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raindancer2004 · 3 years

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The Elite Guard Bake Off

Word Count: 3,492 Demetri x reader One shot Warnings: Fluff, occassional use of swear words

I got the idea for this after watching the ‘The Great British Bake Off’ yesterday afternoon. Hope you like it...

Summary: It’s a quiet saturday afternoon in the castle, the Elite Guards have the weekend off and Demetri’s mate is bored. What happens when she decides to bring Bake Off to the castle...?

It was Saturday morning and to say Y/N was bored was an understatement. It was so quiet in the castle; it had been that way for three days. There had been no trials or dismemberments and even the guards were surprised as there’s always something going on. On the flip side they were glad it was quiet as it meant guard duty was easy and they had more time to themselves.

Demetri was enjoying the extra time with Y/N having been given the weekend off along with Felix and the twins following them being away for ten days on a mission dealing with and silencing a threat to their world.

Y/N was in the library with the four elite guards, all doing their own thing; Y/N was listening to Demetri read aloud, Felix was trying to solve a sudoku puzzle and the twins were comparing different copies of ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ Y/N let out a small sigh “What’s wrong mi amore?” Demetri asked looking down at her “I’m just a little bored, that’s all” Y/N replied, Demetri closed his book and adjusted her in his arms so he could see her better “I can’t have that. What would you like to do?” Y/N thought for a moment, then an idea struck her “I’m popping out with Gianna quickly…” “Why?” Demetri cut her off, an eyebrow raised “I’ll explain when I get back. I promise” She replied “Be careful please” “I will. I love you” She kissed him before getting up off the sofa to go and find Gianna “Oh, I need the four of you to stay together” She called over her shoulder.

“Our little human is quite amusing” Felix mused; the twins hummed in response “I’m curious about what’s she up to” Alec wondered out loud “I think we all are brother” Jane replied, Felix and Demetri nodded.

Y/N found Gianna in her room “Hi Gianna, are you free for a few hours?” Y/N asked “Hi Y/N, yes I am why’s that?” “Well, I’m a little bored but have come up with an idea for something to do and I need your help” Gianna looked at her for a few moments before replying “What do you have in mind?” “I’ll tell you once we are no longer in the castle. Come on we need to go shopping for stuff” Y/N replied and gently pulled Gianna out of the room.

Y/N and Gianna went to the shop and bought some ingredients and some baking equipment “Are we going to buy them mixers?” Gianna asked “Nope, they’re vamps, they can mix the stuff by hand using a spoon. I think a mixer may just complicate things” Y/N replies “Good call Y/N” “This is going to be fun” Y/N said smiling, Gianna nodded “It’ll also be funny to watch too.” They also pick up an apron and have it personalised with a slogan, minus the name as they do not know who’ll win.

Gianna and Y/N arrived back at the castle and made their way to the kitchen to set things up. A set of ingredients were placed on each of the four tables in the kitchen along with an apron and baking equipment. “What are you girls up to this afternoon?” Marcus asks as he passes them in the corridor “We are setting the Elite Guards a baking challenge” Y/N replied low “Sounds interesting. Have fun” he replied and continued on his way.

They went to Gianna’s desk and quickly typed out a recipe and instructions, deliberating omitting the cooking times. They made four copies and laid them on the tables beside the aprons. Gianna stayed in the kitchens double checking everything was in place that was needed whilst Y/N went to the library to get Demetri, Felix and the twins.

Y/N entered the library and wrapped her arms around Demetri’s neck from behind and leaned in to nibble his ear before whispering “Miss me?” He chuckled low “Always darling.” “Have fun shopping? You weren’t gone long” Alec asked “I did have fun and Gianna and I were out just long enough to get what we needed. Please follow me to the kitchen and everything will be revealed” She smiled at them and held her hand out to Demetri. He stood and took her hand in his, intertwining their fingers and walked with her to the kitchen, Felix and the twins following.

“Hello Gianna” Demetri greeted her with a smile as they entered the kitchen “Hello Demetri” She replied smiling. “Ok, so first things first please go and stand behind a table each” Y/N instructed and watched as the four guards did as she asked. They murmured amongst themselves, wondering what was going on “You’re probably wondering why you’re here” Gianna spoke first and the guards nodded, a sign for her to continue “As it’s quiet today and Y/N was a little bored she came up with a fun way to pass the time” She stopped and looked to Y/N, who nodded “What’s your idea hunny?” Jane asked “My idea is Elite Guard Bake Off” She replied smiling “We can’t bake” Felix said pointing at himself and then the other three vampires “You can all read yes?” Y/N asked and they all nodded “Good, then you can bake” She replied smiling. Felix mumbled something so low Y/N and Gianna couldn’t hear it. “Speak for yourself” Alec replied equally as low.

Y/N ignored them and continued “You all have the same ingredients and the equipment needed to complete the task.” Demetri stood there smiling at Y/N, looking smug and feeling grateful his mate was human and loved to bake, for he had watched ‘The Great British Bake Off’ with her and has seen her bake cakes a few times. “What are we making then?” Alec asked, curiosity shining in his eyes “You are all making a Cherry Lattice Pie. You also need to make a Vanilla custard to go with the pie. You should note that we have removed the baking time of the pie. You will need to figure that part out yourselves…” “Like the technical challenges set by Paul and Prue” Demetri stated still smiling, cutting Y/N off “Exactly babe” Y/N replied nodding and noticed the confused expressions on Felix and the twin’s faces. “You have two hours to complete the challenge. Oh and Felix, this is not Mario Kart so there will be no sabotaging the others” He nodded “Ok” “Ready, set, bake” Gianna instructed them, both humans watched as the four vampires picked up their recipes and began to read them.

Y/N and Gianna sat and watched the vampires weigh out the ingredients and begin the process of making the pastry base. “The technical challenges are usually judged blind, darling” Demetri stated “I know but we want to see how you get on with the tasks…” “You mean laugh at us if we fuck this up” Felix stated “Precisely” Gianna smiled back, Felix growled “I have every faith in you Felix” She added.

Y/N was impressed when she saw how well Demetri was doing, he had made his pastry and put it in the fridge to chill and greased the pie tin in the meantime. He then prepared the cherries as per the recipe and set them to one side to start making the jam that would be mixed with the cherries later. A glance over at Felix’s table and it was clear he was struggling to make the pastry “Urrgghh I can’t do this” He growled “Yes you can Felix, just read the instructions again” Y/N advised.

Jane had made her pastry but did not chill it, instead choosing to leave it sitting at room temperature. Demetri laughed at this, as he knew it was best to chill pastry before rolling. ‘Thank you Bake Off’ he thought to himself. Alec on the other hand was covered in flour and was busy mixing the ingredients together to make the pastry, his tongue poking out the side of his mouth in concentration. Y/N and Gianna found it funny to watch the guards complete the challenge with varying degrees of success.

“Demetri’s quite good at this baking stuff” Gianna whispered “I know, but then he has watched Bake Off with me and seen me bake cakes” She whispered low. Meanwhile, Demetri removed the pastry from the fridge and divided it in two. He rolled out the bigger portion of pastry quickly whilst being careful to not over work it, and placed it in the greased tin, gently pushing it into the sides. He then filled the pie, discarding the leftover juice at the bottom of the bowl of Cherries. He then rolled out the smaller portion of the pastry and cut into strips and began to weave the strips on top of the pie to create the lattice effect. He was the first one to put his pie in the oven and set a timer on his phone for one hour. He felt quite proud of himself and found it funny that Felix was struggling.

“You have one hour and fifteen minutes left” Y/N called out “Shit” Felix growled “The pastry keeps splitting” “Just patch it up, I did” Alec called out as he was filling his pie crust. Jane giggled at the mess that her brother and Felix had made. She finished her lattice pattern and put her pie in the oven, setting a timer on her phone for fifty-five minutes. “This is so much fun to watch” Gianna said smiling, Y/N nodded with a smile of her own.

Alec struggled with the lattice pattern and eventually gave up “I think it looks alright” He mumbled to himself and popped the pie into the oven “Timer forty-five minutes” He told his phone as his fingers were sticky from the cherry and jam mixture. Y/N was trying so hard not to laugh at him “To think he’s meant to be a dangerous predator” She whispered to Gianna “I know, he doesn’t look so scary now he’s covered in flour and jam” She whispered back, and they started laughing. The vampires all look up the giggling humans “See I told you, they’re taking the piss” Felix huffed “Oh leave them be, it probably is a little funny to them considering what we’re doing” Jane told him.

Felix was the last one to get his pie in the oven, the lattice pattern non-existent on his pie. “How long we got left?” Felix asks “About forty minutes” Y/N responded “That’ll do time wise for the pie. Now to make custard, whatever that is” He begins reading the instructions to make the Vanilla custard.

Aro appeared at the kitchen door “Marcus told me of your plans for the afternoon and I just had to see it for myself” He tried not to laugh at the scene in front him. “I trust you are all having fun?” “We are Aro, not sure about them” Y/N replied gesturing to the guards “I think you’re supposed to put that white stuff in the bowl Alec not wear it” Aro said teasingly and walked away laughing.

Demetri finished making his Vanilla custard and set it to one side and began cleaning the table he had used as his workstation. “How come you’re finished D?” Felix asked sounding irritated “I’m just better than you” Demetri replied smirking at his friend, Felix hissed at him “I also followed the instructions given, it’s not hard” He added smugly before turning to face the sink, Felix tossed a spoon at Demetri “Oi! Don’t be a dick” Demetri responded, rubbing the back of his neck “Are you alright babe?” Y/N asked “I’m fine darling, the spoon not so much” He replied, glaring at Felix.

Jane finished second and set her custard to one side too and began to clear up. “I think the custard has gone wrong” Alec said aloud, Jane appeared behind him and looked over his shoulder “It’ll be fine, just keep stirring it” She replied “Really?” “Yes, Alec really. Keep stirring until it becomes smooth like the recipe says” He nodded “Thank you Jane.”

“Here you go darling, Gianna” Demetri said as he handed them a cup of coffee each “Thanks babe” “Thank you Demetri” They replied. “You trying to bribe the judges?” Felix asked “No Fe, I’m not. I have some time to spare and thought I’d make them a drink seeing as I’m nearer the kettle than they are” He replied “Suck up” Felix growled and Jane rolled her eyes “How about you pick up the pace big guy. I mean you’re currently in last position again” Jane said smiling “Bite me” Felix growled “Nah, I’m alright, I don’t know where you’ve been” She retorted, Demetri and Alec laughing at their exchange.

Alec poured his custard into a jug and began to tidy up. “I hate baking. Stupid human thing” Felix grumbled “Oi, my mate’s a human and she isn’t stupid” Demetri said slapping the back of Felix’s head “Gianna isn’t stupid either” Jane added “Really? Well whose stupid idea was it to get us to bake? It certainly weren’t mine” Felix said as he looked at Y/N frowning, Demetri moved to stand between Felix and his mate “Look at her like that again and you’ll regret it Felix” Demetri growled his friend’s name “Come on Felix it’s just a bit a fun” Alec said as he licked his fingers and then scrunched his nose when he realised what he’d done. Gianna laughed “You alright Alec?” “Will be once I wash my hands.”

Felix finally finished his attempt at custard and very noisily began clearing away the mess he’d made. Demetri’s phone timer went off and he carefully removed his pie from the oven and put it on the table to cool down. He sat back down to wait for the others to finish.

“You have ten minutes left” Gianna called out. Demetri warmed the custard back up gently in the microwave and got some cutlery from the drawer for Y/N and Gianna. Jane eyed Demetri as she realised that he was her competition and although she had never cooked or baked before, something inside her told her she couldn’t lose to him. Once Demetri removed his custard from the microwave Jane popped hers inside to warm it through. “What are you doing sister?” “What’s it look like I’m doing?” Jane sounded a little snarky, Alec looked taken aback whilst Demetri bit his lip to stop himself from chuckling “If I knew, I wouldn’t have asked would I, genius” Alec retorted, Demetri laughed, he’d never heard the twins talk like this to one another and it was rather amusing to him “Now, now you two. Play nice” “Get bent” Alec huffed at him.

“Five minutes” Y/N told them. “What happens once the time runs out?” Felix asked “We get to try the pies and custard you all made…” “That’s it?” Felix asked cutting Gianna off “No, we decide on who’s pie and custard is the best and the winner gets a prize” Y/N replied. “Noone said anything about a prize” Alec pointed out “It’s a competition Einstein, what did you think would happen? Jane asked, Alec hissed at her and Demetri chuckled, realising Y/N’s sarcasm had clearly rubbed off on Jane. “She’s like the Queen of snark” Gianna mused “I know, it’s weird that’s it’s aimed at Alec right?” Y/N replied.

Jane’s timer went off and she removed the pie from the oven and set it down on her table alongside the custard. Alec’s timer went off next and he placed his pie on the table and noticed the juice from the pie had bubbled down the sides, so the pastry was purple in places.

“Time’s up” Y/N called out just as Felix’s timer went off. Felix removed his pie from the oven and placed it beside the jug of custard on his table “Thank the Gods” He sighed “Someone got out the coffin the wrong side this morning” Y/N said looking at him, Demetri was doubled over laughing as were the twins. “I don’t sleep in a coffin” He replied, “You don’t sleep at all, dumbass” Jane added.

Y/N and Gianna made their way over to Jane’s table first and tried her pie and custard “Nice lattice work on the top. The pie looks even in colour” Y/N told her as Gianna cut two slices of pie and poured some custard into the bowl. “The pie tastes nice, the pastry is just about done” Gianna told Jane and she smiled “Thank you” “I agree with Gianna, a few more minutes in the oven and the pastry would have been perfect, that said the pie tastes nice and the custard is good too” Y/N added “Thanks” Jane replied with a smile.

They tried Demetri’s next. “The pie is cooked really well, pastry’s nice colour and well done on the lattice work. It tastes really really good. You can really taste the Vanilla in the custard” Y/N said before taking a second bite of the pie “Oh my god. That’s amazing Demetri” Gianna praised, Demetri puffed his chest out with pride and flashed them a big smile “Thanks girls.” “Teacher’s pet” Felix coughed out; Demetri ignored him.

They tried Alec’s attempt next “There’s too much sauce in the pie, hence the overflow and it needed about another fifteen minutes in the oven. The custard tastes alright though” Gianna told him softly, worried about his reaction “Please don’t hate me” She added quietly. “Gianna’s right another fifteen minutes and the pie would have been completely cooked through. The cherry and jam mixture is really good. The custard tastes good” Y/N said and gave him a small smile.

Lastly they tried Felix’s pie. “Wow, your pie has a soggy bottom…” Felix huffed and Alec laughed “Felix has a soggy bottom” Jane and Demetri rolled their eyes “They’re like children” Jane muttered. “The pie isn’t completely cooked as it needed another 20 minutes in the oven. Wow, your custard is really lumpy” Y/N told him. Gianna tried the pie and custard and struggled to hide her reaction “The custard doesn’t taste very nice and it’s lumpy. Also there’s too much sauce in the pie” Gianna added and Felix growled at her. “Oi! Behave” Demetri said, standing up “They’re just being honest Felix” Jane added “Yeah, but…I already said I couldn’t bake so I don’t need them telling me I’m shit at it” Felix replied pointing at Y/N and Gianna “Lighten up Felix, my attempt isn’t much better than yours and you don’t see me throwing a tantrum” Alec added, coming to stand beside Gianna.

Y/N and Gianna both agreed it was a tie between Jane and Demetri and ate some more of their pies “Why are they eating more of theirs?” Felix asked sounding disgruntled “They’re probably trying to decide whose is better” Alec replied. “We have made a decision” Y/N told them “May the best vamp win” Alec said looking between Jane and Demetri “I will” Jane said confidently “We’ll see” Demetri added.

“Y/N why don’t you get the prize ready” “Oh yeah, hang on” She replies and pulls out a grey apron with the slogan ‘I’m the castle’s best baker” in white writing and turns around showing it to the four guards “All this effort for that. Not bloody worth it if you ask me” Felix snorted “Don’t be a sore loser Felix” Y/N said, not bothering to look at him.

“The winner is…..Demetri” Gianna says smiling “Yes” Demetri calls out “It was really close, honestly” Y/N said looking at Jane. “It’s ok sweetie. I’ll beat him next time” She replied, nodding at the tracker “I look forward to the challenge” Demetri responded. “Seriously though, congratulations Dem” Jane said holding out her hand to him “Thank you Jane and well done, your pie does look really good” He replied shaking her hand.

Y/N put the apron over Demetri’s head and pulled him down for a kiss “Well done handsome” “Thanks beautiful” He replied and kissed her again. “Would I have gotten a kiss if I’d won?” Jane asked looking at Y/N and Demetri, her tone teasing “Maybe” Gianna smiled and gave her a playful wink. If Jane could have blushed, she would have “Ha. She got you good” Alec said laughing at Jane’s reaction. “Thank you for an entertaining afternoon, we’ll have to do it again sometime” Gianna said as she picked up Jane’s pie and custard “If noone minds, I’ll be taking this and going to watch a movie in my room” Gianna said and then left the kitchen, Jane smiled. “A movie sounds good Dem, what do you think?” “Sounds like a plan” He replied and kissed her again. “Bring the pie and custard please” “Of course darling” He was smiling proudly knowing that his mate liked the pie and custard he had made and that his first baked creation won him a prize, even if it was only an apron.

#demetri volturi #felix volturi #alec volturi #jane volturi #aro volturi #caius volturi #marcus volturi #heidi volturi #demetri x reader #volturi #twlight #oneshot

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angelfireeast · 2 years

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4400 1x07 Empowered Women Empower Women

My thoughts as the episode aired:

It's my girl Claudette's big backstory 🤗

Mrs Grover and Claudette friendship for the win!

Loving all the plants & dark room. Loving all her personality coming out

Jharrel is not slick with women🤭

Shanice is mad at hell but in full care taker mode with Andre🥰

That contact the government is the devil and they are entrapping the Cult of the 4400 (my new name for them in the Hotel). No one should sign that thing. It's just a way to track them and trap them

Is Claudette scared of her husband? I will fight him if he's hurting my girl

So Andre was sick cause he was carrying around all that outside pain & healing he put on and the only way to get rid of it is to put it back outside his body?

Soraya and LaDonna friendship for the win🥰

Claudette's husband is the lowest of the low. I HATE HIM! See there is good reason she was so happy to be here. He had everyone thinking he was a Saint and he was bastard🤬 I'm so glad she free of him

I'm so glad we are finally hearing about LaDonna's dad and her relationship with him. I really want to know what going there

Lol "I've known these people for half a season of tv"😂

Soraya teaching LaDonna about friendship is much needed🥰

Wait Claudette has a daughter!?! Did I get that right #CW4400 or is Bab is her friend? Her sister? Who is in that newspaper?

Jessica doesn't see the 4400 as humans I don't care if your drowning cause you are a nasty person. Suffer

I laughed so hard at Andre not being able to cut Shanice and Claudette getting sick and tired and just doing it herself. She has no time for pussy fitting around😂

My theory has been proven correct on the powers

I love that the 4400 all showed up in their clothing they arrived in to the bar. Get him!

I love everyone coming to defend Claudette when the guy came stomping over to her.

She got the promotion she deserves!!!

The chemistry between Andre and Shanice is off the chain. They get along so well it overcomes the situration they going through

Soraya is so smooth is that line about a cold bitch just needs someone to melt for. Soraya is so much better then Jessica. Keisha go get it!

LaDonna decided to stay qnd she decided to pick real friendship. I love that she felt so empowered and part of something real. Girl you have the most real friends you will ever have in Andre, Claudette, Shanice, Hayden, Jharrel and more. Her dad called her🤔

Good apology by Andre. It's so important to have a apology to be genuine without a "but"

I love Andre telling Shanice how much he cares about her. It was such a good speech and explosion of feelings. This what I want from my ships. "I don't want share you. I've been trying to play it cool so I don't scare you away" communication problems talked out right away

All my ships happening at once tonight:

Shanice and Andre took the next step in their relationship 😆

Soyara & Keisha got together 😆

Claudette & Jharrel kissed😆

Claudette's husband is prue evil. I hope that man died painfully. The man is trash. No he's just shit in human form. Trying to put Claudette in a mental hospital to control her. My blood boiled when she begged him. I'm so glad she free of that evil

Noooooo LaDonna left and her goodbye video to Andre got me right in the heart.😭 She left him comfort food🥺 Their friendship is everything. She kept those photos of him. I hope someone joins LaDonna on her trip to visit her dad

Thr Rev is so evil. He controlling everyone and wants to be the only person they turn. He got that cult leader behavior down. He doesn't care about their best interests of his people.

#cw 4400 #4400 #4400 cw

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phoebehalliwell · 2 years

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Ship asks: Chris/Bianca, Prue/Bane, Piper/Kyle, Phoebe/Drake, Paige/Henry, Billie/Speed, Christy/Aviva

chris/bianca

vomit / don’t ship / ok / cute / adorable / sexy / perfect / beyond flawless / hot damn / screaming and crying / i will ship them in hell

i love them what can i say

prue/bane

vomit / don’t ship / ok / cute / adorable / sexy / perfect / beyond flawless / hot damn / screaming and crying /i will ship them in hell

i love how much of a hopeless romantic bane is and i think that's really wonderful for prue the life of crime tho is a bit of a downer and when it comes to energy prue really does all the heavy lifting bc what can i say that actor was just like. dull. but i do find them really endearing and like they could have run away to a small private island together i wouldn't be complaining!!

piper/kyle

vomit / don’t ship / ok / cute / adorable / sexy / perfect / beyond flawless / hot damn / screaming and crying / i will ship them in hell

y'all already know man. there's this version of them that exists in my head the epitome of the slowburn realizing that some point in the last five years of working together you no longer hate them in fact you actually care about them more than you'd ever admit to but you can't love them because you can't because you've loved before and it wasn't like this and you had perfect and it left you bruised and battered wishing it could have been different but instead it would come just close enough to rip the stitches open again before leaving so you can't love him you can't and you don't and yet you find yourself lingering in the doorway just hoping he'll ask you to stay (he does)

phoebe/drake

vomit / don’t ship / fine i guess / ok / cute / adorable / sexy / perfect / beyond flawless / hot damn / screaming and crying / i will ship them in hell

adding my own section because they are fine i guess but lord help me i just do not get it like. they have such bestie energy to me like quirky friends get up to cahoots and maybe if they had been besties cahooting for long enough love could have blossomed but like. i just don't see it as written. it is mlm/wlw solidarity tho which i respect easily a bi4bi couple but like to be they're just two best friends w no romantic or sexual chemistry

paige/henry

vomit / don’t ship / ok / cute / adorable / sexy / perfect / beyond flawless / hot damn / screaming and crying / i will ship them in hell

this one is just shy of the i will ship them in hell because if you don't ship them like i get it i really do because honestly the writing there was kinda flimsy so i'm not gonna you know. bit you and rip out ur jugular and be like no!!!!! they are perfect you just don't get it!!!!!! because like. there's already you know stuff for them that you could just interpret another way But they leave like these little breadcrumbs throughout their romance hints at something more from which i build this whole extensive. like like okay they were both abandoned at birth right but paige had a great childhood and henry had a shit one but nevertheless they both have commitment issues and god when they get close to someone they just want to run and they feel that instinct constantly they're like no this is too much this is too intense i gotta go but they just. usually went they bolt it's home free thank god i'm out type shit but that's not what it is this time they want to see the other again they get knots in their stomach worrying they might have fucked it up with the walls they never bring down but it's like. aaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. i see you. I See You!!!! and the show didn't build on it like it should have but they mentioned it it's there it's canon and i see it it's so true it's so beautiful and they just. i love them i do i see them through the cheap veneer os like what an eleven episode romance i see them i love them

billie/speed

vomit / don’t ship / ok / cute / adorable / sexy / perfect / beyond flawless / hot damn / screaming and crying / i will ship them in hell

literally i don't know why we didn't do this that christy plot bogged down the show bc it was one note but they needed to give billie more focus why not give her a romance like??? and it's like. very a yin yang balance because speed is trying so hard to be you know good because all he does it experience consequences even when he’s not at fault and he just feels trapped like he can’t even move versus impulsive billie who’s never faced any real consequences in her life who just doesn’t get the idea of losing have have speed help you know ground billie and help her feel what’s real versus billie helping speed you know learn you can be a little stupid sometimes you can just be a lil dumb the world isn’t always on your shoulders like. i think that in a proper au they could go so so hard

christy/aviva

vomit / don’t ship / ok / cute / adorable / sexy / perfect / beyond flawless / hot damn / screaming and crying /i will ship them in hell

honestly? would make a great evil couple. points regardless for having a prep/goth aesthetic with christy having the much darker and fucked up sense of humor

send me a ship!

