Centerville looked like any other small town, but something felt... off.
Our investigation eventually led us to a bar that seemed to be the social hub for visitors. Inside, the air was thick with cigarette smoke and the low hum of conversation. A pool table sat in the corner, and a jukebox played a classic rock tune that barely drowned out the sound of clinking glasses.
We split up, each taking a different approach to questioning the locals. I struck up a conversation with the bartender, a wiry man with a skeptical gaze.
“Strangers roll through here often?” I asked casually, leaning on the bar.
He shrugged, wiping a glass. “Not much to see in Centerville. Most don’t stick around long.”
“What about the ones who do?”
His eyes narrowed slightly. “Why you asking?”
“Just curious,” I said with a smile, trying to put him at ease.
Eventually, the bartender opened up. He and a couple of locals confirmed they’d seen the same couple hanging around the bar regularly—a man and a woman who had apparently blown into town about a year ago and never left. They’d made themselves at home, which was unusual in a town like this.
Dean joined me at the bar, a cold beer in his hand. “They sound like our demons,” he muttered under his breath.
“Let’s not jump to conclusions,” Sam said, appearing behind us. “But it’s definitely worth looking into.”
We stayed a little longer, gathering more details about the mysterious couple before heading back to the abandoned house. The pieces were starting to come together, but we still had more questions than answers.
…
The house was eerily quiet as we settled in for the night. The faint creak of the wind brushing against the boarded-up windows added to the atmosphere. Sam and Dean were in the small, makeshift living room, pouring over maps and the notes we’d scribbled down from the bar. I sat cross-legged on a tattered armchair, watching as they hashed out tomorrow’s plan.
“We need to figure out where they’ve been taking these people,” Sam said, tapping his pen against the map.
Dean grunted. “Yeah, but waltzing into their hideout isn’t exactly easy. They’ve been here a year. They know the lay of the land better than we do.”
Sam leaned back, crossing his arms. “That’s why we need to split up. Y/N should approach them. Alone.”
Dean’s head snapped up, his jaw tightening. “No way. Not happening.”
Sam held up a hand. “Hear me out. They’ve been targeting strangers, right? Someone who seems like they don’t have ties. If Y/N plays the part of a solo traveler, it could get them to drop their guard.”
I stayed quiet, letting them argue. Dean’s protectiveness was nothing new, but this was different. His shoulders were tense, his voice edged with something more than frustration—it was fear.
“And what if it’s a trap?” Dean shot back, glaring at Sam.
“It’s always a trap, Dean,” I said, finally speaking up. “We’re hunters. That’s the job.”
Dean turned to me, his eyes softening but still filled with worry. “I don’t like this.”
“I can handle myself,” I said firmly.
Sam nodded. “We’ll be nearby the whole time. If anything happens, we’ll step in.”
Dean rubbed his face, letting out a frustrated sigh. “Fine. But the second anything feels off, you’re out. Got it?”
I nodded. “Got it.”
With the plan decided, we started preparing for the next day. I packed a small bag with essentials—my knife, a flask of holy water, and a few other tools of the trade. Dean handed me an emergency burner phone, his fingers brushing mine longer than necessary.
“Use it the second something goes wrong,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“Promise,” I replied.
As the night wore on, we all settled into our makeshift sleeping arrangements. Dean and I took the slightly less destroyed bedroom, though the mattress on the floor left a lot to be desired. Sam claimed the couch, his long legs awkwardly dangling over the edge.
Lying next to Dean in the dark, I could feel the tension radiating off him. His breathing was steady, but I knew sleep wouldn’t come easy for him tonight.
“Dean,” I whispered.
“Yeah?”
“We’ll figure this out. Together.”
He didn’t say anything, but his hand reached out, finding mine in the darkness. He gave it a gentle squeeze.
“I know”
…
The plan was in motion the moment I stepped into the bar. The air smelled of stale beer and desperation, a fitting backdrop for what I was about to do. Slinging my bag over my shoulder, I took a seat at the counter, making sure to appear as if I didn’t have a care in the world. My eyes darted around briefly, taking in the patrons. I spotted Sam a few minutes later, casually perched at the opposite end of the bar, his head down like he was nursing a bad day. Dean, much to his displeasure, was waiting outside in the Impala, ready to spring into action.
The bar door creaked open, and in walked the couple. Even without seeing their eyes flash black, I knew. The energy around them was unmistakable—dark, predatory. They carried themselves with the confidence of predators circling their prey.
I felt their gazes lock onto me almost immediately. My heart pounded in my chest, but I didn’t let it show. I picked up my drink and took a casual sip, pretending not to notice them as they approached.
The man slid onto the stool to my right, the woman to my left, effectively boxing me in. “Well, hey there,” the man said, his voice smooth but with an undercurrent that made my skin crawl. “What’s a pretty thing like you doing in a place like this?”
I turned my head slightly, giving him a small, shy smile. “Just passing through,” I said, keeping my voice light and friendly.
The woman leaned in, her perfume almost choking me. “Passing through? Someone like you must have places to be, people to see.”
I shook my head. “Not really. Just… trying to figure out where I’m going next.”
“Perfect,” the man said, his grin widening. “We might be able to help with that. You see, my partner and I—” he gestured to the woman with a nod “—work for a modeling agency. Talent scouts. And, well…” He looked me up and down, his gaze lingering uncomfortably. “You’ve got the look.”
My stomach churned, but I forced a surprised laugh. “Me? Modeling? I don’t know…”
The woman placed a hand on my arm, her touch cold despite the warmth of the bar. “You’ve got it, trust me. We’ve got a studio just outside town. Free shoot, no strings attached. Just to see if you’d be a good fit.”
I hesitated, playing my part. “I don’t know. I mean, I’ve never done anything like that before.”
“That’s the beauty of it,” the man said, his tone dripping with fake enthusiasm. “Fresh faces. Untapped potential.”
I looked between them, feigning a mix of doubt and intrigue. “Alright. Why not?”
The woman clapped her hands together, her smile too wide. “Fantastic. Let’s head out.”
I glanced toward the exit briefly, knowing Dean was just outside, then picked up my bag and followed them out of the bar. As we walked to their car, I caught Sam’s reflection in the bar mirror. His jaw was tight, his fingers twitching, ready to act if needed.
The couple led me to a black sedan parked a few spaces away. The man opened the back door for me, gesturing for me to get in.
I climbed in, clutching my bag tightly. The moment the door shut, I felt the weight of their eyes on me, and I forced myself to focus. This was just the beginning. Dean and Sam wouldn’t be far. Whatever came next, I wasn’t alone—even if I had to act like I was.
I sat in the back of the black sedan, watching as the town disappeared behind us. The ride was long, the demons making small talk, keeping up their act as professional talent scouts. I played along, feigning excitement and nervousness, while my mind stayed focused on the mission.
The farmhouse they took me to was beautiful, the kind of place that would make anyone believe this was a legitimate opportunity. Inside, they led me to a professional-looking studio, complete with backdrops, bright lights, and a rack of designer clothes.
For two hours, they ran the whole con—switching my outfits, styling my hair, touching up my makeup. They directed me through various poses, snapping pictures as if this was just another day in the life of a budding model. It was almost impressive how much effort they put into the charade. Almost.
At the end of it, they smiled, nodding approvingly.
“You’re perfect,” the woman cooed, brushing a stray curl from my face.
“Absolutely,” the man agreed. “We’ll put you up for the night, and first thing in the morning, someone will take you to New York to sign the contracts.”
I widened my eyes in fake excitement. “Really? Oh my god, this is insane!”
The woman smiled. “I know. You’ll be a star.”
They led me to a cozy-looking bedroom, complete with a plush bed and a window overlooking the fields. The moment the door clicked shut behind them, I dropped the act.
I moved cautiously, making sure I wasn’t being watched. Then, I pulled out my phone and typed a message to Dean and Sam.
Demons running a long con. Getting people out of town with the modeling scam. They plan to move me to NYC in the morning. No sign of the other victims yet. What’s the plan?
Dean’s reply was almost instant.
We’re pulling you out. Letting Bobby know their next stop. Sit tight. We’re coming.
I let out a slow breath. Good. I had no doubt they’d come for me, but still, something in my gut felt off.
…
Dean and Sam broke into the house as quietly as possible. The plan was simple—get in, take the demons by surprise, and get out before anyone knew what hit them.
But something went wrong.
I heard the scuffle from my room—the heavy thuds of bodies colliding, the crash of furniture breaking. My heart pounded as I cracked the door open just in time to see Sam wrestling the female demon, chanting an exorcism.
And then I saw Dean.
Or rather, I saw the way his body jerked unnaturally, his back arching as the male demon forced its way inside him. His green eyes flashed black.
My breath caught in my throat. “No.”
He turned his head slowly, those black eyes locking onto me with a cruel smirk. “Well, well,” the demon purred, rolling Dean’s shoulders like he was settling into a new suit. “This is… cozy.”
“Dean.” My voice shook. “I know you’re in there. You have to fight it.”
The demon laughed, stepping closer. “Oh sweetheart, he’s fighting all right. But he won’t win.”
Sam had finished his exorcism, the female demon shrieking as she burned away. Now he turned to me, panic in his eyes.
“Y/N, get back!”
But I couldn’t move. Not when Dean’s possessed body lunged at me.
I barely had time to react before I was pinned against his chest, held between Dean and Sam. Deans hunting knife was held to my throat. I was looking at Sam as tears pricked my eyes.
I gasped, clawing at his wrist, my heart hammering. “Dean,” I choked out. “Please… you can fight this.”
His grip faltered for the briefest second, his expression twisting in pain. “Y/N…” Dean’s voice broke through, hoarse and strained.
The demon snarled, trying to regain control, but I felt the flicker of resistance in Dean’s arms.
“That’s it,” I whispered. “You’re stronger than him. You’re stronger.”
Dean clenched his jaw, his whole body shaking as he fought the demon inside him. Then, with an agonized roar, his head snapped back, and a thick cloud of black smoke erupted from his mouth, disappearing through the nearest vent.
Dean collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath.
I didn’t hesitate. I dropped down beside him, wrapping my arms around him in a tight, desperate hug. “I thought I was gonna lose you,” I sobbed, clutching onto him like he might disappear.
He exhaled shakily, his arms circling me just as tightly. “I’m here,” he murmured. “I’m right here.”
…
Back at the abandoned house, we packed up in silence, the weight of the failed hunt pressing down on us.
Sam was on the phone with Bobby, explaining what had happened, his voice tight with frustration. “One got away… Yeah, we’ll head back to the bunker…can we talk about this later”
I sat in the Impala, my hands still trembling slightly. The reality of what had happened hadn’t fully sunk in yet. Dean had almost—
I shook my head, shutting the thought down. He was here. He was okay.
Dean slid into the backseat beside me, pulling me against him. “You’re shaking,” he murmured.
I let out a weak laugh. “Yeah, well. Watching you get possessed kinda does that to a girl.”
His arms tightened around me, his lips pressing a soft kiss to my hair. “I’m okay. We’re okay.”
I nodded, closing my eyes as the Impala rumbled to life.
The road stretched ahead of us, a long 17 hours back to the bunker. But for now, I let myself breathe, let myself believe that, at least for the moment, we were safe.
