The Only Flag I Associate With

The only flag I associate with

Unexpected Future: Andy Barber/Reader. (1/6)

Summary:As a single mother of a six-year-old, you decide to move out after realizing that his father, Ari Levinson, simply didn't have you both as a priority. In the twists and turns of life, you meet Andy Barber but your job makes things complicated, especially when you work with his son and see his ex-wife several times.

If you like, I would be so grateful if you reblog or comments to interact ( I love to share your thoughts) Also, let me know if you wanna be tagged on every chapter to be remembered.

You arrived four months ago in that town. You were delighted, totally content with how nice people they could be, yet your greatest contact had been with other parents from Mason's school and no more than meetings you felt compelled to go to.

And it was definitely clear to you that the six-year-old was much more sociable than you, you could tell, but he had also helped you to be a little more open to others.

You worked as a psychologist, and you had an office in your house, which also allowed you to have the presence of Mason, who, fortunately for you, was also a calm kid. So, in a three-by-three room, you attended while a door separated you from Mason who used to watch TV.

One morning, ready to drop Mason off at school, you were surprised when the "captain" of the mothers' group interfered with you on your way to the car. You were startled, but seeing that there was no danger in her movement, you laughed and put your hand to your chest "Sorry to scare you" she spoke quickly.

"No, no, it's okay."

She nodded "Could I talk to you for a moment?" you looked at your watch, aware that the second patient of the day would be arriving in thirty minutes.

"Sure, tell me."

"You see... I'm Jacob Barber's mother."

You nodded with a smile "Nice to meet you, my son keeps saying he's a good friend" you remembered his name, Mason was talking about him. Laurie smiled sideways somewhat flattered, but you noticed the nervousness in her body. And there you noticed there was more to it than just an introduction. "How can I help you?"

"Umh, you'll see," she had begun to ramble on about it, and you waited patiently. After all, you were assessing people's behavior too. "I heard you're a psychologist" you nodded and she let out a sigh "you see, Jacob's father and I divorced a year ago, things have been complicated. I think he might, I don't know, he's changing, changed his attitude" you nodded sympathetically "I was wondering if you could, I don't know, attend to him".

"Yeah sure" you assured taking your phone from your pocket and giving her a reassuring smile "Want to schedule a day?"

She seemed to let out the air nodding "Yes please."

You paused and looked at her "Before that, in the case of children, I usually work the first session with both parents present."

"Oh yes, yes of course," she nodded quickly as if anything you could say would be in agreement. And you scheduled it for Friday afternoon.

Before you got home, you passed by the coffee shop you went to every day. You walked in and to your surprise, this time it wasn't quite as usual. "I'm telling you, Sam. Every afternoon I have her calling me for the slightest thing the kid does. Do you know how stressful that can be?" you walked up to the counter, seeing that man talking to the man on the other side of the counter. He had his coffee in his hands, but you saw how totally stressed he was as he scratched his chin with his free hand. You saw how his suit covered his shirt, but you were even more surprised by the way his chest was heavily marked with the shirt. "That he spends all day running, he's a kid! He's supposed to do that, let him get dirty if he wants to, I'd be worried if he didn't!"

You agreed with him, but just smiled at the older lady who approached already knowing you at your recurrence there "Hi honey, what can I help you with today?"

You saw the letter and fiddled with your mouth "I'll let you surprise me today" you assured and felt the silence come over the room. As you opened your wallet, you felt the voice of the man on the other side of the bar "You're five minutes late this time, girl, I thought you weren't coming today" you laughed, looking at him but you caught yourself in the gaze of both men. The younger one, the one with the coffee in his hand, must have circled in his early thirties and had been left with his gaze fixed on you. You gave him a friendly smile, but seeing how his light blue eyes were resting on you deeply.

"Yeah, work" you shrugged taking out the ticket "I hope that doesn't make you give me an ugly coffee, huh".

"The Italian is exquisite" the man's deep voice made you look at him. "It has cinnamon, and cream" he clarified shaking his head. You thought about it and nodded to look back at the woman who had not yet placed your order.

"So it can be an Italian one?"

"Sure sweetheart" she smiled as she turned to prepare the cappuccino.

"Have you forgotten about your ex-wife already, then Andy?" you sensed the older man's jest at the bar, emphasizing the name. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw him turn his head towards the man, opening his mouth slightly: "The day she stops blowing everything out of proportion with the kid, there will be peace" his voice was now gentler.

"Here honey, have a nice day" you smiled at the woman and your cheeks dimpled.

"Likewise" you shook your head waving to the three there to walk towards the door.

"What's her name?" you sensed the man's question, his voice totally relaxed, and you didn't avoid blushing but continued toward your vehicle.

By the time you parked at your house, you passed by the mailbox and sighed when you saw the letter: the one you hadn't opened but knew it said.

"Hey, you know, things aren't easy around here. I probably won't be able to come back to see Mason as I promised. Could you tell him I love him? I'll be back to see him in a few months. Thanks for letting me know you have moved. I'll come straight there as soon as I can.

I am truly sorry,

Ari."

You chuckled as you walked in and closed the door and felt the wad of bills in the envelope. He was an idiot, a real idiot. Four months ago you had written to him and only now you got a reply. He didn't even justify himself, knowing you weren't going to give a shit what he said anyway. Idiot. Idiot. It had been six months since he'd seen your son and you, and all you got was the money he sent monthly from his boss, rarely directly.

It had been about two years since you had officially broken up with him, but sometimes you think from the first moment you never went out: yes, the letters were very romantic, the sex on the way back was sweet, but things really weren't planned for you to get pregnant in the middle of your studies with 22 and the only support you had had was money. FUCKING IDIOT.

For the next two days, every time you walked into the cafeteria, he was there again. Andy. He didn't even introduce himself, but you could see his eyes on you like knives. This time, when you arrived, they served you coffee without waiting for you to ask.

"Surprise coffee, I like it" you nodded as you opened your wallet.

"No honey, it's already paid for" you saw her confused and quickly turned your gaze to the man, who made a smile and nodded.

"A mocha," he assured.

"Thank you very much, Andy" you shook your head with a slight smile, making it clear that you already knew his name. You watched as the two coffee shop owners isolated themselves from each other as if leaving an empty space. "For the recommendations and your coffee."

He nodded, and you could really see how he didn't usually do those things, but he didn't seem so self-conscious, or at least he was confident with the moves. And with what little you knew about him, you sensed it wasn't the first time he'd done it, but knowing he was divorced, you assumed it was some time ago.

"Just to be clear, it's not stalkerish of me, is it?" you raised an eyebrow and he laughed "I mean if it's not something just mine."

You nodded, positioning yourself in front of him to push aside the arriving customers. "You're not a stalker, nor is it any of your imagination."

"So I have a green pass?"

You grimaced "Just don't keep buying me coffee every day because I'm going to get used to it."

"Noted" he assured.

"I have to go, but... my pleasure" you nodded turning around with a smile, as he shook his head. And when your back was turned, you let out a breath as your cheeks turned pink.

...

You were in the living room, eating with Mason. "Mom, isn't Dad coming back?" you saw the six-year-old stop eating.

You grimaced "Your father is not in the country yet, and will be in a couple of months."

"What if he doesn't know where we are?"

"I sent him where we live now, honey. But you know how your father lives" the boy shrugged and you took his hand across the table. "Mason, in a little while your friend Jacob is coming" he widened his eyes but you clarified "however, he's coming to talk to me like other people. So, I need you to behave yourself. He's not coming to play games with you. If you want, one day we can talk to his parents to let him come."

"It's okay, Mom" by the time he finished his plate, you stood up and kissed your head before starting to gather the table, something the little guy helped with.

After that, while you were tidying up the room, you smiled as you heard the sound of records playing. You peeked out to see Mason kneeling as he placed the record on the turntable. You bit your lip as the music began to play, and inevitably you couldn't think of Ari: it was his turntable, he used them, and now, Mason seemed to have the power of them.

The doorbell rang and you looked at Mason, who looked at you quickly. You gave him a warning look and he turned the music down slightly, to the limit you had set for him every time you waited on someone. You nodded in agreement and adjusted your jacket and jeans to walk to the door.

Kiss me once. FUCK. Then, kiss me twice. SHIT.

You took a breath as you saw the three of them in front of you. "Hello, Miss Levinson" you opened your mouth slightly at Ari's last name spoken by Laurie.

You smiled, avoiding contact with Andy who seemed to fall into the same account "That's... not my last name "you clarified sympathetically and opened the door, running your hands over your jeans "Please, come in".

"Excuse me" spoke the woman.

"Hello, Mason" Jacob's voice passing in front of his mother, only made you look at Andy who opened his eyes at you. You cleared your throat closed the door and watched as Jacob hugged Mason. You approached the boy. The boy. That was the only priority you had. "Wow, what a cool thing to play music on" Jacob walked over to the record player. "This is what you told me is your dad's?"

Mason nodded "Yes, but he doesn't use it anymore."

You approached the children "Hi Jacob, how are you?" you introduced yourself and stretched out your hand, he kindly shook it. You smiled. You were professional. You just had to ignore Andy.

"I know who you are, you're Mason's mother" you nodded with a smile.

"How about joining me for a bit?" you asked holding out your hand.

"Can't I play with Mason?" asked the confused child.

"No honey, let's-"you looked up at Laurie, who was interrupted when Andy lightly bumped her elbow and shook his head at you. She rounded her eyes.

Andy. His complaint to the wife. Laurie overprotective. Divorce. S-H-I-T.

