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just stumbled across your eliot spencer x oc fic ! youβre so real for feeding our dead / decaying fandom
omg yes!! leverage just does not get enough love anymore :,((( iβve hit major writers block with that series perhaps this will give me a rush of motivation !!!
summary: an old bet has accidentally resurfaced and you question where you stand in your relationship with Jack.
warnings: hurt/comfort. insecurity. jealousy. misunderstanding trope-kinda. spoilers for the pitt s2 (especially ep 08).Β
note:Β gosh itβs finally here. thank you so much for all the love in the og draft! I can't believe it got over 4k notes???? thank you guys β€οΈ
wc: ~4k
images by @wesandresons ; dividers by me lol
When you work in the ER, surrounded by life, death, sorrow, guilt, griefβ¦ itβs important to take joy in the moment when you can. Because you canβt dwell too much on the patients you lose. You gotta learn to compartmentalize, no matter how small. And in the Pitt, you do bets. Ahmad is usually the one setting them up, and big or small, thereβs always something to bet on.
Today, on the 4th of July, the hot topic is whatβs causing Westbridge to divert their patients and how long will they close their ER?
You bet $30 on system overload for 4 hours.
And now, the betting pool only gets bigger.
βSo. System overload, huh?β Robby asks, stepping up beside you as he studies the board. βHowβd you come up with that one?β
You grin, βToo many medical dramas.β
βGod, you watch those?β Robby grimaces, shaking his head.
You shrug, βJack watches them, too. Actually, it was his idea.β
He chuckles. βIβm sure it was. Speaking of Jack, Iβm surprised you let him join SWAT today.β
Sighing, your shoulders immediately fall. Itβs a topic youβve argued with Jack several times. You donβt understand why he wants to volunteer today. The job is dangerous, heβs retired from the army, you canβt wrap your head around why canβt he just work a regular shift. But at the end of the day, you still chose to support him. Because Jack has his demons, too. And maybe this is his way to face them. Whatever the outcome, your job is to be there when itβs over. To hold the line. To catch him if he falls.
βLet him?β You scoff, βNo, he does what he wants.β
βMaybe itβs an adventure thing.β
You hum sarcastically, βMm-hmm, like you and your bike?β
βWe all need some sort of therapy, right?β
βI guess,β You sigh again, βJackβs probably gonna stop by later at the end of the shift. Before you head off on yourΒ grandadventure.β
βYou know, youβre the only person today whoβs called my sabbatical an adventure and not a mid-life crisis.β Robby grins.
βNuh-uh,β You put up a hand, βI still think itβs a mid-life crisis trip. No helmet, Robby? Really? I saw you pull up.β
He sucks in a breath through his teeth and pretends to busy himself. βOh, would you look at that. Patients. Back to work, doctor.β
You just shake your head at him.
You spent the next hours moving nonstop. Treating patients, teaching med students and interns, spending some time with Baby Jane Doe. So far nothing has blown up in your face yet, which is a good sign, but itβs the 4th of July. Crazy things are bound to happen on this day.
You just finished taking care of a head lac, sanitizing your hands while you exit the patient room and checking your phone. Jackβs last check-in was a couple hours ago, and you didnβt see it.
β Change our bet. Cyberattack. 5 hours.
Your brows raise, but thereβs a sigh of relief. How does he get intel like these?
Regardless, you make your way towards Ahmad. At least Jackβs safe.
βOh, I know that look.β Ahmad guesses, βChanging your bet? Gotta double it.β
βDouble??β You scoff, βCome on, man.β
βHey, I didnβt make the rules.β He raises his hands in surrender, βSo whatβs it gonna be?β
You exhale through your nose, handing him the extra $30. βCyberattack. 5 hours.β
βInteresting,β He notes, βPrincess said the same thing.β
You shrug, analyzing the board for anything interesting. Thatβs when you notice a sticky note buried under several others. One corner sticks out just enough for you to catch the name written across it; βAbbotβ.Β A bet on Jack? What could it be about?
You reached up and picked it out. When you read the content, your face falls immediately.
'abbot <3 mohan. how? when?'
And you see several bets being placed on it.
$20 they makeout in the oncall room. end of month -princess.
$10 they fuck to relieve stress. after 4th of july -santos.
$30 abbot confesses first. before end of year. -donnie.
$40 never. jack wouldn't have the guts to do it. -robby.
$40 also never. mohan rejects him. -dana.
There are several others, but you can't read them anymore. You feel like your ears are ringing, you can't think straight, and you need to breathe.
Jack and Samira? Jack had something with Samira? Why didnβt he tell you? Was it one sided? Does Samira know? Who won the bet? Did anything happen between them? Does Jack still feel something towards her now?
You shove the sticky note in your pocket, rushing out of the room to go somewhere you can breathe some fresh air. You run to the ambulance bay, but Robbyβs there right now and you cannot deal with that, remembering that he bet Jack wouldnβt dare make a move on Samira. Which means he knew. No,Β everyoneΒ knew.
Fuck. Just how embarrassing is this? You joined PTMC a little over a year ago and fell in love with Jack. You were never shy about it, never hesitant to be seen with him, or to let people know you were together. And now youβre realizing you might not have been the actual woman he originally wanted like that.
Your stomach twists at the thought. It shouldnβt matter. He had a life before you. You know that. He didnβt owe you anything. Still, something about finding out this way makes you feel stupid, like you walked into an inside joke everyone else was already in on. And youβre the punchline.
You turn to a random patientβs room, pretending to check on them.
ββOur little secret.β
You manage to hear a voice before you open the curtains, and you see your Jack sitting on the bed with his shirt off, with Samira with her gloves on, standing behind him.
Your eyes widen and you stop in your tracks.
If you were being rational and logical, you would be able to make the connection that Samira is patching Jack up from a wound, but you're dealing with too much information too fast, and the twisting feeling in your chest only gets worse.
Jack can see it in your eyes. The way theyβre tearing up, how your chest is heaving, and how you canβt really make eye contactβyouβre about to panic. Fight or flight. And he knows exactly what happens next if it hits full force: youβd shut down, youβd barely speak.
βSweetheartββ
βNo,β You say immediately, bringing a hand to your mouth because you feel like you could throw up, βDonβtβ I canβtββ
He stands up, already wanting to hold you, but you're already stepping away from the room to find somewhere you could be alone.
Are you just a rebound because he couldnβt get Samira? Just a replacement? Did he settle for you? Was he just lonely, and you happened to be there at the right time, saying the right things, filling a space that was never really meant for you? Is he dating you just to get her jealous?
You walk as quickly and as calmly as you can out to the ambulance bay again, seeing itβs empty now.
You let out a breath you didnβt realize you were holding, the cool air brushing against your face. Your chest isnβt heaving anymore. The breaths you take are still short, but your head is clearer now. However, the tightness in your chest, the aching pain, they donβt go away.
Your breath becomes a sob, and before you know it, tears are falling from your eyes.
βDamn it,β you mutter under your breath, wiping the tears with your sleeves.
Itβs a ridiculous thing to cry over.
You have Jack. HeβsΒ yours. Youβre just being insecure. Jealous. Overthinking and overreacting. Thatβs all this is.
So why does it still hurt so much?
Thereβs no doubt that Jack wants to be with you. He shows it every day. But if Samira had reciprocated back thenβ¦ if things had lined up differentlyβ¦ where would that have left you?
Fuck. No. Stop. Stop thinking like that.
Youβre not sure when youβve dropped to the ground, crouching while keeping your head hanging low. All you know is, youβve probably stayed too long out in the bay, because Robbyβs found you and he looks concerned. So you quickly duck back inside.
Youβre not trying to avoid Jack. Itβs just been incredibly chaotic ever since they announced the system was going offline to prevent a cyberattackβwhich also means you and Jack won the bet, yayβthat everyoneβs drowning trying to keep up with the paperwork.
Besides, you havenβt really seen him ever since the littleβ¦ incident you saw. Right now heβs occupied in a trauma with Robby and Whitaker, your eyes meeting for a fleeting second through the glass doors and you can see him fighting the urge to go to you before Robby calls him again.
You swallow hard. The sticky notes in your pocket feeling like it weighs a ton.
Right after youβve finished the discharge papers of one of your patients andΒ dingΒ the call bell, you feel his presence next to you, holding your arm and guiding you to the lockers.
He doesnβt look happy.
Once the door closes, Jack lets your arm go, and youβre backed against the wall. His arms are in his pockets, but they might as well be next to your head with the way heβs looking at you.
βWhatβs going on?β
You open your mouth to speak, but you donβt know where to begin.
I found out about you and Samira. Do you love her or me? What was that βlittle secretβ you guys were talking about? If she told you she loved you now, would you choose her? Why didnβt you tell me?
Jack exhales through his nose, the tension clear. He turns to his locker to grab his things. βLook, I gotta go. Gotta sleep a bit before my night shift later. I know this isnβt ideal, we donβt have much time, butβ¦ Iβd rather we talk about some of it now than later.β
You close your mouth, nodding and understanding.
He softens slightly. βBaby, please. Tell me whatβs bothering you.β
You glance at your feet, biting your lip, pressing your nails to your palms to calm your nerves and finally gather the courage to ask: βDo you haveβ¦ feelingsβ¦ for Samira?β
Jackβs head snaps toward you so fast it almost startles you. His brows are furrowed. His eyes are sharp and almost pointed at you, he definitely was not expecting that question.
βOr,Β didΒ you?β You add, trying to correct yourself.
His hard expression hasnβt changed, but heβs no longer looking at you. He closes his locker, fumbling with his bag.
And itβs his silence that breaks you.
βJack?β You ask, voice sounding like youβre in disbelief.
βNoββ He immediately answers, ββI donβt. Sorry, that question justβ¦ took me by surprise.β
You donβt look convinced.
βBaby,β Jack softens, stepping closer, βThere is nothing going on between me and Mohan. I promise.β
You bite the inside of your cheek, trying to will the tears away. βAre you sure?β
His brows raise, becauseΒ why would you ask him that?Β βYesβlook, where is this coming from? Baby, I promise what you saw earlier was just a coincidence, okay? I was gonna patch myself up but she was already there. There isΒ nothingΒ going on.β Heβs holding onto you now, looking deeply into your soul with concern.
Because he needs you to understand thereβs no one else in this world for him. His entire existence, his entire life, revolves around you now. He doesnβt know how else to convince you, not when you look like heβs betrayed your trust.
