With Time

with time 🩹

part one :)

my masterlist :)

pairing: caitlin clark x iowa-state-wbb-player!reader

summary: you and caitlin play against one another in the annual rivalry game between iowa vs. iowa state, and things go south, fast.

themes + warnings: initial fluff and then straight up angst...contact injury, anxiety, cursing, and suggestive content.

word count: 2.1k

author’s note: you would not believe how long this took my NARP (non athletic regular person) headass to write. shoutout to pookie @ccphiliafilms for helping me figure out all the details i needed! 🤞🏾 i won't lie i'm not sure when part two will be out but i hope u enjoy part one in the meantime :) feedback appreciated as always and apologies for typos if there are any!

•••

the sound of dribbling basketballs, rowdy fans shuffling to their seats, and the band’s instruments rang through carver-hawkeye arena in early decemeber as the iowa and iowa state’s women’s basketball teams shot around, warming up for the annual cy-hawk rivalry game. in the corner of the court, you squatted to the ground, re-tying your shoes. as you finished tying your left shoe, footsteps swiftly made their way up to you from behind.

“looking real unprepared over here,” caitlin grinned, as you looked up at her, rolling your eyes. you placed your arms on your thighs before standing up properly. “you talk a lot of shit now but let’s let the numbers talk at the end, huh? shouldn’t you be getting warmed up instead of bothering me?” you responded calmly, tongue rolling over your top teeth briefly, now standing and looking cait directly in the eye with eyebrows raised and eyes daring her to keep pushing you.

you and cait had been dating for almost two years, having met through mutual friends and hitting it off instantly. your mutual love for and dedication to basketball was one of the things you initially bonded over, and it also meant that the annual rivalry game between iowa and iowa state got even more competitive–which, one could ask how that’s even possible for caitlin. cait loves getting under your skin, talking shit, and riling you up–whether that’s on or off the court. but, despite all of her cheap talk and jokes, when she loves, she loves hard. she’s definitely more excited about playing you in an actual game, more so than she is about the prospect of beating you. but, beating iowa state would be a welcomed bonus, and her competitive headass would never admit that she had a softer spot for you on the court.

cait’s cocky demeanor persisted as she closed the already small gap between you two, her lips close to your ear, her breath hot on your neck, “you know i love you, but you’re getting annihilated out there, baby. just like you all did last year.”

“shut up!” you scoffed, laughing as you moved your head away from hers, pushing her torso away as she stumbled back laughing. “i’m going to win,” she said seriously, eyebrows raised, baiting you. “prove it then,” you retorted, grabbing an unattended basketball and dribbling it mindlessly. cait grabbed your free arm, pulling you towards her again as you sighed, “i know something else i can prove to you, hmm? matter fact, i proved a lot of stuff last night if you don’t rem–” she whispered, voice deep as she fought back a smile.

“alright, enough,” you scoffed again, whispering, “you’re not getting in my head. and, if i remember correctly, i wasn’t the one begging last night so let’s be clear.”

“alr-,” cait began before kate yelled her name, causing you both to look over at the dirty blonde who was standing near from the forming team huddle. you shook free from caitlin’s grasp, the brunette willing letting go as she fixed her loose ponytail. “go. i’ll see you out there,” you smiled mischievously, shooing her away as you backed up, now dribbling the ball between your legs. cait rolled her eyes, “oh, you’ll see some things,” she mouthed at you childishly before jogging away, causing you to laugh before you shot the ball. it swished in by the time cait made it to the huddle; jada and molly parting to create space for her as the time for tip-off neared.

eventually, your coach, bill fennelly, called your team over for a huddle of your own. this game was always super fun, but it was difficult nonetheless, particularly when it was iowa’s home court and not your own. you’d been here many times, though, with caitlin as she shot around late at night if it was open; you would often shoot around with her which would usually end up in a competitive yelling match and you both laughing so hard you couldn’t breathe. you both talked a big game, but at the end of the day you were simply each other’s ride or dies. you’d seen and experienced a lot of stuff together, particularly because of cait’s rise to fame, and that made your relationship all the stronger. at the end of the day, cait is and will always be your overprotective, overly-cocky, crazy, beautiful girlfriend. you loved her passion and she loved yours.

•••

by the middle of the second quarter, the game was intense, close, and physical. iowa had 23 and iowa state was behind by three. there had been a fair share of turnovers and uncoordinated plays which left the hawks, predominantly caitlin, on edge. it was now an iowa posession, and cait was bringing the ball up the floor. gabbie and kate were in their respective corners, being guarded heavily and clearly not prepared for the ball yet. hannah was positioned further back, parallel to the paint as iowa state center audi crooks guarded her intensely. sydney had more time to get into position parallel to the free throw line, prompting cait to throw the ball to her. you were defending syd hard from behind her, attempting to make sure she couldn’t pass the ball to gabby. syd, seeing that most of her other teammates weren’t easily open, pivoted her body to her right in attempts of getting the ball off to gabbie, who’s defender had eased up on her in attempts to guard caitlin.

in an ideal world, that play should’ve moved smoothly and syd would be coming out with an assist. but, the blonde pivoted her body with such a considerable amount of force and her elbow pushed out first, piercing you directly in the sternum, completely knocking the wind out of you. you tripped backwards, tripping on audi’s feet in the process which plummeted your body to the ground. hard. you landed on your back, your head harshly reverberating against the laminated floor. audible gasps from the audience rang through your ears, head pounding, and the bright lights making your vision more blurry. your eyes watered and the deep breath you attempted to take sent shock waves of intense pain through your chest. yells of frustration and concern echoed from the iowa state bench as you laid on the floor, unable to get up. the waywardly thrown basketball flew over you as your chest ached beyond belief, face scrunched in pain, tears brimming at your eyes.

all you could think about was the intense pain coming from practically your entire upper body as your ears rung, the sounds of noisy arena fading away as you tried to control your breathing. the piercing sound of the ref’s whistle cut through the noisy arena barely seconds later. cait jogged quickly over to you, kneeling at your side with eyes widened and locked on you as your teammates circled around you as well.

“what hurts? what hurts?” cait questioned, her voice wavering as she attempted to hide her frantic state. but, her locked jaw and worried eyes gave it away easily.

you attempted to speak but it came out more like a strangled gasp as the deep breath you took caused reverberating pain throughout your chest. cait’s right hand loosely touched your waist as her eyes scanned over your body. you attempted to lift your head off the floor and realized upon doing so that it made everything much worse. cait used her left hand to gently hold your head as you laid it back down against her palm, releasing a lot of the weight from your neck as she held you gently. “it…it hurts to…br-breathe,” you winced out, caitlin’s stomach turning in knots as the athletic trainer and conditioning coach, along with the head coach and associate head coach, came over. your teammates had taken steps back to make space for them, some of them trickling back to the bench.