"First with me, then I'll let you play with Jacob for a bit" you assured and the boy took your hand, nodding. Andy looked at Mason, who was with his toy aware that he couldn't intervene in my work, no matter how much of a friend he was. "Please, parents, join me" you invited seeing Laurie and avoiding Andy's gaze.

"Sure" she assured, taking her purse in front of her and following you, Andy trailing behind. He closed the door when the four of them were left in the room.

"Jacob, do you mind if you sit in this chair?" the boy nodded as he did so, leaving the remoteness of his parents but in turn them sitting on the couch, keeping their distance. "Both can help themselves to tea or coffee" you offered pointing to the table in front of them, and nothing else.

In cases of children, you always evaluated the environment, the behavior of the parents, and not only the child: many times everything comes from the same root.

You walked to sit next to Jacob and looked at the clock, sitting in the chair across from Jacob, both of you at a table. You opened a notebook "Well, Jacob. I know who you are, but I don't really know much about you" you looked at the boy who was watching the whole room.

"Where is that?" he asked pointing to a painting. You turned to see the painting in the room.

"Jacob" Laurie spoke and your pencil went to the notebook. Andy asked her not to speak, you also went to the notebook. You didn't even look directly at the adults, you just went back to the child.

"That's in Ethiopia, Africa. Pretty far from here."

The boy opened his mouth, nodding "Mason told me his dad is in Africa, did you go?"

"No, I never have, would you like to go?"

"It looks like a very nice place" he nodded.

"What do you like most about that image?"

"That sea" he pointed out and you exchanged your gaze between the little boy and the image. It was usual for people to focus on it, for some reason, there was something special that you didn't end up discovering but you could always take advantage of that.

"It's a river, but it looks endless, don't you think?" he nodded "Well, that's a very important river. Maybe someday I can tell you the story" and even though he nodded again, he didn't take his eyes off the picture. Mason used to do that. When the office was empty, he would lie down on the couch and look at the picture just to remember his father.

"Your job makes you a good person, but a shitty father, Ari" you smiled slightly at the somewhat painful memory.

"So, Jacob...how are you doing in school?"

Forty minutes, and what you were sure of was that this child had no communication problem whatsoever. But you also noticed Laurie's constant intervention, no matter how much Andy asked her to be quiet. And he... he had his eyes on you every time you talked to the boy.

"What are you doing this weekend, Jacob?" you asked passing another written sheet from your notebook.

"Dad said he's taking me to eat at a place that sells lots of burgers and fries, and we're going to a park."

"Nothing too healthy, clearly" laughed Laurie looking at you, but you really didn't see her for more than two seconds without wiping your smile.

"Please, that's enough" Andy asked wearily. "Stop commenting on everything."

"I'm not doing anything, Andy."

You watched as Jacob wrinkled his nose, following through with a drawing you had asked him to do: specifically the family. "Excuse me, could you step outside for a moment?" you saw them both, totally surprised by your request.

"Sure" nodded Andy opening the door and letting Laurie go through first.

As the door closed, you looked at Jacob "I'm going to grab my cell phone for a second while you finish that drawing" you quickly opened the cameras to see as Mason sat gathering, as the two adults stood in the doorway, talking to each other, clearly you didn't expect it to be in peace. "Now, tell me, Jacob, do your parents always grumble with each other?"

The boy shook his head "Not so much now because daddy doesn't live at home anymore. It's okay that, he told me that things are going to be calmer for me and that love doesn't change, it just makes it easier. That it's divorce stuff."

"And do you know what a divorce is?"

"Dad told me it's like a puzzle, that little by little you put the pieces together" you frowned but nodded, encouraging him to talk "It's like it's your favorite puzzle, that you want weapons very badly, and that you put pieces together little by little, and that the divorce is like a piece of the puzzle that doesn't fit. It's not that the whole puzzle is wrong, it's just that the piece is from another puzzle and that we don't have to make it fit because otherwise, we might break other pieces, but just take it out of the puzzle."

You twisted your head, thinking about that "So...you'd be a piece of that puzzle?"

"Dad says I'm the most important, and that although he loves Mom, she's just not part of his puzzle, just as Mom is with Dad."

"And tell you something really crazy?" he nodded. "You have your own puzzle, and your parents are two different pieces that are very important to you."

"But they always end up fighting."

"Yeah but... some pieces are a little bit hard to get to come together. Like sometimes they swell up or they're a little bit worn. But that they are from the puzzle. And what your dad told you is valid, but that doesn't mean that they're not in your puzzle."

He nodded and moved his mouth slightly "So it's okay that they don't love each other anymore?"

"I'm not saying they don't love each other. I think they do, but they are adults and everyone has their own puzzle."

Jacob laughed and you looked at him "Like mint mousse ice cream. Iugh" he shook his head and you laughed at that.

"I never tried it."

"Don't do it" you smiled at the child.

On the other side of the door, Andy stood with one hand on his head "Laurie, stay quiet" he asked, watching the woman walk in circles. However, every now and then he would glance at the foreign child.

"What if he has something?"

"Laurie, there's a boy up ahead" spoke Any looking at the boy, who was humming a new song as he painted, lying on the floor.

"Yes, exactly, Andy" Laurie approached Andy almost in a whisper "Look at him, he's still. Our son can't do it."

Andy took a breath rubbing his eyes. "You're unbelieve" the door opened and they both turned their heads, watching Jacob happily walk out with a cookie.

"Jacob agreed to stay here for a bit with Mason while you guys went in."

And when they both sat back down, you arranged the pencils Jacob had used. You were really watching the patience of both of them: Laurie was shaking her knee and Andy was holding his hand to his face, tired of her it seemed. You also noticed how he was still in his office clothes.

You exchanged a glance with him, and all you saw was a pity. You made a slight comforting smile as he sat you down across from them.

"Well, I can tell you that Jacob is a good kid. He is healthy, has an amazing mind, and is extremely intelligent" Andy looked at you, making an obvious expression but you looked at Laurie, who was waiting for you to continue. You denied "I can't really make any diagnosis to a child from sitting in front of him for 1 hour because it wouldn't be fair. If I can tell you that he doesn't present anything that should alarm anyone."

"So he doesn't have anything? What do you call that thing that..." she snapped her fingers and you looked at her sympathetically: "Adhd" she nodded at your words and you denied "Again, I can't give you the diagnosis of life through sixty minutes, but he doesn't present any symptoms either. He's a child, they all express themselves differently."

"Ready, don't look for anything more from Jacob, please" requested Andy "He's a boy."

"However" your words caught both of them "yes you should work on home, family environments, the dealings between you" both looked at each other "Work together when it comes to Jacob, on par, and avoid friction in front of him."

"So that would be it?" you looked at Andy who was confused. It really seemed more attractive to you to see him as a father, but you had to erase that from your head.

"Well, I'm a psychologist, which implies that my diagnoses or anything that comes out of me require a process. It's never wrong to carry a therapeutic balance at any stage, but that's if you think it's necessary or you want that."

"But is it for something?" you looked at Laurie and her nervous profile only made you remember Andy's words.

"The question is not that, Laurie. The question would be whether we want her to accompany Jacob through the process of our divorce."

"But we're already divorced" this one blurted out and Andy opened his mouth, throwing himself backward on the couch and looked at you denying it, making it clear he was over it.

"Sure, but it's still a process of change towards the child."

"Could that help you at all now?" asked Laurie.

"Well, I'm not saying you need it but it can provide balance."

Laurie attacked with questions and you just wiggled your eyebrows, trying to hold it all in. Andy sat back down, resting his hands on his legs and taking a breath, interrupting her, "Laurie, Laurie, please, listen for a second" he asked and the woman looked at him "Are you more at ease bringing Jacob here? We're bringing him. There's nothing wrong with him, but stop looking for things. We'll just bring him in so the boy can express himself to her in case something happens."

"I think that would be good" nodded this one and Andy nodded, relieved to come to an agreement.

"Is that okay?"

You nodded "It's your decision. If you want we can set a weekly or bi-weekly time, whichever you prefer."

"Weekly" assured Andy "Can it be Fridays at this time?"

"Sure" you nodded, jotting in the notebook.

"And the payment?" the question from Laurie made you nod, taking one of the cards that contained the account number. Andy was the one who took it and nodded.

"Upon arrival I'll make sure the transfer arrives" you nodded, watching as they both stood up. Laurie reached out her hand and you squeezed it, then did the same for Andy. His squeeze was sincere and you just gave him a look to end the tingling in your stomach.

"Please go ahead" as you walked out into the living room, you saw Mason showing a photo album to Jacob. The children turned around.

"Mom, someday can we invite Jacob home?"

"Sure, but you'd have to organize something ahead of time and only if his parents let him."

"Of course" nodded Andy as Jacob walked over to him. The older one put his hand on the boy's head, who was laughing with Mason.

"Again, thank you very much."

"You are welcome. On the card is my contact also for anything" you watched as Mason and Jacob now hugged, as Laurie and Andy walked out the door. Laurie started walking and Andy seemed to wait for his son to come.

"Hey I-" Andy's murmur made you look at him, you closed your eyes slightly denying "Thanks. That is" you saw him waiting for Jacob.

"Jacob, come on" Laurie's shout sounded from the other side.

Andy took a breath and looked at you " I want you to know that my idea didn't change" he whispered and Jacob ran to him.

You nodded"A pleasure, Mr. Barber" you closed the door, letting out a long sigh.

SHIT.

149 notes View Post

kagome45

1 year ago

Never Pay A Penny - LN

Summary: Lando would never dare let his girlfriend pay for a thing even when she's fighting him on it.

Inspired by the new Landoscar video bc I thought Lando's reaction was hilarious. It's also just a little one.