Your lip trembles.
You should believe him. You know heβs probably telling the truth. But you canβt help but feel thereβs still something heβs hiding from you. So you fish the wrinkled sticky note in your pocket.
βI found this buried behind the other betting notes,β You mutter, putting the notes in his palm.
Jack hasnβt opened the notes yet, looking at you for an explanation first.
βI wouldβve understood if you had just told me in the beginning,β you continue, your throat tightening despite how hard youβre trying to stay calm. βI mean, itβs not like you owed me an explanation. I justβ¦ I donβt understand why I had to find out like this.β
He finally unfolds the wrinkled notes, and his jaw clenches when he reads them.
He doesnβt really react. Heβs not shocked. And that tells you what you need to know.
βOh my God,β you breathe, a hollow laugh escaping, the sadness and hurt simmering into disbelief. βYou knew about the bet.β
βWhoa, noββ Jack immediately interjects. βNot in the way you think. I found out about this a long time after it ended.β
Your eyes snap to him. βIt ended?β
βYesββ
βWho won the bet?β
βWhy does it matter?β Jack sighs but then answers anyway, βI donβt know, honey.β
You bite your lip, trying to look anywhere else but his eyes, but you canβt escape him.
Your mind is still so loud. It keeps going, keeps spinning, feeding you every worst-case scenarios where you're the one who loses. It's exhausting, living in your own head like this. And you don't know how to tell Jack that. How do you explain that your biggest fear isn't whatΒ didΒ happen, but whatΒ could. That somewhere in the back of your mind you're terrified that if Samira changed her mind, you'd lose him without warning.
βHey.β His voice drops quieter. His hand comes up to your jaw, tilting your face back toward his. βLook at me.β
You do, reluctantly. And you hate how much just looking at him undoes you.
βI need you to hear me right now,β he says, his thumb brushing your cheek. βJust listen to my voice, okay? Not whatever your brain has been spinning all day.Β Me.β
βJackββ
βYes, I had a crush on Mohan,β he says plainly. βIt was nothing. It went nowhere because I didnβt want it to. And then months later, you showed up, and I never thought about her ever since.β He shakes his head slowly. βYouβre the light of my life. First time I saw you, I knew youβre it for me.β
Despite yourself, a small, watery laugh escapes you. βWe were yelling at each other.β
βIn my defense, it was your first day and no one told me there was a new hot doctor in town. And we also made out right after, soβ¦β
You shake your head with a small smile. The ache in your chest hasn't fully gone yet, but is much more manageable now. You swallow hard after a beat passes. βYou could've told me.β
Jack nods, not making excuses of it. βYouβre right. I should have. I didn't think it mattered enough to bring up. And that was stupid of me. But I promise, it was never something I was hidingΒ fromΒ you. Iβd forgotten about it. I didnβt even think of it.β
You nod back. βWhat was the little secret?β you ask quietly. βWhat I walked in on earlierβ¦ what did she mean by that?β
He exhales and opens his mouth to explain, when the locker room door swings open and Robby comes in.
βYou guys better not be playing hide the zucchini,β Robby jokes, βJack, Howard is ready for transport. They need you out front.β
Jack's jaw tightens. He looks at Robby, then back at you, and you can see it in his face, the frustration of fucking terrible timing.
βGive me a minute.β He says.
Robby hesitates for just a second, then gives a small nod and lets the door shut behind him.
Jack turns back to you. His hand finds your face again, tilting up so you're looking at him. βShe was helping me with my wound on my back. A bullet grazed my vest. I wanted it to be off the books. That was the secret.β He gave you a summary.
He slings his backpack on his other shoulder and gives your forehead a kiss. βWeβll talk more later, okay? I promise you thatβs all it was.β
You nod, not fully trusting your voice.
He lingers a second longer than he should, thumb brushing your cheek, and then he's gone. And you donβt like how everything feels too quiet without him in it.
One year agoβ¦
βAre they still at it?β Robby frowns, hearing the loud voices coming from the supply closet.
You and Jack only met moments ago. Itβs your first day in PTMC, and by some luck, you arrived on a stretcher, doing chest compressions on a patient. Robbyβs met you before, so though he was surprised, he didnβt get in your way.
However, Jack, having never met you, immediately carried you off the patient, taking over the compressions himself.
βWhaβ Hey!β
βSomebody get her out of here!β
If it werenβt for Robby finally explaining that youβre the new attending joining them and not a patient or visitor, Jack wouldβve probably dragged you out himself.
βSounds like it.β Dana confirms. βSheβs feisty. I like her.β
Robby hums, βReminds you of yourself, punchy?β
Dana chuckles, βYouβre lucky I havenβt actually punched anyone, Cap.β
Your argument with Jack continues.
βYou didnβt have to man-handle me like that!β
βI wasnβt man-handling you, it was just easier to carry you rather than pulling you to come down! What if youβd fallen??β
βWell I couldβve fallen with youΒ 'carrying'Β me anyway!β
Jack scoffs, βWhat, you think I'm not strong enough to carry you, princess?β
βDon't fucking call me that. And no, I don't think you are.β You step closer as if challenging him.
You stay like that for a second. Eyes glaring at each other, out of breath, bodies so close that you can feel each otherβs warmthβ¦ and with one glance at his lips, Jackβs resolve breaks. Youβre kissing him before you know it. His hand on the back of your neck, the other around your waist to feel your body press against him, while yours are bunched in his scrubs, pulling him closer.
You moan when you feel his tongue intrude your mouth. And Jackβs about to slip his hand under your shirt when thereβs a knock on the door.
βAlright guys, quit it.β Robbyβs voice booms from outside. βItβs gotten quiet so Iβm assuming youβreβ¦ doing something else. We got a trauma coming in. Letβs go.β
You push yourself off of him immediately. Wiping your mouth of his saliva and looking away despite your heavy breaths and flushed face.
Jack smirks, licking his lips and opening the door for you, signaling you to go first. You roll your eyes and walk first anyway, cursing on your way out.
βJack-ass.β
βBrat.β
The memory brings a smile to your face now.
Itβs definitely not the most romantic way to meet the love of your life, but you wouldnβt have it any other way. And needless to say, youβre grateful Robby didnβt report you to HR on your first day.
Youβve decided to work an extra couple of hours since things are still chaotic and the night shift would need help. Not to mention that you donβt really want to go home to an empty house right now.
It only took you and Jack about a month before admitting that you wanted to be more than just friends who occasionally make out. And once youβve embraced the fact that youβre in love with him, everything became easier. It felt like the most natural thing in the world. You still argue, but none of it makes you want to walk away.
βHi, sweetheart.β
You feel Jackβs arm around you as he kisses your head.
You lean into his touch. βHi.β
He looks better now after a few hours of sleep, changed into another black t-shirt and dark cargo pants. He stands beside you, shoulders touching. He doesn't say anything right away, and neither do you.
Youβve had the rest of the day to think about what happened. Your feelings. Your relationship. And you have to admit, your earlier reaction wasβ¦ a lot of anxiety and panic. Jack left you texts throughout the day, and his reassurances have calmed you down, and now youβre ready to talk to him.
βStaying for the night shift?β He asks.
βJust a few hours.β You say, then turn to him.
βCan weβ¦ talk?β
His hand finds yours, fingers slipping between yours. βCome on.β
He takes you to the rooftop, where itβs quieter and the chances of someone walking in is low. The rooftop was also where you and Jack managed to umβ¦ relieve some stress back then. It was a daring thing that you donβt think you can do again.
The breeze hits your face and you take a deep breath, following Jack to sit a few feet from the edge. He knows you hate dangling your feet, you once told him itβs very dangerous becauseΒ βwhat if your leg falls off??β.Β It puts a smile on Jackβs face just remembering it.
Silence stretches between you, and you know you canβt delay it any longer.
βIβm sorry.β
Jackβs head snaps towards you, looking confused.
You continue anyway. βI saw the bet and my mind immediately assumed the worst. I guess it triggered an insecurity in meβ¦β
βHoneyββ
βNo, Iβ¦ I need to get this out,β You take a deep breath, fidgeting with your fingers. βI hate that everyone knew you had a thing for Samira except me.β You admit. βIt makes me feel stupid. Most of them were rooting for you to get together and Iβ¦ I feel like Iβm a replacement. Because you couldnβt get her.β
You swallow the lump in your throat. You feel like crying but it seems like your tears have dried out. βAnd Iβm scared that you might leave me for her if she turned out to have reciprocated your feelings.β
Jack softens, scooting closer to you and taking your hands in his, kissing them dearly.
βYou shouldnβt say sorry.β He says, βIβmΒ sorry because I didnβt tell you. Youβre not a replacement, sweetheart. You never were, you never will be. You're not someone I settled for because things didn't work out somewhere else.β He tilts his head, making sure youβre still with him.
βThat crush was justβ¦ admiration. Purely surface level. I wasnβt interested in her that way.β Jack explains, βAnd I guessβ¦ knowing my staring problem, I probably wasnβt sublte and people started reading too much into it. And you know gossip here spread like wildfire.β
You press your lips together, nodding while you listen to him.
βBut look,β Jack straightens, βI donβt want to downplay your feelings. Theyβre completely valid, okay? If you told me you had the same thing withβ¦ with Robby, I wouldβve lost it. I shouldβve told you. Iβm sorry I didnβt.β He repeats. βYou deserved to hear it from me first.β
You let out a breath of relief, nodding again and leaning your head on his shoulder.
Jack puts an arm around you, kissing your temple. βAnd as for Mohan, there is no scenario where I leave you for her. Or for anyone. You hear me?β
βMm-hmm.β You hum.
βThank you.β You say after a second, βfor understanding. For apologizing. For accepting me. I love you.β
Jack tilts your head to look at him. βNo thanks needed. I love you. I love every part of you.β
You smile at him, finally able to let go of the weight on your shoulders.
The silence that follows is different from before.
βI donβt think you were subtle with me either.β You say after a while, chuckling.
βHoney, weΒ snoggedΒ the first day we met. We donβt do subtle.β
You groan, βMy God. Who says snogged anymore?β
βThis old guy.β Jack laughs. βNow come on. We should go down and talk to Robby before he leaves.β
You exhale, gathering the will to go back into the fray before getting up, then offering Jack your hand. βAlright gramps, letβs go.β
He snorts, shaking his head, but taking your hand anyway so you can help him up. βDonβt push your luck, sweetheart. Youβre gonna be screaming this βgramps'β name tonight.β
You gasp, βEw! Jack! That sounds so creepy.β
βYou started it.β
Youβre both laughing as you make your way down through the elevator.