More Posts from Metalmonki and Others
The Dating Odyssey: Steve
Eddie Munson/Billy Hargrove/Steve Harrington/Jim Hopper/Jonathan Byers x fem!reader
2.8k word count
fluff, idiot reader, reader who can't say no, choose your own adventure-ish
Part 1 / Eddie's Ending / Jim's Ending / Billy's Ending / Jonathan's Ending
Sleep that night was a stranger to you. You tossed and turned nodding off only to be jerked back awake by the consequences of your actions. Before long the first light of day was breaking through your window. You decided to abandon sleep and instead start getting ready for work. You showered, dressed and collected the large pile of assignments before loading them into your car and driving to the school. You made it through the day by drinking copious amounts of coffee and plastering on the best fake smile you could manage. Making it home that night you abandoned all thoughts of food and went straight to bed. Yet once again in your quite apartment you were meet with the thoughts of the decision looming over you. Maybe the best solution was to leave Hawkins. Move somewhere new and try again after all isn’t that why you moved here in the first place, for a fresh start. You quickly abandoned that idea, you didn’t have the money and it was hard enough landing the teaching job in Hawkins let alone looking elsewhere.
And so you went another night with very little sleep. Your week went by at a snail’s pace. You thought you were doing a good job hiding your inner turmoil but apparently one particular student had noticed something was a miss with you and decided he needed to check in.
“Hi Miss Y/L/N I was just wondering if your okay you seem very distracted this week, I mean normally you laugh at all my jokes but you haven’t even laughed at one, I’ll admit some weren’t that funny, but I thought a few were pretty good” Dustin rambled standing in the doorway of your classroom
“I’m fine Dustin just some adult drama you don’t need to worry about” You smiled at the curly haired boy
“Is it to do with Steve?” Dustin pushed “Cause his like my best friend I can talk to him if you like”
“No it’s not Steve, but thank you Dustin”
“Well the offers there, see you next week Miss” Dustin smiled walking away
“See you next week” You smiled
You finished packing up your desk glad it was Friday and walk out to your car. In the parking lot you found Dustin, Lucas, Will and Mike goofing around with Eddie who looked like he was picking the boys up from school probably to go play Dungeons and Dragons. You wanted to hurry to your car to avoid being spotted by him. But you stared in the boys direction just a little too long. Eddie looked up from loading the boys into the back of his van just long enough to see you watching. He said something to the boys that you were too far away to hear before jogging over to you. You froze in place, wanting to run but your feet not allowing you to.
“Hi” Eddie smiled coming to a stop in front of you
“Hi Eddie” You gave a small smile back
“Uh oh someones not happy, kids give you hell?” Eddie chuckled
“Eddie” You looked to the ground “I…”
“Y/n whats the matter?” Eddie became serious
“I’m so sorry” You whispered
“What was that?” Eddie asked placing a hand on your elbow “I didn’t quite catch that”
“I’m sorry” You looked up at him
“Sorry? For what?” Eddies face was filled with worry and concern
“Last weekend…I loved our date I really did but I also went on a few other dates and now I don’t know what to do, I messed up and I don’t know what I’m suppose to do, I’m so sorry Eddie” You rambled a few tears escaping to run down your face
“Jesus H. Christ” Eddie turned away from you running a hand through his hair “How many other dates?” Eddie asked still facing away from you eyes closed
“4”
“4!” Eddie shouted turning to face you as he did “4 fucking dates and you didn’t think to at least have the decency to tell me”
“I wanted to but I was scared of this” You said
“Look I’m sorry” Eddie tried to calm down “I just thought a girl finally might give Eddie ‘The Freak’ Munson a chance, I guess not”
Eddie stormed off back to his van while you stood in the parking lot and sobbed. You really had fucked up. You needed someone to comfort you right in that moment but at the same time you didn’t really know anyone here. You hoped into your car and decided to go find the one person you had been honest with right from the start. You drove the busy after school streets all the way to Family Video knowing today being Friday that Steve would be working. You walked in the doors looking immediately to the counter for Steve. But he wasn’t there. You began looking down the aisles hoping Steve was just out the back and would be back out soon. A woman you knew to be Robin soon came from out the back having heard the door chime.
“If your looking for Steve his not here” Robin walked over placing a few DVDs on the shelf.
“Is he home sick?” You asked
“I honestly have no clue. Mr Perfect called to take the week off for family reasons” Robin scoffed “Like we all don’t know his parents are rarely ever home and his never mentioned any other family”
“Oh okay well thank you Robin I guess I’ll be going” You managed a smile heading for the door
“If you see the dingus tell him he owes me for working all his shifts” Robin said
“I will” you chuckled
You made your way back to your car and began driving mindlessly around town. You had no clue what to do, no idea where to go. A small piece of you wanted to drive to Steves but you didn’t want to be a burden on him. You drove and debated with yourself on if you should go to Steves or not. It would seem that your unconscious mind made that decision for you because before you could process where you were driving you found yourself in front of Steves. You would have kept driving if it wasn’t for the fact that Steve was sitting on the front step having a smoke. He stood up and waved at you. You silently cursed as you pulled up in front of Steves house. You braced yourself and climbed out of your car and walked towards Steve. At some point between your car and Steve you had begun to shake. By the time you got to Steve you were completely sobbing. Steve pulled you into his arms, gently shushing you and rubbing small circles into your back.
You stayed like that for quite a while before you were able to compose yourself enough to move away from Steve. He guided you into his house, leading you to his lounge room where he had you sit on the lounge while he fetched you something to drink. Part of him was glad you had come to him, yet part of him was scared you where only here to tell him you had picked someone else over him. He came back into the lounge room carrying a glass of water which he handed off to you. Steve sat silently by your side as you sipped at your glass of water waiting for you to speak when you were ready.
“I think I really fucked up” You said after a short but comfortable silence
“Well you don’t say” Steve gave a small smile “What happened?”
“I told Eddie everything” You sighed
“Only Eddie?” Steve questioned
“Yep and given how he reacted I’m not sure I could tell anyone else”
“How did he reacted?” Steve asked
“He snapped at me, he screamed at me, he was very angry”
“Honestly knowing Eddie I’m not at all surprised that that’s how he choose to act”
“What am I suppose to do Steve?” You asked
“I can’t answer that I’m afraid, it’s your choice” Steve sighed running a hand through his hair
“I can’t make a choice Steve, I don’t know even know what I want but it certainly wasn’t this”
You began to sob, dropping your head into your hands. Steve pulled you into his arms. You rested your head on his chest while he rested his chin gently on top of your head. He began to rock the both of you slowly. He truly felt bad for you but at the same time he wanted to be selfish and tell you not to worry about the others and just choose him. But he knew he couldn’t do that, it wasn’t his choice to make. During Steve’s inner turmoil he missed the slowing and evening out of your breathing and the occasional hiccups you made. It wasn’t until he went to ask you if you wanted him to cook you both some dinner that he realised you had fallen asleep. The stress and panic had finally worn you down and you had passed out in the safety of Steves arms. Not wanting to wake you Steve pulled you onto his lap and stood up. He carried you upstairs to his room and place you on his bed. As he went to stand up you clung to his shirt as if he was your life line, your safety net to the situation you found yourself in. Steve tried several times albeit not very hard to get away from you. When he realised he wasn’t getting away from you he moved you further across his bed before joining you. He made a silent prayer to whatever possessed him to wear sweatpants instead of his normal tight jeans before pulling you close to him and falling asleep himself.
The next morning you woke up when sunlight filtered though a nearby window hitting you in your face. You blinked taking in the plaid walls and matching plaid curtains. You started to internally panic, how had you ended up in Steves bed? If you fell asleep why didn’t he just wake you? Better yet why was Steve holding you in his arms. You tried to keep your breathing calm as you attempted to free yourself from Steves arms. You placed a hand on Steves wrist that was currently draped over your waist and tried to slowly lift his arm up. You managed to successfully move his arm from your waist but as you went to move his arm to the bed you lost your grip. Steves arm came down on the bed with a thump startling the man awake. He groaned and you froze. Steve brought his arm up to his face and rubbed his eyes before looking at you. He gave you a half awake smile. In that moment something happened you weren’t quite expecting. Your heart started to race and you couldn’t help but smiled back.
“Morning” Steve yawned
“Good morning, uh, why am I in your bed?”
“Well I didn’t want to wake you up or risk you trying to drive home with how upset you were” Steve shrugged
“Okay and why are you in your bed with me?”
“That would be your fault” Steve smirked poking your nose “You refused to let me go so I had no choice but to stay, I was going to be a gentle man sleep on the floor again”
You started laughing at the absurdity of it all and pulled Steve’s blankets over your face. Steve quickly pulled the entire blanket away from you wrapping himself up like a burrito in the process. He gave you a big goofy grin from inside his burrito causing you to laugh even harder at the man.
“And this is for being the worlds worst blanket hog” Steve got out between his own laughter
Steve unwrapped himself before holding out a hand to you. You gladly accepted it. Steve pulled you from his bed and guided you down stairs to the kitchen where you took a seat at the kitchen island. Steve began running around the kitchen making you both a simple breakfast of bacon and eggs. He poured you a glass of orange juice which you took with a thank you. You sat in relative silence and watched the man work hard on making you both what your sure from previous experience would be an excellent breakfast. At one point Steve spilt some oil on the floor, waved it off and then almost immediately slipped on it. He landed with a thud directly on his butt. You couldn’t help but laugh at him even if he did seem a little mean. Steve quickly stood up and gave you the most over exaggerated look of betrayal. You tried to apologise between laughs but Steve just waved his arm around while saying he would never be able to forgive you. All in good fun of course no actual feelings where hurt. You found yourself deep in thought as Steve finished cooking the bacon and plating breakfast. Steve placed the plate of now ready bacon eggs in front of you. He took a seat beside you and began eating his breakfast. This seemed to bring you out of your head and cause you to start eating for your own food in response.
“So I feel like we need to talk about this situation” Steve said after taking a bite of a piece of bacon and swinging it around in the air
“Uh we’re two adults eating breakfast what is there to discuss?” You tried to avoid what you knew was coming “No y/n I mean this situation you’ve found yourself in” Steve sighed
“I really don’t know what to do” You sighed
“You can’t just avoid everyone forever”
“I’m not avoiding you”
“Y/n no that’s” Steve groaned in frustration
“What do you expected me to do Steve I screwed myself over is that what you want to hear?” You sighed
“You can say that again” Steve sighed “Look I can’t tell you what to do or who to choose and yes I know its hard and it would be easier if I made the decision for you but it doesn’t work that way I’m afraid”
“Can I just have today and then I’ll make my decision tomorrow?” You asked
“Sure but I’m going to subject you to the worst romantic comedies I can find” Steve smirked moving to put his plate in the sink
After breakfast was finished the two of you moved to the lounge room where Steve quickly picked out Grease as the first of your movies. You settled down on the lounge while Steve went to get snacks and drinks. By the time he came back Danny and Sandy where in the middle of singing about summer love. You had left some space between you and Steve so as not to create any awkward situations. As the movie played on you could feel Steve looking at you. You turned to look at him and he quickly looked away. You shrugged it off and went back to the movie. Several more times during the movie you could feel Steves eyes on you but anytime you looked to him he would be back looking at the movie. Steve even started singing along to the movie at some point. Then as the final number started Steve stood to dance around.
“Come on y/n join me” Steve smiled grabbing your hand pulling you up from the lounge
Steve spun you around while you laughed your way through the song. As the song and the movie came to its close you found yourself in Steves arms smiling from ear to ear and trying to catch your breath. This was the man you wanted to began with. The guy you had basically been crushing on since you got to Hawkins. Would you really be happy with someone else knowing you never gave him the chance? You didn’t want him to be the one who got away.
“Steve I made my choice” You said
“Really? I thought you were going to wait until tomorrow?” He said getting nervous
“I was but I changed my mind” You shrugged
“Okay well what have you decided”
Rather then giving Steve an answer you grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him into a kiss. He was shocked at first but soon settled into the kiss. He wrapped his arms around your waist and pulled you flush against him. Your arms wrapped around his neck. You smiled into the kiss. He stole your breath away just like the first time you’d kissed. You pulled apart for air resting your forehead against his. This felt right. Steve felt right.