No part 2 requests please

It's actually became a game of trying to figure out ways the she can get around Lando paying before she gets the chance. But admittedly sometimes she's going to lengths that when verbalised seem ridiculous just over who pays for the date.

"Why are you moving like that?" Lando questions in amusement as he notices y/n shifting in her seat.

"I'm not moving like anything." Y/n states while Lando smirks leaning back in his seat a little.

"Y/n, baby, you read like a book. Go to the toilet. You're not paying this bill." Lando sighs shaking his head at her while she huffs. "If I promise not to pay while you're in the bathroom, will you please go?"

"You've promised that before."

"That time they showed up the moment you left, I didn't want to be rude. But I promise you, if they show up then I'll turn them away and tell them I'm not ready to pay." Lando smiles not even sure how he's having to negotiate his girlfriend going to the bathroom just so she'll pee because she wants to have a shot to pay again. Even if she's there, she won't be paying and he will make sure of it.

Y/n hesitates before she finally gets up rushing off making him laugh and shake his head lightly as he watches her disappear.

She's gone for a couple minutes before she he watches her reappear but rather than heading towards the table, she's heading towards the bar.

"Ah, fuck." Lando curses stumble up and rushing to beat her there.

"I'd like to-" Y/n starts only for Lando's hand to press over her mouth, stopping her from the request for the bill.

"Hi, could I have our bill?" Lando smiles as y/n fights his hand muting her but he has ditched the gentlemanly persona he always has on for the date, especially in such an expensive restaurant, it's not exactly standard behaviour. Sadly on this occasion, Lando has overpowered y/n and almost got her in a headlock like hold.

"Of course." The waiter nods from behind the bar.

"You really thought that was going to work?" Lando whispers still not having released her from his hold but only enough to lean in and steal a kiss from her before as he taps his card to pay. "Better luck next time. You were close though. Almost."

"Thanks." Y/n grumbles making him smile brightly at her before he leans over and kisses her again but it's not quite so appreciated.

A new plan was in place for Lando when it came to approaching their current date which is actually a brunch date ahead of having arrived in Hungary.

He'd pre-paid for the whole date and told them any unspent excess can be a tip to the staff.

"How is it? Good?" Lando asks making her smile and nod as she eats a ham, cheese and spinach pastry.

"Yeah, better than I thought it would be to be honest." Y/n nods with a small hum offering him a bite which he takes with a grin. "You know, I have been thinking about this mission that I've been on."

"You're giving up?" Lando questions in amusement.

"Just for today....so for now." Y/n smiles making her smile at him lightly.

"That's good." Lando states leaning back.

"Why?"

"Because I had already sent the payment ahead of us even getting here." Lando smirks watching her jaw drop a little.

"It's really getting to that point?" Y/n laughs making him grin and nod since he's really not sorry. In fact he's already plotting other instances that he can start doing this.

"You're terrible."

"Am I?" Lando laughs earning a hum as she manages to reach over and steal a strawberry from his bowl.

"Yeah, I want to pay for some stuff too." Y/n pouts making Lando shrug unapologetically.

"I want to pay for everything consider it my way of taking care of you as much as possible." Lando smiles while she sighs a little.

"Go ahead and make it hard for me to hold it against you." Y/n jokes earning a grin.

Lando's plan to start adding to the list of things he wants to beat y/n to for paying is actually growing and spanning into other things.

"Lando Norris!" Y/n exclaims making him grin ready to reap the rewards of her brother

"Yes, my love?" Lando grins as y/n appears with a bouquet and a look of question seemingly wanting an explanation. "Those are some nice flowers. Lilies for this week?"

Y/n has got into the habit of buying flowers for the apartment in an attempt to not make the decor so...helmet heavy since there is a lot of his helmets that fill the apartment. Knowing that she goes to the same flower shop every week and so he's made a payment plan to pay every week and made sure the shopkeeper knows to never allow y/n to pay for anything.

Lando's bad identification of peonies actually successfully distracts her from why she came marching in here.

"There aren't lilies, they're peonies." Y/n frowns making Lando refrain from laughing at how easily he managed to get her mind away from the fact he paid for them.

"Oh, well they're very nice."

"Yeah-and you paid for them. How do you even think of paying for them?"

"I should really buy you flowers anyway, but you always beat me to getting them for you so I might as well at least cover the cost." Lando smiles watching her melt over his words since he definitely knows how to be a sweetheart when he wands to be.

"Ok. This is a sweet gesture...but I'm going to have to get you back and start paying for something like this." Y/n hums then sighing as she looks at the flowers with a soft smile before she finds them taken from her arms and placed down as Lando moves to hug her tightly.

"You know I love seeing you smile like that." Lando comments before managing to silence her with a kiss before she can reply. "I love you."

"I love you too." Y/n smiles lightly then leaning over and kissing him softly. "I love you a lot actually."

"Good, that's what I like to hear." Lando grins then sighing. "Ok, go set up your flowers. I can feel you itching to make them look all pretty and improve the apartment."

Y/n flashes a grin at him before bouncing and shifting away from him.

"Oh, and since we're talking about stuff I've paid for without you knowing. I got you that skin, make up box thing subscription for every month too."

"I'm actually not going to be mad about that. Because I love subscription boxes." Y/n states which does honestly make Lando feel like he's maybe onto something with this new piece of information.

2K notes View Post

kagome45

2 years ago

My Only Wish This Year

(gif credit to the creator)

Part One

Master List

Pairing: Jensen x Reader Word Count: 2,249 Warnings: angsty teens, mentions of death, mentions of a dead parent, mentions of a dead spouse A/N: I’M BACK BITCHES!!!! I haven’t posted writing on this blog in exactly two years and seven months. I’m happy to be back and to be back writing Jensen. Writing Jensen (and Dean) always seems to come easiest to me so it makes sense that this was the way to go. If you’d like to be tagged let me know, in an ask (it’s the best way for me to keep track)! Hope you guys like it! Anyway, feedback for this is crucial seeing as I’m just stepping back in! :)

Keep reading

141 notes View Post

kagome45

11 months ago

Pop Of Color

Synopsis: Inspired by Taylor Swift's You Are in Love

Small talk, he drives, coffee at midnight...You keep his shirt, he keeps his word. And for once, you let go of your fears and your ghosts. One step, not much, but it said enough.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12 (Final)

106 notes View Post

kagome45

4 months ago

The First Meet Self-Aware!Caleb

Caleb always talked about how he would he would show you around SkyHaven when you got there. It was never an 'if' with him it was always a 'when'. Perhaps that should've been your first red flag, but when you have feelings for someone those red flags look a little pink A/N: I was chillin' in the N109Zone while I wrote this. Sylus rubbed my feet and brought me food. pt. 1 here

“Just give me some time….”

What did he mean by that? The memory of the way his voice shook and how it seemed like he was talking more to himself rather than you — haunted you endlessly. You spent your days on edge, looking over your shoulder, tossing and turning in your sleep and waking up out of breath. You were never able to use your phone again after that it just wouldn’t turn back on. You spun the new device in your hand flipping it over to see the new phone case you purchased for it.

Apples.

“Well thanks for the new phone Caleb” You mumbled to yourself, setting it aside on your desk before sitting down to get to work. Part of you missed playing Love and Deepspace, but you couldn’t bring yourself to download the app again after what happened with Caleb. For months you had managed to fall for that pixelated man only for it to end the way that it did. You still had no clue what he meant by ‘Give me some time’ but it gave you chills nonetheless.

“Hey!” You jumped at the sound of Camerons voice aka your work bestie. “What?” The word rushed out of you. She stared down at you with a concerned look “I’ve been trying to get your attention I called your name at least ten times” You blinked rapidly as you looked around trying to gather your scattered thoughts. You hadn't realized you were spacing out “I’m sorry I was just trying to get this finished by end of day” You smoothed out your shirt and turned to face your friend “What's up?” Just when you thought it would be bad news you watched as a saccharine grin spread across her face. “Somebody had these delivered” She pulled a bouquet of your favorite flowers from behind her back and gently placed them in your lap. “Just for you”

Your whole face lit up as you looked down at the gorgeous flowers. No one has ever gifted you flowers before. The gesture almost made you combust just from staring at them. Carefully picking them up, you took a long sniff relishing in the floral notes that filled your senses. After getting a good sniff you quickly searched the flowers for a card to see who your secret admirer could be.

‘𝑰 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑷𝒊𝒑-𝒔𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒂𝒌 ♡ ͏𝑰 𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 -𝑪 ’

Your heart dropped to your ass in an instant; it can’t be Caleb he’s not real. You sprang to your feet letting the flowers fall to the floor — petals broke away from the stems as you kicked it away. The room grew blurry as your lungs constricted and your heart pounded like a drum in your ears. The last thing you saw was your friend reaching for you before you were suddenly counting the ceiling lights. Cameron shook you by your shoulders trying to get you to breathe properly. “What was in those flowers!? What did you do? Should I call 911?” She wasn’t speaking to you she was looking over her shoulder — who's she talking to? Please don’t let it be your boss that lady is strict enough as it is. She’ll have you head on a stick if she finds out you passed out on the clock.

“No I'll take it from here” A tall looming shadow stood over you; his face came into view as he leaned down and cupped your cheek in his hand. “Let’s go home pipsqueak you don’t look so well” Caleb? But how? You wanted to flinch away from his touch or get up and scramble away from him but your body was so heavy. “Ca…Caleb” It was so hard to speak your words coming out slurred as you continued to become even dizzier. “How?…..” His smile was blurry but his voice was clear "I take it you missed me considering this phone case"

The world seemed to be going by in flashes. First you were on the floor and next you were in someones arms and now you’re watching flashes of light pass by as you struggled to keep your eyes open. “Get some rest” A gentle hand rubbed small circles on your back willing you to sleep. The heavy weight of sleep outweighed your will to stay awake.