βHey,β Jack calls your attention, smiling and sending you a knowing look. βJust you and me, alright?β
You smile back, βyou and me.β
it's finally doneeeeeeeee β€οΈ thank you for supporting me and I hope you guys like it π₯Ή the pressure is fr fr
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
β Live Streamingβ Interactive Chatβ Private Showsβ HD Quality
Anya is LIVE right now
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Free to watch β’ No registration required β’ HD streaming
RATINGS + WARNINGS: general audiences, light angst, heavy themes, slowwwww burn. f!oc, slight physical descriptions, change whatever u want tbh. dad!nate, daddy issues central!!!! picks up in season 2 of leverage (tv show)
NOTES: boom anotha one i say as i throw a new chapter into the dark empty abyss that is the leverage fandom
SERIES MASTERLIST
The hairs on the back of Ronnieβs neck had been standing on edge for, give or take, twenty four hours now.
Boston was familiar even after all this time, a home sheβd always held close to her heart; but it was one sheβd written off a long while ago. Sheβd come to terms with the fact that she may never see her old life again before she fled the last time, her resolve to hold out for the sake of nostalgia wearing more and more thin each day. The heat was turning up, and it was a kitchen she no longer had any desire to be in, so with her boots pounding on the pavement and her bag slapping against her back, she ran for her life through the dark streets towards an escape made only through sacrifice and retreat.
Everything had gone to shit and sheβd fled the coop again, knowing the likelihood of returning was slim to none. Strike two.
And yet, there she was, sitting in her fatherβs apartment over a bar she was very familiar with. Her things had long since been unpacked, her feeble excuse for escaping the main room where everyone was gathered, no longer able to endure her skin crawling under the microscope of their gazes. The spare room that had been designated as hers was still bare even with her belongings strewn about here and there, and she felt entirely too out of place for this to be her new home.Β
Did she deserve to be there?
She struggled to elaborate on the question. Did she deserve to be there with her father, reunited after all this time? Did she deserve to be saved at all,Β
In desperate need for a shower, hopes of washing away the old her and somehow emerging a woman worthy of what was before her screaming in her mind, she mustered up the energy to pull herself from the bed sheβd been lying on. Once she had a spare outfit gathered in her arms, holding them close as if to shield herself, she reached for the doorknob but froze as she gripped it. Once again, she felt as if she was a child again, sleeping over somewhere for the first time and afraid to disturb the parents, and she scoffed at herself after a second.Β
Ronnie constantly shuffled between two sides of herself; the first one being the version of her that held every insecurity and doubt she owned, always second guessing her place and her worth as her footsteps left puddles of hatred and guilt behindβand the second one being the version of her that did not give a fuck, because what was there to be afraid of when you let everything roll off your back and do what needs to be done?
She had been the first version for some hours now, and with the cool knob clutched in a whiteknuckle grip, she flipped to the second. She swung the door open and marched out, her socks muffling her steps as she made her way down the hallway, and her heart had just begun to settle in her chest when the bathroom door opened wide.
Sophie walked out casually, running a hand through her hair before she spotted the young woman. Ronnie had frozen in her tracks, but Sophie gave her a kind smile that ever so slightly thawed her. βHi, Ronnie,β her pleasant accent made its way into her ears and defrosted her just a bit more. βAre you having a quick shower? Your dad was just discussing dinner, are you hungry?β
The familiarity this woman already had with her made her face hot simply because she felt as if she did not deserve it. What the hell was she doing here, putting herself right in the middle of an operation that worked just fine without her? A group where everyone already knew each other and everyone already had their place? She didnβt belongβ
βDarling?β A warm hand landed on her shoulder, delicately holding her and interrupting her spiralling mind. Sophie Devereaux had once again found herself acting as the anchor keeping a Ford from drifting away in the tumultuous currents of their thoughts.
βOh, umββ Ronnie mumbled, blinking a few times at the woman. βSorry.β
βItβs alright,β Sophie grinned again, yet didnβt withdraw her hand from where it sat. βAre you hungry? We can get dinner after you shower,β she offered, brown eyes taking her in. Even under the cuts and bruises, she could see hints of Nate in his daughterβs face.Β
She fought the immediate urge to lie. She was hungry. And if she wanted to move on with her life she needed to get over whatever the first version of her was. βYeah,β she nodded, voice softly traveling down the hallway. βI, uhm, Iβd like that. Iβll try to be quick.βΒ
βNo rush, darling,β Sophie shook her head, finally letting go of her and taking a step around her. βTake your time and weβll pick somewhere good to welcome you back to Boston!β
Welcome her back to Boston. Even as she stood under the hot water streaming from the showerhead, those hairs still stood on end. What was going to happen if she stayed here? What past crimes would catch up with her, what skeletons in her closet would pop back up?Β
And could she tell her father about them? Could she divulge in the fears that were eating away at her? Would he be enough to quell them, assuring her of her safety with him?
Though she smelled much nicer, Ronnie did not emerge from her shower a newer and better version of herself as she had hoped. She remained the same tainted and damaged her that sheβd been from the beginning.Β Β
-: β§Β
βSheβs like a scared cat.β
βParker, you canβt say thatββ
βWhat?! She is!β
After seventy two hours back in Boston, Parker concluded that Ronnieβs skittish nature reminded her of the stray cats that roamed the streets, afraid of the loud sounds and large people around them.Β
Nate, while he initially didnβt say anything, felt his heart drop at the comparison. Following Parkerβs logic, he could see it; but that didnβt make him feel any better. When he thought back to the Ronnie he knew, she had never been a scared cat, never been a stray lashing out when spooked.Β
Sophie had told him it wasnβt fair to her to compare her to her younger self, not after everything that had happenedβbut he couldnβt help it.
When he looked at her, he saw flashes of the little girl he used to fight with in the mornings, clutching a hairbrush tightly as he begged and bartered with her to just let him brush her damn hair. Flashes of the girl he used to get calls from the school about, citing yet another instance of the girl finding herself in the middle of an altercation on someone elseβs behalf. Flashes of the girl who loudly loved her younger brother, toting him around with her cheer friends as if they were a package deal.Β
βCut her some slack, Parker,β he settled on, sighing deeply as he shuffled his feet, a nervous habit he thought heβd rid himself of.Β
He didnβt have the full picture, but at the end of the day, he knew Veronica Ford. She didnβt want to be a stray cat, no matter how much life made her think she needed to be one.Β
βHey, guys,β Hardison called out, eyes trained on the screen of his laptop before him. βYou might wanna come check this out.β
And interestingly enough, it was something theyβd wanted to see. A peculiar case involving a small town boxing scene and a crooked fight promoter. Someone had already gotten hurt, and in Nate's eyes that meant they couldnβt wait any longer before taking this job and making their way to Nebraska. As the team all moved about, spitballing off one another ideas and preparations that needed to be made before their departure, Eliot found himself at Nateβs side.
βSo,β he started, still looking forward with his arms crossed. βWhat about Ronnie?β
βWhat about her?β
βIs she coming with us?β He elaborated, tossing a hand up as if it was obvious.Β
Again, the dark haired man sighed. Was she? Fuck if he knew. βI donβt know yet, Eliot. I guess thatβs what I need to figure out next.β
He didnβt really have a plan, somehow coming up with nothing on his short trip from the living room to outside Ronnieβs bedroom door. βHoney?β He called out, hoping his knocks didnβt alarm her too much. βItβs me. Can I come in?β
He heard some shuffling before the door slowly opened and he was met with eyes almost identical to his own. βHey, Dad,β she greeted softly, smiling at him ever so slightly while taking a step back, allowing him to enter the one space she had begun to regard as her own.Β
Scared cat? Maybe not.
βSorry to bug you,β he started, clearing his throat. Heβd never felt this awkward entering her room before, but the distance between them still felt so long, so unfamiliar, that he wasnβt sure what to do with himself. βJust wanted to check in on ya,β he settled down on the newly purchased desk chair, turning it to face her. βHowβre you doing?β
βIβm okay,β she answered immediately, taking a seat on the bed once again. The book she had been trying to read lay abandoned on top of the comforter, unable to hold her attention and pull her mind away from her ever consuming thoughts.
βHmm,β he hummed, not breaking eye contact. He didnβt believe her for a second. βWell, honey, I also wanted to let you know that we just got another case. You want in?β
She didnβt answer for a few moments, lips pursing in thought. Did she want to? Was she ready to put herself in the middle of a con so soon, let alone alongside people she had never worked with before? She didnβt even have any extraordinary skills or anything, that much had been made clear to her; she was a small time grifter and amateur hacker, she knew how to fight but she was no hitter and not much of a mastermind herself, so where would she even fall in this plan?
βDo you even need me?β She questioned instead, narrowing her eyes at him. She knew the answer, with certainty, was no.Β
βActually,β he raised his brows, the inklings of that smug face she knew so well creeping out. βDepending on the specifics, I may just need you. So?β
βDad,β she deadpanned, shoulders deflating ever so slightly. βDonβt lie to me.β
βIβm not,β he shook his head, never taking his eyes off of hers. βThere have been plenty of times where everything goes wrong because we just needed one more person. If we had just one other person we could trust, weβd have enough moving parts and coverage to get in and get out without any hiccups.β
There was a part of Nate that wanted her to say no. He could see the wheels turning in her head, lips tightly pursed as she thought it over seriously, but that small, selfish part of him wanted her to turn him down so that she would remain within the safety of this home he was building.Β
It wasnβt a home before three days ago, but things had drastically changed with his daughter, his only remaining child, reentering his life; and he so desperately wanted this home to be enough to cradle her in safety and warmth just as he had when she was a baby. He was a child himself, but with her bundled in his arms and staring up at him, he knew the rest of his life would be dedicated to protecting the baby who already carried the weight of his family name. And even now, a long twenty seven years and many mistakes later, he still felt the same about her. She had no choice in becoming a Ford, had surely been dealt the consequences of it time and time again, and had been left scorned by her fathers shortcomings; and now he was living in the second chance given to him by the skin of his teeth and would not mess it up.Β
Though, she sighed and nodded at his request instead. βYeah,β she whispered, unsure of taking the next steps yet taking them nonetheless. βIβm in. Whatβre the deets?β
βIβm thinking a tap-out job.β
all works on this blog belong to hesthermay.tumblr.com: do not copy, repost onto other sites, or claim my content as your own.Β
RATINGS + WARNINGS: general audiences, heavy angst to regular angst + fluff pipeline, canon typical violence, heavy themes, slowwww burn. f!oc, slight physical descriptions, change whatever u want tbh. dad!nate, daddy issues central!!!! picks up in season 2 of leverage (tv show)
NOTES: omg chapter 3 be so fr rn. im on fire. flashback chapter!!!!!!!!!!! gotta love em!!!!!!!
