#Just answered an ask very heatedly

[wren-kitchens]

me and @stiffyck were talking about aroace and t4t jizzie realising both of these things from a trans aroace scar, and because i’m normal (lie) I now have trans jizzie realising they’re trans and swapping names

you’re so welcome <3

(heads up, names are gonna be a bit confusing in this; this is lizzie’s pov)

joel does not know why they had to have this conversation outside in december of all times, because right now he is probably about to get frostbite. sure, the snow is pretty and all, but it is absolutely freezing, and the only thing stopping him from freezing to death is lizzie’s blazeborn ability to stay warm no matter what, and so she’s given him her coat to use as a kind of blanket.

since he started growing his hair out, lizzie has taken to playing with it more often, which is lucky in this scenario because her hands are so warm. in fact- joel thinks he’s forgotten to pay attention to their conversation with scar. oops.

“-all i’m saying is that, if you’re gonna compare restaurants, they’d better sell the same food.” lizzie is saying, far too heatedly for what the conversation is actually about. “there’s no point comparing, like- a fancy french restaurant that does snails and stuff with mcdonald’s.”

“ah, but scar’s diner will have it all, ms beans!” scar declares, and joel is suddenly doubting his grasp on this conversation.

“sorry- what are you guys even talking about?” joel says.

scar laughs the kind of laugh he does when he realises what he’s been talking about makes no sense. joel thinks it’s very funny that he knows scar has that distinctive laugh because of how many conversations he’s had with him that make zero sense. “sorry liz, I-“

liz.

all of a sudden, it’s like joel is underwater; he can technically hear scar correcting himself, and he knows vaguely that there is an outside world. but all [joel?] can think about is lizzie’s name used for him. and- y’know, now [lizzie?] has started thinking about it.. [he?] finds that [she?] absolutely can’t stop thinking about it.

[they?] remember the first time jimmy asked to be called jimmy, and the way his whole face lit up each time lizzie called him ‘jim’ casually, like it was nothing. but to jimmy- it was definitely something, and something big. [lizzie? joel?] had helped cut his hair short, and helped to dye it blonde, and in all honesty, jimmy has only looked happier on the day [names are so hard all of a sudden] was married.

“scar,” [lizzie?] says abruptly, and scar looks at [her?] with a small amount of concern. “can you..” [she?] can’t quite figure out how to finish that sentence. scar understands, regardless of those tricky things known as words.

“sure I can, lizzie.” scar says, and oh- okay. that’s- yeah. 

it’s like there’s a physical ball of energy swelling up inside of [her.], lighting her up from the inside, and- yeah. 

she.. she thinks she might be a girl.

“oh.” lizzie is grinning to herself and it’s starting to hurt a little but she really could care so much more right now.

“wait,” a voice says from above her, and lizzie looks up to see her spouse staring at her with a very familiar look in their eyes. “you- okay, hang on. you can- you can do that?”

“yeah, you definitely can.” scar gives a slightly crooked grin. “I don’t suppose you would be joel then, would you?”

“wh- it’s just- it’s that easy?” there’s a kind of worry attached to those words, one lizzie thinks she understands far better than she expected to. maybe she’s been a girl a lot longer than she realised. “I can just.. be a guy?”

“I did it.” scar grins in a way that makes lizzie think he’s holding back. “jimmy did it.”

“I- yeah, but-“ lizzie looks up and sees the corners of their eyes crinkled in the way that has always meant they’re suppressing a smile. she takes their hand and squeezes it. “it- it can’t be that easy, right?”

“you tell me, beans.” scar says, looking as if he already knows the answer to that.

joel relents, and lets himself smile. “yeah. it is.”

lizzie grins, sitting up and throwing her arms around her husband, and she’s laughing, and so is he, and they both might be crying a little too, and jimmy is gonna think they’re both such idiots, and she doesn’t care. she’s a woman, and joel is a man, and they just swapped names, and that honestly might have made this whole situation far funnier than it probably should be because- are they really both that unoriginal?

“I think,” lizzie sniffles, wiping her eyes on joel’s hoodie. “I think I got snot in your hair.”

“that’s fine.” joel giggles a little in that hiccupy way he does. “I might have just ruined your jumper.”

#jizzie #shadowbeans #ig?? #ldshadowlady #lizzie ldshadowlady #smallishbeans #joel smallishbeans #gtws #gtw scar #he has too many tags #goodtimeswithscar #transgender characters #jimmy is also trans btw #trafficblr #trafficshipping #<- jic #I mean technically later in this au they both realise they’re aroace but #they don’t know that yet so #wren writes

[cherryslyce]

Second Son (XI) | Regulus Black

Series Synopsis: Forbidden from contacting Harry over the summer, you opt to explore the eerie halls of Grimmauld Place where you stumble upon a lonely portrait of the House's second son.

— Chapter Synopsis: Yule Break extinguishes away in a wave of concerning news and uncertainty. Blaise asks for a favor, and Y/N has to juggle goals and friendships as Harry searches for an answer from Slughorn.

Part X / Part XII / Series Masterlist

Pairing: Regulus Black x GN!Reader

Notes: We are getting to the climax! Next chapter will be the end of Sixth Year.

The chill that wracked through your body had you twitching your head in a shudder every couple of minutes. Sirius was pacing around the kitchen, murmuring heatedly to himself, and you suspected that he would try and head to the Burrow – or what was left of it, to fetch Harry any second now. 

You had insisted on making your way over by floo the moment the news had sunk in, but the look in Sirius’ eyes had you pausing in the doorway. It would be unfair to leave him alone, and you knew that he was worried about your safety as well. 

No use getting caught in any crossfire, Harry could look out for himself. 

Darting your eyes to look at the clock, you realized that only half an hour had passed since Harry’s patronus delivered the news. Wringing your hands in your lap, you resisted the urge to run upstairs and collapse into a heap on your bed. Regulus was eerily silent, and you were sure he was trying to process the news as well. 

Harry’s message had been ominous, and you were sure he purposely did so because it was something Sirius wasn’t meant to know. The odds were not looking promising for you in that case. 

The sudden muted crackling of the floo network has you snapping your head up, eyes immediately catching sight of a disheveled Harry. Sirius is pouncing on the disoriented boy before you can even rise from your seat, quickly assessing him for any visible injuries. 

“I’m alright. It’s okay.” Harry weakly brushes away Sirius’ clammy fingers, sending a reassuring nod at the older man. It takes only a few more moments of fussing before the man is backing off, stepping to the side so that Harry can approach you. 

You are enveloped in warmth before you can even register anything, your body moving on its own accord. The force of your movements have the chair wobbling unsteadily, and even Harry seems surprised by your swift gesticulations. 

Pulling back, you’re hesitant to ask, “Is everyone okay?” Your voice was shaky, while your chest was rising and falling harshly from anxiety. 

Harry nods, but a shadow falls over his eyes and he drops his head onto your shoulder. Pursing your lips in confusion, you see Sirius tilt his head in worry at the both of you. It takes a few more moments before Harry slowly steps away from you, spinning around to look at his Godfather nervously. 

“Sirius, is it alright if we have some privacy?” Harry asked, throat bobbing as he tried to process the events of the day. “Just for a bit, I mean.”

The man nods and to your relief, gives you both a look of understanding. “Of course. I’ll be in my room.” With more certainty and elegance than you’ve ever seen displayed by the man, he is quick to dismiss himself, practically floating up the staircase. 

Turning your head aside, you slowly amble back to your spot at the dinner table. Harry trails after you, head inclined to stare at his muddy shoes as he rounds the table to sit across from you. 

“Harry, what did you mean? What does he know?” Your impatience is palpable as your words hang heavy in the air. 

Twisting his fingers, eyes intent on avoiding yours, you are barely able to decipher his words, “It’s Regulus. He knows about his portrait.” 

“What?! How?” You credit yourself for not immediately breaking down into tears or falling into a fit of laughter, but you were very much on the verge of slamming your face onto the wood in front of you to make sure you weren’t dreaming. 

Before Harry can respond, you whip your head to look over your shoulder to make sure Sirius was still upstairs. Reaching into your pocket, you pull Regulus’ portrait out, desperately needing something to ground you. 

Harry doesn’t even blink at your movements, instead rubbing at his temples to try and connect his brain to his mouth. Regulus is staring up at you in worry, but you weren’t sure if it was for your sake or for his. 

“He got in my head. After the attack, he was unbelievably happy…and I could feel him worming his way into my mind. And then…he was so, so angry.” Harry shakes his head, and peers up at you with a grimace. 

Bringing Regulus' frame to your chest, you hug the small object tightly before leveling your eyes to look at Harry, “What should we do?” 

“I…I don’t know. But I’m so sorry, it’s my fault.” Harry’s self-flagellation has you shaking your head firmly, lips pressed tightly from stress. 

“No. This isn’t on you, Harry. It was bound to happen eventually. Our goals haven’t changed, and this only serves as encouragement to kill this fucker faster.” Your words are quiet, but venomous – fury poorly veiled as your mind raced. 

Harry releases a shaky breath before readjusting his glasses, “It’s my fault, but thank you for saying that. And…I don’t think we should tell Sirius.” 

Your eyebrows slowly raise up to your hairline at his words, “You’re sure?” 

“If Voldemort is targeting Regulus now, it would be better if Sirius stayed in the dark. He’s already restless enough as is, and telling him would only make him more eager to leave the house.” Harry’s words make sense, but you’re still unconvinced. Pulling Regulus away from your chest, you glance down at the boy in silent question, merely frowning when the boy hesitantly nods in agreement. 

Before you can respond to Harry’s words, Regulus breaks the silence, “Birdie, we should tell him about it.” His words are hushed, and you have half the mind to flush at his words, clearing your throat as Harry shoots you a small teasing glance. 

Ignoring the look from your friend, you lean back in your seat as you get ready to open another can of worms, “Harry, what do you know about Horcruxes?” 

Unfortunately, Harry was not as nonplussed as you expected him to be. In fact, he gave no hint that he was at all familiar with the word. You nearly groaned at the confused look that overtook your friend's face. Harry was not a good actor, and he had no reason to lie to you anyway. 

So, Harry really had no clue about the horcruxes. 

After the boy’s clueless demeanor became all too much for you to handle, you decided to cut your discussion short, opting to instead interrogate the boy on the events of Burrow attack. 

Your Yule Break ended on a bittersweet note, and you were surprised by the hug Sirius hauled you into as you attempted to lug your things through the door. You were still very much worried about Voldemort’s revelation, but he wouldn’t dare to try anything while you were in the safe confines of Hogwarts’ walls. 

It was currently your third day back from break, and you were still trying to shake off the sluggishness of procrastination that clung to your brain. As you bound down the stairs, having been dismissed from Arithmancy, you nearly jump out of your skin as you feel something bump into your elbow. 

Pausing in your step, heart skipping at the scare, you crane your head over your shoulder. 

“Blaise! I almost rolled down the steps.” Your huff of indignation brings a smile to the Italian’s face, before it shatters and falls flat into a grim line. 

Edging around your figure, he begins to walk next to you, “Fancy a talk, Y/N?” 

Shrugging to hide your brimming curiosity, you send a small smile to your friend, “If you insist, B.” Your teasing words have him rolling his eyes. The nickname came easy as it was merely just a reminder of how he signed all of his letters to you with ‘-B’. 

As you both wander through the halls, you don’t miss the incredulous looks being thrown your way. It was to be expected, one of Draco’s closest friends willingly associating themselves with one of Harry’s best friends? Utter madness.

“Everyone is looking at us like we’ve just set Fudge’s bloody knickers on fire.” You breathe, pointedly averting your eyes to stare above everyone’s heads. 

