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desktop-writes · 2 months

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Static on the Screen | 01

--A Lack of Backup--

<|AO3|Gala Au|SotS|>

(<- Part 2 of 14 ->)

[_|2|3|4|5|6]

{TW: N/A}

[Words : 1,736]

*Note: For any overarching triggers, please click on the Gala Au tab at the top. For warnings regarding this specific fic, please click on the SotS tab.*

Sometimes there’s a moment where you know things will never be the same. A turning point in a person’s life, if you will. It could be as monumental as the moment of the wrongful death of a loved one, leading to an obsession to right the wrong that had happened. It could also be something as trivial as bumping into a person at a coffee shop, leading to finding the love of one’s life. For Barbara Gordon, it was a simple click on a link.

It had started a week ago. Three meta-humans had attacked Jason, Cass, and Damian while on patrol. Seeing as all three family members had some connection to the League of Assassins, the first idea was that they were assassins. The fact that they seemed to glow a Lazarus Green color only provided more evidence for that theory. But as soon as someone verbally confronted them, the theory crumbled under its weight.

“They had called themselves Ghosts,” Cass had signed with their face screwed in confusion. They had emphasized the last word, marking it as important. The rest of the night hadn’t given her much besides debunking the Assassin theory. While she couldn’t do groundwork anymore, she is still one of the if not the best, digital detective on the team. She had made a file and labeled it accordingly, then she had started her search with the keyword ‘Ghost’.

It had taken her 2 days between her day job and getting roughly 3 hours of sleep to find what might have been a lead. A self-published research paper by the Drs. Fenton titled ‘Effective Warding Techniques Against Ghosts’. Barbara had spent 3 hours reading the paper, scanning every detail for information. She could barely find anything useful at the end of those three hours. A lot of it was opinions worded through a scientific lens and not actual scientific facts.

Spurred on by the lack of information, she searched for other papers in their names. Yet, the majority of it was filled with the same content. Descriptions of creatures in agony while being remarked as'manipulative' and ‘non-feeling’ by the two doctors. She knew this needed to be brought up to Bruce and the Justice League as a whole, but she needed more information for the presentation. Thankfully, she had the next day off, and she began a more detailed search of the doctors.

They had documents claiming them to be doctors, with Madeline and Jack both holding doctorates in biology and master's in engineering with minors in Supernatural Studies, but she couldn't find any records of their college days. A handful of papers referenced in the other self-published research papers had Vlad Masters as another co-author, but that dropped after Vlad’s accident. That set off alarm bells in her detective sense, allowing her to dive deeper into her research.

She was nearing the end of her research binge on the doctors and was gearing towards Vlad Masters when she spotted a weirdly named Web link on the last page of her search engine of choice. Thinking it was something similar to the doctor’s papers, she clicked on the link. While it wasn’t another research paper, it was something that grabbed her attention. A halfway-done website wouldn’t have been published unless they were hiding something, so she opened the source code, hoping to easily crack the passcode and start snooping around in whatever was hidden.

The code was surprising, to say the least. The code itself was the same Lazarus Green color as the Ghosts, changing languages every 7 seconds - yes, she had timed it -, and moving in a scattered pattern. The code fought back as soon as the cursor was placed in the text box, with the creator not far behind. With her getting little sleep and the surprise of the abnormalities in the code, she ended up losing against the person on the other side of the screen. With her loss, her screen turned black with a green I-beam in the left-hand corner. A message was written behind it.

Barbara looked at the question before checking on the burner phone she had bought for this reason. They hadn’t touched any files, even though they had full access to her civilian computer. She went the complement route and hoped to get more information on what lay ahead.

Barbara’s hope of the other hackers’ pride getting to them and spilling what they’re hiding diminished with their quick response. She debated her options mentally. She could lean on luck, tell the truth, and hope the person on the other side is an ally in her search. She could also make up a lie and hope they won’t see through it. While she was debating, a new message appeared.

It seemed the decision was made for her. Even if she were to call their slightly plausible bluff, there were way too many important files on her computer, including the one she was building against the Fentons. Plus, she had yet to receive a notification on her burner phone about a breach.

It was a fair request, one she would make in their situation. From their perspective, she was an outsider wanting to look at something personal to them. She could handle a little monitoring if she could find a crack in this case.

<Deal.>

When the black screen disappeared, a light gray followed behind it, giving the website an industrial feel. Black text filled the tabs across the top of the screen, listing labels like 'Ghost Basics’, ‘Rouge Abilities’, and one with a lock emoji, among others. This was a hero database, given the mentions of rouges.

The database belonged to a group of small-town vigilantes, with the person she was conversing with filling in the guy in the chair role. She could tell they were young, with mentions of having to skip class or needing to find an excuse for the team’s main hero, Phantom. Just reading their rouge descriptions, as sloppy as they are compared to the bat’s, she could tell a lot about their team and how they worked.

She kept reading on about the rouges themselves. Even though the pictures were a blurry mess -similar to the stills she had asked Tim to try and clean up -, she could get some information through the written portion of the reports. Everything thing she was learning was leaving her increasingly shaken.

Needing a break from the rouges list, she looks to the Phantom tab to see if the Justice League needs to extend a hand or if they have it under control. She hovered her mouse over Phantom’s tab, only a tab away from the locked emoji. Right before she was about to click, her screen turned black again. Their previous conversation looked back at her, and a slight weight settled on her shoulders. On the other side of the screen was a child.

A child.

A child on an entire team of children being attacked by beings with the power levels of gods; who are being hindered by the very people they protect. At the very least, Robin had Batman, or even their junior teams, if something happened. She looks at the new message.

She needed to keep the connection. Something is happening in Amity Park. Something big. She can feel it in her bones. Racking her brain for ways to keep the connection, she thought back to how unorganized and messy their reports seemed. Mentorship seemed like a good way to go with the kid.

The next message was apprehensive, much like talking to an Alley kid. She should’ve expected this. She was a stranger who had attempted to hack into their database and then offered help with nothing in return. It had caught their attention, though, which was good enough for her.

<What’s the catch? Nobody would do that for free.>

It took a few minutes to get a reply, but that was okay. It gave her time to clear off her desk and start getting the papers strewed about in order.

She continued cleaning up her apartment while she waited. While it wasn’t trashed, it wasn’t clean either. Taking empty snack bags and water bottles from the top of overflowing trashcans and putting them in a separate bag was repetitive and mind-numbing enough to pass the time. She set the filled bags by the door and rolled back to her desk, pushing the desk chair out of her way. It would be stupid to go out this late. She was finishing organizing the paper notes she took over the three days when she got a response.

Her screen returned to normal; the same gray greeted her back. The only change was a small, lime-green chat bubble in the bottom left corner. She spent the next three hours getting a feel for Pharaoh’s setup while gathering more information on the team for her reports. She still had to collect information for the Justice League for them to look at what's happening ground-level. After three hours, she closed the database.

She told the bats, via group chat, that she had found answers to their meta case that needed to be discussed in person tomorrow. After closing the group chat, she checked the locks on the door for the second time that day. Assuring herself it was locked, she wheeled to her bedroom, locked her chair by the bed, and then pulled herself into bed. She went to sleep relatively easy, unknowing of the bombshell that would be dropped tomorrow night.

************************************************************************

Chapter 2 should be out by the end of next month at the latest.

#dc x dp #dpxdc #dp x dc #dp x dc crossover #dp x dc fanfic #GalaAU

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barelytolerabled · 11 months

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At the End of the Day

Spencer Reid x fem!Reader

Summary: Spencer Reid has always been your best friend, supporting each other through relationships and life's ups and downs. But as he prepares to leave for a job at the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit, he realizes he has feelings for you.

Warnings: none

WC: 1.623

Taglist: @envraijesaispas @rosecentury @taygrls @thisismeraki @thenerdthatwrites@bigbunnygucci @jordie-gvf

The rain poured heavily against the windows of the small flower shop in Las Vegas as you carefully arranged a bouquet of vibrant roses.

It was just another day in your little world of petals and fragrances. You glanced up as the door chimed, revealing the familiar figure of your best friend, Spencer Reid.

His tall, lanky figure entered, his hair slightly disheveled from the rain. He smiled warmly at you, though his eyes held a tinge of uncertainty.

Spencer had been a constant presence in your life for as long as you could remember. From childhood adventures to teenage heartaches, you two had weathered every storm together.

Over the years, you had shared your hopes, dreams, and countless cups of coffee. You had witnessed each other's highs and lows, always supporting one another.

In that moment, as the rain tapped against the windowpanes, a rush of memories washed over you. You vividly remembered the time when you and Spencer had taken a road trip to the coast, just to chase the sunset. The sky had painted itself in hues of orange and pink as you both sat on the beach, your shoulders brushing against each other. It was a moment of pure serenity and unspoken connection, as if the world had faded away, leaving only the two of you in a bubble of warmth and understanding.

You recalled the countless coffee dates you had shared, sitting across from each other in cozy cafes, sharing stories and dreams. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee always hung in the air, creating a comforting backdrop to your conversations. There were mornings when you would arrive at the shop early, and Spencer would join you shortly after, bringing you your favorite cup of coffee without even needing to ask. Those moments, with his shoulder grazing against yours as you sipped your coffee, felt like the epitome of comfort and companionship.

In times of heartache, you had sought solace in each other's presence. You remembered the night you received devastating news, and Spencer had shown up at your doorstep without a word, pulling you into a tight embrace. It was a moment of unspoken support, where his arms around you became a sanctuary, a refuge from the pain. In that embrace, you had felt his unwavering presence, a reminder that no matter the circumstances, you would always have each other.

The memories swirled together, highlighting the bond you and Spencer had built over the years. The adventures, the late-night conversations, the shared laughter—they all served as the foundation of an unbreakable friendship. And in those moments of vulnerability and shared experiences, you had unknowingly laid the groundwork for something deeper.

As the rain continued to pour outside the flower shop, the warmth of those memories filled your heart. You realized that the closeness you had with Spencer went far beyond the surface level of friendship. It was a connection that ran deep, built on trust, understanding, and an unwavering support for one another.

As he walked up to you, a mix of excitement and apprehension flickered in his eyes. "Hey," he greeted, a touch of nervousness lacing his words.

"Spence! What are you doing here?" you exclaimed, concern lacing your voice as you rushed to grab a towel.

He accepted the towel gratefully, his piercing brown eyes meeting yours.

Taking a deep breath, he cleared his throat. "I got a job offer at the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit in Quantico," he started, his gaze fixed on the floor. "It's a big opportunity, and it's what I've always wanted. But... I can't go without telling you something first."

Your heart skipped a beat. The BAU—the Behavioral Analysis Unit—was Spencer's dream job. You felt a mix of excitement for him and a twinge of sadness deep within. It meant he would be leaving Las Vegas, and you couldn't imagine your life without him.

"That's amazing, Spencer!" you exclaimed, unable to hide your genuine happiness for him. "The BAU is lucky to have you."

A bittersweet smile tugged at his lips. "Thank you. But there's something else I need to tell you." He paused, gathering his thoughts.

"I've been doing a lot of soul-searching lately, and I've come to a realization."

Your curiosity piqued, you leaned closer, urging him to continue.

His gaze met yours, his eyes filled with a mix of vulnerability and longing. "I've always liked you. From the moment we met, you've been more than just a friend to me. You're my confidante, my rock, and my source of strength. And if there's even the slightest chance that you feel the same way about me, I want to explore that possibility, Sunshine."

"Sunshine" slipped off his tongue effortlessly, as if it had been a part of your shared language for as long as you could remember. It held a history that spanned back to your early childhood days when you would spend hours playing in the sun-soaked fields near your homes.

The nickname originated during a particularly sunny day when you were both around five years old. You had stumbled upon a patch of wildflowers, their vibrant colors reminiscent of a rainbow. As you danced and twirled among the flowers, your laughter and radiant energy seemed to light up Spencer's world. In that moment, he had called you his "Sunshine," a name that captured the warmth and joy you brought into his life.

From that day forward, the pet name became a symbol of your enduring friendship. As you grew older and faced the challenges of life, the nickname served as a reminder of the light you brought into each other's lives, even during the darkest of times.

During your teenage years, when Spencer struggled with self-doubt and anxiety, he would often turn to you for comfort and support. You became his guiding light, helping him navigate through the stormy seas of adolescence. In those moments, he would whisper the nickname, a word that held so much meaning between the two of you, reminding him that there was hope even in the bleakest moments.

As adults, the nickname continued to be a thread that wove through the tapestry of your friendship. It became a secret language, a word that held a world of shared memories, inside jokes, and unspoken understanding. It was a name that represented the deep connection you had forged over the years.

And now, as Spencer stood before you, professing his feelings and baring his soul, his use of the pet name "Sunshine" held even more weight. It was a term of endearment that encompassed his unwavering affection and his recognition of the light you brought into his life. It was a testament to the depth of your bond, the history of shared experiences, and the unspoken love that had grown between you.

Your heart swelled with a torrent of emotions. Spencer's confession took you by surprise, yet it resonated deep within your soul. You had spent countless hours daydreaming about what it would be like to take your friendship to another level.

But then reality hit you like a cold gust of wind. You had a life in Las Vegas—a flourishing business, friends, and a sense of stability. Leaving all that behind seemed unimaginable.

"I... I can't, Spencer," you managed to say, your voice trembling. "I have everything I love here in Las Vegas. My work, my friends, my life. I can't just give it all up."

His face fell slightly, the disappointment evident. "I understand. I wouldn't want to force you into something you're not ready for."

With a heavy heart, you watched as Spencer turned to leave, his footsteps echoing in the silence of the shop. But as the door closed behind him, your thoughts raced, your heart pounding with a newfound clarity. You couldn't let him go, not without giving love a chance.

Without a second thought, you dropped everything and ran outside into the pouring rain. The droplets soaked your clothes, clinging to your skin as you hurried toward the airport. Every step brought you closer to the person who had been your constant, your rock, your everything.

Breathless and soaked to the bone, you finally reached the departure gate. There, amidst the crowd, you spotted Spencer, his gaze fixed on the ground. With every ounce of strength, you called out his name, your voice carrying above the commotion.

He turned, surprise and disbelief etching across his face as he saw you standing there, drenched and determined. The world around you blurred as you closed the distance between you, your heart pounding in your chest.

He stared at you, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Y/N, what are you doing here?"

"I couldn't let you go without a fight," you confessed, the raindrops blending with your tears. "At the end of the day, I want it to be you and me. I want your early mornings, I want your late nights. I want you on your good days, and even more on your bad."

A flicker of hope sparked in his eyes as a smile tugged at his lips. Without a second thought, he took a step closer and pulled you into a warm embrace. The world around you faded, leaving only the sound of rain and the beating of your hearts in perfect sync.

"I've always wanted this, Sunshine," Spencer whispered, his voice filled with love and gratitude. "Together, we can face anything."

And as you stood there, rain-soaked and breathless, you knew you had made the right choice. With Spencer by your side, you were ready to embark on a new chapter, hand in hand, and heart to heart.

At the end of the day, it was you and him, against the world.

#criminal minds x reader #criminal minds fanfic #criminal minds x y/n #spencer reid fanfic #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid #spencer reid x fem!reader #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid x you #spencer reid fluff #spencer reid imagine #criminal minds smut #spencer reid smut #spencer x reader #criminal minds fanfiction #criminal minds #criminal minds fic #criminal minds oneshot

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luveline · 1 year

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my baby freddie is back in stock?! jade ilysm 🥹

could i request a scenario with fred from the special friend au? (kind of like that eddie blurb where him and r make up after a fight/rough patch)

do what u pls with this, hope your day/night is going well miss jade 🫶🏼 sending all my love

TW reader has mental health issues / issues with self harm ♥︎ ty for ur request, ily! fem!reader

It's important to Fred that you spend time together, even when you're fighting. You hadn't understood at first what that was like. Usually, when you fight, you need space, right? That's just how it feels.

Fred doesn't want that, and he expresses it with zero qualms.

"I wanna sit on the settee together, okay?" he asks your back. You've taken refuge on his side of the bed. "You don't have to speak to me if you don't want to."

You're not giving him the silent treatment, you're having a hard time talking. The silent treatment hasn't ever felt very fair — he hasn't stopped existing to you. You're eager to fix the problem between you, to resolve the argument, but you don't know what to say. Neither does he.

You turn around. You don't smile at him, though you want to. His lips twitch like he might, but he only opens the door wider and nods his head. "You want to bring the quilt?"

You bring the quilt. He takes it from you when you're near, and he drapes it over you once you've sat yourself down on the settee. You're unsurprised when he makes tea.

"Thank you," you say. He holds the side so you can take the handle, like he always does, burning his fingertips no doubt.