#charmed #chris x bianca #prue x bane #piper x kyle #phoebe x drake #paige x henry #billie x speed #aviva x christy

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yeahimaloser · 3 years

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Oh, To Be In Love 2

PART 2

Hawks x reader

This story will be about how you and your best friend of 5 years, pro hero Hawks, learn how to be in love with each other.

OMG!!! For real thank you all so much for liking my other Hawks X reader’s. As promised, here's part two of Oh, To Be In Love.

Here's the link to part 1 :)oh-to-be-in-love

ALSO THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE READ!!!!! In this story Hawks picks up the reader and flies with them. I realize that some of the readers out there are plus sized, have a fear of flying, maybe some readers are disabled. But whatever the case I made a separate part were he doesn’t pick up the reader, I really want everyone who reads this to see themselves in the y/n. So this is the link!!! https://yeahimaloser.tumblr.com/post/633775712831225856/oh-to-be-in-love

No pronouns for the reader are used in this story, so feel free to read if you use any pronouns!!

Word count: 1722

Please enjoy!

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You were a total loser.

You had just called your best friend of 5 years, and also the person you were in love with, and told him about a guy you didn’t even want to go out with. Yet, you just wanted to see if he would say anything to deter you from going out with this other guy. But Hawks just gave you some friendly advice. You were expecting this, he was always so supportive of your life choices.

You groaned to yourself, God you hated this. Wondering what he really thought of you.

You scoffed at yourself, why would the number 2 pro hero ever want to go out with you? You two were just friends, nothing else.

But you just couldn’t help but be in love with him. Maybe you really were helpless.

You could recall when you first fell in love with the winged bastard…

“Damn,” you groaned to yourself. “I'm totally gonna be late.”

The whole start to your day totally sucked. Your alarm didn’t go off, then you realized you forgot to do the laundry the day before, and on top of that you didn’t have enough time to eat.

So there you were, running late on an empty stomach, stinky clothes and overall just really tired.

You sighed to yourself. Sometimes life was a bitch.

But then you saw a flash of red, and looked over to see Hawks standing only a few feet besides you. He gave you that exceedingly charming smile, “Need a lift?”

You and Hawks have been friends for around 3 years now, and yet he’s never taken you flying yet. Due to the hero licenseing law, he could only fly with you if it involved hero work.

You huffed, “Shouldn’t you be on patrol,” you asked in a snarky tone.

“Well,” Hawks said, striding over to you, “I’m on patrol, and also insanely bored. So, why don’t I keep you company.”

You shook your head at him, “Shouldn’t you be doing actual hero work?”

Hawks just chuckled at you, “I suppose, but hear me out,” his eyes seem to light up, “your a civilan, your in destress. So as a hero, I’ll escort you to your final destionation! The fact that we know eachother is just a bonus!”

You just smirked, rolling your eyes, “Whatever bird boy, let’s go then.”

Hawks groaned, “for the love of God, stop calling me that! It’s so annoying.”

You just giggled, “never.”

Hawks also did this kind of stuff for you. He just liked helping you out. You couldn’t decide if it was because of him being a hero, or if he was just a nice person.

“You know,” he siad in a seemingly careless tone, “I could always fly us there. I know your running late, so let me give you a lift.”

You looked him up and down skeptically, “Hmmm, and if I fall?”

Hawks just smiled at you, “I’ll just catch you.”

You rolled your eyes at his cheesy line, but checking the time you realized how late you really were.

You gave him a playful huff, “Fine, but I swear if you drop me, I will-”

But Hawks put his hands up, seemingly defending himself, “Wow there! I promise you, on my hero’s name I will not drop you.”

You gave him a snarky smile, “Fine birdboy, lets go.”

Hawks frowned at the nickname, “Will you ever stop calling me that?”

You giggled, “nope.”

Hawks just sighed, “Alright then… I’m gonna have to hold you.”

You just rolled your eyes, “Wow Hawks, I didn’t think about that. Don't make it weird, we’ve been friends for years.”

Hawks nodded. picking you up carefully, he positioned you bridal style in his arms. You held tightly onto his neck.

“Seriously, I’m a pro hero, I’m not gonna drop you,” he said laughing a little as well.

“Whatever, lets go I’m already so late.”

“Ohhh, someones snarky.”

But before you could retorte, he took off.

For all your complaining you really did trust Hawks, you knew he wouldn’t drop you. He was a pro hero after all. But being launched in the air would freak anyone out at first. You tried to shrink into Hawks, thinking maybe that would make you feel more safe. He seemed to pick up on this and gave you a reassuring squeeze.

At first, you were terrified. And also super mad, he took off with out telling you!

But then you realized how beautiful the world was from so high in the air. The sun seemed to make everything angelic. And everything looked so small, like you were watching the world from far in the clouds. And the wind. The wind didn’t feel harsh, in fact it felt inviting. The whole scene was enough to take your breath away.

You turned to tell Hawks how amazing it was, to tell you how thankful you were.

But your words died in your throat.

Hawks looked… like an angel.

He wasn’t looking at you, instead he was looking ahead, his expression was one you had never seen before. It was one of pure relaxation, and just prue freedom. The sunlight didn’t bounce off his face, it seemed like his face absorbed it. The way his face shone almost made you want to look away, and yet you couldn’t. His lips formed a purely happy smile. His hair looked beautiful, flowing in the wind and shining like the sun.

But his eyes.

It was his eyes that made your words die in your throat.

They seemed to shone with pure intensity, pure adoration, pure angelic beauty.

He looked so heavenly.

When he finally noticed you looking at him, he just gave you a smile.

A bright, stunning, beautiful smile that made your heart race and your face go red.

And it wasn’t just how he looked, it was his vibe too. He made you feel safe, like you could put your heart in his hand and he would protect it with his life. You realized how amazing your best friend really was. He was so calming and… warm. He just felt good.

And that's how you caught feelings for your best friend.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You were so pathetic.

Of course you were gonna turn the other guy down. But your dumb brain thought that maybe, maybe there was a chance that Hawks would tell you no. That you should be with him and not this other guy. But he didn’t. And although you were loathed to admit it, you saw that coming.

When this guy told you about his feelings, you honestly didn’t really know what to say in the moment. But then you came up with this stupid plan, and here you are, hurt and alone.

Every time you even so much as thought of getting into a relationship with someone else you felt as though you couldn’t. Because you would just end up comparing them to him. No one could make you laugh as hard, no one could put you more at ease, no one was captivating enough to steal your attention.

You sighed, your back hitting the wall.

“I should probably go eat,” you said to yourself.

but just then your phone buzzed, your eyes widened at the I.D.

It was Hawks, sometimes you could swear the man was physic.

Hawks: hey you doing anything for lunch tomorrow??

You smiled but rolled your eyes, sometimes the man only thought with his stomach. You couldn’t count the amount of chicken he would buy.

You: probably not

You: why did you have something in mind birdboy??

Hawks: I literally only have wings

Hawks: I’m not a freaken bird

You giggled to yourself, Hawks seemed to never fail to make you laugh. Even when you felt like shit.

You: you sure about that bud

You: bc I could count the amount of bird shit you’ve done in my presence

Hawks: wow

Hawks: here I was about to ask you to go out for lunch tomorrow

Hawks: but I guess you don’t want a free meal ;)

This was something very regular between the two of you. Your lunch break matched up with his, so you two almost always ended up going out. He would also take you out to dinner on special occasions.

You: only if your paying

Hawks: wow y/n

Hawks: didn’t know you were a sell out

You just huffed.

You: last time I checked your the pro hero

You: your the one that has like an ass load of cash

You: so yeah

You: your paying

You: :)

Hawks. …

Hawks: ok I’ll give you that

Hawks: so you're down??

You bit your lip.

When you first realized your feelings for Hawks, you tried to push him away. You tired not hanging out with him so much. Trying to save yourself from feeling your heart ache inside.But it was so hard, you were like a moth and Hawks was your flame.

So, whenever he asked you to hang out, it was impossible for you to say no.

You: I’ll see you there :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Woooooow the dramaaaaa!

Ok but for real, I really enjoy writing the series! So I really hope you enjoy this too :)

I have the draft for part 3 so don’t worry, It will probably come soon. But again, with this series I like taking my time.

Thank you again!

#hawks x reader #hawks x y/n #mha keigo takami #bnha hawks #mha keigo x reader #keigo takami x reader #mha fanfiction #keigo x reader #anime #takami keigo

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rosierocks30 · 3 years

Text

Hidden series Ch.22

Chapter 22: The Legendary of the Infinity Stones

(Gilbert)

Most of the day since Nathaniel had come home was dull. He had to spend time with Nathaniel with the queen. It was absurd how much he had to put effort in getting his old lover’s attention while Queen Historia who doesn’t try and received more attention. Luckily, he has a plan to make this blonde whore fall from Nathaniel’s grace. Few of the templars who were only loyal to Alexander had discovered the culprits of Levi’s escape. Oh this made him grin in joy when it was Historia and also Zeke’s younger brother, Eren Jaeger. He had already informed Alexander about Historia and Eren involved in Levi’s escape.

Since a month had happened both Alexander and Gilbert were planning and waiting for the right time to execute the plan. At this moment, Gilly is about to meet Zeke Jaeger, the current leader of the Jaegerist. He wondered how Zeke would take in his little brother’s betrayal? Even though Eren was known to be one of the dangerous titan shifters, he was too overhead on his heels for the handmaiden. It’s such a shame he was not into men. Gilly had always wondered how good was he in bed? He heard so much of it from that other whore, Belia. It got him curious but annoyed at the same time.

Gilbert quietly knocked on the door and heard Zeke’s voice for him to enter. He opened the door to enter the room and saw only Zeke and Yelena. They probably were having a deep conversation. “Good evening, Gilbert! What brings you here? Please have a seat.” Zeke politely greeted the other man. Yelena guides Gilly to a chair then goes to pour whiskey for all three of them. She handed one to Gilbert then to Zeke.

“I hope I’m not interrupting both of you. I do have a message from the Grandmaster that I think you want to know.” Gilbert said that this had Zeke and Yelena interested.

“Oh really? What message does the Grandmaster have for me?” Zeke took a sip on his glass of whiskey.

“He believes it’s time to have a new King since Nathaniel hadn’t kept his bargain of the deal to keep his crown by letting one of our most valuable assets escape.” Gilbert said.

Zeke thought about it for a moment. “You mean about that monster Levi Ackerman escapee? I was disappointed when I heard Captain Levi had escaped.”

“Yes, we all are. So, the Grandmaster and I have thought of putting the rightful ruler to the throne.” Gilbert kept talking.

“Is Historia gaining her full power to rule? That’s very bold for the Grandmaster to assume she will comply.” Zeke had his brow raised in curiosity.

“I did say a king not a queen. We believe you are the perfect choice. Think about it? You being a ruler will help your group strengthen the support of the people of this island. And you at one point used to be part of Marley’s military. With that knowledge, you can command a new military who will do anything to fight against Marley. The people will glorify you as their savior instead of your little brother who's nobody.” Gilly resumed.

“I would be careful how you talk about my younger brother if I were you. He may be a hothead sometimes but this group would not exist if it weren’t for him!” Zeke glared at Gilbert for the way he disrespected his little brother.

“My apologies for offending you. It just saddens me how you care and love your brother so much and yet it doesn’t seem like he does based on his actions.” Gilbert coaxed Zeke as the other titan shifter paused for a second in confusion.

“What is the meaning of this, Gilbert?” Yelena had intervened when she looked at Zeke’s expression with a doubt.

“What I’m trying to say is that Eren Jaeger along with Queen Historia had conspired together to make sure Levi Ackerman was able to escape.” He finally pulled the trigger and waited for both of them to react.

“Wait what? So Eren was the one to let Levi escape?” Yelena said in shock.

“Yes, and I have evidence. What nobody knew but only very small members of the inner circle of the Grandmaster about there are small spy cameras installed in the palace. Week by week, they had tracked the queen’s and Eren’s movements. They had allied together to free Subject 18. We have videos.” Gilbert had his phone and showed the video evidence of Eren and Historia meeting together then it showed another scene of Historia meeting Levi in secret in the dungeon. Then it showed how Eren had helped Levi escape from the castle.

Zeke felt hurt by his little brother’s betrayal. So much rage surged inside him. Of course, he had to be calm and clear minded for now.

“I see, this is disappointing.” Zeke said.

“I know this truth is hurting you but you must know this.” Gilbert said.

“He is stupid for being reckless especially it can endanger his new little family. Alright like my father, putting his personal agenda first than his family’s safety. I was alright growing fond of my soon to be sister-in-law. I have no choice but to end her life along with my potential nephew or niece that she’s carrying.” Zeke sighed.

“I’m afraid you are not allowed to harm the handmaiden for now. She has something that the Grandmaster had been searching for years.” Gilbert said.

“Oh? Like what?” Zeke was curious again.

“The infinity stones. They are real and she is the wielder of all six. So if you accept our offer, you can help your dreams come true.” Gilly continued.

“What will you do about Eren and Historia? And how will you dethrone Nathaniel?” Zeke was now intrigued.

“With Eren being connected to the Path and Ymir, he will be difficult to get rid of. As for Historia and Nathan; I will expose this secret of her being responsible for Levi escaping and probably the king will lose his interest in her and execute her which will make the people rise up and dethrone him then place you as king. What do you say?” Gilbert said.

At first Zeke thought about it. “I see as long as I get to deal with my brother. So tell the grandmaster I accept his proposal as king.” The Beast Titan shifter shook Gilbert’s hand while Gilbert smirked in victory of phase 1.

“We have a deal then.” Gilbert said victoriously.

(Historia)

Shit. It’s like the day of the wedding with Nathan again. She was in her room waiting for Nathan. Naked and alone. He had told her to be ready for him at night.

Don’t let your fear show to anyone Historia..

The queen heard Ymir’s voice again. She had been quiet for a while. “I can’t help it...the thought of him touching me again is just too much for me.” The blonde woman whispered.

My Krista, I wish I was there to protect you and hold you like when we were in the scouts..

“Same...I do think about what would happen if you were still alive. I read your letter and if you were still alive, I would have married even with the short time you have before the curse takes you away from this fucked up world…” Historia felt a small tear slipped from her ocean blue eye.

But you shouldn’t feel regret in any decision that you made before. You have now Levi and your son, Atticus. Think of both of them when fear consumes you. You’re not giving yourself some credit of how strong and capable you are in fucked up situations.

“Atticus? My little boy...I missed him so much. I envied Sasha for raising him, which I should be the one.” Historia had always thought of her baby boy. For being Levi and Historia’s son, he wasn’t a tiny baby. Her hand wiped the tears off. She must endure these acts for their sake. Levi was caught once. She will have to be stronger and not be a burden to cause more misfortune. A queen can make many moves and has a chance to win this twist game in politics.

Suddenly, the doors opened and Historia glanced to see Nathaniel entering the room. The usurper noticed his wife was ready for him.

“I see you have been waiting for me, my wife.” Nathaniel smirked. Historia felt the urge to slap his smirking face, but she was composed.

The beautiful golden haired queen got up from the bed then let the white sheets fall on the floor to reveal her nude body. Nathaniel walked towards her and caressed his fingers on her soft creamy fair skin.

“Would you believe me if I say I have missed you?” Historia was not expecting his words. She knew he had hated her for many reasons but that feeling is mutual too. This does not make sense. She felt his lips on her neck slowly traveling down to her collarbone. No matter how hard she tries to enjoy it for her mental sake, these lips are not her true husband. Levi had always made her crave more. Her thoughts drifted to remembering their first time together. It was a grieving night for everyone from the betrayal of Reiner, Bertholdt, and Ymir. From feeling lonely and grief, both Historia and Levi had blossomed into a prue love.

“Historia, you are beautiful like your sister, Freida.” He muttered.

Historia glanced then took a step back from him. “How do you know my sister?” She whispered.

Nathaniel realized Historia was confused but alert. Maybe it’s the alcohol in him but he felt it’s time for her to know that long ago he was in love and engaged with Freida. He sighed and went to sit on the bed and pat the mattress for her to sit beside him.

“Come Historia, I think it’s time I tell you about the time I used to be engaged with the woman who was my first love.” He said. Historia was hesitant at first, but she went to sit next to him so he could tell her about her sister.

(Natasha)

The sky was beautiful with clear blue and white puffy clouds. A little girl with brown hair was plucking out wildflowers at the meadow. She carefully tried not to get her summer dress dirty. Her mother will scold her as today will be an important day. Natasha, her mother, and her baby brother Damon will go visit the palace to see Grandpa and Grandma. Her mother, Morgan Ackerman nee Stark had decided to fly from Hawaii to Paradise Isle two days before planning to see her in-laws. Long ago Atticus bought a private land away from the capital when Morgan became pregnant with Natasha.

For two days Morgan wanted to have some time to herself with her children. Life as a widow was too heartbreaking for her. She lost the love of her life just when their marriage was still new. This must be how her mother felt when her father died so many years ago. Natasha looked up to see her mother who’s in the cottage cradling her baby brother. The little girl smiled and resumed plucking out flowers. Her mommy loves flowers. This will make her smile again. Her mommy had a pretty smile.

It felt so long that little Natasha was surprised her mommy didn’t call her name to go see grandma and grandpa. Maybe mommy had fallen asleep with Damon again? The little girl skipped back home. When she saw the door was opened, Natasha was feeling weary but didn’t think too much into it. She entered and went upstairs.

“Mommy! I got flowers for you!” She heard no one.

As she got closer, the little girl heard a grunt and whispers. Huh? Who is with her mommy and brother? She slowly pushed the door to open for her to view a gruesome scene. Her silver grey eyes widened in horror to see two men were looking down at her mother who looked frozen from seeing a small body on the floor. There was blood soaking the wooden floor and from the look of these strange men's faces; they were laughing.

Did they hurt her little brother? Why? Why would they do that?

Her mother finally noticed her and shouted. “Natasha ran! Run to safety!”

Natasha gasped when another man grabbed her before she had the chance to run away.

“Oh no you don’t brat.” The man who grabbed her was struggling from her wiggling and kicking to be free. “Noo! Let go! Mommy!” She was calling for mother to save her.

“YOU PIECES OF SHIT! YOU MONSTERS!” Her mother was screaming and crying from seeing her baby laying on the floor dead. “WHY?! I have told you I don’t have it!”

“Don’t lie, woman. Your father was the last one to hold all six stones. Our sources say you found it five years ago with that Ackerman prince you married. So, tell us where those stones are and this time your last remaining child.” The sinister leader said.

“Fuck you. Fuck all of you, Jaegerists! I have told you. I don’t have them anymore. Please, please spare my daughter.” Her cries were heartbreak and full of agony. The worst pain to see your own child being killed.

“Tell us where was the last time you left it?” The Jaegerist man said.

Morgan was sobbing as she realized it’s pointless to beg for mercy since she was telling the truth. The stones literally disappeared as she used them to have her first pregnancy to make it to full term to birth a healthy child. Her daughter was the result of it. The one wielding the power of the six stones. They must not know the truth. These monsters will do anything to get the stones. The leader was losing his patience.

“Very well. Kill the other brat.” The leader ordered.

Morgan looked panicked when the other man who held Natasha placed the dragger on her small throat. Slowly, Natasha screamed in fear.

“Stop! Stop! I will tell you the truth! Please don’t take her away from me too…” The grieving mother begged them.

“Fine, now tell us.” He gestured to the man to not harm or kill the crying girl.

“They are inside...me. I absorbed them accidently.” Morgan said.

“I see and yet you are not unable to use them? What a terrible mother you are being unable to protect her children.?” The man mocked her. Morgan glared up with rage and charged at him with the knife that was used to kill her infant son.

The man used defense moves to disarm the knife and lock his arms around her neck and pinned her to the floor harshly. “You asked for this, bitch.”

Everything had gone to hell when Natasha saw the man pinned her mother and now he’s unbuckling his pants while her mother wiggling and screaming so many bad words. Then herding her mother crying and screaming in pain whatever the man was doing to her mother. All she know, that man’s hands with her baby brother’s blood smearing on her mommy. Then the man started to choke her in the process until no cries or screams were heard from her mommy.

Natasha stopped wiggling and whispered. “Mommy…?” She had a devastating expression.

“Such a shame. She’s dead.” He had finished violating the mother. The men groaned in disappointment since they wanted to have a turn.

“Stop being whiny brats. The body is still warm enough to have fun.” The leader said then chuckled.

Natasha felt her world became dark. Rage, sorrow, and feeling useless consumed her. A faint whisper was heard from her ear.

Take your ravenge...they have spilled blood now; they must pay for it…

Who was that? Natasha said mentally. She could hear the same voice again.

Use it..use your gifts form the stones they so eager to have…

Mommy had made me promise not to use it.

I’m sorry sweetheart but you must break your mommy’s promise...look what they have done to her and your baby brother? They must pay. You are an Ackerman and Ackermans must do whatever it takes to protect and survive. The least you can do is honor your mother, child…

You didn’t answer my question. Natasha said in her thoughts.

My apologies, I’m you...well the titan in you. Awaken first and let me and the power of infinity stones handle the rest…

Natasha snapped back to reality to glare at these awful men. “You will pay for it!”

Now the men started to laugh at the little girl’s threat. “Oh, she has fire in her. Men just end her so we can leave.” The leader said.