Blaise chuckles at your words and sends a wink towards someone from a younger year, nearly causing them to faceplant, “I wouldn’t expect any less.” 

“Are you sure you’re allowed to be seen so openly with me?” Your voice is low and carries an edge of worry, causing Blaise to quirk his eyebrow. 

Shaking his head, he doesn’t allow his gaze to stray, “It might come as a shock, but everyone with a functioning brain knows that I align myself with my mother.” 

You hum in understanding at his words. Blaise’s mother, the Contessa Zabini, was infamous for her blithing neutrality. Of course, which meant that this war was of no concern to her. 

“I don’t suppose this is just any ordinary chat.” You huff and side eye the boy, “Don’t look so surprised, you were as stiff as a board earlier.” 

Blaise smiles despite the way his gaze hardens at the reminder, “Quick you are on the uptake. But yes, I came to ask you for a favor.” 

“Well, I’m all ears.” You readjust the strap of your bag as Blaise flicks his wand around by his side, muttering a small incantation. It seemed that this favor would be one of the heavier ones, as there would be no other reason as to why Blaise would cast a muffling charm otherwise. 

“It’s about Draco.” 

Tilting your head, but keeping your eyes pointed forwards, you can only hum in confusion. Blaise exhales quietly and straightens up his shoulders, “He’s still being secretive, but after Yule, it’s gotten much worse. He’s spreading himself thin on whatever he’s doing, and he doesn’t seem to be sleeping as of late either.” 

Feeling concern pool in your chest, you frown lightly, “You’re thinking the same thing I’m thinking right?” 

Blaise nods grimly, “I didn’t want to believe it.” 

“Shit. I thought that minors weren’t allowed to take the mark though? Is Voldemort growing that desperate?” Your words are tinged with anger and you wince as you realize that Draco probably wasn’t the only student being drafted into Voldemort’s forces. 

“He must be. I don’t know what’ll happen now, but by the end of this year…well, it must be what Draco is working towards. He seems to be anxious on time. So, I just need you to help me keep an eye on him. And also, maybe have Potter sod off. His stalking is a bit disconcerting.” Blaise’s last words come out with a dry huff that has him crossing his arms, clearly bemused by your friend’s obsession with the Malfoy heir. 

“Completely understandable, and I completely agree. No worries, B, you have my word. I’ll make sure Malfoy doesn’t blow himself up, and I’ll gently guide Harry to worry about more pressing matters.” Your insouciant smile has Blaise mirroring the expression, knocking his shoulder into yours in appreciation. 

“Much appreciated. Ah, and your request for those Norwegian grimoires is in the works. My mother was quite intrigued by your letter, and she hopes to meet you over tea in the future.” Blaise’s words have you straightening up, faltering midstep. You were endlessly grateful for the help, but you wouldn’t know how to properly act in the presence of such polite company. 

Cracking your knuckles, you can feel the headache coming in, “Thank you. Though, I expect a crash course on proper mannerisms before any of that takes place.” 

Blaise waves it off with an easy-going smirk, “Don’t fret, she’ll like you. She’s just always been keen on assessing who I keep in my circle.” 

Conceding at his words, you give him a small farewell by sticking out your fist, only moving past him when he knocks it gently with his own fist. 

You hoped you lived through whatever shit fest Voldemort planned to rain upon Wizarding Britain. You wouldn’t mind having Blaise as a life-long, begrudging friend – even if that meant having to deal with imposing aristocrats. 

Maybe Reggie could give you some advice later. 

No matter what though, you would make sure your friends and Regulus stayed safe through it all. You supposed now you were adding Draco to the list of people you needed to look out for, feeling his fate to be redolent of Regulus’. 

After your chat with Blaise, Harry tracked you down a few hours later while you were in the library and practically herded you to the Room of Requirements. 

Knowing better than to fight the boy, you simply let him. 

As the doors seal away behind you both, you glance around to see that Harry had willed the room to transform into the kitchen at Grimmauld Place. Interesting choice. 

“What’s up, Harry?” You grunt as you flop into one of the chairs. 

Harry runs his hands along his trousers in nervousness before licking his lips, “Want to rehash that conversation we had during Yule?” 

Raising your eyebrows, it takes you a moment to pinpoint what exactly he meant. “Oh? Sure, if you wish.” Your remark is followed by quick movements as you fish Regulus out of your robe pockets. 

“Great. Well, you know how I’ve been having private lessons with Dumbledore?” You roll your eyes as you prop Reggie against the fruit bowl. 

Leaning back, you keep your gaze on Regulus’ straight face as you answer, “Yes. Still not sure what you’re getting out of it though.” 

Harry waves hesitantly at your unimpressed Slytherin, “Well, that’s where you’re wrong. I just finished my latest lesson and it’s all kind of clicking. Dumbledore wants me to find out what Slughorn knows about horcruxes. Apparently, he’s the one that Tom went to for information during his school days.” 

At this, Regulus sneers, “Slughorn? Does this mean that he’s the one responsible for everything? Responsible for this?” 

You frown at his words, resisting the urge to reach over and poke his portrait to try and quell his incense. Harry slowly nods and cringes as if coming to a realization, “Yes. And I need to try and get Slughorn to tell me about it. Dumbledore said that Slughorn gave him a tampered memory, one where it looked like Slughorn refused Tom’s request.” 

“I would assume he would. Not many would be willing to own up to the fact that they’re somewhat responsible for causing a genocide.” You huff, “And the rise of a Dark Lord mere years after the whole Grindelwald thing.” 

Regulus rolls his eyes, muttering something about ‘damned self-preservation’ as if he weren’t a Slytherin himself. 

Harry seems to grow paler as he realizes that Slughorn would likely swallow his own foot before recounting his life’s greatest mistakes to the one person most damned by it. 

Reaching over to pat his hand, you swivel your gaze to Regulus, “Bear, we should try and figure out the remaining fuzzy gaps in your memory. Maybe it’ll help Harry out.” 

You don’t miss the way Regulus sputters at your words, but you decide to switch your gaze back to your friend just as he opens his mouth to speak, “Right…okay. Good chat. Well, I’ll keep you both updated then. I should get going, Ron has been itching to play Wizard’s Chess with me.” 

An amused smile crawls onto your face at your friend’s awkwardness, realizing that he was likely running off because of your words to Regulus. 

“Pulverize you in chess, you mean?” You snicker at your friend’s defeated expression, waving him off as he hurriedly exits the room. 

Tilting your head back to examine the gloomy ceiling, you ignore the way Regulus’ eyes burn into your temple. 

“Bear?” Regulus’ voice is quiet but impressively pouty, and you have to suppress the laugh  bubbling up in your throat as you see his frown. 

“Yeah, teddy bear. Now, I need your help on proper pureblood mannerisms. Contessa Zabini wants to have tea with me soon and I want to impress her.” Your last words come out muffled as you drape yourself onto the table, exasperated by the prospect. 

Regulus hums, forgetting about the new nickname fiasco, “Impress her to take advantage of her influence, you mean?” You peek over at him and roll your eyes at the proud smile he’s trying to hide. 

“Well, yes. But Blaise is my friend, and I think he’ll appreciate it if his mother didn’t want to smite me.” 

Regulus nods, but the amused glow in his eyes doesn’t disappear, “I suppose I could help. I won’t go easy on you like I did when I was teaching you those Defense Spells though.” 

You groan goodheartedly, wanting to protest that there was nothing even remotely easy about those lessons. Though, you had little to complain about, overwhelmed with excitement at the prospect of being taught by Regulus again. 

Merlin. You were a crup puppy. A pathetic, sappy, crup puppy.

Maybe Contessa Zabini had a tome somewhere that could help you cure your lovesickness. 

You stewed over your growing feelings and the slight amorality of them for far longer than you’d be comfortable to admit, nearly banging your head against a pillar after leaving the Room of Requirements. 

Decidedly troubled, you shift your mental energy in a different direction. Unfortunately, focusing on your friends to ignore these feelings proved to be more stressful than you’d bargain for. It was only the next morning and you were sprinting around the castle, first to make sure Ron hadn’t upped and died in the Hospital Wing, and then barreling to the owlery to continue corresponding with Contessa Zabini. 

You were beat. 

To make matters worse, you were still (regrettably) making good on your promise to Blaise, practically keeping Harry on a leash as he wandered around the castle. 

“Harry, I promise, I’ll keep an eye on Draco to make sure he isn’t summoning demons or making blood sacrifices. You have too much on your plate already, and if you’re right about Snape and Draco and all that, I will personally fund your butterbeer addiction for the rest of your life.” You grumbled in a low voice, fingers twitching as you stopped yourself from grabbing ahold of the boy’s robe collar. 

Harry’s jaw clenches before he reluctantly nods, “Alright.” 

Clasping your hands together behind you, you tilt your head to the side as you both stumble into a particular empty alcove, “You’re making another attempt with Slughorn tonight, right?” Your words are casual, but even you could hear the cautionary edge in them. 

“Yeah. I have a plan this time.” His determined words have you retreating from your curiosity, opting to instead trust his judgment, even if Harry was not exactly lauded for his astuteness.

Realizing that you were approaching one of the castle’s atriums, you end the conversation with a quick remark, “If you succeed, I expect to be able to…audit one of these lessons of yours. After all, I’m not exactly clueless about horcurxes.” 

Harry gives you an agreeable nod before he parts from your side and gets lost in the swarm of students in front of you. Nodding to yourself in satisfaction, you’re seldom surprised when you glance to your side and meet dark eyes. 

Scanning your surroundings, you slowly edge towards the shadows, subtly nodding your head to one of the exits. Spinning around, you make your way back to where you came from, patiently leaning against the wall as you find the familiar desolate hall. 

“We’ve been seeing each other more and more, B.” Your musing is met with a deadpan as he takes his place on the opposite wall, quickly making sure that no one was around. 

“I’ve discovered what our little dragon is up to.” Blaise’s words are completely flat, but his eyes twinkle like he’s beaten you to the punch at solving a riddle. 

Rolling your eyes, you cross your arms, “Don’t make it sound like we’ve adopted him or something.” 

“Oh, right. Hope I’m not stepping on your lover’s toes.” 

You shake your head, smiling a little at his words. It was a good thing Regulus was in your dorm at the moment since you don’t know how you would explain Blaise’s words to him otherwise. 

“So what is he up to? I don’t suppose it would have anything to do with the strange dark artifacts flying around the student population? Didn’t realize Voldemort wanted innocent students to be attacked.” Raising your eyebrows, you see Blaise give you an impressed look. 

Yeah, you could use your brain too. 

“Correct you are. He was acting suspicious when we all saw Katie Bell walking around the dining hall. I practically had to hand-feed him to get his attention. Besides, I’ve seen him making his way to the seventh floor corridor more than once.” Blaise peers up at you from his lashes, giving you a knowing look, “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?” 

You hear footsteps approaching and you shoot the Italian a quick glance before moving away from the wall, “Your uncanny ability to know everything is annoying.” You groan at his smile, “Fine. I’ll show you tomorrow.” 

He inclines his head in thanks before kicking off the wall, sticking out his fist in farewell. Bumping his hand, you’re the first to depart, deciding to head off to the library to await Harry’s arrival. 

Hopefully, Slughorn would cave under Harry’s unrelenting persistence. 

You didn’t know if it was your wishful thinking or Harry’s persuasive abilities that led to his success, but you didn’t wait around to ruminate over it as Harry rounded around a bookshelf and paced towards your expectant figure. 

The boy held up a small vial of cloudy wisps, nodding at your anticipatory gaze. You both stayed quiet as you practically jogged to Dumbledore’s office, waiting behind Harry as he supplied the familiar stone gargoyle with a password (again, the name of another popular sweet you’ve seen Dumbledore stock in bulk). 