“So this mean your choosing me?” Steve asked
“No doy” you giggled
Sorry for disappearing. 2025 has been the worse year for me ever. First I get badly burnt at work, then I get cut back to 3 hours a week at work, then I had a mental breakdown and wanted to end it all from all the threats, and abuse from my now ex-in-laws, then I ended my relationship of tens years so he stole my computer.
Any who, I'm back, I got myself a new computer, but prepare for the worst, lovey dovey, sloppy stories to come out of this. The plan at the moment is:
SHLL second last chapter
SHLL last chapter
Objection Part 12
How NOT To Start a Relationship part 1
Its All So Wrong Yet So Right part 1
9-1-Scream part 1
Out side of those there is no plan. We're taking a walk on the wild side and winging it.
i'm having so much fun
Objection! Part 10
Rafael Barba x fem!Carisi!reader
4.7k word count
Summary All you wanted was to be a lawyer like your big brother Sonny. So what happens when you get a job working under the famous ADA Rafael Barba
slow-burn, colleague to friends to lovers
Previous Chapter / Next Chapter
The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor was the only sound in the dim hospital room. I sat still, my fingers laced together, resting on my lap. The chair was stiff and uncomfortable, but I didn’t care. I wasn’t leaving. Not now. Not until she woke up.
Y/N looked so small in the hospital bed, her face pale against the stark white sheets. I had braced myself for bruises, for some visible proof of the nightmare she had been through, but there was nothing—just the eerie stillness that came from the drugs still lingering in her system. The doctors had assured us she would wake up soon, but every passing minute felt like an eternity.
Sonny had been the one asking the doctors all the right questions, demanding more when vague reassurances weren’t enough. I had stayed quiet, letting him take the lead. It wasn’t my place to interfere. I had no right to claim any authority over her—not in Sonny’s eyes, not even in my own. It was enough that he had let me stay.
Olivia had come and gone, updating us on Marco’s arrest. He was locked away in Attica with no bail. That should have given me some peace, but then she mentioned Jack McCoy bringing in Peter Stone to handle the case. Anger had flared in my chest at the thought of being sidelined, but Olivia had shut it down quickly. You’re too close to this, Rafael. You were his main target, he used her to get to you. And deep down, I knew she was right.
Now, the room was silent again. Visiting hours had passed, and Sonny had reluctantly gone home to shower and eat. He had promised to be back soon, but I barely registered his departure.
Alone with Y/N, I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the edge of her bed. My eyes traced every familiar feature—the curve of her lips, the way her eyelashes cast soft shadows on her cheeks, the steady rise and fall of her chest.
I swallowed hard, gripping the blanket as I exhaled shakily. “You scared the hell out of me,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
She didn’t stir.
A humourless chuckle escaped me as I ran a tired hand down my face. “I should have told you,” I said, my voice rough with exhaustion. “I should have told you a long time ago. But I was a coward. I told myself it was better this way—that you deserved something simple, someone who wouldn’t complicate your life. Dios soy un idiota” (God I’m an idiot)
I shook my head, my jaw tightening. “But I love you.” The words felt heavy, like they had been waiting too long to be spoken. “I have for a long time. And I will protect you, from this day forward, even if you never hear me say this.”
Hesitantly, I reached out, letting my fingers brush over the back of her hand. She was warm. Alive. And that was the only thing that mattered.
I stayed like that, my hand resting over hers, as the hours stretched on.
Sonny was so quiet when he came back that his voice startled me, making me jerk back from Y/N’s bedside like a guilty teenager caught sneaking out. My heart pounded as I turned toward him, but there was no anger on his face, no judgment. Just quiet understanding.
He sighed, settling back into the chair across from me. “Relax, Barba. I’m not gonna yell at you.”
I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to unclench my fists. After a brief hesitation, I reached for Y/N’s hand again, letting my fingers curl around hers. Sonny watched but didn’t say anything at first, just resting his elbows on his knees as he studied me.
Then, after a long pause, he asked, “When did you realize it?”
I frowned. “Realize what?”
“That you love her.”
The question caught me off guard. I opened my mouth, then closed it again, trying to gather my thoughts. When had I realized it? Had it been all at once, some grand revelation? Or had it crept up on me over time, settling into my bones before I even understood it was there?
Sonny must have seen the conflict on my face because he kept going. “Why her? And why the hell didn’t you tell her?”
I let out a heavy breath, running a hand over my face. “Because I was afraid,” I admitted. “Because she deserves better than someone like me—someone who lives in a courtroom, who puts work before everything, who ruins every relationship he’s ever had.”
Sonny scoffed. “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”
I shot him a look, but he only leaned back in his chair, shaking his head. “Look, I get it. You think you’re protecting her. But you’re wrong. You think Y/N doesn’t know who you are? That she hasn’t already decided you’re worth it?”
His words settled deep, but before I could respond, he smirked. “You know, we had a bet going. Well Finn, Amanda and Nick did I wanted no part of it.”
I blinked. “A bet?”
Sonny chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah. Back in the squad room, her second day working with you. Finn, Amanda, and Amaro—they all bet on how long it would take before you two figured it out.”
My stomach twisted. “Figured what out?”
“That you were in love with each other.”
The air felt too thick in my lungs. “You’re joking.”
Sonny grinned. “Wish I was. Amaro said a month. Amanda gave it three. Finn? He was the only one who said it’d take over a year. He figured you’d be stubborn about it.” He paused, tilting his head. “Looks like he was right.”
I let out a quiet laugh, though it was more disbelief than amusement. “And Y/N?” I asked cautiously. “What did she say about all this?”
Sonny’s smirk softened. “She never denied it, Barba. Never. If anything, she just got flustered whenever we brought it up.” He leaned forward, lowering his voice. “She loves you, man. I know it. Even if I don’t want to believe it.”
I swallowed hard, my grip tightening around Y/N’s hand.
I wanted to believe him. God, I needed to believe him. But right now, all that mattered was her waking up.
And when she did, I had no intention of letting another second slip by.
Sonny asked me again, his voice quieter this time. “When did you realize it?”
I exhaled slowly, staring down at Y/N’s hand in mine. The steady rhythm of the heart monitor filled the silence between us, a reminder that she was still here, still fighting her way back to us.
“I don’t know,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “It wasn’t some grand moment of clarity. It wasn’t like the movies where everything suddenly clicks into place. It just… built up over time.”
Sonny didn’t interrupt, just watched me, waiting.
“I think—” I hesitated, struggling to put the weight of my feelings into words. “I think I was already in love with her before I even realized it. It wasn’t one thing. It was a hundred little things. The way she argued with me but always listened. The way she laughed when she thought no one was paying attention. How she never backed down, even when she was scared.”
I let out a quiet, bitter chuckle. “By the time I understood what I was feeling, it was too late. I was already gone.”
Sonny nodded slowly, as if he’d expected that answer. “So what are you gonna do about it?”
I looked at Y/N’s face—still, peaceful, but too pale under the harsh hospital lighting.
“I’m going to tell her,” I said firmly. “As soon as she wakes up, I’m telling her everything.”
Sonny huffed a laugh. “About damn time. But I’m telling you now. You hurt her, you put her in harms away again I will make sure you pay.”
…
Sonny and I must have dozed off at some point, exhaustion finally catching up to us despite the uncomfortable hospital chairs. The steady beeping of the monitors and the low hum of the hospital had lulled us into a restless sleep.
Then, a soft whimper broke through the quiet.
My eyes snapped open, my body jolting upright as I turned toward the bed. Y/N shifted slightly, her face contorted in distress. Sonny was already moving, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as we both surged to our feet, leaning over her.
“Hey, hey, you’re okay,” I said quickly, my voice thick with sleep but urgent with reassurance.
“Y/N, it’s me,” Sonny added, his hand resting gently on her arm. “You’re safe. We got you.”
Her glassy eyes darted between us, blinking rapidly as if trying to piece together where she was, what had happened. Then, as realization hit, her entire face crumpled.
A choked sob escaped her lips, and before I could say anything else, she broke down completely.
Tears spilled over her cheeks as she clutched at the thin hospital blanket, her body shaking with the force of her emotions. Sonny immediately reached for her hand, murmuring reassurances, while I felt frozen in place, my chest tightening at the sight of her like this.
She was here. She was alive. But she was hurting.
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to push past the lump in my throat. I reached out hesitantly, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. “You’re safe now,” I whispered. “I swear.”
She didn’t say anything, just squeezed both our hands so tightly it was as if she was grounding herself in our presence. And in that moment, nothing else mattered.
…
Y/N's P.O.V
When I finally felt steady enough to breathe without sobbing, I forced myself to look up. My eyes flickered between Sonny and Rafael, both of them hovering over me, their faces drawn with worry. My heart was still racing, my body trembling, but their hands in mine were real, solid. I wasn’t alone.
I swallowed hard, my throat raw. “What… what did Marco do to me?” My voice cracked, and I hated how small I sounded.
Sonny and Rafael exchanged a glance—one of those silent conversations that spoke volumes. It made my stomach twist.
“Y/N,” Rafael started gently, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. “He drugged you. Knocked you out before you could fight back.”
I sucked in a shaky breath. That explained the fog in my head, the exhaustion weighing me down like an anchor.
“He hid you beneath the docks at Coney Island,” Sonny added, his voice tight, like he was still holding back his anger. “Left you there to drown when the tide came in.”
My stomach turned violently, nausea clawing its way up my throat. The idea of being trapped, helpless, slowly swallowed by the ocean—God.
“But he didn’t—” My voice broke, and I forced myself to meet their eyes. “He didn’t hurt me? In any other way?”
Rafael’s grip on my hand tightened. “No,” he said firmly.
I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, my body sagging against the pillows. My hands were still shaking, but at least now, I knew. I wasn’t sure if that made it better or worse.
A beat of silence passed before I whispered, “I was so scared.”
Sonny let out a shaky breath and reached up, smoothing my hair back like he used to when we were kids. “I know,” he murmured. “But you don’t have to be anymore.”
I turned my gaze to Rafael. His jaw was clenched, his eyes dark with something I couldn’t quite name. Guilt? Regret? Maybe both.
“You saved me,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
“We weren’t going to let anything happen to you,” Rafael said, his voice thick with emotion.
I squeezed their hands again, grounding myself in their presence. I was safe. I took a shaky breath, letting their words settle, but one more question burned at the back of my mind. My fingers tightened around Rafael’s hand as I turned my gaze between them. “Where is he?” My voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper.
They didn’t have to ask who I meant.
“Locked up,” Sonny said immediately, his voice firm and sure. “Attica. No bail. He’s not getting out, Y/N.”
I let that sink in. Marco was gone. He couldn’t hurt me anymore. The fear still sat heavy in my chest, but it wasn’t as suffocating as before.
Sonny must have noticed the exhaustion weighing on me because he gave me a small, reassuring smile and leaned down, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Get some rest, okay? We’ll be back in the morning.”
I frowned slightly, not wanting them to go just yet. But before I could say anything, Sonny smirked and added, “Not like we’ll have much of a choice. No doubt the whole squad will be here first thing.”
Despite everything, I let out a small, tired laugh. “And Ma?”
“Oh, don’t even get me started,” Sonny groaned. “I basically had to threaten to drive to Staten Island and take Ma’s car keys to keep her from driving up here tonight. And I’m sure by now she’s called our sisters and probably Dad, too.”