You were groggy as you rolled over and instinctively snuggled into your pillow. You wanted to go back to sleep, but the smell of breakfast had your stomach growling. Breakfast? You sat up in a panic looking around the foreign room. This was not your room and this was not your city. Fumbling out of bed you somehow managed to wrap your feet up in the sheets falling to the floor with a hard thud “Fuck that hurt” just then you heard heavy footsteps heading your way. Terror set in as you tried to untangle yourself from the blankets as the footsteps grew closer. “Come on come on come on” you begged the sheets that seemed to continuously grip onto your legs. “You can’t be serious” You whisper-yelled to yourself.

The room door opens softly and there stands Caleb with a look of worry. “What happened?” He rushes to your side and tries to help untangle you. “Caleb!?” Your eyes are practically bulging out of your head staring at the man in front of you. You wriggle and flail only making things worse “Hold still!” Caleb pins you in place with his evol as he unwraps your lower half from the sheets and blanket. “There. All done” He meets your stare and gives you those same puppy dog eyes that you remember all too well.

“W-where am I?” It took everything in you to keep from cowering into the corner. You knew there was no point in trying to run since he could quite literally pin you in place. He beamed as he gestured towards the floor to ceiling window “Welcome to SkyHaven I hope you enjoy your stay” He said with a wink. Your lips curled into an angry frown while your eyes ping ponged between the view and him. “What? Are you not happy to see me?”

“I don’t understand how I'm seeing you” You rolled your shoulder to try and quell the pain radiating from it. There will definitely be some bruising or at least some soreness later. “That’s classified information Pip-squeak” Before you could ask anymore questions Caleb pulled you to your feet like you weigh nothing. You looked up at him almost entranced by how handsome he is. You shook your head and snatched your hands from his. “Don’t give me that bullshit excuse! Take me home!”

He tilted his head and reached a hand out to caress your cheek “You are home” Although he had the warmest smile and lovestruck eyes; you couldn't help, but feel like a bucket of ice water was thrown on you. You stared dumbfounded; words escaping you.

Say something. Say something!

“I have to leave soon but I wanted to share a meal with you before then” That's when you noticed he was dressed in his colonel uniform — damn he looked so good too, but you refused to tell him that.

Suddenly he grabbed your wrist and pulled you out the door. You tripped over your own feet trying to keep up with his long strides. “I can walk on my own Caleb let go” You yanked at his grip and surprisingly he let go — only for him to swiftly sweep you off your feet and carry you bridal style into the dining room. He gently placed you in a chair and sauntered off to the kitchen returning with your favorite juice, a glass of water, and scallion pancakes. You stared at your plate not sure if you’re happy or pissed.

“I didn’t poison it so stop poutin’ and eat before it gets cold” You glanced at Caleb who occupied the seat next to you. He sat in a relaxed position with his head resting in his palm; studying you intently. You were still hesitant to eat anything this man put in front of you considering he kidnapped you to another world and won’t tell you how to get home. Caleb reaches a hand across you grabbing your knife and fork and slices a piece of your scallion pancake — popping it into his mouth with a subtle groan. He cuts another piece and turns the fork to you “See it’s safe”

You hesitantly part your lips as Caleb pushes the food into your mouth. The flavors bursting on your tongue had you audibly moaning as well. Caleb was a fantastic cook — you snatched the fork from his hand and dug right in taking a few sips of your drink to wash it down. The weight of his stare has you slowing down and immediately wiping your mouth “What are you staring at?” Calebs eyes soften as he slowly scans your face “You’re even more beautiful in person”

Even though you weren’t happy with him those words still gave you butterflies — you’ve been trying so hard to suppress them. You dropped your gaze and moved the last bits of your food around your plate “Don’t flirt with me you’re gonna make me nervous” He let out a soft chuckle and flicked your nose before leaning back in his chair — flashing that gorgeous smile of his. Caleb really was breathtaking; those violet eyes almost had you in a trance. You couldn’t help, but take in all his features — your eyes going from his eyes to his lips, taking notes of how full and soft they looked.

Continuing your perusal, you let your eyes move down, taking in his long muscular, but lean frame. His legs seemed to go for miles and you watched him spread them just a little wider when your eyes reached his lap. “You like what you see pip-squeak?” You finally snapped out of your self-inflicted trance and shook your head “You’re easy on the eyes even though you make my nervous system stand on end” You pushed your empty plate away, crossing your arms over your chest as you sat back in your chair.

Caleb didn’t respond immediately — opting to just give your cheek a caress as he grabbed your plate. His silence was unnerving to say the least. Is he upset? Are you the reason he’s upset? Staying quiet seemed to be the best option. “So I’ll be leavin’ for three days I want you to stay here and when I get back I promise to give you the grand tour of SkyHaven” His voice was accompanied by the sound of dishes clattering and running water.

“Three days?!” You choked on your drink causing you to cough loudly. Caleb stopped what he was doing and rushed to your side — rubbing your back as you caught your breath. “I’m not staying here for three days! I have a life back home!” You pushed his shoulder so you could stand and get some space. You knew by the way his brows furrowed and the chilling demeanor that washed over him in an instance that you’d made him mad. “And how exactly do you plan on getting ‘home’ pip-squeak?” He took a step toward you making you step back. You didn’t get far as he grabbed your wrist and pulled you flush against him. His eyes were becoming wild — this was the same look in his eyes before he ruined your phone for good. His heart was also beating rapidly in rhythm with yours.

You: Tell me how! Caleb: Didn’t you say you hated your job? You: Yes but- Caleb: Weren’t you the one who said you wanted someone to take care of you for once? You: Caleb I didn’t mean- Caleb: So why not stay here and be happy …. with me?

Your heart was beating out of your chest as you stood there letting part of yourself give in to him while the other half was ready to run out the door. Where would you go though? Who would help you? There’s no way Caleb is actually cruel enough to keep you here knowing damn well you don’t belong in this game. “I-I can’t” You croaked out not knowing if you wanted to kiss him or kick him. You watched Calebs’ expression fall, but he quickly covered it with a small grin. He stepped away from you and you almost chased after him due to the loss of warmth. He gripped you by your chin and you stood there frozen not sure what his next move would be. He narrowed his eyes as he searched your face for what? You didn’t know. To your surprise he placed the softest kiss on your lips. The gasp that followed was swallowed up by him as he deepened the kiss. Your mind screamed at you to give him a swift kick to the crotch, but your heart was melting in the palm of his hand.

You kissed him back with the same fervor.

You instinctively wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him impossibly close. Caleb kissed you like he would never have this chance again while simultaneously savoring your lips like he had all the time in the world. He tapped the side of your thigh and you swiftly lifted it without question. Caleb picked you up, holding you close as he moved across the room and laid you down on the couch. He pulled away breathless and dropped his forehead on your chest “If we keep going I’ll be late for work”

“I should probably get home anyway Caleb we can talk about this another day, but let me go home first” You ran your hands through his hair — it was soft. He lifted his head and for the first time, since bringing up home, his eyes showed no sign of anger. “You’re right” He stood to his full height and helped you to your feet. “Lets get you some pain medication for your shoulder” He brushed his fingertips over the darkening area “Then I'll tell you how to get home” his words were almost a whisper.

“Thank you” You could feel the tension melting off of you in waves.

“Follow me” He helped you to your feet and headed down the hallway towards what you assume is his room. You followed closely behind him; stumbling a few times to keep up. Once you were in his room your stumbling became much harder to control. Your breathing was becoming heavy and your head felt like it weighed a thousand pounds. You braced yourself against the wall willing the dizziness to stop.

“What’s wrong? Come lay down” Caleb said feigning concern. Your body was too heavy to even try to fight him so you allowed him to guide you into his bed and you felt a soft kiss on your forehead right before drifting off to sleep. “I’ll be back soon”

The room was dark only lit by the moon through the window when you woke up. You sat up glancing around the room trying to figure out where you were. It took a minute for your eyes to adjust, but once they did you saw the outline of a small lamp on the nightstand next to the bed.

No he didn’t.

You bolted out of bed at the sudden realization that you were still in Calebs home. “Caleb!” You yelled as you ran down the hall out into the living room. The place was dark and quiet not a single sign of another person. You ran to the front door, frantically trying to open it, but somehow Caleb managed to bolt this door shut making it impossible for you to leave. “He locked me in?” Think.

The windows!

You opened one of the few windows that wasn't floor to ceiling and found that it luckily wasn't sealed shut. Freedom was in reach. You went to put one leg out the window when you were met with an electrifying pain. “Ow! Damn it!” There was some kind of electromagnetic wall just outside the window. Don’t freak out. Don’t freak out. Your breathing was ragged and tears streamed down your face uncontrollably. “Fuck you Caleb you were never going to let me leave”

taglist ; @chaoticfivesworld @ellieevu @forsakenflame @luxis-journal @leiaglamela

@skylarkse @pretendthisusernameisgoodd @lavvytae @miuraaaa12 @mangooes

@ladyparamount @thespoiledgemini @gennirose @raining4food @myendlessobsessions

@corneliarstreet @irandial @who-mentioned-rhy-larsen @ollieneedsamilkshake @ladyof-themoon

@a-horny-demon-runs-this-blog @sheewa19 @cherry-pie2004 @liz9898 @sickeddyville

@fancyhawk45 @browneyedgirl22 @savagenctzen @maraveree @sylusdarling

@avylea16 @aestxyy-blog @empress-irish-writes @juliuscaesarsstabbedback @aidda

@phantom-101 @hon3yydew @mysticmyth @just-a-shapeshifter08 @katiedoesstuff101

@dar1ingduchess @mephisto-reporting @klo1704 @dearlyya @nattbattt

@achlysyo @urbeautynevereverscaredme @tednouwifey @hyori2 @amerti

@luvdegreen

1K notes View Post

kagome45

11 months ago

20 or 29 🩵 with max and lando (them forgetting dates) i want to bawl my eyes out please

thank you for requesting!🫶🏽

29. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

They should have told you.