And this is where he'd kiss your cheek and say, "You're welcome." He's thinking about it, you can tell. You jut your chin in case he wants to, and then he's kissing you, the impassable space between you passed as if nothing's wrong.

Something is wrong, though.

He can tell how hard this is for you. Fred means a lot to you. You love him, he's your partner, but it's more than that. He's your best friend. He's the most consistent thing in your life. Fighting with him makes you anxious, it makes you want to cry, and it makes you want to hurt yourself, even in small ways. Not because you're punishing yourself, and not because you're punishing him. You don't know how to deal with the feelings that you're feeling, and it's as simple as that. Your outlet for emotion is hurting.

You haven't hurt yourself, though, because if you do, Fred might think it's because of him. To spite him, or even just his fault. Neither could ever be true, you'd never hurt yourself to hurt him. You'd never hurt yourself because of him. But it's really hard not to. And it's hard not to tell him, because you tell him almost everything. You feel very alone. You miss him to death.

He strokes your cheek with the side of his knuckle and sits in his seat.

"Freddie," you murmur. "Do you want to talk about it?"

He looks so relieved. "Yeah," he says quietly, "of course I do."

You've started the conversation, and you have to extend the olive branch. Not easy when your memory is a sieve, and anything that wasn't thrumming guilt has slipped away. You want to say sorry and have it be done with, but you don't want to say it for the sake of it. He deserves a proper apology.

"Can you explain it to me?" you ask.

He picks up his mug of tea, second hand held close enough to feel the warmth but not enough to burn. You're holding your mug double handed, skin scalded.

"Have you been crying?"

You look down at your lap. "Not really."

"Ghost, it's- it's not something you have to upset yourself over."

"I'm sorry," you whisper immediately.

"I didn't mean to snap at you yesterday." He huffs, and then he sighs, putting his mug back on the coffee table. "Before we talk about it, I want to lay down some groundwork. Stuff that's permanent. Okay?"

You wince. "Okay."

"I love you."

Tears well in your eyes, burning hot. "Okay."

"I don't think anything has changed, or will change between us because of this argument... Do you feel the same?"

You look up and find only patience in his face. He's not smiling or happy, but he's not mad. He's not annoyed that he has to reassure you.

The big freckle on his chin twitches as he opens his mouth, lips forming the letters a second before he speaks. "You're my girl. You don't have to cry, alright? We just need to talk about this."

Relief is a lightning rod, heat so hot it has pinpricks of sweat prickling over your entire body. You kick the quilt off of your legs.

"Are you sure?" you ask.

He finally smiles. "Am I sure that I love you? More than anything."

"Are you sure it doesn't change anything?" Couples argue and argue and argue, and then they break up.

He nods slowly. "I think so. Do you think it's something we won't be able to move past?"

No. Your urgency must show. Fred pushes his open hand across the settee and you take it like a lifeline.

"You know, everybody fights," he says, almost fond as he pulls your now joined hands back toward him. His knuckles flex between yours, and soon he's got your hand in his lap, painting circles over the back of it with a steady fingertip.

"Not us."

"It's not necessarily a bad thing," he says. "We can't walk around not telling each other things. I thought maybe that's why it got to the point that it did." He meets your eyes. "You know?"

"Yeah," you say, though you're not sure.

The fights is a blur of feelings rather than what you'd said. It could be boiled down to two specifics; Fred being upset with you for isolating yourself from others, you being upset with Fred for misunderstanding. But, as most fights go, it certainly hadn't stayed contained to those things. You'd said both things you meant and things you didn't, though neither of you had said anything cruel. You're quite happy with that.

"I know this stuff gives you a heart attack, but we gotta do it."

"I want to talk about it," you assure him. You want to crawl into his arms and stay there forever, but you'll settle for this, your hand in his hand.

So you talk about it. Fred tries to put his point across again but he folds in the things you'd said. He apologises for a misconception. He apologises for raising his voice. He's forgiven for both immediately.

You reaffirm your own argument, and your throat burns because you really don't care anymore, you just don't want him to be angry. But if what he said is true, lying to him here could end in another argument down the line, one that'll be worse for the both of you.

"Freddie," you say finally, at your bursting point, "I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. I know you said we have to fight, but I hate it, and you're my everything." You can barely speak, embarrassed to need him like this. "I'll do whatever you want me to do to make it better."

He pulls your hand to his cheek and holds it there, leaning his weight into it just slightly. "That's kind of my point, sweetheart. I want you to want to do these things because you want to. Not because I asked you to."

You hang your head. If you bite your lip hard, your tears won't fall. They waver at the waterline.

"Tell you what. How about we talk about this tomorrow?" he asks.

A first tear dribbles down your cheek weakly. It's a very small tear. You hope he doesn't notice, but of course he does, and his voice goes soft as silk.

"We've worked it out, ghost," he murmurs, kissing your hand hurriedly, then your wrist. "You don't need to worry. I'm not angry with you."

"I'm sorry-" Your breath catches. You try again. "I'm sorry for being like this. I know it's just a normal argument. I know it's normal, I don't know why I can't be. I know you're not mad, but I feel so stupid."

"Why?"

Your shoulders tremble with a self-loathing sob, though Fred takes it for overwhelmed, and he shuffles across the settee to nudge your shoulder with his.

"Because I'm upset about all the wrong things."

"Who says what the right thing is?"

"I'm making this about me."

"It is about you. It's about both of us, and it's about you." He wipes the tears that he pooled at your chin away with the back of his hand, and then he turns his palm inward to stroke up to your cheek, angling your face in his direction. He stares at you, unflinching. It's a kind of devotion for him to look at you crying and sniffling with so much love. "Would it make you feel better to know I'm upset we're fighting too? I miss you." He laughs, but it doesn't detract from his sincerity. That cuts like a knife.

"You're sure we're okay?" you ask

"I need you," he says, and then amends, "I love you as much as I did before we argued. I love you more, probably."

"Probably."

He beams at you, wiping flecks of tears from your wet lashes carefully. "Definitely. You would have to do something truly, truly awful for me to stop. And I mean, even then..."

You laugh wetly. He's generous for being this way, making jokes and wiping your tears, assuaging your fears even though the argument isn't entirely settled no matter what he claims. You have to work on being better, both of you. Nothing's ever so cut and clean.

"Do you have anything you want to tell me? Something you want me to do, the next time we argue? I-" He chucks you under the chin. "Don't like seeing you this way. But you know that."

"I don't want to go to bed mad at each other," you say quickly. That had been a sick torture.

"Okay, we won't. We'll stay up next time."

There's not much else you can think of. Fred's giant heart has made this easier than it might have been. You try to say thank you and the words gum up in your mouth, distracted by his thumb stroking a short back and forth from the middle of your chin to the underside of your jaw. It's a tickling thing, the lightest of touches.

"I love you," you say. In lieu of thank you for being so patient with me.

"I know. I know."

He's never been anything but patient. Maybe he understands why you are the way that you are. He definitely realises that your emotion tends to come before any logic, and that doesn't make you hysterical or in the wrong. It's one of those things woven into who you are.

"I love you, and... I think it's good for us to fight sometimes. I don't want you to think you can't disagree with me, that this," — he squeezes your joined hands — "is conditional. Because it isn't. You can rail at me, if you liked. I could be into that."

You laugh, relaxing into his side unconsciously. "What, the-" You sniffle. "The nagging girlfriend?"

"Yeah. I think I'd like it if you bossed me around. You could, you know? I'd love it."

"You'd love it," you repeat, unconvinced.

He wraps the arm that isn't pressed to yours around the back of your head, hand above your ear, encouraging your crown to his lips. "Yeah, I would. I love when you talk," he says into your hair. "The sound of your voice. Even when you aren't saying things I agree with."

This has to be one of the best feelings on earth. Being sorry and being forgiven. A warmth that wants nothing from you but yours in turn. Fred's hand playing behind your ear, down your neck and up again. Your shoulders shake with a sudden but singular sob, and you hide your face in his front before he can see it. He can feel it.

"Are you okay?" you ask him.

"Me?"

He pets your back for emphasis.

"You," you say. "Are you still upset?"

He takes a few seconds to think it over. "Maybe a little bit."

You're not very well most of the time, and you process things differently, but making him feel better is something you've always been able to do. You fight back all your tears and drag yourself away from his chest, hands trembling minutely but determined as you cup his cheeks.

He raises his eyebrows at you.

You stroke his cheeks with your thumbs.

Fred laughs, happy at first and then weaker as it goes on.

"Groundwork," you say. "Stuff that won't change. I love you."

He nods and does that things boys do when they're trying not to cry, a quick, too casual blink. He clears his throat. "I love you too."

"You're very handsome."

His laugh thickens. "Tell me more."

"You're my best friend. You're the best friend I could ever have."

You stare at each other for entirely too long, like a cheesy rom-com movie, adoration and relief brightening your eyes and an unspoken agreement between you as your hands move into his hair. He gathers you up into a wonky, amazing hug. You squeeze him and he squeezes you.

You're giggling like a little kid. He squeezes harder and the giggles turn apprehensive.

"Freddie, don't," you beg.

"What was that?" he asks, squeezing you some more, hands vying for your sides, ready to do some damage. "Can't hear you over all that pretty laughing."

"That's terrible, and it's not true 'cause my laugh sounds like a-"

Rather than let you insult yourself, Fred squeezes extra hard. It's more a nice pressure than anything painful, the air whooshing out of you. Too shocked to laugh, you sigh like an idiot and clutch at his shoulder blades.

"Feeling better?" he asks.

You press your face to his neck. "Yeah." You feel really, really good.

He drops his face to find yours. His breath crests over your cheek like a wave. The fighting almost feels worth it, to make up with him like this.

"Let's never fight again," he says grandly. Obviously joking, hopped up on the same affection high as you are.

"Never," you agree.

#fred weasley imagine #fred weasley fanfic #fred weasley x reader #fred weasley #fred weasley fluff #a special friend universe #harry potter imagine #harry potter #harry potter fanfic #fred weasley x fem!reader #fred weasley x reader fluff #fred weasley fic #fred weasley x you

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writers-potion · 2 months

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What IS a redemption arc? 🤔

It's a type of character development in which a negative character goes through a process of realization and learning to become good in the end, often culminating in an act of atonement.

Step 1: A Sin Worthy of Atonement 👿

In the beginning, it is important to find a good balance between likeability and a flaw that warrants true redemption.

If your character is truly heinous, readers may not want them to find atonement. On the other hand, if the "sin" is too insignificant, the development arc will fail and seem hypocritical.

Ideally, your character's backstory should make them empathetic, despite distinct flaws that will eventually push them to change.

Step 2: Building the Redemption Arc 🌈

01. 💥 The Catalyst

This is the inciting incident that starts the character on their realization track. It can be:

losing a loved one

witnessing an inhumane act

suffering a near-death experience

losing a job/home/life's savings

being forced into something by an external force

It is important to emphasize the motivation for the change. Perhaps your character changes unexpectedly along the way as they try to fulfill a different purpose. Or, they actively try to change after a shocking experience that shakes their worldview.

02. 💣 Include internal and external conflict

Internally, your character might struggle with arrogance and unwillingness to accept their own flaws.

External conflict can be other characters who wish to maintain the status quo for their own benefit or doubt the character's ability to change.

Conflict, and how your characters resolve it, will make the redemption feel earned. The larger the flaw, the bigger and harder the conflict has to be.

03. 💨 Don't Rush!

The decision to change may come in a flash, but the process requires effort and time.

Show your character constantly fighting themselves, even unconsciously.

Step 3: Redemption Completed ⭐

Reward your character (and your readers) for struggling through various conflicts and growth pains!

Just remember three things:

It must be fair and earned, based on the groundwork laid

Try to make it unpredictable

DON'T remake your character altogether. If the protagonist is unrecognizable, the arc will feel forced and readers will lose touch.

Examples of Good Redemption Arcs 💡

01. Ebenezer Scrooge from <A Christmas Carol>

In the Beginning: Scrooge is a cold-hearted, miserly individual who doesn't care about being kind to his colleagues or family. He's a ruthless employer who cares nothing for Christmas festivities.

Then, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future take Scrooge on a journey through his life. This make Scrooge realize the consequences of his past actions.

In the End: Scrooge achieves internal growth. He lives the rest of his life as a kind, charitable man.

02. Gru from <Despicable Me>

In the Beginning: Gru is an evil thief who wants to steal the moon.

Then, he encounters three orphan girls and comes to love them.

In the End: He rescues his adopted daughters from the other villain and saves the world. He becomes a loving father.

...and others:

Gilgamesh in The Epic of Gilgamesh

The Evil Queen in Once Upon a Time

Theon Greyjoy in Game of Thrones

Boromir from Lord of the Rings

If you like my blog, buy me a coffee☕ and find me on instagram! 📸

🖱️References

https://jerryjenkins.com/how-to-write-a-compelling-redemption-arc/#:~:text=What%20exactly%20is%20a%20Redemption,that%20atones%20for%20their%20past.

https://prowritingaid.com/redemption-arc

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crownedinmarigolds · 3 months

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Her head turned at the sound of the door opening. Her beloved Nythanel entered the room, one arm linked with the man of the hour himself: Raymond Mulder. Raymond was a middle-aged hunter of the supernatural they’ve made acquaintanceship with over these last few years as they've slowly laid the groundwork of their Empire. Her Kingmaker, she secretly called him. He was very tall, relatively handsome, though he seemed always exhausted. No doubt were she to take a sip, it would be cheap coffee instead of blood. He was very no-nonsense and took his… community service very seriously. In exchange for helping him with cases, he supplied the ash - or perhaps if they were lucky enough, the vitae - of the kills he and his partner made. His partner in crime no other than her beloved older brother, Joaquin. They both had believed the other dead for nearly two decades, reunited at last... forced to act distant and aloof with the ever watchful though thankfully clueless Raymond acting as Joaquin's chaperone. Tonight the hunter would be giving them his latest loot, Joaquin no doubt sitting in the car again. Maybe Nyth would distract Raymond for her just a bit, and she could slip downstairs for a brief moment… Nyth smirked, letting go of Raymond and walking quickly towards her. In Spanish he cooed, “Joaquin is absolutely pouting down there. Miserable as always.” Of course, her darling knew exactly what she was thinking. He always did. Her hand quickly went to her mouth, covering her smile as she tried and failed to hold back her laughter. It was so exciting to think about Joaquin suffering without her beside him. Him thinking about her and wanting to be with her, tortured by their lack of touch despite being so close again. Their separation renewed her affections like crazy, and it also renewed her absolute delight in him being miserable - at least when it came to their being apart. His loneliness made her own loneliness worth it. It turned the room into an inferno every chance they got to meet. It was like being home in Mexico again… It won’t be so much longer now. As Nyth drew near, her hands reached out. And then, his forehead bloomed.

She felt the impact of viscera against her before she realized what had occurred. The follow up crack of a gunshot rang throughout the room. Glass was shattered behind her, the bullet somehow missing her. She felt a twisting pit in her gut as a silent scream wracked her body, and she tried to rush forward to Nythanel but she wasn’t close enough. Her best friend’s corpse hit the ground like a doll and she wanted to tear herself apart in grief as she stumbled to him.

As if granting her wish, she felt the deep impact of something sharp stabbing into her chest, its aim true as it struck her heart. She had never experienced paralysis before, and she felt panic and terror as her entire body refused to obey. A prisoner trapped behind muscle and bone. She immediately fell forward thanks to the locking of her legs, and landing nearly face down the stake was pushed further inside of her. Every inch thoroughly felt. She wanted to scream and call out and cry at the agony, but who could help her now? Somewhere downstairs was Joaquin, would he even know what happened? Will they ever be together again? She had never expected her spirit to fare well whenever she finally achieved Final Death. Her frozen, outstretched hands landed with a thump inches away from Nythanel, who now was missing half of his stunning face. The eye unmarred by Raymond’s gunshot stared back at her with a milky distance. Her own eyes were held open by the paralysis, and though they couldn’t move she could still see enough. The blood seeping into the vinyl, a blurry form of the Hunter in her periphery.

There was silence. Agonizing silence that made the air thick with awful anticipation. Then she could hear Raymond finally exhale, hear him messing with zippers and making the wait even more unbearable. She wished he had just granted her the gift of a quick death like poor Nythanel. They could be together sooner if he had. But no, he didn’t seem to want to grant her that luxury.