I sighed, a small smile tugging at my lips. “So, basically, I should expect an invasion first thing in the morning.”
Sonny grinned. “Oh yeah. Prepare yourself.”
Rafael squeezed my hand gently. “Get some sleep, querida. We’ll be back soon.”
I nodded, the weight of everything finally settling into my bones. As I let my eyes slip shut, I felt their presence beside me, steady and unwavering.
…
By the time breakfast arrived, I was feeling a little more like myself. The woman who brought in the tray of food gave me a warm smile, setting it down gently, and not long after, a nurse came in to check my vitals and draw some blood, to make sure the drugs where clearing my system she said. She assured me everything was looking good and that I just needed to rest.
Once she left, I sighed, settling back against the pillows. The food wasn’t great, but I forced myself to eat it, knowing I needed the energy. I had just pushed the tray aside when the scent hit me.
Cannoli.
Fresh, homemade cannoli.
I barely had time to brace myself before the door burst open, the sound of hurried footsteps and overlapping voices filling the room. Sonny strode in first, his expression tense but relieved, followed closely by Ma, our sisters, and Mia, who was practically bouncing with excitement. The second Ma laid eyes on me, she let out a dramatic gasp, her hands flying up as if she’d just seen a ghost.
"Oh, tesoro mio!"she cried, rushing forward like a woman on a mission.
I barely had time to react before she was on me, cupping my face between her warm hands, her sharp eyes scanning me up and down like she was expecting to find some horrible injury the doctors had somehow missed. She turned my head left, then right, then smoothed my hair down as if that would somehow fix everything.
Then, with a dramatic shake of her head, she declared, "This—this is why you shouldn’t be doing a man’s job!"
I groaned internally. Here we go.
"Ma—" I started, but she wasn’t finished.
"I told you, didn’t I? I told you!" She threw her hands in the air, as if pleading with the heavens. "You should be a nurse! Or a teacher! Something safe! Or better yet, find a nice, wealthy man to take care of you!"
Sonny groaned, rubbing his temples like this was a conversation they’d had one too many times before. "Ma, not now."
But she wasn’t listening to him. She never listened when she was on a roll.
"You look pale! You need to eat!" she announced, already rummaging through the oversized purse slung over her shoulder. Within seconds, she pulled out a foil-wrapped container, peeling back the layers with the precision of someone who had done this a thousand times before. The rich, sweet scent of fresh cannoli filled the air, and before I knew it, she was shoving one toward my face.
"Here. Eat, eat!" she insisted, her voice leaving no room for argument.
I huffed a laugh despite myself, shaking my head. "Ma, I—"
"No arguing!" she interrupted, eyes narrowing in warning. "You need to keep your strength up, poverina!"
Mia, who had climbed up onto the edge of my hospital bed with all the grace of an energetic seventeen-year-old, giggled at the scene unfolding before her. "You might as well just take it," she said with a knowing grin. "Nonna’s not gonna let up until you do."
I shot Sonny a desperate look, silently pleading for help, but he just smirked and shrugged like I was on my own. Traitor.
Defeated, I took the cannoli from Ma’s expectant hands and bit into it. The crispy shell cracked slightly under the pressure, giving way to the creamy ricotta filling, rich with hints of vanilla and citrus, and the perfect touch of chocolate. It was heaven.
I sighed, closing my eyes for a brief moment, savoring the familiar taste of home. When I looked back up, Ma was beaming like she had just personally saved my life.
"See? Much better!" she declared, crossing her arms in satisfaction.
I rolled my eyes, but deep down, I couldn’t help the warmth that spread through my chest. The chaos, the fussing, the smothering concern—it was all so familiar, so them. No matter what had happened, no matter how close I had come to losing everything, I knew this much was true.
I was safe. I was loved.
Shortly after, the door swung open again, and in came Olivia, Amanda, Finn, Amaro, and Rafael, all armed with balloons and flowers. The room was already crowded with my family, but somehow, they all managed to squeeze in.
"You guys didn’t have to come," I said, shaking my head. "As soon as the doctors confirm the drugs are out of my system, I’ll be on my way home anyway."
The room was already a whirlwind of noise and movement, but in the middle of it all, I caught a flicker of something on Rafael’s face—concern, hesitation, like there was something on his mind he wasn’t saying. But before I could dwell on it, a strangled noise cut through the chatter.
Amanda.
Her face scrunched up in clear discomfort, her nose wrinkling as she fought off what looked like a serious wave of nausea.
I glanced at her, then down at the half-eaten cannoli in my hand. My mind connected the dots in an instant, and my eyes widened as realization hit me like a freight train.
"Amanda," I said slowly, my lips already curling into a knowing grin. "Are you pregnant?"
She hesitated just for a second, her expression unreadable, before a smirk—one I knew all too well—spread across her face. Then, she nodded.
Chaos. Absolute, immediate chaos.
Olivia gasped, her eyes lighting up. Finn clapped Amanda on the back with a proud laugh, while Amaro’s face split into a grin, giving her one of those quiet, brotherly nods of approval.
Sonny, standing just beside me, froze.
For the briefest moment, barely a heartbeat, I saw something flicker across his face. A look of heartbreak—raw, aching, there and gone in an instant.
Then, just as quickly, it was buried. He pulled himself together, pasted on a grin, and jumped straight into interrogation mode. "Does the baby’s father know yet?" he asked, folding his arms like he was about to personally hunt the guy down if the answer was anything less than satisfactory.
Meanwhile, Ma had her hands over her heart, already launching into a passionate speech about the joys and struggles of motherhood, rattling off old family sayings and promising Amanda she would never sleep the same again.
I just sat there, watching the chaos unfold with a wide grin as Amanda rolled her eyes at all the attention.
"That explains the face you made when you smelled the cannoli," I teased, nudging her playfully.
She groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Don’t even talk about it. Just the thought makes me want to hurl."
I laughed, the sound bubbling up from somewhere deep in my chest, warm and unburdened.
For the first time since everything had happened—since the fear, the uncertainty, the pain—I felt it.
A moment of pure, simple joy.
And after everything, that was exactly what I needed.
…
Rafael’s P.O.V
As the celebration continued, I pulled Sonny aside, lowering my voice so the others wouldn’t hear.
"Give me your keys," I said.
Sonny frowned. "Why?"
"I want to clean up Y/N’s room if you haven’t already," I admitted. "After everything, she should come home to something… normal."
Sonny let out a short laugh, shaking his head as he fished the keys from his pocket. "Just stay out of her underwear drawer, Barba," he teased, handing them over.
I rolled my eyes but took the keys without another word.
The drive to Sonny’s place was quiet, giving me too much time alone with my thoughts. When I finally arrived, I let myself in and made my way to Y/N’s room. The mess was worse than I remembered—clothes scattered, books out of place, the bed unmade from the last time she slept in it. We had torn through everything, desperate for any clue that could’ve led us to her.
I sighed, rolling up my sleeves, and got to work.
I made her bed, smoothing out the sheets with deliberate care. The fabric was slightly rumpled from where we’d torn through the room in our desperate search for answers, but I pulled the blankets tight, tucking them in. I fluffed her pillows, setting them neatly at the head of the bed, making sure everything looked just right—just hoping it was how she liked it.
It struck me then, standing there in the quiet, how little I actually knew about the details of her life. I knew her wit, her fire, the way she held her own in an argument, how she carried herself with an unshakable confidence even when the odds were stacked against her. But this—this space, the things she surrounded herself with—felt like a different kind of intimacy. One I had never really considered before.
My eyes landed on a small, worn plush toy resting on the floor near the nightstand. A chinchilla—of all things. Its fur was faded in places, one ear slightly bent in a way that suggested it had been held tightly, repeatedly, over the years. I crouched down, picking it up carefully. It was soft, delicate, clearly a childhood favorite. I wondered if it had been a gift, or if she had picked it out herself as a kid. Did she still reach for it when she had nightmares? When the weight of the job got too heavy?
I brushed off a bit of dust before placing it gently on her bed, tucking it against her pillow. It felt like putting a piece of her back where it belonged.
Turning my focused on the clothes strewn across the room—crumpled on the floor, draped over the chair by her desk, kicked halfway under the bed. I gathered them up, sorting them into piles: shirts, pants, underthings. I hesitated over a worn Backstreet Boys sweatshirt before folding it carefully. Had she been a fan? I didn’t even know what music she liked, who her faviroute artist was. That realization sat uncomfortably in my chest.
I bundled the laundry into a basket and carried it down to the building’s laundry room, starting a wash cycle before leaning against the machine. The rhythmic hum filled the silence, but it didn’t quiet my thoughts.
When I returned to her room, my gaze fell on her bookshelves—four of them, floor-to-ceiling, overflowing with books that had been thrown into disarray. Some were lying sideways, others stacked hastily, their usual order ruined. I had seen her collection at the office, had watched her run a finger along the spines as she searched for a title, but I had never really looked at them.
I ran my fingers over the covers as I picked them up, flipping them over to scan the summaries. Classic literature. True crime. Philosophy. A few well-worn romance novels that looked like they had been read and reread a dozen times. That caught me off guard. Did she believe in love stories? I had never thought to ask.
I placed each book back in its rightful place, aligning them carefully. I had assumed she organized them alphabetically because that was how she did it at work, but now I wasn’t so sure. Maybe it wasn’t about efficiency. Maybe it was about control. About having something in her life that stayed exactly the way she put it.
Her desk drew my attention, torn apart by Sonny. Papers scattered across the surface, notes scribbled in the margins of case files. A half-finished crossword puzzle. Pens rolling near the edge. A mug—long since emptied—sitting precariously close to toppling over. I reached for it, turning it in my hands. The logo was faded, the words barely visible. A souvenir from a vacation? A gift?I set it back down, wiping the desk clean.
I had spent years working beside her, but in this moment, surrounded by the details of her life, I realized how little I actually knew her. Not just the Y/N I argued next to in court, not the ADA who fought tooth and nail for justice, but the woman who curled up with old paperbacks, who kept a childhood stuffed animal on her bed, who left crossword puzzles unfinished.
By the time I retrieved her laundry and started folding, the room looked untouched, like the chaos of the last few days had never happened. But in my chest, something had shifted.
And that was when the front door opened.
I froze. Footsteps echoed across the living room, and before I could react, Y/N stepped into the room.
She stopped short, her eyes scanning the room before landing on me. Confusion flickered across her face before realization set in.
I swallowed, guilt washing over me.
"I—" I hesitated, then exhaled. "I’m sorry. We tore your room apart looking for clues during Marco’s sick scavenger hunt. I just… I wanted to fix it."
Y/N looked at me for a long moment before stepping fully into the room. She didn’t say anything right away, just glanced around, taking in every carefully placed item, every straightened surface.
Then, finally, she met my eyes.
"Thank you," she said softly.
Y/N sighed, leaning against the doorframe as she watched me fold the last of her laundry. "Before I left the hospital, Stone stopped by," she said, her voice quieter than before. "He wanted to check in… and let me know he’d need a victim statement from me."
She said the word like it didn’t quite belong to her, like it tasted wrong in her mouth. I saw the way her fingers curled into her sleeves, the tension in her shoulders.
I set the folded shirt down and straightened, meeting her eyes. "I know," I said gently. "He spoke to me too. He wants my statement tomorrow."
Her brow furrowed slightly. "Why?"
"Because I’m a victim too," I admitted. "Not in the same way as you, but Marco dragged me into this just as much as he did you. He already got Liv’s statement, along with Finn, Amanda and Amaro. It’s just you, me, and Sonny left."
She let out a slow breath, nodding. "Right."