They knew they should have told you, whether it was a message or a call or a fucking carrier pigeon. They knew they should have, or at least now they know they should have. And any excuse now just seemed pathetic, weak, unaccepting.

It just added to the guilt bubbling inside them.

It had been a long three weeks with the triple header. Add in the week before where both boys headed to the factories of their respective teams to go over some upgrades and strategy plans, and it had been well over a month since you had seen either boyfriend in person.

It was hard. Between work and time zones, it was hard to navigate a temporary long-distance relationship. But it was possible. You three made it work, but it wasn’t the same. And you couldn’t deny there was a part of you that envied them both, that envied the fact they were together and could lean on one another whilst you were stuck in another country.

But they had missed you too. They had said as much in every phone call or good morning message you received them. Max had been relieved at the fact he owned his own jet, with both him and Lando excited to get in the air the second they were able to leave the track after the last race. They wanted to get to you as soon as possible, and you were excited to see your boys too.

So, you dressed up a little—nothing too special, but it was more impressive than the pyjamas you had been in for most of your time home—and got a takeaway from their favourite cheat restaurant. You had set the house up, you had got snacks for a movie night. You had everything prepared for when they landed.

And they never showed up.

And it took a story from Daniel’s private instagram to see both boys in a club, celebrating with other drivers and colleagues, laughing and smiling and drinking.

It was upsetting. It was fucking heartbreaking if you were honest. You had felt like you were going out of your mind missing them, going above and beyond for a stay-in date night. You had been so fucking excited and they hadn’t even bothered to send you a message to tell you their plans had changed.

It really fucking hurt.

“I just need some space.”

Both boys stared at you, hopeless and lost and ashamed. Because maybe it was dramatic and maybe it was the last thing you needed after spending a month apart but you felt embarrassed and humiliated and a little out of place and—

You just needed a breather. You needed to spend time somewhere else, somewhere where you weren’t surrounded by constant reminders of them. And maybe in a weird, selfish way, you wanted them to feel the same kind of aching pining of not knowing when you were coming back. Just like you had felt the previous night, thinking they were going to be landing soon.

“Are—” Lando swallowed harshly, his hands tightening into fists to stop them from shaking. “Are you breaking up with us?”

“I—” Your eyes softened a little. “No. But I just…”

“I’m sorry,” Max murmured, his eyes guilt-ridden and apologetic. “I’m so sorry. We are so sorry. It doesn’t change anything and we should have said something but—”

“I know,” you said, your smile was a little fake and it broke the boys’ hearts to be on the receiving end of it. “I know you didn’t do it on purpose. And I know you’re both sorry. But it doesn’t change the fact that I feel like an afterthought in this relationship.”

Max frowned. “Baby—”

“I get it, you two are together all the time because you’re both racers. And I love that for you but,” you let out a long breath. “I think we need this. I need this.”

“If it’s what you want,” Max eventually replied, nodding and blinking away the wetness welling up in his eyes.

“Where are you going?” Lando asked, his voice soft and broken and it hit you in the chest how young he sounded.

“I’m staying with a friend,” you said, and the boys knew better than to push for more details.

Lando nodded, chewing the skin on his lower lip until it was red and raw. “We are sorry. We mean it.”

You smiled sadly. “I know.”

847 notes View Post

kagome45

1 year ago

𝐢 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 ─ 𝐜𝐥𝟏𝟔

summary... a reunion between old lovers after five years and charles can't keep his eyes off of you. or his thoughts for that matter. faceclaim... christina nadin pairing… charles leclerc x reader warning… none so far. petty charles.

note... this is going to be part of a series that includes both one shots and smau but can be read as a stand alone

series masterlist

main masterlist

part 2 → next part

charles is a mess. truthfully this is to be expected but after five years, he thought he would be better than this but alas, you’re still as magnetic as he remembered you to be – even more so, if he’s being completely honest with himself.

you look different – older. where they used to be rounded, baby face is all sharp bones. your hair looks different, longer and styled. and you smell different too, no longer the floral scent you’ve been using since you turned fourteen.

you’re a stranger, he thought. he no longer knows your favorite color or your favorite meal or if you still like strawberry yogurt. he doesn’t know your favorite show or what perfume you use. he doesn’t know you. you’re a stranger and yet your eyes still do that thing where it creases to the point of being close when you smile and you still run your hand over your hair in an attempt to subtly fix it and your eyes still looks like pooled honey when the sun shines on it.

you’re so different, a practical stranger and yet so familiar, like going back to a childhood home finding everything in the wrong place yet still knowing your way around with your eyes closed.

he’s staring. he knew he is and he knew the amount of trouble he’d get from his team for it. he knew that everyone on twitter was probably already freaking out about it. he had clear instructions to act like nothing had happened and that the leaked pictures didn’t exist all. he’s supposed to act like you’re just another interviewer and this is just another media obligation he’s forced to do and you’re no one to him but he can’t help it. he can’t pretend like you’re a stranger when you left such a big imprint in his soul and he doesn’t have every freckle and skin tag and every inch of your skin memorized.

and so he stares. he stares at the way you shift in your seat in an attempt to get comfortable. he stares at the way the long sleeved white dress hugged your curves. he stares at the way you smile, the way you laugh. he stares and tries to remind his heart the way you’d left, the way he’d begged you stay. with you a few feet in front of him, closer than you’ve ever been in years, charles reminds himself the things he had to do to put himself back together after you broke him.

he tells himself that he hates you the same way he has been telling himself for five years now. he hates you and the way you walked away from him so easily. he hates you and the way you moved on so quickly. he hates you now for the way you’re not even affected. he hates you for loving him only to leave him.

“and that’s all for today, everyone,” you say with that dazzling smile that makes him dizzy. he needs to get away from you. you’re clouding his judgment and messing with his emotions.

after making sure the camera has stopped rolling, charles quickly removes the mic attached to him. the smile drops from your face as you see him so desperately hurried to get away from you. though you supposed you deserved that.

“mate, you good?” carlos asked him quietly as charles practically slams the mic on the table. he seems worried and charles hadn’t even realized how angry he looks right now. he glanced at you, watching as you discussed with the producer, the wind blowing at your hair and the careless smile on your face. he hates you but you’re also the most beautiful person he’s ever met. he hates you and he’s so fucking tired of wanting you.

he forced a smile on his face for carlos’ sake. “fine.”

he’s already walking away when you called his name, not like you had in the show – filled with fake friendliness. this time, his name rolled off your tongue effortlessly. you called his name like you had a thousand times before, like nothing has ever changed. the entire set was calling to him but he didn’t seem to hear.

“charles,” you called and immediately, he stopped in his tracks. he only heard your call and somehow that made him angrier at himself than he ever could be at you.

his face is empty and void of any emotions as he turns to you and you swallow down the lump in your throat as you force a smile at him. you hoped it doesn’t look as fake as it feels. “we need to take a picture. for social media.”

he may as well have spat at you with the look in his eyes. it made you feel small. he makes you feel small and suddenly you’re eighteen again, so small and insignificant next to him.

as you and the two ferrari drivers posed for the photo, both charles and carlos respectfully wrapped an arm around you. you can feel the heat of charles’ body next to you, seeping right through your dress and spreading across your skin. his cologne is different – more rich and expensive but somehow still so him but his aftershave is the same as it has been since he was fifteen, so familiar and comforting to you and you almost can’t help but lean into him.

he’s pulling away before you can gather your thoughts, already walking away from you.

—

charles should be celebrating. he finished on the podium which is pretty much a miracle nowadays. in fact, it’s a miracle to even be finishing the race with how his season is going but he’s been pretty distracted the whole weekend, seemingly only ever able to get you out of his head whenever he’s going two hundred miles per hour. he almost wants to laugh if he doesn't feel so pathetic. it’s somehow still exactly like before - with him needing to find some ways to risk his life just to be able to get you out of his mind.

drinking the night away as he wallowed in self pity due to the thought of you is also entirely too familiar.

“mon pote, comment peux-tu encore la laisser te faire ça ?” hugo asked, watching him. “cela fait des années” mate, how are you still letting her do this to you?... it’s been years.

charles only gave a sarcastic smile. he doesn’t entirely know the answer to do that either. apparently the years between the two of you didn’t matter because you still have the exact same reaction to him. you make him lose his fucking mind, unable to to think straight. he does things he says he never will when it comes to you. he becomes desperate and weak and unable to handle his own emotions. he doesn’t understand himself when you’re around.

maybe that’s why you left in the first place. the two of you affected each other far too much. it’s entirely too easy to get lost in each other and forget about everything else.

“elle a l'air différente. elle a aussi une odeur différente,” he says before taking another shot. you’re so different and he hated it. he hates that there are things in your life he doesn’t know anymore. he hates the fact that you changed your perfume and that you can so easily pretend like he’s no one to you. if you can act like he’s no one to you so easily then perhaps he didn’t mean as much to you as he thought he did. she looks different. she smells different too.

you were his lifeline, the air in his lungs. you were everything and he would have given up anything just to keep you. he would have given up racing and his dreams – everything so he didn’t have to lose you.

joris rolls his eyes. he knows this entirely too well unfortunately, he’s seen this exact scene before. “cela fait cinq ans, charles. bien sûr qu'elle a changé.” it's been five years, charles. of course she's changed.

that only makes him laugh bitterly.