Suddenly a rush of electricity spread inside her as some unfamiliar power burst out. She now felt stronger and aware how to fight. The little girl let out a roar while using that strength to bring the man down to the ground surprisingly. The rest of the men were shocked to see a small girl was able to throw a full grown man onto the ground. Then she grabbed the knife the man was holding to stab repeatedly on his chest. Blood spilled everywhere while hearing the man screaming from the pain. All he could see was glowing silver eyes until he died.

Natasha dropped the bloody knife and turned herself to glance at the rest of the men. The men looked so scared and ran to try to leave the cottage.

“Where do you think you are going huh?” Natasha’s voice was distant but not like a human. With the power, she made the door closed and locked from the room so they wouldn't escape. The men tried to open the door.

“I just want to play a little game.” With her glowing hands, she made them lift up into the air without touching them and threw them to the wall for them to crash roughly.

“Please, please! Don’t hurt us. Have mercy..” Her hearing those words from their mouth had enraged her. “Mercy? Where was that mercy when my mother begged you not to harm my baby brother. Where was your mercy when you hurt her and killed her?! You deserve no mercy.”

Natasha slowly crushed their insides into liquid and watched how they coughed out blood. Now they look like a blob with human skin. She hadn't noticed the wind was causing it while she flew above ground. Little by little, she started to get back in control and saw what she had done. Her reaction was dizziness as darkness took over her and slumped down to the ground.

Night time had arrived when Natasha woke up. The cottage was dark but only the moonlight shined down the room to see blood all over the walls, floor, and furniture. Slowly, she got up and went to her mother’s body hoping she’s still alive. Her tiny hands shook the corpse but no response.

“Mommy, please wake up. We’ll be late…” her tears falling seeing no life in her mother’s once brown eyes. She let out an agony scream until the house phone rang. The little girl could hear it from downstairs in the living room. She quickly ran downstairs and picked up the phone.

“Hello? Who is this?” Her sniffles were loud enough a familiar voice was able to hear.

“Natasha? Is your mother there? Why are you crying?” Her grandfather Levi called.

“I-I..grandpa!” She cried.

“Hey kiddo, calm down. Tell me what's wrong?” Levi was trying to calm his granddaughter.

“M-mommy...they...kill her...and Damon too….I’m scared. Please come get me..” She was still sobbing.

It was quiet on the other side of the phone; only heavy breathing was heard. Then a growl of anger and a punch sound was heard.

“Honey, who was it that killed your mother...and Damon.” Levi’s voice felt like they were about to break. He and Historia had lost their son, Atticus a year ago, now two members of their family were killed.

“I think...they were called Jaegerists? I don’t know. Please I’m scared..come.” She begged.

“Natasha, it's going to be ok. I want to stay inside the cottage and don’t open the door to anyone besides me and your uncle. We’re going to get the military police to investigate. Can you do that, soldier?” Levi uses his affectionate tone while giving her an order. Whenever she visited her grandparents, Grandpa Levi played soldiers for fun. He sometimes teaches her some moves to protect herself.

“Y-yes Captain Grandpa.” She sniffled.

“Good girl, stay there. We’ll get there in half an hour.” With that, he hung up.

Natasha goes lay on the couch to wait for her grandfather. She began to chant to herself to calm down. As he had promised, a half hour had passed. A knock was heard but she was quiet.

“Natasha? It’s Grandpa. Open the door, kiddo.” She sprinted up and ran to unlock the door and open it. In her view, Levi and behind him were several military police men and Uncle Erwin. The little girl jumped at her grandfather to hug him tightly. He instantly held her and carried her.

“Shhh it’s ok. I’m here.” He whispered to comfort her. Levi entered the cottage with her holding onto him. He was grateful that she survived.

The police made their way into the cottage and explored all over the cottage. Her Uncle Erwin was beside his father. “Natasha, where are the bodies? Can you show us?”

She nodded and pointed them upstairs, they went and reached Damon's nursery room to see a bloodbath nightmare.

“Oh fuck. What a mess…” Levi glanced at each body and spotted his infant grandson’s corpse then his daughter-in-law’s. What is he going to tell his wife about this tragedy? And Pepper...too.

(Eren)

The green eyed titan shifter was dabbing a cold wet cloth on his lover’s forehead. He stared at the woman he loves while his hand caressing her hair. Eren was in disbelief at what he saw earlier with Natasha. She is full of surprises. The Eldian man got up and started making tea in case his fiancée woke up.

“Damn it, Natasha...you literally will be the death of me.” He sighed while turning on the stove to have the kettle pot boiling for tea.

He was stuck in contemplating other matters when a soft groan was heard. This got his attention. He glanced on the couch to see Natasha waking up. Eren went to be by her side.

“Hey…” It’s the first word she had said to him since the incident. He took her hand to gently kiss.

“How are you feeling, babe?” He asked with concern.

“I feel...like being hit against the wall.” She chuckled lightly and carefully tried to sit up. Eren stopped her so he could help her without struggling.

“Luckily I got a special tea just for that.” He smiled then got up as the kettle began to make a whistle sound.

Eren goes to turn off the stove. He poured the hot water into two mugs. The tea bags were already in the mugs as he poured the water. Carefully, he holds the handles to carry the mugs to the couch. Natasha watched the way he had prepared the tea. By the time she received her tea mug, she had enough strength to sit better. The heiress took a sip of her tea.

“It’s not green tea?” She was a bit disappointed.

“Doctor recommended not to let you consume caffeine while you're pregnant.” Eren informed her.

“Wait, is this ginger root tea?” She sipped again. The taste was familiar with earthy and spicy all in one. The Burnette loved ginger root tea especially with lemon to add the zesty flavor.

“Yeah, it’s good for you and safe for the baby.” Eren said while sipping his tea.

“I hope there will be more because I love ginger.” She gulped down her tea.

“Natasha, don’t drink too fast.” He warned her.

“Alright, alright. Any medical advice Dr. Jaeger?” She smirked.

“Dr. Jaeger is my dad.” He scoffed.

“Yes, but I can see you being one too. Imagine you wearing a white uniform coat or blue scrubs. I think it looks sexy on you.” Her hands rub on his chest. Usually he would respond to her flirty actions but right now it’s not appropriate. He had seen her use so much power and it almost drained her energy. If he hadn’t been there to try to calm her down, the situation would have gotten worse.

Eren sighed in disappointment and grabbed her hands gently to remove them from his chest. “Natasha, you have a lot of explaining to do. What was that earlier that you just did? It nearly drained your energy. You were unconscious since the incident. Fuck, I was scared for you. I just need you to be honest to me. What other surprises do you have?” He ranted.

Natasha was biting her lips nervously. This is where she needs to tell him what he saw was not what she had wanted anyone to know for many reasons. One of them is being used as a weapon by others. The American heiress placed her mug on the table stand.

“I don’t know where to start...this isn’t easy for me to tell anyone about my powers.” She said.

“You can start on how you got them.” Eren looked at her.

“I was born with them, but I don’t remember much of what my mother had told me long ago.” She paused as she was trying to remember the conversation with her mother on keeping her gifts a secret to everyone.

“Is it genetic?” He was concerned. If it was, there’s a chance their unborn child will inherit. It would put any of his children with Natasha into a dangerous situation.

“I don’t know. This had never happened to any wielder. It was one of the reasons why I joined a secret organization to help me know more about it and be in control. All I knew was that these stones inside me had killed my late grandfather, Tony Stark.” She began to explain.

“I see. So, no one knows about the stones besides me?” He asked.

“My grandmother from my mom’s side, Director Maria Hill who’s in charge of the organization I joined and now you. I don’t tell anyone about it so please can you not tell anyone?” She gave him a pleading look.

“Hey of course I won’t tell. Your secrets are mine now. I will not let anyone hurt you if they know the truth. I’m here for you, Natasha.” He wrapped his arms around her to reassure her that her secret is safe with him.

“Thank you..” She was grateful of having her secret being kept for good.

Eren was about to say something when her stomach made a loud growl. He saw how she blushed embarrassedly. He chuckled at how cute she looked.

“You haven’t eaten at all today. Tell me what you're craving and I’ll make whatever you want.” Eren offered to make something for her.

“Hmm...I am craving a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup?” Natasha glanced at him.

“You got it, rest here while I make what you request.” Eren smiled then kissed her forehead. He went to the kitchen to start making food.

Natasha watched Eren cooking from the couch. She had thought if it’s time to tell him the cause of her PTSD. She was lost in her thoughts when Eren was calling her name.

“Natasha, I got your soup and your grilled cheese.” Eren had already placed the tray of soup and grilled cheese on the coffee table. He sat on the couch next to her. His hand grabbed the bowl and spoon to help feed her. She was reluctant at first but let him feed her.

She moaned from having tomato soup in her stomach. Her eyes glanced at the delicious melting grilled cheese sandwich. Eren noticed where her eyes lingered and chuckled form the way she stared.

“This is why you can’t skip meals, my love.” He placed the bowl down on the table to grab the sandwich and let her bite down as the cheese stretched.

Natasha just made a grunt sound from having her mouth full from the grilled cheese. Her finger pointed to the bowel to have something to help her swallow down her food. Eren switched the sandwich to the soup and watched her slurp the soup.

“Thanks my love. Seriously, you have magic hands whenever you cook. Did you learn from your mom as a boy or was it on your own?” She gleaned into his rich emerald green eyes.

“I learnt just the basics from her, but mostly from during my time in the military.” Eren was a bit quiet from hearing the mention of his mother. His memories as a boy gave him a nostalgic feeling. His mother did teach him how to make soups, and sandwiches including grilled cheeses. He missed her so much.

“Hey...I’m sorry about our fight at the clinic. You were right. I wanted to forgive you and move on, but that pain was still there...I wasn’t being honest to you or myself.” Out of the blue, Natasha decided to apologize for her behavior towards him.

“Shhh it’s fine. I knew deep down what I did to you will take a long time for you to heal and forgive me completely.” He said.

“Um also...I think I’m ready to talk about my mother’s death..” She struggled to let it out in sentences.

“Babe, you don’t have to…” Eren gently grabbed her hand to kiss it softly.

“But this is important...it’s mainly the reason why I struggled to control my powers. My past has always haunted me where my pain and emotions get out of control and create chaos. I don’t want to end up hurting an innocent.” She glanced at him and hoped he let her talk about her past.

Eren sighed but nodded. “Alright if you’re really ready, I’ll listen to you.” He gave her a warmth smile.

Natasha smiled back and began to speak. She started every beginning of the summer, her parents and her had always visited Paradise Isle to spend time with her grandparents. When she was 4, her mother decided to go to the cottage that her father had built for my mother as when she was pregnant with Natasha. What she could remember was being in the meadows to pick at the flowers and smell them. She had collected a few for her mother and went back to the cottage. What she had seen was blood spread on the floor in her baby brother’s room. A small body laying in the pool of blood. Her mother’s face went pale than glared at the men who were responsible. Her mother yelled and screamed at them but all they did was laugh and it got to the point where it led Natasha to seeing red for what they did to baby brother than later witnessing her mother being raped. A child should never have witnessed such a gruesome scene. Then all she remembered was blackout until she woke up to see what she had done to these filthy men. She had heard a ring in the living room and went downstairs to pick it up and it was Levi who was concerned when they would come to visit them. She had explained what had happened and quickly her grandfather hung up to go to the cottage.

“So yeah...he brought the police and they were horrific from the scene. I told them what they have done and I torture them until their bones and organs were melted. They looked like a blobfish out of water, but they probably thought it was my Ackerman gene that killed them. I mean I was awoken on that day too but mostly the power of the stones did the damage.” She had stopped to see the way Eren was trying to compose himself. His knuckles were white from how his fists tightened.

“Do you know who were those men that did these awful acts on your mother and baby brother? Why did they do it?” Eren’s voice was cracking from feeling angry and disgusted by what these men have done to her and her family.

“What I heard from my mother before she was killed; they were…” She doesn’t know how Eren would act if he knew these men are part of the Jaegerist faction. Her grandmother, Queen Historia had been slowly gaining back her power throughout the years and she had restricted them until the Jaegerists had lost their power seat in Paradise Isle.

“You can tell me, Natasha.” He slowly calmed down for her sake.

“I don’t think you would like it if you knew who they were.” She said cautiously.

“Why? Don’t tell me it’s related to me?” Eren felt his heart beating fast as he became afraid of her answer.

“Y-yes...but I know it’s not you. It’s never you nor your brother since he's been dead for a long time. They belong to the Jaegerist. I don’t know who was the real leader during that time when I was a small child.” She felt Eren got up quickly. All she heard was an angry growl and a punch to the wall.

Natasha looked up to see he made a hole. She got up from the couch and slowly walked towards him. “Listen Eren, this is not your fault-”

Eren turned around to face her quickly. “Of course it is! I made the Jaegerists. I caused the revolution for Eldia not to fucking brutally kill an infant and raped then kill a mother. They stole your childhood away and yet I was not able to be there to prevent that. Was I there to protect you?”

“No, I haven't met you yet. Eren, I told you. This is not your fault. You didn’t kill them. You didn’t send them to kill my family.” She placed her hands on his cheeks. “I know what type of man you are and what you're capable of doing but you are not a monster. They are my love.”

Eren’s tears fall from the guilt. If he knew his followers would cause this kind of trouble, he would’ve not made Jaegerists. He was surprised that the Path didn’t let him access Natasha's timeline. He will need to have a talk with the Founder Ymir.

“But my name. My family’s name is tainted by causing pain to the mother-in-law I wouldn’t ever get to meet or your little brother.” What bothers him the most is when his child is born, how will he look at him or her without guilt.

“You shouldn’t feel guilty. They should feel the guilt for what their action had done to my family. I will not let those fucking Jaegerists take my happiness too by having the love of my life feeling the guilt and burden of their crime!” She could feel her body shaking with hatred from thinking about the Jaegerists.

“You really do hate them huh?” Eren said.

“I do. They took almost everything from me. My mother, brother, my birthright. I was supposed to be My grandmother’s heir but few Jaegerists who are still in power were prevented by passing a law to take my title I was born with and the line to succession. I am tired of the way they ruled over the government far too long and my family had to pay the price. I’m glad times are changing in the future era because my generation has been protesting to give my grandmother’s power seat full control. I only go visit Paradise because my father’s family lives there. Kuchel had been studying overseas to become a diplomat to best handle the government to help her family to survive there. The aftermath of the three Jaegerist’s acts of crime, the police had to cover the truth. I was angry and furious. My grandparents had to shut me up for my sake. So I had to play the fucked up heiress who sleeps with strangers and parties and drinks into my misery.” She finally calmed down from her outburst.

“It was not meant to be like the last government was before the uprising. I did it so the Eldians can open their eyes to know the truth and not live in some delusional lifestyle where we’re the last humans on this planet and these fucking walls are our life support. I can’t believe it fires back at my ideology.” He took a deep breath and joined Natasha to sit beside her.

“So what do they want from your mother? There must be a reason they went to your cottage on that day?” He resumed.

“They wanted the stones. My mom is the daughter of the late Tony Stark. He was the last person that used it to save the earth’s population from an alien invader, Thanos. She didn’t tell them that I have them in my body, instead she told them she had them inside her...to protect me.” Her lips quivered as tears fell. All Eren could do was hold her and comfort her.

“I won’t let the Jaegerists get you and our baby. If they or anyone tries to hurt my family; I will personally shed their blood like a river.” His tone was dark. This is one of the promises he will keep.

He needed her. His Eve. His soulmate. His freedom.

(Natasha)

The following morning both of them had woken up early to go back to the palace. At first, Eren was reluctant to let Natasha go back to work from yesterday's incident. She had to persuade him that she was better now. They entered the palace and looked at each other before they departed for their duties.

“Let me know if you don’t feel well. I’ll pick you up.” Eren said while she nodded.

“I promise I will. Now go before your annoying brother comes to find you. I’m not in the mood to greet him.” Natasha said.

“Alright, but I will see you later.” He gave her a kiss on her forehead.

“Yeah, I’ll see you later.” She smiled back while embracing his kiss on her forehead.

She had watched him leave, then went to Queen Historia’s chamber to start her work. Later as half of the day reached, Natasha finished her morning chores. It’s lunch hour so she will wait for Eren to come by to get her to go eat. The brunette heiress was about to go inside the Queen’s chamber to grab her stuff.

“Ms. Potts, is the queen busy with an audience?” Yelena walked towards her. Natasha turned to see the stoic woman.

“Hey Yelena. Um, I think she is at the moment since she left in the morning to a bunch of meetings with the high ranking ladies, after lunch I will let her know you stopped by to have an audience with her.” Natasha said.

“I see. Then after lunch it is. Are you on your way to lunch?” Yelena asked her.

“Yes, but I’m waiting for Eren to come. You know how protective he has become lately.” Natasha chuckled.

“Yes, Eren will be a great father and husband too. SPeaking of husband, when will you two be wed?” This threw Natasha off guard.

“I don’t know. We haven’t picked a wedding date yet. Maybe after our baby is born?” From so many events had happened, it didn’t accrue to her or Eren to pick a date to be married. Only thing Eren ever mentioned was he just wanted to get married now and be his wife. She forgot the culture and society in this island was way different than most modern societies. Maybe she will give a date for the wedding before their child is born even though it's ridiculous to wed so rushly because society will label their baby an unwed bastard. Oh well, she’s just doing this for Eren.

“I’m sure Zeke and I can offer help for the wedding to happen as soon as possible. Queen Historia adores you. I’m sure she’ll happily help too.” The female Jaegerist said.

“Thank you, I’ll have a talk with Eren about your offer.” Natasha finds it suspicious that Yelena all of the sudden decided to talk to her so casually.

“Oh I forgot to mention, but Eren would be busy during lunch. He sent me a message to let you know he’ll see you later after work.” Yelena said as she noticed the way Natasha became disinterested and was about to leave.

“Really? He said that, huh?” Natasha sighed and felt a bit sad that her fiance will not be able to have lunch with her today.

“Of course. If you want, you can have lunch with me. I might have to come back here later anyways.” Yelena offered.

“I guess having lunch with you is better than eating alone. Shall we head to eat then?” Natasha gave in and walked with Yelena.

They went to the hall where most of the staff, Jaegerists members, lower ranks Templars have their meals. It’s basically a cafeteria to her but one day it will be one in the future. She preferred to have lunch outside of the palace since drama had always come to find her. As her pregnancy started to show, few people who had annoyed her before avoided her. Especially, her relationship with Eren was public so they don’t want to be on Eren’s bad side. Oh my god, she was so embarrassed the way he announced everyone the day after the ball. She remembered how her face was red and dying the need to hide herself. If she was in control of the situation then she wouldn’t feel embarrassed.

As for today, many people stared while walking through the aisle of tables to go wait in line for a meal with Yelena. This felt like her high school days where she was always the center of attention. Being the heiress of Stark Industries and the family’s fortunate, the public was always eyeing on her. It gets too much when she needs her privacy. Once they got their meal, both Yelena and Natasha sat on an empty table.

“Eat Ms. Potts. The child will need his or her strength.” Yelena gave a smile and began to eat her meal.

“You can just call me, Eve. I felt like those ladies during the Regency Era.” Natasha said while putting her meat.

“Very well, Eve.” Yelena said politely.

The rest of the meal hour, they were silent while eating. They barely had small talks which bugs Natasha. Maybe having lunch on her own would have been better? They finally finished their meals and Yelena spoke again.

“It’s almost over lunch, would you be alright if we take a detour? I need to drop off a letter to one of the members in their office.” Yelena waved an envelope letter towards her.

“Yeah, we got time before the Queen expected me to be back to serve her.” She said. Natasha got up to grab her tray.

“Good.” The other woman got up as well and took her tray.

Both women place the tray with empty dishes into a bin where kitchen staff pick up to wash them later. They walked out of the hall in silence. The detour walk was a bit long until slowly it got dim further away than the hallways Natasha was familiar with. She started to feel anxiety.

“Yelena, are you sure this is where the office leads?” She was getting a bit worried.

“Yes, I have come here a lot. There are some offices further down.” Yelena said casually.

“I see…” Maybe Natasha was just feeling a bit sick again. The meat was a bit heavy for her.

“We’re almost there.” The other woman said.

As they walked further, Natasha was getting frustrated as her feet were killing her. She stopped to take a small break.

“Sorry I am going to need a minute.” She begin to panting.

Suddenly, a hand was placed on her mouth to keep her silent. Natasha panicked and wiggled to free herself. Before she can use her Ackerman strength, she feels something poke on her neck and slowly sees the view blurry. She saw Yelena with a smirk along with two more people. Where did they come from? Why are they doing this? Shit, did they find out she was one of the spies for the Assassins and the last remaining Paradise military?

“W-what did you do to me, Yelena?” She was struggling to speak.

“Don’t worry this injection is not titan serum nor will it affect your child. We just need you for our special project. We know you have the stones in you. If we do not keep you until you give birth to the child, we’ll remove them from your body.” Yelena explained.

“Y-you bitch! Eren will notice. He will-” Natasha felt a slap on her cheek. She glared at all three with hatred.

“Be good and stay silent. The serum is working. Soon we’ll have you unconscious. Speaking of Eren, Zeke will handle him. Sleep well. Ms. Potts.” Natasha’s view slowly darkens.

Slowly her eyes began to open. All she saw was white surrounds but there were blue lines glowing. In front of her, there was a holosign doing a countdown. It felt like she was in a virtual game that’s becoming popular in her time.

Welcome to Animus Project. Name: Natasha Eve Ackerman-Stark. Code: 2467489

Shit. She’s in the Animus machine. They know her true identity. Oh where are you Eren?

New subject. Subject 19. Resuming Arene Ackerman arc.

Halonus, Eldia Empire 1556

It’s been forever since being knocked out by the king’s guards. Arne lost count being held in the cell. Is Ingrid alright and safe? He wondered about his wife. Arne heard the footsteps coming closer and the keys chain making noises as it unlocked his cell. The guard looked at him.

“The king had summoned you.” The guard said as he dragged Arne out of the cell. Arne prays to the gods and goddesses to protect his small growing family.

“What the hell? Where am I? Who are you?” Natasha suddenly sees white but as her vision became clear, there were many people staring at her. Some familiar ones like Zeke, Yelena, Floch.

“How intriguing. Girl, we should be asking you that. Who are you?” Alexander Di Lorenzo stands before her to observe like she’s some mythical creature.

“It’s pointless to answer that question when you have me hooked up into an Animus machine.” She with a bitter tone.

“True, but we wanted to give you the chance to speak, Eveline or should we call you Natasha? Tell me Miss Ackerman? What year are you both?” Alexander said.

“2041…” She whispered.

“Just as I expected. Gentleman and ladies. Who would ever think the handmaiden is from the future and even better a direct descendant of Levi Ackerman and Queen Historia. I presume that’s on your father’s side? The infant prince is your father?” Alexander chuckled from seeing how her expression became pale.

“Go fuck yourself.” She spit on the Grandmaster's face. The templars quickly aimed their gun at her ready for their leader to give command.