I hesitated before taking a step closer. "Y/N… you don’t have to do this alone. If you want, I can be there when you talk to Stone."
She studied me for a moment, and I wasn’t sure if she would accept or push me away. But then, her lips quirked just slightly, a ghost of a smile.
"Thanks, Rafael," she murmured. "I might take you up on that."
@geeksareunique @pinkladydevotee @pumpkindwight @chriskevinevans @svzwriting29
50 Ways To Say Goodbye
911 x fem!reader
5k word count
Summary The 911 helps you escape your abusive ex but in true 118 dumb, dumb stile they create a bigger problem that Athena has to fix.
fluff, idiots
Warnings mention and description of death, domestic abuse and self-harm.
Note: I've been working on the next part of The Dating Oddessey while listening to some music. 50 Ways To Say Goodbye by Train came on and gave me this idea. Didn't quite turn out how I wanted but its still pretty funny. Also you could take this to mean either Eddie or Buck has feelings for you. Not how I intended it but it's how it came out.
...
Today you had finally done it. You had finally worked up the courage to break up with your horrible excuse for a human ex Bradley. You made sure to break up with him while he was working so you had witnesses. The last thing you needed was him gaslighting you back into the relationship like last time. With witnesses, it was harder for him to say the breakup never happened.
Today had been planned out for weeks. Your best friends, Eddie and Buck, had been helping you slowly remove your stuff from his house for the last month and taking it to your Dad's place. You did have much, after all, Bradley didn’t allow you to have much. He had to control everything from the furniture to the decorations and even the food kept in the house.
Outside Bradley's workplace Buck and Eddie were waiting for you in Eddie's truck. Your Dad, Bobby, was their boss and had given them the day off to play bodyguard for you. When you walked out the front door with Bradley storming after you both boys were fast to jump out of the truck and jog towards you. Eddie wasn’t going to let him hurt you anymore and Buck didn’t want what happened to his sister Maddie to happen to you for that reason Eddie had hidden a lot of what Bradley had done to you from all your friends and even your Dad. Eddies had been the house you would hide in for days at a time while waiting for bruises to heal. Eddie had been the person to give you that final push you needed to leave.
“What if next time he kills you y/n? Did you think of that?” Eddie slammed his fist onto his kitchen counter as you held a bag of frozen peas to your soon-to-be black eye. “Do you have any idea what that would do to me? To Chris? Hell, think about your father and Athena. The rest of our friends. We all love you y/n and yet you keep allowing yourself to be treated like shit. You know what if you're going to go back to him this time then I don’t want you in my house, take your things and leave” Eddie had left the kitchen, leaving you standing there shocked to your core. It scared you. More than the beatings. You didn’t want to lose Eddie as your friend, you didn’t want to hurt him or Chris, your family, your friends. Eddie was right enough was enough.
After that night you had come clean with everyone about what was happening. Athena was quick to offer up their spare room for you and Bobby wouldn’t take no for an answer. Eddie and Maddie had to keep Buck distracted at all times until your items were moved out of Bradley's house because he threatened to kill the guy if he laid eyes on him. So when Buck and Eddie saw him coming up fast behind you screaming at you Eddie made sure to direct Buck to get you out of the way. Buck was quick to slide an arm around your waist and guide you quickly to Eddie's truck. Eddie blocked Bradley from coming any closer to you. You couldn’t hear what was said between the two of them but whatever Eddie said had Bradley ducking back into his building quickly. Eddie waited until the building doors closed behind Bradley before walking back to the truck. He didn’t speak once he started the truck nor did he speak for the entire trip to your Dads. His white knuckles gripped the steering wheel the whole drive there. Their conversation was something that had pissed him off. Once at your Dad's, you excused yourself to go lay down. The day had left you physically and mentally exhausted.
“It’s okay baby you go rest, your Dad wants to cook you something special for dinner so I’ll come get you when his home and cooking, okay” Athena gave you a loving smile.
You made your way to the spare room and quickly made yourself comfortable on the bed. As you lay there you could hear Athena talking with Buck and Eddie.
“She’ll be safe here, trust me if that guy comes anywhere near this house he can consider himself arrested” Athena said
“How long does it take for someone like him to just leave a person alone?” Buck asked
“Some give up after a few days, some a few weeks, months, years, some never quit” Athena sighed “But this guy I’d say as soon as he has a new target he’ll leave her alone”
“Athena…” Eddie was cut off by someone banging on the front door. Before anyone could move to open the door what could only be described as a stampede echoed through the house. Heavy boots took staircase steps 2 at a time until the fanfare came to an end in the kitchen where Athena, Eddie and Buck still stood in shock at the interruption. Stood before them in full uniform fresh from a call were Bobby, Chimney, Hen and Ravi.
“What in the world are you lot doing in my kitchen?” Athena asked frustration lacing her voice
“Did you get y/n?” Chimney ignored Athena looking straight at Eddie and Buck
“y/n is trying to rest which she won’t be able to do with you lot acting like a bunch of zoo animals” Athena crossed her arms over her chest looking at them all like a disappointed mother.
“So what's the plan from here how do we keep her ex from intimidating her back into a relationship with him” Hen asked keeping her voice just above a whisper partly to keep from disturbing y/n but mostly to appease Athena.
“Well, to start Maddie and I are going to take her out for the day tomorrow, take her mind off all this” Athena motioned around the room.
“Then starting the day after I’ve adjusted our rosters so someone can be here with her around the clock in case he shows up here” Bobby spoke up
“Unfortunately, someone here invited him over for dinner so he knows exactly where we live” Athena threw an accusatory look at Bobby.
“Maybe she should come to stay with me he has no idea where I live” Eddie offered up.
“No she’s safer here with Athena” Bobby said “Any sign of trouble and Athena can have the entire LAPD on our doorstep” Bobby smiled at Athena.
“A Mumma has to protect her babies” Athena smiled back at Bobby. “And besides, he knows all of us and he will likely stalk all of us to get to her”
“So what are we supposed to do just wait for him to lose interest” Buck spoke up frustrated with the situation “I mean you said it yourself Athena it could take years”
“Or days or weeks or months, the only guaranteed way to get rid of him quick is if y/n died, it’s the only way I’ve seen his type leave their victim alone for good” Athena said. The 118 shared a look, a look of mischief, of a united thought on how to get rid of this threat to their family. Athena knew immediately what they were thinking and quickly began shaking her head and looking between them.
“Don’t you even think about it” Athena pointed a stern finger at each person standing in her kitchen. “You’ll be causing more problems than what you’ll solve”
…
Despite Athena's warning the 118 decided as a family that if ‘the asshole’ as they affectionately dubbed him showed his face to any of them they would warn him to back off and if he wouldn’t listen they would tell him y/n was dead. It seemed like the perfect plan until it wasn’t.
The first person to meet him face to face was Chimney. It was 4 days after Eddie and Buck had taken you to live with Bobby and Athena. It was Eddie's day off. He had taken you out for lunch, then you picked Christopher up from school before heading back to Eddies to hang out. Eddie asked if you wanted to stay for dinner and a movie. Christopher who overheard the offer from where he sat in the dining room doing his homework practically begged you to stay. You called Athena to let her know you were going to be out late with Eddie and that he was going to drive you back when the movie ended. Christopher was old enough after all to stay home alone for the 20 minutes it would take Eddie to drop you home.
Because of this, it was Chimney who got stuck working late at the firehouse. He was the last to leave after finishing off all the small boring end-of-shift jobs like making sure all the dinner dishes were done and the ambulance restocked for the next shift. Bradley had been parked across the road from the station all day watching the team come and go. Your little stunt at his office had cost him his job. He was going to make you pay and he had all the time in the world to make it happen. He waited and counted off your friends as they left. He wanted to make sure that he followed the last person to leave because he knew if he risked following anyone else the rest of your friends would know and his plan would be ruined. He noticed after the first three calls of the shift that one of the guys he had seen you out the front of his office with wasn’t on shift today. He decided it was likely that guy's fault you left him. You’d probably been seeing him behind his back all along. He’d make him pay too. He counted them out one by one as they left the firehouse, first, it was the other guy he’d seen at his office and some Middle Eastern-looking dude. Then that black woman he’d seen you hang out with left. Next was your father. He almost forgot to wait to see him. He wanted to chase him down and run him over with his car but he held it together. He knew there was one more person left. The little Asian guy. When he hadn’t come out after 30 minutes he almost thought he went home earlier and he’d missed him. That was until Chimney walked out of the 118 firehouse almost 45 minutes after his shift had finished. He was talking away on his phone not paying attention to his surroundings creating the perfect situation for a stalker.
He followed Chimney from the firehouse to one of those 24-hour corner stores. He followed him in close behind, waiting until Chimney was alone in the back of the store. As luck would also have it there were no security cameras in sight. While Chimney was distracted looking at the small selection of diapers the store carried, he took his chance. Before Chimney could respond, he had grabbed him by the shoulder and had him pinned against the diaper shelves he was just looking at.
“Where is she?” He asked aggressively.
“Who?” Chimney asked shocked but trying to remain calm. He knew exactly who he wanted.
“Y/n” He held back from yelling in Chimney's face.
“Y/n? You…you mean you haven’t heard?” Chimney tried his best at putting on a distraught face even willing a few tears to fall.
“Heard what?” He loosed his grip on Chimney.
“I’m sorry man, she… she's dead” Chimney said softly trying to lace his voice with sadness.
“What no! What happened?” He aggressively slammed Chimney back against the shelves.
“The night Eddie and Buck picked her up from your place she slit her wrists in Bobby and Athena's bathroom” Chimney made himself sob.
Bradley shook his head in disbelief and ran from the shop. Once out of sight, Chimney let a massive grin break out on his face and he let out a proud chuckle. He grabbed diapers and practically skipped to the counter with them. He was so proud of himself and his lie. He knew if Bradley went looking to see if it was true he would see there had been a call out to Bobby and Athenas that night. It hadn’t been for you thought. Buck being the massive cluts that he is had managed to get his foot stuck in the bin beside the toilet while changing out a light bulb in the sconce above the sink which had stopped working while he was using the toilet. While trying to get the bin off his foot he slipped on the bath mat and fell smacking the back of his head with a loud yet hollow-sounding thunk on the sink, Luckly for Buck he has a thick skull and came out of it with a sore bum, ankle and head and a bruised ego. They still had him taken to the hospital because even though the injuries weren’t that bad he still needed to be cleared of any major head injury before returning to work.
…
2 days later by chance, he ran into Hen. It was her day off and she was about to come pick you up to go out to the movies but first, she had to run some errands. Bobby wanted to have a barbecue at his place to celebrate family and new beginnings. She was grabbing a few things to take with her when he spotted her. She was about to walk into the supermarket when he walked out. Seeing Hen he decided to take the chance to confirm what Chimney had told him. He grabbed Hen who was distracted by the shopping list on her phone and pulled her to the side of the door.
“What do you think you're doing? Get your hands off me!” Hen snapped.
“I’m sorry I just want to talk” He sighed.
“What do you want?” Hen asked crossing her arms over her chest,
“Is it true?” He asked.
“Is what true?” Hen asked.
“Is she dead?”
“I’m afraid so” Hen dropped her head.
“No, no it can’t be” He looked at the ground.
“If it means anything she didn’t suffer” Hen put a hand on his shoulder. When he looked up at her confused Hen was quick to drop her hand back by her side. “There was nothing anybody could do for her. I can assure you she died the second the car made contact with the semi, she wasn’t even aware of the fire”
“A car accident?” He stumbled backwards. He ran away from Hen and made his way into the parking lot. The groceries he had brought were abandoned on the ground. Hen passed a confused look to the parking lot, shrugged and continued with her day. She knew if he went looking he would find a two-vehicle collision between a truck and a car. Y/n was nowhere near the accident but the 118 had responded to the accident so if he looked it up he wouldn’t be able to accuse them of lying.
