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#thank you to everyone else who's given me well wishes too!! <3
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Three for One 3
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Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as dubcon/noncon, cheating, customer service abuse, and other possible triggers. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.
This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.
Summary: As a customer service associate, you’re used to work with a wide variety of characters. Your efforts to go above and beyond draw the attention of a certain set of customers who want more than what’s on the shelf.
Character: Andy Barber, Lloyd Hansen, Ransom Drysdale
Note: Let's go!
As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me &lt;3
Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!)
Love you all. Take care. 💖
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Two days before Christmas. The store is left in tatters. Shelves strewn with sparse lefftovers and aisles hastily paced by those who left their shopping a bit too late. The frantic shoppers searching for a diamond among the sand grains of untouched product.
You work at arranging the remnants of the season’s beauty advent calendars on a table draped in a bright red cloth. There’s a large tag in a metal stand that marks them as ten percent off. On the other side of the holidays, they will drop to a full eighty percent off. You always believed giftcards were a better prize, not that you got many gifts.
That year, Luanne gave you a new journal and a specialty hot chocolate bomb in the department’s secret santa. You go Michelle and gifted her a copy of your favourite novel and some nail polishes. That is the extent of your shopping and gift exchanges. Except for your puppy, Ernie, who will get a bone and one of those special gourmet dog meals.
You finish your arrangement and step back, admiring your work. It’s close to close and so close to the end of the race that the shop isn’t as busy as usual. The only customers you do see are in a rush and horribly disappointed when that very specific thing isn’t in stock.
“Excuse me,” you’re drawn around the deep voice. A man strolls up the center aisle of the beauty section, the tails of his coat flicking behind him, “hi,” he uses your name as he approaches, “I’m so sorry to bother you again but can you point me to, erm,” he looks down at his phone, “a ring light?”
You hesitate. He seems to know you and you admit, he looks familiar. You’re at that point where the faces all blur together. Your one innate flaw is that you really don’t have a good memory for that, bt you definitely recognise his voice.
“Hello, sir,” you fall short of his name. You want to say Alan but you also don’t want to be wrong. “The ring lights are actually with the cellphone.” You gesture back at electronics, “I know it makes more sense to put them with cameras.”
“Ah, oh, thanks,” he nods but doesn’t move to find his quarry, he lowers his phone, “how’s your holiday going? Thing’s slowing down,” he looks around and you can’t help but do the same.
“Uh, yeah, yeah, most people are all done,” you shrug.
“Ha, wish I could say the same,” he sighs, “I thought we were done but the wife just sent me on a wild goose chase.”
“Hm, oh, well, I’m not very busy, did you need help finding anything else?”
“Really?”
“Yeah, my manager’s done for the day so doesn’t really matter if I leave my zone,” you say, “kinda boring around here.”
“You’re too sweet,” he smiles, his blue eyes deep and swirling, “and that sweater is adorable.”
You look down at your dark blue sweater with the white crochet peter pan collar. You wiggle your shoulders and grin back at him, thanking him. You know he bought some perfume for his wife but you’re still blanking on his name.
“Here’s my list,” he tilts his phone towards you and looks down, shifting closer to you as he shows you a text bubble.
“Oh my, right. I’m not sure we’ll have everything,” you teethe your lip as you go through the items, “but we’ll see.”
A message pops up over the top and you try not to read, putting your head up as you try to act like you didn’t see it. It’s not that you meant to decipher the words but your brain quickly skimmed that ‘tomorrow night?’ Not much but just feels a bit personal.
“Alright, we’ll go to electronics first, then work our way forward,” you suggest.
“Good idea,” he agrees.
You set off and he follows at just a step. You have to remember to slow down as often you’re so determined you find yourself leaving your customers far behind you. You bring him to the mobile accessories and point to the ring lights.
He considers them and rubs his chin. He points between two; “what’s the difference?”
“Oh, this one comes with a tripod extension and this one is a full kit with a mic,” you point from one to the other.
“What do you think is better for, uh, streaming?” He sounds unsure of that last word.
“I think that kit would have more to it, especially if whoever it’s for is just starting out. But I’m don’t know too much about these things.”
“I’ll take the kit,” he scoops it off the shelf, “the kid can never have enough.”
“Oh? You have kids?”
“One,” he sounds less than excited, “teenager now so he really can’t stand me.”
“I’m sorry, sir, I didn’t mean to…”
“No, no, it’s not your fault,” he forces away the shadow across his features, “you know how they can be. What about you? You going to see your parents? Spending the day with someone special?”
“Um, just Ernie,” you answer, “my puppy.”
“Cute,” he remarks, “are you guys open tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow, yeah, ‘til five,” you try to remember the next thing on his list. 
He seems less concerned with the items than before, instead turn to examine a pop socket, “you have to work on Christmas Eve?”
“Yeah, closing, but I don’t mind.”
“What’s this?” He holds up a pop socket.
“It goes on your phone,” you pull out your phone and show him your daisy one, “see?” You hook your fingers around it, “it’s a grip to help you hold on.”
“Ah, makes sense,” he turns the thin package over, “kid’s always breaking his screen…”
You wait patiently as he makes up the mind to add the grip to his haul.
“What’s next?” You prompt as gently as you can.
“Oh, uh,” he looks at his phone, “video games…” he squints, “V-bucks?”
“Ah, yes, that would be a gift card,” you say, “I can show you the rack.”
He lets you lead him to the large rack of subscription cards. You point out the various currency amounts available and he rubs his brow. His forehead lines as you see the stress needling in his cheek. He’s struck with the late shopper syndrome. He’s start to feel the crush of time.
“So, just your dog?” He wonders as he picks up a $75 card.
“Yeah,” you answer softly.
“No boyfriend? Siblings?”
“Just me,” you assure him, “I don’t mind. I get to choose the dessert!”
He chuckles, “that’s a good way to look at it. Did you buy yourself something special?”
“Not really, I’ve been saving for a vacation so I put most of my overtime into that,” you explain. “You having a big dinner?”
“Last minute change, wife’s parents want to host. Had to figure out travel plans.” He looks at the giftcards again and your eyes fall to the large back curled up in his arm and the card and phone grip balanced between his fingers. He slides free a Netflix card and reads the fine print.
“Do you want a basket, sir?” You offer.
“Oh, well, sure,” he accepts as he looks down, “that’s very considerate.”
“Don’t want you to drop anything,” you smile and turn on your heel.
You go to the stack of rolling baskets beside the electronics desk. Tyler doesn’t acknowledge you as he sorts through game shells to put back on the shelf. You pull the basket behind you, rattling on its wheels as you approach the shopper by the gift cards.
“Here,” you veer it around towards him.
He bends to lower the ringlight inside and drops the smaller items into next to it; he adds the Netflix subscription along with it and holds onto the Kindle card in his hand.
“You got any of these around?” He holds up the card, “the reader?”
“Hmm, we should,” you rub your neck, “I suppose if we didn’t, you can get a tablet and download the app.”
“I guess,” he nods, “can you check?”
“Of course, sir.”
You turn away and call over your headset. Regan tells you there’s a kindle up in return they can sell. You ask them to put it aside.
“There’s one left at checkout. They’re going to have it waiting for you,” you announce proudly.
“That’s great. You like to read?” He asks.
“Oh, sure, my one vice is my book addiction,” you giggle, “how about you?”
“Well, I don’t get much of a chance with work. I’m usually burnt out from all the legal documents,” he drones grimly, “then the kid has extracurriculars or there’s a PTA meeting or the wife needs something done.”
“Sounds busy,” you say empathetically, “I hope you get some time to relax this holiday.”
“Me too,” he agrees. “I almost envy you. I’m sure your dog’s good company.”
“He’s so sweet,” you can’t help but beam at the mention of your boy.
“Big cuddler?” He asks.
“Uh, yeah,” the question is a bit unexpected, “you like dogs?”
“Never really had one. Don’t need the extra work,” he says, “but I don’t mind them.”
“That’s fair. He can be a bit needy.”
He flinches and looks down at his hand. His screen flashes and he gives an apologetic look as he raises his palm, “I’m so sorry. I need to take this.”
“Take your time, sir, I’ll wander,” you point over your shoulder with your thumb.
He mouths a thanks before he answers, “Barber.”
You back up and turn to distract yourself with the shelf of controllers and switch cases. His deep voice carries but you focus on the Sinatra carol playing overhead to drown him out. Still you can’t help but catch a few words.
“Five, yeah…no, she won’t…it’s fine…” He’s quiet for a moment before he raises his voice, “figure it out.”
His stern tone sends a chill through you. It’s a sharp contrast to his previously friendly demeanour. Well, he mentioned he’s a lawyer, you assume he has a lawyer voice, akin to your customer service one.
“Sorry,” he comes back to you, “my wife…” he takes a breath, “you don’t happen to sell wine here?”
You smile. The way he answered, it didn’t sound very affectionate but maybe he hadn’t expected his wife.
“No, sorry, sir.”
“Kidding,” he chuckles, “well, I guess I should get my butt in gear,” he flicks through his phone, “um, I assume toiletries? Face masks?”
“Oh, that’s near me,” you point back towards beauty, “there’s a special for the sheet masks.”
“Great,” he grabs the extended handle of the basket, “thanks so much for this. I’m so lost.”
“That’s fine,” you go ahead of him, “it’s the job.”
🎀
You groan as you put the last empty bin in the stack. You stand and rub your shoulders, traps sore from all the lifting and moving. The night crew will set up for the day after Christmas but in the last hour of work, you and the few others in the store scrambled to get the old displays torn down.
Luanne walks with you to the employee break room. She’s in more of a hurry as she has her three children waiting for her at their grandparents. She goes ahead of you and punches out as you wait and stretch out your arms.
“Have a good Christmas,” she says breathily as she opens her locker and pulls out her purse and jacket, folding the latter over her arm, “I’ll see you after. You’re opening, right?”
“Sure thing,” you say as you punch in your employee number. “Merry Christmas.”
“Give Ernie some pets for me,” she trills as she goes to the door. “Thanks again. You saved my ass today.”
“No problem, “ you shake your head, “Christmas Eve brings out the best.”
“Does it ever. Bye, sweetie,” she waves over her shoulder as he sweeps through the door.
You go to your locket and take out your fluffy pink sherpa coat and purse. You loop your scarf around your neck and slip your earmuffs around your head. You sit to pull on your boots and stand with an ache in your calves. You feel the fatigue finally setting in. It’s not over yet; one day off and you’re right back to the furor.
You yawn as you leave the breakroom and drag your feet across the store. You take out your phone as you pop your earbuds in and choose your holiday mix. You wave goodbye to a few other stragglers and go out the front door, Spencer locking it behind you.
It’s bitterly cold out. You’re surprised by the fresh fall of snow swirling in the air. It gives an extra sparkle to the time of year.
You scroll through your phone. The buses are on holiday hours already. The next one is in an hour. Great. You can just walk, at least until you get to the next stop. More buses stop there and you can get at least ten minutes within your building.
You trod along, kicking through the powder of snow as headlights gleam ahead of you. You walk along the narrow walk beside the hotel on the other side of the intersection and a pair of flashing tail lights blink ahead of you. A dark figure stands beside the white SUV but you can’t make out much more than their silhouette.
You keep going, peeking up curiously as you near. The boot of the car pops up and the stranded driver searches. As you pass, you trip over an unseen shape, the metal clank painfully against your toe. You look down at the small foot jack.
“Oh, shoot, sorry,” the man stands straight and turns to you, “I didn’t see you coming. I was just grabbing the iron–”
“That’s okay,” you pick out your earbuds, “I wasn’t looking.”
“Wait,” he stops short and points a gloved finger in your direction, “it’s you. You work at the store just down the way, right?”
You know the man. He’s the one who was in the store just yesterday. There’s a flutter in your chest at the coincidence of your encounter. It happens, especially in the shopping district. Half the city at least passes through her during the holidays.
“Yeah, uh, that’s me. You finish your shopping?”
“Just about,” he tuts and shakes his head, “blew a tire. So, happy holidays to me.”
“I’m so sorry,” you look down at the snowy walk.
“Mhmm,” he grumbles, “all this snow, I can’t get the jack to work either.”
“Dang, unfortunately, I’m not help. I don’t know much about cars.”
“That’s fine, I called roadside assistance but they’re taking their damn time,” he checks his watch.
“Oh…” you utter.
“Don’t let me rain on your holiday, honey,” he says, “your toe okay?”
“Yeah, yeah, it’s fine,” you look down.
“Wait, are you walking home?” He asks.
You nod.
“Wish I could offer you a ride. This weather’s only getting worse,” he bemoans. He slips his hand into his jacket and pulls out his phone, “they should be here shortly so if–”
A set of headlights pull onto the apron and roll towards you. You look over as the man beside you does the same. You stand, somewhat dumbfounded at the unexpected run-in. 
“That’s them,” he declares, “hey, guys.”
He waves as the white van pulls up. You were expecting a tow truck. Oh, well. Not your problem.
“Great, I guess I should get going,” you excuse yourself, “have a happy holi–”
As you step back, your heel catches on something. You don’t realise until your plummeting onto your ass that the man stuck his leg out behind you. You hit the ground with an oomph, barely missing the metal jack half-buried in the snow.
You hear the van door sliding open and a clatter of heavy treads. You can barely catch your breath as the world moves fast around you. The man bends over you as another rushes over, grabbing you off the ground as the two vehicles block out the street from view.
“Be nice,” the first man warns as your arms are seized. “Don’t hurt her.”
You suck in a deep breath. What is happening? You go to let out the shriek as you’re struck by the situation. This can’t be real but you’re being half-carried towards an open vehicle. A hand comes up and stifles your scream, smothering you as you’re yanked harshly forward.
“Careful,” the man girds again.
“Shut the fuck up,” the other grits and pulls you away from the other, spinning you around as he hooks an arm around your neck and covers your mouth, forcing you towards the van. He bends backwards, lifting your feet as you kick and squirm.
“Honey, calm down,” the friendly customer coaxes, “it’s okay.”
You don’t understand. Why are they doing this? Why you?
The man’s hand slips as you grab at his arms and your teeth come over the vee between thumb and index. You bite down and he yowls. Even through his leather glove, you give him a viscous pinch.
“Fuck!” He tosses you forward so your knees hit the side of the van and fall half-inside.
“Hurry the fuck up,” another voice calls from inside the van.
“Trying,” the second man snarls as you stand and let out a shrill note, only for a second before you’re caught from behind and muted again. This time the leather glove seals over your nose. “Fucking bitch.” 
You’re lifted into the van, writhing and kicking as the door slides shut from the outside. You’re pinned on the floor in the seatless rear of the vehicle. You whimper as your eyes glisten with a sudden spring of tears. 
That question rings in your head again; why you? You have no one to look for you, no one to care. It’s only you against them.
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mysteryshoptls · 8 months
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SSR Ortho Shroud - Bloom Birthday Voice Lines
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When Summoned: Today's my birthday! I'm gonna show off something super special to everyone who's gathered here for me!
Summon Line: What, you're curious about the "super special" thing? Well, of course, that's... still a secret!!
Groooovy!!: I'd always dreamed of flying on a broom like this. Looks like I got another wish granted.
Home: Don't I look just like everyone else?
Home Idle 1: I was able to gather super detailed data on the flavors and ingredients that went into the dishes here at the party. I guess I made the right choice in asking Ruggie-san to put together a report on the food.
Home Idle 2: Shoelaces, stationary, a winning popsicle stick... It sure is fascinating that even though everyone's getting me something, no gift is the same as another.
Home Idle 3: Amazing! The previous record was surpassed midway through morning. I never expected the day would come where I would be given so many birthday wishes from so many people...
Home Idle - Login: It's my birthday, huh. I want to be able to grow more in mind and spirit during my time here as a student at Night Raven College.
Home Idle - Groovy: In preparations for my discussion with Sebek-san, I need to update all of my information. I definitely have to make sure I win the debate.
Home Tap 1: The members of the Film Research Club put together an improv play for me. I super enjoyed it, especially because it didn't end the way I was expecting!
Home Tap 2: A little bird landed on my finger just now. Thanks to Silver-san, I was able to experience something completely unique!
Home Tap 3: The reason why there are some packaged meals in the center of the food table? That's because the nutrition in those are completely balanced. I asked my parents to send them to me.
Home Tap 4: I made sure to save a picture of each present I got as an image file. That way, I can take my time looking back at them, like the apple sculpture Epel-san made for me.
Home Tap 5: Yup, don't worry, I'm listening. I was just capturing into my memory banks the way you looked as you got all worked up, just because I wasn't answering.
Home Tap - Groovy: Ah, you're finally here! I was waiting for you to come say hi to me. I'm not going to let you leave my side today until I'm completely satisfied.
Duo: [ORTHO]: Thanks for the birthday wishes, Sebek-san! [SEBEK]: You better enjoy yourself, Ortho!
Birthday Login Message: Hey, do you know what today is? That's right, it's my manufacturing... I mean, my birthday! I love birthdays, because I get to spend so much time with everyone. I could barely wait for the date to change over! Will you come to the party, too? Hehe, awesome. Let's have tons of fun today!
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Requested by @rotattooill.
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moonstruckme · 6 months
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On Thin Ice
part 1 | part 2 | part 3
This was requested by anon, but I'm not including the request because I'm going to write at least one more part and I don't want to spoil anything. But thanks so much for requesting, anon my love! I'm really having fun with it :) Also, just a disclaimer that I know next to nothing about figure skating, so while I tried to look most things up, there may be some inaccuracies
summary: when your usual figure skating partner Regulus is injured, you're forced to prepare the most romantic routine you've ever done with Sirius Black. You've known Sirius since you were little and have always found him irritating, but as you spend more and more time together, your feelings towards him start to change
cw: mention of injury (no details), Sirius Black is a relentless flirt
Figure Skater!Sirius Black x fem!reader ♡ 3.3k words
You want to be kinder to your friend, but you’re a bit angry with him. You’re not great at hiding it, either.
“It’s not like I can fucking help it.” Regulus rolls his eyes, and you do your best to undo the petulant pout of your lips. 
“I know,” you sigh. “I know that. I’m sorry, it’s just, seriously? Why can’t Coach give me someone else?”
“You know why.” 
You blow out another huffy breath, because you do know, but that doesn’t make you like it any better. Sirius is our best bet, your coach had told you, firm and impassive to your protests. He’s great on the ice, he always scores well, and Reg can teach him the routine while they’re at home. If we used anyone else, we’d lose time while they learned it. You’d sulked, and he’d given you a stern look. So suck it up. 
And you’re trying. Kind of. You wouldn’t ordinarily consider yourself an ill-tempered person, but Sirius Black brings out the worst in you. Always has. He’s Regulus’ irritating older brother, always around to pull your pigtails when you were little and make fun of everything you and Reg enjoyed as you got older. And in everything you love about your best friend, Sirius is the opposite. Where Regulus is restrained, Sirius is brash; where Regulus is content with a few close friends, Sirius needs an entire posse around him at all times; where Regulus has a quick, quiet wit, Sirius seems to feel a joke isn’t worth telling if everyone can’t hear it. He’s loud and facetious and insufferable, and now he’s your partner in the most intimate routine you’ve ever done.
“I know,” you groan again, falling back onto Regulus’ bed. “I just wish I could change it. Who do I have to bribe to get you a miracle recovery?”
Regulus scoffs, but he lies down beside you sympathetically. “The doctor said it should be better by next season, but a fractured ankle doesn’t fix itself in a couple weeks.” His voice turns bitter. “Trust me, I asked.” 
You wince guiltily. You’re not the only one suffering from Regulus’ incapacity. You’d both been practicing this routine for weeks. It was one of the most challenging and showy either of you have ever done. You were both supposed to have the chance to really shine, showing off your skills with complicated jumps and throws, some of which you’d never attempted before. But now Reg wouldn’t get the change.
Ironically, it had been a fairly simple routine that had taken him down. One of your go-tos. You’d been performing it together for years, but maybe that sense of security was dangerous too. It’s too easy to land wrong, and one tiny slip had fractured Regulus’ ankle right in the middle of competition, forcing your coach to come help you get him off the ice. 
You’d cried more than he had as the on-site medics had inspected it, completely unhelpful but unable to bear seeing your best friend’s features twisted in agony. It turned out that was nothing compared to the look on his face when they’d told him he wouldn’t be able to skate on it for months. 
“How does it feel?” you ask, more gently now, and Regulus’ scowl softens in response. “Does it still hurt all of the time?”
“Not really, only when I walk on it. And they said I should be able to do that without much pain soon, just no jumping or anything.” 
Your heart aches with sympathy, and you have to resist the urge to reach over and touch his hand, his hair. Regulus has never much liked being touched, which you understand, but it makes him a difficult person to comfort. You resort to your method with the highest success rate: distraction. 
“Well, at least the cast is a fun accessory,” you say, forcing levity into your voice. “We could draw on it, it’ll be like having tattoos.” 
“Pass,” Reg replies disinterestedly. “Tattoos are more my brother’s aesthetic than mine.”  
“Ugh.” You roll your eyes, unable to stopper your irritation at the return of the conversation to Sirius. “Do you think Coach will let me have a new partner if I kneecap him?”
“If you’re going to kneecap someone,” comes a cool voice from the open doorway, “it’s probably best not to ponder your scheme so loudly in their house.” 
You raise your head to find Sirius leaning against the door frame, arms crossed insouciantly in front of his chest. He looks at you with the eyes he shares with his brother, but where Regulus’ tend towards cool grayness, Sirius’ always seem to waver between gray and blue, like the sky during a storm. They’re flashing now, amusement mingled with cunning, as you meet them with a glare. 
“Maybe I’m just giving you a red herring,” you say smoothly, “so you’ll never see my actual plan coming.” 
“I wouldn’t put it past you, shortcake,” Sirius replies, grinning when your face goes hot at the nickname, “but I think I’ll start wearing protective gear just in case. Reg, think you could revoke this one’s key until after the competition?”