As you both pad into the round office, Dumbledore shoots you a confused glance before Harry holds up the glass vial for the headmaster to see. 

“Very good, my boy. And how may I be of assistance–” Before Dumbledore can find a way to dismiss you, Harry steps forwards and shakes his head. 

“Y/N knows about the horcruxes, even before I did.” Harry said, gesturing to you in emphasis. 

Dumbledore nods and you see his eyes flicker down to your hand, studying your ring with an all-knowing frown, “Very well. Then we shall proceed.” 

Harry hands the vial to Dumbledore, who quickly uncaps it and summons a pensieve. You barely manage to mask your surprise at the sight of such a valuable object, instead making your way to stand by Harry’s side. Dumbledore merely gives you both an affirming nod before you’re all being pulled into the memory. 

It was disorienting to be so aware, almost like you were shoved into someone else’s dream. The surroundings were marred by a strange film of color, and you almost wanted to throw something to gauge your existence in the memory. 

Directing your attention to the main event of the memory, you have to stop yourself from becoming entranced by the sight of Tom Riddle, who looked so young, innocent – human. 

You feel as though you’re in the foggy haze of Slughorn’s office for hours, and you unintentionally let out a loud gasp as the memory ends and you’re all dragged by into reality. 

“Seven? Seven horcruxes?! He must have only a sliver of his soul left, no?” Your words come out taut, and your throat constricts as Dumbledore gives you a grim nod. It was purely skepticism to consider that Voldemort succeeded with all seven, but he likely had given how stubborn the bastard was. 

How the hell were you meant to track down seven of these artifacts?

Harry and Dumbledore break off into a hushed conversation as you try to stop your hands from shaking. 

You had to find all of these horcruxes, destroy them, and then kill Voldemort – a perfectly conceivable mission. Right. 

You rejoin the two men as they continue their talk, and Dumbledore stops to consider something. Harry glances at you and you merely shrug, matching his frown as the weight of reality starts to sink in for you both. 

Dumbledore inhales sharply before clasping his hands together, gazing at you both intently, “We must journey somewhere tonight, but I am afraid it is very dangerous. However, you are both welcome to accompany me if you wish.” 

Furrowing your brows, you study Dumbledore’s expression, seeing Harry slowly nod in your peripheral vision. Both men turn to you, and you crane your head back in consideration. 

“Would you both wait for me while I fetch something I need?” Your words come out light, and you briefly reconsider the request. Bringing Regulus was more for comfort than anything, but tagging along on a possibly macabre trip would be unsettling for anyone and you don’t know if Regulus would appreciate it. 

Dumbledore nods and gestures for the both of you to go ahead, “Why don’t you both go and get ready, we will convene at the astronomy tower in half an hour.” 

You practically fly away at the dismissal, but Harry lingers back in hesitation. Turning around to check on your friend, you lightly frown as he waves you off. 

The walk back to your dorm goes undisturbed and you barely realize how quickly it goes by, too consumed with anxiety. Regulus remains quiet as you stalk towards your beside, gazing up at you in concern when you hesitate with your words. 

“Will you come with me?” Your whisper is a tad insecure. 

“Always.” 

You smile at his resolute answer, “It’s going to be dangerous.” 

Regulus shakes his head lightly and crosses his arms, “All the more reason for me to be with you.” 

That’s all the assurance you need.

You are the first to reach the astronomy tower, but you don’t have to wait long before Harry and Dumbledore arrive. The three of you were sporting frowns that varied in degrees of uncertainty, yours being the most blatant. 

“Take my arms.” Dumbledore’s words have you snapping out of your thoughts, and you share a confused glance with Harry. 

“But sir, I thought you couldn’t apparate within Hogwarts ground?” You blanch. Dumbledore merely winks at you before he’s offering you and Harry his arms. 

“Well, being me has its privileges.” 

The tug of apparating was viscerally discombobulating, and you regretted not having more practice with it. You and Hermione had signed up for apparition lessons, but the act still had you swaying after every attempt. 

As the three of you land on something rocky, you’re keenly aware of the scent of sea salt wafting around you. Opening your eyes, you gape at the sight of fervid waves crashing all around you. Water sprays by your feet and you inhale deeply as a cool breeze whips past your figures in greeting.

In front of you awaits an inky cave carved into the cliffside. 

You feel a sudden chill, and tense up as something familiar slams into your magic. 

The cave felt like an endless web of distinct magic types, each weaving around and becoming drowned out as another surfaced against your magic. 

Were there wizards in there? 

tag list: @krazyk99 @venomsvl @valsarchives @bunny24sstuff @novella12nite @elia-the-bibliophile @txoru @xlifexdeathx @trikigirl271 @the-marauders-world @sleepydang @blueberry-thrawn @lestat-whore @chanaaaannel @clockworkherondale @peachyaeger @thegayhoenextdoor @l--absinthe @ok-boke @summer-noir @mikeikax @musically-ambiguous @dittos-blog-dylanobrien @friendly-neighborhood-boricua @randomfaeriechild @misacc08

#regulus black #regulus black x reader #regulus black imagine #regulus black scenario #regulus black fluff #regulus x reader #regulus black imagines #regulus deserved better #regulus black series #harry potter series #regulus black second son #harry potter and the half blood prince #harry potter imagine #harry potter fanfiction #the noble house of black #sirius black #hermione granger #ronald weasley #the weasley twins #luna lovegood #blaise zabini

[foreingersgod]

Can you write a CC x reader fic about reader meeting the team for the first time.

Like Caitlin forgets her practice jersey at home and you drop it off and they all wonder who you are??

Her Jersey . CC

pairing: caitlin clark x reader

synopsis: you and caitlin’s relationship has always been low key, so how will the team react when you bring her her jersey unannounced?

༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶

you weren’t something caitlin was trying to hide, nor was she ashamed of you by any means. but she had requested at the beginning of your relationship to just keep things quiet. you were both busy people, having so many things to worry about. you with a fairly religious family who wouldn’t be very thrilled to see you dating a woman, and caitlin with a recently large following who didn’t want to bring unwanted attention to you. she would love to show you off on social media and in person, but risking the hate comments and your well being was too much of a risk.

so you guys kept your relationship low key, not announcing it to anyone at all, including caitlin’s teammates. as much as you wanted to meet them officially and as much as caitlin wanted to flaunt you and brag about how lucky she was, you knew it would be too risky to tell any one.

but your ‘secret’ relationship had its perks. you were the only one who got to know the real caitlin, the one who cherished you behind closed doors, no one else. yes, you were often sad that you couldn’t do stereotypical couple things. like going out to dinner dates, the movies, or do all the fun couples trends. but you were appreciative of what you had: late nights at your apartment, being treated to breakfast in her bed, long and steamy showers shared together. you found a way to make it work.

one day, as you were sitting on your couch after caitlin left your apartment for practice, you had noticed a bright yellow piece of cloth tucked into one of the cushions. pulling it free, you had realized that she had left her jersey at your apartment. it had probably gotten stuck in your couch when you heatedly pulled it over her head as you straddled her lap, eager to see her when she came over late after her game last night. your cheeks were heating up as you reminisced to last nights events.

quickly pulling yourself from your day dream (you could have sat there all day thinking about last night if you could) you shot a text to caitlin, asking if she needed it.

you: hey babe, i just noticed you left your jersey at my place last night, want me to meet you somewhere private real quick and bring it to you?

you watched as her text bubbled popped, awaiting an answer.

Cait <3: oh shit, i had meant to grab that. yea if you wanna come down here, I’ll grab it from you real quick.

you: want me to wait outside? just so that they don’t all see me there.

Cait <3: nah, it should be fine, i’ll just be sneaky ;)

you laughed to yourself, typing out your response

you: if you say so, see you soon 💋

and with that, you were out the door, jersey in hand and bag thrown over your shoulder.

you pulled into the parking lot, getting out and heading into the building pretty quickly. making sure to avoid anyone you may know that might ask what you were doing here. you crept through a few winding halls before you saw the open gym doors, peaking inside to see everyone huddled around talking to one another.

you stood, slightly out of view, waiting for caitlin to notice you. after a few moments, she saw you waiting there patiently, fiddling with the hem of the jersey. you were so cute she couldn’t help but smile to herself. she excused herself from the group, jogging over to the other end of the gym.

as she made her way over to you, you noticed that a few of the girls had been watching her as she left. they tried to discreetly sneak a look at who cait was talking to.

“hey, baby!” she panted, pulling you into a quick kiss “thanks for coming all the way down here”

“yea it was no problem” you smiled sweetly, hands resting gently on her chest as she kissed you again. as you pulled away, though, you felt eyes on you. the same girls, along with the rest of the team, were now staring in your direction.

cait tried to say something else to you, but you weren’t listening as you were trying to grab her attention, shaking her shoulder violently.

“what, what?” she looked at you confused.

“cait,” you nodded your head in their direction “i think we’ve been caught”

she quirked her eyebrows, still lost, eventually turning her head to look behind her. and sure enough, there they all were, cocky smirks plastered across their faces as they jokingly whistled and cheered. out of embarrassment, you covered your face in your hands, caitlin only laughing along with them.

“yea, i guess so” she grabbed your hand, starting to pull you into the gym “might as well introduce you then…if you want?”

“i guess there’s nothing left to hide so…why not” you chuckled, letting her lead you, hooking your arm with hers. she led you to the middle of the court, all the girls still curious as to who you were.

“caitlin with a secret woman?” kate laughed, smiling your way, you had heard lots about her. who’s this?”

caitlin looked down at you, hands still intertwined. she ran her thumb over yours, sensing you were nervous with all the attention on you, trying calm you down.

“YN, this is my team” she began “and team, this is my girlfriend, YN”

they all immediately smiled at you, quick to welcome you with open arms. each girl gave you a comforting hug and introducing themselves, letting you know how lovely it is to meet you and how they’re excited to get to know you better. and of course, there was some playful banter. gabbie and kate at some point asking ‘how did caitlin manage to date someone as beautiful as you?’, eliciting a shy laugh from you. but they were all so funny and sweet, you instantly felt welcomed into such a tight knit group.

“alright, can you guys try not to scare her away!” caitlin interrupted as you chatted with the team “she’s really important to me so i’d appreciate if you didn’t freak her out with your dumb ass questions”

you all chuckled, teasing her a bit more before it was time to say your goodbyes to the girls. you thanked them for being so kind to you and they told you they couldn’t wait to hang out with you more some other time. caitlin told them she’d be back, taking your hand again and walking you out to your car.

as you got back to the parking lot, caitlin beginning to open your door for you, you stopped her. “hey, thanks for introducing me, cait. i know we said to keep it quiet, but i’m glad you trust your team enough to introduce me. wether it was on purpose or not” you smiled, squeezing her bicep sportively.

“i’m glad too,” she said “i think it was finally time to do it anyways, i was getting tired of people not knowing that you’re mine anyways”

she continued “you mean the world to me and i love you so much, thank you for putting up with sneaking around for so long”

“it was for the best, but i’m really happy we can be out to more people now” you said. “you’re team was really sweet, i can’t wait to get to know all of them”

“me too, they already love you. they won’t be able to stop asking about you for the rest of practice i bet”

you both chuckled, relieved to finally have such a huge weight off your chest.

“just don’t tell them anything too embarrassing about me, ok?” you quipped.

“i don’t think there’s anything i could say about you that would be embarrassing” she said as she helped you into your car “you’re absolutely perfect”

with that, you kissed her one last time before closing the door and waving her goodbye. as you pulled out of the parking stall, you watched as she jogged back into the building, a smile still lingering on her lips.

truthfully, you didn’t think you’d be so happy to have gotten caught.