…
The very next day Ravi saw Bradley hanging out across the street watching the fire house. Ravi would have run off and grabbed Bobby but he was at home spending time with you. Ravi took a quick look around but couldn’t spot any other members of the 118 to alert. Ravi decided that he was going to have to do something about it himself. He jogged across the road and stood beside Bradley's car. He positioned himself in such a way that if anything should happen anyone watching on in the firehouse would be able to see both Ravi and Bradley in the car. Ravi through a look back at the firehouse and then turned his attention back to Bradley.
“Any reason you're watching the firehouse?” Ravi asked faking a smile trying to pretend that he didn’t know who the man in the car was. “Are you interested in working for the LAFD? I could get you some information if you want to come inside” Ravi motioned towards the firehouse with an outstretched hand.
“Oh no, I was just hoping someone could help me get some information on a friend” Bradley put a fake smile on his face.
“No problem sir if you want to come inside I can set you up in the captain's office and we can all have a couple of officers down to help you” Ravi never once let the smile on his face falter.
“I don’t want to be a bother” If he stepped foot in the firehouse he knew he would be recognised by the other members of the 118. “My friends' name is Y/n Nash I believe you know her, she’s the fire captain's daughter”
“Oh y/n, yeah I knew her, um the captain is actually off today, I guess you’re here for the funeral?” Ravi let his smile drop. He tucked his hands into his pockets, rocked back on his heels and looked at the ground. “I could get you the funeral details if you want”
“No, no it’s fine, when did she die? How did she die? I mean last time I saw her she was healthy, she seemed happy” Bradley knew he was baiting Ravi. He’d already been told two different things. Either your whole team was messing with him or you were messing with them. Either way, he was going to figure it out and track you down. And when he found you he was going to make you pay.
“Uh she…she was involved in a hit and run, Cap had to decide to turn off her life support. The doctors said she had almost no chance of recovery any way” Ravi looked up to the sky knowing if he looked Bradley in the eyes he might break and smile.
“I’m so sorry to hear that, I was just in town and thought I would stop in for a minute but I wouldn’t want to be a burden, pass my condolences on to Bobby” Bradley gave Ravi a small smile and pulled away from the firehouse. When he was out of sight Ravi fist-bumped the air and jogged back into the firehouse. As far as Ravi was concerned that was the last time he thought any of you would hear from him. Bradley on the other hand had only gathered more evidence that the 118 was potentially lying to him.
…
Early the next morning Bradley stalked Eddie to his usual running path. He waited until Eddie was on a particularly quiet portion of the track, hidden from the eyes of the public by bushes and trees. He blocked Eddie's path not allowing him to step around him. Eddie the second he laid eyes on Bradley wanted to punch his lights out but he held his composure. Eddie placed some distance between himself and Bradley before speaking up.
“What the hell do you want?” Eddie said voice laced with anger.
“I just want to know what happened to y/n” Bradley put his hands up in surrender.
“You have no right to ask about her” Eddie snapped “She was so happy until you came along, you broke her down, you isolated her from us, you’re the reason…” Eddie choked on his words. A mixture of real and fake emotions was flowing through Eddie. He was so upset and caught off guard that he almost went off the script. “You’re the reason shes dead”
“Now Edmundo I don’t believe that for a second” Bradley smirked at Eddie
“Look in my eyes and tell me I’m lying” Eddie growled, “I carried her lifeless body out of her parent's house after she blew her brains out with her mother's gun, I begged and pleaded with god and anyone who would listen to bring her back to me, to us.”
“No, no… you're lying!” Bradley yelled backing away from Eddie.
“She killed herself because we wouldn’t let her go back to you, maybe we should have, maybe if we did she’d still be here” Eddie's gaze dropped to the ground. The next thing Eddie heard was the sound of someone running away from him. He looked up to see himself once again alone. A smile broke out on his face as he continued with his run. He couldn’t wait to finish up his run, get home, shower and get to work. The only thing that was going to top this was having dinner with you, Buck and Chris tonight. Bradley on the other hand was not so sure what was going on. He found himself confused. Everything Eddie said seemed so genuine. Maybe Bobby and Eddie had told the rest of the team different things to keep them from knowing what happened. He hadn’t seen you around since that day in the office not even with Eddie and Buck even though he knew you’d always run off to them in the past. Still, he had two more people to ask and he wasn’t going to stop until he got the truth.
…
That afternoon he followed Bobby into a butcher as he looked for the perfect cuts of steak and his favourite burger patties for the weekend during some downtime between calls. He wanted this BBQ to be reminiscent of the BBQs that you had when you were a kid even though, Mum, Robbie and Brook weren’t here anymore and you’d felt like he had tried to replace them with Athena, May and Harry. You’d grown to love them like Bobby did and accepted them as your family. Bobbys plans came to a halt when Bradley grabbed him by the arm and spun him to look at him. Bobby went from shocked to furious in seconds. Bradley could tell immediately that Bobby was not impressed to see him.
“I’m not trying to start anything” Bradley puts his hands up in defence “I just need to know…”
“Need to know what?” Bobby snaps crossing his arms across his chest making himself larger and more intimidating.
“Is she dead?” He asked.
“My daughter? My child who you destroyed so completely that she couldn’t see her self-worth. Yes, she’s dead and it's all your fault” Bobby was now shaking with anger, his arms hung limp at his side and his gaze had met the floor. “I had to scrape her brains off every surface of my guest room, all my children are now gone, I couldn’t save any of them, what kind of father can’t protect his children?” Bobby looked up to where Bradley had been standing to find that he at some point had run off. Bobby looked around the empty store and shrugged. Had he been a little overdramatic sure but he didn’t think he’d been that bad. With a smile plastered on his face, he went back to picking out the steaks for the weekend and hoped that would be the last time he would have to see Bradley.
…
The next morning Buck found himself running late for his shift. Chris insisted on watching a movie with everyone the night before but fell asleep not 15 minutes into the film despite insisting to Eddie that he was not sleepy at all. Eddie carried Chris to bed and decided that since the movie had started you might as well watch it. It was one of your and Chris's favourites. Eddie was sick of watching the movie on repeat and Buck had somehow had the blessing of not being subject to FernGully until now. After the movie, Buck drove you home. This meant he didn’t get home until almost 11 pm and he had to be at the station at 7 am. Bradley had spotted Buck on his drive home and decided to camp out the front of Buck's apartment building for the night. When Buck stumbled out the front door in a rushed mess the next morning Bradley was there to greet him.
“I’m not here to start a fight, I just need answers” He held his hands up in defence.
“What the hell do you need answers for?” If looks could kill Bradley would be dead with how Buck looked at him.
“I just want to know if y/n is dead” Bradley moved further back from Buck out of fear of getting hit.
“Dead” Buck yelled and got so close to Bradley that their chests were almost touching “Why do think it’s any of your business to know what’s happening with y/n?”
“I just heard rumours and wanted to know” Bradley flinched away from Buck.
“You wanted to know? You wanted to know?” Buck looked away and scoffed “Yes she’s dead alright, she killed herself, you have no idea what it’s like to be called out to a scene where someone you love has killed themselves, to see their blood all over and know that nothing you can do will save them. To see them choking on their blood as it spills out of their open throat”
Bradley had gone pale, so pale that Buck thought he was going to faint. For a split moment, Buck felt bad, made be he had been too harsh and taken things too far. Bradley quickly crossed back across the road to his car and took off before any more words could be exchanged. Buck shrugged and quickly made his way to work running even more late now. But that was normal for Buck so he knew no one would question him and he wouldn’t have to tell anyone about running into Bradley.
…
Finally, Saturday rolled around 2 days later. You had been kept busy all morning by Athena who had you help put out her good wine glasses, set the table for lunch, and do other small tasks. Eddie, Christopher and Buck had shown up around 10 am because Chris was too impatient and excited to hang out with his favourite person. You were so distracted with Chris that before you knew it, the rest of the 118 had arrived. Bobby and Buck were manning the BBQ, Chris was off playing with Danny and Mara, Hen, Chimney, Ravi, Karen and Maddie were busy talking among themselves. Athena was busy drifting around the kitchen while Eddie stood outside next to you watching the kids play.
“I’m glad you left him” Eddie broke the silence.
“Me too” You smiled up at him “Thank you for knocking some sense into me”.
“Okay everyone lunch is ready!” Bobby called bringing a tray of meat into the dining room.
Everyone sat around the table. Athena had set the kids up at their table out in the yard which made them think they were the coolest kids ever. She even gave them their plastic wine glasses to drink juice from. You were in the middle of one of the greatest lunches you’d ever had when there was an overly aggressive knock on the door. Before Athena or Bobby could move to answer the door someone yelled through the front door.
“I know you're all in there, I want answers and I want them now!” Bradley screamed through the door.
“What in the world?” Athena looked towards the landing where the front door was.
“What’s he doing here?” Buck looked around the table.
“I guess this means the plan didn’t work” Chimney looked between everyone.
“What plan?” Athena looked at Chimney.
“Uh, well, uh, Bobby do you want to explain it” Chimney looked to Bobby.
“You brought it up” Bobby motioned back to Athena.
“What plan?” Athena stood up, crossed her arms and started tapping her foot.
The 118 shared panicked glances while you, Maddie and Karen looked around the table confused.
“Robert Wade Nash you better start speaking or so help me god you’ll be sleeping at the firehouse tonight” Athena levelled her attention on Bobby.
“We might have told him y/n was dead” Bobby said
“Dead” Athena looked around the table “After I told you not to tell him that you went and did it anyway”
“Well in all fairness Athena I was the one who told him she was dead” Buck admitted looking at his plate.
“You? No, I told him” Chimney jumped in.
“Wait but I told him she was dead like a week ago” Hen added. “Oh god what have we done”
“One at a time, how did you all say she died” Athena asked the table.
“Slit her wrists,” Chimney said
“Hit and Run,” Ravi said
“Car accident,” Hen said
“Shot herself with your gun,” Bobby said
“Slit her throat,” Buck said
“Same as Bobby,” Eddie said
You, Maddie and Karen, were trying to hold it together despite all having a bad case of the giggles. Athena was done with the entire 118 at this point and it was clear from the look on Bobbys face he was already trying to decide who would let him crash on their lounge tonight.
“If you weren’t going to listen couldn’t you all have at least agreed on how she died” Athena sighed.
“I’ll go deal with” Bobby went to stand up.
“No you’ve done enough damage” Athena left the table.
Athena went to open the door while everyone else quietly got up from the table and came to peak around the corner. Bradley was still furiously banging on the door when Athena answered it.
“What do you want?” Athena asked angrily.
“I need the truth, I’ve been told so many different things over the last week,” Bradley said “Tell me the truth and I’ll leave you alone”
“Yes y/n is dead, yes she killed herself with my gun, no we haven’t told everyone, now if you don’t mind we’re currently having her wake” Athena crossed her arms.
“I’m so sorry” Bradley quickly turned on his heels and ran off up the driveway out of sight.
Athena took a deep breath and closed the door.
“When I turn around you all best be at that table eating”
A Well Kept Secret Part 3
Spencer Reid x fem!reader
1.3k word count
Summary You and Spencer have been in a secret relationship for a year. When you unexpectedly become pregnant it becomes harder to keep that secret.
fluff
Part 1 Part 2
A sudden warmth spread through your jeans, stealing your breath. Panic clawed at your throat, but you forced it down. Grasping your phone, your fingers fumbled across the screen, finally hitting speed dial.