Regulus pretends to contemplate this, staring up at the ceiling. “No, she’ll only start coming in through my window again.” You grin at him, and the corner of his mouth twitches in response, remembering all the cuts and bruises you used to have when you were younger from climbing the old tree outside his window, late at night when you were both supposed to be asleep. The first few times you’d tried, rotting branches had broken and fallen from beneath you, but you’d kept at it until you’d plotted a safe course. You’re sure Reg would have snuck downstairs to let you in the front door if you’d ask him, but better you get in trouble than him. “Anyway, it’ll be entertaining to watch.” 
“Whatever happened to brotherly loyalty?” Sirius feigns hurt, but gets past it quickly. “Well, I suppose you’ll just have to keep in mind that if I can’t perform, there won’t be a performance. I’ve already learnt half the routine, and I think you might struggle to find someone else skilled enough to catch up in time.” He winks at you, and you scoff, pointedly unaffected. “So I’ll see you at practice on Monday, sunshine,” he gloats, and disappears down the hallway. 
You wait until you hear the click of his door to lay back down, passing a hand over your face exhaustedly. “I can’t believe I’m going to have to deal with that all of the time,” you moan. 
Regulus chuckles wryly. “Welcome to my world.” 
☆ ☆ ☆
“Y/N,” Coach calls frustratedly. “You have to let him throw you, not jump.” 
You’ve almost just followed in Regulus’ footsteps for the upteenth time today, which isn’t exactly in line with your plan of getting Sirius injured, but you figure will do in a pinch. The truth is, your focus has been off all day. Switching to a new partner is always hard; you’re used to Regulus, you’ve spent years learning how to skate together, to anticipate the other’s movements, and finding that rhythm with another person takes work. But learning how to skate with Sirius is more challenging than even you had expected. He’s distracting, for one thing. He keeps smiling at you, making faces when you mess up, and whispering obnoxious little pointers when you’re in the middle of a complicated move. And his own movements are bigger and more elaborate than you’re used to, lacking Regulus’ control. You can see, objectively, how it works for him. It gives his performance that extra bit of artistry that Regulus has often been accused of needing, but it makes him more difficult to anticipate. He’s stronger than Reg, too, so he throws you higher, flings you farther, grips you tighter. It’s a lot to learn, but your coach doesn’t seem very sympathetic to your plight. As far as he’s concerned, you’ve wasted almost an entire day of practice and are undoing weeks of hard work learning the choreography with your repeated mistakes. 
You nod at him again, moving to reset, but Sirius slides in front of you. 
“Hey,” he says, “I can feel you tensing when I go to throw you. Is something wrong?”
You cross your arms in front of your chest, breath still puffing into the air between you from the exertion of your leap. “No,” you reply shortly. “I’ll fix it.” 
And really, you should have been able to fix it a dozen tries ago. You’ve practiced throws with Regulus for years now. You’re supposed to push down on Sirius’ shoulders, use the momentum of your spin to give you a little boost, and let him do the rest. But you can’t seem to manage the last part. Sirius’ hands on your waist had discomposed you from the first try, and you keep finding yourself trying to jump off the ground before he has a chance to lift you. It doesn’t work, you know it’s never going to work, but it’s like some fight-or-flight instinct takes over every time Sirius’ hands get close to you. You suspect it’s because you’re so used to Regulus’ touch aversion; this routine is meant to seem romantic, but between the two of you, it had always felt chaste, more about the mechanics of the movements than the meanings behind them. Sirius loves to be touched, though, probably too much. He teases you about how cold your hand is in his, the tentative way you touch his shoulder when you’re supposed to grip it, how you jolt a little when he rests his hand on the small of your back. You’re on edge every second he’s around you, which by the very nature of the routine, is often. 
And so you keep jumping, which causes Sirius’s throw to be stunted when he can’t get a good grip on you, which causes you to fumble your landing. Every. Time. 
“You can trust me, you know,” Sirius persists, looking half earnest for once in his life. “I’m not going to launch you too high or anything. Just let me do the work.” 
“I’ve got it,” you growl, and Sirius raises his hands in mocking surrender, moving out of your way. You glide back into position, taking a deep breath to steady yourself. You don’t need his advice, you’ve been doing just fine without it for years. You’ll get it on your own. 
☆ ☆ ☆
“Why is it,” Regulus drawls, coming into your room, “that when you mess up at practice, it’s still my problem to solve?” He sits on the edge of your bed, careful not to disturb the open bottle of nail polish you’re using. “I’m not even your partner right now, but both Coach and Sirius are complaining to me that you can’t sync up with him.” 
You keep your eyes on your fingertips, sweeping the brush across your nails in careful, measured strokes. “I’m working on it.” 
“What’s the problem?” He sounds more puzzled than frustrated. “Sirius is annoying, but he’s not actually an asshole. He won’t sabotage you.” 
“I’m not accusing him of anything,” you say. “I just…I can’t get it right. I don’t know. He’s so different to you, and I can’t figure out how to make it work.” 
“Well, you’d better figure it out soon,” Regulus replies, not without sympathy. “There’s only a couple of weeks until comp, and it seems like the both of you will need all the practice you can get together.”
You know he’s right, and that’s exactly what you’re dreading.
☆ ☆ ☆
The next practice goes about the same, the only difference being your coach’s mounting exasperation. Actually, no, there is one other change: Sirius’ movements become smoother, more sure, as he grows increasingly familiar with the choreography. 
So basically, he’s getting better while you’re getting worse. 
Though you all know there’s no time to waste with the competition coming up, Coach ends practice early in his irritation, letting you go with strict instructions to get your shit together before you meet again tomorrow. You promise him you’ll try, though you’re both coming to know that won’t be enough. 
You take your time unlacing your skates, shrugging on your jacket and stopping to buy a hot chocolate from the vendor up front before going out into the brisk autumn air. You’d started this new routine after your first practice with Sirius, stalling so that he’d have a head start and you wouldn’t have to walk home in the same direction, but you take two steps outside before you realize your plan has been foiled. 
“Coach will kill you if he catches you with one of those,” you say, and the cherry of Sirius’ cigarette burns orange as he takes a drag, eyes lighting with playful defiance. 
He blows the smoke away from you. “You won’t tattle on me though, will you, sunshine?”
“Reg won’t like it either.” 
“He knows,” Sirius says, as though Regulus’ opinion is of little concern to him. “You took your time in there. Ready to go?”
You don’t try to keep the suspicion from your face. “You were waiting on me?”
“I figure we could use some extra practice.” He drops his cigarette, stamping it out half smoked. “If you’re not too tired, I mean.” You give him an indignant look, and Sirius grins. “C’mon, it’s too cold out here for those leggings.” 
You follow him reluctantly, sipping at your hot chocolate because damn it, he’s right. The wind had been cool when you’d gone into practice, but nightfall has stolen the little bit of warmth the sun provided. You wouldn’t be surprised if you woke tomorrow to find the trees prematurely bare of their leaves. 
The Blacks’ house isn’t far, and your eager pace gets you there in a hurry. You’re thinking you’ll go to Regulus’ room as soon as you get inside, ditching Sirius and whatever humiliation he has planned for you, but when you approach the house, every window is dark. 
“They’re at my aunt’s for dinner,” Sirius answers your unasked question, unlocking the door. “I begged off because of practice.” He laughs as you follow him inside. “Try not to look so happy about it, shortcake.” 
You roll your eyes, starting up the stairs that go to the bedrooms. “When will Reg be home?”
“Late.” Sirius’ voice is close behind you. “You’re welcome to wait for him, of course, but we may as well make use of the time.” On the top step, you whirl, relishing the opportunity to look down on him for once. 
“Fine. What are we doing here?”
You don’t know if you’d hoped he’d be intimidated, but Sirius appears as unbothered as always. “Like I said. Practice.” He brushes past you, leading the way into his bedroom. After a moment, you follow grudgingly.
Like everything about Sirius, his room is loud. Almost every inch of wall space is covered in band posters, medals from competitions, pictures of his friends. There are clothes strewn across the bed and shoes scattered about the floor, but if Sirius is even conscious of the mess, he doesn’t mention it. 
“What did you have in mind?” you ask.
Sirius turns, and when his eyes meet yours, they’re surprisingly determined. “We need to figure out whatever it is that’s been holding you up,” he says. “We’ve gotta get past it.”  
You feel like stomping your foot, but very maturely refrain. You’re about done with the subject of your failures for the day. “I don’t know what it is.” 
“I think you do,” Sirius says cooly. “Wanna know how I know?”
“How?”
He grins. “Because you just admitted it.” 
“You—I just asked how,” you splutter angrily. 
Sirius gives you a knowing look. “Right, so it has nothing to do with you being afraid of me touching you?”
Your face heats. How could he know that? You look at him for a moment, and he looks back at you with that cool, even gaze, like he thinks he’s got you all figured out. As much as you resent him for it, he’s right. You’ve got no shot at a decent score in this competition if you can’t get past your mental block around Sirius. “I’m not afraid.” You roll your eyes, downplaying the admission. “I’m just not used to it, okay? I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed, but you’re not exactly a carbon copy of my usual partner.” 
Sirius grins again, and for the first time you get the sense that he’s laughing with you instead of at you. “I have been made aware of that a few times over our lives, yes. But okay, you’re not used to it. Let’s get you used to it.” 
You cross your arms over your chest, not sure where he’s going with this but fairly sure you won’t like it. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, I’m going to throw you until you can handle it without flinching. Sound good?”
You look at him like he’s stupid. “The rink is closed, and there’s nowhere for me to land here.” 
“Sure there is.” Sirius pats his bed cheerfully. You stay right where you are. Something changes in his expression, and you think you might detect a bit of kindness behind his teasing tone. “C’mon, sweetheart. I don’t know what Reggie’s told you, but I don’t actually bite.” 
You huff, but go to stand in front of him. He’s shed his coat, revealing the plain black shirt underneath, and the sleeves grip his biceps. Even in the poor lamplight, you can see his eyes changing colors like schools of fish as they swim. Now blue, now gray. 
“Alright.” Sirius sets his hands on your waist, and you tense automatically. “See, that’s the habit we have to break. Relax for me, shortcake.” 
His words certainly don’t help, but you do your best, unclenching the muscles in your stomach and legs. 
“Perfect,” he says, then launches you into the air. You barely have time to gasp before you’re landing on his bed, springs squealing in protest. “Okay, next time, try to spin or something.” 
“I wasn’t ready,” you protest. 
Sirius laughs. “I know. Sorry, couldn’t resist. Let’s try to do it like practice this time, yeah? So you go over there,” he motions to the door, “and run towards me. When I throw you, try to spin if you can, but don’t try to stick the landing or anything. Just land on your butt.” 
You roll your eyes, moving to the door. “Yeah, I’m in no hurry to break my ankle like Reg, thanks.” 
He winks. “Just making sure.” He spreads his feet a bit, bracing himself. “Alright, let’s give it a try.” 
It’s easy to remember Sirius is an older brother when he gets all bossy like this, but you comply, gaining as much speed as you can on the way to him before he’s gripping you around the waist, tossing you into the air. You manage a half-turn before your back end hits the bed. 
“Better!” Sirius exclaims, beaming at you. “You still seemed a bit tense, but at least you didn’t try to jump by yourself. Again?”
You can’t help a little smile of your own as you nod, pushing up off the bed and repositioning yourself at the door. 
☆ ☆ ☆
When Regulus gets home, he finds you sprawled on Sirius’ bed with his brother sitting beside you, both thoroughly worn out. 
“Did you fix it?” he asks.
You grin at the ceiling, wondering if it’s your pride or Sirius’ you’re feeling in the air, or both. “I think so.” 
“Coach might get the chance to be mad at me instead, tomorrow,” Sirius laments. “My arms are fucking dead. Too many throws and I might drop you on the ice.” 
“Don’t break my partner,” Regulus says warningly. 
“Yeah,” you second, hauling yourself into a sitting position and going to meet Regulus at the door, “please don’t.” 
You can hear Sirius’ eyes rolling as he says, “I won’t. See you at practice tomorrow, shortcake?”
It’s harder than usual to muster up annoyance for the teasing nickname. “See you tomorrow.” 
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scentednuttragedy · 8 months
Text
A Love Like No Other
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Leon S. Kennedy X Reader
P.S. : Reader is like a Spy/Agent who's working on their own and stealing/destroying virus sample before bad people gets to them. (basically idk there's like many plot holes when it comes to the readers profession) This is like my first fanfic writing so please don't judge me<3 thank you<3
Leon S. Kennedy, The man that everyone knew as President's Golden Boy. Everyone questioned if he had a lover, his friends thought Ada was the one for him but no. Ada may have been a part of him but his heart, soul, mind and every inch of him was with someone else…. His secret lover and his dirty little secret
The first time you had met him was when you had rescued Leon from a zombie back at Raccoon City Police Department. You were not police, you didnt work for anyone. You were in a league of your own wanting to help people even if it meant being criminal in everyones eyes. He didnt trust you at first but your goals were same, what you did was for the greater good and he respected that maybe admired you too for being so cool and badass but he didnt wanna admit it right in front of you.
He remembers it very well, when you gave him your lucky pendant which was given to you by your family as a protection charm. He knew you cared and he did too but both were too stuborn to admit it.
Leon remembers you taking a shot for him as you laid unconscious in his arms, he was terrified. How could someone he met for such a short amount of time make him feel this way… he was scared to lose you. He remembers the feeling of your lips against his when you opened you eyes and asked him if he was ok, even when you were the one hurt, he had made sure to put every thanks and care into that kiss. Oh how he wishes he could experience it all again, kissing you for the first time.
When Ada had kissed him suddenly in that elevator, He felt so guilty as he glanced at you apologetically. All he had and still has in his heart is you and you only. And when you had kissed him goodbye promising him that you will meet him again, he had looked forward to that day. He remembers all of those little adventures, letting each other know about missions so you both can go together. You both were unrivaled, fierce and so in love. You were his other half and without it he knew he would fall apart.
Leon was a stoic and reserved man and only you knew under all his demeanor he was just a lovestruck puppy.... only for you. He hated the cat and mouse chase, it took so much energy and time of his but you. You didn't make him chase you, you were genuine and you weren't afraid to love. And how could anyone deny the way you both looked at each other? as if there was more to your relationship than what it looked like at the surface.
All those missions you both went on, all those things you did for each other, All the times you almost died for each other, how could he ever forget that? No matter how far apart you both were, you always came back together in the darkest of nights. He was grateful for having you and he made sure to prove it to you every night. All the desperation and unspoken words shown through actions only lovers could do. He was just a man after all…. He loved being with you and feeling like home.
He remembers when in Spain you came to rescue and assist him. that very second he knew he was gonna make it out alive. He remembers when Ada had appeared, making him question his love for you but he knew better, you were better. The smirk on Ada's face when he had rejected her offer to go with her just for you, he remembers it all too well. That was the moment Ada had known where his heart lied, and it was with you. You were His and He was Yours.
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Thank you guys<3 im scared its not as good T_T
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levmada · 9 months
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You said you could write an essay on S3 Eruri poster, DO IT 👁️ 👁️
THANK YOU FOR ENABLING ME😩BTW TELL ME HOW I WROTE A 7 PAGE ESSAY ABOUT ERURI IN LIKE 2 HOURS BUT MY ACADEMIC LIFE IS SUFFERING😭 | 2.2k
alright. (here it is in the best quality i could find:)
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this image was a promo for season 3. i believe it refers to both part 1 and part 2, even though Erwin’s major character arc is finished in part 2.
first of all, before dissecting the image i'm going to lay out all the puzzle pieces needed for us to do that. let’s focus on Erwin’s father first.
Erwin’s father’s suspicious death is what drove him since he was a child. he resolves to find out the truth about his death, and that expands to proving his father right about his theories concerning the world that they live in—by any means necessary. his curiosity and sense of justice is a major motivator for him, but arguably the biggest is Erwin's sense of guilt, that he got his father killed for sharing his theories with his classmates.
Erwin becomes a soldier (assumably, as soon as possible at age 12). and at first, he is still open about his curiosity, his hopes and his dreams. in one scene as a cadet he’s insisting to Nile that there’s more to their world than what’s presented to them all, especially concerning the mystery of the Titans, but Nile brushes him off. furthermore, during Erwin’s monologue, we learn that everyone dismissed him as a naive boy with an overactive imagination, as well as a death wish for his intentions to join the Scouts.
[youtube link of Erwin's backstory - a couple second-long clip]
because of that, Erwin became much more closed off. he learned that if no one would take him the slightest bit seriously or even give him the time of day, he would have to present himself as someone powerful and worth listening to. he can’t find the truth solely on his own.
so, Erwin manipulates and schemes to further his goals. only in the no regrets side story do we see that for ourselves before he became commander. and hell, he was practically commander already in every way except in name. he came up with an actual planned formation that decreased soldiers’ deaths; he made the battle plans; he was given full authority over Levi and his friends (notable since they were known as a couple of thugs from the underground at the time) with Shadis having next to no part in such a thing. he blackmailed the powerful politician that wanted to disband the survey corps, he was smart enough to figure out Levi, Isabel, and Furlan’s plans and trick them too. hell, when Levi had the sword to his throat to kill him anyway, Erwin physically gripped the sword and held him back, and convinced Levi to join their cause instead. Levi back then, whose actions always centered around his friends’ survival, who had a clear ego himself.
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Erwin must’ve gleaned something from his conversation with levi in the castle, after his first Titan kill. that Levi was fascinated at the idea that he could protect others for a cause.
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so in short, Erwin is a genius. he has the intelligence, strength, and charisma - and if not, he gains it - to ascend the ranks as well as keep himself alive.
because of Erwin’s actions and how he reacts to the consequences, it’s easy to conclude that he’s a shameless ego-maniac that believes, and will, do whatever he wants with no regard to anyone else.
that’s not it.
Erwin is universally loved by the entire survey corps in the present. for example in season 2 after Eren is kidnapped, and many are injured after the Colossal and Armored Titans appeared again. everyone appears comforted and in higher spirits when Erwin and his backup appears to assess the situation.
and it’s true. without Erwin’s leadership, the morale and the Survey Corps’ successes aren’t nearly what they are.
but in his conversation with Levi in season 3 part 1, Erwin sees himself as replaceable without a doubt. and that's only the tip of the iceberg.
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earlier in that season when Erwin is talking to Zachery, Erwin expresses that he doesn’t know if the coup is right, or whether it’ll just lead to suffering. he has plenty of doubts. he’s actuely aware that his actions are drastic, he holds lives in his hands that he has willingly let slip through his fingers for the sake of the truth.
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hell, he isn’t bothered when he wakes up with his arm missing. he will pay the rest of the price when he ‘ends up in hell’. it’s spoken like a joke, too, and after that, Levi helps to ease the tension. in his own way, he tries to make Erwin feel better by teasing him.
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later in that scene, when Hange gravely shares their theory that the titans are actually human beings, Levi seems devastated and the mood is clearly solemn, but Erwin smiles. because this was proof that his father’s theories held water, that they’re one step closer to learning the origins of the Titans and the truth of their world.
while a village of people are either titanized or dead. yes, Erwin was extremely selfish in that moment. he is selfish, but he’s not heartless.
if you still have any doubts at all about that, just go and watch the entire crate scene(link). i won’t add screenshots because there’s simply too much to put lol.
Erwin’s guilt is endless. he confesses to Levi that he felt suicidal many times, but his motivation to keep going was for his father, and the truth. it’s a complex in his head that he dissects then and there: that all he’s done, he’s done for the sake of humanity, justice, of bringing freedom to everyone in a world safe from the titans.
but his intentions are also horribly selfish. at his core, he’s still a hapless child who just wants to see what’s in the basement. the truth.
in that monologue, Erwin’s self hatred is completely exposed. he feels that he tricked everyone, including Levi, into ignorantly joining his selfish ploy. that he’s irredeemable, and he deserves a fate even worse than death.
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back in the hospital room, it’s canon and has been expanded upon that in that moment when Erwin smiled at the news that Levi realized that Erwin’s true intentions are selfish. but what did he do? he did what he’s always done ever since that fateful day in the storm. Levi learned that there’s a darkness within Erwin, but he still cares for him. even without an explanation, he feels that way. regardless of whether you see their relationship as romantic or not, Levi loved him and that’s undeniable.
back to the crate scene, after Erwin shared all of that with the extra visual of Erwin standing upon a mountain of corpses so high that the ground wasn’t visible underneath, Levi kneels and reassures him. “You have fought well. It's only thanks to you that we've come this far.” and he promises to kill the Beast Titan (furthermore, Levi’s devotion is clear in his obvious passion in season 4 to do just that).
but Erwin’s love for Levi is the same. Levi is also in the image beside Erwin’s father.
back in No Regrets, Erwin is outright smitten with Levi from the beginning when he first saw him using the ODM gear in the Underground. (i'm out of images i can add.. curse you tumblr.)
he needs him to join his cause. and he goes to great lengths to do just that.
Erwin knows that Levi is invaluable. for example in season 1 after Levi announces that he’s going back to his squad, Erwin stops him and makes him refuel his equipment when it was pointless. the truth is that after seeing what the Female Titan was capable of, the last thing Erwin was about to do was risk Levi’s life. ERWIN, the man who’s known for taking risks and making deadly gambles, won’t risk Levi’s life.
in season 3 part 2 the first idea Levi proposes is for everyone who’s still alive to escape on Eren while he fights the Beast Titan. Erwin immediately states that he won’t even get close to him and dismisses it. the most important battle of humanity (said Erwin), Erwin who has gotten countless comrades killed, committed so much sin, has shown himself to be incredibly selfish, would rather die without his life goal being completed than get Levi killed.
you could argue: well obviously not. in both those cases, Levi is in invaluable asset. he’s a tool. of course Erwin would take costly action to keep him alive.
but even if Levi did die to the Female Titan in season 1, Levi wasn’t needed for the operation in Stohess to succeed. in fact, he was injured. assumably he twisted his ankle, and Erwin put him out of commission for weeks. including during that battle against the Colossal and Armored titans, as far as they know the biggest threats to humanity. Levi wasn’t allowed because he had a minor injury. if Levi was just an important tool, Erwin would've gambled Levi's life on killing the Female Titan when he had the chance. Erwin would’ve had Levi join everyone else in rescuing Eren too.