“Lower your guns.” Alexander ordered his men.

“You’re a hothead woman. It doesn’t matter now. You are the key to my goals. Knock her out again and gather any info since her grandfather decided to escape.” Alexander said. The scientists nodded.

“Hold up. Alexander, she is pregnant with my brother’s child. My niece or nephew might not make it.” Zeke was concerned.

“Don’t worry the baby will survive. It’s mother is an Ackerman. We’ll give you the baby as its legal guardian. If the child inherits the gifts, we’ll raise it as our weapon.” Alex smirked.

Zeke stayed silent, this is what he feared having an innocent being born in this cruel world and will be used as a weapon. He felt conflicted from knowing how his little brother will not hesitate to use The Rumbling on them instead.

A/N: Ok, this is where I’ll stop until the next chapter. I’ll see you next time.

#attack on titan #assassin's creed #mcu #crossver #fanfic

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rorykillmore · 3 years

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i sincerely hope that the scarjo/disney rift gets so irreparably bad that if/when disney makes more black widow content featuring yelena/melina/alexei, there’s some prue halliwell shit going on where it awkwardly avoids showing natasha’s face in any and all flashbacks because scarlet johansson told them they couldn’t use her likeness

#black widow

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gayspock · 3 years

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its that time of year again... forgive me, but here's the gbbo liveblog, my loves<3

- first of all i hate you paul. everryone else understands the cute shirt memo. i'll get you so fucking bad. prue even has matching glasses (not me forgiving prue for her crimes but)

- MY GOD, THOUGH.... CRYSTELLE IS INSANELY FUCKING BEAUTIFUL. THERE'S NO WAY. HELP...... HIYAA<333 (TWIRLS HAIR)

- i am so, so worried though: because fucking paul is ALREADY bitching about her "strong flavours". if this is a rehash of last year, and the years prior where these arses slate all the poc for their food & kick them whilst babying the whites i'll kill everybody

- matt singing flinstones in german to jurgen . that went on so long im going to throw up and jurgen just trying to do his fucking job.

- A MODEL TRAIN BUSINESS? OH I AM OBSESSED. A LITTLE BAKER WITH A MODEL TRAIN BUSINESS. OH I AM OBSESSED.

- maggie is either going to be darling but absolutely insufferable and im hoping its darling.

- FREYAAAA HIII... yorkshire lass.... from SCARBOROUGH. a but look at little fucking jumper oh STOP it.

- im also really liking george he tickles me. king.

- LIZZIE TRYING TO JUST CRACK ON, and paul being like "why are you so far behind🤨" and she's like "ehrm. im just a slow person. i guess 😑" like WHAT is she supposed to saw paul. i also like lizzie btw but i wont get attached if she eats shit.

- jairzeno's passion fruits... oh my godddd... you KNOW thats going to be so so soooooooo good.oh my godddd.

- i love jurgen too i love his lil vibe. oh i'd be such an unhappy child too.

- OH MY GOD I FEEL LIKE I ACTUALLY REALLY LIKE MOST PEOPLE THIS YEAR. THEYRE ALL SO CUTE. GOOD CASTING GUYS. except for the detective. do not trust her.

- would i be scared of maggie in real life. yes. but shes cute on the show.f

- jairenzo i KNEW your passion fruit would FUCK

- sorry why is crystelle so pretty theres no........ OH THANK GOD. OH THANK GOD THEY ARENT RIPPING HER APART FOR THE SPICE. THANK FUCKING GOD. GOOD.

- GEORGE. HELP. BESTIE. GEORGE I WANT TO SUPPORT YOU BUT GEORGE HELP.... my love.

- JURGEN. "THERE WAS A BIT OF A WIND IN THE FOREST." OH JURGEN. OH SWEETHEART. and paul being nice to him... oh my god...

- FREYA THAT'S SO CUTE. she's- IT'S A BIT OFF A FAFF, OH FREYA I LOVE IT.

- chigs. who is chigs. i dont remember chigs. was i looking away when chigs was introduced.

-lizzie............... i dont care lizzie is cute too. me having a crush on lizzie. i said i wont get attached but look at me anyways my loves. i love her accent a lot.

- ??? THE HELL DO YOU MEAN UNDER 35S WONT KNOW WHAT A MALT LOAF IS? WHO DOESNT KNOW WHAT A MALT LOAF IS?

- NO SHUT UP LIZZIE'S A FAVE.

- maggie and freya first and second. oh what a wonderful day.

- btw i hate all of this whole "it must be part of a special memory". like idk if thats just me bc ik i personally loathe doing stuff like that (like? none of your business bestie) but stop it... did they always do that.. or was it just bc omg what was her name. does anyone remember- WAS IT CANDACE? I HATED HER SO BAD. IT WAS LIKE EVERY SINGLE BAKE. like ah<3 this is the pub where i grew up<3 like i dont caareee candace jesus

- NOOOO JAIRZENO. OH NO. OH NO. SOMEONE FUCKING SAVE HIM.

- an 1812 overture cake thats actually pretty iconic my loves.

- LIZZIE GO FOR HIS FUCKING THROAT

- holy shit FREYA THATS SO PRETTY. CRYSTELLE'S TOO OMG. HOLY SHIT. THEYRE GORGEOUS, GOR- JURGEN ARE YOU WRITING THAT OUT YOURSELF?

- giuseppe its sooo cool sir it is it truly is

- SORRY I DIDNT SEE YOU AT FIRST CHIGS. YOURE HONESTLY A VIBE- CHIGS YOUR FUCKING CAKE.

- GEORGE IT LOOKS A BIT LIKE SHIT BUT I LOVE YOU SO I DO NOT CARE AT ALL

- "it stayed up" they say to each other, seconds before it tips over help.

- freya its soooo pretty.sorry but flowers are so ggorgeous my god. look at them oh my god loook aaattt them

STOP IT CRYSTELLE TOO. OH MY GOD. MY LOVELY LADIES. FUCKING HELL WOULD YOU JUST LOOK AT THIS- help crystelle's face. the fear.

- btw if they dont send fucking amanda home despite them SAYING she was in trouble each round i'll be so mad. if jairzeno goes home bc he didnt do gravity defying (when SHE didnt either, when several of them didnt!!!) i'll be sooooo mad bc he did well on the others and he had a good tasting cake when she couldnt do that either.

- JURGEN ITS SOOOO COOL BESTIE WHAT THE HECK! HE'S A VERY HAPPY JURGEN INDEED.

- YES YES YES JURGEN STARBAKER CONGRATS BESTIE WE'RE SO HAPPY FOR YOU

- send amanda home

- send her home

- do it<3

- TOM? TOM????? MY BESTIE TOM? WHAT DID HE DO. I DONT EVEN REMEMBER DID I OCMPLETELY GLOSS OVER IT. HELP...... TOM BESTIE IM SORRYYYYYYYYY. NOO OMG. i mean- i i mean i dont...help what did he. where did he place in the techniocal i mean?!

- no offence but amanda did terrible in the first challenge. last in the technical. and she didnt have a gravity defying cake either like im bewildered. tom's wasnt either but like.. paul himself said that literally wasnt she cake bossed it she just did rice krispies covered in fucking fondant????? the cake wasnt teetering. and it literally fell over STILL jhelp

- JURGEN TRYING TO CALL HOME ND NOBODY PICKING UP JURGEN I'D PICK UP FOR YOU KING

#egg.txt #gbbo liveblog

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artificialqueens · 3 years

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Down with the Recipe, Bake from the Heart, 4/10 - Juno

Chapter summary: It’s chocolate week, and temperatures rise in the tent as the bakers are confronted with a deceptively simple signature, a technical with a twist, and a showstopper that may send the bakers into meltdown. Meanwhile, Aurora is determined to get her first Star Baker badge, Ellie has a drunk confession, and Tia comes clean. But Tayce’s plan may prove to be the most interesting thing Aurora has heard this week.

A/N: I am still blown away by the support for this so far! Thank you so much!! I hope you enjoy this chapter.

WEEK 4: CHOCOLATE WEEK

Aurora was back in line with Cherry in the tent this week, as Ginny’s departure last week had shuffled Ellie and Lawrence and herself one row further up. There were just the four of them now on this side of the room, and five on the other.

Twelve had become nine really fast. That was a quarter of them already gone, meaning her chances of winning had gone from one in twelve to one in nine. Maths wasn’t her strongest subject, but she knew that was better odds.

She looked behind Cherry to Tayce, who was looking dead ahead.

Bread week, last week, was the first time she’d seen a sliver of Tayce’s softer side, and it was a side she wanted to know more about. It was fine to be calm and collected in the tent, but on Saturday night in her room, Aurora had finally seen the mask slip a little, seen a person under it.

And if anything, she’d found she was caring for Tayce a little more.

——

Signature: 24 Chocolate brownies

Chocolate week started with chocolate brownies, which seemed simple enough, right? But as Prue and Paul stood proudly at the front as usual, Aurora could almost hear Paul’s voice echoing from a previous season, saying he’d made thirty thousand brownies in his time. Her gut started to quiver a little.

“Your brownies should have an additional flavour to give the judges an extra kick,” Matt Lucas added.

“Not a real kick. We don’t want the brownies to be trained in kickboxing.”

“No, it has to be a kick at the taste buds only.”

“They’d have to reach a long way up to kick there, Matt.”

Aurora couldn’t tell if the rest of the tent were finding Matt and Noel funny, or if the nerves were really setting in for all of them, but she found herself giggling with a mixture of the two, drumming on the table again. She took her hands away hurriedly.

“On your marks -“

“Get set -“

They all waited, while Matt Lucas stood tight-lipped.

Noel put his hands on his hips. “You don’t need to pause this long between ‘get set’ and ‘bake’, Matt, the idea is to -“

“BAKE!”

Aurora shook her head with a laugh. They’re great TV at least.

“What flavour are you putting in yours?”

Ellie had already turned around, Monster in hand as always, seeming to need as many electrolytes that would fit in her body before midday. Aurora smiled, and turned back to weighing her butter.

“Ellie, not trying to be funny, but I really want to try to focus on getting my brownies right, so if I tell you, can that be the only question for now? Please?” She added the sweetest smile she could muster and batted her eyelashes.

“Sure. Cross my heart.” Ellie crossed her chest with her pinkie finger.

“Okay, well I’m making some pistachio and mint chocolate brownies. Hopefully with some pistachio shavings on the top.”

“Pistachio shavings?” Ellie tilted her head. “Where did you get pistachio shavings from, did you go to fucking Holland and Barrett or some health food shop or something for -“

“That was one question!” Aurora put her head in her hands, chuckling.

“Ah. Right. Sorry!” Ellie grimaced and turned back to face her own workbench. Aurora, still surprised Ellie had taken this as seriously as she did, smiled to herself as she placed one of her spare alarms on the very edge of her workbench, setting the timer, to see how long Ellie would last without turning to chat again.

“Brownies in the oven already, are they?”

Tayce’s familiar accent was surprisingly close, and Aurora turned to see her right there, her presence sending the familiar tingle down her spine, making her chest fill with hot air. But the last thing Aurora wanted was distraction at this point. Even when distraction felt this good.

She waved a hand in Tayce’s direction. “I’m trying to bake! Go to your own bench!”

Tayce’s brows furrowed in mirth, turning her head to the ceiling and then back to Aurora, her smile wide but confused. “McSqueeze me?”

“I want to concentrate! I need a bloody badge, Tayce!”

Tayce raised her eyebrows, the grin slowly fading. “Okie dokie pokie, I’ll let you bake in peace then!” And she flounced away in what Aurora hoped was mock-offence, back to her own workbench, turning to her own mixture.

I just want a badge!

The chocolate-themed badge wasn’t even a cute one, not like the cupcake badge Ellie wore proudly on her chest, or the bread one that Bimini was sporting, new this week. Initially, they’d worn it over one nipple before they’d been told to remove it by a producer, claiming something about the watershed, and Bimini had cried “Free the nipple!” in response, while they and Asttina giggled to themselves.

But it didn’t even matter what shape the badge was.

I just need a badge.

“Hi, Aurora!”

Goddamnit. More interruptions. She looked up - into the pale blue eyes of Paul Hollywood.

“How’s your brownies coming on so far?”

“I - yeah, alright,” Aurora garbled. Paul had been judging them for four weeks now, but still something about his gaze on her was debilitating, although Aurora knew she wasn’t the only one in the tent with this problem.

“Tell us about your flavouring.” Aurora chose to look at Prue instead, her face kindly, gentle eyes behind the bright purple rims of her glasses. Her voice was always as warm and sweet as honey, a welcome contrast to Paul.

“I thought I’d go for something a bit different, so I’ve got mint in here, but also pistachio, and I’ll be decorating with pistachio shavings.”

“Pistachio?” That was Paul and his infamous one-word takedowns. One word from Paul could make any baker doubt themselves, especially if he hit you with an icy blue stare; but Aurora straightened up, tossing her hair back over her shoulder.

“Yeah, pistachio. My nan loves them.”

“I think that sounds very intriguing,” Prue said, but Aurora knew that was the Prue Leith kindness takedown. Intriguing wasn’t much of a better word than pistachio at this point.

“You’ll be surprised!” Aurora smiled, tilting her head.

“Well, best of luck!” Paul said, as they all left her to it.

“Jesus,” Ellie hissed, turning around to face her. “They weren’t really into that, were they!”

“They’ll get into it,” Aurora replied, “I’m counting on it. I’ll convert them!”

“Yeah!” Ellie laughed to herself and turned back round, while Aurora looked at the Ellie Timer, as she was calling it. Seven minutes and forty three seconds.

By the time all the brownies were done and coming out of the oven, Ellie must have been regretting talking so much. When five minutes were called, she was still crouching in front of the oven door, and Aurora came to sit with her, her own brownies cooling in the baking tray.

“Nothing on telly tonight, is there Els?”

But Ellie huffed, her nails in her mouth. “I don’t know if they’re gonna be ready.”

“You’re gonna have to take them out soon to cool before you can cut them! What temperature have you had your oven at?”

“One sixty.”

“One sixty?” Aurora reached for the temperature control. “Please, yank it up for the last few minutes, Ellie, please -“

It probably wouldn’t be enough still, but it may just work to keep her around. Ellie turned the dial to two hundred, then sat back, finding Aurora’s hand and intertwining their fingers.

“What’s up, you two?” Lawrence had come over, her own brownies cut and cooling on the workbench. “What are you watching here that’s so riveting? Ellie’s brownies? Are they dancing?”

“They need a bit longer -“

“They need to be cut up, Aurora,” Lawrence interrupted, looking through the panel. “They should be alright - Els, you can’t leave them any longer now hen, they need to come out so they can cool enough to cut up -“

By the time Ellie’s were out and cut - Ellie cutting and Lawrence moving them to the tray - Noel called for one minute, and Aurora’s stomach filled with lead.

Shit. I haven’t cut mine yet!

Her legs shook for a moment and her head span as she rounded her own workbench, but someone was already there.

“Chillax! It’s in hand!”

Tayce was cutting along the lines Aurora had measured, measuring out the rows in four by six; and Aurora’s stomach tingled, spreading to her chest, as her breath came in weak shudders.

She’s never done this for anyone else before. I haven’t seen her do that for anyone before. But she’s doing it for me.

“Well don’t just stand there! Grab the pistachio filings you keep going on about and sprinkle like your life depends on it, girl!”

Aurora nodded at Tayce’s words, and as Tayce loaded onto the tray, Aurora went as fast as she could, pinch and sprinkle, pinch and sprinkle, and even Tia came over to help, followed by a tentative Veronica, pinching and sprinkling … Noel looking worriedly at the group of them … Matt looking down at his watch -

As the final brownie was sprinkled, Noel finally called for time.

Aurora sighed the biggest sigh she had probably ever felt. Tia looped an arm into hers to squeeze, while Veronica patted her back, as they both went back to their benches.

Tayce’s hand lingered on her shoulder, and just that contact left a ripple effect of goosebumps down her arm, the gentle tingle in Aurora’s chest overwhelming now, as Aurora leaned against Tayce’s shoulder, surprised at how much her heartbeat sped against her ribs.

She … cares. She cares if I stay or if I go.

——

The mood at Carr Hall was sombre after the Signature challenge.

“We all went into that thinking we were gonna be amazing. I mean, it’s brownies, right? We’ve all made brownies before. I suppose … we just can never be sure what the judges want?”

Tia grimaced as she spoke; but Veronica, clutching her hand in both of hers, bumped her on the hip.

“You did great, love. You got really good feedback, and you probably needed it after last week.”

“Yeah. I feel a bit crappy though,” Tia continued, turning her eyes to the rest of the room. “Normally everyone’s so happy when we all come back from a signature, but this time everyone’s upset, because you all got negative critiques. I don’t know whether to be happy or not.”

“I’m gonna go and see if Cherry’s alright,” Veronica muttered, standing, walking over to Tayce, currently talking energetically at a slightly grey-looking Cherry by the brownies.

“She doesn’t look good,” Tia muttered; and Cherry didn’t, nodding along with Tayce with pinched lips and folded arms, but not saying a word. “What was it the judges said about her brownies? Oh yeah. Too much mint extract, tasted like toothpaste.”

“Who’s gonna give us all the gossip if Cherry goes, though? She seems to know everything about everyone.” Aurora said, and Tia shuffled in her seat, lips twitching at the corners.

“What?”

“Well,” Tia said, the smile no longer contained. “She got us right, we might as well admit it.”

“Oh, did she now?” Aurora grinned. “Was it a case of neuken in de keuken or whatever it was, that Dutch phrase you taught me last week?”

“Not quite,” Tia said, eyes widening a fraction and her cheeks flushing. But before Aurora could tease Tia further, she felt arms from behind her creeping down her chest to loop round her neck, and a soft Welsh accent at her ear.

“Is now the right time to tell you all that I don’t even like chocolate?”

Aurora gasped, slapping Tayce on the arm, draped in front of her. “And you still got a Hollywood handshake! You jammy bitch!”

Tayce responded by pulling Aurora up from the sofa by her wrist, the butterflies already present in her chest fluttering at the contact.

“I wasn’t the only one though! You being modest again, Rory! I think you know what that means, don’t you? No middle grounds, no versy Percys! Which of us will be Star Baker this week?”

Tayce was millimetres away from her, or so it seemed. Aurora could see the exact detail of the colour of her eyes, could count the lines at her cheeks as she smiled. She smelt like mint gum and chocolate and the scented shampoo that hung in an intoxicating concoction in the air.

For a moment, Aurora forgot to speak.

“Me, of course!” Tayce spoke in her place, letting her go and throwing her head back into a cackle. “Who else! Leave it to the woman who doesn’t even like chocolate to be taking this round!”

“I don’t think so,” Aurora finally found her tongue.

“Oh, no?” Tayce said silkily, her face drawing closer, and Aurora didn’t really care if she challenged her at this moment, her skin tingling and something feather-light blooming in her chest as Tayce locked eyes with her.

“Game on, Rory,” Tayce purred.

——

Technical: Six molten chocolate puddings filled with peanut butter.

“The technical will be judged on a staggered basis this week, so you’ll all be timed individually, and live, with a five minute gap between each person.”

Noel’s announcement at Technical as they stood there, waiting for it to start, was completely unexpected. Prue and Paul had already left the tent as the Technicals were always blind, so they were expecting a normal Technical challenge.

Trust them to throw a curveball.

“The first person will start their bake, then the next will have five minutes to get ready to enter the tent and set themselves up,” Matt continued.

As long as I’m not first or last, please don’t let me be first or last -

“So everyone leave the tent, apart from …”

Please don’t say Aurora, please don’t say Aurora -

“… Ellie.”

Ellie made a noise at the back of her throat, but then took a deep breath, straightening to her full height. “Okay. Let’s do this.”

“Everyone else please leave the tent, and follow the path back out -“

Before long the rest of them were in the tea tent, the small tent with the hot drinks machines, all cramped inside on stools while the producer explained a little further.

“Everyone’s name has gone into a hat, alright, and we’ve drawn them all to put you in order, so just get yourselves ready to go back in, alright?”

Aurora nodded along with everyone else, but her leg was jogging against the stool, her nails finding her mouth. Tayce, next to her still, rested a hand on her knee and curled her fingertips, in a motion that sent a ripple of goosebumps up her leg and drew her attention away from the room.

She blinked, trying to focus on the producer as she read the names down the list on the clipboard.

“Lawrence, you’re going next. Followed by … Tayce.”

Aurora glanced at Tayce, whose smile gave nothing away as usual.

The other names came in order. Veronica was fourth, then Asttina, Cherry, and finally Aurora let the air go from her lungs when her name was read seventh. Tia looked relieved at being called next, while Bimini smiled lazily at their last position.

“Save the best ‘til last,” they said with a grin.

But as the tea tent started emptying, as people started heading to start the Technical, the mood dropped, gradually at first, but by the time only Tia and Bimini were left in there with Aurora, all of them were silent, Tia pacing up and down with a hand on her hip.

“Don’t worry, babes,” Bimini reached a hand to her, and Tia let them take it and rub her knuckles. “It’s the same as any other Technical, you’ll be fine.”

When Aurora finally got in, walking through the tent, she saw lots of baking going on in various stages, but Ellie, at thirty minutes in, was furthest along and Aurora still wasn’t sure what they were.

“Hi, baker number seven,” Matt waved to Aurora. “The judges would like you to make six molten chocolate puddings, filled with peanut butter. The instructions are in the top drawer for you, and the ingredients are under the tablecloth as usual.”

Aurora tried to hold back her sigh of relief. Finally, something she was familiar with. She’d made molten chocolate puddings before, not with peanut butter, but she was sure the idea would be the same.

Molten chocolate puddings. This makes a bit more sense as to why they want us all to go on a rolling basis now. They’d need to be judged straight from the oven to be fair.

“You have one hour thirty to make your puddings, starting now.”

Aurora whipped out the instructions, running her pencil down them. There were so many obstacles this week - overworking the dough, adding too much or too little chocolate, over- or under-baking, not to mention the amount and consistency of the peanut butter. She tapped the pencil against her chin, pushing wisps of blonde hair back from her face.

Looking over, she caught Tayce’s eye, and Tayce winked, mouthing you got this. Aurora’s insides were melting like the peanut butter she’d have to perfect today.

With everyone around her at various stages, she tried not to be too distracted as Ellie and Lawrence, just in front of her, were much further along - constantly silently reminding herself that she wasn’t behind, it was just part of the challenge to keep your nerve in this psychological minefield.

God, this is so daunting! You’re made to feel like you’re doing something wrong, like you’re behind!

Finally, time was called for Ellie. Aurora still had thirty minutes remaining on her own puddings, but Ellie had the daunting task of giving the first bake to the judges.

“You’re gonna be good,” Aurora muttered to her, but Ellie just smiled, looking a little more confident than she had last week, as she straightened up to her full height, Matt approaching her to bring her puddings before the judges.

“You can go back to now, and take a break,” the producer said to her. “Nice one, love.”