“honey, i’m gonna need you to step back for me,” your athletic trainer, tessa, spoke to caitlin, looking into the disheveled brunette’s eyes. caitlin nodded, still somewhat in a mild state of shock as she removed her hands from you gently. she paused for a second after standing, her heart beating intensely from the exhaustion of the game, and more so from seeing you on the floor, plagued with pain and tears rolling down your cheeks. she knew it was an unintentional foul by syd but seeing you take the physical repercussions of it was maddening. you were lying there, unable to get up on your own, and that made cait’s mind spin. the uncertainty of your health fueled her anxiety and wracked her brain.

the iowa players had already returned to the bench, but kate lingered near the court until caitlin was ready to return, making sure her best friend was okay. upon seeing her reluctance to leave your side, the dirty blonde jogged over, placing a hand on cait’s shoulder, whispering something in her ear before guiding her slowly back to the iowa bench.

“kate, i’m going to fucking throw up,” cait whispered, head tilted into kate’s ear so the cameras couldn’t easily decipher what she was saying as they paced across the court, kate’s arm over her shoulder as the brunette leaned forward slightly with unease. “i know, i know, it’s fucking terrible, but she’s going to be okay, she is…she’s resilient,” kate assured, rubbing her hand up and down caitlin’s back momentarily, jada coming up from behind to rub caitlin’s shoulder.

“yeah mhm,” caitlin answered unconvincingly, a knot forming in her chest as her face heated up uncomfortably. she fought back tears as she grabbed her water bottle from one of the staff members, moving to sit on the bench. you were still on the ground being tended to, and the majority players and staff from both teams stood waiting. caitlin pushed her head into her hands, tears brimming at her waterline as kate sat down next to her.

“i’m good,” cait expressed flatly before her best friend could say anything.

“bullshit.”

“okay, fine, i’m not. but what can i fucking do?!” caitlin responded exasperatedly, “she’s fucking down and i can’t-”

“you don’t do anything,” kate answered, moving her head to look in the brunette’s eyes, “you let it hurt and know it’ll be somewhat alright. it’s terrible, you don’t need to pretend like it’s not.”

“kate, she has to be okay—i can’t think about if… i can’t figure out-” cait began to ramble, waves of anxiety racking her body before she stopped herself from speaking, going silent and her eyes going somewhat expressionless. she took a deep breath, staring out straight in front of her. she hadn’t looked towards you directly since walking away, it was too painful. kate was used to seeing her best friend compartmentalize during games, but this was to another degree. “caitlin, talk to me.”

before she could respond, sighs of relief echoed from the crowd along with claps as you were helped to your feet by the athletic trainer and conditioning coach. you limped off, with them helping you keep balance, towards the locker room and the arena erupted in louder applause as caitlin pressed her hands into her knees so hard it almost left an imprint. her eyes squeezed shut, and she leaned back in the chair, feet dug into the ground.

as you made your way out of sight, bluder called out a “huddle up,” as iowa state continued their already ongoing huddle, fans chattered, and refs discussed. caitlin stood up, pulling at the ends of her shorts, her body radiating anxiety. before she could move towards the huddle, the assistant coach, raina, pulled her back; her hand loosely on cait’s wrist. “are you sure you can and want to go back out there right now?” she asked sincerely, looking directly into caitlin’s eyes as caitlin’s face scrunched slightly but her body remained stoic.

“i can’t sit on that bench, i’ll go insane,” she answered straightly, hands on her waist as she rocked on her heels slightly.

“caitlin.”

“i’ve got this, trust me, please,” she requested with more emphasis this time, retying her ponytail as raina’s finger tapped on her clipboard. “okay, alright, if you feel you’re ready you can go but i’m watching out for you, okay? this game isn’t more important than your well being.”

“thank you,” she replied quickly, moving over to the huddle without a second thought. lisa was in the middle of a motivational speech, and kate stood next to caitlin, hand pressed against her back firmly to remind her that she was there. caitlin mentally dazed in and out of the huddle, listening for any important information about upcoming plays but still subconsciously wracking her brain over whether or not you’d be okay.

•••

part two :)

wonder what he got?? maybe stuff for his daughter🕺🕺

my dream is to meet him at sephora

STAR GIRL

| Lo’ak x F!Avatar!Reader |

Summary: Sully's always stick together, but is there room for one more?

Warnings: fluff, some angst and family drama

Notes: I just want to take a second to thank each and every person who has interacted with this series, it’s truly meant so much. I’ve read and re-read every comment, message, kind word. You’re all incredible and the support means the absolute world. I can’t believe this series is coming to an end already, it’s been so much fun to write. I have a little surprise at the end of this chapter that I’m super excited about and hope everyone will like! I LOVE when you guys talk to me so don’t be shy and let me know what you think! Until next time MWAH

dialogue in Italics is Na'vi translated to English

chapter eight

Chapter Nine — The End

The sun has long breached the moon, warm afternoon light blanketing Pandora by the time you approach Home tree.

Your fingers, interlocked tightly with Lo’ak’s, tremble as anxiety surges through your chest. Wide eyes dance over the huge, overreaching leaves of the place you so recently considered home, the sound of the clan’s morning activities fluttering to your ears.

“Wait!” You suddenly jerk to a halt, free hand latching onto Lo'ak's bicep.

He stops beside you, just before the tree line breaks into the wide gathering area. Your eyes round with unease, searching for comfort within his warm gaze.

A soft breath falls from his lips, chest tightening at the sight of you so on edge. A large hand cradles the side of your head gently. You instantly lean into his touch, a fraction of tension releasing.

“Hey...” He coos, guiding you forward so he can place a kiss in the center of your forehead. He leans back slowly, head dipping to catch your eyes. “Nothing, and no one, will take you from me. Okay?”

You’re nervous, no, terrified to face his parents. You haven’t spoken a word to them, haven’t seen so much as a glimpse of them in nearly a week. Not since Jake so harshly yelled at you, so cruelly accused you of being a traitor.

Lo’ak‘a gaze remains steady on yours, unwavering in his love for you. He's completely serious, if any of his family members argue against your union, he has some choice words ready. Now that you're his for life, he won't let anyone disrespect you, no matter who they are.

“Okay.” You agree lowly, sending him a smile that doesn’t quite reach your eyes.

He nods reassuringly, fingers tightening around yours as he guides you forward, back toward the place where you’ll build your new home together. He barely makes it a step before a tall figure approaches, walking briskly through the brush.

In his haste, Neteyam nearly rams right into you. He’s the perfect picture of a poised leader on a mission, brow furrowed, shoulders square, bow slung tightly across his chest. He rears back in alarm, narrowly missing the two of you.

“Eywa!” He curses under his breath, eyes widening a fraction as he takes in the scene before him.