“They are not people. They’re monsters.” She heard him mumble to himself before she could hear the sloshing of liquid and quick steps. There was the sound of an unscrewing lid, the awful and familiar scent of gasoline. Oh God. Oh God. Inside of her body she motionlessly, wordlessly screamed. Her Beast as trapped as she was, it felt like it was trying to rip out of her skin but it was no use. Animal! Animal! You’re going to burn me and I have to watch and feel every moment of it, you bastard! Bastard! It made her entire body want to tremble and shake as she felt the liquid pour over her, the awful scent burning inside of her head, but she just couldn’t. She couldn’t move and it was painful! It burned her eyes and poisoned the inside of her mouth and singed her nostrils. Even with a body not living it soaked and stung and hurt. Her rage was so strong, her terror so real. Not even the stake could hold back the tears she wept as blood dripped down her cheeks and mingled with the gasoline. The gas, the blood, poured onto the floor and mixed with Nythanel’s cooled vitae - its watery black color staining her arms and dress and soaking her She could not look up at his face, but Raymond’s shoes stopped dancing around and the pouring also ceased. She couldn’t even grit her teeth in anticipation for the fire as she waited for the noise of a lighter. The striking of a match. Instead, she got something worse. Justification.

"I…" His voice warbled slightly, he couldn’t even kill them with confidence and it made her sick. Her vitriol was absolute and deep, and she wanted to rip him limb from limb. Dead forever. Obliterated. I hate you Raymond Mulder. I hate you! “We both know what you are. I don't know how much of it is your fault. What is the beast controlling you or you acting on your own. But that doesn't stop you from being what you are, and I'm sor-" In another moment nearly as fast as the gunshot that took Nythanel, there was a thundering and sickening crack as Raymond’s speech was cut short. He landed with a satisfying, dull thud on the floor beside her. His legs were slightly twitching, she could not see his head still, but she could see another pair of legs now that Raymond had fallen. The new person wasted no time taking their weapon continuously to Raymond’s upper body. Over and over again they grunted and spouted obscenities as they hit and hit and hit. Her tears continued as she recognized the voice. Joaquin roared furiously at Raymond’s now lifeless corpse, pulverized like butcher meat. His strikes still not yielding. “You bastard! Motherfucker! How dare you! Bitch! Motherfucker- Fucking piece of shit motherfucker - fucking -” She could not call to him, and in her silent atrophy she waited for him to calm down and work it out of his system. Still forced to stare at bloody shoes and half of Nythanel’s face. Soon the weapon, a piece of scaffolding pipe it seemed, was thrown to the ground and her body was jerked upwards off of the floor. He turned her over, the lamplight directly in her eyes as he frantically looked her over. His face was streaked with blood splatter, his eyes were wild and his hair was matted, one of his large hands pushed her sopping hair out of her face. He was beautiful. “Fucking Christ Noa. Oh Noa-”

Wasting no time, Joaquin leaned in and kissed her. She was covered in brain matter, in gasoline, in blood, in bone, and his lips still desperately tasted her. Her blood red lips would strengthen his affections even more, thanks to whatever quirk her Embrace gave her. He may never let her go now. The moment would have been so delicious were it not for every other awful thing this night has thrusted upon her. The stake, Quino. The stake! Take out the stake for God’s sake! Nythanel has been shot! Free me! There's no time for this! He pressed his body against her and slipped his tongue between her parted lips, and there was a brief moment where she thought he would actually have her here and now. But the wood handle of the stake poked him in his own chest, and he was pulled out of his feverish stupor. “Shit, fuck, okay let me just-”

They both knew stakes didn’t kill, and he tried to be gentle as he wrenched it from her. Her body reacted violently as complete motor functionality returned. She shook and she trembled as if seizing and she let out a loud and inhuman scream, slowly feeling herself react to her brain’s commands again. Her forehead touched to the floor and her hair covered her like a soaked blanket as her fingernails dug in and she felt everything primal bubble up and overflow. She screamed more, and more, and more, and when she was tired of screaming her gaze went to Raymond’s corpse. A pancake for a head now. But it wasn’t enough. That wasn’t punishment enough! “Fucker!” She roared, the words escaping her that she hardly spoke. Vulgar and crass. She leapt at the body on all fours, her manicured nails digging where bone had split skin. Tearing at him and beating him and biting him and draining with her mouth what still warm blood was left, but lacking the real satisfaction of his pain. He was dead, he was no more. Joaquin stole her kill. Joaquin stole it. Her eyes looked to Joaquin who had scarpered to the other side of the meeting room’s table. He was frozen in place, his expression stoic as he waited for her to calm down. He stole everything from her. How much of her now wouldn't be if not for him twisting her and twisting her and- “Noa. We gotta go.” His voice was so gentle. Her body continued to shake, and she wanted to lunge at fresh blood. Giving someone real suffering was so close. She wanted to inflict this agony onto someone else SO badly. “I hate him!” Her voice was ragged, ruined, childish. She was sobbing and her legs were barely able to hold her up. Her Beast like a little girl who couldn’t get her way. The feeling of being utterly helpless. Of true paralysis. Nythanel's injury. It was all her fault. All of this was her fault. Nythanel was hurt and it was all her fault.

“He’s gone now. He's dead. You’re safe. We have each other now. For good this time. No hunters. No family. Us.” Joaquin reassured her, staying back and speaking softly. “You’re safe. I love you. I love you.” He kept repeating I love you, it made her want to collapse. “I- I just...” She looked down at her bloodied feet, saw her best friend, her soul mate, half blown away. Her Beast seemed to roll in on itself as she tried to will it back. There was just so much to do. Her beloved... Maybe there was still time. "Joaquin, we need to call Julian. We need to call the Family. I need to fix this."

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miamierre · 7 months

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Model and Designer for piarles 😘🙏

20. model and designer

Pierre can't sleep.

It's becoming a habit, which is not boding well for his stomach lining considering how much more coffee he's been drinking because of that fact. Pierre just...can't sleep. There's not much he can really attribute it to, except for maybe the fact that he's a few months out from the big debut of his whole new fashion line--the latest Louis offshoot he'd been fortunate enough to helm. This is years of his life at stake: all that school and groundwork, all the bleeding and pricking and crying he'd done to find himself here, surrounded by fabric swatches laid out haphazardly at the desk kitty-cornered in his bedroom. There are stacks of photos and torn-up magazines out on his kitchen counter. His whole apartment is now a perfect parallel to his workplace: covered in ideas, wall-to-wall.

Hm. Maybe that's why he's becoming an insomniac.

Instead of paying the thought any more attention, though, Pierre slips out of bed and pads over to his desk chair, grabs the nearest sketchbook of his and flips to a blank page. It's not quite dawn, but there's more light than there was a few hours ago--enough to see what he'd left behind.

Charles is out cold. Completely asleep, drool and all. He looks innocent in ways that no photographer would ever be able to capture: forehead smoothed out with sleep, body curled in on itself slightly in the absence of someone next to him. Pierre gazes at him, sketchbook heavy in his hands, and feels the guilt in his stomach like a knife. He'd only invited his lead model over tonight for a review of their plans for the first walk-through with the clothes. (They have to move right, after all: Pierre needs to see his work from all angles in motion before he can be comfortable putting it on stage, even for a dress rehearsal.)

He hadn't planned for two bottles of wine. He certainly hadn't planned for Charles in his lap, warm and pliant and so, so easy as Pierre had given him direction: take this off and open your mouth and hands and knees. The memory of it makes Pierre's throat tight. So good for me, he'd mumbled after, mouth pressing just under Charles' ear, and the yes sir he'd gotten back had thrown him right out of his own mind.

He grips the sketchbook tighter. There's no way this can ever happen again, he knows--once is a mistake and he'll keep it that way.

From the bed, Charles snores lightly. It's a soft sound: sweet, almost. Pierre's chest is so tight he swears he must've forgotten how to breathe.

"Oh, Charlie," he whispers to the quiet of the room, "what have I done?" Nothing good, he's certain. Pencil in hand, Pierre tries to redirect his thoughts to the work laid out on the desk behind him--dresses with angular cuts, wide-arm sleeves, the jagged lines of a belt that's been nagging at the back of his mind since he'd axed the last round of the designs from his main book.

What he ends up with is this: Charles, in charcoal, curled up in his expensive sheets. The most damning evidence of his lapse in judgment, and he can't even bring himself to rip the sketch to shreds because it feels like a waste--a waste of beauty, even if it's a beauty he can't have.

#TY BB i cant wait to answer ur other ideas hee hee <3 #btw i have no idea WHAT this is please excuse me yet again #piarles #10 x 16 #fic #romance prompt meme #ask reply #teamnick

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writingquestionsanswered · 3 months

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I’m writing a scene where my characters are getting hot & heavy, when one character stops to admit he’s Transgender. His partner is cool with it, but I’m having trouble getting back into the sexy mood of before.

Do you have any advice? Thank you

Makeout Session Interrupted

Since the news isn't a big deal to the partner, this wouldn't be a "mood killer," it would just slow down the momentum. But as long as there's not too much discussion, I don't think it would stop the momentum all together. I think you could go with something like, "You really don't mind?" which is a natural point for the partner to think about all the reasons they don't mind, which probably includes attraction and current amorous state, which is like a bellows on the embers of their passion that gets things heated up again. I'm imagining smiling, breathy conversation, gentle touches during this, "You really don't mind?" "No, of course I don't mind. You're still you, aren't you?" sort of conversation. As long as you lay the groundwork ahead of time for all of it to make sense, that's all that matters.

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reidsbookclub · 1 year

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Mastermind

loosely inspired by: Mastermind by Taylor Swift Pairing: Spencer Reid x nanny! fem reader WC: 829

Henry could see how his godfather always looked sad and gloomy as much as Henry loved that he could spend all the time in the world learning new things from Spencer, late at night when Spencer and JJ were off fighting serial killers. Will had late nights at the precinct his nanny would put him to sleep with fairytales and it was those same fairytales that had him wishing to the second star to the right that his godfather and his nanny would meet. He knew deep down that they would be perfect together.

Henry set his plan in motion, laid down the groundwork and hope that everything else would fall into place. it started with perfectly planning a perfect meet-up between the two. He knew he shouldn't lie but he would just to finally see his godfather happy for once. It started with asking Spencer to get Friday lunches with him, knowing Y/N would be there taking care of him. Escalating to “forgetting” stuff at Spencer’s and begging Y/N to take him to get them. He even proclaimed Friday night's “Game Night” with Y/N and Spencer hoping that they would not only get together but also in hopes he would soon have a cousin to play with.

Henry saw the secret glances Spencer would give Y/N and was growing impatient as to why he wouldn’t make a move. So much so that while Y/N was taking the cookies out of the oven he whispered, “Uncle Spencer if you think she is pretty you should tell her. Maybe even ask her for coffee.” Spencer and Y/N, who had overheard couldn't help but chuckle, a knowing smirk shared between the two. They both had noticed that Henry was trying to set them up but neither had the heart to tell him that they in fact had already met prior to when Henry “introduced” them. They also would never dare tell Herny that dating was off the table for both of them.

Henry knew something was up when JJ told him that Y/N had to take Friday off and instead Penelope would be watching over him. As much as he loved his aunt Penny he was making so much effort to get Y/N and Spencer together he didn’t want to risk his plan falling through.

“Aunt Penny,” Henry asked looking up at her with the biggest pleading puppy eyes he could manage, “I forgot my favorite lego set at uncle Spencer’s can we please go get it? The boy asked. Penelope knew what Spencer would be up to that Friday afternoon but she didn’t have the heart to take her godson no so she did the 30 min drive to Spencer’s apartment.

Henry kept on knocking on Spencer’s door restlessly come on, uncle spencer open up he thought, what Henry never would expect for Y/N to open the door dressed in the cardigan he gifted Spencer and an apron covered with flour.

“Henry what are you–” “Y/N why are you–” They both asked at the same time looking shocked to find each other at the door, but what shocked Henry the most was his godfather’s voice saying, “My love, who is that at the door?” It was then that Henry looked down, and say Y/N wearing a wedding band, one that he knew matched a band his godfather often wore around his neck.

“YOU ARE MARRIED?? BUT MY PLAN?” Henry screamed, barging in and causing Spencer to choke on his drink.

“How did you get here Henry?” “Aunt Penny drove me” He stuttered.

“I’ll text Penny to let her know that she can leave. And JJ and Will so they know Henry is here.” Y/N whispered.

“But–but its our anniversary” Spencer pouted. “Spencer shush he is your godson” Y/N couldn’t help but muffle a giggle as she whispered.

During their impromptu dinner for three, Henry told Spencer and Y/N every little thing he did to get his nanny and his godfather together. The dining room was filled with laughter getting to hear all the schemes Henry pulled to get them together.

“ so uncle Spencer how did you ask her to marry you?” Henry asked

“ well Henry it all started when I strategically bumped into her at the coffee shop” to this she couldn’t help but giggle “strategically my ass, he dumped my coffee all over my new shirt…why don’t I tell this story, my love?”

“Because, sweetheart, it was strategic, it was a checkmate I couldn't loose or have you forgotten how I repeated the same thing when I asked you to marry me, and all you did was smile, when will you realize I’m the mastermind that trapped us .” JJ and Will overhearing the conversation couldn’t help but smile because they knew all along that the real mastermind was them strategically asking their friends to show up in that coffee shop 4 years ago, yet never showing up themselves, instead letting the dominoes cascade into the wonderful relationship they knew would unfold, because after all nothing is ever accidental if you plan the strategy that sets the scene for the tale.

AN: I promise I usually write better than this!!

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#spence reid #dr. spencer reid #Spencer Reid #spencer reid x y/n #spencer reid x fem!reader #doctor spencer reid #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid imagine #spencer reid fanfic

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starcrossedxwriter · 11 months

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A Love That Never Fades (MBJ x OC)

A/N: My first request by the amazing @prettyisasprettydoes1306! Hope you enjoy it!!

Warnings: miscarriage

“Hey baby,” Chastity swung open the door to her apartment and wrapped her boyfriend in a deep embrace. She buried her face in his neck as he held her for a moment. Though they were not on the same page at the moment, this part, the love, was always there.

“How are you?”

“J-Just tired and weirdly nauseous. Probably just the stress of these fuckin’ finals though. Can’t wait for this semester to be over.”

Michael glanced from his girlfriend and her very cozy leggings and sweatshirt to the cluttered mess of notes and open textbooks spread across her couch and coffee table, a realization hitting him.

“Think you’ll still be able to go to this party with me? For the studio?”

Chastity glanced at him and the clock and the mountain of work she still needed to do to finish her paper by tomorrow at noon. She rubbed her forehead in frustration at herself for losing track of time and not being able to finish her paper and the predicament she and Michael seemed to routinely find themselves as of late.

His star in Hollywood was on the rise, which meant more events and opportunities for him to shine. Chastity could not be prouder. However, the schedule of a rising actor did not quite align with the schedule of a junior in a rigorous degree program. 90% of Chastity’s time was devoted to classes, studying to maintain her trajectory of graduating with honors, and her wide range of extracurricular activities. While she loved her boyfriend, her hustle and her desire to be the very best is what drove her, which meant there was precious time left in the day for anything else, including her long-term boyfriend.

She and Michael met freshman year of high school, the pair sat next to each other in homeroom World History. There was an immediate pull that led them to becoming best friends by the end of the first week. It did not take long for them to become inseparable and for their feelings to bleed over the appropriate boundaries of friendship. Chastity still remembered the night Michael asked her to be his girlfriend at a local pizza parlor near his house. It remained one of the happiest moments of her life.

Throughout their relationship, they were each other’s first in almost everything, sharing so many intimate and special moments of their formative years together. When Michael decided to move out to LA to pursue acting full-time, Chastity had no reservations about following him, especially since UCLA was one of her top choices for college. Their first two years in their new city were magical. They were two broke kids following their dreams and still managing to live their best lives. Chastity excelled in her classes and on campus socially and Michael laid the groundwork for, what they both knew, would be a long career in Hollywood.

However, it felt like something shifted between them in the last year. Chastity’s school work exponentially increased as she settled into her major and got internships and other priorities. And Michael booked role after role that took him out of LA for months at a time, leaving the pair little to no time to spend together.

Neither of them complained, one of the many things they fell in love with each other for was their work ethic. Neither of them were afraid to sacrifice and hustle to achieve their dreams. But they had also never had to sacrifice each other, that was new. And where did that hustle leave their relationship? What time did that leave to nurture their garden that required time, energy, and dedication to stay alive? And the last few months were living proof of the consequences of not tending to that garden, significant parts of their relationship dying because of it.

“I don’t think so, babe. I’m sorry… I tried but I’m just not making progress on this paper. And it’s due tomorrow. I’m gonna be in this spot all night”

Michael hung his head in disappointment, his hand scratching his head. He stayed silent as he tried to find words that did not fully showcase the extent of his disappointment and frustration.