"Dr. Reid," Spencer's familiar voice filled your ear, a grounding presence in the sudden chaos. Relief washed over you, so intense it almost rivaled the fear. "Spencer," you managed, your voice thick with a strange mix of terror and exhilaration, "my water broke."
Morgan's voice, gruff with concern, crackled through the phone a moment later. You could hear him bark questions at Spencer, the urgency in his tone mirroring your own.
The world narrowed to the insistent beeping in your ear and the frantic pounding of your heart. Minutes bled into an eternity before the apartment door swung open, revealing Morgan's worried face and Spencer's tense form beside him.
The car ride to the hospital was a blur of flashing lights and Spencer's hand, a warm anchor in yours. A memory flickered in your mind, a stolen kiss, a promise whispered under the cloak of night. The consequences, both terrifying and exhilarating, were now cradled in your womb, about to make their grand entrance.
At the hospital, the whirlwind intensified. Nurses bustled around you; their faces grim. A memory surfaced. Twins. The word hung heavy in the air, unspoken but understood. Relief, laced with a sliver of fear, washed over you. At least they were alive.
The sterile white of the operating room swam before your eyes. A prick, a burning sensation, then blessed oblivion.
When you came to, a soft weight rested in each arm. Tears welled in your eyes as you gazed at the tiny faces, impossibly small and perfect. Two beautiful girls, their skin a canvas of soft pink, forever marked by their unique bond.
"There you go," Spencer's voice, rough with emotion, drifted in from beside you. He cradled one of the girls, his gaze fixed on the tiny face. Your heart ached with a love so fierce it took your breath away. He might not have planned it, but there was no doubt in your mind – he would be an amazing father.
You reached out a tentative finger, brushing it against the soft cheek of the baby in your arms. A tiny hand, impossibly small, grasped your finger with surprising strength. A choked sob escaped your lips. These were your daughters, a part of you, a future you hadn't planned but now embraced with every fiber of your being.
"Penelope Jane and Jennifer Emily," you whispered, the names feeling perfect the moment they left your lips. Spencer looked up, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before a warm smile spread across it.
"Those are beautiful," he agreed, his voice thick with emotion. He carefully placed the other baby, presumably Jennifer, in your free arm. "Which is which?"
You studied the two tiny bundles, so identical at first glance. But then you spotted it - a faint birthmark marring the otherwise flawless skin on Penelope’s right cheek. "The one with the birthmark is Penelope," you said softly.
A wave of exhaustion crashed over you. The ordeal of the birth, the weight of the revelation about the twins, the overwhelming love that bloomed in your chest – it all threatened to pull you under.
"You did amazing, y/n/n," Spencer murmured, squeezing your hand gently. His touch, calloused from years of fieldwork but surprisingly gentle now, sent a comforting warmth through you.
The sterile silence of the room was broken by the soft coo of one of the babies. Jennifer instinctively turned towards the sound, your maternal instincts kicking in with a ferocity that surprised even you.
Just then, the door creaked open, revealing a parade of familiar faces. Hotch, ever the stoic leader, offered a tight smile. Morgan, usually the life of the party, looked unusually subdued. Even Garcia, her hair a riot of colors as always, seemed uncharacteristically quiet.
"Wow, you got Garcia out of her office," You rasped, a weak attempt at a joke.
Morgan snorted. "It wasn't that hard. Spencer, can I talk to you for a sec?"
Spencer hesitated for a moment, his gaze lingering on you and the babies, before nodding curtly. He followed Morgan out of the room, leaving Melody alone with the team and a secret you knew wouldn't stay hidden for long.
You watched them leave, a knot of apprehension tightening in your stomach. The team had already noticed the tension between you and Spencer, the unspoken truth hanging heavy in the air. You glanced down at the twins, the delicate features calming your racing heart.
"You must be tired," JJ's voice, laced with concern, broke the silence. You offered a small, reassuring smile. "Why don't you get some rest? We can hold the fort for a while."
You nodded gratefully. The exhaustion was finally catching up to you, a wave threatening to pull you under. As you drifted off to sleep, the hushed murmurs of the team filled the room, a comforting presence despite the unease gnawing at you.
When you awoke, a sliver of sunlight peeked through the window, painting the sterile room in a warm glow. Spencer sat beside you, his brow furrowed in concentration as he stared intently at a medical journal. The air crackled with unspoken words.
Rossi, his normally jovial face etched with concern, stood at the entrance. "Mind if I have a word, kid?" he asked, his gaze flickering between you and Spencer.
You felt trapped, the truth caught in a tangled web of unspoken words and simmering emotions. With a resigned nod, you allowed Spencer and Rossi to step outside, the weight of the secret growing heavier with each passing moment.
The sterile hospital room seemed to shrink as the door clicked shut behind Spencer and Rossi. JJ and Garcia exchanged a worried glance, the playful banter they usually brought to any situation replaced by a concerned silence. You wanted to scream, to break the suffocating tension, but exhaustion kept your voice a mere whisper.
"Do you want us to stay, y/n/n?" Emily asked, her voice gentle but firm.
Melody looked at the two godmothers-to-be, a flicker of gratitude warming your chest. "For now," you rasped, your throat dry. "But maybe… maybe you could give them a heads-up? Let them know things might get a little… heated out there."
The weight of the secret pressed down on you like a physical burden. It was time to come clean, but the fear of losing Spencer, of jeopardizing this fragile new family you were building, was paralyzing. You glanced at the twins, their tiny chests rising and falling in a peaceful rhythm. No, for them, you had to be strong.
A few minutes later, the door creaked open and Spencer reappeared, his face a mask of controlled emotions. Rossi followed close behind, a comforting hand on Spencer's shoulder. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife.
"Y/n," Spencer began, his voice tight. "Rossi knows—"
You cut him off, the words tumbling out in a rush. "It's Spencer. I lied. He is their father."
A collective gasp filled the room. Emily's eyes widened in surprise, while JJ and Garcia exchanged a knowing look. Hotch, ever the stoic leader, simply raised an eyebrow, a flicker of something akin to amusement crossing his usually stoic face.
Spencer stared at you, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, a slow smile spread across his face, a smile that reached his eyes and crinkled the corners. Relief washed over you, warm and sweet. Maybe, just maybe, this wouldn't be the disaster you'd envisioned.
"Well, Agent Reid," Rossi boomed, his voice gruff but laced with a hint of amusement, "looks like you've got yourself a whole new team to manage."
A nervous giggle escaped your lips. This wasn't exactly how you'd planned to reveal the truth, but seeing the acceptance, even amusement, on everyone's faces calmed your racing heart.
"Let the interrogation begin," Spencer said with a playful glint in his eye, stepping closer to the bed and taking your hand. He looked down at the twins, his voice softening. "Welcome to the world, Penelope and Jennifer. We've got a lot of explaining, and even more loving, to do."
Supernatural, Hunting, Living and Love Part 11
Dean Winchester x fem!reader
1.6k word count
fluff, idiots in love, friends to lovers
warnings none
Original / Previous Chapter / Next Chapter
For 6 weeks we avoided each other. Only leaving our rooms to get something to eat or drink. Groceries where dropped off on a weekly basis, Dean was always waiting by the hatch when the drop off happened. I would sit by the top of the stair case to listen in to the brief conversation that took place, it was always the same. “Are you going to let us out yet?”
“Have you worked it out yet?”
“Fat chance of that happening”
“Then no”
For the next 2 weeks I tried to talk to Dean. Clearly waiting them out wasn’t going to work and honestly at this point I would rather be honest about how I felt and risk rejection then keep playing this game. At least this way I could tell Theresa I had tried. Surely they couldn’t keep me here if Dean was the one not playing by their rules.
My first attempted at talking to Dean was when our weekly delivery came. I waited for him to make his way down stairs then I followed behind him. Once the groceries had been delivered the hatch closed I tried to talk.
“Dean I don’t think waiting them out is working” I mentally slapped myself for pointing out the obvious.
“Clearly but we don’t have a better plan” Dean didn’t even look at me as he picked up all 8 bags of groceries in one go heading to the kitchen.
“We could talk it out like adults” I sighed.
“Hate to tell you sister but I have 10 years on you and a whole lot more life experience then you, you’re barely an adult” Dean still refused to look at me dumping all 8 bags on the counter top.
“9 years and I’ve been an adult at longer then you think”
“9 years” Dean rolled his eyes and walked off.
“Where are you going?” I called after him.
“To my room”
My second attempt, third and fourth attempts where all met with eye rolls as Dean walked away from me. It was becoming clear that the only way Dean was going to have a conversation with me is if he was trapped with no escape. Dean had made it a habit of going for a shower at the same time every night. He wouldn’t risk leaving the shower if he knew I was in the room. Or at least I hoped so. I had smuggled a butter knife back to my room one night after I had made myself dinner. I had then waited patiently for Dean to have his dinner and went to test the butter knife on the lock of the bathroom door. As I had hoped the butter knife was the perfect thickness to help me turn the lock on the door. I hid it in my room and waited for him to head to the shower. That night however Dean didn’t go for his shower as normal. He ate and went back to his room. I gave him an extra half an hour just in case he was busy with something for had forgotten. But when I heard the light switch in his room, I had guessed he had gone to bed. I wandered out into the hallway just to make sure he had gone to bed. The light that was normally visible under Deans door was off. Making plans to try again the next night I ducked back into my room long enough to grab my towel before heading to the bathroom myself. I dropped my towel on the bench before running a bath. I was exhausted from days of trying to talk to Dean. Not physically exhausted but emotionally exhausted. All I wanted was a nice long hot soak in the tub. Once the tub was full, I stripped down and submerged myself in the water. I took a face washer and submerged it in the hot water before laying it over my face. I took a deep breath, laid back and let myself relax.
“You’re looking pretty comfortable there” Deans sudden presence startled me.
“DEAN WHAT THE HELL!” I screamed grabbing the shower curtain dragging it in front of the bathtub to cover me.
“I’m sorry where you not trying to do this exact same thing to me?” Dean chuckled closing the toilet seat cover to take a seat on it.
“Well yes but only to get you to talk to me” I squealed.
“So talk”
“I…uh…I…”
“Oh so now you can’t talk” Dean chuckled again “Look it’s clear this avoiding each other plan isn’t working”
“And what do you suggest we do now?” I raised an eyebrow while looking at the shower curtain now hanging between us.
“I honestly don’t know” Dean let out an awkward chuckle “For once in my life I don’t actually have a plan”
“We could always try being honest”
The room fell silent. I watched the droplets of water slowly falling from the tap waiting, internally pleading for Dean to break the silence.
Dean shifted uncomfortably, his silhouette rubbing the back of his neck. His silhouette looking away, then back to me. I could almost see the gears turning in his head, the urge to argue or deflect swimming just beneath the surface. But instead, he surprised me.
"Being honest?" he echoed, as if testing out the words. "You really think that could work? I mean... after everything?"
I kept my gaze steady, resisting the urge to look away. "We’ve tried everything else, haven’t we? What do we have to lose?"
Dean let out a breath, his shoulders slumping as though the weight of everything we’d been carrying was pressing down harder than ever. The silence returned, but this time it felt heavier. I glanced at the tap again, watching the droplets hang in the air before they fell, one by one.
Finally, he stood up, pacing the small, dimly lit room. "You don’t just be honest” he muttered. "That’s not how it works."
"It might not," I admitted. "But pretending we’ve got it all under control isn’t working either. We’re running out of moves, Dean. This could be the only one left."
He stopped pacing, staring at me. The room was filled with a mixture of frustration and fear. “What if…What if we tell the truth and it just... makes everything worse?”