Ellie had left the tent in the blink of an eye, and now that the seal had been broken on the judging, the rest of the bakes seemed to be over faster and faster. Lawrence left next in what seemed like no time at all, followed by Tayce, who gave Aurora a little kissy face as she passed, a cheeky wink, and a whispered “see you soon, bitch!”

By the time Aurora had given hers to Matt, and left the tent herself, she felt like she was floating. Her puddings had come out much better than any other time she’d made them before. And all she needed was this one batch to be good and maybe she’d be taking home a Star Baker badge.

She didn’t even take two steps into the common room when Tayce had seized her hand and pulled her back outside.

“What?”

Tayce’s eyes were as wide as her toothy grin. “You’re not gonna believe what I saw when I got back from the Technical.”

“What was it? A squirrel with huge nuts?” Aurora tilted her head to the side.

Tayce threw her head back and cackled to the sky. “Alright! Jesus! If you’re gonna be sarcastic, then maybe I’ll just keep it to myself then! Maybe you’ll have to find out on your own!”

Her eyes sparkled with mischief, her smile was full and luscious. Her hand in Aurora’s was warm, and Aurora was struggling to resist the temptation to keep pushing her to keep talking.

Eventually, she swallowed down the lump of pride in her throat. “Go on then, tell me!”

“Oh, you want to know now, do you?” Tayce raised one eyebrow, showing all her teeth with her smile.

“Tayce!”

Tayce threw back her head in a moment of laughter. “Let’s just say that Tia and Veronica aren’t the only ones here swapping lipstick shades!”

“That was it?” Aurora rolled her eyes. “I saw Asttina kissing Bimini too, I was there as well you know!”

“Not them either,” Tayce purred. “Come on, Rory, it’s staring you in the face!”

… staring me in the face?

For one heart-stopping moment, Aurora thought Tayce was about to confess something about the two of them, here and now. Her gaze was steady and her face was so close to Aurora’s, with her thumb on the pressure point in the palm of her hand, her mind barely able to focus on any other sensation in her body …

“Who?” She breathed, blinking herself back to the present.

But Tayce’s smile widened. “Just think about who finished before me in the Technical, who I might have walked in on, and then you’ll get it!”

And Aurora’s stomach flipped when she realised.

Ellie and Lawrence had both finished before Tayce.

Jesus. Them too?

——

“In ninth place we have this one -“

Tayce’s hand gripped her right one so tightly that Aurora knew it would be ages until she got the circulation back. On her left, Tia raised her hand to claim ninth place.

“Tia,” Paul said with a small smile. “You took it out of the oven a bit fast, and the one I tried felt under baked. It had caved in on itself, looked a bit of a disaster I’m afraid. It tasted alright, though.”

Tia nodded, her eyes downcast, a sad smile on her face. “Accurate. Harsh, but accurate. Next time.“

That was what Tia always said when given bad critiques. Veronica had her hand in both of hers, rubbing her wrist. Aurora glanced at them both, but neither of them noticed anyone around them, their own little world encasing them from the rest of the bakers.

She did a bit crap last week too. Maybe it’s Tia’s week.

But her attention was on Paul as he made his way down the rest of the line of puddings, calling out names in reverse order - Veronica, then Cherry, then Ellie, Asttina, Lawrence, and finally Bimini.

“In second place - whose is this one?”

Tayce and Aurora were the only two left.

Aurora squinted at the picture that Paul was standing behind, and … no way.

Tayce squeezed Aurora’s hand, as Tayce herself raised her free one to claim second place.

“Tayce - really good, very little to pick apart here, well done, you were just beaten by a whisker in the bake. Which means that first place goes to - “

Aurora let go of Tia’s knee to raise her hand, while the rest of them broke into polite applause.

Fuck. First place in Technical! My second top placement in Technical in four episodes! God. Why couldn’t I have done that on bread week and I’d have been basically guaranteed a final three place!

But as the applause died down, and the bakers filed out of the tent back to Carr Hall, Aurora’s head buzzed with thoughts that threatened to drag her upwards to the clouds, only Tayce’s fingers intertwined with hers keeping her on the ground.

I’ve had two Technical wins, good critiques, and a Hollywood handshake. I’ve never had a disaster and I never seem to be in line for elimination.

Maybe … maybe I am a competitor. Maybe I can do this!

——

As soon as they got into Carr Hall, Ellie poured out nine shots, one for each of them because apparently if Ellie was drinking, so was everyone.

This was the first long day - the critiques for the Signature had brought everyone’s moods down, and the stress of the staged Technicals had simply fuelled the tension, but after a couple of shots of sambuca that Ellie had poured out, Aurora started to warm up and relax a little.

I need to remember I’m not a student any more, though. I can’t just down sambuca shots and get up for a 9am lecture.

Ellie was a bit more tipsy, and tipsy Ellie fell into the oversharer category. In the last twenty minutes, as the two of them chatted away from the others, Aurora had learned her dream of putting makeup on Blu Hydrangea, how she’d come out to her family, and the story of what Ellie and her friends referred to as ‘The Edinburgh Incident’ which had made Aurora shriek with laughter but definitely wouldn’t air before the 9pm watershed.

But when Aurora mentioned Lawrence’s name, Ellie clammed up, giggling.

“No, no no no, don’t go there -“

“Tayce said she saw you two together after the Technical!”

“Tayce,” Ellie sniggered, raising her eyebrows. “What’s happening with you two as well? You’re always together now, giving each other puppy eyes, holding hands -”

“What?” Aurora put a hand to her chest. “There’s nothing there! And don’t try to change the subject, Els! Tell me what was going on with you and Lawrence earlier!”

“Nothing was happening!” Ellie protested, but her chest was bright red and she hid her face behind her can of Red Bull. “I mean … we were getting, like, close …”

Aurora gently moved her hand out of the way of her face. “Do you want something to happen?”

“I - I don’t know!” Ellie spluttered with sudden nervous giggles. “I mean, yeah - but like, I don’t know!”

Aurora cocked an eyebrow at her.

“Come on, Els, give me some gossip for once, I’m sick of hearing everything from Cherry!”

Ellie shifted her shoulders. “I mean, yeah, evidently we both want something to happen if this afternoon was anything to go by …”

“Ellie!” Aurora’s jaw dropped open. “Did you two -“

“Wait, Cherry’s going out to smoke - wait -“

Ellie turned, drew her arm away from Aurora’s grasp, and left to go outside - following Cherry, still grey after her Technical critiques, who was going to smoke.

“Rory!” Tayce greeted her as she went to the sofa, running a hand through her hair. “I’m glad you’re getting to celebrate your win in Technical today, because I’m the one who’s gonna get Star Baker tomorrow. And the person who won the whole thing last year got Star Baker in chocolate week too.”

“Lightning won’t strike twice then,” Aurora muttered.

Tayce’s eyes widened a fraction. “The cheek! The nerve! The gall the audacity and the gumption! Lightning definitely strikes twice. Didn’t you hear about that bloke who got hit twice by lightning and survived?”

“That only happens in Saturday morning cartoons. Oh, and in Fleetwood Mac songs.” They were interrupted by Lawrence, coming over to them from the other sofa.

“Hey, Lozza,” Tayce clapped her hand on Lawrence’s knee. “I thought you were over with - oh.” Her eyes drifted to the other sofa, where Lawrence had come from, where Bimini had come to join Asttina, and they had both turned to face each other, their own little bubble looking like popping it would be unwelcome.

Aurora’s stomach twisted unexpectedly, suddenly hot and uncomfortable. She wasn’t sure why this was happening, but it wasn’t pleasant.

She disentangled herself, hand on her stomach; and made her way out the common room, out to the grounds, past Cherry and Ellie passing a cigarette between them, and out to the trees, shadowy in the creeping twilight.

She wasn’t sure what had prompted her to come all the way down here, spurred by the need for fresh air and enticed by the trees, but she was stopped by the voices ahead of her.

“… not that bad.”

“You don’t get it, Tia -“

“I mean, okay, I’m not you, but they’ve loved you all the previous weeks, this is just one slip up -“

A strangled sigh. She could see Tia and Veronica through the trees, realising they’d been missing most of the last hour. Aurora wanted to turn and leave them in private, but her feet wouldn’t move, leaving her cast in shadow by a tree.

“… you can do this, alright?” That was Tia’s voice, a tenderness that was unfamiliar to Aurora’s ears running along the edges of every word. “What are you making for the signature? What kind of cake?”

Tia was leaning with a shoulder against a tree, nodding along as Veronica muttered to her what she was baking; but Aurora couldn’t hear a word of it very clearly. Veronica had her back to Aurora, but she could see her put her hand to her forehead and shake as she sighed, her voice floating louder again.

“… all go wrong and I’ll be sent home!”

“Vee, look - things go wrong! Just let it go! Have fun with it! It’s not the end of the world. At the end of the day, it’s a baking competition, and you’re here, so you’re the best!”

“I just -“ Veronica sighed again, this time a strangled sob following it.

Aurora watched as Tia gathered Veronica into her arms, planted a long kiss on her forehead, holding her tightly to herself, running a hand in slow circles at her shoulder blades.

If she hadn’t felt like she was interrupting an intimate moment before, Aurora knew she was now, even through the veil of alcohol. She stole away as quietly as she could, hoping to just give them a bit more privacy.

Why is everyone acting so loved up? They’re all at it!

Tayce met her at the doorway to Carr Hall, leaning a hand against the doorframe and nodding as she approached. They were alone now, as Cherry and Ellie had gone back inside, and the chill in the air was starting to bite.

“You left quite quickly!”

“Yeah - I was just -“ Aurora motioned, but Tayce grabbed her wrist.

“Come on, down here -“ Tayce tugged her along in the other direction, towards the woods, this time in a different direction, out the way of Tia and Veronica as they started back towards the building.

“What’s going on?”

Tayce raked her fingers through her hair, her eyes to the sky, searching for the right words, as Aurora felt Tayce’s thumb start to stroke her forearm, not letting go of her wrist.

“There’s just -“ Tayce huffed, her voice dropping lower so as not to be heard. “Just so much … lovey dovey stuff going on, I don’t get why it’s all being done in the dark! I bet the viewers would love to see it.”

Aurora opened her mouth, and then closed it again. Tayce’s eyes were bright, boring holes into her, and she momentarily lost the power of speech.

“I - yeah, sure.”

“Everyone in the country was cheering on Blu and Cheryl last year, weren’t they? Whole country loved it. And with the amount of love in the room so far this season, it could happen again, couldn’t it? It’s not crazy to think that two people on this show could fall for each other, is it?”

There it was again - that shiver down Aurora’s spine that had started to happen whenever Tayce was near her, and a bubbling in her chest as the tingling spread down her whole body.

“What if it was us? What if the whole country was cheering on us, Rory?”

For a second, the world stopped turning.

Aurora breathed in a modicum of hope. “Do you mean -“

“A little flirting, on the screen, and the audience will be convinced we’re dating, or getting together!” Tayce said, her voice low but her eyes alight. “Doesn’t have to be anything over the top, it can be subtle - what d’you think?”

Aurora’s throat had a painful lump lodged in it, one that repeated swallows would not dislodge.

I think it just confirms that Tayce doesn’t see me like that.

On the other hand, maybe it would show Tayce how she really felt. Maybe it was a chance to get close to Tayce, and to … test out dating her, to let Tayce fall for her as hard as she’d fallen for Tayce.

“I think it could work,” she murmured finally.

Tayce’s eyes flickered, but then she grinned.

“Great! Let’s talk about it some more, set some boundaries.” Tayce led the way back to Carr Hall, while Aurora forced the smile to stay in place.

——

Showstopper: A melting chocolate ball with a dessert inside, with hot accompaniment of your choice.

“How’re you doing, Rory?”

Aurora squeezed her eyes shut tightly at Tayce’s voice.

“I’m trying to focus on my Showstopper.”

“I bet you are.”

On the bench in front of her, Ellie didn’t even attempt to contain the splutter of laughter as she choked on the mouthful of Monster.

“Tayce, I mean it - I need to focus.” She allowed Tayce to come a step nearer, for Tayce to lean leisurely against the workbench and survey her. “You don’t want me going home this week, do you?”

“No chance of that happening.” Tayce lazily kicked the bottom of the workbench with one foot. “How’s it going? What are you making?”

“A mess - at least, I am right now,” Aurora replied, leaning past Tayce to get to the bowl of sugar she’d already mentioned, the scent of Tayce’s perfume causing her mind to freeze and momentarily forget about baking at all.

“Well, have a nice time making a mess, and just make sure you make it a tasty mess, bitch!”

“Is that my new term of endearment?” Aurora teased.

Tayce cocked an eyebrow, with a slow blink that melted Aurora’s insides.

“You wish.”

She strolled away, back to her own desk, leaving Aurora to float.

Sure, what they’d discussed last night was more of an on-screen arrangement. A little flirting, some gentle touches, maybe a peck or two, to keep viewers hooked. But that didn’t mean Aurora didn’t still have to quell the butterflies as they fluttered in her chest every time Tayce was near her

God. I feel like I’m in The Hunger Games.

Tia and Veronica were being secretive, and Asttina and Bimini too, but having their romance more public could give them both an edge to go to the finale.

As long as she could still focus on baking.

And trying to think about chocolate and her Showstopper was distorted by Tayce’s face close to hers. Her mind, currently filled with thoughts of Tayce, was threatening to derail her. She couldn’t let this happen.

When Aurora looked round to the front again, she saw Ellie making no effort to conceal her stare, a smug smile on her lips.

“Don’t think I don’t know what you’ve been getting up to either, Els!”

In front of them both, Lawrence dropped her baking tray with a resounding crash, while Ellie whipped back round to her own Showstopper and didn’t disturb Aurora any more that afternoon.

“Hi, Aurora!”

Aurora arranged her face into what she hoped was a confident smile as she heard Paul’s voice. “Tell us about your bake this week.”

“I’m making a dark chocolate ball, with some additional white chocolate that I’m colouring with the pink and blue here,” Aurora said, pointing to the bowls over the bain marie she’d set up. “Hopefully it will give you a galaxy effect. And the dessert it will have inside is a sticky toffee tart with like, an orange sauce to melt it.”

“Sounds intriguing,” Prue said, and Aurora hoped she didn’t notice her wince. “Is there any inspiration behind the dessert at all?”

“Mostly I just love sticky toffee!” Aurora found herself giggling. “But like … I guess, I like galaxy themed things. It’s a reminder to myself, to … I don’t know, to reach for the stars, I guess.”

She didn’t take her eyes off the judges, but she could have sworn she saw Tayce’s head turn towards her out of the corner of her eye.

“That sounds wonderful. Good luck!” Prue replied, and the judges left her to it.

Having the judges over seemed to click something into place in her mind. She couldn’t think about Tayce right now. Tayce would have to wait.

——

“Tell us about your bake, Tia.”

“I have made an adequate chocolate ball, made of chocolate that is in a spherical shape around a dessert. What’s the dessert? Well, once you melt the chocolate globe you will find out!”

None of them could contain their laughter at Tia’s commentary on her Showstopper, even the judges, as they poured the warm cream over the top and watched it melt away into nothing, the dessert inside it being revealed.

“That’s right - it’s an adequate dessert made of ingredients that I found in my cupboard at home,” Tia continued just as flatly.

Almost everyone was spluttering. Ellie reached a hand to clutch at Aurora’s, tears in her eyes; while Veronica, the only person who wasn’t laughing, looked a little tense, clicking her tongue.

Tia was the last one to be judged this week. Most of them had had reasonably good critiques, with only Cherry leaning forward anxiously to see if Tia had worse feedback than she’d had; her chocolate ball collapsing before she’d even taken it for judging.

“I love that flavour,” Prue said finally, “and the filling is just the right consistency.”

“Chocolate is good too,” Paul nodded. “You’ve really nailed the mint flavour, it doesn’t come across as toothpaste-y at all. Nice one this week, Tia.”

Everyone applauded politely but Cherry’s smile was forced, her gaze defeated.

“You’ve got a good chance this week!” Ellie whispered to Aurora once they got outside, and Aurora had to admit she was feeling it too. As much as she didn’t like the badge, a badge was still a badge!

But Ellie fell silent, looking over her head, before smiling wryly; Aurora turned to see Tayce at her side.

“Good feedback, Rory,” she murmured, her lips perking into a smile. “Think it’s between us this week. Good luck, bitch!”

——

“I have the great job this week of announcing who the Star Baker is.” Matt Lucas held the chocolate bar badge, turning it over and over as he spoke. “This person made a set of fantastic chocolate puddings, a great Signature, and their Showstopper was explosive. Star baker is …”

All around the tent, breath was being held, and Aurora felt Ellie’s elbow in her ribs -

“Tayce! Congratulations, Tayce!”

Everyone was clapping, but Aurora couldn’t; she wanted to, but Tayce’s hand gripped hers so tightly she couldn’t let go, so she clapped her free hand against her knee, waiting for Tayce to catch her eye so she could tell her well done …

Tayce waited, mouthing thank yous at everyone, waiting until the end to lock eyes with Aurora, and Aurora saw the delight in them, elation she hadn’t seen before. As Tayce leaned closer to her, to peck her on the lips, Aurora felt hope blooming in her chest, as much as she tried to reason with it.

In fact, she didn’t hear a single word more from the tent as she floated, only realising as Cherry hugged her, tears in her eyes, that Cherry was set to leave, her chocolate ball disaster sealing her fate.

Her feet were still felt two inches off the ground as Aurora waited for Tayce after her winner’s interview, after Cherry had to give her exit interview. Cherry had been tearful, sighing deeply, but her words had been lined with defeat, as if she’d known it was her time.

“You won Star Baker! Congrats!”

“Thanks, babe. This badge is just weighing me down now.” Tayce’s new shiny chocolate bar badge glinted in the lights of the tent as they dimmed, but Tayce wasn’t paying it any attention. She caught both Aurora’s hands, pressing her thumbs into the palms, a motion that never failed to draw all her thoughts away, good and bad.

Aurora’s chest filled with butterflies once again, batting their wings in elation against her ribcage, and suddenly she was looking forward to dessert week, when she could see Tayce again.

——

EIGHT BAKERS REMAIN

#rpdr fanfiction #rpdr uk #uk2 #a'whora #tayce #taywhora #asttina mandella #bimini bon boulash #tia kofi #veronica green #ellie diamond #lawrence chaney #fluff #gbbo au #slow burn #fake dating #down with the recipe #juno

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imaginesforyourfandom · 4 years

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Heal My Heart - Chapter 1

August 2007 (Y/N) POV

“All I am saying is you don’t need to rush the move in…” my mom said as I finished packing up the car. I stared at her as she gave me a sad look.

“I just want it to be done with.” I said as she moved closer to hug me.

“I know. If I didn’t know any better though, I would think you were trying to run from me.” She said with an amused smile as I shook my head. I hugged her tighter as she did her best to comfort me.

“I’m going to miss you so much mom.” I said feeling my eyes begin to water.

“You can always come down and visit if you need to.” She gave me a soft smile as I moved to get into the car.

It was about a 6-hour drive to Berkeley and if I wanted to be there before dark, I needed to leave right now. The original plan was for my mom to go with me and help me, but she got called into work so she would be unable to. I sat in the car for a moment debating on if I should stop by Christen’s place or not…I knew there was a good chance she wouldn’t be home. According to both my mom and Christen, her family would be out all day. I decided it didn’t hurt to try as I started the car and made my way over towards her house.

Once I got there, I got out and looked around for a moment. I walked up to the door and knocked as I waited for someone to open it. It seemed like forever before the door opened up. I frowned when I saw Christen’s dad. He gave me a small smile before it turned into a frown.

“Are you leaving town already?”

“Yeah…move in for Berkeley is today and I got to be checked in by 5 pm.” I said as he nodded his head. “Is Christen here?”

“Unfortunately, not. She is still out with her mom and sisters.” I tried to hide my disappointment as I felt throat begin to tighten a little. I bit my lip nodding my head.

“Oh okay. Can you tell her I stopped by and I will call her when I get settled?” He gave me a smile before stepping forward and hugging me.

“I will. Good Luck kiddo. I’ll be rooting for Stanford, but I know you’ll do great!” I smiled and hugged him back before turning and getting back into my car.

I tried not to think too much about the disappointment of not getting to see her as I started my drive up to Berkeley. I tried to distract myself the best I could considering everyone I cared about was going to be here while I was six hours away. Realistically, Stanford is only like an hour away from me so if I put in the effort than I can see Christen.

I shouldn’t look at this as having to leave everyone I care about. This is an opportunity to grow and branch out. Make some new friends and go on new adventures. I don’t know what this next chapter of life holds for me. I shouldn’t be so close minded about it though.

After a brutal drive, I finally made it to the dorm I would be staying in during my time here. I checked myself in real quick before grabbing some of my stuff and going in search of my room. When I got to my floor, I went down the hall and found my room number. The door was being held open by a case of water bottles. I walked in and saw various items around the room. I noticed one of the beds was empty as I sat my stuff on it. I glanced around observing some of the stuff my roommate had.

“Hello.” I turned and smiled when I saw a girl standing there in the doorway. She had a cautious look on her face as she seemed to size me up a little.

“Hi. I’m (Y/N). (Y/N) Torres.” I said holding my hand out to her. She shook it still giving me a suspicious look.

“Blake Summers. I guess you’re my roommate.” She responded as I nodded my head.

“Yeah. I guess so.” I said as I took note of some of the things she had in her arms. One of which seemed to be the box set to Charmed. I grinned slightly as I motioned to it.

“You like Charmed?” I asked as she glanced down at it.

“No, I own the box set for fun.” I grinned a little as she smiled.

“I love Charmed.” I said as her smile widened.

“Favorite Character?”

“Prue obviously…you?”

“Piper or Paige…or wait no Phoebe…actually I love them all to be honest.” She said as I grinned.

“Me too.” She gave a small smile before moving to set her things down.

“That was the last of my stuff. Do you need help?”

“That would be great actually.” I said as we both moved to exit the room when the door on the other side of the hall flew open.

“I’m just saying I don’t-” the girl stopped talking to who I assume to be her mother as soon as she looked at me. Blake looked between me and her as she stood staring for a moment.

“You’re (Y/N) Torres.” She said after a moment as I opened and closed my mouth before nodding my head.

“I am and you are…?”

“I’m Alex. Alex Morgan.” I nodded my head with a smile as she smiled at me. “I play for Berkeley’s soccer team.”

“Oh!” My smile widened as I stared at her. “That’s so cool! So, do I”

“I know. I would hope the national team prospect would be playing for her schools’ team.” I blushed as I nodded my head. We stood staring at each other for a moment before Blake coughed next to me.

“I’m Blake.” We both turned towards her as I smiled. “I didn’t want to interrupt your guys flirting but it was getting awkward.” I threw my arm around Blake pulling her towards the elevator to go get the rest of my stuff.

“I have a feeling we are going to be great friends.”

Once all my stuff was brought up, I collapsed onto my bed. I didn’t even want to think about having to get all my stuff unpacked and put away.