—

on the other side of the city lies you, cocooned in your fleece blanket as you stare at the wall.

throughout the years that you and charles have bumped into each other, it had mostly been just surprise in his eyes – as though he could never quite believe that you’re in front of him. usually, you’ll be gone before it can change.

today was different. there’s no surprise in his eyes nor was there any of the familiar warmth you’re so used to. today, he was filled with anger and indifference. he looked at you as though he hated you. and the worst part is that he probably does. the entire time it was as though he couldn’t get away from you fast enough, like he couldn’t stand even being in the same room as you. your entire life, charles has only ever looked at you with adoring and devoted eyes and now he can’t even stand to look at you.

“il ne vous déteste pas,” arthur says over the phone with a roll of his eyes as though you’re being ridiculous for even suggesting such things. he doesn’t hate you.

but arthur wasn’t there. arthur didn’t see how charles practically ran away from you. still, you say nothing to the matter, far too upset to even bother trying to defend yourself.

“i’m going to go to sleep, art,” you say softly instead. “it’s pretty late here.”

you and arthur say your goodnights before you shut off the call. but just as you’re about to place your phone down for the tonight, it lights up with a text message. your eyebrows knit together in confusion. who’d be texting you this late anyways?

taglist: @livinglifethroughfanfic @sage-butterflyy @chimchimjiminie16 @thatgirlmj @hiraethrhapsody @roseseraj @celestialams @1655clean @minkyungseokie @ssararuffoni @f1verse @honethatty12 @formulas-bitch @nmw-am @lorarri @erikasurfer @iamahallucinationn @thievin-stealing @glow-ish @raevyng @scenesofobx @coffeehurricanes @applopie @sukisheadlights @iampersonn @blueflorals @marialovesf1 @charli123456789 @127deob1

1K notes View Post

kagome45

4 years ago

Incredibles 2 (2018) dir. Brad Bird

342K notes View Post

kagome45

2 years ago

Always Come For You Pt. 1

Steve Rogers x Reader

Imagine on my fandom Instagram?: No

Prompt?: No

Request?: No

Requested prompt?: No

Edited: Yes

Word count: 5720

Ko-fi

Masterlist

Warnings here (none yet... they will be coming soon)

You can listen to the story be read out loud here.

Post Date: August 22ed 2022

Post Time: 9:46 pm

Summary: Steve thought he’d lost both his best friends in the war, but he never expected seventy years later to find out that he’d ever get to see the two that mattered most to him again. First Bucky, now he’s told the reader is alive too? Will he ever get the chance to tell the reader how he feels or is all lost? Bucky came back, so why can’t you?

This was based off of a post I saw on @druiigg page now it is in no way shape or form taking anything from the work that was posted to their page, it just heavily inspired it. So thank you Enna for inspiring this.

This is the post that inspired this:

Please refrain from stealing our work, thank you and please enjoy!!!

Steve’s Pov: *Flashback*

“War continues to ravage Europe, but help is on the way. Every able-bodied young man is lining up to serve his country. Even little Timmy is doing his part collecting scrap metal. Nice work Timmy!” The war ad before the movie plays.

“Nobody cares!” A guy shouts out from the front of the theater.

“Just play the movie!” he continues to shout as he throws his hand up.

“Hey, show some respect, won’t you?” I whisper out to the guy and he goes quiet as the ad plays on.

“Our brave boys are showing the axis that the price of our freedom is never too high.” The ad continues to play on with it now quiet.

“Let’s go! Get on with it!” he yells out again and I get angry.

“Hey, just start the cartoon!” he continues on as everyone just lets him.

“Hey, you wanna shut up?” I yell at him on my last straw as I lean forward.

“Together with allied forces, we’ll face any threat, no matter the size.” The ad plays on as the guy slowly stands up in front of me and glares at me.

Before I know it, we’re outside and I’m getting a punch to the face. I get back up, but he’s bigger than me so he easily throws another punch, making me fall to the ground again. I get back up using the wall and grab the lid to the trash cans that are next to me.

I hold the lid out like a shield, but he easily rips it from my hand and throws it to his side. He then turns back and throws another punch, making me stumble back against the wall. I stand back up and get into a fighting stance, ready to fight back.

“You just don’t know when to give up, do you?” he asks as he throws his arms up before letting them drop back to his side.

“I can do this all day,” I pant out as I get down, ready to fight him off.

I take one swing at him, but he quickly blocks it before throwing another punch to the other side. I go flying back to the floor and hit the trash cans on my way down.

“Hey!” I hear a familiar voice say as I take a moment, but I turn my head to see Bucky.

“Pick on someone your own size,” Bucky tells the guy as he walks backwards.

The guy then swings at Bucky and he dodges it before laying his own punch to the guy. I get up and lean over the trash, watching as Bucky kicks him in the butt and the guy goes running off.

“Sometimes I think you like getting punched,” Bucky jokes as he walks over to me.

“I had him on the ropes,” I responded as I flick my hand to get goop off of it.

“How many times is this?” Bucky asks as he bends over and picks up my recently failed enlistment slip.

“You're from Paramus now?” Bucky asks as he looks up from the slip and I don’t reply as I start to dust myself off.

“You know it’s illegal to lie on the enlistment form?” he asks as he looks at me.

“And seriously, Jersey?” he adds as I wipe at my nose before I finally look up at him to see him in uniform.

“You get your orders?” I ask as I continue to wipe my hands.

“The 107th. Sergeant James Barnes. Shipping out for England first thing tomorrow,” he affirms and I nod slowly.

“I should be going,” I state as I look down and rub my hands together one last time.

“Come on. Knucklehead,” Bucky chuckles out after a moment of silence before gripping my shoulder.

“It’s my last night. Y/n’s gonna clean ya up,” Bucky explains as he keeps his arm around me and we head outside of the alley.

“Why? Where are we going?” I ask as we continue to walk.

“The future,” he replies as he hands me a newspaper.

I look at it to see an ad for the world expansion of tomorrow. I shake my head and fold the paper back up before turning to him again.

“Is y/n going?” I ask and he shakes his head.

“Nope. I asked her. Said she had other plans. She’ll be leaving the house at maybe 6:30ish. Gives her time to help patch ya up,” Bucky explains as we start walking towards my house.

“But didn’t she just get off work?” I ask and he nods. “Maybe we shouldn’t bother her then,” I add on and Bucky chuckles.

“I know you don’t want to have her do it, but you know what she’ll say if I don’t bring you to her,” Bucky replies and I only nod in silent agreement.

“Well, come on. Hussle, buddy, we’re meeting the girls at seven,” he explains as he puts his arm around my neck again and pushes me forward slightly.

“What girls?” I ask him and he chuckles.

“I may or may not have found us dames to hang around for the night,” he admits with a grin and I roll my eyes.

We walked for quite a while before coming up to my mom's apartment. Instead of going to mine, Bucky knocks on the door across from us. We wait maybe five minutes before we hear y/n.

“Coming just a minute!” she shouts before the door swings open.

“Boys! Hi!” Y/n beams at us before her mouth falls into a frown as she looks at me over.

“Oh Stevie, did you win another fight?” she asks and I shake my head no as I grin.

“No. I lost again,” I uttered and she gave a ‘whatever’ motion with her hand.

“Awe, I really thought you’d win this time. I guess there’s always next time, bubs,” she mused with a smile and Bucky scoffs.

“Y/n, please don’t encourage it,” Bucky complains and y/n lets out a heavenly giggle.

“Bucky. I’m not encouraging anything, but the fact he’ll win,” she remarks and he rolls his eyes exasperatedly.

“That’s encouraging him to fight in the first place,” he remarks and she shrugs, making him roll his eyes.

“Well, come on. Gotta get you fixed up for that date,” she affirms as she grabs my hand and starts to pull me to her bathroom.

“Did ya at least get one punch in?” Y/n asks as she pushes me to sit on her toilet and starts to get her supplies she keeps for this exact reason.

“No.. he blocked it,” I murmur and she just smile at me.

“There’s always next time, bubs. I know you’ll get one in next time,” she reiterates what she said before.

“I heard that! Stop encouraging him to fight, y/n!” Bucky shouts from her living room.

“Oh! You heard no such thing!” she yells back before turning to me and putting a finger to her lips, telling me to be quiet.

“I like your moxie, Steve. Keep it. Don’t ever lose it,” she tells me as she puts a hand on my cheek, rubbing it lightly before going back to cleaning my cuts.

“Did he tell you he tried to enlist again? Under another alias?” Bucky asks as he comes into the bathroom and leans on the door watching as she cleans at my lip.

“No. Steve? Did you?” she asks and I sigh before nodding.

“Stevie. I know you want to help, but please don’t do that. You could get caught. Then where would I be after you go away for it? Stuck with this pain in the neck… no, I really don’t think I could handle that…” she deadpans, jabbing her thumb over her shoulder at him and I laugh when Bucky’s face falls.

“Hey! I wouldn’t be so bad to be stuck with!” he proclaims, making me and y/n laugh.

“Sorry to tell you, Buck… but it’d be absolute torture. I need Steve more than you…” she jokes and he scoffs before shaking his head.

“Oh, stop being all in cahoots, you knuckleheads,” Bucky grumbles with a frown, making me and y/n laugh.

“Awe, Buck, I’m just ragging on you. That’s all,” y/n professes with another giggle.

“Ragging on me? No, no it doesn't work that way. I’m the one who’s always supposed to be ragging on you. Not the other way around,” Bucky explains and she giggles.