I swallowed hard. I hadn’t let myself fully think about that possibility. But now that it was out there, spoken aloud, it hung in the air between us like a dark cloud.
“Then we deal with it,” I said, my voice steady despite the doubt creeping into my chest. “At least we won’t be running anymore.” I whispered the last part.
Dean turned away from me, staring out the window again. His jaw tightened, the muscles in his back visibly tensing under his shirt.
"You’re really ready to do this?" he asked quietly.
I didn’t answer right away. Instead, I thought about everything we’d been through, all the lies, the half-truths, the fear that followed us wherever we went.
“Yes,” I said finally. “I’m ready.”
Dean nodded, his back still to me. “Alright,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Then we do it.”
He turned back to face me, his expression hardened with resolve. “But if this goes south…” He didn’t finish the sentence, but he didn’t need to. We both knew what was at stake.
Dean stood there, his chest rising and falling with the weight of his breath. The tension between us thickened as the silence stretched on. I was about to say something—to break the spell that had settled between us—but before I could, Dean crossed the room in a single, swift movement.
Before I could respond he had moved the curtain out of the way. His hands gripped my arms, not harshly, but with a firmness that caught me off guard. “If this goes south…” he started again, but his words faltered. His gaze, intense and searching, locked onto mine, and in that split second, I could see the conflict, the hesitation, and the unspoken emotions simmering just beneath the surface.
Then, without another word, Dean pulled me into him, his lips crashing against mine. The world seemed to blur at the edges, all the tension and fear melting away in the heat of that moment. His kiss was desperate, almost like it was the last lifeline he had left. It was raw, full of all the things he couldn't say out loud—the fear, the uncertainty, and something deeper I hadn't expected.
For a second, I froze, my mind racing to catch up with what was happening. But then, instinct took over, and I found myself kissing him back, my hands tangling in his shirt, pulling him closer. The world outside didn’t matter anymore—the looming threats, the uncertainty of what lay ahead. All I could think about was the way his hands held me, like he needed this as much as I did.
When he finally pulled back, both of us were breathless, and I could see it in his eyes—he was as terrified as I was. Not just of what we were about to do, but of what this moment meant.
“I’m sorry,” Dean said, his voice hoarse. He let go of me, stepping back slightly, running a hand through his hair. “I didn’t mean—”
“Don’t,” I cut him off, shaking my head. “Don’t apologize.”
He opened his mouth to say something else, but I could see the uncertainty in his expression, the conflict still brewing beneath the surface. This was new for both of us, and neither of us knew what to do with it.
For a long moment, he just stood there, the weight of what had just happened hanging in the air. But despite everything—the danger we were facing, the uncertainty of the future—I couldn’t help but feel that maybe, just maybe, we were finally being honest.
Hello, do you do Don Flack history?
Sorry if this isn't the answer your looking for because I'm not 100% sure what exactly your asking but I do write for Don Flack. I have a Don Flack story I started ages ago but never finished that I would love to finish eventually.
Just want to let you know i’m really loving your Objection series ☺️ so hard to find new Rafael Barba series now on here which is sad so thank you for still writing for him, i can’t wait to see how the story unfolds 🫶🏼🫶🏼
Aw thank you and your very welcome. I noticed there wasn't much Barba stuff anymore and had this idea pop into my head during one of my SVU binges. I'm hoping to have this story run over seasons 16 to 22 so we'll see Amaro leave, everything that happened with Dodds right up until Kathy with a few surprises along the way. Consider it the universe next door to the show.
Dear Darlin'
Olly Murs X Reader
1.6k word count
Summary Just a little back story to the song Dear Darlin'
Authors Note: I've always been super proud of this piece. I decided it was time to give it some love and attention and well I'm even more proud of it now. I suffered some pretty bad neck, nose and throat burns at work so thought now while I recover is probably the best time to concentrate on writing. So enjoy!
Y/N,
I know what I’ve done, and there is no excuse for it. I know there is nothing I could ever do to fix the damage I’ve caused. I just need you to know that I’m sorry. I’m not asking you to come back; I just need you to understand that you’ve always been my everything. Always have been, always will be. But you’re gone now, and you’re not coming back. I need to accept that and move on. So, this is the last you'll hear from me. Goodbye, my love.
Dear darlin’, please excuse my writing.
I can’t stop my hands from shaking.
‘Cause I’m cold and alone tonight.
And I miss you and nothing hurts like no you.
And no one understands what we went through.
It was short, it was sweet, we tried.
I read the words over and over, my hands trembling as I held the letter. I had barely stepped into my flat thirty minutes ago when I found it waiting for me, the unmistakable scrawl of his handwriting cutting through me like a knife. It had been a month since we ended things, and every day had been a battle—some days, I thought I was moving on, while others, he consumed my thoughts. His face was everywhere: on magazine covers, in store windows, his voice pouring through the radio. Our breakup had become a public spectacle, and everyone had their own theories. None of them were right.
We were in love. Madly, hopelessly in love. But his career, the constant traveling, the distance—it chipped away at us until there was barely anything left. I thought we were strong enough, that I was strong enough. The fans had always been supportive; as long as Olly was happy, they were happy. And we were happy, weren’t we? Until the rumors started.
@FutureMissY/NMurs I hope the rumors about Olly aren’t true.
@FutureMissY/NMurs Remember, Photoshop exists. Don’t believe anything until you talk to him.
@FutureMissY/NMurs We’re here for you, girl. DM us anytime.
I had reassured everyone I would talk to him when he got back from tour. Today was supposed to be that day. Maybe that was why he had been out drinking last night. I sat on the couch, staring at my phone, my mind racing through everything we had built together—our Loft, the home we made from nothing. The walls we painted light brown because white felt too clinical, the mix of new and old furniture, the kitchen we replaced with our own hands. It was ours.
The sound of the front door opening jolted me from my thoughts.
“Y/N, I’m home!”
There he stood, bag in hand, that smile that once made my heart race plastered on his face.
“Please tell me it’s not true,” I whispered, a tear slipping down my cheek despite my efforts to stay composed.
He frowned, stepping toward me. “What do you mean, darlin’?”
I inhaled sharply, my heart hammering. “The girl last night. The one you were photographed kissing.” My voice wavered, rising slightly, unintentionally.
His expression fell in an instant. “Shit.”
He dropped his bag outside the bathroom and moved toward me, rubbing a hand down his face.
“Tell me you didn’t,” I pleaded, my world beginning to crumble.
“I’m so sorry.” He reached for me.
I flinched back. “Don’t touch me.”
“Babe, listen. It was a mistake. A stupid, drunken mistake. It meant nothing.” His voice cracked, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“Did you sleep with her?” My voice was barely above a whisper, shaking with rage.
He swallowed hard. “I... I don’t remember.”
“You did, didn’t you?” My chest tightened. “How did I not see this coming? You’re famous now, and you can have any girl you want. How many more are there?”
“It was a one-time thing. I swear.” His voice rose in desperation.
“I don’t believe you, Olly.”
His jaw clenched. “Why would I throw everything away? Everything I do, I do for us. Can’t you see that? Or are you too damn stubborn?”
I let out a bitter laugh. “Stubborn? You cheated on me!”
“And what about you? Who’s the guy you’ve had here?”
I froze. “How do you know about that?”
“Ah, so you have been cheating too,” he scoffed, as if he'd won some twisted game.
“No,” I whispered. “He’s a friend. His girlfriend kicked him out. I let him stay on the couch for a few nights.”
Silence stretched between us. Then, without another word, I grabbed my jacket and walked out.
For weeks, I stayed with a friend until I found my own place. And now, here I was, gripping his letter, my heart warring with itself. I needed to see him. Needed to know if this letter was closure or a plea.
I drove the familiar streets, the radio humming softly until his name cut through the static.
“After months of hiatus following his public breakup, Olly Murs has released a new single. The trending theory? It’s about his ex. Here it is again—‘Dear Darlin’.’”
I turned up the volume. The lyrics echoed his letter. He had written me a song. Tears blurred my vision as memories washed over me—our late nights, his voice singing me to sleep, our shared dreams.
And if my words break through the wall And meet you at your door All I could say is, "Girl, I mean them all"
Dear Darlin', please excuse my writing I can't stop my hands from shaking 'Cause I'm cold and alone tonight I miss you and nothing hurts like no you And no one understands what we went through It was short, it was sweet, we tried We tried
It had been a long day. We had rearranged furniture until we were happy with how everything looked, unpacked boxes of clothes, plates, cups, and all the little odds and ends that made a place feel like home. We hung pictures, set up lamps, and finally, the Loft felt like ours.
By the end of it all, we were exhausted. It had been a rough few weeks, but at last, we were done. I took a quick shower, letting the hot water ease the ache in my muscles, then stepped into the bedroom. Olly was already lying on the bed, hands folded behind his head, staring at the ceiling.
I crossed the room and crawled onto the bed beside him, resting my head on his chest. One of his arms instinctively wrapped around me, pulling me closer. I closed my eyes, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat—strong and comforting, like a melody lulling me to sleep.
He knew I was tired. Without a word, he began to sing, his voice soft and familiar. "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol. His chest vibrated with each note, a sensation that sent warmth through me. I sighed, letting myself sink into the moment, into him.
Sleep pulled at me, and I let it take me. I could always listen to him sing another day.
Like at his audition next week.
Been thinkin' about the bar we drank in Feeling like the sofa was sinking I was warm in the hope of your eyes
So if my words break through the wall To meet you at your door All I could say is, "Girl, I mean them all"
“Here’s to Olly, our next big X Factor star!” His dad raised a glass, pride gleaming in his eyes.
We all cheered, the sound filling the small restaurant. Olly had crushed his audition—four yeses. The only thing better would have been a golden buzzer. We had known he would do it. That was one of the things that had drawn me to him in the first place—his voice. It wasn’t just the sound, it was the way it could reach into the deepest parts of you and make you feel something real.
Tonight was all about him. We started with a family dinner, full of laughter and excitement, before heading out with friends to celebrate. We ended up in our usual spot—a worn-out sofa in the back corner of the bar, slightly hidden from view. It was just us, like always.
Jokes flew about how, once Olly was a big star, he’d be the one paying for all our drinks. I curled into his side, soaking in the warmth of the moment, the banter, the joy.
All I could hope was that he would take me on this journey with him.
When I arrived at the Loft, doubt clawed at me. What if he had moved on? What if he wrote the song for publicity? Or worse—what if this letter was a goodbye I was too late to answer?
I swallowed my fear and knocked. No answer. My shaking fingers fumbled for the spare key I still carried. When I stepped inside, the sight before me shattered me. The man I once knew, always polished, always glowing, was gone. In his place was someone broken—beard unkempt, dark circles haunting his eyes, empty bottles strewn across the floor.
His breath hitched as he saw me. I held up the letter, my voice breaking. “I read your letter. I heard the song.” I swallowed my tears. “I love you, Olly. More than I should right now. I’m not saying I can trust you completely yet, but I’m willing to try. I need you to tell me we can fix this. That you won’t leave me behind.”
He stepped closer, his voice raw. “Y/N, you’re my world. Without you, everything is dark. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
“I’ve missed you,” I whispered.
“I’ve missed you too, Y/N.”
And then, I was in his arms, right where I belonged.
Dear darlin', please excuse my writing I can't stop my hands from shaking 'Cause I'm cold and alone tonight I miss you and nothing hurts like no you And no one understands what we went through It was short, it was sweet, we tried
Oh, I concur These arms are yours to hold
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31 . Aussie . She/They . Demi-PanA place for my random stories.
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