“Nope.” I turned to see Blake shaking her head at me. “You’re not resting. All it takes is a second and the next thing you know this stuff is still sitting here in a few months.”

“You should know…I’m lazy by nature.” I said as she shook her head.

“So am I…but we are creating better habits.”

“Are you one of those up at 6 am people?” I asked as she grimaced

“Bold of you to assume I sleep…” I grinned at her as I stood to start unpacking things. It was about two hours and many small arguments later that we had both finished putting things away into acceptable spots.

“Can I relax now?” I asked as she nodded her head.

I walked over laying down on my bed as I picked up my phone to see texts from my mom and Christen. I felt my heart melt a little at Christens text.

I’m sad I missed you, but I hope the day went well and you got there safely. Call me later? Love you.

I tried to suppress my grin as I tried to think of what to say. I decided to answer my mom first and let her know I had arrived safely.

“Hey, want to go to dinner?” I turned towards Blake and nodded my head. I stood and grabbed my wallet and keys before we left the room.

“Hey mind if I ask Alex to join us?” I asked Blake as she shook her head.

I knocked on her door and smiled when she opened it. She gave me a bright smile as I stared at her for a moment.

“We are going to get dinner. Want to join?” she nodded her head before turning to grab something.

“Is it cool if my roommate joins?” she asked as I looked to Blake who shrugged.

“Katie! Want to go to dinner?”

“Heck yeah I do!”

I watched as a girl with dark hair came out of their bathroom with a giant smile. I smiled at her as she grabbed her wallet before walking with Alex and I down the hall. It only took us 30 minutes of sitting in my car for us to decide on a place to go.

Once we arrived, we got a booth to sit in as we all sat there in silence before I decided to break the silence.

“So, what are everyone’s majors?” They all gave me looks as Alex was the first to speak.

“Political Economy.”

“That sounds ...difficult.” I remarked as she laughed.

“God, I hope not…”

“I am a Marketing major.” Katie said with a grin as I nodded my head. “I was going to do Biochem but then I thought nah I don’t think it's for me.”

“I’m Sports Business.” I said with a smile as Blake snorted next to me.

“Did you just spin the wheel on that one?” she asked as I grinned and nodded my head.

“I plan on going pro so I figured it could be beneficial in the future.”

“That’s actually really smart. So, does that mean you’re the smart one of this friend group?” Katie asked as I shook my head.

“Who said we were friends?” Blake asked all of a sudden as Katie’s jaw dropped. I burst out laughing as Alex grinned.

“Okay…rude.”

“What’s your major?” Alex asked Blake as I took a sip out of my drink

“Mechanical Engineering.” I stopped immediately as we all stared at her. She looked at us with a smile as we continued to stare at her in shock.

“You’re an engineering major? How did you end up in the dorms for business students?”

“I was originally a marketing major but I felt like I would hate it so I switched to mechanical engineering but they had already placed me so they just said I would stay in the dorm they put me in.”

“Dope.” I said as she smiled at me.

“So, what does being a famous soccer player entail?” Katie asked as I stared at her.

“I am not famous.” I said quickly as Katie looked to Alex.

“You said she was famous.” Alex blushed shaking her head.

“I said…she played on the youth team and is most likely to play on the senior team soon.”

“I doubt that. After the way I played in the pan am games, I seriously doubt a call up is coming.”

“Don’t say that.” Alex said as they all protested.

“Okay so what we aren’t going to do is be down on ourselves.” Blake said as I looked at her. “Yeah, I don’t tolerate that shit.”

“Yeah seriously…we are only motivators in this friendship.”

“Again, with the friendship…”

“You know what…” Katie said slamming her hand down on the table and pointing aggressively at Blake. “Just for that…I am forcing my friendship on you.”

“Please don’t…”

“Oh, it’s happening. On you.” She pointed towards me. “On you.” Then to Alex. “And you.”

“Well…barely a day in and I already have a stalker.” Blake said as I chuckled.

“Okay so some cool facts about myself that you all need to know…I am a vegetarian, I don’t like bananas and I am allergic to oranges, I love tennis mainly watching cause like I only run sometimes so playing it is a no, and I have to do laundry every Sunday otherwise I might lose it.” Katie said as we all stared at her with varying degrees of amusement.

“You are fascinating.” Blake said as Katie jokingly flicked her hair over her shoulder.

“Why thank you…oh! I also play a ton of instruments” That seemed to catch Blakes attention as they then started talking about the instruments that they play.

“You will get the call-up you know…” I looked to Alex with a small smile.

“It’s fine if I don’t…not like they are lacking in great defenders.” I said as she shook her head.

“You will. Most of them are getting older and they will need new talent.”

I smiled at her as we continued eating. There seemed to be a very nice and comfortable atmosphere between all of us. It felt like I had known them for a lot longer than just today. Once we paid the bill, I drove us back to campus.

“Can I just say it is so nice that you have a car?” Katie said as we got out of the car.

“Only for now.” I said making sure it was locked. “I have to give it back to my mom this weekend.”

“Damn. Back to walking around.” Blake said as I shook my head.

“First training session tomorrow. Are you ready?” Alex asked as I nodded my head.

“Yeah, I haven’t really had a proper break from training so…” I shrugged my shoulders as she nodded.

“You definitely don’t like to talk about being on the national team…”

“It’s just weird.” She laughed as I looked down upon hearing my phone ring.

I couldn’t hide my smile when I saw Christens name pop up indicating she was calling me. I motioned for Alex to go so I could take the call.

“Hey stranger.” I joked nervously as I heard her laughter come through the other line.

“Hey! Finally, you’re alive. You haven’t responded all day” she said as I frowned.

“I know. I am so sorry. I tried to say goodbye but…”

“I know. I am sorry. I didn’t realize what time you were leaving, otherwise I would have tried a little harder to be there.”

“It’s fine.” I said I stood there silently for a moment. “I miss you.”

“I miss you too.” She said with a heavy sigh.

“You know I think this is the longest we have ever gone without seeing each other…”

“It’s weird.” She admitted as I nodded to her statement.

“Yeah, I’ll be coming down this weekend. I need to give my mom back her car. Maybe we could hangout before I go back?”

“Yeah definitely…” she said as I smiled.

We didn’t stay on the phone much longer due to how late it was. I walked into my room as Blake looked up from her spot.

“Just on the phone with a friend.” I said as she raised a brow at me.

“You realize you’re like glowing right?”

“Am I?” I asked as she nodded her head. “Oh, I didn’t realize.”

“Must be a special friend.” She said going back to strumming her guitar. “That’s none of my business though.”

The next couple of days were spent mostly with those three as we started doing training sessions with the team. To say I was singled out just a bit, well I don’t really know what else I was expecting.

“This place is nice.” Blake said as we were all sitting in one of the coffee shops, Caffe Strada, relaxing.

“They are also hiring.” I said standing up and asking the barista for an application.

“Classes start Monday and I totally forgot to ask what your guys schedules are.” Katie said as I sat back down at the table and looked over the application.

“All my classes are on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.” I said as they looked at me expectantly.

“On Mondays, I have Accounting with Kemp at 7:30 am to 8:20, then Microeconomics with Chang from 9 to 10:15, Brief Calculus from 10:45 to 11:35 with Hunter, Gender and Communication from 3:05 to 4:20 with Bowman, and then Business Forum on Friday Mornings every other week from 8:35 to 9:25 with Hayes.”

“Okay so you and I have like most of our classes together…” Katie said as Alex nodded along with her.

“Why the hell would you take a 7:30 am class?” Blake asked as I shrugged my shoulders.

“I really didn’t want Tuesday and Thursday classes…” I said as I looked down at the application on the table.

“Are you going to apply?” Alex asked me with a curious gaze.

“Yeah, I mean this place is on campus, near the dorms and it’s not too bad of money.” I said as they all stared at me.

“I guess I just figured that playing for the national team would get you some good money.” Katie shrugged as I sighed.

“Technically, I don’t play for the national team and even if I did…I wouldn’t be allowed to accept money from them.”

“Why not?”

“It would jeopardize my standing as a student athlete. It could make me ineligible to play.” I responded with a frown as they all nodded.

I started filling out the application before turning it back into the barista who was working. She gave me a smile as I joined my friends again.

“So, what are we doing tomorrow night?”

“I am leaving super early.” I responded earning a pout and groans from everyone. “It’s like a six-hour drive to LA.”

“You suck.” Alex said as I shrugged my shoulders.

The rest of the day was spent doing nothing basically as I made sure I had everything for the weekend. Obviously, I was excited to see my family, but I was practically shaking with excitement at the thought of seeing Christen. I hadn't seen her since the day after we graduated, and I wanted nothing more than to be with her again.

The next morning, I left bright and early as I made my way back home. It was what felt like a never-ending six-hour drive later that I finally made it back home to my house. I parked the car getting out to head into my home. I smiled upon hearing voices coming from the kitchen.

“I’m back” I said with a grin as my mom crossed the kitchen pulling me in for a hug.

“My baby” she held me tight as I smiled practically clinging to her. “Oh, I missed you.”

“Hi mom” I responded softly. I pulled away and grinned at her.

“You act like she’s been gone for years.” My aunt said with an amused look. I shook my head at her turning and hugging her. “Hey kiddo”

“Hi”

I spent a bit of time hanging out with my family before departing and making my way towards the Press household. I grinned when her home came into view. I got out of the car and went to make my way towards the front door when it was swung open abruptly. I stopped with a grin when Christen came running out of the house, jumping straight into my arms.

“I missed you so much.” She said as I held her tightly. I felt relief flood my system at having her this close to me.

“I missed you too.” She pulled back a little with the smile I missed the most. She turned and tugged my hand pulling me towards her home.

“You have to tell me everything”

“What do you want to know?”

“Do you like your roommate?” I thought about it for a moment before nodding my head.

“Yeah, her name is Blake and she’s pretty great. It’s so weird because it feels like we have known each other for so long, but really it’s only been a few days.”

“Made any other friends?”

“Yeah, Alex and Katie. They live across from us and we have hung out a lot.”

“I’m so happy for you.”

“Yeah, how about you? I missed you this whole time I’ve been away.” I admitted as she shot me a soft smile.

“My summer was super boring. We didn’t do anything really at all. I practiced a lot and went up to take another tour of Stanford.”

“Are you excited to move in? That’s soon.” I commented as she nodded her head.

“Yeah, I am a little anxious. I just want it to happen already. How is training? Has that started for you?”

“Yeah, it has. It’s been good. We had today and this weekend off which allowed me to come and visit. Plus, I had to bring my moms car back.”

“How are you getting home?”

“Oh, she’s going to drive me back, but she needs it for work so…plus, the campus isn’t too big.”

“That’s great. I am so sad that we aren’t going to be seeing each other really much at all.”

“I know. Me too. We will still talk though.” I insisted earning a bright smile from her. “And…Stanford and Berkeley will play each other, and I will definitely comfort you when we win.”

“Oh whatever…you’re going to be the one crying when we take you down.” She joked earning a laugh from me.

We spent the next few hours together just talking and hanging out. I knew at the end of the night I would need to depart from her. I was planning on going back to school on Sunday but sitting there with Christen made me not want to go back at all. I jumped slightly when my phone started ringing as Christen motioned for me to answer it.

“Hello.”

“Hi, is this (Y/N) Torres?”

“Yes, may I ask who this is?” I responded curiously on who would have got my number.

“This is Tatiana Villacrés. I work at Caffe Strada.”

“Oh Hi! Yes! How are you?”

“I am good and yourself?”

“I am great.”

“Awesome! So, I was just calling to congratulate you on getting hired here. I definitely look forward to working with you. If you could come in say Sunday morning so we can put your schedule together?”

“Yeah that sounds great! Thank you so much.” I practically shook with excitement as I thought about how great it was that I got a job. We got off the phone a moment later as I tackled Christen into a hug.

“Great news I am guessing.”

“Fantastic news!”

“Care to share?”

“I got a job.”

“Oh my god! That is fantastic. Where?” she grinned as we sat back down.

“This coffee shop on campus.”

“You’re going to be a barista?” she gave me an amused look as I shook my head.

“It won’t be that bad. It does mean I will need to go back earlier though.”

This caused her entire demeanor to change as she gave me a sad pout. I felt a pit in my stomach as the thought set in. I knew I would need to leave earlier and that meant leaving Christen earlier and leaving my family earlier.

This seemed to kill the excitement of being back together for the night as I went home with the promise, I would see her tomorrow. Returning home didn’t feel much better because it meant that I would need to tell my mom that I needed to go back tomorrow.

“Hey honey, how was Christen?” she asked with a knowing smile as I smiled back at her. I sat at the counter with a small sigh.

“She’s good. I have to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

“I got a job on campus at this coffee shop. It’s not too far from my dorm and it pays pretty well.”

“Honey, that’s fantastic.” She walked around the counter to give me a hug.

“Yeah, I just…I have to be back on Sunday so I can go in and make a schedule and stuff…”

“So, that means you will have to leave tomorrow then…” I nodded my head at her with a small frown. “Well, then I will drive you back tomorrow…we can have lunch with Gina and your grandmother and then I will take you back.”

“I’m sorry mom.”

“Don’t be. We both knew things would be difficult since you are in college now. It’s time for you to live your life and not be so anchored to this place.”

“I just…I was really looking forward to spending time with you and everyone else tomorrow.” I mumbled playing with my fingers.

“I know sweetheart.” She gave me a soft smile as I looked up at her. “It’s good to have responsibilities though. You’re not a lazy person. Contributing is important for you in any capacity.”

“I know I just…I was really looking forward to this weekend.”

“How about this? Why don’t you call Christen and see what she is doing tomorrow…maybe she can sleep over tonight and she can go with us to take you back.”

“Really?” I asked my smile growing by the second.

“Yes.” I grinned standing up to go grab my phone. I quickly dialed Christen’s number and waited for the older girl to pick up.

“Hello”

“Hey its me…so I had a question for you.”

“What’s up?” she asked as a wave of nerves washed over me.

“So, you know how I said that I have to leave tomorrow instead of Sunday?”

“Yes.” I swear I could pick out just a hint of disappointment in her voice.

“So, my mom said that if you are interested you could sleep over and then go with us to take me back to Berkeley.”

“Oh my god…seriously?” I could hear the surprise in her voice which only caused my smile to widen

“Yes.”

“I’m on my way.” She said as I heard her move around the room. “I’ll be there soon.”

I chuckled as the call ended and within about 15 minutes Christen Press was walking through my door. She had an overnight bag in hand as she made her way into my room. I grinned at her as she dropped her bag and fell into my bed next to me.

“I missed this bed.” She commented as I chuckled turning so I could face her. I stared at her as she turned her head to face me. “I missed you and I am really sad you are leaving tomorrow.”

“I am too. I wanted more time with my family and to get to hangout with you.” I mumbled rolling on my back and staring at the ceiling.

“Well, we have tonight and tomorrow.”

I nodded my head at her statement before we started talking about random things. We started watching tv as she laid next to me. Her head found my shoulder as we soon fell asleep. Most of the next day was spent with my mom and Christen before we went to lunch with my aunt and grandma.

“I thought we were doing dinner.” Gina asked as we all sat at the table together.

“We were but I have to take (Y/N) back earlier than planned.” My mom said giving me a smile.

“Why?”

“I got a job and they need me to come in tomorrow to get my schedule and everything planned.” I said as Christen slapped my hand away from one of the napkins that had silverware in it.

“That one is mine.” She said as I rolled my eyes. I reached for a different unrolling it and placing the napkin on my lap.

“Anyway, I need to go back tonight instead so I have time to get ready and be there on time.”

“Well, when will you be back next then?” My grandma asked as I thought about it.

“I have no idea.”

“Well, that’s not great.”

“I know.” I looked down feeling sadness begin to wash over me again. My mom reached over and caressed my cheek for a moment giving me a smile.

“I am so proud of you though.” I smiled as we moved to a different subject.

The rest of lunch was spent talking about various things like what my classes were going to be. The conversation shifted to Christen at one point who spoke about Stanford and what classes she would be taking. She expressed how excited she would be going there. There was banter about which team was going to be better.

“I mean…I guess we will find out…” I mumbled as Christen jokingly shoved my arm.

Lunch didn’t last much longer before I was departing with my mom and Christen. I hugged my Aunt and Grandma before starting the drive back to Berkeley. I sat in the backseat with Christen as we continued talking the entire way back. The closer we got to campus the more I felt my heart begin to drop. I didn’t want to be separated again, but I needed to get back to my life here.

“Well, this is it…” my mom said as I smiled. I got out of the car and grabbed my bag as they both got out to give me a hug. I can admit I held onto Christen for a moment longer than I should have. I tried to drag out the goodbyes as long as I could before they had to leave.

The walk back to my room felt heavy because all I could think about was Christen. I need to get over her. I can’t keep living my life like this. We aren’t going to see each other for a while and maybe this is my chance to find someone who I can actually be with.

“What are you doing here?” I focused in on Alex who shot me a smile.

“I am back early. I got the job at Caffe Strada.” I said as she grinned. She came closer giving me a hug as she walked with me towards our rooms.

“That’s great! You better give me that friend discount.” She joked as I shook my head.

“Who said anything about friends?” I turned to open my door as she stood there in shock.

“Asshole.” I heard behind me as I walked into my room. I turned to smile at her as I walked over and sat my bag on my bed.

“What are you doing here?” Blake asked as I stared at her.

“I got the job at Caffe Strada and I needed to be back early so I can go in tomorrow.”

“Oh nice” she commented as I nodded my head.

The rest of the day was spent hanging out with them as I waited for the text from my mom and Christen telling me they had got back safely. I found that I had actually really enjoyed Blake’s presence. She was very blunt and sarcastic, but in an endearing way. Alex was fun to be around because I could relate to her with the soccer thing and she seemed to just get it. Katie was just fucking funny, so having her around was great.

The next day I woke up and went to get breakfast with the girls before returning to my room and getting ready for my day. They walked with me to Caffe Strada which wasn’t that far from the dorm. I walked in as they went to find a spot to sit down. I walked over towards the counter to see a girl with tan skin and dark hair.

“Tatiana?” I asked reading the name on her nametag. She smiled at me as I held my hand out.

“(Y/N)” I said as she grinned at me.

“Hi! It’s so nice to meet you. You can call me Tati. I am the supervisor here. If you could just give me a few minutes, I can meet with you to get everything sorted.”

“Yeah, sounds great!” I said as she smiled at me. I walked back over to sit with my friends as I waited for her to be ready to talk.

“Hey, ready?” Tati asked coming over towards us.

“Yep!” I said as I stood walking over to a free table with her.

“Okay so to be honest, I hired you because I need someone to fill the position and I like your application the best.” I grinned at that as she pulled a piece of paper out of her folder. “So, this is the timetable or atleast the template for it. We have about 5 people who work here in a rotation and I was given authorization to hire someone for my shift because I really need someone. So, basically you will work whenever I work if you can.”

“Okay.”

“Do you know your schedule for the semester?”

“I do.” I shared my schedule with her earning a smile from her.

“Oh, you’re a business major?” she asked as I nodded my head. “What major?”

“Sport Business.”

“Sweet. I am a Marketing major” she said as she turned the paper towards me. “This is the schedule currently and if you see all the times, I am working…those are the times I am hoping you can work. Obviously, when you have class, I don’t expect you to be here working.”

“Yeah, I mean if I could be two places at once my life would probably be a little easier.” I joked as she laughed.

“I feel that on a personal level.”

“Can you start now? I want to get you trained as soon as possible.”

I nodded my head as she grinned standing up. I walked behind the counter with her as she took me into the back to show me everything. She handed me an apron and handed me a little nametag that had my name on it. I spent the next few hours being trained on how to make everything. She told me I would be given two weeks to learn everything and be trained.

By the end of the night, I had started to get the hang of it just a little. She told me she was impressed with how quick I was picking everything up. I didn’t expect my friends to wait, but Blake and Alex were still there when I was getting ready to leave.

“Katie had some friends she wanted to meet up with.”

“Katie has friends?” I asked earning grins from both of them.

“How do you think you did?” Alex asked as we exited the shop and started the walk back to the dorms.

“I think it was alright. It wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be. I worked somewhere similar back home so…”

“Yeah, you seemed to have the hang of it.” Blake said as I grinned at her.

“Did you just compliment me?” I said putting my hand on her shoulder.

“No.”

“You did. Oh my god.” I said giving her a hug as she shook her head.

“God no…let go of me.” She complained which only caused me to tighten my grip on her. “You’re literally killing me.”

“Accept my Love.”

“No.”

“You guys are so cute.” Alex joked as I grinned at her.

“Aren’t we just the cutest couple around?” I teased turning to look at Blake who gave me an annoyed look.

“I don’t know how anyone else could compare” Alex laughed as Blake glared at us both.

“Me date You? Now that’s a joke…”

“How rude…I am so amazing.” I said as she shook her head.

“No offence. You’re not exactly my type.” She said as I smiled.

“And what exactly is your type?” I asked curiously as she shrugged.

“Blondes?”

“I’m more of a brunette person myself.” I commented as she nodded her head.

“Woman in general are nice.” She said before stopping and staring at me. She had a nervous look on her face as I stared at her. Alex stopped looking between us as I stared back at her.

“That is the most relatable thing I have ever heard.” I nodded my head throwing my arm around her shoulders as she seemed to let out a breath of relief.

“Isn’t it?”

“What’s your kind of type Ms. Morgan?” I turned towards the forward who shrugged her shoulders.

“Dark hair, dark eyes kind of deal for me…” she said as I pulled her closer throwing my arm around her. I walked with my arms around both of them as we made our way closer to the dorms.

“Men or Women?”

“Both?”

“Nice. I would never be caught with a man, but I am happy for you.” I said as they both laughed at my statement. Once we made it back to the dorms, we said goodnight to Alex before going to our room.

“So, I’m guessing your gay and not bi?” I turned towards Blake who gave me a curious expression.

“Yeah, I am fully 100% gay. You?”

“Pansexual actually…” She commented as I grinned at her.

“The odds of us being roommates…”

“We got lucky.”

“We did indeed. Remember what I said…we are going to be great friends.” She smiled as we quickly got ready for bed. I felt a little better knowing that there were more things for Blake and I to bond over. For the first time, I felt like maybe the next couple of months weren’t going to be that bad.

To Be Continued…

#Alex Morgan #alex morgan imagine #alex morgan imagines #Christen Press #christen press imagine #christen press imagines #uswnt imagines #uswnt imagine #kelley o'hara #uswnt #kelley o'hara imagines #kelley o'hara imagine

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kunoichi-ume · 3 years

Note

I want to know about these Original works. TornJak, NordpoldenPrue, and Zenios unnamed story.

I am fairly sure I’ve mentioned all of these to you but it’s been a while for sure.

Tornjak my attempt to write a military badass romance like I’ve been reading by the dozens recently. Most of what I have is a single mother trying to tell her ex what she thinks of him and getting the wrong number. Other than plotting character names and some details this is most of what I have for that one, but I love that opening.

------

You’re such an asshole.