#caitlin clark x reader #caitlin clark #wcbb #wcbb x reader #iowa wbb

[barnesbb]

i'll be good

MobBucky x y/n

warnings: jealous buckyy, possessiveness, slight slapping, overstimulation, dirtytalk, he gets mad and drives like a mad man, ignoring you, fluff 😚🤭

~~

as you danced in front of the men on the stage you knew he was looking. you didn't care. you danced just for him and he knew it but still the thought of everyone staring at you in his club irritated him so much.

"hey hey hey!" a man called for you. you looked for bucky and he was just staring at you deadly. smirking at him you leaned down to the man and he put some money into bra. everyone started howling. you giggled looking back for bucky.

"oh shit." you whispered. you waved everyone off and blew kisses and got of the stage as your time ran up. once you started walking off the stage you seen bucky by the exit waiting with a cold stare. you knew you messed up. he gave you rules when you danced. you're gonna feel tonight for days.

"hurry up lets go" bucky said bluntly. as you were changing. you looked at him and rolled your eyes. you heard him groan. once you were done you walked right past him to the exit.

"well?" you mocked him. he scoffed looking away from you in disbelief. he walks to you and snakes his arm around you. you guys get to the car and start heading home. the ride was silent and scary. he started to go faster for no good god reason. you knew he was pissed once he passed a red light.

"buck.." you mutter. he ignores you. pushing the pedal more. you start to panic.

"james slow down" you shriek as he flies by cars. this is the first time you've ever seen him this mad. a car pulls out and bucky swerves swiftly like he's practiced this very moment. still pushing it.

"stop it! please stop!" you yell at him gripping the seat. he slams on the brake making you fly forward a little but the seatbelt catching you thankfully. you look at him in pure terror. what the fuck.

"what. the. fuck. is wrong with you.." you huff. tears almost escaping your eyes. he finally looks at you.

"oops" he shrugs.

"oops? fucking oo-" you start to yell until the cuts you off.

"you knew the rules, why are you acting like a stupid girl huh?" he chews you. you look away from him and stare at the road.

"I told you..dont let them touch you, yet you start acting like the slut you are and let them. are you a slut?" he stares at you waiting for you to answer him. nothing comes out. he scoffs.

"okay" he huffs heatedly. finally arriving home. you walk to the room already knowing what's going to happen. he's gonna pour himself some whiskey and then start with the punishment. once you walk into the room he's laying in bed. staring at the ceiling. what. something was wrong.

"bucky?" you whispered. you walked to the bed and crawled to him. he didn't even look at you.

"I'm sorry please bucky talk to me.." you cried hitting his arm softly. he moved his arm.

"bucky please I'll be good please talk to me buck" you quickly saddle him and gripping onto his collar. he exhales and looks at you.

"are you a slut?" he questions, you stare at him. wondering if any answer you give him right now will be good enough to push your punishment aside. you start to rub against his bulge.

"only for you buck" you lean down to kiss him. your tongue swipes against his lip. his hand grips your lower back pulling you closer. your moans muffled by his attack. his hand slips to your heat. rubbing against your wet panties. you feel him smirk against your lips.

"thought you were gonna get out of your punishment babydoll?" he chuckles. he flips you over. his frame over yours.

"tisk tisk, dolll you should know better-" he holds your hands over your head. you feel him grow harder against you.

"bucky please I said ill be-" you stop as you feel a sting to your cheek. you squeal from the pain making him shush you.

"why are you being stupid huh? what's gotten into my baby?" he asks kissing your neck roughly. you moan pushing into his hips making him slap your thighs lightly.

"buckyyy" you wiggle in hunger. he grins at you.

"why do you like being a bad girl?" he asks pulling your panties down.

"m'please james i dont knoww" you moan in frustration wanting him to move faster with his slow intentions.

"do you like when i get like this doll? all possessive and shit?" he starts slipping his pants down. being honest it really does turn you on..

"answer my babes" he grunts pumping him self getting ready. you nod impatiently.

"yes.." you whisper lowly. embarrassment flushed on your face. you feel his the head of his cock move in between your folds.

"what was that baby?" he whisper in the nape of your neck kissing it softly.

"m'yes sarge" you whine knowing how much he loved when you said that. feeling his cock stretching you out, pleasure and pain in a mixture.

"oh fuck babydoll" he grumbled finally all the way in. you moan at how big he is.

"t-too big..cant take i-it" on hand gripping his arm and one hand gripping his neck.

"you can take it baby..i know fuck i know you can" he feels you squeeze him. he starts thrusting at a quick pace. his hand finds your throat.

"wonder how many of them thought of being with you like this" he grunts with every thrust. you grip his hand.

"huh baby? can't talk? stupid slut" bucky chuckles proudly. your brain feeling fuzzy and that knot already feeling like its about to snap.

"you're not allowed to cum unless i say so babydoll dont forget" he squeezed tighter. you groan bringing him down into a kiss. his thumb finds your clit.

"b-buc-ky" you complain. everything happening so fast. him around your throat. deep inside you. circling you sore clit.

"dont cum baby.." he warns. you look at him with puppy eyes. the knot in your tummy on the edge. cream dripping out already.

"uh oh baby careful careful" he grins devilishly. you can't take it. you try to stay away from the pleasure.

"baby i ca-n't take i-it" you manage to get out. you squeeze around his shaft. he groans in awe. you feel him twitch in you.

"I-im gonn-a-" unable to speak, you hear bucky moaning and also trying to stay away from the pleasure.

"cum with me m'doll, make you a fucking m-mommy baby" he thrusts faster. you released so fast clenching around him tightly making him give you his seed. your body goes slack on the bed. he keeps going faster overstimulating you. you feel like your about to pass out from his pace.

"gonna be a good girl? huh?" you whine at his words. his hands digging into your hips for support.

"huh?" he speaks loud. you feel another orgasm coming.

"y-yes daddy yes!" you yell leaving marks on his back. he groans on the pain but it doesn't faze him enough.

"cum for me doll. give me another one slut" he pounds harder than ever. hitting that spot making you shake around him. he finally cums and falls next to you. both of you out of breath. he pulls you close to him.

"are you okay baby?" he looks at you with worried eyes. you smile at him.

"y-yes my love" you croak. he kisses your forehead. at looks back to you.

"you better start listening doll" he cackles getting up to turn the shower on. you roll your eyes.

"or im not going to let you cum next time" he comes out of the bathroom and leans against the door frame.

"come on, lets take a bath" he tilts his head to the bath. you try to get up but your legs shake. you make eye contact with him.

"oh shit-" he quickly strides to you and carries you.

"oh shit my ass!" you slap his chest. he kisses your cheek.

"m'sorry my love" he chuckles walking to the warm bath.

#james bucky barnes #bucky x reader #mob bucky barnes #bucky fluff #bucky x female reader #winter soldier #bucky barnes #bucky fic #mafia bucky #james bucky buchanan barnes #sebastian stan

[galvanizedfriend]

helloo, just feel really empty today but I reread all of the wolf chapters, but now after finishing im feeling empty again,

missing klaroline and eve, super love your writing , hope you can update soon💓

I'm sorry to hear you're having a hard time, nonnie 😢 That's really rough and I hope you can feel better soon. ❤️ I'm not sure I'll have an update to give you this week, since I haven't been working on the next chapter. But let me know if you'd like a snippet or something. 💕 In the meantime, I thought I'd give you a lil rec list. These are some of my all-time favorites and I hope you can find something to inspire or distract you there. Most of them are canonish, since you like The Wolf so much. 💕 But I included some AUs that I love as well. . In the Backseat by Lila2

Summary: Klaus goes on the run with Hope; Caroline comes along for the ride and does some healing of her own. . Wolf Club by Radioactive59

Summary: When Stefan kills Ray Sutton, a child is left behind, a precocious eight-year-old werewolf named Grace. Klaus, in a rare moment of hospitality, takes her under his wing and decides to raise her as a Mikaelson. Antics ensue. And against all odds, Caroline finds that she wants to dance with a different pack of wolves. . The Tale of a Hybrid and a Vampire by @idiot--wind Summary: A Klaroline-centric rewrite of the last two episodes of the Originals. Rated M, just to be safe.

. Lessons in Diplomacy by @misssophiachase

Summary: British Ambassador to the USA, Klaus Mikaelson, needs a babysitter to look after his daughter. Enter nanny, Caroline Forbes. . Quiet Light by @definedareasofuncertainty

Summary: Caroline Forbes sets off to the Bahamas with her boyfriend, Elijah, where she'll finally meet his brother for the first time. But as it turns out… she knows Klaus Mikaelson a little too well.

. Into the Woods by @jinxedwood

Summary: It's all Hallow's Eve and Caroline is looking for answers. The problem is, she's not too sure of the question… . The Parisian Deal by Borzoi

Summary: Inconsolable over her mother's death, Caroline turns her back on Mystic Falls… and on her humanity. At their wits' end, her friends decide to seek help from the most unlikely of allies. An ally with a very personal interest in Caroline's humanity. . this is a harvest by @highgaarden

Summary: “Ask me to choose you, Caroline,” Klaus continues heatedly, “go ahead, and I will, with everything that I have. But in return, you’re going to have to do the one thing you’ve been fighting since the night I sat on your bedside and fed you my blood. You’re going to have to choose me back. It’s only fair,” and he spits these last words out. . Light Years by @definedareasofuncertainty

Summary: there is no official summary, but it's just a short and perfect unrequitted klarolijah trilogy that lives rent-free in my heart. . Inertia Overcome by @avari20

Summary: Caroline made a bold move the night she fled Mystic Falls. She escaped from under Klaus' watchful eye and managed to disappear for two years. But while she was building a new life for herself, Klaus was searching, and when he found her, he was determined to collar his girl once and for all. Except this might be Klaus' game, but they are going to play it by Caroline's rules. AU after Tyler left Mystic Falls, no Hayley (EVER), One shot turned multi-chapter. Nominated for 2014 Klaroline Awards for Most Unique, Best Completed, and Best Klaus! . The Stubborn Grace of Being Loved Regardless by @helpless-in-sleep

Summary: “Someone fed on you,” Klaus surmises, eyeing the two perfect fang punctures on her neck from where Damon first bit her. Caroline itches with the urge to lift a hand and cover the mark, but she restrains herself. “Is that the only scar you have?”

Her eyes narrow, trying to figure out what he’s playing at. After letting a few seconds pass, she admits, “I don’t look as good in a bikini as I used to.”

One of his eyebrows twitches up before it moves back into place, like he hadn’t meant to let himself actually react to her remark. “Somehow, I doubt that.”

Caroline is still human when Klaus comes to Mystic Falls. . Old Love by @yanak324

Summary: He was wrong. Theirs isn't a last love, it is an old love.

One deep rooted in centuries; an unshakeable bond that entwines them in each others' lives whether they like it or not.

Her only mistake was not realizing this decades sooner.

#yokan answers #anon #klaroline fic rec #be well dear anon ❤️

[4200nemobackup]

hi can you make bts reaction about y/n showing their dominant side?

This is my first time giving request so I'm a bit nervous....that's it I hope you have a good day!

Of course darling! Don’t be nervous! I love this ask <333Thank you for sending this in <3

____________________________________________

Ask above: “hi can you make bts reaction about y/n showing their dominant side?”

Pairing: Sub!bts x domme!bts

A/n: hey everyone!!! How are you all? I hope you’re doing great! I’m gonna be posting a Jimin fic soon so look out for that! Also hope OP has a good day too! Don’t ever be nervous to send requests to me bb! I love answering them <3 enjoy!