“Buck, it’s way above my pay grade to not be ragging on you,” y/n jokes back and he just huffs as he crosses his arms.

“Whatever you say, doll,” Bucky settled as he shook his head still leaned against the door frame.

“They're all done. The dame that’s going out with you tonight is a real lucky girl, Stevie, treat her right tonight. You hear me?” she tells me as she pokes my chest and Bucky bursts out laughing.

“Y/n, you're the only girl he’s ever really been around. With the way he treats you, doll, I really don’t think Steve could harm a soul,” Bucky bursts out and y/n rolls her eyes.

“Every guy is capable of hurting someone at least once, Buck. Whether it be physically or mentally. Even our Steve is capable of it. I love Steve and you, but you're still men in the 40s,” she explains and Bucky rolls his eyes.

“And you’ll always be our doll. I promise I’ll treat her well,” I agree with her and she smiles an almost sad, soft smile at me.

“Good. Now get going, I gotta get ready,” she tells us as she pushes us towards the door.

“Boys, wait…” she exclaims as Buck opens the door.

We both turn around and before I know it, I’m being pulled into a bone-crushing hug. I hug her back, confused, but I hear her sniffle.

“What’s wrong, y/n? Are you ok?” I ask her and she quickly nods.

“I’m ok, Stevie,” she responds before squeezing me one last time.

“I love you, ok. Just remember that,” she whispers in my ear before she fully pulls away and I arch an eyebrow when I see her eyes are rimmed red.

“I love you too. You know I always will,” I tell her and she softly smiles at me.

“Can you give me and Buck a minute, Steve?” she asks and I give her a thoughtful look.

“Sure. I’ll be just outside,” I say, pointing over my shoulder.

Y/n’s Pov:

“Bucky. If I’m not here for when you leave tomorrow, promise me you’ll give this to Steve,” I tell Bucky as I hand him the fat envelope that I had put my letter and a few other things to Steve in.

“What? What do you mean you won’t be here?” he asks and I shake my head.

“I can’t tell you. Government stuff…” I explain and his eyes widen.

“Your aunt…” Bucky gasps out and I nod.

“It’s time I take her place. Don’t worry, I won’t be the only girl. What’s your station going to be?” I ask him and he shakes his head in disbelief.

“No. You were supposed to stay here and be with Steve,” he fights back and I sigh.

“That was the plan, Buck… but I didn’t predict my aunt being killed in action then me needing to go take her place. What is your station?” I ask again and he rubs his face in frustration.

“The 107th…” he reluctantly tells me and I shrug.

“At least we’ll be together. Best friends helping one another through war,” I joke, but tears fill my eyes and I start to shake.

“I don’t want to leave him all alone, Bucky,” I mutter as my tears start to fall now.

“Oh, doll. Come here.” Bucky pulls me into a hug.

“Why don’t you just tell him? You told me. Then maybe he’ll understand,” Bucky tries to reason with me and I shake my head.

“There’s nothing to understand, Buck. My aunt told Erskine herself that she wanted me and not my cousin. She knew that I’d handle it far better,” I explain and Bucky sighs.

“I really wish you didn’t have to go,” Bucky sympathizes with me and I choke back a sob.

“Me too, but I have no other choice,” I explain as I try to hold back another sob.

“But if for some reason I die over there, you give him this,” I tell him as I hit my knuckle against the thick envelope.

“I promise I will…” Bucky says before he’s hugging me again.

“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then,” I state sadly and he nods.

“Wait! I forgot to give you yours,” I exclaim before I rush back over to my desk to grab Bucky’s letter.

“Just promise me, you’ll only read it if I don’t make it home,” I choke out as I hand it to him and he nods with sadness all over his face.

“So I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then?” Bucky asks and I nod sadly.

He gives me one last half-hearted smile before he shoves the letters into his jacket. I watch as he leaves my house and pats Steve on the back as they both walk off. Steve turns and gives me one last wave and I wave back as I lean against the door frame.

I watch as they push each other back and forth until they're out of sight. I shake my head with a light smile before walking back into my house. I walk back into my room and see my suitcase half packed.

I finish packing up my suitcase before sighing as a knock is sounded on the door. I walk out to the door and open it.

“Dr. Erskine, hello,” I greet the older man in front of me.

“Hello, dear. Are you ready to go? We need to make a stop by one of the recruitment buildings on our way out,” he explains and I nod as he holds out his hand before motioning for my suitcase.

“Oh. Thank you. Just let me turn all the lights out,” I explain and he nods as he takes my suitcase for me.

I walk back to my room and take one last look around at it. A tear falls down my cheek and I quickly wipe it away before sighing. I then turn off the light before walking back out to the living room and catching the rest of the lights off as I go. When all the lights are off, I walk out and turn around to lock the apartment door.

After locking up, I turn around to see Erskine holding a car door open for me. I walk over and give him a light smile before getting into the car. He gets in next to me before telling the driver he can go.

The driver drives for a while before coming up to a recruitment building. Erskine leans forward and talks with the driver for a moment before turning back to me.

“Ok dear, the driver is going to take you to the plane where you’ll fly over with Howard Stark. I’ll see you tomorrow morning at camp,” he explains and I nod as I give him a light smile.

“When you get to camp, you’ll be introduced to Miss Peggy Carter. She’ll share your tent with you as well as work alongside you. She’ll inform you more on your job once you get there,” he explains and I nod in understanding, making him smile.

“Alright, I’ll see you tomorrow!” he reiterates as he gets out of the car.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Dr.,” I respond before the door closes.

He waves at me and I wave back before the driver pulls the car out of its spot. I watch with my forehead against the window as the driver passes all the places I knew growing up. I let a few tears fall as I see the diner Steve would always take me to after nightmares.

“Ma’am, are you ok?” The driver asks as he makes eye contact with me though the rear view mirror.

“I’m fine. I’m sorry, I didn’t introduce myself. I’m y/n,” I respond and he lightly smiles at me.

“Edwin Jarvis Ma’am, but everyone just calls me Jarvis,” Edwin explains as he gives me a small nod.

“Well it’s nice to meet you, Jarvis,” I tell him with a smile and he gives a nod.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Miss y/n,” he responds with another smile.

“I hear you’ll be flying over with Mr. Stark. Good luck. He’s a lot sometimes,” he explains with a chuckle as he shakes his head.

“Do you work for him?” I ask and he nods his head.

“Yes, I do. I’m his family’s butler. I’ve been with them since he was maybe five,” Jarvis explains with a proud smile.

“Well I’m sure he appreciates you very much,” I comment with a smile and he smiles back.

He continues to drive for a while before pulling up next to a plane. He gets out before coming around to open my door for me and I smile at him as I get out. I turn and look at the plane to see someone standing by the stairs.

“That would be Mr. Stark. He just finished his futuristic show,” Jarvis explains as he pulls my suitcase out for me.

“Thank you, Jarvis. I hope we get to meet again,” I tell him as I turn to him and he nods.

“As do I, Miss y/n,” Jarvis replies before handing me my suitcase.

A well put together man who looks around my age comes over to us. “Ahh, you must be y/n. Alacia’s niece, correct? I’m Howard. It’s nice to meet you, dear,” he says.

“Yeah, that’s me. I was hoping I’d never have to do this, but I wasn’t anticipating auntie Alacia dying,” I explain and he nods solemnly.

“Well I am sorry to hear about poor Alacia, we were real good friends,” he explains and I give him a sad nod as we start to walk towards the plane.

“I’m afraid I didn’t know her very well. She was already busy working with the government by the time my mama died,” I explain and he frowns, shaking his head.

“Well she certainly knew about you, my dear. She was always showing me pictures of you growing up when your mother would send them to her. You were what mattered most to her, my dear,” he explains as he puts a hand on my shoulder and my eyes widen.

“Really? Cause my mama said she didn’t want anything to do with me…” I mutter out and he shakes his head.

“All a cover story, doll. She had to stay away to protect you,” he explains some more and I shake my head in disbelief, making us stop a few feet in front of the plane.

“I don’t believe you,” I timidly squeak out and he holds up a finger.

“Of course you wouldn’t, you're just like her, you know,” he informs me as he pulls what looks like a wallet out of his back pocket.

“Here. She kept one just like it with her all the time,” he explains as he pulls something out of the wallet and holds a picture out to me.

“What? How do you have a baby picture of me?” I ask in shock as I look at the picture of myself.

“Your aunt…” he starts, but trails off as he gives a dismissive wave in the air.

“She gave me one when I said how adorable you were one time. She had older photos of you, but I liked this one. You looked so young and cute with your hair all done up,” Howard explains and I feel a blush rise to my cheeks.

“Thank you. It’s nice to hear I had family I didn’t know around. I always thought of myself as a stray cat after mama passed. I mean I had the boys, but I guess I had you and my auntie out there too,” I timidly explain and he grins.

“You became part of the team dear, even while not being around. I started to think of you like a sister,” he continues to explain as I just hold the picture:

“Well I hope we can really get to know one another then,” I reply as I give the picture back to him.

“Glad to hear it! I’m sure we will. Come on then, best be going,” he declares as he puts a hand on my back before starting to lead me to the plane.

“Oh wait!” I shout out as I set my suitcase down before running over to Jarvis.

“Bye, Jarvis. I’ll see you soon, ok?” I promise as I pull him into a hug and he smiles as he hugs me.

“Ok, Miss. See you soon,” he agrees before pulling away from the hug.

“Hopefully very soon,” I nod in agreement before taking a step back.

I give him one last wave before fully turning around to see Howard now handing my suitcase over to someone. The person takes it from him and walks away, I can only assume it’s to put it away for the flight. With one last sigh I grab onto my locket that has both the boys in it before starting up the stairs of the plane.