His spine straightens, tail flicking to attention at his back. His eyes narrow, trailing over the two of you scrutinizingly. At first, he’s surprised that you’re standing before him at all. After that day in the forest, when he stumbled upon you and your Ikran, he fully expected to never see you again.

But now, here you are. With his brother, the day after he disappeared without warning. The pieces start falling into place, Neteyam’s thoughts racing as he dissects in the sight of the two of you together. Together walking from the woods, with your hands clasped and—oh, shit.

“Baby bro, you didn’t.” There’s a rough warning beneath his words, head tilting to the side almost pleadingly.

Lo’ak forces down a hoarse swallow, lifting his chin in defiance. His hold on you is firm, bordering on painful as he meets Neteyam’s glare with one of his own. Daring him to challenge the union. The older Sully groans, eyes falling closed as he pinches the bridge of his nose in irritation.

“I shouldn’t be surprised.” He sighs heavily, molten eyes shifting to you.

You’re tempted to curl inward, to crumble beneath his judgmental gaze, but you remain strong. You have no regrets about mating with Lo’ak. You’ve chosen him as your partner for the rest of your life, and nothing anyone says or does can change that now.

With a dismissive shake of his head, Neteyam turns to go back the way he came, seemingly abandoning whatever he was about to do.

“Wait! Where are you going?” Lo’ak steps forward, arm outstretched and ready to stop him from getting to their parents before he can.

“As far from here as possible.” He doesn’t stop, doesn’t even spare a retreating glance before disappearing through thick foliage.

Your brows furrow worriedly, sharp teeth catching your lower lip as anxiety quickly mounts. Lo’ak groans quietly beside you, irritated that your first greeting wasn’t a pleasant one. Before you can dwell on it, he’s pulling you behind him, over the last remaining barrier between you and your future home.

The second your foot touches warm soil, a loud, ear-piercing scream echoes through the base of Home Tree. It makes your shoulders hunch, muscles pulled taunt in alarm. Your eyes widen, as do most of the clan's as they whip around to see what the fuss is about.

A moment later, you crumble to the ground under the weight of a tiny body colliding with yours. Your hand is ripped from Lo'ak, who bursts into a fit of laughter beside you. Your arms instantly curl around Tuk’s middle, turning carefully to ensure you'll take the brunt of the fall.

“You left me!” Her face is scrunched into a deep scowl, nose wrinkled, small lips pulled into a frown.

She pouts down at you from her new position, perched on your stomach. You can't help but smile, heart skipping a beat at the sight of her. Despite the clear anger pointed your way, nothing but joy floods your system at having her close again. You didn’t want to dwell on it while convincing yourself you’d never see this place again, but you missed her like crazy.

Slowly, you sit up, pulling her into a tight embrace in the process. She tucks into you without hesitation, face smooshing against your chest. Her little arms wrap around your waist, returning the hug with her full strength.

“I’m sorry, Tuk.” You murmur soothingly, head falling to rest on top of hers.

A huge, boyish grin splits Lo'ak's face, arms crossing as he watches the scene unfold. Warmth blooms in his chest at the sight of the bond you share with his baby sister. He knew she missed you, couldn't escape the constant questions about where you'd gone and when you'd be back every moment you were away.

“You skxawng (idiot)!” A new voice interrupts, your head instantly tilting up in recognition.

Despite the insult, a soft smile pulls at Kiri's lips as she approaches casually. You match her expression, moisture prickling at the corners of your eyes. You're quick to blink away the tears, a surge of embarrassment bringing color to your cheeks.

You didn't expect to feel this swarm of emotions, didn't anticipate being overwhelmed by the sight of your two closest friends welcoming you home with open arms. Kiri leans down, offering a helping hand. Your fingers slide into hers easily, gratitude brightening your expression as she pulls you up from the ground.

Tuk bounces to her feet beside you, hopping up and down excitedly. A giggle bubbles in your chest, tension gradually releasing the longer you're in the presence of her playful spirit.

A sudden, quiet gasp has your attention snapping back to Kiri. Her fingers twitch against yours, grip tightening to an almost painful degree. Her eyes pop wide, flicking between you and her brother.

“Did you...?” She pulls you in by the firm hold on your arm, words a breathless whisper into your ear as you stumble against her chest.

The color of your cheeks deepens, heat blanketing your neck and chest. Of course, she’d sense it, long before you could even formulate a plan to tell her. All you can do is nod, stomach flipping with unease. Your heart soars at the way her mouth pulls into a slow grin, relief flooding you when she doesn’t appear upset.

“Tuk, Y/N is our sister now.” She peers down at her with a hint of pride, the youngest Sully’s eyes popping wide in shock at the declaration.

Warmth swells in your chest, heart fluttering between your ribs. The whisper of belonging tickles your insides, weakens your knees. Threatens to bring you back to the ground with wave after wave of intense emotion.

“Is it true? Is it true?” She jumps up and down, beaming at you with such adoration, it makes tears spring to your eyes all over again.

The huge grin on your face must be confirmation enough because she lets out another scream, the excited wail echoing through Home Tree. You’re quick to shush her, gaze hastily scanning the area. You force down a thick swallow at the sea of concerned eyes that are already trained on your little group.

A low rumble has begun within the clan as they notice your presence. Many have paused their duties, instead openly staring as you’re greeted by the Olo’eyktan’s children. The weight of their judgement, the mounting questions you know you’ll soon be forced to answer, settles onto your shoulders.

The tightness around your spine returns in full force, muscles already aching from being pulled so taunt.

“Girls.” At the sound of a familiar rough voice, your smile falters.

Kiri’s hand drops yours, instead tucking against her chest as she folds into herself protectively. You realize she’s bracing for impact, steeling herself from the predictable wrath of her father before it arrives.

“Go back to your chores.” Jake’s expression is all hard lines, brow furrowed, lips pursed, eyes narrowed as they seem to dissect each one of you in the little circle.

“But dad! Y/N is—” Tuk begins excitedly, still beaming despite the obvious shift in everyone else’s demeanor.

“Now.” He barks, using a tone usually reserved only for his sons.

Lo’ak shifts at your back, long fingers curling around your bicep. You send him a questioning glance over your shoulder, but he only shakes his head before gently pulling you against him. You don’t fight the motion, instead relying on his stability as you lean into his chest. One of his arms slides along your stomach, holding you against him firmly.

Tuk deflates, not used to receiving such harsh orders from her father. Her shoulders slump, tiny lips pursing in irritation. Kiri is quick to wrap an arm around her, murmuring softly as she all but drags her away. Her eyes round as they slide toward you one last time, silently wishing you good luck.

Your heart rate instantly skyrockets at the impatient click of Jake's tongue. Hesitantly, your gaze meets his, stomach churning with unease. A long breath falls from his pursed lips, hard eyes sweeping down your form quickly.

“Believe it or not, I'm happy to see you in one piece, kid.” His voice is deep, rough despite the kind words. It's clear that something dark is brewing just beneath the surface as his attention snaps over your shoulder, tone sharpening. “Is what your brother says true?”