SERIES MASTERLIST
The silence that engulfed the inside of Ronnieβs shitty old car was one she had yearned for.
She had thought she was drained before, but an emotional screaming match with her estranged father really sealed the deal for her. Now, as she sat in the passenger seat with her head resting on the cool window, her eyelids felt as if they weighed a thousand pounds and her brain was made of mush. With what little strength she did have, her fatherβs words replayed in her overworked mind.
The atmosphere in the small apartment after the door swung shut was thick. And once again, Ronnie just wanted everything to be over. Her breathing was heavy despite the pain in her ribs, nerves alight with agony and angst. God, was she a teenager again?
βWhatβs it matter?β Nate repeated, voice low. He squinted his eyes at his little girl, like he couldnβt believe what she had just said; His cheek stung with the metaphorical slap her words had landed. βWhatβs it matter if you died, Ronnie? Are you kidding me?β
βNo, Dad,β she shot back, mocking him slightly. βIβm not joking. Whatβs it matter to you or anyone? You didnβt even know I was here until I threw out a goddamn hail mary!β
βYou donβt think I feel like shit because of it?β His voice raised, slipping out of character and slipping the expletive in there. Nate rarely swore, it just wasnβt for him, but his emotions were through the roof.Β
βDo you, Dad?β She hissed. βYou feel bad for the things you said to me? The way you treated me when we were both hurting?β She ducked her head to meet his gaze, forcing him to look into her red eyes. Her voice cracked as she fought off tears, refusing to let them fall just yet, hiccupping her way through her sentence. βI hate myself for leaving you, do you feel like that, Nate?βΒ
βRonnie,β he breathed out, face hot and buzzing as everything became too much. βHoney, IβI canβt even begin to tell you how sorry I am.βΒ
She wasnβt even sure if an apology was what sheβd been looking for all this time. She hadnβt felt any better hearing it.Β
βIβI know you must hate me, and I get it,β he reached up and ran a shaking hand through messy curls. Her father was a smug man, one who didnβt often admit fault. He was smart, and good at a lot of things, and because of that he had always had something to βhold over your headβ one could say. To see him break, to bring himself to the level of telling the truth, meant something to her, Ronnie had decided. βBut Ronnie, no matter what happens, or how much time passes, you will never not be my daughter. I love you, and Iβm sorry I pushed you out when you needed me.
βI messed everything up, after Sββ he choked. He didnβt often say his boyβs name out loud anymore, it dawned on him. βI pushed your mom out, and I pushed you out, and drank myself half to death, and I will never, ever be able to make up for what I said to you.β
Hot tears flowed down her cheeks, dripping from her chin onto the collar of the jacket wrapped around her. βDid you mean it?β
βNo, God, no,β he shook his head, taking a few steps towards her. βHoney, none of that was true.β
βEven if you didnβt mean it,β she whispered, βitβs true now.β Her eyes closed tightly, despair spreading from her chest to the tips of her fingers, icy cold and painfully sharp. βIβm a piece of shit, Dad,β she sobbed. βThe things Iβve done, the people Iβve had to be and the people Iβve had to hurt, IβI should have gotten sick instead.βΒ
Her knees felt weak, wobbling as her body was wracked with sobs. She poured everything that had been filling her to the brim out before her, bearing herself as if ripping her chest open. Cold fingers reached up and clawed at the fabric over her heart. βWhy did Sam have to get sick? Why couldnβt it have been me? Why, why am I still here when heβs not?β She wailed.Β
βHoneyββ
βDad, Iβm sorry, Iβm sorry for everything,β she shook her head, closing the distance between them and falling into his arms. Once again, she felt like a little girl engulfed in her fatherβs love.Β
βRonnie you have nothing to be sorry for,β he muttered, lips pressed to the top of her head. βIβm so sorry, honey.β
In the end, as he dried her tears and tucked her hair behind her ears, Nate was able to convince her to come with him. After letting go of so much of what was weighing her down, she didnβt want to be alone any longer. Things would be better, they would be better.Β
And so there she was, sat next to Eliot on a quiet drive. He had offered to drive her car, stashed with all her belongings, and she had jumped on the opportunity to be as alone as possible. While she considered it a major breakthrough for her and her father, she felt as if she had nothing left to give. She needed space, and knew this would be her last opportunity for a while.Β
βYou look like the only one who can go twenty minutes without talking,β she joked as they both climbed into the vehicle. He laughed, smile lighting up an already handsome face, and nodded in agreement.
He could only begin to imagine what kind of stuff she had gone through, and the sight of her bruised face pulled at the strings of sympathy in his heart. Though she looked better now, cleaned up and donning much more comfortable clothes, she still seemed as if she was only halfway there, as if Eliot was only getting the parts of her that survived after all this time. Because of this he granted her wish and became the silent solace she had been seeking, listening to the music that hummed lowly from the speakers.Β
For a long time, Ronnie had her eyes closed. She wasnβt quite asleep, but she was drifting across the plain of unconsciousness. She floated, so much lighter than she had been in years. It had been so long, so agonizingly long, since she had truly rested without the weight of her pain and guilt crushing her. She relished in the lack of obligations, the freedom of letting go, and the relief of it all ending even for a moment.Β
After a while, she opened her eyes and looked over at the man next to her. It had also been so long since she allowed herself to appreciate the traits of the people around her. She had isolated herself from practically everyone, shutting out the outside world and retreating into her hardened shell; and so she let her eyes linger in his profile.Β
Eliot was handsome. He was also strong, she knew that from when he rescued her only the night prior, from a certain end.Β
He pretended he didnβt feel her stare.Β
βThank you,β she whispered, as if she didnβt know the words had come out at all.Β
His glance was quick, though his eyes took in as much of her face as possible. βWhat are you thanking me for?β
βBack at the club,β she croaked, shying away slightly. βAnd for driving my car.β
βDonβt mention it.β He almost called her sweetheart, stopping short before the name could slip out. That was a road he wouldnβt even let himself go down, he decided, Nateβs face flashing in his mind.Β
βYou know,β she started, kicking off her shoes and tucking her legs under her. Once again, her gaze shied away from him and landed in the scenery outside. βIβm kinda nervous.β
βNervous? Ronnie Ford, solo con artist, nervous?βΒ
When she smiled at him, it met her eyes. She wasnβt just halfway there any longer, parts of her coming back with every passing second.Β
She sighed. βNervous to go back to Boston.β The words were on the tip of her tongue, but after so long of keeping everything bottled up she was reluctant to put it all out there. Secrets, memories, past experiences not to be shared with just anyone swirled in her mind before she abruptly looked over at him again. Deflection, one of her most used weapons in her arsenal, was what she settled on. βGirls got a past, ya know.β
Again, Eliot graced her with a grin, throwing her a soft look. He had vowed not to, but if he was to go down that pathβ¦perhaps Ronnie Ford wouldnβt be a bad choice to go down it with. βAh, donβt we all,β he affirmed, gruff voice filling the space pleasantly. βBut donβt worry, weβll take care of ya.β
And, for once, she took that to heart. This team, they were different, almost like a family; and she found herself yearning for it as she shuffled in her seat. Getting comfortable for the long drive ahead, her heart skipped a beat as she thought about her new life. She was nervous, yes, but excited despite it all. Sheβd written Boston off as a home sheβd never see again, and here she was diving headfirst into the past.
No, if she wanted to move on, pull herself out of the spot sheβd been cemented in for so long, she needed to let it go. Pack it up, carry it to where she could set it down safely and walk away.Β
all works on this blog belong to hesthermay.tumblr.com: do not copy, repost onto other sites, or claim my content as your own.Β
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SUMMARY: The daughter of a disgraced insurance investigator and the granddaughter of a bookie and fixer for the mob, Ronnie Ford didn't know why she didn't have the sense to not end up where she did. Hollow, heavy with the kind of guilt that weighs a thousand pounds, and alone. When she realizes she's in over her head on a job, back pressed against the corner and the walls closing in around her, she crosses her fingers and throws out a signal. Would it work? Could she get help? Was she going to make it out?
And if she does, and she finds herself standing before a certain retrieval specialist, would he let her fall for him?
RATINGS + WARNINGS: general audiences, heavy angst to regular angst + pipeline, canon typical violence, heavy themes, slowwwww burn. f!oc, slight physical descriptions, change whatever u want tbh. dad!nate, daddy issues central!!!! picks up in season 2 of leverage (tv show)
NOTES: omg new masterlist edit: i forgot abt this -> ronnie's carrd
LEVERAGE MASTERLIST
-: β§ status: [ongoing]
SEASON 2
pt 1 - the past catches up job
pt 2 - the reunion job
pt 3 - the pack it up job
pt 4 - the tap-out job
pt 5 - the tap-out job pt. II | coming soon!
pt 6 - the get to know me job | coming soon!
pt 7 - the two live crew job | coming soon!
all works on this blog belong to hesthermay.tumblr.com: do not copy, repost onto other sites, or claim my content as your own.Β
RATINGS + WARNINGS: general audiences, heavy angst to regular angst + fluff pipeline, canon typical violence, heavy themes, slowwwww burn. f!oc, slight physical descriptions, change whatever u want tbh. dad!nate, daddy issues central!!! picks up in season 2 of leverage (tv show)
NOTES: ao3 saw it first oops. enjoy!!!!
SERIES MASTERLIST
Pain radiated from everywhere, the cold floor below her and the feeling of a hard fist meeting her body the only things that existed around her. Flynn Horn, the man behind every shitty thing that went on at the club, had sworn he was going to kill her; as soon as he connected the dots that she was the mole his eyes had filled with a rage she hadnβt seen in them before. She hadnβt known there was another level one could reach in anger, but here she was being beaten to death.Β
Veronica Ford, small time con artist and soon to be pummelled dead body.Β
Truthfully, she had told herself she could die on this job a long time ago. The chances of her not ever making it out grew higher every day she spent there, the lies and the sacrifices blending together as she struggled not to lose herself in the grift. But she knew why she was there, and she knew why she had to try her fucking hardest to get out; and as she was on her way to paying the price for her infiltration, she didnβt regret it at all.