“I’m sorry, Mike, seriously,” she interjected, closing the book next to her. “I can make it up to you? In two weeks, finals’ll be done and I’ll be all yours, half naked… on the beach.” She smiled slyly as she stood, wrapping her arms around him. She could not wait to get their vacation, Michael treating her to a beach getaway to celebrate the end of her semester. It was a needed vacation for both of them, a bright spot at the end of a dark and long tunnel, and given their lack of emotional intimacy as of late, she was looking forward to a week of spending time with only him.

However, she was surprised to find a despondent look on his face as she mused about their upcoming trip.

“What’s wrong?”

“Babe…” he started to say, Chastity immediately cutting him off. She removed herself from his arms, folding hers across her chest in frustration.

“Mike. NO. What the fuck? We’ve had this planned for months!”

Michael threw his hands up in the air. “What do you want me to say, Chas?! This director reached out and it’s a last minute opportunity. I-I can’t pass it up. I gotta go for table reads in New York the week of our trip.”

Chastity glanced up at the ceiling, hopeful that it would stop her tears from falling.

“I-I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you,” he tried to offer but Chastity merely scoffed.

“Make it up to me when? You’re gonna be gone in New York, then you have another project all summer and then I’m back in school. There is no time to make it up to me!”

“Shit! I’m doin’ the best I can, babe! I’m tryin’ to be there for you and get my career going.”

She merely shook her head, her palms pressing into her eyes as tears started to fall. She hated crying.

“I-If this is the best we can do…” she mumbled as she sat down on the couch. She was exhausted, finally feeling the compounding weight of their repeated failures on her shoulders. When she looked back over the last month, she did not see the fruits of their best efforts, the benefits of “trying.” She merely saw the destruction their failures left behind.

She twiddled her thumbs as she stared at her hands, feeling his weight on the couch as he sat down beside her.

“What if… it’s just not in cards for us, babe?”

Michael turned around sharply, already feeling his world crumbling as her words hit him. “W-what are you saying, Chas?”

Chastity looked up at the ceiling as tears stung the back of her eyes. “B-believe me, it’s not what I want, Michael. But our lives are j-just not… We’ve been trying our hardest for the last few months and its only led to this… mess. It’s not working… w-we aren’t working.”

As much as it broke his heart, he had no argument to offer, not one that was rooted in logic at least. Because she was right. They had been ships passing in the night for months and despite efforts on both sides to adjust and compromise, there was only so much adjusting an actor and college student could do regardless of how much they loved each other. They wanted it to work, but in this iteration of their lives, neither saw a world in which it could. They could stay together and make it work just because they loved each other. But they both knew that would only lead to more resentment. Chasity was merely the first one brave enough to confront that fact.

Michael’s hand roughly wiped away a tear making its way down his cheek. “Nah you’re right. I c-can’t give you need or deserve right now.”

Chastity shook her head. “This is not just on you, Mike. You need someone who can support your dreams and be there for you always. Right now, my life is this,” she gestured to the stack of books on her coffee table. “I’m tryin’ but there isn’t room for much else.”

“So this is it?”

“I j-just don’t see another option. A-and it kills me. You have to know that. B-but this, this half life we are living together? It just hurts too much,” she whispered, her voice breaking.

“Nah, nah. I u-understand.”

“I-I love you so much, you know that?”

“I l-love you too.”

Michael pressed his lips to her head, letting out a strangled sigh before he turned to leave. He did not look back at her, he knew if he did, he would not be able to walk out the door. And she did not look at him, for if she did, she would not have been able to let him leave. But they both knew they had to - he had to leave and she had to let him. Because they deserved more than what the other could give them. And their careers deserved a chance to flourish without someone, even someone they loved with all their might, holding them back.

“Bye, Chastity…” he offered a final word before he exited.

“Bye Michael.”

***

7 years later

“Oof I’m starvin’” Michael muttered as he, Steelo, and a couple other friends sat down at their table at the back of Nobu. He rubbed his hands together as he scanned the menu. Despite its popularity, it still managed to be delicious and worth every dollar every time he went. His eyes felt significantly bigger than his stomach as he wanted to devour everything he could.

“Aye bruh,” Steelo gently hit him on his arm to get his attention. The man pointed toward a table of women on the other side of the restaurant. Despite the distance of the restaurant, Michael would recognize the woman at the center of the booth any day from miles away. “That aint’ Chas, is it??”

Michael cleared his throat awkwardly. “Nah it is.” He had not seen her since they broke up years ago. Time had diminished his heartache, but it had not diminished his feelings for her. Since their break up, he had felt those feelings in tiny sparks at random moments. Something or someone or a place ignited a memory of her and those feelings flared for a brief moment. Then they disappeared, shoved back into the crevices of his mind where he could not feel them again. Until the next time.

However, in this moment, he did not feel sparks. He felt those feelings like a burning fire, consuming every other emotion in his mind like fuel until it was the only thing left worth feeling at all. And that was far worse, far more uncomfortable than the momentary pain. This forced him to remember it all, pine for it all again, and mourn what he lost when they broke up.

His life had moved on, his star had rose just as Chas said it would. And he kept up with her career, as much as he could without seeming stalker-ish, and knew her star was rising as well. However, his heart was stagnant, frozen in time with her. He had tried to find other partners, other women who could fade into the background and be the supportive woman on his arm. But none of them compared or even came close.

Because recently, he realized the last thing he wanted was a supportive trophy girl on his arm. He wanted a woman with her own shit, who was a star in her own right and who knew how to stand alone without him. That was the definition of Chastity. And even across the dim restaurant, he could see her radiating the same beauty he remembered. If anything, time had only increased that glow.

“Stop staring bruh. It’s gettin’ awkward. Don’t be a fuckin’ creeper.” Steelo instructed, Michael immediately removing his eyes from her table as his friends all snickered at him. He knew what he looked like, a love sick puppy. But he was who he was. A man still in love with a woman he knew he could not have.

“Alright this is fuckin’ weird. Imma go say hey.” Steelo decided, tired of the awkward silence that drowned on as Michael stole glances at her table and ignored the conversations at theirs.

“What?? Nah nigga. Sit yo ass down,” Michael instructed, his voice low and annoyed as Steelo stood up.

“Nah nigga. We know them, went to school with them. Imma go over, gauge… I’ll give you the signal and then you come over and say what’s up. She’s gonna have to walk by this table to leave so let’s just get the awkward shit outta the way now, aight? Damn” he muttered under his breath. “This nigga always got somethin’.”

Michael’s hands awkwardly rubbed against his jeans as he felt his palms get sweaty. With every step Steelo took toward the table, his heartbeat grew louder and louder in his ear until it was a thundering drum beat. He stood up abruptly.

“Imma go to the bathroom,” he announced before scurrying away from the table and toward the back, locking himself in the restroom. He braced himself over the sink.

“Fuck. What’s wrong with you, Mike?” He asked himself as he looked in the mirror. There was a time when he planned to spend the rest of his life with this girl and now he could not get the courage to cross a restaurant and utter a one-syllable word: hey.

Michael usually did not give into his fear. He felt it, just like every other human being, but he refused to give it control. His philosophy usually was that if something scared you, you were on the right track. However, with Chastity, talking to her scared him and he did not know if his usual philosophy applied. Their break up was amicable at the time. But had time changed how she felt about him? How she viewed their teenage-into-adulthood romance? Michael certainly could have been a better boyfriend back in those days. He had learned a lot in the game of adulting and there were things he wished he could go back and do differently. Did she hold those things against him?

He did not know and he was afraid to find out. But he knew he could not hole up in the bathroom until she and their friends left. He would have to find courage from somewhere, even if he had to pretend to be a version of himself he was not. He could act courageous even if he did not feel it.

He swung open the door to the bathroom to find his way back to their table, shocked to literally run into Chastity on the way out.

“Oof!”

“My bad!” He immediately offered before he realized who it was. “C-Chastity?”

“Wild way to say hello after so many years, Mike,” she laughed as she rolled her shoulder for a moment and moved around him toward the women’s bathroom door.

“What can I say? Always had a flair for the dramatic, right?” He offered.

“Yea, you did. We get older but somethings never change, huh?”

Michael chuckled, immediately feeling a bit at ease as she started off with a playful jab. This was their way, their banter, constant jokes. He missed that.

“You might be right about that.” He glanced up and down at her, she looked beautiful. Her body was still worth feasting on, her curves filling out in all the right places as she grew older. “H-how you been?”

Chas shrugged, “Good, good. Just working, honestly. Long hours kill me but that’s the grind right? What about you? I see you taking Hollywood by storm, Mr. Superstar.”

“Like you always said I would. Wouldn’t have gotten this far without you,” he offered humbly. And he meant it. Chastity supported every project and every dream, even the ones that seemed wild and outlandish. She had been his motivation and biggest cheerleader. And since he lost her for this career, he always felt this push to do everything he could to be successful so that sacrifice they both made would be worth something.

“I don’t believe that for a second,” she laughed, her hand waving to dismiss him. “You were always a star. Long before you met me.”

“Eh you brought it out of me though. Supported me through it all,” his hand grabbed hers, his thumb rubbing patterns on the back of her hand.

Chastity’s eyes gently fell closed at his touch. She had forgotten how much she missed it, how much comfort it provided. When you go without for so long, time diminishes what the thing you lacked actually felt like. You start to get used to life without it, build a routine to the point where, it no longer feels like you are missing anything at all. But now that she had it again, she wanted to bask in it and never let it go.

However, she knew she could not. That was not who they were, not anymore. It pained her but she gently and slowly removed her hand from his, using it the awkwardly scratch her arm just to appear to have something to do.

“So you got the whole gang out here, I see?” He cleared his throat and gestured toward her table.

“Oh yea. Shauna’s birthday so they all came out to visit. It’s been nice to have ‘em here. Crazy that we ran into y’all. Small world.”

“For sure.”

They stared at each other for a few moments, an awkward but not unpleasant silence settling between them. Chastity was the first one to decide to break it. Not because she wanted to leave but because she was fearful of what would happen if she stayed. Michael was her kryptonite and if she stayed too long in his lingering stare and touch, she would never be able to make herself leave. And she would not be able to keep certain skeletons buried where they belonged.

“U-Um, I better head back before they think someone kidnapped me,” she joked, causing him to laugh. “It was really good to see you.”

She started to return to the table, her mission to go to the bathroom to avoid Michael long forgotten.

“Hey Chas!” Michael stopped her.

She turned and glanced at him. “What’s up?”

“What are y’all doing tomorrow night?”

“Nothing right now, why?”

“Come by the house. Still the same number? I can text you the address. I’m having a cookout. Low-key, just friends, music, food, and drinks. Maybe y’all could swing by for a bit.”

Chastity nodded. She knew it was not a good idea. They had only been in each other’s presence for 5 minutes and they were already falling back into old patterns. However, she also knew she could not say no, not to him. Not to the chance of spending time with him again. Even if it was fleeting, she wanted it and needed it.

“Sure, I’ll run it by the girls. And yea, same number.”

“Ok cool.” He threw caution to the wind and wrapped her in a hug before letting her go. His heart smiled at the way her body instinctively relaxed into his. He wished they could’ve stayed like that, in each other’s arms all night, but they both had people to get back to.

They broke apart and retreated to their tables, each of them stealing a glance back at the other as they went.

“So ladies…” Chastity slid back into their booth, a sly grin painted on her face. “What do yall think about going to a party tomorrow?”

“At Michael’s??” One of them asked.

At Chastity’s nods, the girls only had one response:

“Say less.”

***

“You gonna go find your man?” Shauna asked as Chastity and the girls walked through Michael’s foyer. It was packed with people, the vibe feeling more like a party than a cookout but she recognized some familiar faces from school, guys that still were cool with Michael. They had not even seen the host yet, it was so crowded, Steelo had welcomed them into his spot.

“We just got here, Shauna. And he’s entertaining and shit. I’m sure I’ll see him at some point.”

Even as she spoke, her eyes intently searched the crowd for his familiar handsome face. But she did not see him anywhere.

“You gonna shoot your shot when you see him?”

Chastity rolled her eyes and huffed. “You know I can’t do that and you know why.”

Shauna merely shrugged. “I know that nigga still loves you. And you still love him. And if you just tell him what happened, which he deserves to know anyway, maybe y’all can get back to where you were. The past is the past, Chas. Don’t let it dictate your shit for the rest of your life.”

Chastity had little time to process Shauna’s words when someone grabbed her gently by the arm. She turned to find Michael standing behind her, a bright grin on his face.

“You made it!”

He handed her a drink, her favorite liquor and mixer inside it. She smiled, “Quite the party you got goin’ here. And you remembered?”

He shrugged. “I remember everything about you, girl. And just like to get the folks together every once and while between projects. Have a good time n shit. You want a tour?” He gestured toward the house.

She instinctively nodded, though she regretted that decision nearly immediately. As she followed him through the downstairs and upstairs, she knew being alone was likely not a good idea for either of them but it seemed her common sense had little power over her legs or voice. Because she used neither to escape the situation. She just followed her heart, and that led her through Michael’s house.

She was in awe of his spot, expansive and beautiful but it still managed to feel like a home. She lost track of the amount of times she commented on how amazing it was by the time they reached his bar upstairs.

“Two bars, you got a problem you wanna talk about??”

She asked jokingly as she sat on one of his barstools in his gaming room. He let out a barking laugh.

“I just like to entertain and this gives me a couple different options. Also hate running around the whole damn house when I want a drink.”

“Totally fair,” she remarked.

“What about you? Got a good spot?”

She nodded. “Yea, yea. A condo downtown in a high rise. It’s not this,” she laughed, “But it’s home.”

Michael sat in the barstool next to her, the pair catching up in the quietness of his upstairs “man cave” while the party raged downstairs. Neither of them paid attention to the time that passed as they talked about their careers and their families, both of them sharing the latest family drama they had to offer. Chastity forgot what it was like to share intimate moments like this with someone, forgot what it was like to laugh this hard with him and joke and be free. The longer she sat there in seclusion with him, the more she missed him. And the more she realized how she never stopped missing him, how her love for him never truly faded, she just tucked it away where it could not bother her anymore. And the more she wondered if her best friend’s words held some truth.

“That’s hilarious… he sounds adorable, I’m glad they are doing good,” Chastity offered as Michael showed her a funny video of his nephew. “You were always excellent with kids so I know you're having a ball.”

He nodded. “I really am. He's great.”

The conversation lulled for a moment, Michael staring at her for a moment before he added. “I’m really happy you came. I fuckin’ missed you.”

“I missed you too.”

The pair locked eyes for a moment, years of pining and unsaid feelings passing between them. Chastity had not looked in his eyes for years and yet they held the same thing they did back then: immense love and adoration. Love and adoration she did not know if she still deserved from him.

“U-Um, I should go,” she whispered, her eyes falling to her lap. “Find the girls.”

She started to walk toward the door until she felt his hand grab hers. In one swift motion, he pulled her into his embrace, his lips crashing onto hers. She moaned as he kissed her roughly, her back hitting the wall. His lips searched for every inch of available skin to kiss and taste, both of them seeking a feeling that they had gone without for far too long.

However, Chastity knew she could not let this go down the road it was headed without telling him the truth.

“Michael,” she pressed her hand to his chest, breaking away from his kiss. It was not that she did not want it. She did, desperately so. However, if that kiss signified a second chance for them, she could not pursue it until he knew the full story, their full story. And if she did not do it now, she would never have the courage to do it again.

“I-I’m sorry. I s-shouldn’t have done that. I-It’s just…”

She shook her head, “No, no. I-I want it. I want you.” Their foreheads pressed against each other’s for a moment. “But before we… I need to tell you something. Something that happened after we broke up.”

Michael took a step back, his anxiety immediately spiraling as he took in the look of pain and sorrow on her face. Similar to his love for her, his care for her as a person and her safety had not diminished either.

“W-what happened?”

Chastity wiped a stray tear that fell from her eyes. She never liked to think about it, the cramping that woke her up in the middle of the night, the fear that tore the sound and words out of her voice as she tried to call a friend to take her to the ER, the panic that dug its claws into her soul on the ride there, the sharp rollercoaster of shock and grief when she found out in a span of 5 minutes that she had been pregnant and lost their baby.

She thought about calling Michael in the days after. She knew he would come if she called, knew he would support her and help her heal. She laid in bed and cycled between sobbing and staring at his name in her phone contemplating whether to hit the call button. But each time she came close, she always stopped herself. She knew he would come and if he did, she would never truly move on. She was still heartbroken on top of everything else, still yearned for him above all else. And she knew she needed to learn how to stand and heal on her own. And she decided it was unfair to drop this trauma on him when there was nothing that could be done. She may have had to live with the pain, but he did not have to too.

She wiped a tear from her cheek. She had rarely spoken about the miscarriage, it had always been too painful. It was a period of her life she desired to forget.