He chooses to speak in English, hoping to maintain a semblance of privacy for this conversation. The clan has no shame in the way they watch their leader with curious eyes, slowly forming a large circle around the three of you.

Fucking Neteyam, Lo'ak hisses internally, stiffening against you. He pulls you in closer, narrowed gaze shifting over the crowd, ready to piece at the slightest movement toward you.

“We are mated before Eywa.” His chin lifts confidently, words strong as they leave his lips with conviction.

Quiet sounds of shock roll through the clan, hushed murmurs making your ears flatten against your head. Jake lets out a short hiss of displeasure, expression tightening before it’s replaced with the usual hardened mask of dismissiveness. He looks away briefly, as if assessing the audience that continues to surround you.

“Listen close, son.” He leans toward you both, voice dropping to a tense whisper, pointing a finger right in Lo'ak's face. “I get it. I really do. Back in the day I would’ve done anything to be with your mom. But there are rules.”

Your breath hitches, ice cold dread seeping into your bones at the insinuation. There's no way he would...would he? You silently pray he’ll show you mercy, or at least try to understand where you’re coming from. You’d never forgive yourself if mating with you was the downfall of Lo’ak’s relationships with his family. His clan.

His fingers twitch against your stomach, pressing you further into his warmth. A low growl rumbles through his chest, vibrating the overworked muscles of your back. Your eyes pop wide at the threatening display he’s just showed his own father.

“I don't care. I love her, dad. I would do it again.” Your ears twitch at his affirmation, cheeks warming. You sink impossibly closer to him, needing the reassurance of his skin on yours in as many places as possible.

Jake suddenly stands to his full height, hands landing on his hips, an exasperated look crossing his face. His jaw clenches as he fights the urge to lay into Lo'ak for his blatant disrespect. The entire clan has now gathered in the area, and though he's disciplined his son many times in front of them, he doesn't want to cause a scene right now.

“Alright, let’s go, you two.” Long fingers pinch the bridge of his nose, another heavy sigh of disappointment leaving his lips. He turns in the direction of the Sully family tent, glare piercing straight through Lo'ak's questioning gaze. “I’m not facing your mother alone.”

With that, he stalks forward, expecting you to follow. You glance at Lo'ak nervously, the cord of panic squeezing your heart cinching tighter by the second. His lips quirk into the ghost of a smile, though the gesture doesn't reach his eyes.

He plants a quick kiss along your temple before shifting to your side. The arm that's been protectively wrapped around your waist doesn't waver as he guides you forward, following his father's lead. Your eyes cautiously trail over the dense sea of eyes as they part for you, before falling to the dirt, finding the scrutiny too much to bare.

Within a few short steps, the woven flap of their shared home slams shut behind you. A tremor wracks your body at the sight of Neytiri, hunched over a pile of fruit in the corner. Her rhythmic chopping halts instantly at the sudden presence in her home. She looks up, eyes widening when they land on Lo'ak.

She's on her feet in an instant, crossing the tent before anyone can even think about speaking.

“Oh, my youngest son.” She coos, relieved to see him whole and uninjured. He’d run off without so much as a goodbye, and she’d been worried sick, even ordering Neteyam only minutes ago to look for him.

Her expression drops, hardens when her eyes scan his form, catching on the way you're so tightly wrapped up against him.

“What is this?” The question is full of accusation, her gaze sharpening into the ferocious glare you've been dreading all day.

All you can do is watch as realization dawns. As she takes in the intimacy between you and her son, the way he holds you so protectively, like only a mate would do. She sees so much of Jake in her youngest boy, recognizes the defiant square of his shoulders all too well.

A soft gasp lodges in her throat, a shaky hand covering her mouth as she rears back as if she's been struck. Her eyes widen, utter horror darkening the usual bright glowing yellow. They jump between all three of you, as if unsure who to blame for this.

“Lo'ak, do not tell me...”

“It is done.” He instantly defends, voice even though his jaw is already clenching in preparation for the fallout.

Neytiri hisses aggressively, taking a few steps to the side, then back the way she came, pacing in front of you. Her tail flicks upward, standing at attention against her spine. She looks every bit the fearsome hunter she is, steely glare piercing straight to your core as she zeroes in on you.

“You have brought shame to this family!” She spits, looking at you like you've just committed the most egregious sin. Like her family is falling apart, and you're the cause.

“Don’t act like you didn’t do the same thing with dad.” Lo'ak growls, pulling you tighter against his side, the harsh tone of his accusation earning another hiss from his mother.

“Hey! Watch your mouth, boy.” Jake takes a step forward, narrowed eyes catching his son's pointedly. He stands at the ready only inches away, prepared to step in if things escalate.

“I did not mate with your father until he became one of The People! You will throw away your future for this—for her?” Despite the reservations she still harbors, she can't bring herself to call you a vrrtep (demon) any longer.

She recognizes everything you've done for the clan. For her family. You've brought Kiri out of her shell, given Tuk some direction, calmed Lo’ak’s rebellious spirit. Mo'at never stops singing your praises, even going so far as to suggest that Eywa would bless a union with Neteyam—had you not been so smitten with his brother—due to your skill within the Tsahik tent.

But you are still other. No matter how much she has secretly grown to tolerate you, she would never choose such a match for the son of Toruk Makto. Every union their children commit to holds weight, impacts the perception of the entire family. They must be strong to protect the clan, to be effective leaders.

“Okay, you know what? I'm just going to say it.” You release a tense breath, jerking free of Lo’ak’s tight hold as anger licks up your spine.

There's only so much you can take, so much judgement, so many harsh words before you have to stand up for yourself. For your relationship with Lo'ak. The thinly veiled restraint you've been desperately holding onto lays at your feet in tattered shreds as you take a step forward, ignoring the quiet plea from behind to calm down.

“Your mate used to the human! Used to be an Avatar!” A finger points harshly in Jake's direction, though your molten stare remains locked on Neytiri. “I have learned your ways, just like he did! I claimed an Ikran, just like he did! I have as much right to be one of The People as he did!”

Neytiri stills before you, fists clenched tightly at her sides, lethal glare blazing a hole straight through your tough exterior. Truthfully, you're terrified, trembling where you stand, heart clattering between your ribs harshly.

“You do not speak of Ma Jake!” She hisses, chin dropping menacingly, tail flicking back and forth harshly.

“I have been nothing but kind to you, and you have refused to even try to see me.” You're a bit breathless, surprised yourself at the way you've just spoken to her.

You never wanted it to be like this, never imagined this kind of tension could exist simply because of who you are. Who you love.

“I cannot see what does not exist.” She grunts, hard eyes slicing to Lo'ak, still wound tightly behind you. “All you do is take.”