Erwin wouldn’t be able to live with himself if Levi died under his orders. while Levi has expressed many times that even if Erwin were to lead them all into hell, he wouldn’t regret it for a second.
and in season 3 part 2, Erwin sacrifices himself (on top of scores of teenagers in classic Erwin fashion) in order for Levi to have a chance to succeed. for Levi to live, and for there to still be a hope of making a peaceful world.
with all this in mind, we have the tools to understand this promo image (god i'm such a loser).
Erwin’s conflict in season 3 part 2 is between finding the truth for his father’s sake no matter the cost, or continuing living for his duty’s sake symbolized by Levi. selfishly following his personal dream, selfishly pursuing the basement regardless of how many people die. or, selflessly bringing justice to his father’s murder by proving him right even if he can't be a part of it, selflessly leading the fight to finally bring back the hope and strength that Levi represents.
canonically, Levi is also Erwin’s last bastion of his humanity. without him, Erwin would have no qualms of acting like the monster Floch later portrays him to be. (i can add a link of proof later if anyone actually reads this lmao.)
Levi, and Erwin’s father are important to him. they give Erwin his reason to live in different ways.
this is represented by their positions on the poster. both of their profiles are visible, taking up the same amount of space in frame, both are looking back, presumably at Erwin with suggestive looks, as if waiting for Erwin to act.
specifically, let’s center in on Erwin’s father. he’s on the left, notably the side that Erwin lost his arm. this isn’t a coincidence. here, Erwin’s father represents his selfishness, even his suicidality (think back to Erwin’s comment about paying the rest of the price for his sins on hell while referring to his arm). to be succinct, Erwin’s father represents loss. and in a related meaning, he represents Erwin failing, and losing his life.
his father’s expression is different from Levi’s. his head isn’t turned towards him as much as Levi’s is, implying either a lack of confidence in Erwin, or that he isn’t supporting what he plans to do, and yet in his expression, he looks at him imploringly, worried. he’s asking for something. Erwin to stop all this self-torture? Erwin to bring justice to his death and find the truth about their world? pity? it’s not clear.
Levi is on the right. “his right hand man” right? (isayama is a genius by the way). Levi also appears to be in front of Erwin, but he’s looking back much more purposefully. he isn’t afraid, and he has no doubt. his brow is furrowed and he’s looking at Erwin pointedly, also expecting something from him, and that’s to lead him. Levi looks sure of himself, but he’s noticeably frowning, showing that he’s not completely confident. as well, Levi isn’t in uniform. actually his shirt and collar are that from no regrets when he met Erwin.
finally, Erwin. you don’t need to take more than a first glance to understand that he’s in turmoil. although most of his body is in frame, the perspective of the picture is from above him, while his father and Levi are at level with the viewer. as a result Erwin looks smaller, almost powerless. his cape billows behind him so that he isn’t shielded by it at all. symbolically, Erwin the man, and not Erwin the soldier, is being exposed here. one of the lapels of his jacket is blown aside, his commander’s necklace is strewn, and one of his legs appear to be raised as if in the middle of the motion to step back. his fist is loosely clenched by his side, further exuding his lack of confidence. he looks worried.
he’s worried about judgment from both Levi and his father. he has a choice to make that will undermine the other. he’s unsteady, and isn’t sure how to proceed.
this image literally says a thousand of words without saying anything. as i’ve explained, Erwin’s conflict between executing his father’s wish regardless of the consequences and who may die (including Levi, if Erwin were to agree to Levi's plan), or to fight valiantly in pursuit of a peaceful world with everything Levi represents: compassion, strength, sacrifice.
and of course, we know what he chose. he chose Levi. he gave up on his dream, this thing that gave Erwin the will to live, and willingly charged into a battle he knew he wouldn’t live through, let alone win.
even in near-death, coincidental or not, Erwin’s arm raising away from the syringe and his words - the question to his father in the classroom that started Erwin's whole journey - affected Levi’s choice. specifically, Levi recognized that Erwin’s dream was killing him from the inside, and it has all this time. he had become a slave to it like Kenny had. that is one of the reasons Levi let erwin rest, and erased all his burdens with death.
essay complete😈
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alj0saray · 1 year
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Congrats on 2k! could i request yandere Aki with female reader smut? gn reader is fine too!
Slowly and slowly I'm getting back to writing and actually starting to miss it </3 thank you so much for this request!!! I'm so happy to write about csm and Aki I love him so much <3<3<3<3
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ೃ⁀➷ TW/CW: DARK CONTENT, Yandere, SMUT, 18+ (MINORS/AGELESS/BLANK BLOGS DON’T INTERACT), Toxic Relationship, Broken English, AFAB Reader (different uses of pronouns and body parts), Breeding Kink, Pregnancy, House Wife?, Dom Character, let me know if I need to add more TW/Tags ♡ My blog contains dark content, be careful when interacting/following! Please if you like my work don't forget to reblog/interact with me♡ Minors, ageless, blank blogs, and silent readers will get blocked if interact with me. ➳ Pair: Aki Hayakawa x Reader
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⤠ Yandere Mika + Breeding Kink ⤟ CSM Masterlist ⤠ Yandere God Scaramouche ⤟
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Yandere Aki is nothing but a possessive, paranoid man. Everything you do might hurt you, nowhere else is safe unless he is there, no one can protect you like he does, and what if someone tries to hurt you? You shouldn't trust people so quickly, you don’t need to trust anyone who isn’t him, Aki is certain he can keep you entrained and loved enough that you don’t need anyone else in your life.
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He doesn’t like your friends (unsurprisingly), but he’s a lot lenient with your family: Aki doesn’t like it when you are with them without him but doesn’t mind being around your parents or siblings, if you have some. In fact, he’s the only time where you can see him happy and more relaxed, usually, Aki always has an arm around you all the time and watches you like a hawk, but with your family it’s different. He’s calm, almost happy, and lets you go if you need to help but will come to check on you after a bit. He won't let you go so easily.
Aki is so careful with everything and it’s the same about sex; if he is being rougher and mean it’s either because he had a very shitty day at work (and you don’t want to know what that means) or you have been misbehaving too much for his liking. Usually, Aki doesn’t really like to punish you, instead, he will simply ignore you until you are begging and crying for his attention but sometimes he just wishes you would shut up, and he has an idea how. Having you choking on his dick, tears falling from your pretty eyes as you look at him is a sight Aki wishes could see every day, but alas.
Way into the whole housewife thing: you are inside his house all the time, looking pretty and well dressed, everything you want is given to you without a second thought, always waiting for him and running to welcome him home. Aki loves this idea of “normality” he has forced into you, how he is just a tired man coming home from work to fuck silly his wife in the hope of getting her pregnant one day. Because yes, he does want that absolutely; a child to force you even more with him, that is proof that you are his and only his, a baby would also mean stability and love, something that Aki deeply needs and wish for. Also as a thing for fucking you into a kitchen counter while you were cooking for him, it’s the sweet and mundane action that makes him insane and just wants to bend you down the counter to give back the affection and love <3
Aki, even as a yandere, is such a sweet soft dom it’s unfair: he’s holding you so close while calling you his sweet girl, one hand on your stomach while the other is playing with your clit, a smile on his face as he watches your fuck out expression. Your pleasure comes before his, making sure that you cum a lot to the point that your legs feel sore and too tired to move, which is another move of his so that you won’t ever leave him since you are too tired and pleasured to run away. Likes to tease you and leave you needy for him, getting the (fake) impression that you are the one who initiates stuff and that your relationship is as healthy and normal as everyone else’s.
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This work belongs to @/alj0saray, do not repost, translate, copy, rewrite or share on tiktok without my permission. Reblogs are appreciated and encouraged♡
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slayerkitty · 5 months
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Narrative Frameworks in Only Friends
So here we are, the finale of Only Friends and not a framework in sight. Would the last half of the show worked better in some respects if we had the frameworks come back? Would we understand more about why Boston's friends hate him? (Did they ever like him? Ray seemed to, but Mew and Cheum...)
I wish we had gotten more frameworks toward the end. I wish the voiceovers had come back for the last episode if nothing else, because I would have wanted one from each character. It would have maybe solved some of the narrative issues (re: Boston).
I also wanted to thank everyone who liked, reblogged, commented or otherwise interacted with me and these posts on a weekly basis. Your feedback, discussions and general love made watching Only Friends an amazing experience each week and reminded me why I love being in fandoms.
Shoutout to the amazing members of the Ephemerality Squad who made this ride fun and thought provoking: @lurkingshan, @waitmyturtles, @wen-kexing-apologist, @chickenstrangers, @ranchthoughts, @twig-tea, @clara-maybe-ontheroad, @distant-screaming, @thatgirl4815, @elizabethsebestianhedgehog
I've gone back and added things to earlier episodes that weren't there before, so make sure to read through the whole list! Please let me know if I missed anything - I will edit this post based on suggestions.
Frameworks:
1. Voiceovers: gives the audience specific insight into a characters thoughts and feelings; also a great way to provide exposition. It’s more of an audio than visual framework, as we don’t always see the character doing the voice-over because it plays over other scenes.
2. “Talking Heads”: The characters talk directly to the camera, interview/documentary style. We get to see exactly how they feel about a given moment because they are reacting to it at that time. Audio and visual. Homage to Love8009 (per P'Jojo).
3. Social Media (ft The Artist Formerly Known as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook): Not as insightful as the other two frameworks but does give context and a way for interaction, commentary, and exposition on a given plot. Visual. Probable homage to Together With Me, one of the first spicy BLs starring our kings, MaxTul.
(Side Note: I was re-watching some scenes from Never Let me Go and realized P'Jojo uses yellow text on the screen in it too. So maybe he just likes the yellow text or maybe it means something, idk, idk.)
Episode 1
Framework: Voiceover
Title: What’s Your Role in a Bar?
Narrator: Mew
Visual Moment: Yellow title cards listing everyone’s “roles” as well as the month and days of the week
End Credit Shot: Mew sitting on the floor in front of his fish tank
Episode 2
Framework: Talking Heads
Title: M.F.M. My Favorite Man
Narrator: Everyone
Visual Moment: The talking heads scenes; SandRay smoke kiss; Boston's dark room; Photo Boston takes of Nick post sex; Photo of RayMew from wakeboarding
Audible Moment: The songs Ray plays during his scenes with Sand
End Credit Shot: Ray driving
Episode 3
Framework: Social Media (Twitter and Instagram)
Title: What Am I to You?
Narrator: Nick and Boston
Audible Moment: The thunder rumbling ominously over everyone's bad decisions, Nick listening to the TopBoston sex audio
Visual Moment: Top's Instagram (with all of Boston's comments); Photo strip of TopBoston from their hookup in the photo booth; Photo of the Fab Four in Boston's room; Nick watching TopBoston have sex; Photo of RayMew kissing
End Credit Shot: Nick listening to TopBoston sex audio
Episode 4
Framework: Voiceover
Title: Emergency Contact
Narrator: Ray
Visual Moment: The flashback of RayMew is in 4:3 ratio (meaning it looks like recorded footage versus a memory); yellow text onscreen indicates flashback
Audible Moment: TopMew at the silent disco (both moments of silence but also them singing); SandRay listening to music at the record store
End Credit Shot: Ray driving (repeat from episode 2)
Episode 5:
Framework: Voiceover
Title: The Extra Hour
Narrator: Sand
Visual Moment: Intro and Outro are animated; black and white (made me think of the Take on Me MV by A-ha but I’m open to suggestions on what this might be referring to), "Ray o'clock/Alone o'clock" appearing onscreen in white letters (not yellow!); TopMew going Instagram official; The blind dining scene
End Credit Shot: Sand driving his motorcycle
Episode 6:
Framework: None
Title: Happy Fucking Birthday
Narrator: None
Audible Moment: Ray listens to the TopBoston sex audio; Mew plays the TopBoston sex audio for Top
Visual Moment: Top draws Mew sleeping/gives Mew a book of drawings he did of Mew; BostonNick selfies
End Credit Shot: Top in his bathtub alone looking angsty
Episode 7:
Framework: None
Title: After Effect
Narrator: None
Visual Moment: Mew setting the drawing on fire; Boston’s sex tape; the “super zooms”
End Credit Shot: Mew sitting on the floor in front of his fish tank (repeat from episode 1)
Episode 8:
Framework: None
Title: Save Me
Narrator: None
Visual Moment: Facebook party invite/everyone’s reactions to the invite; Everyone’s costumes at the party
End Credit Shot: Boston looking angsty at the hostel
Episode 9:
Framework: None
Title: The Return
Narrator: None
Visual Moment: Boston’s photo of Atom; Top recording SandRay kissing;
End Credit Shot: Top in his bathtub alone looking angsty (repeat from episode 6)
Episode 10:
Framework: None
Title: Redemption
Narrator: None
Visual Moment: The “I will never leave you”/“I will never love you” neon sign; Boston’s photos of Atom; Nick’s photo as Boston’s lock screen; Boeing’s Instagram
End Credit Shot: Ray driving (repeat from episode 2 and episode 4)
Episode 11:
Framework: None
Title: Move On Move In
Narrator: None
Visual Moment: Boston taking pics of NickAtom
End Credit Shot: Sand driving his motorcycle (repeat from episode 5)
Episode 12:
Framework: None
Title: Begin Again
Narrator: None
Visual Moment: Yellow letters indicating the date (NYE); Framed photo of Nick; Framed photo of the Fab Four at the hostel; Mix's entrance; Begin Again montage of SandRay; Hostel sign "Only Friends Stay"
Audible Moment: Begin Again montage of SandRay
End Credit Shot: Outtakes/BTS
Tagging @sandrayy by request
Apologies to anyone I forgot!
55 notes · View notes
hardcandycigarette · 1 year
Text
Long Way Down PART Three
LONG WAY DOWN PART 3
Welp, the Styles family isn’t doing great without Y/N, and Auntie Gemma has a few opinions. We’ve got more fluff and dad!rry here. Once we get to Part Four we are back to some angst and more feels.
Stick with it guys. And thanks to everyone who has given such positive feedback. It makes my day to hear from you.
Word Count 6.7K
Warnings-  a few curse words. If I missed a warning let me know.
“All right, thanks.” Harry taps the screen on his phone to end the call. “He slings it on the coffee table. Shaking his head, he lies back on the sofa. “Not at her mother’s, sisters’, or Julia’s.”
“We have spoken to everyone in her most intimate circle of friends and family, so do you have anyone else in mind?” Gemma asks.
His ring-clad fingers run through his messy hair as he throws his head back, face toward the ceiling with his eyes closed. “She had everything she wanted, Gem. All of it: houses, cars, love, money, and babies, she had everything she could possibly desire.“
"It’s not everything, you know. I am sure you are aware of that. I think you can let go of that story now.”
“What do you mean by that, Gemma?”
“There’s a shocker. It appears you didn’t listen to what she was saying to you.”
Taking a deep breath, he lifts his head and leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “In fact, I was listening to what she said. I told you almost word-for-word everything she said.”
“Harry, she told you she needed you. She wants you, her husband.” She points to the hallway. “They need you.”
I’m on a break, not going on tour anytime soon.“
“What’s a while, Harry? A week, a month, a day? She never knows.”
“A while. I dunno.” He shrugs. “After Manchester, contracts are over.”
“Oh, get off it. That means nothing. Numerous contracts have ended, but the outcome is always the same. A signed contract, a new album, a new tour. Or three, then of course throw in a movie or two for good measure. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.”
“It’s m’ job Gem. Just because my job doesn’t look like everyone else’s doesn’t mean it’s not a job. Gotta feed m’ family, gotta pay for all this.” He raises his hands and makes a sweeping motion around the room.
She shakes her head. “It’s a job, but is it also a way for you to have your cake and eat it too?“
“What?” he scoffs.
“You have the beautiful wife, incredible children, and the comfort of knowing that someone is there for you 24/7. There’s also the glitz, fame, millions of people adoring you, and tons of money too. Pretty nice setup if you ask me.”
"Well, I didn’t and you’re full of shit, that’s what you are.” He points at her as he stands, then places his hands on his hips as he stares at the ground.
“Oh, you wish I was full shit.”
“Are you saying I was wrong? Should I have never married the woman I love and never had a family?”
“No, I’m saying you should think about what she wants and needs. Loads of people have jobs in the music industry that don’t take them constantly away from their families. She needs you to be present. She wants to know her husband isn’t writing a song in his head or doesn’t need to go meet with Jeff or whatever it is you do.“ She waves her hand.
"Whatever it is I do?”
“Yes, whatever it is, you do. You realize they need to eat soon.” She nods toward the kids’ rooms.
“Okay, well, let’s get that sorted.” He picks up his phone.
“Is Y/N still breastfeeding?”
“Weaning, but we have milk too.”
Gemma picks up the mugs, napkins, and the plate with one last biscuit and walks to the kitchen. Harry thumbs at the screen of his phone.
When she returns, she says, “The kitchen’s still a mess, isn’t it?”
“I cleaned it.” Harry stares at his phone.
“That’s not clean, Harry.”
“”Tis.”
“No, that’s half-assed,” she says.
Harry doesn’t look up.
“What did you order?”
He shakes his head as he focuses on the phone and scrolls.
“I don’t know what to order.”
“Just choose something. It’s not life-altering.”
Harry stands and leaves the room, heading to Y/N’s office.
When he returns, he carries a thick, heavy binder. "So bloody much.” He drops it on the coffee table and sits.
“Jesus, Harry, gonna break the flippin’ glass off the table. What is that?”
The deep red binder is a 4-inch, 3-ring binder. It’s open, laid flat on the table. It has three color-coded sections: purple, yellow, and blue. “This binder- is filled with everything we could possibly need to know about m’ kids.”
Gemma shakes her head. "No, things you need to know about your kids. Your kids Harry, things you need to know, do you hear yourself?”
His eyes are fixed on the binder as he flips through it, but he doesn’t respond. “Gemma. Each child has their own color. She has their likes and dislikes, allergies, movies they hate, songs they like, ways to calm ‘em down, and discipline that works. She also knows when to take it easy on them and when to be stern. She’s even got their favorite clothes.”
“Well, numb nuts, learning anything?”
He rolls his eyes and nods. “Yeah, but it’s so much.” He closes the book and picks up the phone. He punches around on the screen, scrolling once again.
Gemma reaches across the table, picks up the binder, and places it on her lap. She turns the pages, stopping on certain ones to skim the page.
After a few minutes, Harry puts his phone on the table. “Got it. 20 minutes it’ll be here.” He lays his head back against the sofa.
“Did you decide to order by looking at this?”
He chuckles. “No, I actually know what they like from The Dragon.” He sits up and gets his phone. “Gotta call Winifred, make sure she’s coming tomorrow.”
“It’s Sunday.”
“Yeah, she started comin’ on Sundays to get us setup for the week, and she has some sorta smthn she likes to do on Mondays.” He picks up the phone and dials the number. Soon there is someone else on the other end. “Yes, Winifred. It’s Mr. Styl-. Yes, I know it must be a surprise to hear from me. Look, I was calling to make sure you will be here tomorrow. I’m sorry, say again. Yeah, train stations can be quite loud. Oh, she did? No, I think there must’ve been a misunderstanding. Y/N is not available at the moment, so that must be a mistake. Really? Well, it would be really lovely if you could come in. Oh, of course, yes. I’m sorry to bother you, and please enjoy your time. We’ll see you when you get back. Take care.” Harry hits the red button on the phone’s screen.
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”
Gemma glances up from a binder. She almost laughs at his overreaction to everything. “What now?”
“The housekeeper, Winifred? She’s at the train station, so she won’t be here this week. Y/N called and told her she could have a paid week off so she could visit her family.“
Now Gemma really wants to laugh. Well done, Y/N.
“What now, Gem?”
"I don’t know, Harry.” She turns a page in the binder, not even caring what she reads, just doesn’t want to look at Harry.
“Listen, there’s plenty of space. Maybe you could stay and-“
She shakes her head, “No, absolutely not.”
“C’mon, Gemma, I need ya.’”
“No, I can’t. I have work. Tomorrow is a super busy day. I’ve got to set my own self up for the week. And what you need to do is listen to your wife.”
“I’m callin’ her again. I mean callin’ her, not textin’ this time.”
Gemma notices that whenever he feels excited about something, good or bad, his hometown accent pops up, especially in private.
He dials Y/N. In seconds he hangs up the phone. “Voicemail.”
“Must’ve turned it off,” Gemma replies.
“Or maybe the battery died.”
"Maybe. Okay, so you don’t have Y/N. That’s a given. Winifred won’t be here, and I’m not staying, so what’s your plan?”
“She’ll be back tomorrow. Won’t be able to stay away from the kids longer than that.“ He stares at the floor. “Where could she be?”
The two are quiet for a long time.
Gemma breaks the silence. "Did you know that Lola will only eat peas if you mix them in applesauce? Strange combo, but she is your child, so strange comes naturally, I suppose.”
“What?”
“Lola, her pea, applesauce combo?”
“Yeah. That started sometime when I was on tour.”
A cry from the nursery pierces the air. Harry stands and jogs down the hall. She follows closely behind him. He pushes Archer’s door open. It appears the three kids were playing on the floor until a moment ago.
Harry picks up a crying Lola. “What’s this all about, huh? Wha’s m’ girl cryin’ for?” He kisses her head and pulls her close. Tears, drool, and snot drip down her face like a little waterfall. “What happen’?” Harry asks the other two.
“Nothing, Daddy,” Archer says.
“Well, somethin’ obv’sly happen,’ or she wouldn’t be cryin’ like this, would she?”
“She’s a baby,” Poppy answers as she rolls a toy truck along the rug.
Gemma stands at the door.
“We were just playing Dad, just rolling the ball like we were when you and Auntie Gemma left,” Archer says.
Harry walks to the changing table and grabs a burp cloth to wipe Lola’s face. “Told you to be gentle with her. She’s just now sittin’ and playin’ without fallin’ ver all the time. Gotta be careful. Can’t have been five minutes since we left ya’ in here.”
“We were nice, Daddy. She didn’t even fall over,” Archer points out.
“Oh my goodness, my sweet girl, you’re burnin’ up.” Harry cuddles her even tighter.