Drew Barnett couldn’t tear his eyes away from the text that had just come through on his phone. One minute he was leaning back in his chair watching Chris crash and burn as he tried to talk the leggy blonde playing pool with her friends in to giving him the time of day. The next his phone vibrated in his pocket and he found the most confusing text he had ever received.

It wasn’t that he had never been called an asshole before, it wasn’t even the first time someone had called him one today. But this was, as far as he could tell, unsolicited. It wasn’t a number in his contacts, though the area code was local. Even that wasn’t what caught his attention and kept him from dismissing it as a wrong number to ignore.

It was the grammar. No text speech, “you’re’” instead of “UR”, “an” instead of “a”. Hell most people who insulted him just threw the word “asshole” or “bastard” around, no concerns about proper grammar. Hell, whoever this was even used punctuation, who did that in a text message? No one Drew knew. His sister texted him more than anyone else and half of what she said was emojis.

A roar of laughter from his table made Drew look up in time to see Chris drop back into his chair, a pained grimace on his face.

“She turn you away with your tail between your legs?” Tony asked, pushing a fresh drink toward their friend as the rest of the group continued to laugh good naturedly.

Snagging the beer and taking a generous pull, Chris took his sweet time before answering. “I don’t know, do you think having a date tomorrow night counts?”

That stopped the laughter in its tracks and Chetan cursed under his breath. “Only you could have a woman glare at you like that and walk away with a date.”

Chris shrugged. “What can I say, the ladies can’t resist Gold.”

Drew groaned at the terrible pun. Chris’ full name was Christopher James Golden earning him the inevitable nickname of “Gold”. Looking back down at his phone he decided his curiosity was too much to resist and quickly shot a response back.

Think ya have a wrong number

Drew had barely turned back to his drink before his phone buzzed again.

Shit, this isn’t Todd’s number?

He almost laughed at her tone, somehow sure the message came from a woman. He had nothing to back that up except the feeling in his gut but he had learned a long time ago to trust his instincts. Suddenly he was far more interested in his anonymous contact than the playful argument he had vaguely noticed starting.

Nah, Im Drew

I’d apologize but I bet you’re an asshole too.

The response was so quick Drew could almost imagine her huffing to cover her surprise. He smiled.Not gunna give me the benefit of the doubt?Not today, I’ll probably feel guilty about it tomorrow though.

-----

Nordpolden is a Chrismas themed adventure at the North Pole, featuring one of Santa’s elves and the Reindeer shifter that she catches the eye of. This one is super rough, just the base idea and the start of the first scene with the elf woman Juniper.

-----

Juniper wiggled her hips to the music filling the shop as she draped yet another garland over the cross beams high above her head. Normally the job would call for a ladder, but as a highly acrophobic elf there wasn’t enough holiday hazard pay to get her up there.

Instead she had wrapped the end of the garland around a ball and thrown it up and over the wooden beam. It wasn’t the neatest method, bits of shiny tinsel raining down around her, but as long as she tidied when she was done Frank wouldn’t have anything to complain about. Not that he was likely to this time of year, Christmas in Nordpolen brought out the best in all of them.

-----

Prue and Zenios is one of my attempts for SciFi romance - woman abducted and working in a toxic mine of some sort on the assend of the galaxy and the (possibly grumpy?) soldier who saves her...

-----

The shuttle lurched into movement, sending the crowd of bodies swaying as they fought to keep their feet. Prue braced herself against the wall, another reason she always found a solid surface to press her back into. It wasn’t a long trip to the mines, just enough time to work up her nerve to face another day and observe her surroundings. She honestly had no idea how much time had passed since she was taken from her home but even now she carried a sliver of hope that someday she might be able to escape.

Not that she knew where she would go, if it was possible to get home, or if anyone in the galaxy would be sympathetic to her troubles.

In her old life, Prue had read countless books about humans interacting with other life in the universe. In some humans were rare, protected and valued. Some times as allies, other times as possessions. Other stories were considered little better than pets, not even good enough for pleasure worlds. Reality was one she had never seen in her cheap, vicariously entertaining stories. In the grand scheme of things humans were just… there. No one paid her any mind for her race, neither expecting stupidity or greatness. Somehow the universe at large had done what all the history of Earth couldn’t - complete equality in regards to the rights and treatment of all people. Case in point, the being slouched next to her was silver skinned being with the remnants of wings sticking out of his back and long, iridescent hair that shifted color with the smallest movement of light. She had no idea what his people were called, but knew that the leader of the Grand Galactic Coalition was the same race.

If being a tall, beautiful being hadn’t saved him from slavery, what hope was there for a lone human? It was a thought she’d had before, one that haunted her waking and sleeping hours, but as the shuttle shuddered again as it landed Prue realized something. For the first time that question had crossed her mind she didn’t care, better dead and free than spending the rest of her days mining gemstones and raw materials for some faceless boss that claimed she was his property - Prudence Walker belonged to no one and someday she would prove it.

#WIP Game #Original Writing #My writing #I need to work on these more #I forgot how much I like Pure #cinlat

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whindsor · 4 years

Text

gbbo au pt 2

wellp, here we go! i’m technically not back on my bullshit cause i was never actually off of it.

p.s. would it be weird to actually name the judges/hosts of the show as paul/prue/noel/matt? or should i just keep it generic? or does it not matter and i should do whatever i want?

week 1: cake week

week 2: biscuit week

No matter how many years he lived in the UK, it still took Bucky a minute to remember that the biscuits were not the same as they were when he was growing up. They weren’t exactly a staple in his New York diet - they had bagels for that - but he did manage to stumble into a southern style diner or two and order a plate of biscuits and gravy. The biscuits were thick, and light, and tender, and tasted so good after a bit too much whiskey.

But those weren’t the biscuits he was dealing with this week. Well, except for his showstopper.

Florentines were an absolute beast. Sure, it sounded easy enough: a thin, lacy “biscuit” (cookie) with nuts and fruit and a base of some sort of caramel. But here was the kicker: they weren’t supposed to bend, they were supposed to snap. And that was the part that was going to send him home.

It was the day before the competition was set to begin. He’d woken up even earlier than usual, intent on getting in one last attempt at his Signature and one last practice run of his Showstopper. Plus, it helped that he got a nice PTSD-induced nightmare to get the blood pumping first thing, where he was back on the battlefield, except the battlefield was the tent, and he had no cover except for the flimsy benches.

He ran further and faster than usual that morning, his lungs and legs burning when he slowed to a walk outside the building. He’d been trying to solve his problem the whole run, and thought he might have a fix...if it didn’t work, he’d be out of options. He was distracted by the sound of a door opening, and looked up to see Mika on her balcony, a baggy flannel thrown over her pajamas and a cup in her hands. She looked half asleep still, her hair tousled all around. She was still pretty...not that he’d ever say anything, of course.

“You’re up earlier than usual.” she said in Romanian. The few encounters they had over the week, she always spoke to him in the other language; it was probably a comfort for her, and he didn’t mind the distraction.

“Early bird gets the worm.” he replied in English, knowing the phrase didn’t quite translate. He switched after that, since she looked like her brain wasn’t ready for a second language. “You’re up early too.”

“Couldn’t sleep. Want some coffee?” she asked, jerking her head back toward her apartment. He checked his watch; breakfast wouldn’t be open for another hour, and coffee did sound good.

“Thank you. Let me shower and I’ll be over.” he said. She nodded, telling him the flat number before going back inside. He supposed he should feel nervous about visiting a new friend in her apartment, but with all the other anxiety-inducing activities going on, this one was actually a relief. By the time he made it to her door, she had managed to get out of her pajamas and wrap her hair into a braid. He thought she might have put on a bit of mascara, but couldn’t be sure.

“Milk? Sugar?” she asked, going to the (beautifully full) coffee pot and pouring some into a mug with flowers painted around the outside. He went to the stools on one side of the island, taking a seat.

“Just black.” he said, earning a suspicious look from her. It fell a second later, as if something dawned on her.

“Right. No sweets.” she said, filling the cup a little more before handing it to him. Her kitchen wasn’t quite as neat as his was, and had the appearance of quickly being cleaned a few moments before. Not that he minded; it almost made it more comfortable, knowing that the space was lived in. “So tell me. How does someone who doesn’t like sweets end up a baker?”

“It was something to concentrate on.” he said with a shrug, taking a sip of coffee. Her question was definitely more loaded than she realized, and he had to try and figure out how to answer without making things more somber than they needed to be. “After I got back, the therapist recommended I find an activity that gave me a physical product at the end of it. I’ve never been good at art, and I wasn’t about to try and figure out sewing, so baking was the next best thing.”

“What’s your favorite thing to bake then?” she said, leaning her elbows onto the counter of her kitchen island. He could see a little white trail of flour on her sleeve.

“You’re just trying to figure out my strengths.” he teased.

“I am not!” she said. “I’m making conversation, like a normal human.”

“Uh huh.” he said, as if he didn’t believe her. “You have to promise to keep it a secret.”

“Of course. What happens in the back row stays in the back row.” she said, leaning in a bit closer. He couldn’t help but lean slightly away; it wasn’t that she made him uncomfortable, he’d just gotten used to people being a certain distance away from him during the pandemic. She seemed to realize this discomfort, and quietly slid back again.

“Patisserie.” he admitted, making the conversation go on and hoping he hadn’t made her feel bad. Luckily the answer was enough to distract her, her eyebrows shooting towards her hairline.

“I did not expect that.” she admitted. “Patisserie? Really?”

“I like the details. And I have a steady hand.” he said, realizing the unintended joke a moment later. Mika pressed her lips together, as if determined not to laugh. “See? I told you it happens all the time.”

“I never realized how often hands get talked about.” she said, humor in her tone. “Well, you’ll kick my ass if I make it that far. I’m terrible when it comes to things that require artistry.”

“I thought you did fine last week.” he offered. She scoffed.

“You saw my peak last week.” she said.

“What’s your specialty then? Don’t tell me biscuits, my pride isn’t ready for that.” he said, making her laugh.

“No, no I’ll be scraping through this week as well.” she said, and he realized that she genuinely meant it. Did she not realize how good she was? “But bread is my favorite. So as long as I can make it to bread week, I’ll be happy with whatever outcome.”

Bucky gave a low, appreciative whistle. He was decent as bread, but could never get the texture just right. “Well, you’ll beat me there for sure.”

She blushed deeply, shrugging her shoulders. “I don’t know about that.” she said, taking a sip of her coffee. Hers was a nice caramel color, lightened by the milk. Speaking of which...

“Are you ready for tomorrow?” he asked. Perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to pick her brain a little bit, to see if she could solve the bending problem.

“Almost, but not quite. The Showstopper is giving me problems.” she said with a sigh. “I’m probably trying to be too ambitious.”

“Not always an issue.” he said, though there was one contestant that got that feedback on both of his bakes the week prior. “If you get a snappy florentine, you’re already ahead of me.”

She looked surprised at that. “What’s your ratio of sugar to cream?” she asked. When he told her, she shook her head. “Less cream. More butter.” she said confidently. He let out a sigh of relief; that had been his last (and only) idea.

“That’s what I was thinking.” he nodded. “What’s your meal for the showstopper?”

“Hmm. Trying to get ideas?” she asked, tilting her head to the side.

“Of course. I have no idea what I’m doing.” he said. He sounded a bit more serious than he meant to, so she looked at him for a long time before shaking her head.

“Full of shit.” she muttered. “I wanted to actually put beer into the pitcher or the glass, but I don’t think it’s going to work.”

“Make it a mousse.” he said. She looked surprised for a minute, the looked away into the great beyond.

“Beer mousse...so crazy, it just might work.” she said. “Are you doing something similar?”

“Me? No. Whipped cream as gravy, that’s about it.” he said, and she nodded again.

“Beer mousse.” she said again, more to herself this time. She stood up suddenly, going back to the coffee pot. “Going to need more of this. You?”

He glanced at his watch; he really needed to get a move on if he was going to get everything done today. He gave her an apologetic look. “Unfortunately, I’m afraid I have to go practice. Less cream, more butter.”

“And beer mousse!” she said, holding her mug up in a cheers. He laughed, saluting with his empty one.

“And beer mousse. Thank you, for the coffee and the company.” he said. They said their goodbyes, and he made his way back to his own flat to get to work, definitely more calm now than when he first awoke. Maybe, just maybe, he could make it through this.

The next morning, he made sure to get up early enough to get his run in, though he was definitely a little sore from the morning before. It was also a little chilly that morning, making the stump of his arm ache. When getting dressed, he thought about how hot it felt last week working in the tent, and decided to go ahead and just wear a tshirt with his jeans. Of course, after the tshirt, he put on his special shoulder cap, which would help the sensitive nerves that still gave him trouble sometimes if they spent too much time in open air. He then grabbed the little spiral hair tie, tipping his head over so that he could pull the majority of his hair into a little bun away from his face.

The interviews were still uncomfortable, but he was good at pretending to be at ease. “I’m a little nervous this week, but at least now I kind of know what to expect.” he said when the interviewer asked. “Does that mean I’ll make it out the weekend? That still remains to be seen.” Across the grass, Mika was laughing and smiling. She’d seemed nervous last week, but was much more relaxed this week. Impressive, really, how she adapted.

They went into the tent, and while they weren’t at the back of the class this time (which added another layer of nerves), at least they were still across the aisle from each other. Mika made a dramatic pout at their bench assignments, giving Bucky a wink before paying wrapt attention to the hosts and judges. Bucky tried not to think about how that little sign of affection made him feel. He’d been honest about his last relationship - how it ended amicably, how they were just in different places - but he had failed to mention that it had happened before he lost his arm. His best friend Steve constantly tried to get him to go out, but considering a friendly wink from a cute girl just threw him for a loop, Bucky reckoned he needed to remember how to be friends with people first.

“Bake!” the host said, startling Bucky into action. He started organizing his bench, putting everything exactly where he needed it before getting to work on the caramel. Almonds went into the food processor, and when that was done, he started making quick work of the sour cherries, which was of course the best moment for the judges and hosts to come to him.

“Florentines, James. What have you got for us?” the male judge asked. It was still weird that technically he was James for the show, but he would have to get used to it. Or maybe he would be sent home before then, who knew.

“Well, I’m not big on sweets, so today I’m combining almonds and sour cherries with star anise and some really dark chocolate.” he said, not looking up from where he was working with a very, very sharp knife.

“Now that’s not something I expected. But you do like to try different spices, don’t you?” the female judge asked.

“Spicy James. That has a good ring to it. Like a bar drink.” the host commented, making them laugh.

“Just remember not to overdo it.” the male judge commented, and Bucky nodded.

“I’ve practiced it a lot. It should be right this time.” he said. The judges smiled and nodded, moving on to the next bench, but the host and cameras stayed for just a moment.

“A Spicy James. What kind of drink would that be?” he asked, making Bucky laugh. He put the knife down to think.

“Probably whiskey with hot sauce in it.” he said, the grossest thing he could think of. The host took it in stride, nodding philosophically.

“Just burn everything. Really warm you from the inside out, just like the sight of your man bun.” he said, making Bucky laugh again before he took up his knife. “And now that you’re holding that, I’m going to fly away. Goodbye!”

Bucky shook his head, not minding the brief reprieve as he got back to work. He wetted a tea towel, rolling it up and nestling his mixing bowl full of ingredients into it. Then he was able to add his caramel, the towel (and his stomach) holding the bowl in place as he stirred the thick mixture. From there, he used an ice cream scoop so that he could place perfectly portioned cookies onto the baking sheets, making sure to leave enough space for them to spread in the oven.

He took a deep breath and let it out before checking his watch. So far, he was right on time. He chanced a glance over to his accomplice, who looked a bit stressed but overall handling things. She was also pretty from this angle. Dammit, Barnes, focus. It was time to temper chocolate.

Even though it would have been some sort of illegal not to let him bring his adaptive equipment, he was still very thankful to have his clip thermometer. Usually he could make the whole one-hand thing work, but stirring chocolate and monitoring the temperature was definitely a two-handed ordeal, and he had to make do. The timer for the cookies went off just as the chocolate almost reached temperature, which left him caught between the two. Finally, he had to make the choice, putting down the spatula to pull the cookies out of the oven. He nearly threw them onto the counter, quickly going back to the chocolate and barely pulling it off the heat before it went over the temp. He lost a few pieces of the seed chocolate when he dumped it in, but it was a welcome sacrifice to keep things under control. Cool it down, heat it up, cool it down, and then let it stay at a working temperature. Easy, right?

He held his breath as he moved to the florentines. They were cooled enough to work with...but would they bend, or would they hold? He carefully peeled one from the silpat; so far, it was holding, and the caramel underneath felt more solid than his other attempts. He pulled the rest, laying them out so he could go through the messy business of coating one side in chocolate. He pulled out his secret weapon - chopsticks - and thanked chef David Chang before getting to work. The camera men, noticing his odd tools, of course came to ask about it.

“It’s hard to keep the chocolate on one side if I use my fat fingers.” he said, hoping to earn a laugh and distract from any unwarranted pity at his situation. “I stole the idea from an American chef, who made the point that these are much better than tweezers or tongs.”

Mika apparently had noticed his chopsticks as well. “Can you teach me how to use those?” she asked, making him almost drop the florentine he was coating. He looked up in surprise.

“You don’t know how to use chopsticks?”

“No! That wasn’t a thing where I’m from!” she said, laughing. Romania had probably changed since she’d been there last, but her family had never been ones to invest in the skill.

“Fine, fine, I’ll teach you later.” he said, not noticing the grins between the producers.

“Thank you!” she sang, going back to her bake. After all, they only had five minutes left. Bucky swore under his breath in Russian, deciding that was the safest language for the British viewers, and quickly went to make a piping bag. He made a mess dumping the chocolate into it, and an even bigger mess trying to cut the smallest corner from it. Then, it was on to the small concentric circles on each of the biscuits. Bucky was glad he had a steady hand; it made this work significantly easier.

He technically finished the last circle after the time call, but no one seemed to notice. He tossed the pastry bag back into the cup, the chocolate oozing out of the bottom of it. He wasn’t sure if this was going to be good, but he hoped it was good enough.

His back ached already as he left the tent, his forearm definitely feeling like he worked it. Next week, he’d have to remember not to practice too much leading up to the competition days, lest he fatigue again. If he even made it to next week. Mika immediately walked up to him, her eyebrows already up in a question.

“So? How do you think it went?” she asked. She crossed her arms over her stomach, apparently cold underneath the shade of a tree. Bucky wished he hadn’t left his jacket back in the tent, otherwise he could give it to her.

“So far it was my best one,” he said with a shrug, “but whether or not it snaps remains to be seen.”

“I’m sure you’ll be fine.” she said, waving his concern off. “They looked beautiful. I can’t wait to try them.”

“It may not be sweet enough for you.”

“It’s food, I’ll enjoy it.” she replied.

“What flavors did you end up going with?” he said, changing the subject. He didn’t want her to think that he only cared about his own bakes, plus he was curious. He’d caught her in the communal kitchen a couple times, always trying a new combination.

“Pistachio and apricot. It felt right.” she said, as if that was something that people came up with every day. “Even though it doesn’t look particularly appealing. Hopefully that doesn’t count too much against me.”

“Just mention ‘jewel tones’ and they’ll praise you for it.” he replied, earning a surprised look from her.

“And where does a man like you hear about ‘jewel tones,’ hm?” she asked. “Let me guess: another ex?”

“Actually, asshole best friend is an artist.” he said, referring to their earlier conversation. Mika put a hand on his arm, and though the movement initially startled him, he found he really didn’t want her to pull away.

“You’re joking.” she said. “Asshole sister is an artist too.”

“Oh my God they were made for each other.” Bucky said, a little more dramatic than he’d been in a long time. He was suddenly glad that Steve made him sign up for this; at the very least, he got to have fun and act like a human again after slowly becoming more and more hermit-like after his accident. They were denied further socializing by the producers calling them in, instructing them to return to their now clean benches and wait for their judging.

Judging maybe made him antsy, but he wouldn’t go so far as to say he was nervous. He was nervous about making a fool of himself, about saying the wrong thing or being too candid about the trauma he’d been through. He was nervous that he would disappoint his friend. But getting critique from people that knew baking much better than he did? He’d gotten an arm blown off. A couple judges did not make him nervous.

“Alright, James, let’s see how this goes.” the male judge said, rubbing his hands together and picking up two florentines from the plate. The female judge turned it over, admiring the dark chocolate along the bottom.

“Beautifully tempered. Look at that shine.” she said, impressed. He felt like he could breathe a little easier after that praise. The male judge went to bend the biscuit; the chocolate gave with a satisfying crack, but unfortunately the rest of the cookie bent like a green tree branch.

“Ah, no snap.” he said, shaking his head.

“Damn.” Bucky agreed, making them laugh. To further ease the tension, one of the hosts grabbed a florentine, and immediately tried to fit the whole thing in his mouth.

“Something snapped.” he said around the mouthful.

“Your molars, likely. Or your brain.” the male judge said, though he was clearly amused by the joke. He then took a bite of the florentine, chewing thoughtfully. “I was hesitant about your flavors, but you have managed to make something with a lot of bitter elements, and balance those out with the right amount of sweetness.”

“It tastes like the last of winter, just before the turn of spring.” the female judge said, earning a hearty “oooooh” from the host. “I enjoy those flavors a lot.”

“Thank you.” Bucky said with a nod, turning back to the male judge.

“Shame about the snap, though.” he said, wincing appreciatively.

“Shame indeed.” Bucky agreed, bidding them goodbye as they moved on. He let out a breath and let go of that part of the competition; there was nothing he could do about it now. He glanced over at Mika, who looked like she thought that went rather well. He wasn’t sure he agreed, but he’d pretend to for now.

She was much more relaxed when the judges arrived compared to last week, but he could tell by the tightness in her shoulders and the tapping of her thumb that she was still anxious. And of course, it didn’t help when the male judge said, “That looks a bit like what the dog coughed up.”

“That’s just cruel.” Mika cried, covering her face with her hands. The female judge smacked him and the host chastised him, and Mika laughed, though a blush was covering her neck and chest.

“Honestly. You’re terrible.” the female judge muttered, picking up florentines for the both of them. “The chocolate looks good, and despite the unfortunate coloring, you do seem to have a good spread of fruit and nuts.”

“I was going for a jewel tone.” she said, her eyes flicking over to Bucky for a split second.

“Don’t know many jewels like that.” the male judge remarked. He was still clearly joking, but Bucky could see Mika chipping away at her nail polish underneath the edge of the bench. The judges went to break the biscuit in half, and it broke with a satisfying crack.

“Now there’s a snap.” the female judge said, and Mika’s smile became more genuine, the blush receding slightly. They bit into it, and even from here Bucky could tell she’d gotten the texture spot on. “That is...exquisite.”

“It isn’t something I would’ve attempted.” the male judge started. “And I’m not sure it’s something I’d pick out if I saw it on a menu. But the ratios of your ingredients, and the way you’ve mixed them and have the perfect caramel...yea, that’s well done, that.” he said with a decisive nod. “Perhaps just needs a bit more thought on presentation.”