____________________________________________

Jin: Jin seems like a closeted sub. So Jin puts up a dominant front. Something also tells me he does this because of how people viewed him; he’s seen as an overseer, and more protective, on the count of his broad shoulders and such. He feels the need to keep up such a persona, until you come along. When you guys had your first kiss, he was taken aback at how your tongue took control of the entire kiss. He doesn’t immediately melt into this gesture though. It takes him a little bit to register that he likes what you’re doing to him. He was so used to being dominant with his other partners, that he even forgot what he actually enjoyed. Long story short, he accepts your ministrations, but slowly.

Yoongi: I feel like Yoongis reaction is very tame. His reaction to your dominance depends on the scale you display. If you’re more of a lifestyle dom, where you must have a say in things he does, he would be curious, but annoyed because Yoongi doesn’t seem to like to be bothered. However, when it comes to sexy times, he definitely doesn’t mind. Let’s say you’re making out, and your hands start trailing all over his body to tweak his nipples, he just lets you do it. There won’t be any protest from his side at all. And because the moment is so intense, the thought of you being that much more in control over him just makes him more needy.

Hoseok: I believe that Hobis reaction to your dominance would make him startled. A good example: one day, you guys are making out, heatedly. Mouths smashed together, struggling to breathe, and all of a sudden you start palming him, and teasing him with this aura seeking out of you. When he feels the beginning of the palming, his eyes shoot open dramatically, and he lets out a cracked moan. It’s so cute, but it scares you because you’re afraid you may have overstepped your boundaries. But he was just taken aback because no one’s ever made a literal tingle shoot through him like that. No one has ever gotten him hard so fast. TLDR- he fucking loves it but he will show you that it’s his first time being exposed to anyones dominant nature.

Namjoon: Joon is so turned on. He believes in the fact that he’s big and dumb and he needs to be treated as such. So when you easily take control of him let’s say, by talking dirty to him, it suddenly wrapping your free hand around his neck, he immediately goes stupid. His breathing starts getting so heavy, and you can see the tent in his jeans grow so quickly. He tells you afterwards that he wants it to be like that every time you guys do anything: sex or making out.

Jimin: Very naughty. Jimin is also immediately turned on, but it’s because you know what you want. He thinks it’s so amazing how confident you are within yourself. So when you start telling him what to do, and pleasuring him so well, he’s smirking in between every heated kiss, and making comments in between the entire thing, that’s just his display of how entertained he really is. Just to encourage you even more, he’ll moan so loudly and dramatically when he’s fond of things. His reaction is obvious to you, and he won’t lie about how he feels about it. He’s turned on by your confidence.

Taehyung: let’s just say he’s very amused. Taehyung is baffled by how you know so much things, how to perfectly give him everything he needs to be sent over the edge. When you first display your dominance, he’s just so smitten over you. He’s like a kid in a candy store. His initial reaction is just doe eyes that’s begging for more from you. He’s so soft and so cute, he’s doing everything to let you know that he likes when you touch him. His soft pants and deep moans are so adorable. Taehyung is in love instantly and it shows.

Jungkook: Jungkook furrows his brows. His reaction confuses you and himself, because you aren’t sure if he likes your dominant nature or not, especially not in the moment. He knows what you’re doing feels good, so good. But he’s confused because he thinks he’s supposed to be the one in control by nature. He just thought he somehow always would be, so when you flip his world, he’s muddled. It takes a bit of convincing to show him that he actually likes it, and that it’s ok for him to allow you to be in control. He supposed he’d never really thought alot about sub dom dynamics, but having it so quickly introduced so fast confused him and what he wanted.

#sub!idol #sub!jungkook #sub!bts #sub!hoseok #sub!jimin #sub!jin #sub!namjoon #sub!taehyung #sub!yoongi

[ejzah]

The Agent and the Fireman, Part 7

***

“Hey lady,” Kensi greeted Nell when she got back to the mission. She looked around at the empty bullpen. “Where is everybody?”

“Hey! Callen and Sam decided to reinterview some of the witnesses and employees connected with the previous fires,” Nell replied, turning around with her tablet in hand. “And so far I haven’t been able to find anything of interest. Though Eric and I have have combed through hours of security feed at this point. Again.”

“Well, I doubt there’ll be much from the new scene.”

“That is unfortunate. So, give me the details on the Lieutenant,” Nell said, turning around completely and settling her chin on her folded hands with an eager expression.

“It was strictly a professional meeting,” Kensi insisted, leaving out the part where she’d been a few seconds away from finding out what Marty Deeks’ lips taste like. She cleared her throat. “He’s very dedicated to his job.”

“Oh, I’m sure it was.” Nell pressed her lips together, leaning forward. “But I was actually talking about the date. I haven’t seen you that dressed up since you had to seduce that foreign dignitary..”

“Yeah, well there wasn’t any seducing tonight,” Kensi said with mild bitterness.

“Who’s seducing somebody?” Callen asked right on cue as he and Sam sauntered through the sliding doors.

“Kensi,” Nell answered before Kensi could.

“I see. What did your fireman have to say?” Callen asked.

“Deeks is not my firefighter,” Kensi protested heatedly.

“Well, he’s certainly not mine.”

“And no one seduced anyone.” Unfortunately.

“I could take him off your hands,” Nell muttered from her work station. She shrugged innocently when everyone in the room frowned or glared at her. “What, I’ve always had a soft spot for a man in yellow.”

“Or a man who poses shirtless for calendars,” Callen quipped.

“Yeah, I bet Lieutenant Deeks has made lots of money for charity.”

“Which month is he, Kensi?”

“Is he holding puppies?”

“Ooh, I saw one with baby goats,” Nell offered.

“You guys keep this up and I’m going to bring out the video from that charity auction you did a few years ago,” Kensi threatened.

“Moving on,” Callen said quickly. “Ok, what did you learn at the new site?”

“Lieutenant Deeks couldn’t tell me a lot. The infrastructure is too unstable for them to investigate thoroughly, but he did say that there was more damage this time than in any of the other burn sites.”

“But he thinks it’s the same MO?”

“Likely. The building’s probably going to be a complete loss though, so I’m not sure how much evidence there’ll be.” Kensi explained.

“Huh, so that means you’ll have to go back and talk to him again,” Sam surmised. “Very clever.”

“I’m sure Deeks regards his job too seriously to delay the process,” Kensi objected, offended on his behalf. “What about your interviews?”

“The business manager from the second fire reported that one of her employees belatedly reported a missing ID tag a couple days before the fire,” Callen told them.

“So, anybody who had access to the building could have stolen it.”

“Exactly.

“We’ll have to refigure possible suspects,” Sam added.

“Fantastic,” Kensi muttered, reaching for her phone as it started to buzz in her pocket. “It’s Deeks.”

“Ooh, already has number in her phone book,” Callen joked in an undertone.

She glared at him before answering. “Hey, this is Kensi.” She turned partially away, a little self-conscious though she was certain Deeks was calling in a professional manner.

“Kensi,” Deeks responded, her name clipped and no hint of playfulness in his tone. “I just finished a walk through of the building and—hey, you’re not authorized to in here!”

Kensi frowned as his voice grew fainter.

“Deeks, is everything ok?”

“Stop!”

There was distant sound of footprints and muffled static that made Kensi think Deeks was suddenly on the move. She jerked as a gunshot rang out over the speaker.

“Oh my god, Deeks,” she whispered.

#ncis la fanfiction #marty deeks #kensi blye #densi #fireman au #firefighter deeks #hot Deeks #the agent and the fireman #part 7 #ejzah fanfiction

[devondeal]

1, 2, 7, 15, 16, 43, 47, 49, 51 for Kenduli ask game please and thank you 😘

I'd like to once again thank you for introducing me to Kenduli because my god they are hot together and I didn't expect it to be this fun to answer but this was truly a surprise joy for me 🥰

1.) How did they each fall in love?

Obi Wan always had a crush on Luminara since he was a young lad in the same creche as her but he was always too shy to say something. He assumed she didn't feel the same since she was probably too "cool" for him.

Luminara also had a crush on Obi Wan since the beginning and she tried all the flirting however Obi Wan was too oblivious to pick up on it. She probably would have straight up told him but I think that probably got stunted when (and what I'm about to say is my headcanon) she lost her Master. The death of Master Katri probably was so consuming she just didn't have the energy to think of romance anymore.

This in turn would reinforce Obi Wan's belief that she didn't feel the same for him and being a good caring person and Jedi, he put his feelings aside to comfort her as a friend.

Unfortunately by the time Luminara was able to heal and felt comfortable enough again to tell him how she felt, that's when Obi Wan met Satine so she assumed he only cared for her platonically or whatever interest she may have sensed earlier in him, he moved on and she was too late.

2.) Who would confess first and how?

Luminara would confess first and I feel like it happened at some point during The Approaching Storm just given the chemistry and events of the book. I mean they promised to take care of the other's Padawan so they clearly had some intense interactions between the lines and scenes.

I mean a mission that forces them to spend prolonged time together sleeping right next to each other? That's prime romantic potential right there. So I feel like in one of the moments their Padawans were both preoccupied with something, they'd get to talking in the infamous tent and Luminara would let it slip that she had a crush on him growing up.

Obi Wan would be so shocked at this and in turn reveal he also had a crush on her. And the interaction would go something like this and it would all be spoken a little heatedly given their surprise how long they've had to hold back:

Obi Wan: "Well why didn't you tell me?! All those years, I thought you only saw me as a friend!"

Luminara: "And I thought you only saw me as a friend!"

(Suddenly both realize how close their faces have gotten)

Luminara: "We are good friends, aren't we?..."

Obi Wan: "Yes... very good friends..."

(They both start furiously making out)

7.) What's a typical date night for them?

I feel like Obi Wan would always have flowers and a "hello there" to start their dates and they're both all dressed up to go somewhere fancy like a restaurant with a private booth or the theatre which usually ends in one of their rooms in the Temple.

In the more casual version they'd probably stay in and cook together just enjoying each other's company while they can.

15.) How would they express their affection for each other?

They both ADORE using cute titles for each other like "darling," "dear," "love," etc.

Obi Wan is THE gentleman and will always open the door, pull up a chair, all that stuff for his lady. He would also be big on words of affirmation and always reminding her how amazing she is because he knows she needs to hear it.

Luminara would give Obi Wan gifts and souvenirs from her missions. She definitely would give him something significant to Mirialan culture that is some kind of sign of love and commitment. Food is also a love language for her so she def would feed him much like Barriss would for Ahsoka.

16.) How would they comfort each other?

With Obi Wan, like I said he would try to use words to validate her but he also knows that sometimes there are no words so he would just check on her and take care of her, makes sure she's eating, etc. until she's ready to talk about it. Luminara suffers in silence for the most part so lots of holding her for sure.

Luminara would be his safe space for him to cry and express his feelings. She'd just listen and hold him. She'd struggle to not go out there and beat the crap out of whoever caused this. But she'd know that he needs to just spill what he's feeling without feeling judged so she'd let him feel it all.

43.) What does Luminara think of Obi Wan's past relationship with Satine and Ventress being flirty with him?

With Satine, Luminara for the most part just feels really hurt that she missed her chance with Obi Wan. She understands why Obi Wan would still care about Satine years later but also is frustrated because she knows it was not a healthy relationship for Obi Wan. Luminara does still feel bits of jealousy come up and just does not like her.

And if Luminara doesnt like Satine, she FUCKING HATES Ventress's flirtiness with Obi Wan 🤣 nothing gets her straight to big mad faster than the thought of that bog witch throwing her skirt at Obi Wan.

47.) What does Luminara mean by "strategic planning?"

🍆🍑🌋🎆💦

49.) Describe their reunion as Force ghosts

Oh this one is gonna give all the feels 😭 They both would immediately start crying upon seeing each other and Obi Wan would say that he's waited so long to come back to her while Luminara tells him she watched over him the whole time ❤️

51.) Favorite Kenduli moment from either a show or a book?