“Ummm… about two months after we broke up, I w-woke up one night in p-pain. L-Like nothing I had ever felt. Went to the ER and… I w-was pregnant.”

His eyes grew wide. “P-pregnant?” He could not hide the shock in his voice. Though when he thought back to it, it made sense. In the weeks leading up to the breakup, he recalled her complaining of nausea and fatigue. They both assumed it was the stress of her school work. “W-why didn’t you t-tell me?”

She shook her head. “T-there was nothing to tell. W-when I got to the ER that night, they told me I was pregnant… and that I m-miscarried.”

Michael could not stop the tears that flowed like rivers down his face. He did not know how he could grieve a life he did not know existed and never met. But he felt it, waves of it crashing over him as he looked at her. They had talked about kids back then, even at their young age. How many, what they would look like, which of them they would be more like. Sure it was all talk, but a future they both had seen so clearly with each other, that it had felt real.

And now, he knew that they had created something together and their breakup had cost them that. He also felt guilt, wondering if his inability to make their relationship work had led to this outcome. And that felt worse than any physical wound he had ever experienced, it was a searing pain he could not escape from.

“W-was it the b-break up?” He asked quietly, his guilt clear in his voice.

Chastity immediately shook her head, rushing up to him and pulling him in an embrace. She leaned back and held his head in her hands, her thumb wiping away his tears. She hated that he felt guilty, this was one of the many reasons she chose to keep this to herself for so long. She did not find it fair transfer this pain onto him, particularly so many years later.

“No. Listen to me. Th-this was no one’s fault, I promise you. T-the doctors said it c-could’ve been anything. The stress from finals o-or nothing to do with any of that at all. It just happens a-and there isn't really anything you can do, they said.”

He nodded. “A-are you ok?” His hands went to her waist, holding onto her.

She smiled and nodded. “Y-yea, yea. The weeks after were the hardest but over time… it’s gotten better. A-and the doctors said it won’t affect any long-term fertility so I guess that’s good?” She mumbled. “I-It was hard… doing it alone though. I wanted to call you so many times, Michael,” she whispered, her head thudding into his chest. His hands rubbed soothing circles in her back. “I-I just knew I wouldn’t be able to let you go a second time if I let you back in, even when I really needed you. S-So I dealt with it alone. It w-was h-hard. A-and I’m sorry I never told you. A-and am just dropping it on you like this. I-I just think you needed to know if we were gonna…” her words trailed off but Michael did not need her to finish the sentence, he knew what she meant.

Michael tightened his arms around her. “Nah, I-I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you. You shouldn’t’ve gone through that alone." He pressed a teary kiss to her forehead. “I-I love you so much. I never stopped loving you, Chas. D-don’t think I ever will.”

“I never stopped loving you either,” she whispered.

Michael held her for a few more minutes before her phone started to buzz.

“Y-You should answer those, it’s probably your girls thinkin’ I kidnapped you,” he joked, cutting some of the more serious tension in the room.

“Y-yea I should let them know I’m good.”

She shot off a few texts before turning back to him. “S-sorry, they were just reminding me we made dinner reservations. I-I should go.”

Her heart almost broke at the disappointed look on his face. However, before she left, he reached out for her hand.

“I know this might be a lot to ask a-and we have a lot to talk about but… stay? I want us back, Chas. There'll never be another woman like you out there for me. You're it. Stay. Please”

Chastity stared at him for a moment, before texting her friends.

Head to dinner without me. I’ll be good here.

She then turned her phone off and slid it into her back pocket. She giggled as Michael pulled her back to his embrace.

“So we really gonna do this again?” She asked, stifling a small moan as he kissed and sucked on the soft skin of her neck, immediately going to a sensitive spot there that he knew drove her wild.

“Hell yea. And it’ll be better than it ever was.”

“Yea, it will.”

Fin.

A/N: ahhh my first request for MBJ. Such a fun prompt for me too! Not sure how many I can reasonably do lol but I liked it so I will keep doing the occasional one if you're interested/have a prompt! Thanks for reading! Leave a comment if you want to be tagged in MBJ fics!

#black writers #michael b jordan #michael b jordan x oc #mbjordanedit #michael b jordan x reader #creed 3 #black panther #adonis creed #michael b jordan fanfic #creed iii

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ownworldresident · 3 months

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Side by Side: Interlude

This piece is for @choicesflashfics Week #70 prompts! This section takes place shortly after Liam and Rayne's conversation in Chapter 7, which is a few days after his wedding to Madeleine... you guys know the drama drill haha.

Book: The Royal Romance Pairing: Liam Rys and Rayne (romantic) Themes: hurt/comfort, friendship, family, Maxwell being an excellent friend Words: 1827 (apologies, but I promise it's an easy read) Prompts used: Prompt 1 — “I wish you could see yourself the way I see you.” Prompt 3 — “How are you going to explain this/that?” Side by Side Masterlist (updated) here

I've included my Side by Side taglist for the interested folks, but you don't need to be up to date on that to follow the scenes. Side note I had wayyyy too much fun on Canva making this image.

Rayne didn't return to the palace with Liam. He stayed the night after their discussion, they reunited in more ways than one, and the next morning they began to discuss logistics.

“What are they expecting when you arrive home?” Rayne asked, elbows on the dining table either side of an empty breakfast plate.

“Except for Bastien, the palace and the press don't know that I'm here. They still believe I'm at the estate with Madeleine. They'll expect us to arrive together.”

“You can stay here until then, if you want.” said Maxwell, who had tactfully said nothing last night of why Liam was here but was keen to assist now. “Bertrand would be honoured.”

Rayne sipped her orange juice - no coffee for a while - and allowed Liam to respond to a question of which she knew the answer.

“Thank you, Maxwell, but they expect us this afternoon. I will reconvene with Madeleine and travel with her back to the palace.”

“So how are you going to explain this?” Maxwell cut to the elephant in the room. Rayne looked to Liam again. They had discussed how to play this but ultimately it was up to him.

“To be honest, I'm not sure yet. But I will discuss it with Madeleine, since she is open to compromise, and make a statement when the time is right.”

Maxwell nodded, and turned his attention to Rayne. “And you, blossom? are you returning as well?” He sounded a little forlorn at the prospect.

“I could,” Rayne said, glancing at Liam, “but as I discussed with Liam last night it might be better to lay low for a while.”

“It would give me the chance to lay the groundwork for your return.” Liam reached for one of her hands, taking it in both of his. The way he gently squeezed was enough to communicate how much he wanted her to be there with him. Rayne held his gaze, then looked to Maxwell.

“I was hoping I could stay here until then.”

Maxwell looked surprised, then smiled warmly. “Absolutely you can! We will have so much fun… we can go riding and to the sauna and for runs together and…” he paused at Rayne’s bemused smile, and continued a little sheepishly. “I mean we can relax and watch movies and go for reasonable length walks…”

“I would love all those things, Max.” Rayne grinned. “But maybe we can start with the movies and walks.”

“I'll contact your doctor,” Liam noted, “see if she could be persuaded to make a house call. Everything discreet, of course.” Rayne had seen this doctor a few times whilst in Cordonia at Liam's recommendation and approved of her.

“So this is all a secret for now then?” Maxwell queried.

“Yes,” Liam answered, squeezing Rayne's hand again and releasing her. “For now at least, this news doesn't leave this household.”

— —

The sky was overcast as Rayne and Maxwell left the Beaumont estate several weeks after the decision to stay. Nerves built inside her as they climbed into the back of the SUV sent to collect them and approached the open gates of the estate. The car was silent for a few minutes, and Rayne focused on the outlines of the trees and vines bordering the gravel road.

“I left a charger cable in my room.” Maxwell sighed. She turned to him.

“At home?”

“No, at the palace. I'm looking forward to getting it back.”

Rayne smiled, breaking some of the tension in her face. “Don't you have other chargers?”

He shrugged. “Technically yes, but this one's my favourite.” The words were followed by a wide grin that made her laugh.

“Glad you can finally get it back then,” she remarked fondly, and turned back to the window. It was starting to rain now, gently, but it was predicted to get heavier as they approached the city.

“I hope I have the same room…” Maxwell commented. As he had previously assured her they would have the same rooms, Rayne didn't respond, but thinking of the rooms inevitably led back to thoughts of Liam.

Her hand subconsciously moved to her belly, which now was aligned with her breasts. The last time the doctor had visited had been the most surprising, but made the most sense. At ten weeks, her baby should not be showing so much - but twins did.

Twins were not uncommon in Rayne's family, she'd had a twin sibling, but it didn't make the prospect any less terrifying. Having one life growing inside her for the first time was enough, but she was still reckoning with the idea of two.

A loose shirt and open coat would do little to hide the reality from prying eyes, so she was not looking forward to her hospital visit…

“Liam will be there.” Maxwell's voice cut through Rayne's reflections. She turned to him. “He will make sure everything goes smoothly. You'll be okay, blossom. No need to be stressed.” His eyes flitted to where her hand trembled against her belly as if in recognition of her nerves. She let her hand fall, and he reached for it.

“I know,” Rayne muttered. And she did, but it didn't take away all her anxiety.

Maxwell squeezed her hand to bring her focus back to him. “There is no benefit in worrying about would could happen or what people might think. You have a lot of good people to support you, my wonderful self included, and we will all make sure that you are safe and comfortable.”

Rayne felt tears prick her eyes, smiling at the unusual earnestness from her jovial friend. After a moment holding his gaze, she nodded.

“I know,” she said again, “thank you, Maxwell.”

“Any time.” He smiled, releasing her hand, and they fell into an easier quiet. Rain pattered on the roof and windows of the car, they exited the gravel drive onto a sealed road, and she reflected on the words he had used. Maxwell was more intelligent than he was given credit for, but he spoke in simpler sentiments.

“Liam told you to say that, didn't he?”

He frowned, the shrugged. “He suggested I be more openly supportive - me being so much a master of subtlety and all - but I didn't need to know how to comfort one of my best friends, particularly given I've technically spent more time with you over the years than his royalness.”

“True, very true,” Rayne conceded, hiding a smirk and turning back to the road. “Especially during the hard times. And more recently whilst I've been… well…”

“Finally appreciating the excellence of my company?” Maxwell finished for her.

“Sure.” Rayne turned back to his wide smile. “And hugs. I appreciate your hugs.”

Several instances passed through her mind of Maxwell holding her. As she wept; as she sat nauseous beside the toilet; as she fell into him barely able to breathe; as she expressed just how much her heart ached, how much she wished Liam were with her, and things had turned out differently…

Eventually Rayne fell into a restless doze. She imagined reuniting with Liam and it brought her comfort. He had visited, once, a few weeks before. She had tried to be composed through the hormonal shifts but he had found her mostly short tempered. She hadn't properly said goodbye. There were some things she regretted saying, and she imagined having to resolve some tension before even entering the palace. Her new home.

— —

“Rayne.” A voice broke through her reverie, and a nudge of her shoulder. “Rayne, are you awake?”

“Nng,” she responded, less coherent than intended. She tried again. “Yes.”

“Good.” It was Maxwell's voice. “We're almost there.”

Rayne registered the thick rain and slow movement of the car over more gravel and lifted her head to see out, wiping drool from her chin and sleep from her eyes. Her back and neck ached from the awkward angle and she resolved once again never to sleep in a car.

“You can finally get your phone charger cable,” she remarked, watching the palace as they approached. Maxwell laughed.

“My whole reason for accompanying you is complete!” The lightness in his voice made her smile, despite the growing nerves.

“I hope you can stay for a while though,” she said, “I'll miss your company.”

Maxwell reached for her hand again. “Don't worry blossom, I'll make sure you're all set up before leaving. And you know how to reach me after that.” He looked up past Rayne, then, and grinned. “Welcome home.”

Rayne turned to see the palace slide out of view past some tall hedges. Her palms were sweaty and her chest tight, then the hedges opened out to reveal a familiar figure waiting under cover by the entrance, and her heart leapt.

— —

Liam waited by the door with Drake and two of the palace staff, rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet with an umbrella in hand as they watched the SUV approach. It moved so slowly, but the time was finally nearing when he would see her again, and see her every day from now on.

“Bit excited there, Li?” Drake teased from just behind him. It only made Liam smile wider. His heart thumped in his chest and he stood so close to the edge of the portico that some of the rain began to reach him.

“Absolutely,” Liam responded, unphased. The car was so close he thought he could make out Rayne’s face through the tinted glass. It pulled up alongside the palace, and he leapt into action with his now open umbrella. She always sat on the right side, so he opened that door just as she reached for the handle, and there she was.

“Liam,” she breathed, wide eyed as he met her gaze. How was she even more beautiful than he remembered?

“Welcome home, love,” he managed after a few moments, holding the umbrella above them both with his other hand out to help her up. As she stood, he breathed in her scent, and all the tension in his body and mind relaxed. “I missed you.”

Rayne looked up at him as he closed the car door behind her. She opened her mouth to speak, closed it again, and wrapped her arms around him for the first time in too long. He held her in the rain on the gravel driveway, holding the umbrella above them in one hand, heedless of the staff and friends moving around them.

“I missed you too,” Rayne mumbled into his chest, and held him tighter. Liam kept his touch gentle, not wanting to strain her, and after a while he pulled back and moved a loose curl away from her face. She sniffed, wiping her face with a coat sleeve, and started to apologise for her appearance. Liam shook his head to halt her.

“I wish you could see yourself the way I see you,” he said, smiling softly, “there is nothing and no one else so perfect in this world.”

-----

Side by Side Tag List: @tessa-liam @twinkleallnight @umccall71 @kingliam2019 @angelasscribbles @mainstreetreader @malblk21 @queen-arabella-of-cordonia @tinkie1973 @lovingchoices14

#choices the royal romance #choicesflashfics #prompts week 70 #the royal romance #trr liam #trr fanfic #choices trr #liam x mc #trr maxwell

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tightjeansjavi · 1 year

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𝕓𝕝𝕦𝕖 𝕛𝕖𝕒𝕟𝕤 𝕟’𝕋𝕖𝕩𝕒𝕤 𝕕𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕞𝕤

𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥 𝟛

The Importance of Groundwork and Vanilla Lattes

♡ 𓃗 ♡

Pre! Outbreak Joel x horseback riding instructor f!reader

A/N: this chapter is filled with SO much horsey knowledge! Heavily focused on horsemanship skills and groundwork. This was something that I was taught while I worked at the therapy barn and it’s truly so special to watch in action. ♡

~word count : 4.8k~

Summary: Joel Miller, single father; total soft dad has an astronomically enormous crush on you, his daughters horseback riding instructor.

Warnings: soft! Joel, shy! Joel, fluff, flirting, slow burn, eventual established relationship, single! Father Joel, protective! Joel, he’s so sweet your teeth will hurt! Joel, eventual smut, some angst, no y/n, +18 minors dni !

blue jeans playlist:

Austin, Texas

Joel Miller called you early Saturday morning, an hour before Sarah’s first riding lesson.

You unashamedly already had his number saved in your phone. He had your contact saved in his phone as well. Thank god Sarah didn’t know because she would surely tease him for it.

You had just started to bring the horses in from turn-out. You firmly believed that all horses deserved to have the freedom to run, to spend time away from humans where they could just be themselves in nature. That’s why everyday, at the end of each day, you’d turn them out overnight. You made sure to give them time in the pasture during the day when they weren’t working, or being exercised.

These horses were undoubtedly your children and you would do anything to ensure they had a safe, happy horse life.

When Joel had given you a rung, everyone except Frankie had been brought back in. He was the most shy, and polite of the six horses. He always would hang out in the far back, away from the gate. You grabbed his navy blue halter from the hook on the metal gate. Each horse had their name engraved on a thin piece of copper. The name plates were light weight, and were on the cheek piece of their halters.

Frankie was comfortably grazing as you approached him, you let him know of your presence by gently placing your hand on his shoulder, stroking his soft fur. “Hey, pal. How are we this morning? You wanna come on in now, or should we hang out and make the other boys wait a little longer for their grain?”

You gently placed the nylon lead rope over his withers, making sure the end of the rope didn’t dangle too low. This is when you felt your phone buzzing in your back pocket. You had a feeling it was Joel Miller and when you saw his name flash on your phone screen, you couldn’t hide your smile.

“Hey, darlin’ it’s Joel.”

You gently leaned against Frankie’s side as he continued to peacefully graze.

“Hey, Joel. To what do I owe the pleasure? Sarah’s lesson isn’t for another hour. I hope you’re not calling to cancel on me or anything like that. I’d be pretty disappointed if that were to be the case. Oh, and Joel? I know it's you calling. I have your name saved in my contacts.”