“It won't be me that takes your son away, Neytiri, but your own prejudice.” A humorless laugh falls from your chest before you can stop it, stomach flipping with anger and frustration.

At the snap of your harsh words, the dam breaks, an animalistic snarl cutting the thick silence before Neytiri pounces. She lunges for you, hands raised to strike, face tight with rage. You rear back instinctively, but it's useless as Jake and Lo'ak rush to step between you.

“That's enough!” Jake roars, one hand wrapping around his mate's shoulders while the other locks around her waist, hauling her against his front.

She growls and fights against his firm hold for only a moment before allowing him to drag her away. Meanwhile, Lo'ak covers your body with his, crouching as he hisses at his mother dangerously. It feels foreign, wrong, the action shattering a fraction of his heart.

Under normal circumstances, he would never dream of disrespecting her in such a way. But now, he has no choice, he would die before allowing anyone to lay a hand on you in his presence. Even his own family.

When his parents are safely on the other side of the tent, he turns to you, both hands cradling your face tenderly.

“Tam, Tam (there, there), baby, mawey (calm).” He murmurs, lips caressing the skin of your forehead before he tucks you into his side.

Every one of your muscles is tense, trembling with pent up emotion. Your chest heaves against his, ragged breaths attempting to soothe your racing heart. Your arms wrap around his waist, looking for stability as you try calming raging emotions.

It's given you a tiny sense of release, having finally defended yourself the way you've been aching to since the moment you arrived in Home Tree. But still, it hasn't made anything better, hasn't relieved even a touch of the hostility that's palpable within the small space.

Lo'ak turns to face his parents, brow pinched in anger. He doesn't want to choose between you and his family, but he will without hesitation. He openly glares at Jake and Neytiri, something he'd never dare before this moment. Before everything crumbled right in front of him.

“Muntxa (mate),” He coos the term of endearment pointedly, sending a clear message as one of his hands trails soothingly down your spine. “Why don't you tell them what you told me?”

Your face jerks toward his as you lean back, creating a few inches of space that allow you to gaze up at him in question.

“I don't think now is a good time, Lo’ak.” Your words drip with uncertainty, completely lost as to why he would bring this up now.

“Tell us what?” Jake is already on high alert, spine straightening as his hold on Neytiri loosens a fraction. She's calmed in his arms, resigning herself to glaring at you from across the room.

A rough sigh leaves your lips, anxiety rearing its ugly head once again. You planned on delivering this news gently, over dinner or maybe even a warm fire. Definitely not like this, when emotions are already so high. Truthfully, you wanted to have this conversation privately, first sharing the information between you and Jake alone.

Lo’ak nods encouragingly, hoping you’ll follow his direction. He wants to show his parents that you’re on their side, that you’re fully committed to the clan. He knows this will help, and even if it’s not the best time, you don’t have much of that left anyway.

With another deep breath, your shoulders square, muscles tight in preparation to drop the bombshell.

“Two days ago, when I was at the lab, we received a correspondence. From an incoming ship.” Your voice is quiet, even as you brace yourself for the worst.

Jake drops his hold on Neytiri instantly, stalking forward a few steps in shock before reining in his rising emotions. No, no, it can't be, the words echo through his mind like a prayer. With two simple sentences, his worst fear has just come true.

“What are you saying?” He rasps, fists already clenched as every one of his muscles coils painfully tight.

“It was a hostile branch of the RDA. They were sending out feelers, trying to see if any humans survived the last two decades.” Your chin dips, apprehension clouding your mind at the look of pure horror on Jake's face. Your voice drops to a low whisper as you deliver the final piece of information you have. “They're supposed to land in five days.”

“No, no.” He's the one pacing now, eyes wide as they flick wildly around the tent, looking for something solid. He turns on you, a sudden gleam of accusation beneath his glare. “If that were true, Norm would've reached out.”

“He did.” Your brow pinches with confusion as you watch the always poised leader practically have a panic attack right in front of you.

He stops suddenly, recalling with agitation that he hadn't checked the tech tent within the last day. He'd been distracted, looking for Lo'ak.

“Fuck.” He rasps, turning on his heel to flee the tent in a few quick strides.

Just like that, the conversation is over, the issue of your union with Lo’ak seeming so petty now.

Silence blankets the room, palpable tension the only thing remaining in Jake’s absence. Your eyes sweep toward Neytiri cautiously, but she merely hisses before stalking through the door after him.

You’re left standing there, stomach turning with unease. Though Lo’ak instantly pulls you into him, wrapping you in the warm strength of his embrace, it does little to fill the gaping hole in your chest.

Because, after all this time, you’re no closer to belonging than when you first arrived.

A frustrated huff leaves your pursed lips, brows pinched in concentration as you try—and fail—to focus on the task at hand.

Your fingertips are raw, skin battered by constant wear. The last several days have been a flurry of preparation. You've done little else but sit, hunched over well-used tools as you sharpen spears and arrowheads.

With one final swipe of stone against wood, you lift the jagged weapon up close for inspection. It's not great, but it will do. You toss it to the side, ignoring the sharp clatter as it tumbles onto the pile of finished products.

Your head lifts for a brief moment before grabbing the next log, eyes scanning the open area of Home Tree. A tiny breath of relief falls from your lips when they land on Lo'ak, dutifully helping Jake fit the newest group of warriors with their own woven chest pieces to mark their rising rank within the clan.

You haven't seen much of him since the fight in his family's tent. You've chosen to remain in your hammock at night. Traditionally, mates sleep together in the family home until they are ready to build a tent of their own, but there's no way you could subject yourself—or the rest of the Sully's, frankly—to that level of awkward.

He visits you at night, showering you with kisses to make up for lost time, even falling asleep in the cramped space with you once after a particularly grueling day. Things are changing fast, and the Recombinant's, as you've learned they're called, haven't even arrived yet.

It's scary, not knowing what to expect. Not knowing how you fit into all of this, despite the effort you’ve put into finding your place.

Your ears twitch at the sound of soft footsteps approaching. Your spine straightens, relief flooding you at the welcome distraction. You’re expecting Kiri, or even Tuk, but quickly deflate at the sight of Neytiri. Instantly, your eyes fall to your lap, hands busying themselves with another log before she sits down beside you.

You're tucked away in a corner, near the tree line, enjoying some much needed quiet as you work. It's just been so hectic, the constant bustling around Home Tree grating on your already fried nerves. So, when Jake asked for your help with this, you immediately found the most secluded spot that left Lo’ak within your line of sight.

You desperately try ignoring the way Neytiri's eyes bore into the side of your head, urging you to look at her.

“It is time.” Her voice is surprisingly soft as her eyes dance along your features, lips pressed into a firm line.

You can’t help but glance up at her in question, the cryptic phrasing making your heart leap with anxiety.