Onscreen of course I have to mention the "strategic planning," basically the entire Legacy of Terror despite Obi Wan's questionable choices of negotiation 🤣 I do love how worried he got when seeing her holo of her getting captured like the man banged on the table in fear for her 🥺

Also The Approaching Storm is basically the Kenduli bible. But I flipped through some pages for examples and it will explain my headcanons above are the way they are:

This was Luminara encouraging Obi Wan that he is capable of training Anakin

Just Obi Wan being both a feminist and probably blushing furiously too

The man watched her sleep this whole damn paragraph and, get this, "aroused" him

This was toward the end when the main conflict is resolved and Luminara wants to chill with Obi Wan for some "small pleasures".... yeah that's one way to put it

#jedimasterbailey 💙💚 #kenduli ask game #obi wan kenobi #luminara unduli #star wars

[tvimagines221b]

Imagine: Convincing The Doctor to let you visit Missy in the vault.

The Doctor (at least in this regeneration), wasn’t always so easily convinced sometimes. Often, there were times where he was too stubborn for his own good. So most of the time, you kept certain things to yourself. Not breathing a word because you always knew what the answer would be. But this time, even though you knew there would be a battle, you weren’t going to lose so easily. Here you were standing before The Doctor, putting your best face on. You swallowed. Trying to conjure your words. Today, you would ask him to visit someone. Someone who was dangerous, yet very dear to you. Missy. The Master’s female Incarnation. Missy, was currently being imprisoned in a vault under St. Luke’s University, in Bristol. She spent every waking moment there. Alone. Suffering.

So you wanted to visit her. To talk to her. To give her some sort of comfort in the form of a familiar face.

“Doctor…” You began.

The Doctor, who was playing with buttons on the TARDIS console, looked over to you. At first, he was quiet. Studying you. Like he knew the familiar tone and look on your face. But finally, he spoke up. “Yes, Y/N, what is it? I can see you’re desperate to ask me something.”

“You would be correct.” You nodded. “There was something that I wanted to ask you.” You bite down on your lower lip.

“What is it then?” The Doctor waved a hand. “Because we don’t have all day here. I’m very busy with…things.” He added. But really was making excuses.

“I want to see Missy.” You blurted out.

The Doctor’s eyes grew wide, but not wide enough. He wasn’t shocked. Almost like he had expected it. The Doctor took a step towards you, and away from the console. “You want to see Missy?” He chuckled, half-heatedly. “Am I going crazy? Because it seems to me I’m hearing things.”

“No…you aren’t.” You let out a sigh. “I want to see Missy, Doctor. Visit her in the vault. Talk to her. She’s alone. So alone.”

“Yes, and for a good reason.” The Doctor stated. “Missy is secluded to prevent her from causing anyone harm.” The Doctor shakes his head. “She’s dangerous, Y/N. You out of anyone should know that. She can’t be trusted.”

“She can change.” You remarked to that. Because you did believe that she was capable of change. Capable of becoming a better person. No matter what anyone, even The Doctor thought. And you? You were probably one of the only people in the whole universe that Missy cared for her. That Missy trusted. You wouldn’t give up on her so easily. Not when there was still hope.

The Doctor scoffed. “You think she’s capable of change?”

“Doctor-“ You swallowed. “Please. Please. Just let me have five minutes. That’s all I ask. Five minutes to talk to her…”

The Doctor looked to you. He let out a sigh. He knew there was a chance he wouldn’t win this argument. You wouldn’t give up until he said yes. As much as he didn’t want to say yes, was it really worth all of the bickering?

“Five minutes?” The Doctor quizzed.

You nodded your head. Five minutes was you had needed. You would want more time, but you thought it was best not to push your luck. “Fives minutes. I swear, I won’t be a minute late.” You promised.

The Doctor met your gaze. And he could see the sincerity in your eyes. You meant it.

He let out a breath. “Fine fine. I’ll take you to the university to see Missy. But this is under my terms. I stay outside of the vault the entire time.” The Doctor went over to the console and began to pressing the controls. “Five minutes, yes?” He looked to you, his expression hardened. “And I want you to be careful. Understand?”

You gave a faint smile and nod. “I understand.”

#doctor who x reader #doctor who #doctor who imagine #twelfth doctor #twelfth doctor x reader #twelfth Doctor imagine

[ladysternchen]

Betrayal- Doomed

Prompt #4, Medium: Killing Me Strangely. Most causes of death are frankly boring—but never in mystery novels! Apply this concept by choosing a detail (large or small) from your fanwork and changing it into something unexpected. Once you decide on the detail you plan to change, you can open the next prompt. (Note that you don't have to have actually changed anything yet!)

Lúthien was at a loss of what to say. She stood beside her mother, who sat by the roots of a tall beech-tree, her arms wrapped around her knees, and wept. Seldom before had she seen Melian cry, but not knowing why her mother was so upset was even more alien to her than her tears. True, Lúthien thought, while she gently stroked Melian’s back, she had not spared her family much thought since Beren had left Menegroth, but every time she had actually talked to her mother -mostly to ask her if Beren was in any danger- she had seemed just fine. “Please, Nana, tell me what’s bothering you. I’m getting scared.” But Melian only shook her head, wiping her eyes on her dress. “Beren’s fine for now, Lúthien. No need to be scared, as I told you.” Lúthien winced- she had indeed first been scared that her mother had foreseen Beren’s death and was so upset because she knew what that would mean for herself, Lúthien. Only now that Melian had done naught but reassure her that all was yet well did she realise how disgustingly selfish that thought had been. She resumed the stroking of Melian’s back, still very ashamed of herself, but more determined than ever now to find out what ailed her mother, and help her if she could. “You did, and I am deeply thankful for that. But I’m not worrying about Beren at the moment, I’m worrying about you. Will you not tell me what makes you so sad?” Melian did not answer straight away, but let her gaze roam over the woody glen, stretching out her fingers to let one of her birds hop onto it. “You know… you’re not the only one who fears for their beloved.” she said finally, her voice still thick with tears. Lúthien felt herself tense both in a fit of anger and bewilderment. Still she kept her voice even and compassionate for Melian’s sake, determined to help her, not make her sorrow worse. “What do you mean?” Melian again took her time in answering. “I know that you are angry with your father, and rightly so. I am, too. I would love to say ‘I don’t know what got into him’, but the problem is, I do. I know how terribly he fears losing you…” “Well…” Lúthien interrupted heatedly, unable to keep her temper “… why did he hurt me so, then?” “He did not mean to. But he was so frightened that he saw nothing else, no consequences. And that’s…” Tears again began to roll down Melian’s cheeks “… that’s exactly what troubles me so. Do you understand what he did? Have you listened to Galadriel? Ah Lúthien, I fear so much for Elu and our people. Much I have done to protect this realm, to  above all else protect you and your father, but it seems that all that was vain. I cannot protect you against the perils of your love, but Elu, at least… oh, should I lose him, nothing would ever seem good nor fair to me again on either side of the sea.” Lúthien knew not whether she had ever head Melian fretting over anything like that and was not at all sure if her mother was actually still talking to her. “Have you told him that?” she asked carefully. “No. That is it- I’m still so very angry at him that I just cannot bring myself to. It was that thought that brought me to tears in the first place… that doom might befall Doriath and we had never laid aside our quarrels. And make no mistake, just because I see your love to Beren differently from your father, I am by no means less worried about you, either.” Melian’s words deeply touched Lúthien’s heart, leaving her lost for anything to say. She was, as Melian had said, so very angry with her father that she did not even mind the idea of him falling under the Doom of the Noldor, but she knew in her heart that she did care nonetheless, just like she still deeply loved Daeron, who was her best friend and who had acted out of love to her, just like her father. In her wrath, Lúthien had accused them both of darker motives, of Daeron betraying her to her father because he thought he might then win her hand, and of her father selling her for gems. Neither was true, she well knew. Both had feared for her safety. Fools. Fools, all fools, her Beren not less. How could he still think of recovering a Silmaril? She would have expected him to have seen sense by now, but apparently, he had not. Yet still, she too delayed leaving Doriath to seek him out and convince him that that stubborn fool she called her father had not truly meant him to go gem-hunting, that he had just wanted Beren to be gone for good. Did she, deep down, want Beren to have a try? But no, that question she was able to answer at once. She most certainly did not want him to get himself into any danger, nor did she want her family and people to have anything to do with the curse of the Ñoldor. Somehow, anyhow, she needed to put everything right again.

#silmarillion fanfiction #silmarillion wriiters' guild june challenge #secret gate #matryoshka #the tale of beren and lúthien #lúthien tinúviel #melian #that prompt was probably the most difficult #i borrowed melian's words from the book of lost tales 2 here #betrayal #doomed #chapter four

[layanasstories]

Oblivion

TWENTY-SEVEN

It was the second time today that I took a shower. My headache wasn't gone yet, but a lot better than before our lovemaking. On the other hand, I did get a lot of appetite, I hadn't had time for breakfast yet. So I quickly put my clothes on because I want to propose to get breakfast in the center of town.

Only when I step into the room, I see Jake arguing heatedly on the phone. "What do you mean?... When?... Who did that?...Mhm.. What?! ... How could the files be gone?... Right and the backup?... Not?!.. Damn it!! Are they fucking idiots?... Yes, keep looking... No I'll be looking here too... No fucking way!... Just tell them to stay away from me!.. Yeah... bye." He ends the conversation and kicks the bed hard.

I look at him, with a raised eyebrow and a questioning look. "What is going on?". "Not now, give me a minute." forcibly calm he answers. Then walks around the bed and then out of the motel room. I don't follow him and just sit on the bed, waiting. But when the 'minute' gets to ten minutes, then twenty, and eventually forty minutes, I do start to worry. I really can understand, that for whatever reason, he had to cool down, but this takes too long in my opinion. That's why I decided to go find him. I quickly put on my sneakers, grab the room key and my phone. But I can't find him in the hall or cafeteria. Which makes me only more nervous, so when I'm outside I check to see if his bike is still there. To my great relief it is still there. But then the worries turn to fear.

I look around a bit anxiously, hoping to catch a glimpse of him, meanwhile I try to call him, but nothing. When I stand desperately and almost in tears, in front of the entrance, an elderly man comes to stand next to me. "Are you looking for Jake?" He asks me very calmly and carefree. "Yes?" I look at him in surprise and asking "Do you know him?". The man smiles kindly at me "Ooh, I know him, the little troublemaker he was. He's learned a lot over the years. He knows how to control his anger a lot better than he used to." he laughs at the memories. Only then does it dawn on me, the man next to me is Old Gray. I want to ask to confirm my suspicion, but I don't get the chance because he starts talking again. "I gave him an axe to chop up some wood for me. That way he can get rid of some of his anger." he puts one hand on my arm and with the other he points to the other side "Behind the old restaurant, you can find him there. But make it loud and clear that you are there.". I thank him, and then walk towards the road, cross the road and look for Jake behind the building.

The closer I get to the back of the building, the more I hear the sound of chopping. I call out his name but get no response. I turn the corner and want to call out his name again, but stop at the sight I see before me. As if I wasn't terribly concerned a second ago, I am now in awe watching. Jake, focused on his task, stands a few yards away. With logs that have already been chopped stacked next to him. And on the other side a messy mound of blocks that still need to be chopped. He hasn't noticed me yet, so I have the chance to take a good look at him.