~Time Skip~

“Morning dear. Time to wake up,” I hear as I open my eyes slowly. I see Howard standing over me with a smile. I rub at my eyes as I sit up and Howard sits back down in the seat in front of me.

“Where are we exactly? Dr. Erskine didn’t exactly tell me where we’re going to be stationed,” I ask through a yawn and Howard lets out a chuckle.

“Right now you and I are in Paris, but when we head to camp you’ll be at Camp Lehigh in New Jersey,” Howard explains as he gets up out of his seat.

“Wait, why Paris?” I quickly ask and Howard’s eyebrows furrow.

“Did Erskine tell you nothing?” Howard asks in an angered voice.

“No. He did not. He said Peggy Carter would fill me in,” I explain and he sighs, shaking his head.

“Damn, Dr. Always leaving me to do it all,” he mutters under his breath before standing straight.

“We are here to get you your uniform and work gear,” he explains as he walks over to the wall before opening the door to a closet.

“Here, put this dress on. Your first official job starts now,” he tells me as he throws me a nice navy colored dress:

“Ok…” I agree with slight confusion before walking into the bathroom.

Once I’m done changing, I look at myself in the mirror and sigh. I shift around, feeling uncomfortable in the dress, a dress I’d never normally wear.

Oh what would Stevie say if he saw me now…

A knock on the door breaks me out of my thoughts and I crack the door open. Howard stands there with a wide smile on his face.

“You look absolutely beautiful, doll. Here, put some makeup on. Maybe before we leave we can do what me and Peg always do when we’re out here,” he declares as he holds a small bag out to me.

“Well, thank you. I’ve only ever been called beautiful by two other people,” I bite my lip as I explain and blush a little before walking back into the bathroom leaving the door open as I apply the makeup he gave me.

“Never had a beau then, I take it?” he asks and I shake my head.

“No. I have, just none of them were really anything real. It was more just because, ya know?” I try to explain but fail and he laughs.

“Ahh, so you got boyfriends to get over another boy, am I correct?” he asks with a raised eyebrow at me as I finish up and zip up the bag before walking back out.

“Yes, ok…” I reluctantly agree and he smiles.

“Well, what’s his name?” he asks and I chuckle as he eggs me on.

“His name is Steve. We grew up together. Me, Steve, and our friend Bucky, well actually his name is James Buchanan Barnes, but we’ve always called him Bucky,” I explain and he smiles wide.

“Well doll, why haven’t you tried anything with him?” he asks and I shrug.

“I don’t think he’d like me like that. Now, what’s the job?” I ask and he grins, standing up.

“You're not getting out of this that easily. We’ll continue this conversation later. Anyway, my plan for us to do what me and Peggy do when we come out here works into the plan,” he tells me as he puts a hand on the small of my back and leads me out of the plane.

“Ok. What are we doing?” I ask as we now start down the stairs of the plane.

“We’ll be having fondue while gathering information! It’ll be perfect!” he excitedly explains and I raise an eyebrow at him.

“One, what is fondue, and second, who are we getting information on?” I ask and he gasps like a school girl getting dirty information.

“You’ve never had fondue?!” he asks and I giggle, shaking my head no.

“Well, then let's go quickly! You must have some fondue!” he shouts as he holds the door to the awaiting car open for me.

“Ok. I guess I’m having fondue,” I reply with a giggle before he’s closing the door and running around to get in himself.

“Trust me. You’ll love it,” he promises before he leans forward to tell the driver to drive.

The driver starts to drive and before I know it, he’s pulling up to a nice looking restaurant. I smile as Howard gets out and opens my door for me before holding an arm out to me.

“Play along. We have to look like a couple out having fun,” he whispers into my ear as I grab onto his arm and walk with him.

“Of course, dear,” I agree though a giggle and he smiles.

“You're a natural at this. No wonder your aunt named you instead of your cousin. I’ve met her, she wouldn’t be able to just blend in the way you are, dear,” he beams with a bright smile.

“She is a little bland sometimes…” I agree and he throws his head back laughing.

“This friendship is starting out very well, my dear,” he states as he pulls my chair out for me.

“Yes. I would say it most definitely is, Howard. Thank you,” I agree as I take a seat in the chair.

I pull my chair in as he takes a seat across from me. A waitress comes up to the table and Howard speaks with her in French. When they're done talking, the waitress walks off and he turns to me with a grin.

“So, where is this fondue you speak so highly of?” I ask as I look over the menu before realizing I can’t read it.

“Don’t worry, I’ve already ordered it. She’ll be back with it and to take our drink order shortly,” Howard explains and I sigh.

“Thank you. I wouldn’t have been able to even read the menu,” I respond and he smiles as he shrugs.

“Well, you don’t have to worry about that. You’ll be learning French and so much more through this job,” he informs me and I nod.

“Do you have any other languages under your belt?” he asks and I nod proudly.

“One summer, my mamma thought it’d be good for me to learn something new, so she had me learn Italian,” I mention with a proud smile and he nods.

“That probably was more your aunt than your mamma, dear,” he comments and my eyes widen in shock.

“What do you mean more my auntie than my mamma?” I ask and he sighs as he takes a moment.

“I mean your aunt most likely wanted you to know at least one other language before coming into the job. So she probably hinted at it to your mother,” he explains and I’m at a loss for words.

“She… she…” I choke out and he places a hand on mine.

“She really did love you, dear girl. She just couldn’t be there with you,” he spoke softly as he gave my hand a squeeze.

“I just always thought she hated me. Learning she loved me from afar is just hard to believe, but you’ve truly made me believe it,” I explain as I wipe at a tear and he smiles softly at me.

“Well my dear, you have me now and I’m sure you’ll have Peggy too after you meet her. She doesn’t exactly do what you and I do, but she helps out when she can,” he tells me and he smiles one last smile at me before the fondue comes to our table.

“What would you like to drink?” he asks me as the waitress sets down the breadsticks along with sliced apples and a bowl.

“Oh. Just water for me,” I affirm and he nods before talking to the waitress.

“Well, are you going to try it?!” he asks with a raised eyebrow as the waitress walks away.

“Of course I am. You didn’t even give me a chance to!” I joke and he chuckles, shaking his head before holding his hand out over the food.

I grab a breadstick and tear it in two before dipping it into the bowl. After dipping it, I hold my hand under it as I move it up to my mouth and take a bite. The flavors mix together in my mouth amazingly and I let out a light moan at the taste.

After I’m done chewing, I look up at Howard who’s smirking at me. I roll my eyes before dabbing my napkin around my mouth.

“My, you weren’t kidding. That stuff is amazing,” I declare and Howard chuckles.

“See, stick with me doll and you’ll try many new things,” he states with a wink and I giggle lightly.

“Me and Pegs come almost weekly, just so we can get away from everything,” he explains and I nod in understanding.

“Well I hope to join you in some of your getaways,” I note and he smiles as the waitress brings our drinks and sets them down.

“Of course you can, my dear! It’ll be the three of us fonduing!” he proclaims and my face twists up in disdain.

“Yeah, maybe we don’t call it that,” I inform and he chuckles.

“Why ever not! It could be our code name for it,” he responds and I roll my eyes before giggling.

“Ok, Howard, fonduing it is,” I reluctantly agree and he grins.

“Perfect! It’s settled!” he beams and I nod as I pick up another breadstick to break in half.

We continue to eat as Howard carefully watches a guy across the room. Soon all the fondue is gone and Howard is standing from his chair.

“Come now, darling, our job here is done,” he tells me and I get up.

“Really? But all we did was sit here and eat fondue,” I muse as he puts his hand on my back.

“All you did was eat fondue. I, on the other hand, surveillanced who we needed to. Even got pictures of him,” Howard explains as he leads me to the car.

“Wha- how…?” I ask in shock and Howard chuckles.

“This is what you will get good at my dear, but in due time. For now I want your first real job to be a success,” he tells me as he opens the car door and lets me in first before getting in himself.

“To the plane, Jarvis!” he declares and the driver turns around.

“Of course, sir. Hello, Miss y/n, nice to see you again,” Jarvis responds with a smile before turning to me.

“Good to see you too, Jarvis,” I reply and he smiles before starting up the car.

He drives us back to the plane and we get into it. Howard hands me a new set of clothes, telling me it’s my uniform before sitting down. I walk into the bathroom and change before coming back out.

“Sleep, my dear sister. We have a long journey back,” Howard tells me and I smile slightly at him as I put my new dress into my suitcase.

“You too, Howard. Sleep well,” I tell my new friend and he smiles at me before closing his eyes and resting back in his seat.

I sit in my seat and lean back with a light smile on my face. Before I know it, I’m being woken up by Howard again.

“Wake up, dear. We’re here,” he announces softly as I blink my eyes open.

“Hmm. Good morning, H,” I reply sleepily as I rub my eyes.

We both pick up our stuff before heading out and when the door opens we see all the soldiers training. Howard leads me over to the ladies tent and helps me with my bag.

“Welcome to camp, my dear,” Howard beams as he sets my bag down by one of the only two beds.

“Thank you, H,” I reply and he smiles.

“I like the new nickname, dear. And you're very welcome. I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow morning in the head office to get you acquainted with everything. Peggy should be in for bed soon,” he explains and I nod as I roll out one of the mattresses.

“Goodnight, doll!” Howard shouts as he leaves and I giggle.

“Goodnight!” I shout back before plopping down on my bed.

I let out a puff of breath before shaking my head in disbelief of how my day has gone. I smile lightly before standing up and getting ready for bed. Sleeping on an army cot doesn’t sound too appealing, but I am sure I’ll get used to it very soon.

To Be Continued…