Unbeknownst to you, or anyone else, she has been watching you. She would never admit it, but your words from that day have stuck with her. They've nestled into the back of her mind, prodding each time her gaze finds you, rushing around her home to help in any way you can.

She has seen you prepare salves and balms with her mother and daughter, skillfully mixing ingredients almost as fluently as they do. It hit her, that day, how hard you must've worked all those weeks after Mo'at took you under her wing.

She's watched with careful eyes as you tend to the children, calming and entertaining not only Tuk, but now her friends by the raging fire each night. The other women have noticed, too, gazing upon you with soft smiles, and a hint of adoration.

Most importantly, she has seen how Jake guides you under his diligent instruction, looking after you as if you are one of his own. She sees the parallels between you, can understand why he's defended you all this time. Your dedication to the clan is clear, so obvious in fact that she's kicking herself, wondering how it took so long to realize.

“I will only say this one time, so listen close. I am sorry.” She knows she's been too harsh, too rigid. Eywa, even her youngest has been more welcoming.

She doesn't regret the protective instinct that drove her judgement, she would do anything to keep her children out of harms way. But at this point, she does recognize that maybe, just maybe, she let the fact that you're different cloud her mind, prevent her from seeing you as she should've a long time ago.

Your eyes pop wide in surprise, breath catching at the words you never imagined hearing from her.

“I can’t promise to always make the right decisions, but I will try.” The admission is gentle as she peers at you with rounded eyes, nothing but warmth shining within the bright yellow. “I know how Lo’ak feels, it is how I felt about Ma Jake. Though I wish you would have waited to mate, I should not expect anything else from my son.”

You're stunned, completely frozen as your brain slowly processes the words you've been dying to hear for weeks.

“I know I have not been fair to you, but for as long as you treat my son well, I will be happy to call you my daughter.” One of her hands rests gently on your shoulder, a tiny smile pulling at her lips.

A ragged breath leaves your quivering lungs, vision blurring. Your heart soars, chest caving with a quiet cry as tears slip freely down your cheeks. Finally, the last piece of the puzzle has clicked into the place. The last thing you needed to feel whole, to fully step into your new life—whether you would admit it or not—is her acceptance. And now you have it.

Your hand moves to cover hers, a wobbly smile the only response you can muster. For the first time in your twenty years here on the moon, you feel seen. Truly and fully seen by everyone that matters.

Now that you have her blessing, the only thing left to do is become one of The People in the eyes of the Great Mother, before the entire clan.

Excitement coils in your stomach, eyes glittering at the prospect of completing your own ceremony. Of emerging from this turbulent time better off, closer to the most authentic version of yourself.

There’s no doubt in your mind as Neytiri eagerly jumps into action beside you, helping to finish the last of the spears before eclipse blankets Home Tree in darkness, that you’re exactly where you were always meant to be.

That you’re exactly who you were always meant to be.

Coming soon…

Neteyam x F!Avatar!Reader Series

You’ve been recruited by the Omatikaya clan. Finally given an excuse to use your Avatar for more than field tests and experiments. With the threat of war looming overhead, tensions mount, but it’s not the approaching hostile forces that keep you on high alert. A certain Olo’eyktan’s oldest son has been ordered to train you, so that you might be of assistance in the coming battle.

He’s determined to keep you at arms length. Distraction has never fit into his painstakingly structured life, and he surely has no time to entertain it now. Despite his best efforts, his restraint is tested beyond previously known limits. No matter how infuriating every interaction seems to be, he can't escape the fact that he's never been met with something quite as tempting as you.

taglist:

@bajadotcom @darksxder @fanboyluvr @dakotali @kaymarnun @mxshrooms009 @violet-violenc @neteyamforlife @cleverzonkwombatsludge @dazecrea @lcovelymaria @faeraella @bxbyalixo @nurayastories @emoballs69 @little-bunnybabe @callsignhotshot @idga-fudgeicle @alexandra-001 @avidreader3107 @goddesslilithmoriarty @ihonestlydontknowwhattonamethis @gwolf92 @danyxthirstae01 @dreamimix @dreamersbelieveinus @lovekeeho @wtf-why-do-i-gotta-do-this @abbersreads @jakesullyssluttt @keii-nn @hopelesslydevotedloser @quest-for-pluto @liyahsocorro @wingedghostpepper @ricecakeslove @gretesstuff @deserticwren @behindthearcane @neteyams-wifee @tomhreader @eywas-heir @lovedbychoi @b0rednb1tchy @neqeyam

@jackiehollanderr @belos-simp69 @daeneeryss @mazemymirror @daughterofthequeen @b-tchymoon @audrinawf

Hi!! i can't really find if your requests are open but i really love how you write for lo'ak and i was wondering if you could write one where Jake is screaming at him yet again but he's being a bit too harsh this time so human reader stands in front of lo'ak and tells jake off? And everyone is obviously shocked because no one confronts Jake like that when he's angry, especially if it's family matters (except for neytiri of course). And clearly reader can't do much, i mean with the height difference Jake could just shove her to the side but he is quite impressed and kinda proud of the badass girl his son got himself 👀😂🤭

Pair: Lo'ak x Human reader

Warning: None <3

Avatar masterlist

Lo'ak's presence at this time of day was very strange for you. Usually the two of you used to see each other in the afternoon, when he had finished his duties. Being in a totally new clan, his duties were very different and difficult. So having him sitting behind you made you very curious. "mmm…should I ask you why you're here?" you speak, giving a glance at your mate. He was styling a piece of your hair, while humming a song. "Can't I be with you? Ah" speaks lo'ak with a teasing tone. "No…of course you can. I love that you're with me but… you're not usually with me this early in the morning. Did something happen?" you speak, and you swear you feel lo'ak tense up a little. Letting go of your hair, to now place your hands in the sand. Letting his body relax. "ahhh all good…nothing happened" lo'ak sounds a little nervous. You turn around, now sitting on your knees. You move closer to him, so you can lean over and stroke the side of his face a little. You notice a scar on his forehead.

You hadn't noticed it before, because he just came and sat behind you. "Love…what's that? Why are you hurt?" the more you talk, you can notice that he has some bruises on his arms and thighs. "Baby…don't worry it's nothing" lo'ak tries to sound disiterested. But you are already carefully touching his bruises, getting closer to his face. "Lo'ak you need to get healed…you are in bad condition" you are worried, he had two pretty deep wounds on his chest. "Tell me what happened, please" your voice sounds somewhat cut off, Lo'ak couldn't see you so worried. You were looking sadly at his bruises, trying to do something. While you were comforting him. "I…ahhh. It was another fight with ao'nung" lo'ak speaks softly. Lowering his head. "But this wasn't just a fight, this is serious" you place a hand on his chin, lifting his face. Lo'ak looks at you…his eyes were a little glassy. "We went to the arecife, they invited me. I accepted, because I thought we would have a good time…but they started teasing me and it was 6 against 1…so" lo'ak pauses, feeling you hold his face. "I did what I could…I got out of there and came looking for you" lo'ak stops talking, looking at you. He could notice your teary eyes. "Baby don't cry" lo'ak takes you by the shoulders, caressing your skin. "I hate when this happens to you…why are they like this with you?" you speak, wrapping your arms around his neck. Giving him a tight hug, you feel lo'ak hug you back. The hate and anger they had for lo'ak was not normal, both of you had been in the clan for 3 years and nothing had changed.