He had taken off his shirt and tossed it onto the pile of chopped logs. Due to the warm weather and the effort he has to make, his torso is a bit sweaty. The sun shining on his body accentuates the muscles on his chest and abs. Which become even more visible when he raises the axe and then chops down, with all his strength, on a log. The belt on his short jeans can't do its job because of the movements Jake is making. This cause his V shape te become visible, which almost makes me drool. His arms are pumped up, tight and dry, from the weight of the axe. It shows off the tattoo on his left upper arm, an angel giving the eye, that is so familiar to me, with her hands. I would like to make a picture of this, and keep it for eternity. I wished this man was mine. But immediately I realize what a fool I am, this man is mine. I have to laugh out loud at my own stupidity, but that gets Jake's attention.

"Hey." he says somewhat disheartened, he places the axe in the chopping block. As he walks towards me, he grabs his shirt from the logs and wipes the sweat from his head and body. Which made me forget on the spot what I came here to do. "Have I been gone too long?" he asks. I swallow and take a deep breath, trying to find my posture again. "Almost an hour. I started to worry." I say in reply. I lower my eyes, I don't want to be distracted. Because he's so close to me now, leaning with one arm above his head against the wall . He lifts my chin with one finger so that I can look at him. "Don't be insecure to talk to me about ill-fitted behavior, I'll always listen." I nearly choke on my own breath, I had to look straith in his eyes, the black slightly dilated pupils that stand out so beautifully againt the bright blue. Eyes that peer into me as if I am the only thing in the world worth gazing at.

"Layana, are you there?" he suddenly asks. Which takes me out of my toughts. "Uhm, yes. Yes of course." I clear my throat and straighten my back "What happened to make you walk away so furious?". He sighs deeply "The guys at the office have lost all files due to a server crash." I frown "Which files?". "Everything about our case about Alan, Richy and Ulric. We have to start over from scratch." I see his anger flare up again. That's why I put my hand on his chest hesitantly. "You're not working on this alone anymore, we'll find a solution together." I try to reassure him. "I know, I know. It just makes me so angry that so much hard work, but especially security of justice, can slip out of my hands so easily." his tone is annoyed. "You know what, you chop out some more anger. I'll sit here and look for something on how we can frame those assholes into a confession." I stand on tiptoe and kiss him lightly on the lips.

#duskwood #duskwood everbyte #duskwood jake #duskwood mc #duskwood jake x player #duskwood jake x mc #duskwood game #iamjake #duskwood fanfiction

[iviarellereads]

Gideon the Ninth, Chapter 18

(Curious what I'm doing here? Read this post! For detail on The Locked Tomb coverage and the index, read this one!)

(First House icon) In which several arguments are started, but not all resolved.

It's easy to say, bring those bodies up this staple ladder. It's quite another to do it, and it takes nearly an hour to get them up and stored in the freezer room. Colum the Eighth also has to be hauled up the ladder by Corona and Gideon, and Teacher cries out in horror at the sight of him, and arranges for him to lay as if in state, with incense burning to revive him.

Everyone not unconscious or dead is clutching cups of tea. The Second, it turns out, were the ones who summoned Teacher to the hatch. Captain Deuteros says, not for the first time apparently, that they should inform the Cohort and the Fifth House. Teacher says they cannot.

Deuteros continues that the Fifth will want an investigation carried out. Jeannemary adds, "A murder investigation," at which Teacher says they cannot assume it was murder. Lieutenant Dyas asks heatedly if Teacher thinks it was an accident. No, certainly not, not those two. But murder is done by the living. He told every person who asked about the hatch that to enter it would mean their deaths, that they were walking into the most dangerous place in the whole Dominicus system. Naberius asks why the supposed monsters haven't come for Teacher and the priests. Teacher says they haven't come yet but he lives in fear of the day they do. He cannot believe the idea that anyone in this room killed them.

Deuteros says this still requires the authorities, but Teacher says they cannot and will not call them. And there's no motive! Who would harm a good man and a good woman of the Fifth House? Deuteros hardly wants it to be murder, but a proper investigation must be conducted, and she has the grounds to stop the trial and take command.

Coronabeth tells Judith not to be silly, even she doesn't have that authority. Deuteros starts quoting rules and regs, but Naberius says a Cohort captain does not rank higher than a Third official. Deuteros says it very much does, actually.

Coronabeth interjects that Judith knows the Third, she came to all the Tridentarius birthday parties. Teacher has a point: who here would want to kill Magnus and Abigail? The hatch could have been left open, and it's such a long fall. Wasn't it the Ninth down there when it happened? Harrow says she's absolutely certain they locked the hatch before continuing, even though it was Gideon with the key.

Corona asks how many houses had a hatch key. Camilla and Palamedes answer "The Sixth," as one. Dulcinea offers that she and Pro have one. From the floor, Silas says Colum has the copy given to the Eighth, and they told the Fifth about the facility after the party, because she asked, and he doesn't lie. And, because he's not interested in the Ninth achieving Lyctorhood alone, just for guessing a childish riddle.

Harrow says the Eighth hatred of the Ninth is superstition. Silas keeps provoking, and Harrow says the Seventh already gave him one black eye, yet he seems to yearn for another. At this, Silas seems utterly nonplussed, but when Dulcinea begs forgiveness at Protesilaus's reactions, Silas declares that when Colum awakes, their cavs will duel.

Corona says this is madness. They cannot leave this room suspecting one another, they all knew it was dangerous. They must make a pact to trust each other or it will all devolve to further madness. Deuteros asks if they should just take Teacher's word for it that there are monsters, then?

Isaac stands, agony on his face, and says if there's a monster it must be hunted, and if a haunting, it must be banished. Whatever killed Abigail and Magnus, it can't be left alone. Jeannemary agrees, but Palamedes says no. They proceed scientifically. With everyone's permission, he will examine the bodies to get a sense of how they died, and anyone is welcome to join him. Once they have the facts, they may begin to plan next actions.

First, because they all know about the facility, Palamedes suggests that they warn each other of any unusual dangers. Harrow protests, she will not collaborate. Palamedes says she won't be forced to, but she can warn about anything that seems particularly out of place.

Teacher brings attention back to the matter of keys. Following his line of sight, everyone looks at Ianthe, who admits she also has one. She took Babs's keyring when he wasn't paying attention. Naberius appeals to Corona, why didn't she tell him? Corona says she didn't know either, and furthermore, she's got to go to bed, she's feeling rather overwrought.

Palamedes stands with Corona, and says he and Camilla will be going to look at the bodies, with Deuteros and Dyas, he assumes. They confirm. Pal suggests they go ahead, he wants a word first.

The gathering breaks up, Dulcinea and Protesilaus follow the mob to the freezer, while the Third leave like a group about to have a grand fight in private. Palamedes pulls Harrow's sleeve gently, guiding her to a corner of the room, and she follows without a cavil(1). Teacher is supervising as Silas seems to try to call Colum back to his body, saying he'll have a harder time than usual here. Silas says he's fought harder and in colder climes, and come back to him "through stranger ghosts", whatever that means.

As Silas goes back to praying over his nephew, Jeannemary puts her hand around Gideon's wrist and asks if she knows anything, to tell, the Fifth meant so much to the teens, they need to know. Gideon sadly puts her hand on Jeannemary's shoulder, and shakes her head no. When Jeannemary starts to cry, Gideon loses the battle to deal, puts a hand on Jeannemary's head like a puppy, and says she's so sorry. Jeannemary believes her. Magnus liked her. Abigail hated heights, so neither would ever risk falling. And, Abigail was a spirit magician, if it was ghosts why wouldn't she-

Nearby, Colum gives a racking cough, and Silas chides that he's getting tardy about his returns.

Gideon wishes Jeannemary had finished her sentence(2), but Harrow is coming back with an intense concentration written all over her face. Jeannemary leaves, so Gideon falls into step with Harrow, who is "sick of these people,"(3) sick of everyone's being so slow here, and their all failing to understand the implications of what they've been told. In the mean time, they have a door to open. Gideon suggests getting a good night's sleep first, and Harrow says that's an admirable attempt at comedy, under the circumstances, but no.

=====

(1) Cavil - as a noun, a petty or unnecessary objection, or as a verb, the act of making such. (2) I think we can make an educated guess that Abigail should have had an advantage over anything noncorporeal. Gideon, you sweet himbo. (3) Possibly a rephrase reference to Dr. Manhattan's stint on Mars reflecting on his life in Watchmen, which has become rather a meme even if the text of "I am tired of this world - these people. I am tired of being caught in the tangle of their lives." has become detached from the actual panel where it appears. (PS don't trust Know Your Memes for everything, they link to a Tumblr post with the text attached to the wrong panel and in the wrong size and maybe even the wrong font entirely. The proper quotation is from chapter 4, page 25, frame 6 at the bottom. The image in the Tumblr post is from chapter 3, page 21, frame 2.) Also, it's interesting to think about, if this is an intentional reference, whether Muir intended it to feel more nihilistic in the style of the meme's popularity, or more humanistic in the comic's context, where it's part of a longer reflection on Manhattan's life, his trouble connecting to people since the incident, and just a few chapters later, he acknowledges that the world is so full of miracles that even he can forget how special they are.

#the locked tomb #tlt #gideon the ninth #gtn #gideon the ninth spoilers #gtn spoilers #gideon nav #teacher (gtn) #judith deuteros #marta dyas #jeannemary chatur #naberius tern #coronabeth tridentarius #camilla hect #palamedes sextus #harrowhark nonagesimus #dulcinea septimus #protesilaus ebdoma #silas octakiseron #ianthe tridentarius

[kittymaine]

We Met At The Club

// Summary: Zack is hopelessly in love with the bartender at the Honeybee Inn and is determined to get his number somehow. Through luck and sheer determination, Zack will somehow persevere. 

This was written for the Slice of Clack challenge, but it is hopelessly late. The theme is cliches and the prompt I chose was drunken confessions. //

 "Hey, if that's the last report, I'll head out," Zack said as he stood up from his desk and started to edge for the door.

 "You completed the debrief notes for squad 10?" Angeal asked from where he was still glued to his terminal.

 "Yep and I marked the spots I think you'll find most interesting," Zack answered quickly.

 "And wrote up your report on the incident last week in Junon?" Angeal asked without looking up.

 "Yes, sir," Zack sighed.

 "Did you mail the expense report to the director?" Angeal asked next.

 Zack froze, his expression morphing into indignation. "You didn't say anything about the expense report," Zack said slowly, trying to keep his cool. "Doesn't Remmy usually do that?"

 At this, Angeal looked up from his monitor and turned slowly to regard Zack. "You're going to that club again," he said darkly, his thick dark eyebrows coming low over sharp eyes.

 Zack blew out an explosive breath and threw his hands in the air. "It's Friday!" Zack exclaimed. "I'm off tomorrow!"

 "We've had this talk before," Angeal went on like he didn't hear Zack. "A first class SOLDIER like yourself shouldn’t be seen in such a seedy establishment. It is extremely unseemly."

 "It's Wall Market. Everyone there is unseemly. That's what people go there for," Zack shot back.

 "Entertaining people and places like that will make it easy for people to get blackmail on you. Do you think the directors would hesitate to manipulate you by threatening to make that information public," Angeal said fiercely.

 "Why would they need to threaten me?" Zack fired back, just barely below a shout. "I already do everything they want anyway!"

 The two men stared at each other heatedly, Zack's chest heaving with emotion and Angeal as still as a statue.

 "I can't tell you what to do on your downtime-" Angeal started.

 "Thank you," Zack interrupted to say.

 Angeal closed his eyes as if praying for patience before continuing, "But! I want to remind you that I absolutely do not approve of what you're doing and if you end up in trouble you better not come to me for help."

 "Understood. Can I go now?" Zack asked in exasperation.

 Angeal gave him a long unhappy look before nodding and waving Zack away with a grimace. "Go on. Get out of here," he grunted.