Joel could feel his cheeks turning red as he sat in his truck, behind at least 20 cars in the Starbucks drive through. He couldn’t help but let out a light chuckle when you confirmed that you had his name saved in your contacts.

“Oh, it’s kinda uh–Texas thing to start a phone call off with your name. Don’t worry darlin’ I'm not calling to cancel Sarah’s lesson, I promise. I’m callin’ cause i’m currently in the Starbucks drive through and was wonderin’ if you’d like a coffee or something? Damn line is like 20 cars long, but I didn’t want to assume your order and get you the wrong thing–”

Joel was going to be the death of you. You were absolutely certain of it.

“A Texas thing, huh? Well, I'm relieved that you weren’t calling to cancel on me. I’m actually hanging out with Frankie in the pasture right now. Think we’re gonna have a bit of a lazy morning.” Your heart positively swelled in your chest when Joel offered to get you a coffee.

“Joel, that’s awfully kind of you. I’m sure whatever ended up getting me, I would enjoy it. If it’s not too much trouble, I'll take a grande vanilla latte, with soy milk if they have it.”

“Well, it might also be a thing outside of Texas, probably. Just goin’ off of how my Ma raised me. How is Frankie? He’s the one that doesn’t do well with loud, sudden noises right? Oh and it’s no trouble at all darlin’ figured I would uh– put the offer out there since y’know, i’m already in line. You said a vanilla latte with soy milk? Hope i’m not oversteppin’ or anythin’ but are ya dairy free?”

You couldn’t help but smile softly when Joel had asked about how Frankie was doing, and the fact that he remembered what you told him, and Sarah, about Frankie. “He’s doing alright. You’re correct, he’s the one that doesn’t do well with any loud noises. Spooks very easily. Anyway, he likes to hang back far from the gate while the other boys are brought in. So I usually get to spend a small part of my morning with him. You’re not overstepping at all, Joel. I’m actually a vegetarian. I’ve been one for about 6 years? Who’s really counting though right?”

“That’s really nice that you get to spend a bit of your mornin’ with him. Sounds pretty peaceful. You’ve been a vegetarian for 6 years? Wow, that’s actually pretty cool. I imagine it takes a lot of dedication? I ain’t gonna be that asshole that brings up how he could never live without a steak or somethin. I imagine you hear a lot of that bullshit from other people.”

You gave Frankie a light pat on his neck as he lifted his head up slightly. You were holding your phone against your ear, with your shoulder, while you slowly and carefully brought Frankie’s halter around his head, clipping the metal hook around the metal ring so that the halter would stay in place around his head.

“It really is. He’s easy to talk to. Never have to worry about him speaking back or anything like that. I happen to think he’s a fantastic listener.” You laughed softly against the receiver.

“Yeah, it honestly does take a ton of dedication but after the first few months I started to really get in a groove with it. I appreciate you not being that asshole, because I cannot even begin to tell you how many guys I have encountered who say the classic, ‘oh I could never give up meat because I love steak too much’ or some shit like that. I truly appreciate you being respectful.”

Joel was comfortably resting his head back against the worn leather of the driver's seat. He could easily listen to you talk for hours. He was lightly tapping his fingers against his steering wheel, while his other hand held his phone against his ear.

“Well, I wish that I could spend every mornin’ talkin’ to you and Frankie. I bet you guys have the best conversations.” He chuckled. “Guys like that can be real assholes, huh? I’ll never understand it honestly. Sorry that you’ve had to deal with ‘em darlin.’”

“Well, we could always make these phone calls a regular thing? Only if uh, that’s something you’d be interested in doing? It’s alright Joel, I don’t even bother giving them any thought. They aren’t worth my time, or my energy.”

Joel was in slight disbelief when you had suggested that you and him could make these phone calls a regular occurrence. He definitely wasn’t against the idea, not even in the slightest.

“I mean, if you’re interested and comfortable with that, then I’m all in. Maybe you can educate me with some more horse facts? I wanna be able to show my kid up one of these days.”

“So is it safe for me to call it a date? A phone date? I’d happily throw all the horse facts at you Joel. We can easily make sure that you show your kid up with all the horse knowledge.”

Were you really asking Joel Miller out on a date? The crisp morning air really had you feeling particularly ballsy.

Joel paused from your words. You could tell he was thinking them over and you could imagine his brows furrowing in, his lips pursing slightly.

“Are you askin’ me out on a date right now?”

“I think that’s definitely what I’m asking you Joel.”

“Never had someone ask me out on a phone date. That’s a new one.”

“There’s a first for everything, isn’t there? Besides, it’ll just be for me to educate you on more horse facts. Nothing too crazy for you to handle, right?”

You both knew it was definitely going to be more than just horse facts.

“Right, just for the horse facts. Nothin’ more.”

You took your lower lip between your teeth as you thought over your response . Be cool, be casual, don’t come across as overly excited. You could totally handle this.

Frankie had paused his grazing, lifting his head as he turned towards you, letting out a soft nicker.

“Hey, Joel? I think Frankie is ready to head inside. I’ll see you in a bit, okay? Thank you for the latte by the way. It’s a very sweet gesture.”

Oh, you were a little too good at switching the conversation up. It seemed to come to you as a second nature.

“Oh, yeah of course darlin’, I don’t wanna keep you from your job. Hopefully they have your soy milk as well and It’s the least I can do, you’re making my kid extremely happy and I really appreciate it.”

“It’s no problem at all Joel. I’m really looking forward to getting to teach her.”

He was finally the next in line to order. He had no recollection of how much time he had already spent talking to you on the phone.

“Alright darlin’ I’m next in line. See ya in a bit!”

“See you in a bit, and thank you again.”

You had quietly ended the call, slipping your phone back into your jeans pocket as you let out a sigh.

“Hey Frankie? Do you think it’s wrong for me to have this little crush? I mean, it’s not gonna go anywhere right? I’m just gonna teach his daughter proper horsemanship skills, and so what if I end up admiring her dad from afar? That’s not breaking any rules technically. It’s just a harmless crush. How bad could it really get?”

Frankie responded with a low, soft nicker as he gently nudged your shoulder with his nose, affectionately.

“Yeah, okay you’re right. Ezra said the same thing the other day. You guys must have been talking about it together huh?” You gave him a light pat on his neck as you grasped the lead rope between your hands, leading him out of the pasture, and back to the stables.

Starbucks luckily had soy milk for your vanilla latte, and Joel was visibly relieved. He would have felt absolutely terrible if he couldn’t get you the drink you wanted.

Joel and Sarah had arrived at the stables a little after 8:30. By this time, all the horses had been fed, and you were in your office, planning out the lesson schedule for the day ahead.

You looked up from your notebook when you heard the front door creak open. Joel and Sarah’s face popped up outside the window of your office. He had your latte in hand as he waved.

You gave him a soft smile and waved back, setting your notebook to the side, as you stood up from your chair, and headed out of your office area.

“Goodmorning!”

“Mornin’, darlin.’ You’re in luck, Starbucks had soy milk.” He held the vanilla latte out to you. Just based on Sarah’s little grin, you could tell that she had given her dad hell for getting you this latte.

“Oh man, that’s great news. I never know when they’re gonna actually have any in store, y’know? Thank you again.” You took the latte from his grasp, your fingers lightly brushing his.

“S’not a problem at all.”

You took a small sip as you looked at Sarah.

“Alright kiddo, are you excited for your first lesson? We’re gonna focus on some ground work skills before we get you up in the saddle. Does that sound good to you?”

“Oh, yeah! I read that groundwork is super important, right? That sounds great to me!”

“It definitely is important for developing good horsemanship skills. Plus, your horse will already have developed a sense of trust with you and once you're in the saddle, you’ll be a true team. I think we’re going to start the groundwork training with Frankie. He could use it anyway.”

“Frankie is the super sweet one that is good with kids, but is afraid of loud noises?” Sarah asked.

“Yeah, that’s him. He’s a really good boy and is eager to learn, just like you.”

You brought Sarah, and Joel to the stalls once more, stopping outside of Frankie’s stall.

“First thing I’m gonna teach you is how to properly put on a halter. It’s pretty easy and if he did happen to spook, he would be able to break free. The halters are specifically designed to break with a given amount of force. Let’s say, he ends up getting caught on something outside, or in his stall. He’d panic a little, but the main thing to remember is that he can still break free from the halter.”

“Aren’t there some halters that aren’t designed to break though?”

You nodded, grabbing Frankie’s halter off the hook on his stall as you pulled open his stall door. “There are some on the market, but it’s risky to use them and definitely not worth risking the horses life. Too many accidents have happened because a horse couldn’t break free from their halter.”

You stepped into Frankie’s stall, standing alongside him as you demonstrated how to properly put his halter on.

“So you’re gonna stand alongside him just like this, and we wanna have some form of control just in case he were to try and run out of the stall.” You looped the lead rope around his neck loosely. “He’s pretty good about not leaving his stall so we don’t have to worry about that. Next, we’re gonna slip the nose band around him gently, followed by the head piece. You wanna make sure that his ears don’t accidentally get stuck.”

You slipped the nose band, followed by the headpiece of the halter over Frankie’s ears before grabbing the metal clip, and attached it to the ring on the other side. Joel and Sarah were watching what you were doing very closely.

“Oh, that does look pretty simple! Can I try it out?” Sarah asked.

“Course you can kiddo. I’ll stay in here with you just for a safety measure, okay?” You unclipped Frankie’s halter, slipping it off his head and handed it to Sarah.

Sarah was a good listener, you came to find shortly after. She was able to slip Frankie’s halter on with ease. Next you showed her how to properly hold the lead rope, making sure her fingers weren’t wrapped around it because on the off chance he did spook, you didn’t want Joel’s kid to lose any fingers.”

“So you’re gonna want to hold the top part close to his chin, not super close where he has restricted head movement, but you still want to have some control.”

You gently adjusted Sarah’s grip on the rope and Joel greatly appreciated how attentive you were being towards his daughter. He could tell how you were solely focused on teaching her, and he could tell his kid appreciated it as well.

“You think you’re ready to lead him out of his stall? Keep your eyes forward and walk alongside him. He’s not one to pull on the rope either so you’ll be okay.”

Sarah nodded, taking a deep breath as she stood alongside Frankie, who was patiently waiting for her to lead him out.

Sarah had no problem leading Frankie out of his stall as she walked alongside him, keeping her eyes forward, just like you said.

“Good job, kiddo.” You and Joel had praised her at the same time causing Sarah to let out a soft giggle.

“We’re gonna lead him just down the aisle and to the indoor arena. Take it nice and slow, okay? You’re in charge, not him.”

You walked alongside Sarah as she led him down the aisle and stopped outside the gate of the indoor arena. Joel was on the side of you as you stepped in front, grabbing the latch to the gate before you pushed it open.

“Go on and lead him there and I’ll get the gate behind you, okay?”

Sarah nodded, talking softly to Frankie as she led him inside the arena. Telling him how handsome he was as she came to a halt, and gave him a soft pet on the neck as a reward for being a good boy.

You turned to Joel while you held the gate open. “You’re more than welcome to come inside if you’re comfortable. It’s perfectly safe. We’re gonna be working in that back fenced area over there. Or if you’d rather sit up top over there, that’s fine as well.”

Joel glanced over at his baby girl and Frankie, who clearly took a liking to this little girl. You did say that he loved kids after all. His gaze settled on you finally as he nodded.

“I’ll come on in, if that’s alright? Pretty curious to see what this whole groundwork thing is all about.”

You smiled at him, standing off to the side as he walked into the arena. Once the two of you were inside, you pulled the gate back in and latched it behind you quietly. “It’s pretty cool once you see it all come together. You’d never imagine just how much a horse will put its trust into you when you’re at their eye level. It’s truly incredible.”

“Do they see you as like..they’re equal when you’re at their eye level?” He asked as the three of you, and Frankie, walked back to the fenced off section of the arena.

“Not exactly. They’ll view you as their leader, the top horse of the herd and then they’ll follow you anywhere. All of a horse's trust will be put into you once that bond is established. Depending on the horse, this can take a few times, or a hundred. I’ve been working with Frankie for a while now so he and I are pretty familiar with each other.”

Joel thought this was pretty fucking cool. If he knew more about groundwork, he would totally be geeking out with you right now.

“So the end goal is like a partnership? A mutual respect for one another?”

“Absolutely. The end goal is a mutual respect for one another. Horses really are sensitive creatures and they can pick up on our own emotions relatively quickly. That’s why groundwork is crucial in the beginning. If he can trust you on the ground, he can trust you in the saddle.”

“Excuse my language but that’s really fuckin’ cool darlin.’”

When Sarah heard her dad swear, she turned around to look back at him with a slight disapproving look. “That’s a quarter in the swear jar for you dad.”

You let out a light laugh. “It is really freaking cool. You’re absolutely right.”

Joel fought the urge to roll his eyes at his daughter's request for him to put a quarter in the swear jar.

“How about ya focus on your horse, okay kiddo? I’ll put a quarter in the swear jar once we get home. You got it.”

“If I had a swear jar at home, mine would be spilling over the brim.” You chimed in.

“I don’t doubt that in my mind for one second, darlin.’”

He really wanted to say that you had quite the mouth on you, but he refrained because it wouldn’t have been appropriate, and certainly not something to be said in front of his kid. Maybe he’d get to tell you another time.

“Alright Sarah, I’m gonna take Frankie from you now okay? You and your dad are gonna watch from outside the fence, Just for today. Next lesson we’ll get you in there with Frankie and you’ll be telling him what to do.”

Sarah handed off Frankie’s lead rope to you before she went and stood alongside her dad, leaning and whispering to him, “this is going to be so freaking cool. I just know it. I think she’s gonna do this thing called a join up with him? I read about it in one of my books.”

Joel wrapped his arm around his daughter’s shoulder, gently pulling her into his side. “I definitely think whatever it is we’re about to see, is going to be freaking cool.”

You brought Frankie into the closed off section of the arena, closing the gate behind you and unclipping his lead rope, and setting it down along the side of the fence. Frankie was already anticipating the training, and started to walk around the rail, his body language relaxed.

You grabbed one of the lunge whips from alongside the fence, holding it in your left hand, as it was the direction Frankie was walking along the rail. “Before we get started, I just want to clarify that we don’t use whips to scare, intimidate, or harm our horses. They’re used as encouragement and if needed, a gentle reminder of who’s boss.”

Joel and Sarah watched in pure wonderment as you got to work. You had gently flicked the whip lightly against the ground causing Frankie to lift his head up from his once relaxed position as he quickened his walking pace.

“You see how his ear is already turned in towards me? This shows me that he’s actively listening to me. Body language is big for these guys. I want to show him that I’m the boss, without coming across as a threat. I’m going to keep my shoulders back, and eyes on him the whole time.”

You clicked your tongue against the roof of your mouth and Frankie broke out in a light trot as he circled the arena.

“Some of these guys will try and mess with me. What I mean by that is if they come into my ‘space,’ and I want them to stay out on the rail so if they do get too close, I just give them a gentle reminder with a flick of the whip.”

“Does Javi P give you trouble with this kinda stuff?” Joel asked.

“All the time. He’s gotten better with respecting me but some days are far better than others. Frankie, on the other hand, lives to work. He loves his job.”

You clicked your tongue once more and Frankie broke out into a canter, circling the rail a few times.

“If you want them to slow down, or stop, what do you do? I know there’s the command ‘woah’ but does that always work?” Sarah asked as she was enthusiastically watching you.

“You can say woah. That usually will do the trick, but Frankie does better with non verbal cues. So if I want him to slow down, I take a deep inhale, slowly exhale and relax my shoulders.”

You slowly inhaled, exhaled and relaxed your shoulders and much to Joel and Sarah’s surprise, Frankie had slowed his pace down to a relaxed walk again.

It was pure magic, maybe even witchcraft to their eyes.

“So he..sensed your body language change? Just like that? You relaxed your shoulders and in turn, he slowed down? That’s so cool..never thought that was even possible darlin.’”

“Yep. I meant what I said about them being extremely sensitive to body language. They pick up on all of our little movements and emotions. They’re like sponges in that sense. They soak it all up.”

“That’s wicked.” Sarah whispered.

“Wizard.” Joel whispered to her.

“Now when I want him to turn around and go the other direction, I lower the whip, switch the hand it’s in, and turn my shoulder in towards him. If he respects me, he’ll turn his head in towards me when he’s changing directions. Javi P is notorious for giving me some horse butt and it’s a sign that he doesn’t respect me.”

“So in horse language, he’s giving you the finger? What a bastard.” Joel said with a light chuckle.

“In horse language yeah, he’s giving me the finger.”

You switched the whip into your other hand, turning your shoulder in towards Frankie. He sensed your movement, and turned his head facing you, showing a sign of respect as he seamlessly changed directions.