You look up, seeing some figures approaching you. The closer they came the more you recognized them. It was Jake, next to him was Neytiri. The way he was walking, you could tell how angry they were. You two separate and you see how lo'ak gets up from the ground nervously, approaching you. Tangling his tail around your leg. Lo'ak was a man now, but the fear of his father's accusations were killing him. Jake approaches, he had his thumbs locked. "What the hell did you do now" Jake shouts. "Dad…I can explain" lo'ak holds up his hands, trying to keep some space between them. "No…you shut up. I'm sick of you and your stupid actions" jake was literally screaming in lo'ak's face. You were standing next to him, looking up. This situation was getting on your nerves, you were at your limit. You can't take it anymore, and in one swift move. You get in between the two male figures. Pushing jake with all your strength, so that he would move away from lo'ak.

"YOU HAVE TO STOP!!!!" you shout, while jake steps back somewhat surprised. Well…he was very surprised. Neytiri had been left open-mouthed, by your actions. "THAT'S THE FIRST AND LAST TIME YOU SCREAM AND FIGHT MY PARTNER" You were red, and you looked adorable. You were so small compared to the two na'vi men standing next to you. But you looked furious…speaking with authority. "What the…" jake tries to speak, but you shout back. "HAVE YOU EVEN ASKED HIM WHAT HAPPENED? OR DON'T YOU SEE HOW HURT YOUR SON IS? AH? YOU JUST ACCUSE HIM OF EVERYTHING WITHOUT KNOWING WHAT REALLY HAPPENED…I'M SICK OF IT" you yell, turning around to grab lo'ak's hand and walk off in the opposite direction. "Y/N!!!" Neytiri yells a little, trying to get your attention. "YOU DON'T DARE TALK ABOUT LO'AK, I'M ALSO PISSED AT YOU" you yell back aneytiri, this from hiss in response. Jake holds neytiri by the shoulder, and you keep walking with lo'ak. Jake tries to control neytiri, they were two strong women. He didn't want something to happen that they would later regret. Lo'ak was in a state of shock, you had yelled at his father and mother…you had defended him. Knowing that if jake wanted to, he would have kicked you and you would have flown somewhere else. The boy just followed you, as he watched you walk around annoyed, mumbling nonsense.

As you walked away from the place, you walked for about 15 minutes. You let go of lo'ak's hand. You kicked a few times in the sand, while the boy looked at you with admiration. His strong and brave mate had defended him. His heart was pounding. Between the na'vi to defend and take care of your partner, was a gesture of pure love. You had shown lo'ak that you were capable of giving your life for him. Defending him from something bigger than you, more dangerous than you. Only for his well being. He slowly sits down on the sand, watching as you still bring out all your fury. You turn around, and are met with the most adorable scene. Lo'ak was sitting, cross-legged. His eyes were looking at you with admiration and his pupils were dilated. His tail was wagging from side to side. And his ears were back. "Lo'ak…I…I'm sorry" you lower your head. You were embarrassed, you shouldn't have talked to Jake like that.

"You are amazing…my strong Y/N" you stand there in shook, lifting your gaze to see lo'ak with a goofy smile on his face. "You're not mad at me?" you ask him, lo'ak moves forward taking your hand. Making you move closer towards him, wrapping his hands around your waist. Pulling your body closer to his chest. Giving you a kiss on your forehead, you let yourself fall forward a little, enjoying his caress. "Why would I be upset with you, if you just took care of me?" says lo'ak, you giggle a little. "Are you blushing?" you tease, touching his ears. "Hey…it's not everyday you get to watch your cute little partner take on your dad. You were amazing" lo'ak changes his voice a tone deeper, moving closer so he can press a kiss to your neck. You giggle a little, craning your neck to the side to give him more access to your neck. "Your father is going to hate me, for life. And if your mother doesn't kill me in two weeks " you speak, watching as lo'ak pulls away from you, and gives you a look. "I think she's afraid of you now" lo'ak jokes, moving closer over your body. Kissing your chest, listening to your giggles. "Or he's just going to look adorable on you" lo'ak speaks.

On the other hand, jake is still standing there in the same place, in a state of shook. "that girl is" neytiri starts talking, but she is also too shocked to speak. "She is brave" says jake. He felt a little confused. He was upset with you, but at the same time he felt respect towards you. You had stood up for your partner, you had stood up to him. Of course, he was going to talk to you seriously later. But he was proud, his son had found a strong partner, who was able to take care of him and his future family. Just like his mother.

can we just talk about how cute it was when jj was hugging his parents while asking where katya was

The Shelter | Eminem—Marshall Mathers

masterlist

summary: you meet eminem at the shelter when your friend drags you along to your first show

pairing: fem! reader x marshall mathers/eminem

words: 1.7k

The night sky across Detroit had stars splattered across the pitch black sky. It was so beautiful that many people that called the 313 their home, momentarily forgot the weight that was bearing on their shoulders, walking across the street towards the shelter with their heads facing the sky. Lauren grabbed your hand so the two of you could sprint across the street to follow a crowd full of people into the Shelter. It was your first time ever going to step foot in the shelter. Lauren was a huge fan of rap and hip hop and had forced you to go since her other friends had planned for the night. You squeezed through a crowd full of people that were waiting in front of the line. ‘Aren’t we supposed to line up?’

‘No,’ she replied, barely looking over your shoulder, still tugging your body until she had reached the bouncers. Neither of them said anything. They gave her body a quick scan and stepped aside, letting her pass into a tight and dark hallway, with flickering lights barely illuminating enough light to see where you were going.It seemed less than a second when she let go of your arm and disappeared as soon as she let go.

‘Lauren!’ You called out, stopping in your tracks to try and find her. ‘Lauren?’ You continued to walk along the hall, no idea where you were going or where it was heading.

It was an eerie atmosphere trapped among the building, filled with people you didn’t know and people double your size. It felt clammy, uncomfortable and you needed space to breathe. Luckily the further you continued down the hall you eventually found a bathroom. Opening the door you took a few steps into the room before you collided with a hard wall, or so you thought. No wall, just a man. He had bleach-blonde hair, blue eyes, pale skin and a pointy nose. He was hot. His eyebrows were slightly knitted, his jaw flexed as he stared at you, somewhat intimidatingly.

‘Sorry,’ you said, not moving from your spot.