Gemma extends her arms toward the baby as she approaches. “Let me see Harry, so over the top all the time. She’s probably just a bit warm.” She takes the baby in her arms and places her hand on her face. "Jesus, Harry, she is like a stove.”
“See, I told you she was hot. Oh, you’re so dramatic, Harry, quit bein’ over the top, Harry,” he mocks. The gate buzzes. “Must be the food- that was fast.”
“Not really; we’ve been in the living room for a while, just not talking.”
“Shove it with semantics, Gemma.” Harry walks past Gemma, down the hall, and out the front door.
“Soups on people. Whoever wants to eat,” he calls from the living room.
The kids run to the front of the house, where they find Harry carrying two large white paper shopping bags. Lola is in Gemma’s arms, still sniffling and whimpering . The scent of warm spices wafts through the room. “Smells delicious,” Gemma says.
“What is it, Daddy?” Poppy asks.
“The Dragon.”
It’s not called The Dragon, but that’s what the kids call the Asian restaurant the family frequents.
Lola continues to cry. “I’ll take her temperature. I’ll be back.” Gemma says, then turns and leaves the room.
“Okay, follow me to the kitchen. We aren’t gonna mess up Mummy’s pretty dining room table tonight.”
“She’s not here,” Poppy replies.
"Still, we aren’t going to mess up her table.”
Archer, Poppy, and Harry walk to the breakfast nook. He places the bags on the table, opens them, and begins revealing the night’s offerings. The kitchen light is on, but not over the table. He reaches up and pulls the string to the light as the kids sit, eager to eat. He puts two white cardboard containers on the table. Archer reaches over.
“S’cuse me, wait, please.“ Harry rolls his eyes and takes a deep breath.
“Sorry.”
Two more containers are removed, followed by two more. The second bag contains three more containers, cutlery, napkins, and plates. The children sit quietly, fidgeting, waiting to dig in. He walks behind them and pulls the frilly blue curtains closed. "We aren’t usually here at night, are we? Didn’t close ‘em this afternoon. Need to keep these closed.”
“Why?” Poppy asks.
"So the psychos can’t see us.”
“What’s psycho?”
“Archer, tha’s not a polite word,” Harry says.
“You say it. Cause Dad’s famous.”
“Famous?”
“Lots of people know him because of his singing,” Archer says.
Walking back to the other side of the table, Harry sighs. He opens two containers. “We have yours here, Poppy. Chicken fried rice, one piece of chicken, and one egg roll.” He opens the container, puts some on a plate, and hands her a fork and spoon. “Archer, shrimp, and no rice, with tons of veggies and one egg roll. You like the things I like. Good boy.” He serves him a plate.
Gemma returns and rests against the counter. “Not as high as I thought, probably just got too warm, but she does have a bit of a fever. What do you usually give her?”
"It’s in our bathroom, the medicine cabinet, the one by the sink on the right side.”
Gemma motions with her hand. "C'mon, you can do it. What’s it called, Harry?”
“Where is she?”
“In her crib.”
“Is she still cryin’? Wha’d ya leave her for?”
Gemma rolls her eyes. “I’m on my way back. Tell me about the medicine.”
“It’s red liquid. Never mind, I’ll get it.” Harry exits the kitchen and heads toward the children’s rooms.
Gemma walks over to the table. “Wow, this looks delicious and smells wonderful.” She sits with the kids for a moment before serving herself.
                                                                       ###
“Okay, she’s down. It took her a while, but she fell asleep,“ Harry says as he returns to the kitchen.
Gemma throws away the dirty plates, cups, and containers. "She alright?”
“Yeah.” Harry’s reply is curt.
“It was so yummy, Daddy,” Poppy says.
“Good, baby. I’m glad you liked it.”
“Is it time for ice cream?” Archer asks.
Harry sits. “Let me finish my food, mate.”
“Yeah, mate,” Poppy says as she stands in her seat.
“Poppy, when did all this standin’ on furniture start? Bottom. Seat. Now” He points to the bench beneath her.
Poppy sits.
“So, let me see, which one did I order? Ah, here it is.” Harry picks up the container and opens it to find room-temperature food. He gives a slight pout and then shrugs. “Eaten worse.” He serves himself. Before he sat, he was famished, but after four bites, he’s lost his desire for the meal.
Gemma wipes the countertops and going back over Harry’s previous kitchen cleanup. He covers the container of food and pushes it to the side. “Maybe I’ll want this later.” He stands, walks to the trash, and drops his plate in.
“Can we have ice cream now?” Archer asks.
“What?”
“You said we could have ice cream after dinner.”
“Oh yeah.” He walks to the fridge and opens the freezer door. “Gemma, you don’t have to clean that.“
“Don’t mind,” she answers.
He studies the freezer. "No ice cream; looks like we’re out.”
“But you promised.”
“I know, dude, but I didn’t know we didn’t have any.”
“Ice cream, Daddy,” Poppy calls out.
“Said we’re out, din’, I?”
“Can we go get some?” Archer asks.
Harry stares into the freezer, willing the ice cream to appear. “What? No, we’re not venturing out for ice cream.”
“But you promised.”
Harry walks over to Archer, leans over, and places his hand on the table. “Said we were out, that we’re not gonna go for any. Archer, you know you have really tried my patience today. Shudn’t give you any just based on your behavior, so when I say we’re out, that’s it. Full stop.“
Archer starts to cry.
“Now, we’re not cryin’. Normally, I understand, but today you’ve not been at your best, so I’ll see what we’ve got for a treat, but we’re not havin’ ice cream, and the cryin’ can stop.”
Harry walks to the pantry. Archer stops but still sniffles as he wipes his face on his shirt.
“Do you think Sarah would know? Where she is, I mean.” Gemma asks.
“Don’t think so.” Harry takes a bag of biscuits off the shelf and gives it to the children. "Two. You can each have two.” He puts two fingers in the air, opens the package, then sets it down before he turns to Gemma. He leans against the table, arms folded across his chest, legs crossed at the ankle. The children dig into the bag of biscuits.
“I don’t think she would know and I wouldn’t really wanna call ‘er, just yet because then she’ll tell Mitch, that blabber mouth will tell someone else.”
“He’s your closest mate, Harry.”
“But can’t keep a secret for shit.” Harry laughs. “Then Jeff is calling soon and he wants to know about my life story.”
"Well, then, my baby brother, what’s your plan?”
He straightens his posture, walks to Gemma, and then leans on the counter next to the sink. “Don’t have one, Gem. I don’t. I didn’t ever picture her leavin’ me, especially not knowin’ where she is.” He keeps his voice low, then drops to a whisper. “It’s scaring me,Sis.”
“I am so sorry this happened, Harry. I really am. I wish I knew what to say.” She finishes washing her hands and then dries them on a kitchen towel.
"If you can’t stay, and I understand you have work, then I’ve got to call Mum. She could leave in the morning and be here sometime in the afternoon.”
“Can’t. She’s on some kind of retreat. Tried to call her on my way over.”
"Dammit, Gemma, I told you I wasn’t callin’ her yet.”
"Calm your britches, hot pants. I was calling her about something else.”
Harry shrugs. “Okay, well then, it looks like ’m on m’ own tomorrow.”
She nods toward the children. "Want me to stay for their baths and help put them to bed?”
“Nah, yeh alright, I’ll do it.” He opens his arms and reaches over for a hug.
She embraces her brother.
“She’s coming back, right, Gem?”
“You’re gonna be fine, Harry. All of you.“
                                                          ###
Lola’s cries jolt Harry awake at 3 AM. After being fussy all night, she’s only been down for four hours. Getting up with her at night is nothing new to him. When he’s home, he’s always the first one up with the kids at night. Nevertheless, a good night’s sleep would be welcome. Getting up, he walks towards Lola’s room.
The nightlight guides him to her bed once he’s in her room. As he picks her up, he bends over and kisses her. Holding her close, he rubs her back. "Shhh. What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
She cries and chews on her hand. “Dada.”
‘”Yeah, Dada’s got you. Let’s go change your diaper, shall we? Maybe that’s what you need.“ He walks to her changing table, lies her down, and cleans her up while she cries. Singing Adore You, he smiles at her. “Walk through fire for you. Just let me adore you,” He stops singing. “And darling, Daddy would walk through fire for you. He would do anything for you. I hope you always know that for the rest of your life.” When he is finished changing her, he picks her up and places her head on his shoulder.
For a moment, her cries soften, but soon they rip through the room again. “Let’s get your lovie, okay?” He walks to her crib to get her stuffed turtle, but he doesn’t see it. His hand reaches out and grabs a stuffed frog from her dresser for her to cuddle. She throws it on the ground as he sits in the chair. After picking it up, he gives it to her and begins rocking her. Still crying, she throws it again. Oh baby, why don’t we take your temperature? You don’t seem to be too hot, but let’s check.” He reaches over to the changing table and pulls out the thermometer. “Sit still for a minute, my angel. Daddy will be super quick.” He takes her temperature. It reads 100.6, which isn’t ideal but isn’t alarming. We’ll get you some medicine to help bring down your fever, okay?“
He stands and carries the baby back to his and Y/N’s bedroom. Once there, they walk to the bathroom, get the medicine, and in no surprise twist, she spits half of it out. Harry does not want to give her anything else to make up for what she has spit out. "Oh, that’s not very helpful, is it? You need all your medicine.” As the baby continues to cry, he walks the floor with her, jostling her just a bit. “Where’s your cute frog, huh? Where has he gone?” He carries the baby only to find the frog on the hallway floor. Her tiny chest releases a rough, rattled cough.
He picks up the stuffed frog and hands it to her. She throws it down. Harry gives up and leaves it there. Once back in the bedroom, he sits on the bed and turns on the TV. He’s not watching it, but it’s just something to drown out the silence filled only with Lola’s cries and the most recent addition of a cough. It doesn’t appear she’s about to quiet down anytime soon. Almost an hour after she woke up, Lola finally falls asleep on his chest. In the absence of her cries, Harry has drifted off as well. He wakes up to see the baby is finally calm. He lays the baby in the spot where his wife usually sleeps, covers half of her with a sheet, turns off the television, and falls asleep.
                                                          ###
A knock at the door startles him awake. He glances at the clock. It is 7:33. “Yes.” he croaks.
“Daddy.”.
“Yes.”
“Can I come in?”
“Yes, sweetheart.”
She walks over to the bed. “Why’s Lola in here?”
“She was feeling sick last night, so Daddy brought her in here.”
She pouts and looks at the floor. “Not fair.”
“What?”
She points to the baby. “She gets to be in here.”
“Well, I’m sorry, love, but don’t I always bring you in here when you’re sick?”
She looks at the ground. “Or stay in my room.”
“That’s right, but we’re always together if you’re sick, aren’t we?”
“Uh-huh.” She nods, then struggles to climb up on the bed with Harry and Lola, grabbing at the fluffy, white duvet..
"Here, Popscicle, let Daddy help, but walk over to my side- don’t want you falling on top of the baby.”
Poppy walks over to Harry, and he picks her up. She crawls over and plops down hard on his abdomen.
“UH, God, don’t kill me, kid. Don’t mind you comin’ up here but don’t need you playin’ so rough.”
“Sorry, Papa.”
He closes his eyes, but Poppy leans over, pushing his cheeks together. “You have a beard. It sticks.”
“Not quite a full beard but kind of, yeah.“ He rubs his nose while his eyes remain closed, then rests his hand above his head on the pillow. .
“Why?”
“It’s my time off, so I haven’t wanted to shave.”
“I don’t like it.”
“Sorry, I’ll consult you next time.”
“What?” She pulls the claw clip out of his hair, then tugs on his ear.
"Okay, Pop, let’s be calm.” He pats her on the hip. “We don’t need so much activity th’s early, do we?”
She grabs his large, bare hands. "Where are your rings?”
“Don’t need ‘em to sleep.”
Lola begins to whimper, but Harry places his hand on her. “Shh, Daddy’s here.” Her cries grow a little stronger just as there is a knock at the door, even though the door is open.
“Come in, Archer.”
“How’d ya’ know it was me?” He walks over to the bed.
“Didn’t figure a robber was knockin’ on the door, did I?
Archer climbs onto the foot of the bed and walks over to Harry and Poppy. "Archer, crawl or scoot, please before you-”
And before Harry can finish, the boy loses his balance and falls on Lola’s leg. She screams shrill and loud. The boy scurries away from her.
Now Harry’s eyes are open. “What is wrong with you?“ Told ya a million times to be careful ‘round the baby.” Harry sits up, then lifts Lola into his arms, soothing her with soft words and a back rub. "Why are you lot like a very adorable but ruthless gang?”
“What?” Archer asks.
“Said you’re adorable but complete chaos, don’t mind the rules, and act mean to people, like a gang, aren’t ya?”
“Did Mummy call?” Archer asks. “Did she?”
Harry hadn’t planned ahead for the question, partially because he hoped Y/N would come home or, at a minimum, actually call. "She’s fine. She is resting, just like I told you.”
“Will she call later?” Poppy asks.
“Not sure.” The baby continues to cry, though she’s much quieter now. “Alright, I’ll get Lola changed and freshened up since we’re all awake. You two go brush your teeth and wash your faces.”
Archer jumps off the bed but remains on his feet for only a second before landing on his knees. With the crying baby balanced in his arms, Harry crawls to where Archer is. “Alright?”
Breathless and startled, Archer answers, “Yeah.” He rubs his foot.
“Gonna hurt y’rself told ya ‘bout jumpin’ off the furniture. Thought we understood this.”
“Saw you jump over some stairs on stage. You didn’t get hurt,” he replies.
Harry scoots to the edge of the bed and stands. “Yeah, well, Daddy does lots of things he shouldn’t but ’m a grown-up.”
“Still dumb.” Archer stands.
“With that word again, Archer, if you say dumb one more time, ’m gonna g’v ya a timeout. Told ya ‘bout that yesterday.”
Poppy is jumping on the bed. “Hey, just watched ya’ brother fall, and now ya jumpin’ like a silly monkey. And stop jumpin’ and standin’ on furniture, will ya?”
“Don’t be mad, Daddy. It’s fun.” Her half-flattened curls swirl around her, as she flies up into the air.
She stops when she lands.
“Lots of things are fun, but that doesn’t mean we gotta do everything that’s fun. Poppy, come here. I’ll help you down. Now, go do what I said and brush your teeth and wash your faces..”
Poppy stumbles across the bed to Harry, who lifts her in his arms and puts her on the floor. Lola continues to fuss and cough, the rattle still in her chest. With a gentle pat, he hits Poppy’s bum. “Off ya’ go.”
Poppy rushes out of the room with Harry close behind. Archer limps alongside Harry. The children go into their bathroom, and Harry enters the nursery.
                                                          ####
“But today is donut day,” Archer says. “And my foot hurts.”
“Well, it might be donut day usually, but not today. I’ll make ya breakfast here. And as for ya foot, whose fault is that?” Harry takes eggs from the fridge.
Archer pouts and leans back on the bench in the breakfast nook. “Not fair.”
“Yeah, lotsa things not fair, my man.” While holding Lola, he grabs the milk and juice and then places them on the counter.
“But you promised us ice cream yesterday, no ice cream, now donut day, no donuts.” He crosses his arms and kicks the table. “Ow.” Archer cries out. “My foot.”
“What’s with the foot, Arch?”
“Hurt it.”
Harry shakes his head. “Well don’t kick the furniture.”
“Not that, from falling, Dad.”
Harry raises an eyebrow. “And if ya hadn’t been jumpin’ wouldn’t happen.”
“Fine, let my leg fall off.”
“Alright mate, here’s the deal, your leg isn’t going to fall off.  Your baby sister is sick. You can’t just start runnin’ about for donuts when someone’s sick- not good for them, and not right to spread germs to other people. We’re stayin’ here.” Harry walks to the pantry to get the bread and returns to the kitchen island. “Where’s Poppy?”
“Dunno.” Archer shrugs.
“Can you go find her, please? Can you do that for me?” Harry walks over and places Lola in her highchair.
Archer sniffles. “My foot hurts.”
Harry walks over to Archer and pats his thigh to signal the little boy to raise his foot. "Le’ me see.”
Archer raises his leg and rests his foot on Harry’s knee. Harry examines his foot. “Yeah, a bit swollen and a little red. Le’ me get you some ice.” He rests Archer’s foot on the bench.
Harry walks to the fridge, gets an ice pack, returns to Archer, and puts the ice on his son’s foot and ankle. “I’m not sure what’s hurt your foot or ankle. Keep it right there. Dad’ll be right back.”
Harry leaves the kitchen and walks to Poppy’s room. He finds Poppy in her closet eating a packet of jelly. Jelly is all over her face. “Oi, what’s this young lady?”
“Jelly.”
"I mean, I see that, but why? And where did you get it? But also, why?” he tries not to laugh at the complete ridiculousness of it all.
“It’s good.”
“It is, but we don’t just eat jelly packets, and why are you in the dark again?”
She laughs. “Can’t reach the light besides told ya I like it Papa.”
Harry rolls his eyes. “So first things first, give me the jelly packet.”
She hands him the small jelly packet split open with the red substance puffing out.
“Are there more?” Harry turns on the closet light.
She nods.
“And can I have them?”
She shakes her head. “No. Mine.”
He squats. “Actually, everything in this house is mine. I paid for it, so really, the jelly is mine.“ He smiles at her. He knows they don’t buy jelly packets, and though he’s curious as to where she got them  he doesn’t have time to talk about now.
“Nope.” She giggles.
"Poppy, please show me where the rest is.”
She stands up and walks out of the room. In the hallway, she picks up Lola’s toy frog. "Why’s this here?”
Harry tosses the half-eaten jelly packet in the bin as he exits the room. “Ya sister threw it down so many times I quit picking it up last night. Guess that’s where it finally landed.”
She lifts her sweet, cherub face to him. "It’s the wrong one.”
“What’s that jelly face?“
She blinks and stares at him. "She doesn’t like it.”
“Well, I couldn’t find her turtle.”
“Prolly lost it. She does that.”
He rubs the top of her head. “You used to do that too.”
“Know, but Mumma fixed it.”
He can’t help but grin. “How’d she do that?”
In her small sticky hand, she takes Harry’s hand and leads him down the hall to a storage closet. “Here.”
“In here?”
“Yeah, it’s got lovies.” She struggles to turn the doorknob.
Harry places his hand over hers and turns the knob. Inside the closet at the very top is a shelf of stuffed animals and blankets, multiples of each one. Some he recognizes are Archer’s, Poppy’s, and Lola’s. “What’s this?”
“If we lose it, Mummy fixes it.”
“Well, that’s very smart of Mummy.“ He reaches up and takes one of the stuffed turtles down, tucks it under his arm. "I’ll cut the tags off this when we get to the kitchen.” He heads back down the hall. “Poppy, need you to wash your face and hands, then come to the kitchen, please.”
Back in the kitchen, Lola kicks and fusses in her highchair. Archer talks to her about football. “So when they score a goal like that, they get a trophy.”
“Talkin’ footie with Lola?” Harry walks to the sink to wash the jelly off his hands.
“Yeah, but my foot still hurts.”
“Let me get ya somethin’ for it. Watch Lola just one more minute- I’ll be right back.”
Harry jogs down the hall, still carrying the turtle. He meets up with Poppy. “Go to the kitchen, love. I’ll be right there.”
“You did it wrong.”
“Did what wrong?”
She points to his hand. “The lovie.”
“What about it? Told ya I was gonna cut the tag off.”
“No.” She shakes her head. “I’ll show you.” Her clean but wet hand grabs Harry’s, and she leads him through his bedroom into the bathroom. He walks to the sink, grabs a children’s Tylenol for Archer, and closes the medicine cabinet. Poppy points to the counter. “There.”
“What love? Whatcha pointin’ at?”
“That. Smell good stuff.”
“This?” He points to Y/N’s perfume.
Poppy nods and smiles.
“Mummy’s perfume?”
“Yeah.”
“Poppy Daddy’s had a very crazy morning. Can you help me a little bit, love?”
“Spray the lovie.” She smiles at him.
“Spray the lovie with Mummy’s perfume?”
She nods and smiles again.
Harry picks up Y/Ns signature perfume and sprays the stuffed turtle. “Like that?”
“Yes. Mummy. Now you.”
“Me?” He points to himself and smiles.
“Now, spray you.”
Harry picks up his bottle of cologne. “This? My cologne?”
“Daddy, just spray.” Poppy laughs.
Harry sprays the turtle with his cologne.
“See, all fixed.” She throws her hands in the air.
“That’s it?” he asks.
“Uh-huh.”
“Well, that’s quite smart of Mummy, and you for knowing all of that.” He picks her up. “Does Mummy do that for you?”
“Yep. Then we can smell Mummy and Daddy.”
Harry is sure that if his heart weren’t already broken, it would have shattered at that moment. The baby wanted to smell him and Y/N. That’s why she didn’t like the frog. Harry kisses Poppy. “I love you, Pop. Know that?”
She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him. “I love you,”
Harry lowers her to the ground and walks through the bedroom to his nightstand. He picks up his phone to check for any messages or calls from Y/N. Nothing. “Poppy, run along to the kitchen. I’ll be right there.”
The girl darts out of the room.
He sends Y/N a text.
Y/N I’ve learned my lesson, love. I’ll do better. Swear I will. Please call. Please come home. I’m dyin’ without you here. The kids are OK, except Lola’s a bit sick, but mostly we are all fine. Just want you home. Please, please come home. I love you more than I can ever say. Please at least let me know if you are okay. The kids keep asking about you. They miss you so much. Please give me another chance. XX-H
He slips the phone into his pocket and walks back to the kitchen.
“But he doesn’t even know why.” Poppy laughs as she talks to Archer.
"What’s got, you so giggly, Miss.”
“I was telling Archer about a boy at school.”
Harry walks over to sniffly, whining Lola. “Daddy’s here. Look what I got you.” He shows Lola the toy. He hands the baby the frog. She cuddles it close to her, delivering a fresh dose of snot right to the top of the frog. “I just sprayed it Lo, now it’s not gonna smell nice anymore.”