Joel was amazed with you once again. You were fucking cool as shit.

“Now, my favorite part and the most rewarding part in my opinion, is the join up. So once you're done exercising your horse, and he’s clearly shown respect for you, you’re going to drop your whip on the ground, slowly turn your back towards him with your arms at your sides. If successful, he will walk up to you, showing a sign of submission by licking his lips, and or lowering his head. You can face him and reward him with a good pet. He’s put his full trust into you and when you start to walk away, he will follow you without any need for aid.”

Sarah was visibly excited to see this part of the training and she tugged on her dads arm lightly and whispered, “this is the part I was telling you about dad! The join up. This is going to be soo cool!”

You were standing in the middle of the arena as you gently dropped your whip into the sand and turned your back so it was facing Frankie. Your shoulders were relaxed, and your arms were down at your sides, palm outstretched in his direction.

The only sound you could hear was the soft footsteps of Frankie’s hooves approaching you. When felt his nose nudge your open palm, you slowly turned around, and gave him a good pet, kissing his forehead. “Thatta boy. You did so well for me fella. Extra treats later, okay?” You spoke softly to him.

Joel and Sarah watched as you took a few steps back, and Frankie immediately followed you. It was pretty cool to see Frankie put all his trust into you like this, following you willingly around the arena.

Joel couldn’t help but softly clap. He was absolutely amazed.

“That was pretty freaking cool darlin.’ Does the join up happen every time?”

“On most occasions, yes. Sometimes it doesn’t and when that happens, I would send him back on the rail and do it all over again. Frankie, as you just saw, is a very good boy. Javi P and I have yet to successfully join up, but I’m going to work him through it.”

After the lesson was finished, you brought Frankie back to his stall, giving Sarah the carrot to feed to him.

“That seriously was one of the coolest things I have ever seen darlin’ and I’m not just saying that to boost your ego or anything like that. Genuinely, that was awesome. Is Sarah gonna eventually be able to do that?”

You leaned against the side of Frankie’s stall, your arms casually crossed against your chest as you nodded.

“I know you genuinely mean it Joel. I could tell by all the questions you were asking earlier that you were fascinated. Sarah will definitely be able to do that eventually. I think her and Frankie can work really well together for this part of training. I’ll eventually be moving her onto Ezra because he’s perfect with beginners.”

Joel smiled at you before glancing over at his kid who was giving Frankie all the love and pets that he deserved.

“I can’t wait to see her be able to do what you just did.”

“I can’t wait either and I bet it will happen sooner than you think.”

“I’m counting on that darlin.’”

Joel had paid you for Sarah’s lesson and he may or may not have paid you a little extra, despite your protests, and trying to hand him the money back. He insisted you keep it.

Sarah was already back inside her dad’s truck as you were walking Joel out.

“So, about that phone date thing that you suggested, do ya still wanna do it?” Joel had casually asked you, his tone even keeled.

“Yeah, of course. We can still do that Joel.”

“Cool. I’ll uh—I’ll call you tomorrow then? Same time?”

“Same time works for me.”

“Perfect, I’ll talk to ya then darlin.’”

“Sounds good and see you next Saturday!”

Joel definitely wanted to come up with an excuse to see you sooner than that. He just was going to have to figure out a really fucking good one.

“See ya!” He waved before heading over to his truck.

So, phone dates with Joel Miller were about to greet you every morning. You definitely weren’t complaining about that, not even in the slightest. Any excuse to talk to Joel was a good one in your eyes.

Part 4:

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arthenaa · 1 year

Text

To be or not to be (CHAPTER 2)

Auror! Sebastian Sallow x Fem! MACUSA Auror! Reader Series

Story Summary: To prevent a war between humans and wizards, you and Sebastian are tasked with your respective agencies to save the fate of the wizarding world from the hands of a dark wizard in the Philippines.

Chapter Summary: After almost getting yourself arrested and controlling the urge to strangle Sebastian Sallow, you try to remain civil by being the bigger person. More things happen and you meet more people as you set sail to the Philippines.

Chapter warnings: cursing, nothing much really again, plot groundwork, mentions of discrimination and colonization, seb likes to tease u, ominis being adorable and cat like, gladys being gladys i love her sm,

Chapters: Prologue, Chapter 1

Notes: WOOHOO CHAPTER 2 BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!! 6k words again enjoy this chapter. hiraya is my daughter i love her. if you want to be part of the tag list to get immediate updates on the next chapters just reply here or on my future posts on to be or not to be !!! see u on chapter 3 miluvs

It was a matter of a few hours before the head Auror would contact you once again to travel. You had already packed your things and made sure to check your necessities (checking your pocket for your wand constantly as a result of the altercation this morning). Now all you needed to do was wait.

Currently hauled in one of the suites provided by the ministry, you sat idling on your bed, eyes trained on the large windows showcasing London. Your hands found comfort in the soft duvet as you continue to admire the scenery in front of you. Gladys sits on one of the chairs against the wall positioned close to the window. Comfortable silence engulfs you both, with Gladys’s coin flicking and the London bustle as your background noise.

You allow yourself to be distracted as your eyes glance towards Gladys’s coin tricks; Watching as it twirls on her knuckles before flicking it up into the air and catching it effortlessly. You somehow get entranced by it that you weren’t able to notice that she stopped. Gladys clears her throat to get your attention.

“Yeah?” You look up at her, clearly still distracted by her previous actions. The woman blink slow like she was trying to access the deepest parts of your mind. You somehow get nervous under her watchful stare. “Are you trying to mind-control me or something?”

“Why do you always assume that I’m going to do something to you?” She raises an eyebrow in mild amusement as she crosses her leg over her knee. She begins to continue rolling her coin against her knuckles as she raises her elbow on the arm rest. You shrug at her question.

“… You’re quite intimidating.”

She lets out an amused scoff before flipping the coin in the air then catching with her other hand and flopping it against the back of her other hand. She lifts her hand off, assessing the coin before looking up at you. You furrow your eyebrows in confusion.

“Heads.” She comments offhandedly before resuming with her coin tricks. You raised your eyebrows to gesture for more explanation. “Heads, I leave you alone. Tails, I give in to the urge to smack you in the head.”

You gasp in horror. “You decide inflicting violence on me through a coin?!”

“I’m not intimidating.” She purses her lips as she becomes more and more entertained with your behavior. “Also it makes things… interesting. ‘Decided through a little game’. Doesn’t that make life more fun?”

“You’re evil, y’know that?” You sneer jokingly as you stand up from your seat on the bed. You head over to one of the coffee tables where a fresh pot of tea is placed. With a wave of wand, the tea pot levitates and pours you a cup of tea. You look back at Gladys who resumes her coin tricks as you wait for your drink. “What’s the coin for anyway?”

Gladys glances at you for a second before looking at the coin on her fingers. “Keeps the voices at bay. When I focus my mind on one thing, it’s the closest I have to silence.”

You nod in understanding. You were somewhat aware of how legilimency worked but you weren’t aware about how hard it was. Hearing different voices all at once can become quite an emotional stressor. You weren’t sure you would be able to handle it. You pour another cup of tea for your companion to help ease her down. Gladys turns to you in surprise, hand pausing with her coin as you pull the other chair to sit adjacent to her. You give her a cup of tea to which she receives gratefully. Taking a sip of your beverage, you decide to start another conversation regarding the case.

“Any deductions from the files you’ve received?” You start off as you take a sip from your cup of tea. Ooh, is that lavender? No wait—Chamomile?

“First one—lavender,” Gladys nonchalantly says, referring to your guess of flavor. You pause for a moment, not yet used to her abilities to access the mind before nodding. She takes a sip first before resuming on continuing her response. “Regina Salazar is of pure blood ancestry. From what I’ve learned of wizardry lineage in the Philippines, originally sectioned in tribes, these pure-bloods would use marriage to have tribal connections and to form united fronts. Naturally, after the colonization of Spain, they had to adapt and took different surnames influenced by Spanish culture to avoid being detected by No-Majs.”

You nod in understanding, watching as Gladys pulls out the folder with a flick of her wand and settling it on the coffee table in front of you. The page flicks to the suspect’s main information and intel. You lick your lips as you assess the information in front of you. Gladys continues her collection of background information. “Overall, because of the whole colonization thing, Philippines has to be one of the—if not the strictest regarding No-Maj wizards or half-bloods. Half-bloods take long processes and series of interviews and checkups before they’re approved by the office. Like a fucking criminal taking parole.”

“Must be a discrimination fest in there.” You scrunch your nose at the insinuation. No-Maj discrimination was already quite severe in the wizarding world. You couldn’t even imagine the severity of it in a place that publicly declares its hate for their kind. Gladys shakes her head in agreement. Your eyebrows then furrow as a question comes into mind. “But Regina has a friendly relationship with No-Majs? That contradicts the whole motive, no?”

“Certainly,” Gladys huffs in frustration as she raises her hand to pick at the dry skin on her lips. She then turns a page to a partially filled page with only the information of the area discovered north of the Philippines. Gladys motions to the page with a light knock of her knuckles against the surface. “It has something to do with this, definitely.”

You tilt your head in confusion as you analyze the vague information. “How are you certain it’s connected?”

Gladys takes a sip of her tea, licking her lips for any lingering residue. “I don’t. It’s just something we’d have to find out.”

“What’s up, old man? On your coffee break?” You smile at your former mentor who quietly sips his coffee in the wee hours of the morning. You had spotted the man lingering in one of the ministry’s large empty rooms (presumably used for large events). You assumed this would be the place of traveling with the equipment and size of it all. It could definitely fit a portkey large enough to travel multiple people. You couldn’t help but approach the man and ruin his solitude. Your mentor breaks into a grin at your arrival and he immediately welcomes your presence with a raised arm, inviting you to a hug.

You run like it’s innate for you to immediately dive into his arms, hugging his waist with glee as he squeezes you to his side. The silence is comfortable as you allow yourself a moment of peace. Elliot releases you with two pats on the back before pulling away. He tilts his head, certainly not expecting you to be this early. “Still resorting to that damned nickname, kid?”

“You literally still call me kid.”

“Touché,” He chuckles as he takes a sip of his beverage. “What’re you doing up? Finally exhausted Joanne’s mind-reader?”

“Mhm, literally face-planted on the bed. Had to deal with me yapping both physically and mentally. I think I killed her. Also don’t call her that, she just might haunt you back from the dead.” You scrunch your nose as you joked. Elliot laughs at your jesting.

There’s a lapse of silence before Elliot starts a conversation once more.

“How’s the Sallow boy so far?” He asks with a glance towards you, assessing your body language at the prompt of his question. Your former mentor had the knack of observing first before proceeding on which course to take. A habit that he, unfortunately, brings everywhere even outside of work. The mans was a detective even in his own personal relationship that it was considered annoying. You had learned to deal with it though. Elliot often joked that by the time he was 70, you would be the only person who could tolerate him.

Elliot immediately knew from the way your shoulders fell and the down direction of your facial features that you didn’t have a good impression of Britain’s representative. You huff a sigh as you tuck your hands inside your pockets. “… He’s okay, I guess.”

“Liar.”

“You and your damned eyes. Have you ever considered not noticing every detail?” You deadpanned. Elliot smiles in amusement at your behavior.

“He was following protocol though. Nothing to blame on a man following rules.”

“Oh, I will be the reason you die someday.”

“Oh! The fear! How could I live now!” Elliot dramatically yells to which you smack his arm at. The man giggles like a fucking school girl and you had to remind yourself that this was a grown ass man and not an 11-year-old kid. You wonder if the nicknames should be switched.

“I tried to make amends okay! Technically, he was the one who didn’t scale his puny little ego down so why should I make the effort?” You complain as you lean against the wall he’s leaning at. Elliot leans against your side to which you return the small affection with the rest of your head against his arm.

“Did you say it nicely?” He responds.

“Nicely? What do you mean nicely?”

“You tend to…” He trails off as he makes absurd gestures with his free hand. “Sound not so nice when you make amends.”

You give him an incredulous stare to which he tries to avoid with a sip of his coffee.

“I don’t do that?”

“Yes you do, Y/N.” He smiles innocently. “Remember that time when I had to not only mentally but physically convince you to apologize to that witness just because he was rude to me? You were basically ripping that man apart in your head and I don’t need to be a legilimens to know that.”

Elliot raises his eyebrows to further emphasize his point. You stare him down, trying to challenge the older man before giving up as you turn your gaze to the other side of the wall with a cross of your arms. He stares at you for a few moments before chuckling. That case was ages ago but it had been quite an annoying one. The witness had been difficult to deal with and considered Elliot to be a wizard of low standing because of his lineage. He had refused to cooperate at first but was eventually convinced with the help of another Auror present at the scene. You had almost tried to strangle the man if it weren’t for the old man’s jokes of reassurance. They were jests to lighten up the mood but you knew better. Be the bigger person, kid.

You had to suck it up and apologize with gritted teeth. A regret you continue to have until this day. A shame you weren’t able to curse that man without losing your job.

Elliot pats your back once more to lighten up the mood. “You’ll get along, kid. You’re a presence is a force to be reckoned with. We just hope it doesn’t clash with his.”

Elliot smiles before finishing his coffee beside you. You sigh as a vague response. Just as the old man says, be the bigger person.

“Alright! This portkey holds quite a distance as its built for intercontinental travel. The travel time will take a few minutes but it should be fairly short enough to not cause any sort of pain or dissonance with the mind and body.” Ryona Bassett discusses as rotating door is presented in front of you. You take a glance around the room to assess the people expected on the trip. Gladys Hale stands to your left, suitcase in hand as she rolls her coin on her knuckles. Ominis Gaunt, a relations officer you had been introduced shortly a few minutes ago, standing on your far right. Then Sebastian Sallow, the man who had saved you from your imminent death from the hooves of a horse, to trying to obliviate you then and there, then arresting you, to finally be revealed to be your partner in the span of a few hours, stands to your right. The four of you would be heading first while your mentors will wait for the assessment of the situation before following you out into the field.

You let out the sigh as this is considered to be the nth time you had travelled using a portkey. You hope the weirdness of the experience only lessens the more you get used to it.

“You will be greeted by your division captain who will guide you inside the governing office of the wizarding community. Things after that will be debriefed to you by the head of the office. Are we clear?” Ryona finishes as her eyes assess the four of you. You all answer with curt and firm responses. Howard and Ryona turn to each other with a look, some sort of telepathic message only communicated through their eyes. You could almost feel an unspeakable tension before the minister steps forward to address one more thing.

“The fate of the wizarding word rests in your hands. I hope you’ll be able to deliver well, Aurors.” He nods with a smile before motioning the door with his hand. You watch as a bright light emits from the other side. You exchange looks with Gladys before you feel the brush of a finger against your arm. You turn your head towards the culprit with an apprehensive glare. Sebastian peers down at you with a seemingly innocent smile.

“I’ve thought about your offer,” He says your last name with such gentleness it makes you feel uncomfortable for a moment. You lock eyes with him as his eyes never seem to leave from yours. It made your palms sweat from how piercing his stare is. “I’ve decided to give it a chance…”

“Really?” Your facial features relax in relief that it almost makes Sebastian coo at your adorable decision to let your guard down for a moment. He lets a sliver of mischievousness bleed into his smirk.

“Mhm,” He hums as he assesses your face. It almost looks like he’s looking at your lips with the way he’s staring you down. He scrunches his nose before continuing his response. “If you admit that I’m right.”

Your face falls as soon as you hear the words and the brunette erupts into a heap of chuckles before he walks away from your side then walking over to Ominis with a pat on his back. The poor blonde only furrows his eyebrows at him, chastising him for his poor cooperation. Sebastian only shrugs before he casts one last look at you then entering the rotating doors with a push against it. Ominis follows after.

You let out a sigh, deciding to not let yourself get annoyed by his little act but the woman beside you think it’s quite amusing. You hear her low chuckle as she flips her coin into the air and catching it effortlessly as she steps forward to make her way to the rotating doors. She casts one last glance at you as she pulls her hat down with a smirk. “Really? You’re just going to let him have that?”

Your jaw clenches in amusement as your hatred and urge to kick Sebastian Sallow off his high horse doubles over the last few minutes. You would try and plan your revenge now but a cough from Elliot and a nudge of his head immediately reminded you of your current situation. You nod with haste as you grab your case before making your way to the doors. You send one last smile at the old man as he sends you off with a short wave. You push the glass doors, letting the light engulf you.

Then suddenly, everything was black.

The world is a blur.

Your senses are in a disarray and you couldn’t sense where you were exactly with the fogginess your brain was currently in. You try to will yourself to blink or move any part of your body, trying to get a feel your current situation.