‘You’re good.’ He replied, his voice laced with drugs that perked up your ears like a deer. He said nothing more than a few words yet they felt like they had sung to your soul, ready to listen to what he had to say. ‘Are you here to watch the show?’

‘Yeah,’ faint smile, lips freshly coated with a sheer red lip. ‘Are you here to watch or perform?’

‘Perform hopefully,’ He adjusted his beanie, his pale skin contrasting the dark washed clothes that hung off his body, barely a silhouette to be seen.

‘Good luck out there.’

‘Thanks.’ He didn’t smile but his face wasn’t as stern as it had been before. Probably one of those men that barely smile or show emotions.

The man you wanted to ask for his name walked past you in a hurry, the whiff of his cheap cologne the only thing that stayed inside the bathroom. Barely getting a chance to mentally go over your encounter you heard the faint voice of Lauren behind you and followed it until you saw her up front before the stage waving you over with a big smile. You walked over and awaited the performance of the mystery man. When he came on stage it was like you were living through his emotions. You could tell he was nervous, maybe you only thought that because he had teased it with you but his eyes looked like there was nothing behind them except rage to rip his opponent to pieces. And that’s what he did. Cypher after cypher, beat after beat, he took majority of the wins and climbed his way to the finale. When the final rappers were announced he had scanned the crowd to look at the people who were cheering on him. His eyes stopped scanning the crown when he laid his eyes upon you, staring at you for so long you were able to flash him a smile and whisper ‘you got this’ which you knew he understood.

The final round demonstrated his flow, speed and creativity on a different level than the rounds before. It was your first show and you knew that second that he had what it took to make a rap legend. When he was crowned winner of the shelter you applauded him like it was only your claps he could hear. When people started to get ready to leave, Lauren had tried holding your hand to not be separated once again but you told her that you wanted to talk to someone and told her you would meet her outside in a few minutes.

‘Hey,’ you walked up to the same blonde boy you had met before. His friends who were talking to him steadily crept away from him and left the two of you alone, knowing that this was a conversation not meant to involve them. ‘I just wanted to say that you absolutely killed it on stage. I know it’s my first time so my comment might not mean much but I just wanted to let you know that you have an incredible talent.’

‘Thank you.’ He replied somewhat dryly. ‘All praise is good.’ His blue eyes stared at you like they had before and before, ready to manipulate you into spilling your secrets. ‘What’s your name?’

‘Y/n.’

‘Eminem. Marshall Mathers.’

‘Nice alliteration,’ you chuckled, earning a small tug on his lip from the monotone face before you. It suited him—a smile. The way his eyes would crinkle. He suited a smile. ‘I hope this won’t be a shot in the dark but can I give you my number?’ Your heart began to race, grabbing the piece of paper with your digits that you had written down right after the bathroom encounter, knowing you wanted to get to know him.

He grabbed the note, roughly inspecting it, ‘I’ll give you a call if I’m interested,’ you gave him an approving smile before he turned around.

Seconds later the sound of your phone rang from your bag, desperately trying to fish out the ringing phone and answering it without looking at the caller. ‘Hello?’

‘Hi.’

‘Who is this?’

‘You know me.’ The voice sounded oddly familiar, you had heard it before but couldn’t recall when.

‘I’m afraid I don’t.’

‘I just wanted to call and say I’m interested.’

The answer popped into your head the same time Marshall turned around with a smirk on his face. Playfully glaring at him you continued to talk over the phone.

‘Really?’

‘Really.’

‘Will you take me out then?’

‘Do you want me to?’

‘Yes.’

‘Then let’s get out of here.’

You hung up the phone and stepped closer to him before you both walked out of the Shelter, walking through areas of Detroit before stepping into a fast food chain to sit down, eat and get to know each other and that night you were already grateful that your life had led you to the shelter.

‘You live around here?’ Marshall asked, taking a sip from his soda, with those eyes that never seemed to stop glaring at you.

‘Yeah,’ you said as you picked up a fry and let it sit before your lips before you had finished your sentence. ‘Born and raised in Palmer Woods.’

‘Palmer Woods?’

‘Yep.’

‘Your family got money?’

‘Why,’ you raised your brows. ‘Is it a problem?’

‘Nah man, I was wondering what a girl like you is doin’ around these parts of Detroit.’

‘Just because I live across 8 Mile doesn’t mean I have to stay there y’know. Most of the people there are stuck up asses anyway.’ You relaxed your back into the booth seat, crossing your legs. ‘Where do you live?’

‘Warren.’

‘Shit neighbourhood.’

‘Tell me somethin’ I don’t already know, Y/n,’ he gave a gloomy reply, taking a bite from his burger, also relaxing into the chair.

‘Do you want to leave?’

‘Nah not really. A nice fucking house would be sweet man but I could never leave the city, you feel me?’

‘Never wish to get away from here? All this bullshit? Crime? I mean it’s fucking exhausting here. We’re all living here never knowing when our last day is our last day.’

‘You scared?’

‘Sometimes but with this in my bag,’ you lifted the handle of a gun only enough for him to see before shoving it away so you wouldn’t accidentally start anything. ‘I feel a lot safer.’

‘That ain’t what I was expecting.’ He chuckled. An actual chuckle. The corners of his lips turned, showing you that faint smile you already loved. ‘You’re kinda different from all the other girls I’ve met.’

‘Positively I hope.’

‘Yeah,’

‘Your house around here?’ You returned the question, not noticing that you had asked him before.

‘Why? Want me to take you?’

‘Just making conversation, Marshall. I’ve known you for less than three hours. Why? Want to take me?’

‘Maybe.’ He smirked, both of your eyes filled with amusement as you finished your food. ‘Not tonight though.’

‘Maybe some other time?’

‘I’ma be honest with you,’ he put his elbows on the table. ‘You’ll probably see my house once but will never go in. My mom ain’t a pretty sight.’

‘I won’t judge you for your house.’

‘I don’t care what anyone thinks but I like you, Y/n, no way in hell am I showing that shit hole so soon.’

‘It’s okay,’ you smiled. ‘I’m more interested in you than your house anyway.’

‘What are you sweet-talking me for?’ Marshall playfully squinted his eyes.

‘Is it working?’

‘Man, you got me good.’

‘Good.’ You bit your lip, ‘Let’s get outta here.’ You got out of the booth and walked out with Marshall by your side as he walked you home, taking the time to get to know each other. At your front door it seemed like neither of you knew how to say goodbye, the two of you standing across each other, the dim entrance light casting a shadow across his face.

‘Thank you.’ You said.

‘No worries.’

‘Call me,’ you took a step towards him and placed a quick kiss on his cheeks.

‘I will, Y/n. You won’t be getting rid of me anytime soon.’ He smirked, both his hands balled into the pockets of his hoodie.

‘Good.’

‘Good.’

‘Good night, Marshall Mathers.’

‘Good night, Y/n.’