She did what she did, and got her evidence out the doors and into hands that held more power than herself, and if she died right then and there she knew the world would keep turning.Β
But, before her heart could stop beating in her chest, the door on the other side of the dressing room burst open, almost flying off the hinges. Ronnie wasnβt able to see the force that entered the room and yanked the man hunched over her away, wasnβt able to see how whoever it was left Horn worse off than she was, as her vision was going black. Her chest moved up and down, but the action was the hardest thing sheβd ever done.Β
Then, in the flurry of pain and bleariness, a soft voice hit her ringing ears. βI got her, Nate. You alright, sweetheart?β And she tried to answer, tried to form any word at all but she couldnβt. All she could do was groan when the man slipped his hands under her aching body, carefully scooping her up. βCome on, stay with me a little longer,β he consoled, pulling her close as he rose up and quickly made his way to the rendezvous point. βI work with your dad, weβre getting you outta here.β
βMβmy dad?β She mumbled, almost gasping. Thank God, she thought to herself, that her father hadnβt turned his back on her despite everything sheβd done.Β
Through Eliotβs mic, Nate heard her and almost cried out in relief. He had already lived through a parents worst nightmare, and he didnβt know if he could go on if they hadnβt made it in time.Β
βYeah, we got your flash drive,β the long haired man answered, rushing down the stairs as quickly and carefully as he could. βYou did it, Ronnie,β he whispered as the doors leading outside became visible. And he didnβt know it, but those words were what she needed to hear to keep going. As they broke through the doors, she felt the rush of cold air on her skin and new life was shakily breathed into her.Β
She had done it, had stopped the horrors that had gone on on these grounds from happening again. Flynn Horn would never have the power he once held ever again, and the rush of succeeding kept her eyes open as her head rested on his chest.Β
βRonnie!β She heard through the chaos happening around them, someone calling her name in the distance. βRonnie, honey,β they gasped, much closer this time, and tears streamed down her face as her fatherβs voice registered in her sluggish mind.Β
At twenty seven years old, Ronnie found herself feeling quite small again, teary eyes searching for those of her heroβs as her arms, bruised and trembling, reached out for him. She didnβt care about being angry at him, didnβt care about being upset at his actions or guilty for leaving him behind; she just wanted the sweet safety a parentβs embrace provided. βDad?β She cried, mouth stained red from blood.Β
She bloodied his clothes as soon as she was passed off, but the warmth that radiated from him made everything okay again. It didnβt matter, nothing mattered, because she was scared and hurt but she had won and found her dad.
βNate, letβs get her to the van,β Sophie placed a gentle hand on the manβs shoulder, eyes meeting his. The girl in his arms was hurtβbadlyβand her clothes did little to protect her from the cold air of the night.Β
βRonnie, honey, youβre gonna be okay,β Nate whispered as he sped to the van, climbing into the back and kicking things around to make space for her. Parker scrambled to help, and watched as the woman was placed down gently before reaching for their first aid kit. Skilled hands thoughtlessly reached out to clean her wounds, starting on the deep scraped on her knees. Nate did the same for her face, gently cradling what remained of his heart.Β
He had been a dead man walking for some time now, and he thanked the Lord above that he had his daughter before him again.Β
βDad?β She croaked, voice cutting through the quiet in the van. They were all crammed in there, waiting with baited breath on what to do next. They needed to know if she was finished, if there were any loose ends she needed to tie up before she could walk away; and so they remained where they were.Β
Nate hummed, eyes remaining on her cheek as he wiped the blood away from a cut. βDβya get him good?βΒ
He chuckled, tossing the used cloth to the side. βOh yeah,β he assured. βWe made sure no one can ignore Flynn Hornβs crimes anymore, Hardison over thereββ he threw a thumb over his shoulder, pointing at the man in the driver seat who smiled widely at her, ββdrained pretty much everything he had and dispersed it amongst those victimized by said crimes, and Eliot over there took care of the man himself.βΒ
βAnd we wouldnβt have been able to do it without you, Ronnie,β a British woman interjected, voice carrying sweetly over to her. βWe pulled this case off because of your work, and all those girls get to go home now.βΒ
βThatβs all I wanted,β she whispered, the weight she had been carrying for months dissolving with every passing second.Β
βThis was really dangerous, Ronnie,β Nate chastised lightly. βThis was a high level job you took on alone. Howβd you even get mixed up in this?β
βI moved into town and things were weird from day one,β she explained, eyes drifting off as her voice grew slightly hollow. βI came to scope it out, and I met a brother of one of the girls, the guy I had give you the drive, and he told me about everything. Iβ¦I told him I could help, so I did my best. I knew I was in over my head pretty quickly but I couldnβt just quit, Iβd already gotten my ass there and I wasnβt gonna walk away from helping those women,β she shook her head, wincing at the motion. βIβd heard rumors that you were back in the game but on a different side, so when I started to connect the dots that someone else was sniffing around the club I knew it could have been you. Then I saw you.β
Nate sighed. βWhy didnβt you come over to me?β
Ronnie didnβt answer right away. At first she didnβt know the answer, and then she remembered. βI was afraid,β she whispered. βThey were gonna send me off to who knows where at any moment and I saw you and I wanted to, but Iβ¦I was just afraid.βΒ
βAfraid?β He muttered to himself, face twisting in confusion.Β
Ronnie sighed, hurting for every second of it. βAfraid you wouldnβt help me,β she deadpanned. βAfraid youβd hate me when you saw what I became in that club,β her voice cracked, struggling under the weight of her confession. She didnβt have it in her to lie anymore tonight, couldnβt fathom enduring anything but the easy freedom that came with just telling the truth. And because of this, she let her tongue slip and reveal a thought buried deep in the darkness. βAfraid youβd realize youβd rather it had been me instead.βΒ
Heavy silence engulfed the van, thick in the air around them; and Ronnie didnβt care. βWβwhat?β Nate gasped, jerking in surprise as her words registered in his mind. βVeronicaββ
βYou asked,β she cut him off, Boston accent coming through in her growing agitation. She was slowly getting upset, though all she wanted was to just let it fucking go right now. βYou asked, and that was the answer. Stupid, I know, but whatever, Dad. I got the drive to you, and it all worked out.βΒ
Before anything else could be said, there was a knock on the back door of the van. Everyone tensed at the sound, not knowing who it could be. βUh, Aubrey?β They heard someone call out, muffled and confused.Β
Ronnieβs mind registered who it was after a delayed second, and braced herself. Limbs were stiff as she began to rise, ribs protesting as her body twisted and strained. Nate made a noise of objection and she just grunted, causing his hands to reach out for her anyways. Her head nodded in the direction of the door, and only after making eye contact with her did Eliot actually reach for the handle. He put himself directly in front of the man on the other side, as if acting as the last barrier between the outside world and Ronnie, though his guard lowered when he saw who it was.Β
Ronnieβs guy, and the sister he had asked her to save. They stood awkwardly next to each other, intimidated by Eliotβs initial gaze and the uncertainty of the situation. Though, their faces changed when the battered girl hobbled into view, now clad in her fatherβs coat. She didnβt even know if she had the strength to pull Aubrey out one last time, shaking on her feet as she stepped out of the van, but she did it anyway when the woman wrapped her arms around her.Β
βOh Aubrey!β She cried, horrified at the state of her companion. It felt weird to use the word friend, as Aubrey wasn't real and they only knew each other because of their shared traumatic experience, but going through that with someone else meant you were more than strangers. βDid Flynn do that to you?β
Ronnie grunted under the weight of the taller woman, yet wrapped an arm around her too. βDonβt worry about it,β she dismissed, as if her current state was to be taken lightly. βI donβt always get my ass kicked, you know that.β
βAubrey,β the young man began, voice somber as he took her in. βIβm sorry you got so hurt, but thank you so, so much for helping my sister.β His thanks came out wavering, shaky under the weight of his gratitude. βYou were the only one who actually listened and did something. Iβm never gonna forget you.β
As the others slowly filtered out of the van behind her, gathering around to form an unlikely yet almost seamless team, her body grew warm despite the chill in the air. They all stood together, watching the siblings depart in silence. And when the police dragged Flynn Horn out of the building, Ronnie felt lighter than she had in months. The sick bastard, the face of so many peopleβs nightmares, would never hold power again.
βAlright,β she sighed, clapping her hands once. βLetβs get the fuck out of here.β
-: β§
Ronnie had dodged as many questions as she could get away with on the drive to her apartment, Parker having the most invasive and surprising ones. Eliot chastised here and there, citing that she hardly knew how to talk to people, but Ronnie found her almost endearing. Truthfully, it had been so long since she had even tried to have a friend that she didnβt know how to talk to people either.
Though, she still felt vulnerable, like she was naked under the eye of first impressions and expectations, and so she kept her secrets for a little longer.Β
βWait,β Parker interrupted as they pulled into the parking lot of Ronnieβs apartment complex. βThis is where you live?βΒ
The young woman felt a laugh bubble up and it came out breathy, mouth still stained slightly red as she smiled with split lips. βYeah, it's a shit hole, right?β She climbed out of the van with Eliotβs help, him having offered her a calloused hand. She took it, placing hers in his and taking in the warmth of his rough skin. βThanks,β she mumbled, mind drifting to the hazy memory of him rushing to her aid.Β
He stayed close as they all followed, trailing behind her slowly, and she didnβt have the courage to ask why. Were they planning on staying? Hanging around the awkward battered girl and watching her crawl into herself? And she especially didnβt have it in her to speak up when Eliotβs large hand hovered against the small of her back as she hobbled up the creaky wooden steps to the third floor.Β
Once the front door was unlocked, Ronnie didnβt feel any better than she had before. The little apartment she slowly entered held nothing one would miss when away, bare in decorations and memories. It wasnβt home, she hadnβt gotten a chance to feel like she had one since the day she walked away from her father; not even when she was with Jimmy, working under him with his crew, did she feel like she was around family.Β
βNice place you got here,β Hardison broke the silence, giving her an unconvincing smile.Β
βNo itβs not,β Parker shot out, face scrunched up as her eyes traversed the ugly room.Β
βParker--β
βItβs alright,β Nate held a hand out, head tilted towards the ceiling. βSheβs not gonna be living here much longer.β
And while Ronnie didnβt want to live there, the certainty in her fatherβs tone when he made decisions for her elicited a spark of rebellion in her, irritating her ever so slightly.