It was certainly a bit warmer than London, windier as well. Ryona said there won’t be any dissonance. Goddamn liar.

You could feel a presence on your side, a weight keeping you up. Then a voice.

“Y/N?”

It was faint but it was there.

Mom?

“Y/N, wake up. Fuck.”

No wait, it’s Gladys.

“Don’t tell me she can’t take portkey travels?”

Is that the annoying fuck?

“Do you ever plan on keeping your mouth shut, Sebastian?”

The other guy. Blonde? What was his name… Ominous? Something like that.

“Move.”

Now this was unfamiliar. You feel yourself sit upright with a few set of hands. Your eyes seem to not be cooperating as it remained shut. You suddenly smell something strong and pungent. You couldn’t quite put your finger on it but it creates a sudden shock in your system causing you to jolt awake. Your body is forced to move and a cramp forms on your leg as you groan in pain. Gladys, seated beside you, sighs in relief. You take a second to process your environment.

It seems that you’re in some sort scenic view, with the ocean in front of you. Rocks crackle beneath your weight as sand trickles down on the elevated surface from where you’re seating. It almost seems like a calm and refreshing view to see during a vacation but then you’re aware of the 4 piercing stares directed at you.

You recognized the three; Sebastian stands a few meters in front of you with arms crossed, Ominis kneeling on your right and Gladys on your left. That leaves this other guy who’s kneeling in front of you. You furrow your eyebrows in confusion at the sudden addition to the group.

“Good, the herbs worked.” He smiles like a teacher praising a student’s work. “Must’ve hit quite hard, no? Filipino healing potions tend to have strong effects.”

He pockets the vial of questionable liquid and herbs before he raises his wand and casts a dimmed ‘lumos.’ “Follow the light with your eyes, senora. I need to check your responsiveness.”

You follow without questions as he moves his wand left to right. He then asks you to grip his hand with both your hands then try to push his palm towards him. You were able to do them, albeit weakly. It seems to satisfy the man enough though. The man nods in understanding before the wand quickly apparates away. “Your responsiveness seems okay enough. Long distance travels like these leave wizards in a weakened state. I suppose you don’t get that much portkey travel? Your body seemed to shut down on its own. Alright, let’s get you standing.”

Gladys and the man help you in putting your weight on your feet. Still confused by the whole ordeal and the silence from your colleagues, you blink in confusion as you allow yourself to rest some of your weight in Gladys’s hands. “I-I’m sorry… But who are you?”

“Elias Alcantara. Your Division Captain.” He answers with a smile, charming enough to swoon you but not enough to distract you. Christ. This was the officer that the minister and head Auror was talking about. You nod in understanding, slowly pulling yourself from Gladys’s grasp and allowing yourself to stand on your own two feet. “It’s understandable. Most maharlikas get the same symptoms as you on their first travel. We often use portkeys to visit magical tribes due to distance of their locations from the PhilMaj.”

“Maharlikas? Like Aurors?” Sebastian chimes in, body leaning towards the conversation. Elias places his hands on his hips as he turns to look at the young man.

“Precisely. Although, our Aurors do vary in terms of magic.” Elias turns to assess his surroundings. He seems to be looking for something.

“Are you waiting for someone, Captain?” Gladys says with a raised eyebrow. Elias turns to her for a moment before going back to looking. It’s not long before a call of his name catches your attention. A woman rushes towards you with great speed, apparent excitement evident on her face. You notice their similarities in terms of clothing. A uniform.

The thin sheer fabric with exquisite designing on the center of their upper clothing gives a symbolic nature to it. You were sure it held some sort of meaning with the way the pattern and the swirls was formed. The woman wore a black ankle length skirt while Elias wore black slacks. The only difference in showcasing their rank was the color of the upper apparel and the pin on the collar.

You began to sense this magical community’s levels of strictness bleeding through the uniforms of these officers in front of you. Having enough with analyzing the new addition to the group, you focus just in time for Elias to introduce the woman. “This is Hiraya Rivera; she’s assigned as Philippines’ representative on this case.”

“Yes … That’s me … Or just Raya for short. I already… uhm, know you all, so...” She says with much enthusiasm to the point that it makes her awkwardly adorable. Your group only returns the introductions with stiff smiles. It doesn’t seem to bother her however as she clasps her hands together. “Oh! They must be tired. We should go now.”

Elias nods in agreement before following with his response. “Of course. A final debrief will be done shortly on our arrival to the base. This will allow us to proceed with field assessment and investigation.”

The two share looks of approval before moving along and motioning for the others to follow them. The four of you stare at their backs as they move closer to the bay. Normally, wizardry governing offices were meant to be hidden in plain sight and only wizards should be able to see them but so far, all the four of you have seen is a blank scenery of what is supposedly the Philippines’ wizarding governing office.

“Um, to where exactly?” Ominis inquires for the benefit of the group. Hiraya turns around, assessing your confused expressions before smiling as she nudges her head towards the captain who walks towards the shallow parts of the water.

The four of you follow begrudgingly, letting the cold waters seep into your shoes. Ominis clings to Sebastian’s arm, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden change of temperature as he grips his wand tightly within his other hand. Gladys seems to not mind the cold at all as she lets out a sigh and picks up her pace to match with Captain Alcantara. The wind blows against your hair, ruffling your robes as you try to pull them closer against you. The waves pull you closer to Sebastian’s side.

“Not expecting this kind of entrance!” Sebastian tries to shout over the loud splashing of waves against the shallow waters. The waters have already reached to your thighs.

You allow yourself to be slightly pushed by an incoming wave. “Certainly has to be one of the most unique ones I’ve seen.”

Sebastian glances at you with a smirk. “Thought about what I said, Y/L/N?”

You let out an annoyed huff as you faced him with a deadpan stare, giving him no answer as you move towards the front, leaving the two boys to their own. You could faintly hear Sebastian’s light chuckle over the harsh winds. You’d rather be dead than give him the satisfaction of hearing what he wanted to hear.

Okay, maybe…. It was on his jurisdiction to arrest you.

But was it really your fault? He could’ve handled it in a more civil way after he had found out you were a witch. You could’ve been nice and understanding as you were an Auror yourself. But the day had not been the best one and dealing with a man who has now made it his mission to piss you off by not taking you seriously because of your little altercation, has definitely started to put you in a not so civil mood. But of course.

You have to be the bigger person.

Curse you Elliot Fontaine for being a shitty fucking role model. Too imperfectly perfect to be one. The right amount as others would say.

The trio in front of you suddenly stops in their tracks as the water had now reached your hips. It was silent at first. The type of silence that made you unnerved. It was like you were expecting something to jump out of nowhere.

You should’ve held your tongue on that one.

You feel the ripples of water cease into a calm and the sudden eeriness of it all tripled by a dozen. Elias and Hiraya draw up their wands but as the three of you (with the exception of Ominis who is still clinging quite tightly on Sebastian’s arm) follow their movements, Hiraya only stares back with a shake of her head. Gladys turns to you with an apprehensive stare as the three of you slowly lower your wands.

Then the ripples start again. This time more chaotic and aggressive.

A sign of aggression and power. You could almost cower in fear as high pitched noises fill the air. Ominis and Sebastian clutches their ears in response at the howling noise. You see shadows in the water, circling your little group then it jumps. It was hard trying to make a figure out of it as it somehow manages to control the waters as they jump into the air.

Sebastian could make out three creatures circling them. He wasn’t sure if this was part of an initiation but the calm demeanors of the local Aurors at the front seemed to be his last thread of sanity in this very disturbing and panic-inducing moment. The circling stops as the creatures finally end their laps by surrounding them on each side.

They rise from the waters and you could only stare in awe as green scales with fish like heads emerge from the waters.

“What’s happening?” Ominis whispers in Sebastian’s ear. The brunette is entranced in fear by the presence of these domineering creatures.

“You don’t wanna know.” He replies, quietly. The silence is tense and uncomfortable as these creatures with large fins and predatory stares guard your group in a circle.

It’s Captain Alcantara who breaks the silence. “We’re expected. Bisita sila ng Datu.”

(“They are visitors of the Datu”)

The creatures make gurgling and chirping sounds before the so called leader, standing in front of Captain Alcantara, nods its head.

“Very well, Maharlika. Ibigay ang daan.” The leader says in a low and deep voice. It almost sounds too inhuman. Nevertheless, the group of creatures then swim once again underwater. Their figures form in a blur as they began to swim fast into circles in front of your group. A small whirlpool begins to form before the creatures swam back and then towards the whirlpool, using some sort of pressure that bursts the moving waters up. You had expected it to explode into your face, but the waters remain still above you forming an archway to a tunnel pathway. The waters beneath you slowly descend as they put you down slowly onto the sandy path. You see the creatures on standby in the walls of water. They send you a bow of respect before moving along.

(“Lead the way”)

“C’mon, the tunnel closes fast. The longer it stays up, the longer the risk for exposure.” Elias motions the four of you still stuck in a trance. Hiraya smiles as she pulls on your arm, encouraging you to walk with her. Just as Ominis and Sebastian enter the depths, the entrance immediately merges into what it once was. Sebastian lets out a huff of amusement before leaning close to whisper what just happened in Ominis’s ear.

You would think of the gesture endearing if it weren’t for the constant reminder of your dislike for him in your head.

“Apologies for the short freight, that was their main purpose to scare intruders. The Siyokoy tribe can be quite aggressive. Anyways, this way,” Captain Alcantara leads as whisps of blue flames light up as they trudge through a sandy path. You follow the officer, admiring the blues of the tunnel in awe. You watch as school of fishes pass by and numerous sea creatures appear above you. This was marvelous.

Silence lapses once more as the only sounds of the trek below was the sea life surrounding you and the crunch of your shoes against the sandy pathway.

It’s Hiraya who breaks your short solitude. “You’re Y/N Y/L/N right? Elliot Fontaine’s protégé?”

You turn to her with a smile. Her overall demeanor and personality seems too bright for your taste. It definitely is too blinding whenever she smiles. “Yeah—Well, was his protégé. Got promoted.”

You sheepishly reply to which she gasps in surprise. Eyes widening and mouthing forming a wide smile. God, she’s expressive too. “Congratulations! That’s incredible. I’m happy for you, senora.”

It’s awkward once again. The urge to say something back gets lost in your thoughts of thinking of another topic to start. This sends you in a spiral of trying to make your social relations skills work. It seems that Gladys has noticed your inner turmoil as she sends a look of amusement back at you from her position with Captain Alcantara. Your eyes widen at her as a glare to which she only chuckles at.

Thank Isolt Sayre that the gal broke the silence once more.

“I’ve seen your cases a few times on the transmission.” Hiraya timidly comments as she fiddles with her fingers, arm still intertwined with yours. You’ve never met an awkwardly introvert extrovert before. Was that even a thing?

She locks eyes with you in what you could say was pure admiration. “I admire you as an Auror is what I wanted to say… Both you and uh… Senor Fontaine.”

“… Thank you.” You nod shyly. “I’ll make sure to let him know.”

Hiraya bites her lip to control her excitement. You can deduce that this young girl had only been accepted recently. Talk about huge potential. Immediately placed as an Auror representative for a case that could indefinitely mean a war against humans and wizards? What kind of skills and capabilities is this girl hiding?

You decide to find it out yourself.

“Have you only graduated recently? Seems like a pretty big case to start off.” You say with genuine curiosity. Hiraya blows a raspberry as she guides you away from a protruding rock sprouting from the ground.

“Well, it’s been 4 years actually? So I guess that’s still fairly new. So um, off topic but um… Marahuyo en Mahika is a school led by Aurors, well babaylans to be specific.” She lists off. Your eyebrows must’ve furrowed in confusion as she leans in to continue. “Babaylans are shamans, most of them are women. They also wield magic quite differently. Instead of wands, they use weapons. Fascinating, right?”

Your eyebrows widen in amusement. “Weapons?”

“Yep. Well, originally Maharlikas or y’know our Aurors were like that too but they eventually had to adapt to the use of wands. Babaylans are old old. They keep the ancestral culture alive which makes them very important figures in the community.” Hiraya nonchalantly continues. “When you get praised and recommended to the Datu by a Babaylan—Datu is, what do you guys call your… The um… head?”

“Overall?” You suggest. From your peripheral, you see Ominis and Sebastian lean closer to listen in on the conversation. Hiraya nods then you continue. “It’s either President or Minister. Depends on the community.”

“Right. So basically, when the overall head gets a recommendation from a Babaylan. It means big,” Hiraya glances at you to assess your reaction. “They have inner connection to Bathala. They recognize your innate capabilities for magic and your potential for something greater…. Not to brag but yeah, it was mostly why I reached the higher ranks faster. Why I’m being mentored by PhilMaj’s greatest captain.”

Elias hears this. “That better be genuine.”

Hiraya giggles. “Why would I lie?”

You huff in amusement at the girl beside you. Techinically, you didn’t know exactly which field she was recommended for but to have a reliable witch beside you definitely eased your worries. Before you could further admire the literal sunshine hanging off your arm, you were suddenly aware of the large waterfall like entrance in front of you. Too distracted by Hiraya’s chatter, you had failed to realize that you were already at the entrance of the community.

Hiraya turns to you with a giddy smile as Elias pulls out his wand and waves it in a pattern before the waterfalls part gracefully and a whole new scenery is laid in front of you. You enter the place, watching as children flutter around, squealing as they chased one another. You eyed the Spanish influenced architecture and the stone pavements to the dome structure that protects the whole town. It seems to portray a version of day and night. Wizards and witches roam the streets as vendors selling levitating egg waffle balls (the closest thing you could describe it as) and many kinds of delicacies.

“The air is pristine and clean.” Ominis observes to which Gladys hums in agreement. He allows himself to be led by his wand. The waterfall doors immediately led to a small version of a town square. You would immediately be bombarded by the town’s festive nature by the time you enter place. Street lights decorate the place and you watch in amusement as a horse-man? Man-horse? Basically, A horse for an upper body and a man for a lower dressed in formal clothing walks on the other side of the street.

“Senor Cardel!” Hiraya calls at the same horse-man who looks up at the call of his name.

“Senora! Sigues siendo hermosa como siempre!” Senor Cardel greets with motion of the tip of his cigar before chuckling as Hiraya giggles at his compliments.

(Milady! You look beautiful as always!)

Hiraya turns around to see 4 sets of eyes looking at her in confusion.

“Was that a … horse?” Gladys asks, hesitant. Captain Alcantara laughs.

“That was Senor Cardel. A local here in Manila. He’s from the tikbalang tribe.” Elias comments. Gladys sounds a hum of disbelief before continuing to follow the young officer.

As you reach the main town hall, a large path then leads to a large building with grandiose architecture. Gladys glances at you with a knowing look as the four of you alongside Hiraya stand alongside each other.

“This is it right? The governing office?” Sebastian mumbles as the 6 of you watch three people exit the building. There were 2 women and a goblin approaching your little group. One wore a Spanish influenced type of traditional clothing while the other was covered in sleek black with golden jewelry adorning her neck, wrists, and even a form of headband around her forehead. A cloth in exquisite pattern surround her from the shoulder to her hip. A blade is rested on one side of her hip, hands resting on the handle. The goblin, in similar fashion to that of the first lady, approaches behind the two.

“You’re here just as our resident babaylan, Ysmeria predicted.” The woman dressed in beige traditional clothing walks forward. Ysmeria, the woman in black only stares as she analyzes the group before her. Eventually, her eyes landed on you. You couldn’t handle the heaviness of her stare and so you look away.

“Capitan Alacantara, salamat. You have served well and will continue to do so.” The woman praises the young man who nods in respect before taking a step back. The woman then takes a few steps closer to where you four are, kind gaze trained on each one of you.

“We have awaited your arrival. I am Corazon Del Rosario, the ruling Datu. Welcome to the Philippine Bureau of Magic and Wizardry.”

A/N: and that is chapter 2 WHWHHWHEHEHEH WELCOME TO THE PHILIPPINES MWA MWA <3 as u can see from this chapter, magical creatures are v much intertwined with society nyehe. More lore explained hihi AND THE INTRODUCTION OF FOUR MORE CHARACTERS!!! Will update the face claims nyehehe lmk your feedback as always!! It always makes my heart warm when I read your responses J

Datu – rulers, chiefs and monarchs in precolonial ph

Babaylan- shamans, often female, who use connect to the spirits and nature to heal and protect. Can also be warriors or leaders.

Siyokoy – underwater creatures depicted to have fish like features

Tikbalang – creatures who guard the mountains. Depicted to have a horse for a head and a human body.

#arthenaa #arthenaa auror seb fic #tobeornottobe #sebastian sallow x reader #hogwarts legacy x reader #sebastian sallow #ominis gaunt #hp

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