“Right, yea,” Mika agreed. “Thank you.”

The judges nodded and moved on to the next person. Mika looked to Bucky, making an exaggerated face and wiping imaginary sweat off her brow. He mimed for her to take a deep breath; besides the look of it, they’d given her a glowing review. Considering some of the other things he’d heard, even in his own judging, he didn’t think she had anything to worry about.

He was itching to get out of the tent by the time lunch came around. Like the week before, they had a sandwich spread for them, and he collected his food and his book before going out to the fire pit. He didn’t know if Mika would join him this time, but he certainly hoped for it. He sat and got himself arranged, getting a few pages in before he heard boots on the gravel, looking up to see his new friend smile at him and settle into the next chair over, content to sit on her phone while he sat with his book. He inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. So far, he’d managed to have multiple conversations with her without doing something completely off-putting, and the more he could stay silent, the better his record would be. Plus, it was just nice to sit with someone besides Steve and not have to stress about conversation.

They passed lunch in silence, only acknowledging each other once they were called back into the tent for the technical challenge. If he was honest, technical challenges were the part that made him most uneasy; everyone got the same ingredients, and the same tools. He didn’t want the judges to make any special arrangements for him, but just the nature of the challenge put him at a bit of a disadvantage. Of course, that also made him get a little riled up, wanting to prove that he could do anything with one arm that the other bakers did with two.

When the hosts announced that macaroons (not to be confused with macarons) would be the challenge, he figured that it would be easy, that he would totally have this in the bag like he did with the last technical challenge. Then he read the instructions, and everything promptly fell to shit.

First, cutting out circles? Why on earth did they need to cut out circles of parchment? Why not just outline the circles like an efficient person?

Then, make a curd. Fine. He could make a curd. He just couldn’t do anything else while he was making the curd because of the whole “continuous stirring” thing. They had hand mixers, but apparently they were only supposed to use that for the egg whites. Well, it was implied, not explicitly stated, so he was going to bend the rules a little bit.

Getting the coconut mixture right and in the pastry bag wasn’t the hardest part, except that he was currently low on time because of the whole parchment circle thing. So he had to try to rush, not knock the air out of the egg whites, and also manage to pipe perfect little coconut discs. Easy. So easy.

Oh, and chocolate! They had to make chocolate too! Fine! Easy! So easy!

Far too much time had gone by the time he actually got the macaroons into the oven, and he cursed himself a little bit. When he baked at home, he had all the time in the world and all the information he could need to set himself up for success. When applying, he hadn’t thought about the time constraints as much as he should have. Well, he was thinking about it now, and he was definitely going to start working on that for next week. If he made it through to next week.

The macaroons took even longer in the oven than he thought they would, and when he finally gave in a pulled them out, they still seemed too pale. He’d seen pictures of these things before, but he’d never tasted one, let alone made one.

“Those don’t look quite right, huh?” he asked the camera man filming him. He rested his hand on his hip, trying to decide if he had enough time to put them back in the oven or if he should just let them cool so he could put the curd in the little welled ones.

“Five minutes left!” the host yelled, making a couple of the bakers jump. Mika was definitely calmer than she was the week before, peeling the parchment layer from her cooled macaroons. Bucky sighed; the time call answered his question for him. He carefully turned his macaroons and tried to quickly and carefully peel the parchment from the bottom; since they were still warm, they were all too willing to lose their shape or leave coconut bits on the paper. He didn’t have time to worry about it, he just had to get something presentable on the plate. His wells were a little shallow and he had some chocolate leaking from the bottom of some, but when the host called one more minute! he was at least working on spooning the curd into them. They might be the worst macaroons the judges had ever seen, but at least they’d be finished.

Mika claimed the seat next to him, which was a welcome comfort. They’d only known each other for a week, but it still felt good to know that someone was in his corner. He eyed the biscuits behind her picture, noticing that they were perfect golden brown with bright yellow curd and no chocolate smudges in sight. Ugh, she was the worst.

“This one got away from me.” he murmured before the judges came in.

“I’m sure you did just fine.” she said, patting his hand. The judges eyed the plates, questions on their faces that they didn’t quite dare to say out loud. Bucky noticed, with some relief, that his didn’t look the absolute worst.

“Right. Let’s get started.” the male judge said, going to the end of the table and picking up the first one. One by one they went down the line, the same process that they did last week and all the other weeks in the seasons before this one. And yet, there was still something foreboding about it. With no one staring directly at them, the judges were free to be more ruthless in their assessments.

“Oh dear,” the female judge said as the male judge picked up one of Bucky’s macaroons, the biscuit breaking in half before he could set it down. “Not a good start.”

“No, this one needed more time in the oven, and more time to cool.” the male judge agreed, licking chocolate off his thumb where it escaped. Luckily, one of the mango curd ones stayed together as he moved it. They took their bites and chewed, the female judge making a noise of surprise.

“It’s further baked than I thought.” she said. “And the flavor is very good.”

“It’s barely baked, a few more minutes would have done it well to get that golden brown layer. But the curd is perfect.” the male judge said. Bucky relaxed slightly, and Mika looked like she wanted to pat his hand again, but held herself back. The reviews for her macaroons were far brighter, their only complaint being that she hadn’t ground the coconut as fine as she needed to. But at least hers stayed in one piece when they put it on the plate.

In the end, Bucky got eighth out of eleven, which was a big downturn compared to the previous week. Mika, the cheeky knave, smiled her way into second. He didn’t particularly want to do the end of the day interview, but that was part of what they signed up for, so he put on his blank face and waited until they set up the camera and got their warm up questions out.

“No, today didn’t really go the way I wanted it to.” he said, adding a self deprecating laugh so that he didn’t sound so bitter. He’d forgotten how competitive he could be - actually wasn’t really sure he had a competitive nature anymore - and the two losses today awoke a part of him that had been asleep for a long time. “But that just means I have to come back with a vengeance tomorrow, right?” He should have stopped there, and almost did, but then had to be a little bit of a turd and add, “But those parchment circles. That was nonsense.”

Luckily they ended the interview quickly so he didn’t have time to make any more Salty Disabled Veteran comments, which was probably for the best. He’d signed up for all this, and he’d made it through the preliminary rounds, so clearly he was good enough to be here. Like every other time in his life, it was time to adapt and overcome.

But first, he was hoping Mika would meet him for another drink.

“Fire pit?” she asked as they walked out, as if she read his mind.

“It might be a two glass night.” he sighed. She tossed an arm around his shoulders, giving him a comforting squeeze. He was very proud of himself for not flinching, and borderline enjoying the affection.

“Cheer up, daisy. You did fine today.” she said, making him smile.

“I think you mean, ‘cheer up, buttercup’.”

“All flowers look the same to me. See you soon!” she sang, going towards her wing of the building. He shook his head, going to scarf down some food and shower before heading back outside, whiskey and glasses in hand. The fire was going again, a welcome source of warmth now that the sun was down. He’d brought his book in his back pocket just in case, but Mika was already waiting for him, a blanket around her shoulders. He handed the glasses to her, and she held them so he could fill them.

“Well, start digging my grave. Dead man walking.” he said, leaning into the chair and sighing heavily.

“Don’t be so dramatic.” she said, waving him off. “You’re going to be fine. You’re not going to get star baker, but you’re not going home.”

“You have much more confidence in me than I have in myself.”

“Well the first challenge wasn’t as bad as you thought. And the technical was bullshit.” she said. “Your flavors are spectacular, and tomorrow you’ll wow them with whatever you make.”

“And what about you? Did you get beer mousse figured out?” he said, switching the attention to her. He was used to having his one cheerleader (Steve) and he wasn’t sure how to handle another one. She barked out a laugh.

“Not in the slightest. I’m just going to try tomorrow, but not tell them about it, in case it doesn’t work out.” she said with a shrug.

“Tricky tricky. I think that’s cheating of some sort.” he teased. His glass was only half empty, but he wanted to refill it already. He pushed down that desire, knowing that it would not end well.

“It is not! It’s just...equivocating.” she said with a wry grin.

“So full of shit.” he laughed, shaking his head. “Have you talked to your sister since last weekend?”

She nearly choked on her drink, her cheeks coloring for some reason. He patted her back as she coughed, clearing her airway. “Yea, yea I have. She was very impressed by you.”

“And what about you?”

“She was glad I didn’t get sent home. Mum was mad that I wore a leather jacket and said I need to get my nails done, which is her way of saying I didn’t completely shame the family.” she said. “What about you? Did you talk to your friend...?”

“Steve. Yea, he said I needed to loosen up a little.”

“You? No.”

“Hush, not you too.” he said, finishing his drink. If he’d drank it a little faster, perhaps he would loosen up, but he and Mika were still just acquaintances, and they were in a massive competition. He could self medicate better tomorrow. Mika wasn’t close to finishing hers. so he simply put his glass down.

“I thought it was a two glass night?”

“Nah.” he shook his head. “Two glasses leads to the whole bottle leads to things I’ll regret in the morning.”

“Oh, that sounds like it has a story.” she said, leaning towards him. “Spill.”

“Not so much a story as multiple data points.” he said. “After...well, you know...I uh, didn’t handle things so great. There was a lot of poor choices trying to put myself back together.”

“But you did.”

“Huh?”

“You did put yourself back together. You fought through it all. And you’re amazing for it.” she said. Something in her tone made him think something - or someone - particular was on her mind, but when she didn’t offer the information, he didn’t pry.

“Thank you. That’s very kind of you to say.” he said softly. Sure, Steve had told him the same thing a thousand times, but it was different hearing it from someone else.

“You’re welcome.” she said with a smile, reaching out and patting his hand. “Now, chin up. I can’t have my bench buddy leaving so soon. You haven’t even gotten to the best one yet!”

“Patisserie? I know.”

“No! Bread!”

“Bread is only the best to you.”

“...Maybe.” she said, smiling and laughing. He couldn’t help but join in; God, he had an honest-to-goodness friend in her. Perhaps he should have done this whole “socializing” thing sooner. Either way, he was glad to have her in his corner.

The next day, they all scarfed down a nervous breakfast and made their way down to the tent, the sunny weather laughing at their anxiety. This challenge was going to be tough; but before they started, Mika threw a wink and a thumbs up his way, helping to bolster his confidence. She was right, he could do this. He didn’t need to be star baker, he just needed to not be the worst. He’d been thinking about what to do for this week’s Showstopper challenge, and after having a mess of a time the day before, he decided to just go all out. The judges wanted a table setting from a memorable meal, but made out of biscuit. And that’s what they were going to get.

He went to work quickly, knowing that it was going to take him longer to shape his biscuits than the other contestants, and that he had probably given himself a little too much to do.

“Right, James, what shall we expect from your place setting?” the male judge asked as the crew sidled up to his bench. Bucky couldn’t afford to stop and chat to them, so he continued measuring and mixing as he spoke.

“I’m making the setting of a traditional New York diner. It reminds me of the times we used to stay out too late and partake a little too much.” he said, grinning at the judges.

“Oh, what’s the best meal for that? A big burger?” the host asked, getting excited. Bucky shook his head.

“Oh no, burger’s too heavy. Today it’ll be biscuits and gravy.” Bucky replied. The male judge laughed, but the female judge paused.

“Not real gravy, I hope.” she said, so suspicious he almost said that it was. But he didn’t think he needed to lose any points right from the get-go.

“No, no. I’ll be making American-style buttermilk biscuits, but with lemon zest, and vanilla whipped cream for the gravy.” he explained. The male judge raised his eyebrows.

“And what will the rest of the display be made out of?”

“Homemade graham crackers, which is really just left of gingerbread.” he said with a shrug. He’d struggled with how to make his display different than the others, and that was the best he could come up with. “They’ll be flavored with honey and a pinch of cinnamon, with a very, very thin layer of white chocolate to make it that diner-ceramic.”

“Just a pinch of cinnamon, eh?” the female judge asked, looking over the rims of her glasses.

“Scouts honor.” he said, acutely aware that they had told him multiple times that his bakes were overspiced. “And then we’ll also have a coffee flavored biscuit for the carafe and mug.”

“So you’re making two types of biscuit?” the male judge asked, one grey eyebrow raised.

“Yes.”

“And American-style biscuits?” he continued.

“...Yes.”

“That’s a lot to do. We’ll let you get to it.” the female judge said, patting his hand and shepherding the male judge away. The host stopped for a moment, leaning towards Bucky.

“What’s in an American-style biscuit?”

“A lot of butter.”

“Excellent!” he said, pumping his fist once before following the judges to the next bench. Bucky took a deep breath to center himself. He knew that he’d probably done too much, but he needed to go all out if he was going to stay in the competition. His performance yesterday was not what he wanted.

And so he got to work. The dough was easy enough to pull together, though rolling it out and shaping it on the molds was tougher. He had to be very careful, because if he used too much of his strength, he’d rip the dough and have to start all over. So he carefully rolled it onto the back of a pie plate, trimming the excess and setting it aside. That was the easy one. The hard one was the coffee mug, which went around the outside of a single serve cake tin. He’d purposefully chosen one with rounded corners even if it wasn’t visually accurate, and when he was able to shape it the first try (and nearly pass out from holding his breath) he found he had no regrets. The carafe was easy enough; he’d just do the hexagonal percolator that diner’s used ages and ages ago. Then, after awkwardly fumbling with some foil to make molds for the handles, everything went into the oven. He now had sixteen minutes to make biscuits.

Biscuits themselves weren’t difficult to make, but when one had to rub butter into the flour with only one hand, it tended to take a little longer. Then, when one had to zest a lemon with only one hand, that added some time too. There was a minute left on his timer when he went to add the buttermilk, and he decided he just had to wait for that part so that the rising reaction didn’t take place too soon.

That’s when he remembered the chocolate. He muttered a curse, in what language he didn’t know, and started weighing out white chocolate to temper. He should have done this earlier, so that as soon as the other biscuits went into the oven he could get started on it. Shit. He didn’t bother chopping the chocolate to weigh it, instead breaking off bits with his hand until he had the right weight. He tossed it in a bowl just as the timer went off, and he plumb forgot to put a mitt on to grab the tray out of the oven. Turns out, things in a 350 degree oven were also 350 degrees, and he had to force himself not to drop it despite the fact that he was probably burning his whole hand off. He nearly pushed the tray off the back side of the bench in his haste to put it down, and he had to step back and shake his hand, red welts already appearing on his fingers.

And the plate was still in the oven.

Mika was by his side in an instant, her own oven mitts on as she reached into the oven and pulled the plate out, setting it much more carefully on the bench. “Are you alright?” she asked, her brows pinched. She reached out, her hands still covered, and took in the damage. The pads of his fingers were bright red and raw; that was going to suck this week. Unless he got eliminated, then the pain in his pride would probably eclipse it.

“I’m okay. Thank you, for saving that.” he said, gesturing to the plate.

“Do you need anything? How can I help?” she asked, tenderly touching his hand. It looked silly with her big oven mitts, but the sentiment was the same. The medic in the white polo was weaving his way through the tent, carrying the tackle box full of supplies.

“I’ll be fine. I just need a quick clean and a glove. You need to finish your bake.” he said. She looked doubtful for a moment, but the medic pushed his way between them, and she had no choice but to go back to work. She kept glancing his way ever so often, and after the medic patched him up, he sent a quick smile her way before going back at it. He was now way, way behind.

His tunnel vision returned as he mixed the buttermilk biscuits, cutting out two of them and throwing them in the oven. From there he started tempering the white chocolate, which was finicky even at the best of times. He wouldn’t know until he coated everything if it was tempered correctly, and between now and then he had to pull the biscuits from the oven and make his whipped cream.

“Fifteen minutes left, bakers!” one of the hosts called, and Bucky let out a low noise of frustration, quiet enough that the cameras and the other competitors didn’t pick up on it. His hair was starting to slip from its tie, but he couldn’t pay attention to it. He had fifteen minutes to put literally everything together.

Paintbrush for coating with chocolate. He didn’t have time to make it perfectly smooth, but at least it was all covered, and shiny, and looked like it was right.

Caramel, to start sticking together the pieces. This was the most difficult part, and if Mika wasn’t bent over her bench with a piping bag of royal icing and an intense look of concentration he might have asked for help. But now it was just him and the biscuits.

“One minute left!”

The whipped cream!

He poured it into the mixer and turned it on high, splashing in some vanilla paste and sugar as it mixed. He got everything on the tray just in time, and as the hosts counted down the last ten seconds, he managed to stop the mixer, grab a huge spoon and add a few dollops of whipped cream on top.

Through some kind of miracle, he finished.

“Take a break, bakers!” the producers called, shepherding everyone out so they could get the benches clean and set up for the judging. Mika’s plates and cups were expertly decorated in a mismatched way, and he saw that she was able to come up with something that resembled beer mousse. Damn, she was quickly becoming his biggest competition (and his biggest ally). Bucky schooled his face back to neutral as he exited, the sun feeling just a little too warm. He grabbed the edge of the rubber glove with his teeth and peeled it off, his hand disgustingly sweaty underneath it. He was just stuffing it into his pocket when Mika came up, grabbing his wrist.

“How is it?” she asked, looking at his hand as if she could see through the bandaids.

“Just stings a little.” he said. It was the truth, but he’d admit he was putting on a little more bravado than necessary. “Not the worst I’ve ever been through.”

Mika gave him a dark look, clearly not amused. “Well, good thing is, your bake looked amazing.”

“Not as good as yours.” he said with a raised eyebrow. This time it was her turn to shrug.

“I’ll admit, it turned out better than I thought it would.”

“I sense a star baker in your future.”

“Oh absolutely not. I just need to make it through.”

“I think I’m the one living on a prayer at this point.”

“You’ll be fine.” she said, waving him off. But uncertainty was their constant companion in the tent, and even Mika couldn’t completely hide the doubt of possibility in her voice. She was saved from overexplaining anything by the producers calling them in, sending them back to the now-clean benches. Bucky eyed his set up, letting out a breath of relief just at the fact that it was still standing. The judges followed soon after, their eyes drifting over each and every showstopper before the male judge clapped his hands together.

“Alright, let’s get started.” he said. He called the first person up and immediately ripped them to shreds, harshly judging their design, their execution, and how overworked the biscuits were. Bucky took a deep breath and reminded himself that no matter what, he’d been through worse. He glanced over to Mika, how seemed a little pale after the first display, and when he finally caught her eye he gave her a smile. Hers really did look good, and he had no doubt that she would get at least a little praise for it.

“James, let’s see yours.” the judge said a few times later, gesturing for him to come front and center. One of the hosts came to his bench, holding one end as Bucky carried the other. He could have managed if he needed to, but he’d learned approximately three months into his recovery that it was not deadly to ask for help. They placed the setting in front of the judges and he stepped back, slipping his hand into his pocket.

“American biscuits, hm?” the female judge said, looking at him over her bright blue glasses. He couldn’t help but giver her a grin.

“Cheeky, I know.” he said.

The judge laughed appreciatively, then gestured to the sculptures. “And the rest is graham, yes?” he asked, gesturing to the sculptures.

“Yes.” he said with a nod. They slid the edges of a fork along the chocolate, and Bucky was supremely happy to see that it held.

“Excellent chocolate work.” the female judge said as the male judge broke pieces off for them to try. They took delicate bites of the various biscuits, the silence thick as they tasted it.

“That’s good, that.” the male judge finally relented. They took their forks and tried the buttermilk biscuit, the female judge laughing as she did.

“It’s rather like a cake, isn’t it?” she asked. “I’ve had them before, but this is different. The layers and the butter...I might think they’re pretty good.”

“This was a good execution. Well done.” the male judge said, nodding towards him. Bucky gave them another smile and a nod.

“Thank you.” he said, glad to finally hear something good this weekend. The host, before grabbing his end of the tray, made sure to take the rest of the buttermilk biscuit and shove it into his mouth.

“I like that.” he said, mouth full. The room tittered with laughs, and Bucky just gave him one of his flirtier smiles.

“They’re even better when you’re hungover.” he murmured, keeping his voice low enough that the cameras couldn’t pick it up. The host made an intrigued sound.

“Do you often cook for your guests the morning after?” he asked, and Bucky did not miss the insinuation - or Mika looking at them with a quizzical look as they walked by.

“Every time.” he said, not minding if she heard him. He definitely hadn’t performed as well as he wanted to this weekend, but he was hoping that he’d done well enough to stay. Mika gave him a brilliant smile once he was settled on his stool - one that quickly dropped whenever they called her name. She brought her set up to the table, holding her hands behind her and chipping at her already very chipped nail polish.

“Tell us about this setting, Mika.” the female judge asked.

“It’s from my favorite pub back in Romania. They have the best drinks and atmosphere and is where I had my last birthday party before moving here.” she explained. They nodded, asking her questions about the biscuit flavors and construction. He was impressed that she’d managed to recreate the shape of a Guinness glass out of biscuit, and based on the reactions after their first bites, the judges were impressed with her flavors.

“This is good. You’ve definitely stepped up from last week.” the male judge said, acting as if the compliment pained him a little. Mika rose up on her toes a little, then rocked back on her heels.

“Thank you.” she said. She picked up her display and brought it back to her bench, giving Bucky an exaggerated face as she sat down. He waved off her dramatics; she was very clearly going to make it through. The rest of the contestants went with varying degrees of success, and in a blink they were back outside as the judges deliberated.

“I don’t know.” Bucky said, shaking his head and stuffing his hand in his pocket. Mika looped her arm through his, gently guiding him on a little stroll around the perimeter of their waiting area.

“You’re going to be fine. They gave you excellent feedback on your bake.” she said, rubbing his arm.

“But the first two were...subpar.” he said. “Not like yours. You’re in the clear.”

“Don’t say that, you’ll jinx me.” she said, pinching his elbow. “Trust me, it’s going to be fine. I matched your payment from last week so that they’d put you through.”

“I didn’t pay them anything last week.” he reminded her.

“Exactly.” she said, as if that solved the problem. It didn’t increase his chances of advancing, but it did make him laugh, which was almost better at that moment. “You’re not going home. I need to see your patisserie!”

“I better not, I still haven’t tasted your bread.” he said. She shrugged.

“You can try that any time. I’ve always got some.” she said. “I’ll give you coffee and breakfast after your run next time. Unrelated, I’m very impressed that you’ve managed to keep up your exercise routine.”

“Come with me in the morning.” he said, making the offer before he realized he was doing it.

“You still have to be there for that.” she pointed out. “So sure, I will. I’m slow, but I’ll go.”

“Slow is fine.” he said. The producers called from the door of the tent, but Mika didn’t let go of his arm. She kept them linked all the way to the line of stools, even holding his arm as they announced star baker. He couldn’t help but clench his fist when they paused to announce the person going home, and even Mika grew still as the host paused dramatically.

Bucky was a little surprised not to hear his own name. The only way he knew for sure it wasn’t him was because the other bakers were saying goodbye to the person who’d been cut. Mika collapsed against his shoulder for a moment before giving his hand a hearty pat, shaking her head.

“Dammit. Now I have to go running in the morning.”

#gbbo au #week 2 #biscuit week

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