βWhat?β
The dark haired man looked over at her, wearing a smug smile to conceal just how depressing it was to realize his daughter had lost so much of what made her her. When she was younger, her room was the first thing to change when her interests shifted, entering new phases and leaving the old ones behind. He felt a sharp pang in his chest as he took her in against the background of her empty and dark apartment and realized that she was living much like himself just a few years prior.Β
βYouβre coming with us.β His elaboration was blunt and sure, lighting the spark and causing flames of defiance to lick at her insides.Β
βSays who?β She shot back, turning to face him fully.
βSays me.β He raised his eyebrows slightly, not perturbed by her backtalk but unsure why she wouldnβt want to go with them.Β
βWhatβs that got to do with me?β She pointed to herself, scrunching her face up. βJust because I asked you for help doesnβt mean you get to order me around and rearrange my life, Iβm twenty seven, Dad. And second of all, I never said I wanted to live with you again, never said I wanted to join your little team, never said I was letting you back in.β
He scoffed at her, feeling a bout of deja vu at her defiance. βIβm not trying to rearrange your life,β he attempted to de-escalate, though he shuffled his feet as he spoke. Nervous under his daughterβs fiery gaze? Guilty knowing he didnβt have the right to pull the parent rank on her after all this time? βBut it's the best option for you, Ronnie. What, are you going to stay here in this place, running jobs all by yourself? You almost got yourself killed back there!β
βAnd so what?!β She yelled back. βWhatβs it fucking matter to you? To Ma? To anybody!β
Her voice echoed slightly in the cramped space, lingering into the thick silence that followed her outburst. She was asking, finally allowing herself to ask, what reason she had to hold on anymore. For so long she had been empty, a shell of who she used to be, walking around not knowing what purpose she had. Guilt and grief weighed her down and self hatred chained her in place, the recurring wish of trading places with her brother ricocheting off the walls of her mind. With a heaving chest she stared at her father with wide eyes, stinging as fat tears welled up, and Nate felt fear tingle through every nerve in his body.
βGuys,β he didnβt look at them when he softly addressed them, eyes never leaving his daughter who was holding on by a string. βCan we get a minute?β
all works on this blog belong to hesthermay.tumblr.com: do not copy, repost onto other sites, or claim my content as your own.Β
SUMMARY: the daughter of a disgraced insurance investigator and the granddaughter of a bookie and fixer for the mob, ronnie ford didn't know why she didn't have the sense to not end up where she did. hollow, heavy with the kind of guilt that weighs a thousand pounds, and alone.
when she realizes she's in over her head on a job, back pressed against the corner and the walls closing in around her, she crosses her fingers and throws out a signal. would it work? could she get help? was she going to make it out?
and if she does, and she finds herself standing before a certain retrieval specialist, would he let her fall for him?
WORD COUNT: 2.8k
RATINGS + WARNINGS: general audiences, heavy angst to regular angst + fluff pipeline, canon typical violence, heavy themes, slowwwww burn. f!oc, slight physical descriptions, change whatever u want tbh. dad!nate, daddy issues central!!!! picks up in season 2 of leverage (tv show)
NOTES: omg this has been a long time coming but here it is!! i'm proud of myself for coming back to it and getting it out there, this will also be on ao3!!
SERIES MASTERLIST
βDoes that sayββ
βRF?β Nate interjected, cutting Hardison off as he slowly rose out of his seat and moved around the desk with a purpose. The younger man had been standing on the platform, face inches away from the screen that displayed the initials he had decoded, but he whipped around at Nateβs tone.Β
The case theyβd been working, and the rare stalemate theyβd hit, had begun to get to them. Frustration had been pricking at every nerve as the seconds passed by with no progress, but a piece of evidence had seemingly fallen into their laps; a flash drive composed of photos very much contradicting the light their mark had painted themself in, handed to them by a young man they did not know. He had looked frazzled, giving them the impression that he didnβt quite know what was going on; his words were vague as he slipped the drive into Sophieβs hand after inquiring if she knew Nate Ford, eyes frantically looking for something in her own. She hadnβt said yes, but the millisecond she had frozen was enough to answer him, and he stepped closer to her, entering her space and lowering his voice as the small piece of plastic left his grasp discreetly. βShe said to use this.βΒ
The way he had whispered the words had left a jarring feeling in Sophie, and keeping up the grift had been somewhat difficult after that, which spoke volumes on how the interaction had left her. When she made it back to the others, she still wore that wide eyed look that was drenched in worry. βPlease,β she had begged as she passed the drive over to their hacker. βFigure out what the bloody hell that was about.β
And find out they did. Countless photographs of drug rings, rooms filled to the ceilings with cash, andβwhat they hadnβt known aboutβgirls. There was a lot more going on behind the scenes in their markβs highly esteemed club, and someone on the inside was documenting it all. Their sender, the answerer of their silent prayers and someone clearly working their own job, was monikered by nothing other than an RF coded into the file with the knowledge that theyβd have someone to find it. How she would have known that, how she knew to get it to them, and how she would have known they could do something about this, the team could not answer. But these initials had struck something in Nate, changing his disposition altogether.Β
βWhatβs an RF?β Eliot questioned as he paced behind the desk where Sophie and Parker sat, arms crossed over his chest and brows squinted. He would never admit it, but the tension in the air was causing him to grow antsy, feet unable to remain planted in one spot. The not knowing, the discomfort at seeing the state of the women in the photos on the screens, the way he could read that something was going on beyond their knowledge; it all melded together inside his chest to form a potentially disastrous force.
Nate found himself right in front of the screens, Hardison having backed away to stand with the others, with his eyes glued to the letters as he thought it over; the gears in his head turning and smoke coming out of his ears.Β
This was unexpected. He could predict a lot of things before they happened, educated guesses made using context clues and years of sharpened instincts, but never would he have thought this would be a situation he would find himself in. He couldnβt pinpoint what he was feeling as realization washed over him, dripping from the crown of his head all the way down until it filled his shoes, because there simply was no time. It was as if he was being pulled at lightning speed through his past, the future he had always wanted, and his worst nightmares all at once.Β
βItβs her,β he whispered, certainty coating his words, though nobody was sure of just who he was speaking to. The team shared a look at the vague answer, unease bubbling up in them all as things made less and less sense. βNot a what, Eliot,β he spoke again, louder than before, and Sophie and Hardison jumped slightly, startled at the rise in volume and conviction. βBut rather a who.βΒ
βThen,β Sophie started, uncrossing her legs and leaning in closer, βwhoβs RF, Nate?βΒ
The man turned in place, finally facing them but looking far away. He was almost looking beyond them, traveling much slower now to somewhere in his past so he could dredge the memories back into the present with him; and along with it, a confession of one of the many things that weighed heavy on the shoulders of Nathan Ford. βA long time ago,β he began, shoving his hand into his pockets because he didnβt know what to do with them. His shoes felt as if they were full of cement as he shuffled about, not being able to stand still under the scrutiny of those who presently meant the most to him. βBefore Samβ¦before Maggie, when I was much younger, I had a girlfriend. Andββ he took a deep breath, ββwe ended up with a baby.βΒ
He peeled back the first layer. He always struggled with whether or not it should be peeled or ripped; slowly or quickly; torturously or mercifully.Β
He took a few steps forward, stood at the edge of the platform before the desk where everyone sat and watched him relive a truth he had hidden from the light of day. βAnd when it was all said and done, she packed up and left town.β He peeled back the second layer. βParentβs said that everyone already knew it was a Ford and they didnβt need that,β he shook his head. βDidnβt want that. It was too late, so they moved somewhere else.βΒ
Nateβs eyes hadnβt met anyone elseβs since he began speaking, but they finally landed on Sophie. Perhaps she was the anchor he needed to keep himself from floating away in the painful currents of his past once again. He hoped she would keep a hold on him despite another lie being added to the list. βHer parents made her leave the baby, though.β He pursed his lips and threw his hands out as he took the last steps to be right before the others. βI still donβt know if she really wanted to or not, but I try not to blame her too much. We were just kids,β he sighed, placing his hands on the desk before him, drumming his fingers for a few beats. Stalling, as a man afraid to take the next step forward does.
This story had yet to be relieved to anyone on the Leverage Co. team, and they were practically holding their breath as they watched Nate's every move. Theyβd seen him low, seen him dig up the ugly and put it on display, and they were seeing him do it once again right before their very eyes. βI was younger, so I was still around my dad, but if I was a testament to his ability to raise a healthy and happy child I wasnβt working with much help,β he explained, hands reaching for the bottle and glass he had sat there previously. A comfort, a security, a vice, a punishment. βStill, it was the three of us for a while, and she was just about the only weakness I think that man ever had besides my mother.βΒ
He threw back the contents of his glass, pouring more of the dark liquid immediately after. βThe way that little girl worked him was something I wasnβt expecting. Then I met Maggie, and then we had Sam, and I had my family.β His voice grew thick and his grip on the glass tightened. βI had my career, Maggie had hers, and Ronnie had all sorts of interests and things she was good at. Her and Samββ he laughed, a small and breathy and emotional laugh, ββthey were best friends. She was so much older than him but they just knew each other in a way we didnβt. β The smile that had grown at the memory of his children faded quickly from his face and he was once again far away from them. It was rare they got to see glimpses into Nateβs past, speaking so freely about the life he could no longer live.
βWhen Ronnie was in high school she started having a hard time sleeping,β his brows drew in tightly, as if he was still trying to solve the puzzle of why. βShe would come into the living room late at night and sit with me while I worked, because the work hardly ever ended, and that was when I discovered that my father had begun pulling the strings of fine tuning her into some kind of protege when she was younger. Taught her things he had taught me at her age, and I wasnβt surprised; I just felt stupid to think he wouldnβt do that to her. Iβ¦I was on the straight and narrow and I wanted that for my kids, too,β he sighed, hanging his head momentarily. He had tried, and tried, and tried, and none of it had been enough.Β
βWhat Ronnie had that my father lacked, though,β he raised the glass to eye level, inspecting it in the light as he spoke. βWas a good heart. Ronnie wasnβt a bad kid, and I didnβt see her growing up to be a bad person, and that was their fundamental difference; that was the wedge between them. Thatβ¦was where I had to step in.βΒ
Up until that moment, no one had even attempted to interrupt Nate, mouths agape as his words left them speechless. But, in the lull of silence in the middle of his story, their minds began to catch up with them and Parker couldnβt stop herself. βSo youβve had two kids this entire time? And one of them was a SECRET kid?β
βParkerββ Eliot began to chastise, grumbling her name but was cut off almost immediately.Β
βI havenβt heard or seen anything about a daughter in your files and records. Never even heard of a Ronnie,β Hardison interjected, raising a hand to point at Nate as he worked through his thoughts aloud.