“It’s okay Dad it’ll be fine. She won’t care, if you sprayed it she’ll like it,” Archer says.
“Arch did you know about the sprayin’ the lovie trick?”
He shrugs. “Yeah, didn’t you?”
Harry smiles. “No. Feeling like I’ve been left out now.”
“Mum just does it,” Archer says. “Dad my foot hurts.”
“Right, sorry, here you go.” Harry hands him the Tylenol, then pours a cup of juice, and hands it to his son.
“So, I’m gonna make breakfast, then I need you guys to play as peacefully as possible because I have something important I need to take care of. Got it?”
The two kids nod.
“’M serious guys. I need ya to not fight, not jump on things, need you to be super, big time quiet. Can you please do this? And Archer, if you are so good, I will make sure we have ice cream by dinner.”
“Pinkie promise, Daddy.” Poppy extends her small pinky to him which he gladly wraps his large pinky around.
“Me too, Dad,” Archer says.  Harry extends his pinky which Archer hooks with his own.
“Alright. Thank you. Love you both.”
                                                           ###
Two hours later
Text From HARRY
Love, I know you’re angry, and I’m so sorry. I was wrong. I know you need your space. I’ll accept that, but can you please let me know you are somewhere safe, and that you are okay? It’s been more than 24 hours. I don’t see transactions on your cards. I know you have a private account and I can’t see that. That’s fine too, but I need to know you are safe. I’m waiting two more hours. If I don’t hear from you I’m calling the police, and reporting you missing.
                                                            ###
“Jeff do you not understand what time off means? Told ya I’m dealin’ with some stuff with m’ family. Told ya I’d call ya back when I get it settled. Yeah I get that but I can’t worry about the new contract right now. We’ve got plenty of time. Send it to my lawyers, once they go over it we’ll talk. OK, then I’ll schedule a meeting with them this week. Gonna talk to ya later.” Harry hangs up, and drops down into his black leather office chair, and exhales.
He spins the chair to face the desk, and opens his laptop, logs into the bank account- no signs of Y/N. He checks her credit cards. No updates to activity. He looks at his texts and missed calls. No Y/N.
He’s known her for nine years. One thing he knows is that she would never want to frighten her children. Even at her maddest the thought of Lola being sick would prompt her to call. Certainly her mum, sisters, and Julia would’ve told her Harry is looking for her. It makes him sick to think of contacting the police. The internet and rumor mills will explode once he does. Y/N knows that too, so the threat of police would’ve compelled her to call.
Harry decides to call her sister, mum and friend once more before taking the next step. After he makes no progress. He knows one more person who might be able to help him figure out what to do. He calls his most trusted security advisor, Liam.
After talking with Liam, he calls a meeting. Jeff, Glenne, Liam, Mitch and Sarah. All of them know he wouldn’t want to meet during a break unless the matter was urgent. Everyone agrees to be at the house in four hours.
“And so that’s it. That’s the whole story.” Harry throws his hands up in defeat, then begins to cry. His eyes water, a few tears trickle down his cheek. He takes a gulp of air. “I’ve called my mum. She was out of town so gotta give her some time. She will be here super early in the morning. We’ll need her. M’ dad is workin’ on fliers and posters. We’ll get those printed in-house so that the public isn’t in a panic before we talk to the police and we are ready to make an official statement.” He cherishes the people who sit at the table yet, he feels it’s betraying  Y/N to share such personal details of their marriage. What if he’s just blowing everything out of proportion? No, she would never do this, never. Something is wrong.
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coralinnii · 4 months
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Thanks for answering my ask.... If you don't mind me asking (again), who are your favorite romantic relationship's couples in books/ manga/manhwa/ anime/movies/tv series (can be canon or non-canon)? And why you love them? Sorry if you've answered this question before....Thanks.
Hmm it’s been a while since I care much about romantic relationships (yes, I see the irony of me, a primarily fluff writer, saying that) but there are some memorable ones that I still love for their dynamic. These are the 5 that I can really remember at the top of my head, I’m sure there’s are many iconic ones but these are just my personal “couple goals” people
1. Roy Mustang and Riza Hawkeye from Fullmetal Alchemist/Fullmetal Alchemist Brother (manga, anime)
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Soulmates, More than Lovers
Yes, there is Edward and Winry and they’re great too but Roy and Riza, even when they weren’t officially canon? Oh wow, I absolutely idolised their dynamic growing up. They have to maintain a professional relationship as officer and superior but everyone can tell that they care so much about each other. It’s the trust between, it’s the way they understood each other so much and the faith they have of their partner’s competence. They bicker and annoy each other like old comrades but their bond goes beyond being brothers-in-arms, it’s the way they support each other knowing that they both wish for a world where no one has to go through what they did again. Riza believed in Roy not just because she cared about him but also because she truly believes in him making good on his word in building a better government, and Roy believed in Riza because of her integrity, that he knew she will never be swayed and keep him in track of his dream because that’s just the amazing person she was.
2. Sawako Kuronuma and Shota Kazehaya from Kimi ni Todoke (manga, anime, live-action film)
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Friends to Lovers
While romcoms aren’t really my thing, this series was my favorite romcom growing up that I still remember it pretty well after all these years. No hate to the other shoujo animes but Kazehaya was the greenest flag and I can’t be convinced otherwise. He was genuinely kind to everyone, didn’t believe in the crazy rumours and saw Sawako as the sweet person she was, and be that supporting friend to her even when he could tell he had feelings for her. Kazehaya had better emotional awareness and understood how he felt pretty early in the series but never pushed the topic on Sawako when she was still new to a lot of social experiences. Sawako was aware of all the support he has given her and in response, worked hard to make sure his efforts weren’t wasted. It was cute, supportive, and the results felt so deserved and not abrupt.
3. Takeru Takahashi and Hikari Yagami from Digimon (anime)
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Will they, won’t they, Childhood friends
I’ve been shipping even before I knew what shipping was. I didn’t know why I love them so much growing. Maybe because I really like the aesthetics, maybe because I’m a sucker for childhood friends, maybe because of all the connections of the crest of hope and light. I thought I grew out of this shipping phrase but nope! I went crazy over the crumbs we get from Digimon Tri. They are such a “Will they, won’t they” duo. I can see them work so well as friends as they do as a couple. They tease each other and are so comfortable together but they are always there for each other when either one of them goes through something.
4. Nomoto and Kasuga from She Loves to Cook, She Loves to Eat
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Neighbours to ???
This is a fairly new series in comparison to everything else on the list, but I do love the characters of this series. Not only are the main duo relatable as individuals, they found support in each other. This is a personal plus, but watching Nomoto learning she’s an ace lesbian growing these sweet, wholesome feelings for her neighbour makes the dynamic stand out to me more since this helps show to whatever naysayers that believes that the feeding food part of the story is a kink play of theirs. Like dudes…what? It’s really nice to watch two realistic individuals in a grounded relationship (whatever it is at this point), while going through some heavy topics about societal standards.
5. Seo Dan and Seung Jun from Crash Landing on You (Kdrama)
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Villainess x Conman
Seeing that Seo Dan was in the position to be the villainess because she was the second female lead and the male lead’s arranged fiance, everyone would think that she would be evil like all the other second leads in Kdramas, but NO! Seo Dan never outright harm the female lead but instead tried to spend time and win over the man that was her fiance. When she realized she couldn’t and her love is turning toxic, she chose not to continue the path of unrequited love and move on, even though it hurt her because she truly loved the male lead, her first love. Seung Jun was in a somewhat similar villain position being a close-hearted conman who’s not the type to stay for anyone. But he starts to fall for Seo Dan, and hated seeing her break because of a man who couldn’t see how amazing she was. This made me tear up to see that Seo Dan found someone that truly love her, and that Seung Jun found someone who he could truly cherish with all his heart. They got to be the realest and best versions of themselves with each other and were a couple that met the right person, there were just some mistakes to realize it.
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tender-rosiey · 2 years
Text
𝐓𝐑𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐖𝐀𝐈𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐖 | gojo x f!reader
| pt 2 | - | pt 3 | — [SERIES MASTERLIST]
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ᴀ/ɴ: by popular demand, a part two has been delivered and I am thinking of making a part three, but who knows; it does depend on y’all in the end <3 I had fun with this honestly 👁🫦👁
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safe to say, after your last interaction with gojo: the two of you didn’t talk. you were happy with that, so happy. you were finally freed from the shackles of that suffocating marriage, and you thank god that you didn’t go through with the ceremony.
your hand felt a lot lighter too. now, there was nothing holding you back from thriving and making the most out of everything. consequently, after multiple successful missions, the higher-ups have decided to assign you a mission that was rather high in level.
you had faith in yourself, considering the information provided about the curse. you were also told that you will be with multiple other sorcerers so things can go smoother. you didn’t object, considering how even if paired up with someone: it would never be gojo.
you were in kyoto, and with him being in tokyo, it was quite impossible. not to mention, that almost everyone knows the past you two have had.
the mission was going rather comfortably, and easily. the curse’s traces have been found and your group had followed it and found it. now, what’s left is to exorcise it. should be easy, right? you did read that its abilities can be nullified by yours and that overpowering it was guaranteed.
wrong, so wrong. those fuckers mixed up papers and now you were facing a curse that quite literally is your natural enemy. you were a nice person, never liking to cause people harm; however, considering your situation, no one would blame you for cursing those geezers to the moon and back.
holding onto the hope of help coming before you were dealt with was rather naïve in your line of work, though you only wish it will actually happen. as you run to take cover, you hear a loud gruesome screech and sounds of smashing and breaking. after that, your ears are met with nothing but silence.
“I never thought that you would be able to deal damage to that, since you are pretty weak and it’s your natural enemy and all, you know.”
of all people, the person you dreaded the most, someone whose voice became like chalk being dragged roughly across a board to you, and someone you have obviously come to hate.
“are you done with your inner monologue?” he rubs his neck, and cracks it, “egoistical people are so tiring, ugh.”
you mumble, “tell yourself that.”
“I heard that.”
“good, now out of my sight,” you stand up, completely forgetting why you were taking cover; you had rather—noticeable injuries. gojo eyed your figure up and down.
he takes a hold of your wrist, “you can’t move like that,” you quirk your eyebrow at him, and walk a few steps proving him wrong. “y/n, you know what I mean,” he sighs. for some reason, he can’t handle when you, out of everyone else who has given him attitude, do so.
he couldn’t blame you though, after his realization he stopped, neither of you were to blame for the engagement or planned marriage. both of you didn’t want it, yet he went on with being an asshole and hurt and disrespected you.
“leave me alone, gojo; i am sure someone else will come and help me like a gentleman,” you say leaning onto a wall.
the man in question just ruffles his hair, “well, too bad, sweetheart. I am the only person and gentleman you will be seeing for quite sometime,” he announces while leaning on the wall opposite to yours.
you slowly lift your head up, tilting to the side, “what do you mean?”
a grin makes into gojo’s face and he takes a few steps towards you before leaning down, “they told you that you were going to be partnered with someone for the upcoming 2 months, right?”
you refused to believe it, no way, absolutely no way, “OVER MY FUCKING DEAD BODY!”
“woah, calm down, sugar; it wasn’t my choice either,” he proclaimed, “its their way of saying: both of you should start getting along.”
you take a sharp breath in before letting it out, “with all the respect I can nitpick,”
“rude.”
“shut up; gojo, I can’t physically nor mentally work with you,” you conclude.
silence engulfs the atmosphere for a moment, “I figured as much, still hate me?”
“very much so.”
“lovely.”
he puts his hand on his chin, to emphasize that he is in his “thinking” state, which never ends well. “so how about—“
“no.”
“sweetie, didn’t anyone teach you to not interrupt someone when they are talking?” he asks and you only roll your eyes, letting him continue, “how about you let me make everything up to you now? for the two coming months, I will prove to you that I am worth your trust, sounds good?”
“suggestion denied.”
he huffs, “thought so,” a pout settles onto his glossy lips, wait glossy? moving on, he speaks again, with a rather more serious tone, “I know I was an asshole, a bitch, and frankly an awful man.”
“still could be, but okay.”
“can you just listen to me until the end?” he retorts and resumes “I want to make up for everything I have done; if I can’t make you at least like me as friend then I don’t want to be someone your unfiltered hatred is direct to.”
you wait a moment, in case he wants to say something, but when met with silence, you answer “why now? and do you think that money will just make all what happened disappear?”
he places his hand on your shoulder, “I am not trying to win you over by money or gifts; I never thought of you like that. I know you are more than I used to give you credit for. you are weak, but you try.”
you punch him in the stomach, and you find that his infinity isn’t on, but he doesn’t as much as flinch, “y/n, I don’t want to be the person that your eyes burn with hatred when they see them. if I can’t be someone who you can care about then let it be neutral.”
you cross your arms, “you didn’t answer my question: why now?”
he takes a deep breath, “I thought about everything that happened between us; I know you think that I never paid attention to you, but I did. to the point, I though I was going crazy. before you interrupt, yes I was seeing other women, but for some reason you still weren’t out of my mind.”
“liar,” you sneer, “you told me that I was the last thing on your mind. you always voiced it out too. stop lying, haven’t you done enough already?”
he sighs, hand making its way to your waist; he knows he is risking it, but his heart has decided for a while before his mind did: he wanted you. he hugs you, his touch barely there, “let me try at least; try waiting for me a bit. I swear that I will make it worth it.”
maybe yes, his mind was distracted, but at the end, the person who he kept thinking about in his dreams was you.
before you could protest and drop kick him like a child, he continues, “I know; I have been awful to you.” he pulls back and loudly says with his hand on his forehead, dramatic antics coming back “would you please grace me with your forgiveness and give me a chance to fix things, oh dear gorgeous y/n?”
his other hand is extended to you, you were contemplating whether to bite it or not, but you were thinking, maybe it won’t hurt to see what he will do. if no progress can be seen with him, then at least you would be spoiled, and who would say no that?
the moment your hand makes contact with his, he beams, before kissing it gently and running off like a child in a sugar rush, “wait when it strikes 4pm tomorrow! we have a long day!”
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taglist: @magenta-cat-drawingss @pompompurin1028 @scul-pted @dazaisdeathwish @requiem626k @nameless-shrimp @shinys-bsd-world-2 @sonder-paradise @ravenina14 @jessbeinme15s-notebook @todorokichills @ginneko @missrown @shrynkk @simplyxsinned @beautiful-is-boring @bakugossanity @izukus-gf @irethepotato @thekaylahub @luciferspen @fiona782 @kisakitwister
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copyright © 2020 tender-rosiey
do not copy or plagiarize or you will be reported
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aspoonofsugar · 5 months
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What do you think of the songs from RWBY volume 9?
Hi!
Sorry for the long wait and thank you for the patience <3
So, I love volume 9 soundtrack! It is wonderful musically-wise and I am very happy to see that Casey, just like Jeff, uses the songs to explore the characters' arcs. Volume 9 is really the return of character-driven songs and I am grateful for that!
Here is the list of some metas I have already written for some tracks:
Chatterbox (Neo + CC's song)
Worthy (BB's song)
Quiet (Jaune's song)
As for my favourites:
Guide My Way
Chatterbox/Quiet/Checkmate
Worthy
Trapdoor/Inside
The Edge
Guide My Way is one of my favourite RWBY songs ever, so let's analyze it a little!
GUIDE MY WAY
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The Red Like Roses trilogy explores Ruby's feelings over Summer, as she sings to her mother. In particular, the red like roses motif shows the layers and the evolution of Ruby's grief.
Initially, we are simply told that:
Red like roses fills my dreams and brings me to the place you rest.
Red roses remind Ruby of Summer Rose, so she goes to visit her grave:
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This is the premise of the Red Trailer, but no other indication is given. This fits Red Like Roses being about RWBY as a team, which mirrors Ruby's tendency to carry others' burdens and to repress her own.
However, Red Like Roses Part II reveals Ruby's reaction to Summer's disappearance is raw and complicated:
Both voices: It doesn't matter how The petals scatter now Every nightmare just discloses It's your blood that's red like roses Voice 1: And no matter what I do Nothing ever takes the place of you
It is Summer's blood, that's red like roses. So, Summer becomes linked to violence and death. However, Ruby refuses to face these dark emotions. It is this hidden trauma, which leads to Ruby's spiral and breakdown in volume 9. Here is where Guide My Way starts:
Saw you In a dream Are you who you seem? Was it always in the cards for me To be aimless? No direction, nothing pulling me down From the sky it seems like I always get too High Oh the air is cold, I don't know how to breathe I'm begging, can you Guide my way out Of this place?
Ruby is aimless and there is nothing pulling her down. This choice of words is interesting because they tie into the gravity imagery, which fills the Atlas Arc:
Keep dreaming 'bout a better world You keep wishing for some clarity Always hoping that a lightning bolt Is gonna save you from this gravity
Gravity is linked to limitations. It is something that chains and makes people fall. People like Ironwood, for example, who is crushed by this force together with his kingdom. And yet, Ruby is designed as a person able to defy gravity. As a matter of fact Petal Burst lets her basically move unbounded by the laws of physics:
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And yet, this freedom slowly becomes a burden. Ruby is never tied down by bad things. She can inspire everyone. She can guide everyone. She always flies higher than everyone. And yet, this in itself is a problem:
Past Ruby: That’s right! It’s up to you to make things better, isn’t it? Everything all depends on you! Your sister needs you, your friends need you, the whole world needs you to keep fighting, forever and ever, against an invincible monster that took your mother!
Ruby is so above everyone else that she finds herself lonely and lost:
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She drinks the tea and ends up in a strange dimension, where she has to choose alone who she is going to be. In this dream world, she meets the person who fills her dreams:
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Red like roses fills my dreams
Guide My Way is just a long monologue Ruby tells Summer. Basically a prayer:
Open wide You were born to hypnotize them all They said their prayers (Can you, can you) can you hear me up there?
Through this one-sided confrontation Ruby affirms herself as a person still strongly defined by her mother:
I can't define Would it even be enough to change my mind? Your memory ever-lasting at war with my foolish pride What is left? I know it's you and I, when I look inside
And yet, a different individual, as well:
I'll be who you were and I'll be even more
She is still incomplete:
Otherside, Did you mean to make me half or whole? Will I ever be (complete)? When will I become all of me?
And yet, she realizes Summer may not be complete herself:
What survives After all the dust has gone? Were you there till the end (the end)? Were you at least called a friend?
Ruby doubts her mother for the first time. Was she at least able to be herself until the end? Like Penny, who was at least called a friend? Or did Summer become her own antithesis?
Who is Summer Rose?
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A broken pedestal.
And who is Ruby Rose?
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A shattered mirror.
Or is she?
A moment of quiet is all it takes To reclaim a life and a promise made
Just like Jaune, Ruby only needs a moment of quiet to realize who she is supposed to become:
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I am the reflection of who prevails I'm what inspired the fairytale
Her own reflection prevails on Summer's one. In the beginning, Ruby wants to be like Summer, that she equals to the fairy tale heroes her mom reads her about:
Ruby: I love books. Yang used to read to me every night before bed. Stories of heroes and monsters… They're one of the reasons I want to be a Huntress!
Still, Ruby is the one who will make the fairty tale into reality:
Blake: The real world isn't the same as a fairy tale. Ruby: Well, that's why we're here! To make it better.
As a result, she doesn't need fairy tale heroes anymore. Rather, she is going to inspire fairy-tales. Actually, she has already inspired one:
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She inspires Little to grow into Somewhat. She helps a literally fairy-tale character. She is the childhood hero (Huntress) to Little. Just like Summer is Ruby's childhood hero:
Somewhat: You do feel… familiar. Like a happy dream I can’t remember.
Ruby is a happy dream Somewhat can't remember. Summer is a happy dream Ruby can't remember. This is why in Red Like Roses Part III there is simply:
Red like roses fills my dream
Red like roses here is not linked to death (it doesn't bring Ruby to the place Summer rests) or violence (it isn't Summer's blood that's red like roses). It is simply Summer's color, which fills Ruby's happy dreams. Even if she can barely remember Summer, she still loves her. Not as a hero, but as a mother:
Summer: I love you… just the way you are. Always…
At the same time, Ruby herself becomes someone else's dream. Specifically, she becomes the dream of her inner child (Little). She doesn't need to idealize Summer anymore because she is growing to be her own hero. She is going to take care of her inner child in Summer's place. This is what it means to become an adult.
This is what the refrain of the song hints at. It starts with Ruby begging Summer, but then it slowly changes through the song, until it reaches its powerful ending:
I'm begging, can you Guide my way out Of this place?
Guide my way out Of this place
Guide my way out Of this place (I can guide me, I can guide my way out) Guide my way out Of this place
Ruby herself can guide her way out.
OTHER SONGS
Here comes some quick miscellania thoughts on other tracks.
Chatterbox: I love how it plays when the Jabberwalker appears and it is impossible to understand who is singing. It is a beautiful nod to Carol's original non-sense poem and it ties with the CC and especially Neo's arc
Quiet: The sound of clocks, the reference to Pyrrha and the mention of a miracle as a nod to Jaune's allusion make it a fave. I also love it plays in one of my favourite scenes of the seasons.
Worthy: I like it musically and I love how it describes Blake and Yang's relationship through the metaphor of falling, which calls back to the episode Worthy itself.
Checkmate: It is one of my favourite musically, but I don't have much to say about its lyrics. I think it beautifully introduces the viewers to the season and it calls back to player and pieces in many ways. It also references the chess motif throughout the series.
Inside: I love how its lyrics reference the Blacksmith's speech about living with Balance and beautifully illustrate the theme of the season.
Trapdoor: I like it musically, but I have not much to say about its lyrics. I think it is kind of self-explanatory as a song.
The Edge: My least favourite track. It is good enough, but not my piece of cake.
Thank you for the ask and have a nice day!