For the umteenth time, the older man sighed, deep and heavy. βVeronica Ford,β he clarified, "affectionately known as Ronnie. Sheβ¦she left after Sam died.β His voice grew quiet, losing any confidence he possessed in expressing his past. βIβ¦pushed her away, wasnβt good to her and sheβ¦she had to leave,β he trailed off, throat feeling tight as he grew warm. He was hurting, right before their very eyes, yet again.
βWhereβd she go?β Eliot inquired, gruff voice just above a whisper. He knew this was hard, could see the way the man was clawing at the surface to stay afloat and was beginning to get dragged under. His words were a lifeline, pulling Nate back up and letting his head tread above water, gasping for air.Β
βI donβt know,β Nate whispered back, black curls falling forward and obscuring his tear brimmed eyes.
βAnd you think,β Sophie threw in another float for the man to hold on to. βThat RF means Ronnie Ford?β
Nate didnβt answer immediately, collecting himself for a moment before he could bring himself to use his voice again. A series of sniffles, deep breaths, and clearing of the throat, and he straightened his posture, though he didnβt meet anyoneβs gaze. βYes,β his voice cracked despite his best efforts. βIn one of these photos, you can see the reflection of the person taking it,β he pointed to the one he was referring to, highlighting the faint outline of a woman scantily dressed.Β
βI know thatβs her. And the man that came to Sophie told her that βsheβ said to use it after asking about me by name,β he explained, turning to them. βHow would he know about us? Someone clearly sent him with the drive, and I bet it's this woman in the photo. Iβd say she infiltrated the trafficking ring since sheβs with the other women so much, putting herself in a long con to get as much as possible.β
βCertainly not a job Iβd run solo,β Sophie interjected, almost alarmed. Was this girl in there alone?
βNo, far too dangerous,β Nate agreed. βThat guy is her access to the outside world but heβs just a regular guy,β he thought aloud, piecing the puzzle together now that his daughter had given him the remaining pieces. βHardison, pull up any news on missing women in the surrounding towns of our markβs club.βΒ
After only a few moments, the screens were filled with pages and pictures of women who had disappeared in the surrounding towns, all of them having something in commonβthese women left their lives to work at the club, seemingly of their own free will, before going missing only months later. Statements from families claiming they knew something was wrong, that this wasnβt like them, and the police could never find any of them after. And in the midst of all of them, they found one from the man Sophie had seen.Β
His picture was blurry, taken from a clip of a news interview, but the worry was etched so clearly on his face despite that. His sister had quit school, left for the club, and had cut all contact off. βBingo,β Nate declared, pointing to the screen. βI bet he got Ronnie to help get his sister out.βΒ
βSo whyβd she give the drive to us?β Parker asked. βIf sheβs been running this con for what, months? Why would she give literally all of her evidence over?β
That was a good question. They hit another lull of silence as it hung in the air between them all.Β
βYou think she figured out we were working the club too?β Eliot tried, brows furrowed deeply.Β
βOur guy got swindled out of some money in a deal with a very well liked, rich entrepreneur,β Nate started, going through the whole thing, pacing around the room now. βHe comes to us, says he wants revenge, but doesnβt say anything about the drugs or the women. Why?βΒ
βBecause he didnβt know?β
βRight. Because this guy,β he pointed at the picture of their mark, a handsome man with a greasy smirk, βhas almost impenetrable PR and media coverage. Heβs got so much other stuff going on that this gets buried under it all, and the police wonβt do anything about it. But to these families, this is the biggest concern. Ronnieβs guy finds her somehow, gets her to help his sister, and she goes in for the long con. Iββ he stuttered, faltering as his next words stuck to the back of his throat. βI donβt even want to know what sheβs had to do for this grift,β he choked out, clearing his throat. βBut she knows that if no one has done anything about it yet, it wonβt be as simple as just getting this drive to the cops or the news.βΒ
βShe had to have figured out we were running a job in the club, too,β Eliot stated. βMaybe she recognized you the other day.β
Nate stayed silent, not knowing what to say next. βI mean, you guys said it yourselves,β Hardison started, looking over at the man with honest eyes. βThis isnβt a job youβd do by yourselves, and she ainβt got nobody other than old dude who slipped us the drive. She saw the opportunity and took it, even with all the other stuff.β
βShe saw her dad, Nate,β Sophie clarified, leaning forward in an attempt to catch his eye. βShe saw you and she knew she could come to you for help.β
Her words almost had him staggering, the weight of their meaning parting the sea he had been slowly drowning in. His struggles against the ferocious currents ended and his lungs were able to expand. Despite everything that he had ever done, everything that had happened to the both of them, his daughter called upon him in her time of need. For all his shortcomings, Nate Ford was a beacon of hope, once again, in the eyes of the girl he called his own.
βWell, weβve gotta figure it out now,β Parker stated, conviction coating her words. βIf sheβs been there three months already, and these girls disappear in four, sheβs running out of time.β
βYouβre right, Parker,β he nodded, heart racing in his chest at the connection he hadnβt even made. βThis changes everything. New objective, bringing this guy down for good.β The picture of their mark illuminated the screen, blown up and taking over all the pictures of the women heβd trafficked. βTeam, letβs go steal a crime ring.β
all works on this blog belong to hesthermay.tumblr.com: do not copy, repost onto other sites, or claim my content as your own.
SUMMARY: just as the new recruits start to settle in, the highest ranking magic knight returns from her mission. whispers of something, a change on the horizon, litter the outskirts of the country where the wizard king won't even send a captain and it is up to her to lead her knights through the conflicts to come.
WORD COUNT: 1.5K
RATINGS + WARNINGS: general audiences, kinda angsty, cannon typical violence. pre-established relationship, use of she/her, use of y/n. y/n cracked as hell tbh. follows black clover anime timeline
NOTES: another one please and thank you. k bye
BLACK CLOVER MASTERLIST Y. SUKEHIRO PT. I
It was hardly ever quiet in the home the Black Bulls use as their base, but today the noise level was lower than usual. Some were in their rooms, others loitered around the main room but kept their antics at a minimum. Vanessa was in her usual state, multiple empty bottles surrounding her as she lounged; Luck and Magma were throwing spells at one another, but for the most part they were contained to their area and they hadnβt grown too competitive yet; Asta was doing pushups while Noelle nagged him about something or another, Grey sitting in the background silently.Β
Yami, who sat in his usual spot on the couch smoking a cigarette and reading the paper, couldnβt really complainβthough he did find it suspicious. If this were to be the calm before a storm, what was to come?Β
Could it be her?
He knew she was coming, the Wizard King had announced it during the meeting yesterday; he just didnβt know when. He hadnβt been told where she was going or how long she would be gone before she left for the latest mission, and three months later this was the first update he had received. Though he had to hide it, which was nothing new to him, he was excited to see his wife after so long. She had been a part of his life for many years and yet the thought of her still struck a chord in his heart, fondness ringing throughout his body.Β
The captainβs reminiscing of his wife was interrupted by a knock at the door. It had grabbed the attention of Noelle and Asta, but everyone else moved as if they hadnβt heard it. This was rare, nobody visited the outcasts of the Magic Knights, their popularity ranked at the bottom of the list. One would have to be mad to simply walk up and knock on their door unannouncedβ¦and yet, when no one moved to answer, there came another knock. It was louder, more demanding this time, and it caught everyone's attention.Β
All heads turned toward the front of the base, yet they remained frozen still. βWho could that be?β Noelle questioned softly, wide eyes locked on the door.Β
βSomeone who doesnβt know whatβs coming if they bang on our doors one more time,β Magma answered, pushing his sleeves up as he pushed past Luck. His steps are determined and confident, fiery temper already flared; and almost as if they heard him, another sequence of bangs echoed around the room.Β
Magma Swing exploded.Β
The young man, though always intense and a bit unhinged, had clearly crossed the line of normal to something elseβanger? No, this wasnβt Magma angry, this was a display of his fury.Β
It was just a knock on the door, Yami thought to himself, scoffing internally as he brought his cigarette up to his lips. Nevertheless, Magma screamed as he burst through the doors lit up in flames, fist held up as he stomped out. βDo you know whose door youβre knocking on, idiot? Do you have a death wish?!βΒ
The others slowly inched towards the doorway, but are stopped in their tracks as a beam of light shoots at Magma and blasts him out of view. It happened so quickly, and it was so bright, that one beatβ¦two beatsβ¦three beats passed before Asta finally came back to himself and broke the silence. βWhat was that?!β he screamed, worry and fear showering over him as his eyes took in the equally shocked and worried faces of his teammates.Β
βIs thatβ¦?β Noelle whispered to herself, brows squinted but eyes still wide. Before he can question her, Luck gasps and runs past them.Β
βLuckβ!β Asta shouted, attempting to stop him but unable to do so. The blonde haired boy darted through the open doors, already covered in lightning as he looked around for their attacker. His thirst for combat had taken control yet again; thus marking his outcome of this test.Β
βHoney!β They all heard a womanβs voice call out from beyond the walls of the base, drawing the word out as if to taunt them. βIβm home!β They watched as Luck turned his head, watched as he spotted her and his smile widened, and watched as she shot another beam of light at him before he could even finish casting his spell.Β
Thankfully, Luck was quick. He just barely managed to dodge, missing the brunt of the force of her attack.Β
βWhat the hell is happening?!β Asta screamed again, more desperation in his voice than before. His eyes darted to his captain, his leader, hoping for some guidance in this situation. The boy almost had hope when he saw how calm Yami was in this otherwise very alarming situation.Β
βYouβre about to get beat up, idiot.β
The members who were in their rooms finally trickled into the main room, the commotion outside shaking the building they were in.Β
βWas that what I think it was?β Finral questioned frantically, looking back and forth between Yami and Vanessa, who had sobered up quite a bit after realizing just who was outside. In the wake of seeing those familiar beams of light and hearing that voice, she scrambled to put her clothes back on and ready her grimoire.Β
Seeing her grow so serious had Finral and Charmy following her lead, and it wasnβt even a moment later that they heard Magma and Luck yell from outside. All eyes were on the entryway, and for a moment it felt as if time was frozen, as if everything outside of the base went still.Β
They all jumped as a hand popped into view, white knuckling the doorframe as its owner, a woman with long wavy hair and fancy robes, creeped into view. Her power was so strong and potent they could see it around her, glowing so brightly, and her eyes almost had a look of insanity in them.
βDonβt tell me this is how you defend your base?β Her voice was smooth and familial, as if she was comfortable speaking to them. As if she knew them.Β
Noelle gasped, eyes widening. βY/Nβ¦?β She whispered to herself, and Asta looked over at her. The expression on her face was enough to send him into action, his body acting before he could tell it to. His grimoire appeared beside him, opening and granting him access to his sword.Β
βAnd who are you?β The woman questioned, charging up her mana even more, glowing even brighter.Β
Asta took a deep breath, readying himself and adjusting his grip on the weapon. His heart pounded in his chest, but his resolve was steely and no one could take that from him. βMy name is Asta,β he answered lowly, though he grew louder and louder with each word. βAnd Iβm going to be the Wizard King one day!βΒ
She only hummed in response. Her arm raised, fingers pointed at him as before she shot a beam of light at him, her signature laser. The spell was cast wordlessly, and the laser moved faster than the average person could process, but to her surprise, the boy cut through it with his sword.
He had cut through it?
The tip of his sword had pierced through the concentrated beam of light she had shot at him, and it had nullified the magic as it existed. She had never seen anything like it.Β
βOh?β She perked up, eyes widening slightly. βThat was interesting,β her pretty face turned into a grin, though she sort of reminded him of Luck at the moment. βDo that againβ¦β she commanded, going into a fighting stance without taking her sights off of him, a crazed look on her face. β...Asta.β
Yamiβs cigarette had long since been forgotten as he watched this sneak attack take place. Part of him felt bad, but they knew this would be coming eventually. They just never knew when she was coming.
Though, despite that, he couldnβt help but be quietly in awe of his wife. She had always been strong, and her light had always been bright; yet he was never not amazed at her raw power when he saw her in action.Β
He had to squint as her mana shrouded her in a warm glow so bright it was almost blinding as she shot forward, the ground crumbling where her boots pushed off of; she moved so fast Asta didnβt even have time to react before she grabbed him and flung him backwards. He went flying through the open doorway, taking some of the wall with him on his way out, and she followed him just as quickly, not done with him yet.Β
The remaining members of the squad stood there frozen, minds still processing what had just happened, before they slowly turned their heads towards their captain, blinking at him wordlessly.Β
βWhatβre you looking at me for?β He grinned, shaking his head at the poor fools. βYou know what to do.β
all works belong to hesthermay.tumblr.com: do not copy, repost onto other sites, or claim my works as your own.
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SUMMARY: just as the new recruits start to settle in, the highest ranking magic knight returns from her mission. whispers of something, a change on the horizon, litter the outskirts of the country where the wizard king won't even send a captain and it is up to her to lead her knights through the conflicts to come.
WORD COUNT: 1.5K
RATINGS + WARNINGS: general audiences, kinda angsty, cannon typical violence. pre-established relationship, use of she/her, use of y/n. y/n cracked as hell tbh. follows black clover anime timeline
NOTES: another one please and thank you. k bye
BLACK CLOVER MASTERLIST Y. SUKEHIRO PT. I
It was hardly ever quiet in the home the Black Bulls use as their base, but today the noise level was lower than usual. Some were in their rooms, others loitered around the main room but kept their antics at a minimum. Vanessa was in her usual state, multiple empty bottles surrounding her as she lounged; Luck and Magma were throwing spells at one another, but for the most part they were contained to their area and they hadnβt grown too competitive yet; Asta was doing pushups while Noelle nagged him about something or another, Grey sitting in the background silently.Β
Yami, who sat in his usual spot on the couch smoking a cigarette and reading the paper, couldnβt really complainβthough he did find it suspicious. If this were to be the calm before a storm, what was to come?Β
Could it be her?
He knew she was coming, the Wizard King had announced it during the meeting yesterday; he just didnβt know when. He hadnβt been told where she was going or how long she would be gone before she left for the latest mission, and three months later this was the first update he had received. Though he had to hide it, which was nothing new to him, he was excited to see his wife after so long. She had been a part of his life for many years and yet the thought of her still struck a chord in his heart, fondness ringing throughout his body.Β
The captainβs reminiscing of his wife was interrupted by a knock at the door. It had grabbed the attention of Noelle and Asta, but everyone else moved as if they hadnβt heard it. This was rare, nobody visited the outcasts of the Magic Knights, their popularity ranked at the bottom of the list. One would have to be mad to simply walk up and knock on their door unannouncedβ¦and yet, when no one moved to answer, there came another knock. It was louder, more demanding this time, and it caught everyone's attention.Β
All heads turned toward the front of the base, yet they remained frozen still. βWho could that be?β Noelle questioned softly, wide eyes locked on the door.Β
βSomeone who doesnβt know whatβs coming if they bang on our doors one more time,β Magma answered, pushing his sleeves up as he pushed past Luck. His steps are determined and confident, fiery temper already flared; and almost as if they heard him, another sequence of bangs echoed around the room.Β
Magma Swing exploded.Β
The young man, though always intense and a bit unhinged, had clearly crossed the line of normal to something elseβanger? No, this wasnβt Magma angry, this was a display of his fury.Β
It was just a knock on the door, Yami thought to himself, scoffing internally as he brought his cigarette up to his lips. Nevertheless, Magma screamed as he burst through the doors lit up in flames, fist held up as he stomped out. βDo you know whose door youβre knocking on, idiot? Do you have a death wish?!βΒ
The others slowly inched towards the doorway, but are stopped in their tracks as a beam of light shoots at Magma and blasts him out of view. It happened so quickly, and it was so bright, that one beatβ¦two beatsβ¦three beats passed before Asta finally came back to himself and broke the silence. βWhat was that?!β he screamed, worry and fear showering over him as his eyes took in the equally shocked and worried faces of his teammates.Β
βIs thatβ¦?β Noelle whispered to herself, brows squinted but eyes still wide. Before he can question her, Luck gasps and runs past them.Β
βLuckβ!β Asta shouted, attempting to stop him but unable to do so. The blonde haired boy darted through the open doors, already covered in lightning as he looked around for their attacker. His thirst for combat had taken control yet again; thus marking his outcome of this test.Β
βHoney!β They all heard a womanβs voice call out from beyond the walls of the base, drawing the word out as if to taunt them. βIβm home!β They watched as Luck turned his head, watched as he spotted her and his smile widened, and watched as she shot another beam of light at him before he could even finish casting his spell.Β
Thankfully, Luck was quick. He just barely managed to dodge, missing the brunt of the force of her attack.Β
βWhat the hell is happening?!β Asta screamed again, more desperation in his voice than before. His eyes darted to his captain, his leader, hoping for some guidance in this situation. The boy almost had hope when he saw how calm Yami was in this otherwise very alarming situation.Β
βYouβre about to get beat up, idiot.β
The members who were in their rooms finally trickled into the main room, the commotion outside shaking the building they were in.Β
βWas that what I think it was?β Finral questioned frantically, looking back and forth between Yami and Vanessa, who had sobered up quite a bit after realizing just who was outside. In the wake of seeing those familiar beams of light and hearing that voice, she scrambled to put her clothes back on and ready her grimoire.Β
Seeing her grow so serious had Finral and Charmy following her lead, and it wasnβt even a moment later that they heard Magma and Luck yell from outside. All eyes were on the entryway, and for a moment it felt as if time was frozen, as if everything outside of the base went still.Β
They all jumped as a hand popped into view, white knuckling the doorframe as its owner, a woman with long wavy hair and fancy robes, creeped into view. Her power was so strong and potent they could see it around her, glowing so brightly, and her eyes almost had a look of insanity in them.
βDonβt tell me this is how you defend your base?β Her voice was smooth and familial, as if she was comfortable speaking to them. As if she knew them.Β
Noelle gasped, eyes widening. βY/Nβ¦?β She whispered to herself, and Asta looked over at her. The expression on her face was enough to send him into action, his body acting before he could tell it to. His grimoire appeared beside him, opening and granting him access to his sword.Β
βAnd who are you?β The woman questioned, charging up her mana even more, glowing even brighter.Β
Asta took a deep breath, readying himself and adjusting his grip on the weapon. His heart pounded in his chest, but his resolve was steely and no one could take that from him. βMy name is Asta,β he answered lowly, though he grew louder and louder with each word. βAnd Iβm going to be the Wizard King one day!βΒ
She only hummed in response. Her arm raised, fingers pointed at him as before she shot a beam of light at him, her signature laser. The spell was cast wordlessly, and the laser moved faster than the average person could process, but to her surprise, the boy cut through it with his sword.
He had cut through it?
The tip of his sword had pierced through the concentrated beam of light she had shot at him, and it had nullified the magic as it existed. She had never seen anything like it.Β
βOh?β She perked up, eyes widening slightly. βThat was interesting,β her pretty face turned into a grin, though she sort of reminded him of Luck at the moment. βDo that againβ¦β she commanded, going into a fighting stance without taking her sights off of him, a crazed look on her face. β...Asta.β
Yamiβs cigarette had long since been forgotten as he watched this sneak attack take place. Part of him felt bad, but they knew this would be coming eventually. They just never knew when she was coming.
Though, despite that, he couldnβt help but be quietly in awe of his wife. She had always been strong, and her light had always been bright; yet he was never not amazed at her raw power when he saw her in action.Β
He had to squint as her mana shrouded her in a warm glow so bright it was almost blinding as she shot forward, the ground crumbling where her boots pushed off of; she moved so fast Asta didnβt even have time to react before she grabbed him and flung him backwards. He went flying through the open doorway, taking some of the wall with him on his way out, and she followed him just as quickly, not done with him yet.Β
The remaining members of the squad stood there frozen, minds still processing what had just happened, before they slowly turned their heads towards their captain, blinking at him wordlessly.Β
βWhatβre you looking at me for?β He grinned, shaking his head at the poor fools. βYou know what to do.β
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