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singsweetmelodies · 10 months
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hullo everyone 👋❤️ it's me again, hi, and i'm back with yet another too-long, probably too-sentimental post. this one is also about a f1 rpf milestone of mine, because of course it is, but this time it's about YOU as well.
allow me to set the scene a little first: a few weeks ago, i was double-checking the date on my first ever f1 rpf fic so i could make my sappy "i can't believe it's been a year you guys" post at the right time. i was going through my AO3 stats, and in so doing i happened to glance over at my little user subscriptions count - and proceeded to nearly fall out of my seat, because that counter was at 98. WHAT.
now, i'm not usually the kind of person who makes a big deal about amounts of followers, or whatnot. that's not really why i'm in fandom. but there is one exception, and that exception is: AO3 user subscriptions. because an AO3 user subscription is like... you're pretty much saying "i like this person's writing so much that i want to get a fucking EMAIL when they post a new work." to me, that's one of the biggest compliments ever. (maybe it's just because i personally am very stingy about my AO3 user subscriptions, lmao - i think i have about twelve, currently, if it's even that much. so the fact that 98 of you liked my writing enough to want that? and it's only barely been a year since i posted my first fic to this account? that blew my fucking mind, in the best way ever.)
i remember thinking to myself, "ohhh, if i get a few more in a couple of months' time, i need to do a phoebe and have some sort of a fic giveaway to celebrate the big 100 <333"
well, today i checked again, and there are a hundred and seven user subscriptions to my AO3. a hundred and seven. and THAT is just... well fuck me, i don't think i even have the words to express how much that means to me. over a hundred of you ACTUALLY LIKE MY WRITING THAT MUCH??? i can't quite reconcile it in my head, but... it means everything. it really does. i am so, so honoured - and also mildly teary-eyed, and definitely about to say a whole bunch of way-too-sappy things. this fandom is just so incredible, and supportive, and... AAAHHH, i love you all so so much. thank you so much for loving me back ❤️❤️❤️ unlike the monaco gp and charles SORRY, i had to do it. ouch. i had to 🥲🙈❤️
anyways! i did promise a fic giveaway, even if it was just to myself, so GIVEAWAY TIME IT IS!! you have all given me so much - endless support, smiles and love - so this is me officially opening up my writing folder to give something back to you, in turn ❤️
how this is going to work is:
step 1: you have to interact with this post in some way. (and by that i mean either reblog or comment, not just a like. it doesn't have to be a complicated comment or anything - just a ❤️, if you want. but just something so i know you're not a bot, lmao.) you have until Friday the 23rd of June - which is to say, 16 days from now. yes, sixteen. of COURSE. <3
step 2: i collect the names/URLs of everyone who interacted, and put them into a random name picker thingy. i will then use that to - randomly! - pick a P1, P2 and P3. (the emphasis on "random" is because I KNOW there are going to be some of my friends accusing me of fixing the results. I'M NOT GOING TO, GUYS. smh smh smh. it's going to be completely random, i swear it on my honour as a piarles shipper. 🙏)
step 3: PRIZES 😍🏆
for P1, what i'm offering is the following: an afternoon of unlimited access to the entirety of my WIP folder (including longfics, snippets, ideas and dreams and everything in various states of completion.) you then get to choose any WIP/snippet/idea you like the most, and i will write that in full and dedicate it to you. <3
for P2: also an afternoon of access to my WIPs folder, but excluding the longfic ideas - because i love you guys, i do, but i'm only human. i can't write all my longfic ideas at once, much as i wish i could 😅 bar longfics, though, everything else is on the table - you get to go through it all and pick whatever you like the most, and it'll be yours.
and for P3: pretty much the same as P2 - your choice of whichever of WIP idea (bar longfics) that you like the most, fully written and dedicated to you :D
why am i doing it like this and not offering a "prompt me whatever you'd like" type thing? well, if you really want, i can do that. the thing is just - i have way, WAY too many WIP ideas, and i'll probably never get to writing even a quarter of them if i don't give myself some form of accountability. and i feel pretty safe in saying i have enough WIP ideas that there's probably something in there for everyone. so it's a two birds one stone type of thing - a gift fic for you, and assurance that i will actually write at least some of my WIP ideas for me. (also idk about you, but i always adore hearing about other writers' ideas and seeing the ways their brains work 👀)
if you guys would prefer a prompt thing, though, then we can absolutely do it like that too! after all, at the end of the day, this is for you. i want you to like it, and think it's a cool idea, and celebrate this one with me <333
because this is, from the bottom of my heart, a thank you. thank you to each and every one of you who hit that "subscribe" button on AO3, and helped me reach a fandom milestone i didn't think i would achieve for a long while yet. thank you for the endless support and enthusiasm and love. thank you, thank you, thank you. and i love you all ❤️❤️❤️
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Are they on the Naughty List? Or have they’ve been good all year?Well that’s for you to decide.
Start:November 01
End: December 31
•+•
REQUEST RULES
⇀ONE PROMPT PER CHARACTER; meaning you can pick from an action prompt or a dialogue prompt, if you don’t want spicy then pick from the nice list ↼
⇀I will be posting the fandoms below that I will write for this event↼
⇀I have 61 days, so you’re welcome to request the same character for any prompt. ↼
⇀ when you send a request in please specify that it is for this event or else it won’t be part of the event and will instead be seen as a regular request and therefore won’t be posted in for Tis The Season ↼
⇀Green/Red means it is taken. ↼
Fandoms for Tis The Season 2022
Bridgerton
God of war
Call Of Duty
House Of Dragons { game of thrones }
Cyberpunk 2077
John Wick
Saiyuki
Naruto
Stranger Things { Season 3-4 }
The Quarry { or any of Supermassive game *1 character per game }
The Wolf Among Us
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Resident Evil
Assassins Creed
Ghost of Tsushima / Ghost of Tsushima Iki island
Far Cry 5/6/new Dawn
Vox.
Fruits Baskets
Bleach
Fma brotherhood
See a fandom you don’t like/see then send me a character for that fandom and I may write for them
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Naughty Dialogue Prompts:
1:“I’d like to be one of the unhealthy things you put inside your body this weekend.”-Ebenezer Scrooge
2:“You know, tying the legs together keeps everything moist.”-Phillip Graves
3:“You’ll want to loosen your belt long before dinner.”Karl Hisenburge
4:“I’m not much of a cook, but I’m good at glazing.”Alejandro Vargas
5:“I’m going to have you stuffed better than the turkey by the end of the night.”-Alex Keller {MW}
6:“The turkey’s not the only thing getting stuffed today.”-Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley
7:“Breasts/thighs are my favorite part to nibble on.”Johnny ‘Soap’MacTavish
8;“Save some of that whipped cream for later.”-John Price
9“I’m a master-baster.”
10: “I prefer cherry pie.” -Freyr (God of War)
11: “Let’s do something that puts us on the naughty list.”- Bigby Wolf { with Red Ridding hood wife }
Naughty Action Prompts
1. Kiss me under the mistletoe.-Rodolfo Parra
2.A naughty sleigh ride || Exhibitionism sex ||
4. I picked you for secret Santa but I wrapped the wrong box so now I’ve given you a very festive sex toy, and oh my god this is so embarrassing-Alejandro Vargas
5:Reader wearing nothing but a Santa hat-Nikolai {RE3}
6.Snow/temperature play-Bigby Wolf { with Witch!Reader}
7:Cabin sex-Alejandro Vargas
8. Bath{ warming up from the cold}-Johnny ‘Soap’MacTavish
9. we were going to a Christmas party but fuck if you don’t just look sinful in red, and you know what? Fuck that Christmas party- Tadashi
10.Nibbling on holiday treats-KK { Ghostwire: Tokyo }
11: we got a little too carried away with the Christmas lights, and now suddenly my hands are bound with the lights and oh my god are we about to have sex?-Ethan Winters
12: it’s holiday dinner with your family, and oh jesus where are your hands going? Alejandro Vargas
13:Wrapped in ribbon.-Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley
14: Santa Baby: reader has decided to dress as Mrs. Claus for a little more “adult” Christmas fun. Oh boy! - Akito { Ghostwire: Tokyo }
15: Christmas shenanigans under the tree, if you know what I mean.-Simon “Ghost” Riley {COD:MW2}
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Nice Dialogue Prompts:
1. “Alright, mister. I know you’re the one who keeps hanging up mistletoe everywhere.”-Bruno Madrigal
2. “Do you need help hanging up the Christmas lights?”John Price
3. “Will you make a gingerbread house with me?”- Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley
4. “Excuse me—where is my Christmas kiss?”Ezio
5. “I made you some hot cocoa.”- Genjo Sanzo
6. “It’s snowing!”-Cloud Strife
7. “You look even more beautiful covered in snow.”Naruto Uzamaki
8. “It’s time for hand turkey’s everyone.” “FUCK YES YES!” Johnny “Soap”MacTavish
9. “Thanksgiving is for giving thanks” “And for body slamming each other during the family football match!”
10. “I wish you the happiest of happy Christmases.”-Zoro { one piece }
11. “Did you decorate the tree without me? I can’t believe this!”-Ethan Winters
12. “Go on, open it.”-Travis Hackett
13. “Carmel apples, leaves falling down. What could better then November?” “I don’t know maybe fucking June?”-R.J. MacReady
14. “Would you like to put the star on the very top of the tree?”-Russel Adler
15. “Did you spike the eggnog again?”-Simon “Ghost” Riley
16. “I can’t believe you’re making snow angels at a time like this!”-Kyle "Gaz" Garrick
17. “HAPPY NOVEMBER!” “No one wishes anyone a happy November.” “Well I just did.”- Karl Heisenberg
18. “Merry Christmas, motherfuckers!”-Johnny “Soap”MacTavish
19. “I think you might have gone a little overboard with the food.” “There’s no such thing as overboard during Thanksgiving!” Kyo Sohma
20. “I can’t believe you did that to Santa…”- Dad!Aizen
21: “How many candy canes have you eaten?”John Price
Nice Action Prompts:
1: The scent of real Christmas trees.-Freyr (God of War)?
2:Baking holiday cookies.- Ebenezer Scrooge
3:Peppermint-flavoured everything-Modern{ Prince!} Jin Sakai
4:Watching the snowfall from inside a cosy house-Damon Salvatore
5:Walking in the dark to see festive light displays-Alex { COD:MW }
6:Wrapping up in soft cosy blankets-Simon “Ghost” Riley {COD:MW2}
7:Snow Ball Fight- Alejandro Vargas
8:one lending the other their coat/scarf/hat to keep them warm.Sauske
9: building a snowman! Yuki Sohma
10:Hanging Stockings-Ebenezer Scrooge
11: Handing their S/O a positive pregnancy test with a sprig of holly and a note reading ‘Merry Christmas’.Jackie Welles
12: Falling asleep in front of the fire whilst their S/O is playing them ‘dance of the sugar plum fairy’ on piano. They pull a blanket over them and curl up beside them.-Rodolfo Parra
13:Ice Skating-Ichigo
14: Snowman competition, the judges are a bunch of five year old kids.- Bigby Wolf { x RedRidding Hood!Reader }
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thesmokingguns · 1 year
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Picking Peach Chapter One
Warning: Minors DNI 18+ does have a small oral sex scene, talks of age gap, mental health, cheating
Word Count: 6470
A/N: Sorry this is so long. Part one is here and I plan on writing more of this this weekend. I hope you all like it <3
July 16, 2021
Ben POV
Peach? Who was this Peach everyone was posting pictures of and wishing a happy birthday to? All these pictures of a pretty blonde with a smile on her face that could solve all the problems of the world. She was gorgeous and that was putting it lightly. She seemed to know everyone but why didn’t I know her?
There were pictures of her out, never a drink in hand but always in some shade of pink like she was a young Anna Nicole Smith. She seemed younger than 27, but that was what everyone was wishing her. A happy 27th. 13 years younger than me. Lucky 13. Her arms around Instagram models and her arms around rockstars. And her lips on…Nikki SIxx? Well… that didn’t seem to fit.
A quick follow on Instagram before some  more web sleuthing and it turns out she had been with him for nearly a decade. The age difference of thirty six years made me blow out a breath. Even in Gold Diggers the age difference hadn’t been that big. This was a lifetime. 
But the way she looked up at him and how he looked at her…he knew that he had something in her. Lucky old man. 
Still…
‘Happy Birthday “Peach”. Surely that can’t be your real name?’ 
I sent the Instagram DM, looking around the airport like someone would know I had flirted with someone else's girlfriend. Was I flirting? Maybe.
My heart leapt when I saw that she added me back, a quick red heart from liking my message showed up and my pulse quickened as I waited, watching her type and then ‘Thank you. Haha. Nikki called me Peach years ago and it just stuck.’
No name. Nothing and for some reason I hated the idea of calling her Peach. I needed to know her real name.
‘But if you promise not to tell a soul…Sasha Jade.’
I smirked at this, licking his lips as he tasted the smile on my face. My  fingers typing out a new message to her. I just needed more, this magnet pulling me towards her for some reason as I waited for my flight back to LA
‘I’ll take it to the grave. Happy Birthday, Sasha Jade.’
She didn’t respond, just liked the message but it was enough for me now.
Peach POV
My real name. What a curious thing to ask for. I sat back, smirking at the idea of someone in the world knowing me by my name and not a nickname that Nikki had given to me years ago and I had got stuck with. How curious Ben Barnes was. This handsome British actor I vaguely knew about. Very handsome. Very good looking. Not young young but young enough that Peach was interested.
“You’re smiling at your phone, birthday girl.” Nikki’s hands were on my shoulders as he leaned in kissing my cheek. My hands went over his hand as I closed my phone not needing him to squint over my shoulder at what I was doing.
I was so tired lately.
“Mhh, Sami was texting me about LA being too crowded. She is buying a house in Colorado so she can survive the zombie apocalypse she is sure is coming any day now.” he laughed into my ear and i forgot all about that man sliding into my DM, turning to wrap my arms around Nikki, feeling his lips on mine as he kissed me. 
It was nice being home. 
The pandemic last year had been a difference in our lives. Before the pandemic we would travel and get to see the world together. But being forced to stay still as the world went to hell changed us. Nikki was looking for things to do and my anxiety got out of hand. I was so nervous doom scrolling the news that I had to go to a new therapist and NIkki insisted that I do an inpatient at a private hospital for a week until I calmed down. 
It wasn't the first time Nikki had guided me like this. Sometimes my feelings were too much and he needed me to take a break. But sometimes it made me afraid thinking when I would feel too much again. 
“I might go lay down for a bit.” Nikki was pulling away, frowning at me as I said this and I wondered what I had said that was wrong
“Really, Peach?” I blinked, confused as I saw the way his face darkened, “You know I’ve been working on my book. I took today off for your birthday and you just want to sleep?” he scoffed as I stood up, wrapping my arms around myself as I watched him walk away from me, having to chase after him. 
It was always me running after him.
“Nikki, please. What do you want to-”
“I’m going to write Peach. Enjoy your nap.” his office door shut as I frowned, pressing my hands to my eyes as I thought about screaming. 
Everyone thought I got everything I wanted but all I got was locked doors and the taste of my own tears. It was nine years with Nikki this coming September and yet instead of being solid I felt shakier than ever. 
He would be touring again and I felt sick at the thought; when I was 21 Nikki toured in 2015. I was finishing up school and couldn’t come with him but it was when Instagram was big, so I saw the pictures of him cheating on me online. It was the first time my emotions got too big for Nikki and he found me a pretty little place to stay in Malibu where they kept me calm and I talked about how I could be better. 
I forgave him. Of course I did. He had taken care of me and I was young, and thought it was my fault for not being there. I took the blame for his faults. 
But now…thinking of the tour he was going on again…I was sick. 
Pulling the blanket over my head I breathed in and out, pulling out my phone and feeling my cheeks pink as I reached for my airpods, pressing them in as I started scrolling through Instagram. 
Why had Ben Barnes DM’d me?
Mutual people we followed. Posts he might have seen. And- Oh…a like on a picture from 2015. What a finger slip. I smirked as I slid back to my DM’s, glad he was looking at my pictures so I didn’t make this awkward.
‘Deep Diving, I see. Anything you’re looking for?’
Ben POV
Fucking bloody hell. 
I had been jostled on the plane and my damned finger hit a photo, liking it. And not even ten seconds later there was a message from Sasha showing up to show that this was not going unnoticed and she knew I was looking at all her photos.
‘I am thoroughly embarrassed. And to be caught so soon… Aren’t you celebrating your birthday?’ 
Downside was that I looked like a crazy person liking old posts but the plus side was that she was talking to me. 
‘To overshare I’m having a Lesley Gore sort of birthday.’
My frown settled on my face. That wasn’t a very good birthday. I looked around, thankful for the privacy of first class as I held up my phone, singing into it. She deserved a Happy Birthday song sung to her. I wasn’t going to overthink it, just sing ‘Happy Birthday to Sasha’ and sending the voice memo.
This was overstepping a line. But she looked gorgeous in her pictures and I was curious as to why this beautiful girl was with an old man…
Shit.
Shit. What happens if he is with her and hears me singing happy birthday to his girl? What was I thinking? Why can’t I resist a pretty face why could I-
‘You’re an angel, Ben Barnes.’
An angel.
I smirked, tasting the smile on my lips again as I eased back in my seat and started sending more messages to her, wanting to hear all about her. I could only learn so much from pictures. What I hadn’t expected was the flight from New York to LA to be filled with learning about her, sharing stories as fast as our fingers could type.  We exchanged selfies, mine on the plane, pillow around my neck and her in bed, an oversized hoodie on and just pretty eyes poking out for me to see. 
She should be dancing for her birthday, enjoying the day and seeing her alone in bed as she deflected saying that she didn’t want to go out made me think there was a lot I didn’t know, a lot to learn about Sasha. 
But I felt like we were friends now, so that was a huge step in a short time. I just had a feeling we were destined to be more than that.
Especially when she gave me her number and the invitation to let her know when I got home safe.
Nikki POV
Looking up I realized my office was bathed in darkness. My neck heart from typing and I pulled off my glasses, rubbing the bridge of  my nose, realizing that I had spent the better part of the day holed up in here writing. I had gotten a ton done but I was shocked that Peach hadn’t snuck in, looking for attention. Especially since it was her birthday.
Her birthday which she had chosen to spend alone.
Peach had been sad lately. The type of sad that sometimes called for trips to the doctors to make her feel better. Poor Peach. My sweet broken girl who needed help putting a smile on her face.
I hadn’t even given her the gifts I had gotten for her. 
Pushing up from the chair I stretched, feeling the kinks in my back as I moved my body, stretching as I grabbed the bags from the closet, shuffling upstairs. I expected to hear quiet but instead I heard soft laughter and the sound of the TV on. My eyebrows furrowed together as I saw Peach, smiling as she watched something on TV, her phone to her ear as she laughed again, a smile on her face that I had forgotten she had. 
Her eyes landed on me and I watched it crumble. Her hand going to the remote to pause the show, some Game of Thrones looking thing. 
“I..I’m sorry I have to go. Thank you for calling and letting me know you were safe. And thank you for the Happy Birthday…it was…thank you. Bye-Bye.” she hung up, tucking her phone under her as she looked at me, all big eyes and pretty pout as she crawled over the bed, making that oversized hoodie she was wearing look more like lingerie than anything else. “I gave you lots of time to work on your book. Are you happy with me, daddy?” I groaned as I set her presents on the bed, taking Peach in my arms and kissing her deeply. 
She roped her arms around me, pulling me against her as I laid her down on the bed, wanting to make up for ignoring her. I Wanted her to know that I was sorry. Wanting to-
“Can I open my presents?” she was biting her lip, giving me that spoiled little smirk of hers and I knew I couldn’t say now. She was delighted as she dove in. tearing packaging off designer packages and clapping her hands with delight. 
I loved watching Peach be spoiled.
“Nikki!” She threw herself in my arms kissing me all over as I held her. Breathing her in, “Thank you.” Her voice was muffled against my chest, her eyes on me sparkling as I sighed, hands tangling with her hair, drawing her in and kissing her forehead.
My sweet Peach.
This book had be remembering moments of my life that I had wanted to forget, putting me in a state of constant go, trying to move away from the bad. Poor Peach was getting caught up in the running, reaching out to me as I swatted her away. 
But I am here with her now.
“Let me take you out, Peach. For your birthday, please?” We could still have dinner. I could save this. I could make this better. She looked at me, nodding her head. A sigh of relief leaving my lips as she scared away to her closet and I plopped down on the bed. 
Her work cell phone came out from under her pillow and my eyebrows furrowed. Peach’s main cell phone was on my plan and she barely ever used her ‘LA phone’ as she called it. My eyes glanced at the closet where I could hear her bustling around and licking the corner of my lips as I picked it up. Shocked when I saw that it was locked. 
“Peach? Were you working?” I heard the stillness as she poked her head out of the closet, looking at me with a smirk on her face.
“I’m always working.” she teased. “Give me five minutes and I should be done.” she was ducking back inside her closet as I locked at the locked phone again, feeling like something wasn’t quite right with all of this. 
Would Peach lie to me?
“We’re still going to LA in October for your book launch?” she asked a moment later stepping out of the closet. It took Peach less than five minutes and she looked like a goddess, making me forget all the curiosity as I lost myself in her beauty.
She was in a pink dress, see through on her stomach with feathers over her breasts, it was short with her legs shimmering with freshly applied lotion I wanted to  kiss off and high heels. Her blonde hair was down as she tilted her head putting in crystal big earrings. She had managed to do her makeup, simple but showing off my beautiful girl.
Sometimes it felt like beauty and the beast with her.
“Yeah, did you still want to come?” I asked as she made her way over to me, sitting down on my knee as she pulled at the lapels of my blazer, that smirk of hers driving me crazy as I breathed in the thickness of her perfume.
“I want to go everywhere with you, daddy.” She teased, leaving pink lipstick against my lips as she kissed me, slow and sensual. So unlike the hot and heavy kisses Peach and I usually shared as she slowed things down.
My hands rub her, wanting her as she smirks against my lips pulling away as I groan, reaching for her and pulling her back to me. She wasn’t going anywhere and she knew that. 
I needed her and when I needed Peach that’s all I could think of.
…..
September 2021
Peach laughed as she looked at Ben. He threw his hands up at her, joining in with her laughter as she tucked a strand behind her ear. They had started in DM’s around Peach’s birthday, switching to text shortly after, then phone calls and now were in the Facetime era or their friendship. Some (Ben) would declare they were best friends and tease her about how he would get bracelets made for them. BUt it was true. They would Facetime for hours each day as the other just existed. Sharing space with each other, wanting to just be in the presence of each other.
Like now.
Ben was driving to the grocery store, a mundane task, and singing along to whatever was on the radio. His latest rendition of Single ladies having her laughing as she sat outside, knowing Nikki wouldn’t hear her since he was recording his audiobook in the cabin on the other side of the property. It was too loud in the kitchen since renovations were being made after Peach had accidently set it on fire the week before.
As she tucked her hair Ben caught sight of the bandages and remembered the frantic call she had given him. She was crying, unsure what to do. He had walked her through putting out the fire, trying to get her to stop crying before asking where Nikki was. It was the first time he had said the man's name out loud and it hurt worse when he had to tell Peach to go to him because he was sure she had gotten hurt enough that she needed to go to the hospital to treat her burns.
“Are you okay?” he asked her and she nodded her head, feeling stupid for what happened the week prior. No one was mad at her but she had managed to scare everyone with her carelessness. “Are you still coming to LA next month?” She nodded her head, reaching for her water to take a long drink. 
She was trying to ignore this conversation but he wasn’t going to allow her to pretend like this couldn’t change their lives. Ben was no fool and very aware that he wanted to meet her in person.
But he knew it would change everything, just like Peach did.
“We can’t meet. You know that and please don’t make me say why.” Ben wanted to hear her say why. Wanted to know that he wasn’t crazy and that she was feeling it too. That this could happen if she opened up about it, “Plus Nikki’s keeping me on a short leash. He wants me to go on the whole tour and I just don’t want to be traveling like that.” Ben was surprised she was talking about Nikki in a negative way.
Sometimes she would let out tidbits of her unhappiness but to say she was on a short leash and give him more clarity shocked him. 
“You get motion sick. Not a great thing in a tour bus.” Peach blinked, surprised that he remembered that and grateful that when she spoke someone listened to her. “Maybe you need to break the leash. Stay in your condo. Oh, about that. I went over and checked the place for you. I picked up the keys. You said you were just changing the locks but I wanted to be thorough.” Two people other than Peach knew about the condo she had in LA. Her best friend Sammie and now Ben. 
She had always kept it separate not wanting NIkki to get ideas about her real estate and try to take over. Since her and Nikki did keep some finances separate she never thought of it as a lie. 
“Thank you for doing that, you’re the best Ben Barnes.” He smiled at her, posing so she would laugh again, “Are you going to Trader Joes? That’s no fair!” He knew she always craved things from the store and planned to stock her condo for when she came to LA in a couple weeks. He wanted her to be able to use this trip to realize that she didn’t have to stay in Wyoming, like a princess stuck in a tower. 
Sasha had options.
“Just move to LA and you can come shopping with me. I’ll even let you push the trolley.” She laughed at him and he knew he had used a word wrong, “What? What did i-”
“Are you on the phone with Sammie?” Peach ripped out the headphones, Ben watching the color drain from her face as she hung up with him, “On your work phone? What’s wrong with your regular phone? Did you smash the screen in a tantrum again?” He was teasing her and Peach had to put on her good girl face.
“You have time for me now, Daddy?” Her hands were out, pulling Nikki down on the couch, running her fingers through his hair as he made a soft hmm sound of content with her arms around him. 
Peach softened at this, some of her doubts melting away as she felt him. Nikki was exhausted and she felt bad knowing he was trying to use the rest of his life to make all his dreams come true, to leave a legacy. BUt sometimes she felt like there wasn’t enough room for his dreams and to love her. 
“Nik?” he made a hmm sound in response, “Do you love me?” He chuckled at this, turning to look up at her, his eyes on Peach who he could see was spiraling lately. Peach who got trapped in her head and made things worse than what they were. His sweet Peach girl looked at him and seemed so desperate as she asked him if he loved her and she meant it, she looked like she didn’t know. 
“Peach, you’re my everything.” He said with a sigh, pulling up her shirt and kissing her stomach, “You’re the love that makes it all worth it.” he was closing his eyes as he kissed her soft stomach again.
She was laying on the couch, worried that it wasn’t enough.
October 2021 
October came and Nikki looked at Peach with her several suitcases she was wheeling like this wasn’t an insane amount of shit to bring for a week trip to LA. He wanted to make a comment about how she was over packing but Peach had been in a weird mood for months and claimed it was work related. 
She was working more. Nikki couldn’t deny that. Her work phone forever in her hands as she typed away. She was doing more brand deals too and he knew she had several projects she was working on when they were in LA. It was one of the first trips that they were going on that had them both planning different things. On one hand Nikki was thankful he wouldn’t have to deal with his pouty princess but on the other hand he was worried that she was overworking herself and would have a breakdown.
“Peach, it’s like you’re moving out.” She looked up at him, a flash of emotion that made his stomach knot on her face before it was masked over and she laughed at him, leaning in to kiss him.
“With the tour coming up I want to make sure I have enough stuff to pack since we’re leaving from LA. Plus cleaning out my closet at home means you can buy me new pretty things.” she teased him.
But Peach had already planned to have six of the bags delivered to her condo in LA that she kept separate from Nikki. She had been using it as additional income as a rental but her tenant had left at the end of August and Peach planned to fix it up a bit. Things weren’t going right and she believed in having an escape plan in all situations. 
Nikki treated Peach like a spoiled child but at the end of the day she was worth a few million and had a steady income from her online involvement along with her counseling work she did at a law firm. Which she was going to extend while in LA to see if she could build her worth in case she needed to have more cash on hand. Peach wasn’t stuck in Neverland, the Peter Pan fantasy that she was sure that Nikki had managed to get stuck in at one point. She was growing up and out of being Peach, especially with Nikki not having the time or patience with her anymore. 
Peach had a rough life and she never wanted to be as unprepared as she was as a teenager. She harbored a lot of fear of having everything go to hell like it had then and promised herself that she would always land on her feet.
And there was also the Ben situation. Ben who claimed to be her best friend and knew more about her than Nikki did at this point. Ben who left her voice messages of songs he was working on that made her shiver. Ben who had laughed when she told him it was 11:11 to make a wish and yet texted her every 11:11 he was awake for, letting her know he was making wishes. Ben who made Peach feel like herself and not something Nikki had created.
They had managed to stay friends. Just friends because they had never met but now Peach was on a flight to LA and her heart was in her throat as she thought about Ben who she had told more than she should have about Nikki. Ben who had told her she would need to make a decision one day and he would support her either way. Ben who had just left her a voice message as she sat next to Nikki on the plane.
‘Sasha, your fact of the day is about the Horned lizard. The scientific name is Phrynosoma, which I used google to learn how to say . The Horned lizard can shoot blood out of its eyes, up to three feet away. This rather disgusting act is used as a defense and to confuse predators away. Ta-ta now darling. Safe travels.’ 
Peach kept her face straight, glancing over at Nikki who was typing out messages to people he would visit in LA, getting all the time in with friends he had made along the way. There would be dinners she would need to sit through and places she would smile and get her picture taken at. Nikki claimed he hated LA, talked about what a rat race it was but at the same time when he was there he lived a life he was excited about and Peach could always feel the difference in his moods. 
His hand landed on her thigh and she looked at his fingers, worn and tattooed. No ring on his finger. Peach sighed, her hand going over his as she laid her head against Nikki’s shoulder, loving when he remembered she was there and wishing she wasn’t always so desperate to have his attention.
“I have some surprises for you in LA, Peaches and cream. You’ve been such a good girl about being patient with this whole process. I couldn’t have done it without you. And it’s overdue that you get a little spoiled, right?” he teased her gently as she turned her head, burying herself in Nikki’s chest. 
Peach felt guilty. Guilty that she had a friend who made her smile, who she turned to because he always had time for her. Made sure of that. And yet he wasn’t next to her right now. No, she was with Nikki. The love of her life and Peach hated worrying about if that was true. Was he the love of her life? Because she often felt like she wasn’t his. 
Horned lizards shoot blood out of their eyes but Peach’s just cry.
NIKKI POV
It had been crazier than I had expected in LA. Peach had been less of a pouty brat than I expected and more of a shadow of a person. But I could see it on her face tonight that she was ready to rumble.
“We have two nights left in LA, Nik. And I haven’t seen you at all. Not one dinner. Not one date. Nothing and…what is that?” her head tilted to the side as she looked at the envelope I had in my hand, waving at her in a teasing manner. “Nikki! What is it?” She was dancing around me, her silk robe fanning out as I held it over my head, watching her smile as she wrapped her arms around me, kissing me on the chin to soften me.
“It’s a surprise. We’re going to a show tonight that's more jazz sort of lounge music. And I’m taking you out for dinner to have some one on one time with you.” I leaned in, kissing her as she squealed delighted as she pulled me in, long kisses as I let my hands roam despite knowing we didn’t have the time. I could make time for this. “Show daddy how happy you are with him, Peach.”
She looked at me, trying to hide her shock with a smile as she pressed down into the floor of our bedroom. Hands coming up to undo my jeans as her eyes glanced down at my cock, stroking me as I reached out, hand tangling with her hair. The way she gasped, my tip pushing into her lips catching her off guard.
Perfect.
Peach sucked me, hard as she stroked my shaft, using her lips as she moaned around me letting her tongue roll around my cock as she whimpered around me. She was Pulling off me with a pop, eyes up as she looked at me, stroking me with her lips still plump.
“Lay down, daddy. I want to sit on your face while I suck your cock.” Of course she wanted me to please her too.
I held her thighs, pushing her apart as my tongue slid into her, feeling her moans around my shaft as she choked sliding down me a little further. It had been too long since she had wanted to climb on my face like this and I realized just how starved I was for it. My fingers pressing into her weeping hole as she cried out. 
I knew Peach’s body like no other. I could do things to her that she had only experienced with me. I loved how she trembled on me, throwing herself into swallowing the spit and precum as she tried to go deeper and deeper around me. So needy.
“Daddy,” she gagged around me as she shook out, swallowing loads of cum i was depositing into her mouth. Her own body propped up by my hands as she came against my tongue, giving herself up to me. 
Peach crawled over, laying against my chest as she had her eyes half closed, ready to take her nap after exhausting herself.
“Tonight is a date night, Peach. No work phone.” she tensed in my arms for a second before nodding her head, pushing off the bed as she stood up, picking up her phone, hesitating for a second before turning it off and putting it in the bedside drawer.
“I’m all yours, NIk. Come shower with me.” her hands were held out and her pout was welcoming me in. 
My sweet Peach. I was going to make sure I took time for moments like this more. I hadn’t been the man my girl needed and I needed to fix that.
One surprise ata  time.
Peach POV
Ben was staring at me. That sneaky British fucker who looked so good in a suit that my mouth watered like I was hungry. His eyes were locked on mine as he sipped his scotch and he didn’t have the grace to look away. Nikki was on my arm, holding a bottle of water as I held my purse with two hands to keep them busy, wondering why out of all the shows Nikki wanted to go to we ended up here.
He was walking towards us? Eyes eating me up as I wished he didn’t look at me like that. Giving me knots in my stomach as I thought of how I should have never started talking to him.
“Great show man.” Ben smirked at Nikki, taking his eyes off of me as I melted in place, wishing Nikki had not insisted on coming backstage. “I’m Nikki. This is my girl P-”
“Sasha Jade.” I looked up, wide eyed as I heard my name spoken for what seemed like the first time in a decade. He smirked at me, leaning in and kissing my cheek, the bristle of his beard as we breathed each other in. Ben shifted to kiss my other cheek, so close that his lips just brushed over mine as he turned his head and I caught his eyes knowing it was done on purpose.
My head reached out for his bicep to steady myself as I thought about how incredibly small this room was and how I was ready to faint.
Nikki was there though and I let go of Ben as he pulled up, eyes giving me all the emotion I needed to see to know that this was a situation I didn’t need to be in with Nikki. He was already looking at Ben, trying to make sense of what he had just called me and how he knew me. 
“I followed Sasha on Instagram a whole or so ago. I didn’t think Peach was her real name.” He looked from me up to Nikki and I wanted to leave. Very badly. The guilt I felt for Dming with him for the past few months was bubbling in my stomach and I felt like I was going to puke. 
Nikki was pushing him into conversation, telling him a story about how he had played the Troubadour a million times and talking all about the 80’s and his glory days. Because of course that’s what he talked about when my feet ached in the heels and I was dying of thirst.
Ben kept eye contact with Nikki as he stepped toward the bar, grabbing a water and a barstool, pulling them back and handing me a drink as he nodded, keeping conversation with Nikki still. He held out a hand as he steadied the stool with his leg and helped me up on it, eyes still on Nikki as he listened to the story he was being told.
“Thank you.” I said softly, sipping my water as I finally rested my feet. I was exhausted, emotionally drained and wanted to scream.
“Did you already eat? I was headed back to my place soon and-“
“We ate already.” Nikki was short with him as Ben nodded his head, shaking Nikki’s hand and smiling at him. He knew that the time between them was done and anything extra would let him know to much. 
Was there too much?
“Thanks for coming to the show.” Ben was so short with him and then he turned to me, eyes sparkling as I felt myself want to shake my head. But he was smart, “Goodnight, Sasha.” I only could wave a few fingers as he walked away.
What. The. Fuck.
“Everyone follows you, Peach. It was strange hearing him use your name.” Nikki was oblivious to the puddle I was in and I was thankful for that small miracle. Finally willing myself to stand up, grabbing Nikki’s arm.
“I’m exhausted, Nik. And I have an early shoot time.” He nodded, at least understanding that I had to work. 
I wasn’t going to talk to Ben again. I needed to stop this because seeing him in person made my crush that much worse. But as I laid in bed listening to Nikki snore beside me I felt myself reaching for my phone, wishing to see a message from Ben, disappointed when I didn’t. 
And that disappointment scared me.
Ben POV
The show had left me on a high where I couldn’t sleep. Even after staying until the venue had kicked us all out I had managed to push through and stay up until the twilight hours. Maybe I couldn’t sleep because I was thinking about Sasha, wishing she would text me first so I didn’t come off as too pushy.
She had looked…phh..
Exquisite.
I couldn’t stop thinking of her. The sheer black gloves, that silk dress hugging her body. All black like a midnight sky and she was the moon, lighting up the room. I had caught sight of her when I was singing, eyes meeting hers as I sang 11:11 for the person it was written for, watching her painted red mouth gasp and oh what a dream come true it had been, until I realized the nightmare that was beside her.
She had told me about him, careful words but when we video chatted her eyes would drift to the side, sad and sullen before she wanted to change the subject. There was something about him that gave off dirty old man vibes and I wondered why she was with him.But she loved him and I think part of her knew she always would. Sasha was growing, learning and I hoped she would soon realize that you can hold onto a love story even after it ends. 
We were friends but today, touching her and breathing her in. The way we looked at each other made it very, very clear what a terrible ruse this friendship was. This was a friendship where we pined for each other but I wouldn’t push her. No, if I pushed she would pull away.
‘You’re amazing. I don’t tell you that enough. You amazing, talented, handsome man. XXOO SJ’
Smiling at my phone like a fool. I wondered if she was in bed with him and my mood darkened as I put my phone down, turned away as i undid the button on my shirt and poured myself a drink. Looking out at LA I thought about the girl I knew I was going to fall in love with, very aware that she wasn’t ready for it. 
I closed my eyes, head tilting back as I pinched the bridge of my nose and thought about what I was going to do. I didn’t want to be just her friend but if that was all I could get would it be torture or could I make it enough? Was I not understanding her side of the situation as much?
I couldn’t quit her cold turkey and knowing how unhappy she was, how could I let her sit there, waiting for me to respond and get nothing back. I had to put my feelings aside and think of her. Someone had to think of her.
‘You’re exquisite. Getting to sing to you in a crowd of people, it was my dream come true. Sleep well, darling XX BB’
I hope as she read that she knew that she was my dream and that I was never going to stop chasing her.
It was a new day, the sunlight was rising over LA as I pulled my phone from my pocket holding it up to my mouth to leave her a voice message. 
‘The fact of the day, darling, is you’re the most ravishing girl I have ever seen. So blinded by your glow that I can’t close my eyes without seeing twinkling stars in your smile. I hope you’re sleeping, Sasha. I hope you only have swirls of good dreams dancing through your head. And if you wake up to this, Good morning and what a wonderful day I wish for you’
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masn-mount · 2 years
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I’m going to request a part 3 to golden boy, where they have their first argument….maybe they’ve gone out to a club and some girl has come onto mason but mason is too polite but upsets you by accident…I honestly love your writing so much it brings me so much joy s thank you for that 💙
thank you so much anon 💙 and thank you for your request, I hope you love it, like always let me know what you think! xx
golden boy part one and two (you don't have to read them to read this)
masterlist
warnings: not proofread
words: 3,4k
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gif credit movnt
You would say you were self-confident when it came to your relationship with Mason. He had never given you any reason to not trust him but you would be lying if you said you didn’t falter when you saw some of the women who would approach him and openly flirt with him on a daily basis. You wouldn’t neccessarily call yourself a jealous person, you had never been in your past relationships but you couldn’t help but feel the jealousy bubble up inside of you at the scene before you.
You were sat in a private booth in some club in London after a big win that the Chelsea boys wanted to celebrate. You weren’t enjoying the music or the bright lights and you could feel a headache approach further confirming that you really didn’t want to be there. You hadn’t felt up for going out tonight, your mind had been set on staying in with Mason and a Netflix documentary as you let him talk about the game while you sat and complimented him on his goal and how well he had played. You didn't say no because Mason had been excited about going out with his teammates and you didn't want to ruin that excitement.
You were sitting between Timo and Kai’s girlfriends who both had all their boyfriend’s attention strictly on them unlike yourself and in that moment you wish you would have stayed back at Mason’s even if it meant spending the evening alone. 
Your annoyance and slight jealousy had started at the game hours prior when all you could hear behind you were cheers of Mason’s name from three girls you had never seen or heard of before. Your friend Jasmine who was at the game with you had turned around towards them and then to you with raised eyebrows and you had to stop her from telling them to be quiet. You didn’t want to think too much of it, maybe they were just fans but when the game was over and Mason had barely exchanged three words with you as he was too busy talking to and taking pictures with those same girls you felt a little uneasy. 
You tried to ignore it and not make a big deal out of it because you didn’t want to seem clingy and like you were against Mason having female friends so once you both got back to Mason’s home everything seemed to be back to normal as you both got ready together. You wish you had been honest and talked to him about it before because as you sat at the bar with Sophia all you could think about was Mason who was standing a little further away with some of his friends and those same girls you saw at the game.
“You okay?” Sophia’s voice interrupted your thoughts.
“Yeah, yeah I’m good” you smiled at her but you know she could tell it wasn’t genuine.
“Are you and Mason okay? I’ve barely seen him all night. Who even are those girls?” You know the questions from her were innocent but you felt your whole face heat up at her words.
“Mhmm, we’re fine he’s just busy pleasing everyone else.” One of your favorite qualities of Mason’s is how kind he is. It was something you learned about him the very first night you met him at Ben’s party. He was always nice and tried to please everyone and you never minded it when it was to his family, friends or fans but you did mind it when it came to people who only cared about his last name and credit card.
“Speaking of the devil.” Sophia muttered before getting up from her spot next to you with a wave to Mason and just a second later you felt Mason’s lips on the back of your head and his hands on your bare shoulders.
“Hi. You want a drink, baby?”
“I’m driving Mason, you know that.”
“Water then?” you just shook your head, “okay. I’m getting drinks for the others.” You just scoffed which caused Mason’s wandering hands to stop as they came to rest on your hips. “Is there something wrong?”
“Who are the others?”
“Nathan and the rest of the team.” You turned on your stool so you could look at him and it took everything in you to not lean up and kiss him in that moment because he looked so handsome. His eyes were a little glossy and his lips pinker than usual and even if it was dark you could tell his nose had gotten red.
“What about those girls?” You could tell Mason wasn’t expecting that question by the frown on his face which was no doubt matching the one on yours.
“Hey, what’s with this frown, pretty girl?”
“You’ve spent one second with me tonight. You’ve barely even looked at me until right now.” Mason would normally never be able to keep his hands off of you, it didn’t matter if you were with friends or family but tonight he had not even told you that you looked good. “I don’t need you to be glued to my hip all night, Mason but I barely even know the other girls. They’re all lovely but I feel like I’m just kind of there because all of them are with their boyfriends.”
“Baby, come on.” You wanted to tell him to just leave it because clearly he wasn’t understanding where you were coming from and maybe you were being dramatic but you didn’t like seeing girls all over him while he did nothing about it. You were boyfriend and girlfriend now so it wasn’t like before when he could do whatever all day and still call you to come over at the end of the night and right now you felt like he had forgotten about that.
“It’s whatever.”
“Are you sure?” You had to fight the urge to just roll your eyes so instead you looked over his shoulder focusing on anything other than Mason.
“Sure. Go have fun. I’m sure those girls miss you.”
“Stop that y/n. Hey,” his lips came to rest on your forehead as he spoke against your skin, “ten minutes and I’ll come join you, okey?” You nodded your head but like you expected ten minutes became twenty and twenty minutes became an hour and even if you were having fun with the other girls who you were still getting to know you were having a hard time tearing your eyes away from Mason.
You know Mason wasn’t doing it on purpose but you couldn’t help but feel your eyes begin to sting a little when one of those girls leaned in a little too close and Mason didn’t bother to tell her to back off but instead just laughed at whatever she told him and right then you felt like you had seen enough and been there way too long. You got up from your place around the booth and said bye to the girls and Mason’s teammates who where there and when you hugged Kai he apologized on Mason’s behalf and you felt incredibly embarrassed even if he was just being nice.
You walked up to where he stood and smiled at Nathan as he sent you what looked like an apologetic smile which only made your night even worse because clearly everyone but Mason were understanding that he was doing something wrong except for him. You tapped Mason’s shoulder twice before he turned around and you couldn’t ignore the smile that appeared on his face. “I’m leaving, Mason. Not that you would notice but yeah.”
“What? why? Fuck, sorry I got carried away. I promise I was just about to come get you.” You knew that was a lie but you didn’t have time to answer him before another girl came up to where you both were standing to tell him that they were about to do shots and when Mason told her that he would be there in just a minute you felt like you were close to crying.
“I’m tired. Do you want to come home with me?” You did arrive together so you were hoping he could cut his night short and just join you but instead he just scratches the back of his head before turning around slightly and pointing to the people behind him. 
“We were just about to do shots.” You leaned your head back and took a deep breath, your tears could wait until you were in your car and you were not about to stand there and beg him to go home with you.
“Yeah, Mason. So I heard.” You just turned around not bothering to hear his reply because you really didn’t have any energy left to deal with him. You ignored his shouts for your name coming from Mason as you stopped by the booth again to grab your purse you almost forgot. “Kai, can you please make sure he’s okay and that he leaves safely.” You just smile at him when he gives you a thumbs up before heading for the door but you don’t get far before Mason is stopping you by grabbing your arm. 
“Y/n, what are you doing?”
“I just told you that I’m leaving.”
“Come on, babe. Come do bodyshots with me. This is the perfect chance for you to return the favor.” He grins so out of touch with how you were feeling in that moment.
“I’m sure one of those four girls would love to do them off of you.” The smile dropped from his face immediately as he furrows his eyebrows.
“Don’t say shit like that.”
“I’m tired Mason.” you sighed, gazing up at him and Mason could finally tell that you didn’t only look tired but also sad and he hated that. 
“Have I upset you?” You weren’t sure if you wanted to laugh or cry at his question but instead you just shook your head not feeling like having that conversation right now.
“I shouldn’t have to answer that.” You said before continuing. “Mason, do you really want this? Maybe this,” you pointed between you both, “wasn’t really what you wanted or needed.”
“What? y/n, no. Come here. You're beaing unreasonable.” He reached a hand up to wipe the tear that had fallen down your cheek but you managed to turn around and hurry out of the door before he could touch you. You really didn’t want to cause a scene and all the eyes on you from his friends were starting to make you feel a little anxious.
Maybe what you had said to him was a little over the top but it was how you felt in that moment. You did feel like maybe he wasn’t ready to be with you or anyone else, maybe he just wanted to go out and have fun without worrying about having a girlfriend. You hated even the thought of it.
You were debating if you should go back to your apartment of go to Mason’s house but when you automatically took a turn that would lead you to Mason’s house it made up your mind for you. You knew he would likely come home wasted and you wanted to be there to take care of him, it didn’t matter if you were upset with him or not. The first thing you did was change out of your dress and into a pair of Mason’s joggers and shirt before moving to the bathroom so you could remove your makeup and do your skincare routine while yours and Mason’s playlist was softly playing through your phone. You couldn’t help but smile when you opened the draw that Mason had filled with your most used products so you wouldn’t have to carry them back and forth and you shook your head a little at the new addition sitting in the middle which was your favorite toner.
When you were done with washing your face you put away some of Mason’s clothes he had thrown around the room and after that you went downstairs and sat down on the sofa. You knew you weren’t going to be able to sleep because you never could when you knew he was out or on his away home from an away game so instead you passed the time by scrolling through TikTok and Instagram.
You were in the middle of replying to some comments on your latest Instagram picture when you heard a car pull up outside and a few minutes later the door opened and Mason stumbled in. You weren’t expecting him back so early so you were a little shocked. “She’s here! Cheers bro!” You winced a little at how loud he was being but you couldn’t help but smile as you sat up and watched him struggle to take off his shoes and jacket. “You look cozy and so pretty.”
“You look a little wasted.” Mason walks towards you before he’s kneeling down in front of you as his hands come to rest on your thighs. 
“Not too bad.” He says. “Are you still in a mood?” the way he said still rubbed you the wrong way. 
“Am I in a mood? do you really need to ask me that, Mason?”
“Fair so why are you in a mood?” You felt like he was playing some kind of sick joke on you because no way was he being so oblivious. 
“I’m in a mood because my boyfriend allows girls to be all over him in front of my own eyes! He let’s them run their hands up and down his arms while they bat their eyelashes at him while he does fuck all!” You felt your blood boil when Mason let out a little laugh.
“So, you’re in a mood because you’re jealous?”
“Are you being fucking serious right now?” 
“Is it not true?”
“I’m not going to have this conversation with you if you’re going to be a twat and throw that word in my face instead of understanding where I’m coming from.” You say before moving his hands away from your legs so you can stand up and go upstairs. 
“You literally said it yourself! I didn’t do anything so what’s the fucking issue?”
“The fucking issue is that you let those girls believe you were okay with them touching you and being that close to you! How is that so hard for you to understand?” Tears of frustration had gathered in your eyes. “Am I not good enough of something?”
“Y/n.”
“You hurt me tonight, Mason. Not only did you hurt me but you embarrassed me in front of your friends and it’s hurting me even more that you seem to not care or want to understand where I’m coming from when I’m being very clear.” Mason didn’t think he had done anything wrong but as he watched tears fall down your face for the second time that night all because of him he felt awful. It wasn’t that you had done anything wrong or that you weren’t good enough because in his eyes you were perfect but he just let himself get carried away at the club. He thought you were fine and each time he looked over at you it seemed like you were in some deep conversation with one of the boys’ girlfriend’s so he didn’t want to bother or interrupt you but clearly he had read the whole thing wrong. He watches you as you silently walk past him and when you’re in the hall you stop by the stairs and turn towards him. “I’m going to sleep. I’ll take the guestroom.”
“No, just take the bedroom, please.” You just nodded before making your way to Mason’s bedroom and once your head hit the pillow and your eyes closed you already knew you weren’t going to be able to get much sleep. You tossed and turned for what felt like ages as you stared blankly at the wall. You knew Mason wasn’s sleeping either by the amount of times you had heard the door on the other side of the hall open and shut. You were close to just giving up and just tell him to join you because you knew neither of you were going to be able to sleep otherwise but befor you could you heard the door of the bedroom crack open.
“Kai told me I’m an idiot but he didn’t need to tell me that because I already know. I’m an idiot. I was acting like one.” Instead of responding you just pretended like you were asleep. “I know you’re awake because your feet are still covered by the sheets.” He sighed when you still didn’t respond as he moved to lay down next to you. “Can you please look at me, y/n?” You did as he asked and opened your eyes. “There’s my pretty girl.” He smiled.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry for making you doubt me, for making you doubt us. I never want that.” He reaches for your hand that is resting by your head and you let him hold it. “I don’t know what got over me tonight, I can’t explain it besides the fact that I thought you were having a good time with the girls and I didn’t want to seem like a bother which I now understand was stupid of me. I’m just sorry for making you upset and for making you think that you’re not good enough.” He shakes his head and you can tell that he means what he’s saying. “You are good enough, probably too good.” It’s your turn to shake your head at that. “I just- I don’t know. I don’t fucking care about those girls. I don’t know them or their names and I don’t care for them, the other boys were into them and I suppose I just didn’t want to be rude but I shouldn’t have let them come onto me, I get that and I’m sorry.” You squeezed his hand a little, happy that he understood why you were upset even if it took him some time. “I just want to be with you and I hated hearing you suggest anything else even if I probably deserved it but I want you to know that I want this. I want you and just you. You don’t understand how happy I was walking into this house and you being the first person I saw.” Those words made your stomach flutter and you couldn’t help but smile as you moved closer to him as Mason wrapped an arm around you. 
“It’s also okay to be jealous, darling.” You just slapped his chest before joining in on his laughter. 
“Shut up.”
"I missed you tonight."
"I missed you too."
"Yeah?" You could feel him smile against your forehead.
"Mhmm, I did."
"I don't want you to ever think I want anyone else." His nose nuzzled against yours when you leaned your head up towards his. "I just want you." You leaned up so you could press a kiss to the bridge of his nose.
"I'm right here."
"I hope I didn't ruin your entire night." He mumbles before he wraps a blanket around the both of you before he dips his head further down, hiding in your shoulder and your hand automatically moves to the back of his head so you can play with the short strands of his hair.
"It was actually fun to spend the entire night talking shit about you with Kai." You giggled when his hand moved underneath his shirt that you were wearing to pinch your hip.
"You're both just so hilarious, hmm." You could tell he was struggling to stay up, his eyes were half closed and he keps jawning between his words.
"Go to sleep, lover."
"Give me a kiss. Missed your lips." You did, you pressed your lips against his and it was so soft that maybe he didn't even feel it but it was enough for the both of you.
You just wrapped your arms around him as Mason's head settled on your chest and it only took a few seconds for the sounds of his soft snores to fill the bedroom and even if you couldn't sleep for a few more hours you felt content.
This was a lot better than going to bed angry.
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skepticalfrogcat · 2 months
Text
Here you all go, the happy part 3 you all were promised.
And I know that for the last part it was just a suggestion to read the previous part, but for this one I'm going to go ahead and say you have to have read the previous part in this series in order for major scenes in this fic to make any sense to you. You have been warned!
(Also I was told that I should tag @choicesficwriterscreations ! Thank you to @lovehugsandcandy for telling me this!)
Relationship: Finch Parnassus (MC) x Aerin Valleros
Warnings: Minor angst. With a happy ending I promise! And as I said in a post I made a while back, it's mostly very soft emotional stuff, nothing too serious.
Word Count: 3,007
Summary: Finch and Aerin take a trip to Riverbend.
Since the end of the battle with the Ash Empress, and the decision to keep the portals open, Finch had been busier than ever. It seemed as though everyone was competing to get him to pay attention to their personal gripes and grievances, and he only had the time and energy for so many of them. Most of the time he ended up directing them to someone who could actually help, because his reputation often gave people the false idea that he had endless talents, which simply wasn't true. Often, there was no way he could properly accomplish the tasks they gave to him.
Luckily, he'd been spending most of his time with the goblins in the Whimsywood, which was far enough away from the bustling environment of Whitetower for his liking. Evidently, and a bit to his surprise, he had a much higher tolerance for handling people's requests when he was in the middle of the woods. Of course, that wasn't the only part of living in the Whimsywood that he was especially fond of.
He'd moved into one of the houses that had already been built into the trees. It was a more permanent residence, more than his room in the castle had been at least, and he was content with it. Truthfully, he would've been happy to start living anywhere, given that he'd be living with Aerin. It had been proven to him time and time again that he could find happiness anywhere they could be together.
After they'd settled in, they actually hadn't had time to do much other than help rebuild. There wasn't much destruction, and Finch was grateful every day that he'd made the right choices in order to keep it that way. Most of what he'd been doing was diplomacy, sorting out conflicts between people passing between realms. It did settle down after a while, though. The hectic nature of his environment persisted for a few weeks at the most, and after that it was over. Everything became sort of… normal. He hadn't experienced that in kind of a long time, longer than he'd realized. He wanted to take advantage of it while he could, because he knew that eventually something would arrive to stir things up again.
And so, Finch and Aerin had decided to take a trip. Not a big or extravagant one, but a well-needed one nonetheless. It was kind of like a little vacation. Finch had realized that Aerin had never actually been to Riverbend, which he knew needed to be rectified. The destination was agreed upon very quickly, partially because it would provide the relatively stress-free break that they both needed, but Finch knew it was also because Aerin had been able to tell how important it was to him.
The trip from the freshly revived Whimsywood all the way to Riverbend had been a long one. Finch loved visiting home, he did, he simply wished that his Realmwalking abilities provided some method of faster travel. He was sure they might, to someone older or more experienced, but for the time being he was stuck traveling mainly on foot. Besides, he wasn't entirely confident that he'd be able to bring anyone else with him that way anyway, which happened to be fairly necessary for this trip.
Given how tiring it had been to make it to the town, all they'd really been able to do on their first day there was sleep. Kade was still working in Whitetower, but the place they'd lived in together was still available to them whenever they wanted it. That was one upside to having grown up in such a small village: it was almost like everyone was family. Even if he weren't the Savior of the Realm - which would never stop being strange to hear - he was sure he and Kade would still have their room above the local tavern, because that was how things worked in Riverbend. People always did favors for each other.
The second day in Riverbend, though, they were actually able to explore a bit. They went to the river, the town's namesake, where Aerin had been able to do some drawing while Finch chatted away beside him. After that, they'd gone to a couple of Finch's personal favorite places, like a bakery he and Kade had been going to since they were kids, and a really old archery range someone had set up in the woods where Finch had practiced with a rudimentary bow in his younger teen years.
By the time evening was rolling around, they'd made their way back to the tavern. Their plan had originally been to retire back upstairs, but the tavern was much more populated by then, and naturally there were demands for the two of them to stay for a round.
“Why don't you tell us something, Finch?” One patron suggested, gesturing with the pint in his hand as he spoke.
“Ah, you all know I'm no good at it,” Finch waved him off. “Just wait for Kade to come back around, I'm sure he'll have something great for you when he does.”
“Come on, just one new story, and then we'll leave you be,” a girl standing nearby attempted to barter. “Why don't you tell us about… a beast you fought?” she suggested.
“I'm sure Kade's told you all about those a million times over, because I'd bet all of you that you've done this exact thing to him before.”
“We don't have to bug him, he just does it!” Someone called out from the back of the bar. Everyone laughed, and it did make Finch wish his brother were here, but he knew they'd be back in Riverbend together eventually.
Finch leaned over to speak to Aerin, lowering his voice so only he could hear. “What do you think? Should I throw them a bone?”
“Personally, I'd really like to hear which one of your escapades you think is entertaining enough to please a room full of mildly drunk people,” Aerin muttered back. “Especially with the way you tell stories.”
Finch laughed, bumping his shoulder against Aerin's. “Don't pretend you don't listen to them every time.”
“Go ahead then.” Aerin gestured to the rest of the room with a nod of his head. “Prove me wrong.”
Aerin had always been quite good at getting Finch to do practically anything. Finch left his spot leaning against the wall and went to take up an empty stool along the bar, which was more central to the room. Then he started telling the story. He'd chosen to tell them about the time he and Mal had met a mermaid near the Shimmering Isles, because he knew that one had a good enough balance of action and glamor to hold just about everyone's attention, no matter what sort of story they favored.
Truthfully, he was a rather terrible storyteller. Kade could tell a story as if it were happening in real time, always getting the details just right with perfect timing and impeccable vocabulary. Meanwhile, Finch frequently had to backtrack to include details he'd forgotten to mention, and he often forgot what he had and hadn't already said. He was lucky he at least had charisma. Even still, every time he'd glance over at Aerin, he'd be looking back, intently listening as he always did.
When he finished the story, a few people did request another, but that time Finch was adamant about his refusal. It was already further into the night than he'd been planning on staying out. He did receive a few playful jabs about the fact that he was turning in early, but he'd been expecting them. Most of the patrons of the tavern had a slightly warped view of what ‘early’ meant anyway.
So he and Aerin went upstairs, back to the room they were staying in. It wasn't very large, and it was barely furnished. All that was really in the room was a small, tattered rug on the ground, a nightstand with a single lamp on top of it, and the two beds he and Kade had slept in since they were much younger. But, despite the fact that he'd lived in much more lavish places since leaving Riverbend, Finch still thought of this room as home. Aerin didn't seem to mind it either. Finch knew he'd never been suited to the extravagance of the castle.
“Do they ask you to do that a lot?” Aerin asked, already in bed after having gotten ready.
“What, tell stories? No, not usually.” Finch pulled his shirt off over his head and put on the pajama pants he'd brought. “I'd say I'm pretty low on the list, even without Kade here. Honestly I think it's just because you were there.”
“What do you mean?” Aerin moved over on the bed a bit as Finch settled in beside him. It was really only meant for one person, but that didn't matter. Even though they'd never discussed it, Finch had a feeling that Aerin didn't like sleeping alone. Not after all those nights in the cell. “Were they trying to make you seem impressive or something?”
“No, not quite,” Finch laughed. “If anything, they were trying to get me to make a fool of myself in front of you. Kind of like what Mal does to Tyril all the time. Luckily, you love me too much to be embarrassed of me, even if I am a terrible storyteller.” He gave Aerin an exaggerated kiss on the cheek.
Aerin held back a smile and reached over to turn off the lamp, making the only light in the room the moonlight coming in through the window on the wall above the bed. “We've both done stupid things in front of each other enough times that it doesn't matter anymore.”
“It's probably best that we don't keep count.”
Finch closed his eyes as peaceful silence fell over the room. He was lying with his cheek resting on Aerin's shoulder, his forehead pressed lightly against the side of his neck. His hand laid flat on Aerin's chest, and if he focused on it, he could feel the indent about the size of his palm where Aerin's scar was.
He'd only ever seen the Nerada Stone once, but he remembered it vividly. He could still recall the precise details of how it had looked, and the terror it had brought on when he'd seen it. He still didn't know what had caused Aerin to decide to take it out, in the end. Finch couldn't imagine what someone would have to feel to put themselves through that kind of pain. At times he wasn't sure he wanted to know.
“Finch,” he heard Aerin whisper, bringing him out of his thoughts.
“Hm?” he hummed in response. He felt Aerin's hand cover his own.
“You were doing that thing again.”
It wasn't the first time he'd done it. Every so often, when he got really wrapped up in thinking about the stone, he would start gently tracing the outline of the scar with his fingertips. He never knew he was doing it until Aerin inevitably pointed it out to him.
“Sorry. I didn't notice.”
“It's okay. I don't mind it. I just want to remind you that you don't have to worry about what I can tell you're worrying about right now.”
“I know, I know, it's just…” Finch shifted in place, propping himself up slightly with his elbow on the mattress so he could see Aerin's face. He had a habit of wanting to be able to look at Aerin when he started talking about something he was deeply invested in. He did it with everyone, but especially Aerin. “I wish there was something I could've done. I'm sure we could've found some other way, if I had known that was what you were trying to do.”
“You not being there didn't have anything to do with what I did. I didn't even know you were gone. Your friends stopped visiting eventually, and no one else seemed to think I should know. So my point is, even if you had still been around, I probably would've done the same thing.” Aerin lifted his hand to run it slowly through Finch's hair a couple times, and Finch leaned into the touch.
“I guess I just want to know why. That's the one part of it I've never been able to figure out,” Finch admitted. “And you don't have to tell me, if you don't want to, but…”
“Do you think it would help?” Aerin's brow furrowed. “Because I don't want to do anything that would hurt you. And don't say it would help just because you want to know.”
Finch considered it for a moment. “I think that… I'd probably think about it a lot at first. But knowing would definitely make it easier to come to terms with.”
Aerin took a deep breath, and sighed it out. “Okay. The truth is…” He looked away, into the wider room, almost as if he was embarrassed. “I decided to take the stone out after you came to see me. All it took was that one time, and I... I knew it wasn't worth it anymore.”
Finch's eyes grew distant as the memories of that night came back to him. He'd forgotten. So much had happened since then that he'd completely forgotten it. That was a terrible thing to have forgotten, what kind of an idiot forgot about something like that? He remembered it now, of course, but he had no idea how it had ever slipped his mind in the first place.
“Hey.” Aerin tapped gently on Finch's cheek with his knuckle, the way someone might knock on a door if they suspected someone was asleep on the other side. “You're beating yourself up over something right now. Tell me what it is, so I can help. I'm not just letting you sit here and stew in whatever you're thinking about.”
It took Finch another few moments to say anything in response, but Aerin allowed him to work through it for as long as he needed to. “I really shouldn't have done that to you,” he muttered. It wasn't exactly what he'd been thinking about, but it was what those thoughts had led him to. “Not the visit, but the fact that I just left. I got scared and I ran, I didn't even try to talk to you about it. I was a real jerk for that, wasn't I.”
“I… can admit that it's not my favorite thing you've ever done. But I've forgiven you by now, which means you should forgive yourself too, because honestly it was probably the best thing you could've done.” Aerin placed both of his hands on Finch's cheeks. “If you hadn't come to see me, and you hadn't done what you did, we probably wouldn't be here right now.”
“I still think I could've handled things better. I didn't think it through. Any of it. Even just a little more planning would've stopped it from going so poorly.”
“Finch, it didn't go poorly,” Aerin insisted. “Maybe in the moment it did, sure. But seeing you that night, talking to you, the way you kissed me, it all reminded me how much I needed you. Then you left, and I realized that before I could get that life back, I needed to become a better person again. I couldn't go on the way I was if I ever wanted to have something good again. That was why I took out the stone.”
“But it must've hurt you,” Finch shook his head, still catching up with everything Aerin was telling him. “To take it out, I mean.”
“Of course it did. It hurt me to have it, too,” Aerin reminded him. Finch did remember that, from when he'd first seen the stone. “But I was betting on the hope that those last few minutes of pain would pay off with more happiness than I knew what to do with. It was either that, or keep hurting other people for the rest of my life. I didn't know what would happen, but I knew I had to try.”
“And… did it work?” Finch asked, speaking hesitantly.
“Yes,” Aerin nodded, possibly sounding more certain than Finch had ever heard him before. He lifted his head a bit and gently brought Finch down to meet him, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “I'd say that it did.”
A small smile crossed Finch's face, which almost always happened when Aerin kissed him. “Good.” He settled back into his place on the bed, lying down the way he'd been before. He felt Aerin's arms wrap around him, warm and familiar against his skin.
He was finally satisfied with the knowledge he had. He hadn't wanted to push too hard on the matter of Aerin’s scar and how he'd gotten it, because he knew that at times the idea of it upset both of them. It was a big sore spot that neither of them wanted to get close to. But he'd always known they'd have to talk about it at some point, and if it was going to happen somehow, he believed this was one of the best ways it could've been. The room felt much more peaceful then. His thoughts weren't quite so loud anymore. Well, aside from one of them.
“I love you,” he whispered.
“I love you too,” Aerin replied, as Finch knew he would.
Finch was well aware that there would be more problems for him to fix eventually, whether it was a simple favor for a friendly stranger or a new foe for him to save the world from. It seemed unavoidable at that point. But right now, he was safe at home, in bed next to the best, smartest, most breathtaking person he'd ever known. There wasn't anywhere else he'd rather be. Things were difficult at times, and would be again. But for the moment, all was well in the world.
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