 Zack didn't need to be told twice. He was already out the door and making his way down the hall to the elevator. The Honeybee Inn opened in less than an hour and he intended to be there from open to close.

 Zack didn't make it in time for the opening door, but the reception area was still practically empty by the time he got there. The sun was still up outside, making it relatively early by the standards of Wall Market.

 Feeling giddy, Zack approached the small smiling girl at the reception desk. She was very cute with thick curly light brown hair and a round face dusted with freckles.

 "Hello, sir! How can I help you today?" she said with a warm smile.

 "Hello!" Zack said back, his voice too loud to his own ear. "I'd just like to drink at the bar, if that's okay," he said in a much lower voice.

 "Sure thing, mister!" she chirped. "Are you waiting for someone?" she asked.

 "Ah, no. Just passing the time," Zack lied, waving his goodbye before turning and crossing the front room to the well stocked and elegant bar on the other side of the room. He could already see him, his blond hair standing out even in the lush gold trimming of the front room.

 Zack took a seat directly in front of Cloud, who had been glaring at him the whole time he crossed the room. Despite the ugly look, Zack felt that Cloud was the prettiest thing he had seen in three weeks. His features were so fine, his hair so fair, even his eyebrows and eyelashes were pale blond. His hair was gelled back in an attempt to control his rebellious pin straight hair, but it was only partially successful. His honeybee uniform was perfectly tailored and starched, as always, the waist coat tucking against his trim waist and the white collared shirt highlighting his strong shoulders, buttoned tight against his long pale throat. To Zack, it was like water after years in the desert.

 "Hello, beautiful," Zack grinned as he leaned forward over the bar.

 Cloud gave him an unimpressed look and leaned away, putting the glass he had been polishing down on the bar with a soft click.

 "I was starting to hope I wouldn't see you again," Cloud said darkly, his voice deep and raspy, a contrast to his almost feminine features that sent a thrill down Zack's spine.

 "Sorry about that, sweetheart," Zack said with a saucy wink. "I was deployed for a while, but even Shinra couldn't keep me away from you for long."

 Zack could tell that Cloud just barely stopped himself from outright sneering at that line, which only made him grin wider. Not only was this boy beautiful, but he was great fun to tease.

 "What can I get you, sir?" Cloud asked in the most deadpan voice he could manage.

 "I'll take a dirty pickle, my dear," Zack said with a cheer, slapping the flat of his palm on the counter.

 Cloud didn't quite manage to resist wrinkling his nose at that one. "Coming right up," he said before turning around to get Zack his drink.

 Cloud served Zack's drink on a small gold gilted black napkin, the murky green drink clashing with everything else in the club, much like Zack himself. The dirty pickle was basically a dirty martini with pickle juice and hot sauce instead of olive juice and it was one of the mixed drinks that Zack liked the most. He had occasion to try almost every type of drink Cloud knew how to make over the past months he had been visiting him, so he felt confident in his choice.

 Cloud moved away as soon as he had served Zack his drink, pretended to be busy sorting glasses at the far end of the bar. Zack didn't mind. That was part of the reason he intended to spend all night and most of the early morning there at the bar. Cloud could be very determined, but Zack could be too. He was confident he could wait him out.

 Despite avoiding him, Cloud returned every time Zack finished a drink to get him a refill. By the third martini, Cloud was looking faintly concerned.

 "Do you think you'll book a host tonight?" Cloud asked, frowning as he took Zack's empty glass and turned to put it in a plastic bin behind him that held a few other dirty glasses.

 "And miss your charming company? I would have to be a fool," Zack laughed, pulling a full scale scowl from Cloud.

 "Did you want another drink, then?" Cloud asked, glaring at Zack like he wished he could just toss him out himself. Zack was aware that drinking at the bar was not the intended way to enjoy oneself at a host club, but he didn't care.

 "Do you know any drinks that are blue?" Zack asked, leaning his head on his hand. He had a pretty good constitution, but that much vodka would make anyone a little tipsy.

 "Blue?" Cloud repeated with a frown that looked more ponderous than upset. "Why blue?"

 "Just curious," Zack responded with a shrug. "If not, I'll take another pickle."

 "No, I think I know one," Cloud responded thoughtfully before moving across the bar to talk to the older bartender who was working with him. Juan was a nice guy and Zack often talked to him when Cloud managed to get away from the bar. He was supposed to be training Cloud. While training, Cloud was serving anyone who came to the bar directly while Juan mixed drinks for the clients sitting with the hosts and hostesses. Juan had tried to intercede in what Zack considered the good natured ribbing he shared with Cloud on Zack’s behalf, but Zack had told him it was unnecessary. He liked Cloud's bite and liked to think that Cloud liked his shameless flirting, though he could be wrong. When he had started this game of cat and mouse he had hoped he would have got his number long before then, but he was in too deep to give up at that point.

 Cloud eventually came back with a small tumbler with an opaque bright blue liquid topped with a small neon green straw and a slice of lime decorating the rim.

 "Oh, pretty!" Zack breathed after being presented with his drink. "What's it called?" he asked.

 "It's a blue fairy. Make sure you just sip it," Cloud warned him, crossing his arms over his chest.

 Zack took his advice, sipping slowly from the small straw. Even with the caution, the alcohol and tang of whatever made it blue hit him in the mouth like a jolt of electricity.

 Coughing, Zack put the drink down and wiped his mouth. "Oh, my god," he groaned. "What is in that?" he asked.

 "Absinthe and energy drink," Cloud answered flatly.

 "Holy hell," Zack coughed again, even as he went back to take another tiny sip.

 "You know, if you get drunk you can't stay in here," Cloud said wryly.

 Zack gave Cloud his most winning grin. "Don't worry about me," he said. "I've got a great metabolism. I'll be fine!"

 Two drinks later, Zack was starting to question whether he could trust himself to be okay to go home or if he'd have to rent a room in Wall Market.

 "Are you sure you're okay?" Cloud asked, frowning at him with concern again.

 Zack must have done or said something to concern him but it was hard to keep track. Zack tried to give Cloud a charming grin, but whatever he did only made Cloud frown harder. Zack wanted to tell him that the little furrow between his perfectly shaped eyebrows was charming, but couldn't coordinate his tongue to do it.

 "My dear Cloud!" someone said loudly from just behind Zack. Zack might have startled if he wasn't slowed down by all the alcohol in his system.

 "Andrea," Cloud said, blanching and clutching the rag he had been using to polish glasses tighter.

 Zack carefully turned around on the bar stool that he was finding more difficult to navigate with each drink. Behind him stood a beautiful man that he recognized as Andrea Rodhea. He had flawless tan skin, a carefully shaved face and head and was dressed to the nines in deep red velvet, gold trim and impeccably tailored black pants with shining black leather ankle boots.

 “How is our dear bartender treating you?” Andrea asked Zack with a voice like sweet dark molasses.

 "He's a peach," Zack said as steadily as he could manage and raised his glass to Cloud. He wasn't sure what he was drinking now. It looked like it was just fizzy water, but he couldn't be sure.

 Andrea's smile grew, his eyes crinkling as he turned to look at Cloud. "He is, don't you think?"

 "I don't think, I know," Zack said firmly, putting his drink back on the counter with a loud click.

 "You know, Mr. Fair, Lena tells me that it's been quite a few months since you've entertained one of our hostesses," Andrea said, taking a seat directly to Zack's left.

 Zack wracked his brain, but couldn't remember who in green hell Lena was. Maybe the cute girl who had greeted him at the door?

 "I prefer Cloud's company. He's spicy," Zack whispered the last bit in a loud whisper. This earned a loud scoff from Cloud. When Zack sneaked a peek at him, Cloud's was frowning thunderously at Zack. Zack imagined he was wishing fervently that Zack would shut up, Andrea being Cloud's boss and all. Zack, of course, had no intention of doing so.

 "If you're interested, I could arrange for Cloud to be your host for the night," Andrea said in a voice as smooth as butter and deep as the sea.

 Zack knew his mouth had dropped open at that invitation, but couldn't be bothered to correct it.

 "Andrea, what? No!" Cloud protested, throwing his rag aside.

 "Cloud, this is an excellent opportunity to practice your hosting abilities on a willing participant. I'd prefer you not be stuck as my bartender forever," Andrea responded to Cloud, casually leaning on the bar with one elbow.

 Cloud grumbled something, but Zack couldn't make it out.

 "What do you say, Mr. Fair? Would you be interested?" Andrea asked smoothly, leaning in and smiling at Zack.

 "Hell fucking yes!" Zack exclaimed. He turned to Cloud excitedly. "Oh my god, Cloud! Be my host, holy shit!"

 "God, I already hate this," Cloud grumbled, slumping back against the counter behind him.

 "Mr. Fair, I'll take you to a room and then Cloud can come join you shortly once he's presentable," Andrea said, taking Zack carefully by the elbow and steering him out of the front room and through the grand gold double doors that led further into the Honeybee Inn and the small private rooms that were used to entertain clients.

 "Presentable?" Zack asked as they circled through the main hallway. "Like, he's going to dress up?"

 "Would you like him to dress up?" Andrea asked.

 "I think if he gets much more sexy, I'll have a heart attack," Zack confided. Andrea smiled wide again, revealing the charming wrinkles at the corners of his dark eyes.

 "I'll see what I can do to get you as close to that heart attack as I can without pushing you over," Andrea said as he opened the door to a small private room with a number of tables with plush red velvet booths, a few occupied but most empty. Zack nervously took a seat, scooting in until he was smack in the middle of the booth.

 "I'll have Leah come check on you," Andrea said with a wink before turning away with a dramatic  swirl of his long coat.

 Zack didn't have to wait long before a tall girl with thick curly hair piled on top of her head sashayed up to his table. She was probably almost as tall as him without the heels. With them, he was sure she would easily dwarf him.

 "What can I get you, hun?" she asked around a thick but charming accent.

 Zack found himself immediately grinning at her. He had a type and that type was someone who could probably kick his ass if given half the chance. Those heels had his already muddled thoughts swirling. Mentally, he told himself to calm the fuck down. He came there on a mission and he meant to stick to it.

 "Just a glass of water for now, I think," Zack said, aware that he was leaning forward in his seat but not sure how to sit back without bringing attention to it.

 "Sure thing, sugar," the very tall pretty lady said before walking away with her serving tray tucked into one elbow.

 She was back before Zack could really focus himself, putting down a tall glass of water filled with ice and already sweating profusely in the close atmosphere of the club. Zack chugged half the water in the first gulp. He was feeling more than a little drunk and would need the hydration if he was going to survive more drinking before the night was out.

 The first glass was gone in short order, but Leah was an attendant waitress and was back soon. Zack ordered another water.

 "Sure thing," she said again, before hesitating and turning back to him. "I hope that's not what you order once your host gets here," she added, giving him a searching look.

 "It wasn't my intention, but uh," Zack scratched the back of his neck. "Is there a particular reason?"

 Leah turned to give Zack her full attention, her full lips pulling up into a sly smile. "You know, our hosts and hostesses get a commission on how many drinks you order. They don't get paid much as a base, so that's how they make most of their money."

 Zack's eyes lit up in understanding. "Oh! Oh, yeah that makes sense."

 "I figured I hadn't seen you around much, so I might give you a head's up so you don't upset your lady friend," Leah said with a wink.

 "I appreciate it!" Zack replied with a full watt grin, for which he received one from Leah in return before she walked off to check on her other tables with a sway of her hips.

 Cloud appeared once Zack was halfway through the second glass of water, walking into the room with an expression that said he felt he didn't belong there. He spotted Zack quickly and made a beeline toward his table, keeping his head down and ignoring some curious looks from hosts at other tables. He slid into the booth, leaving a chaste two feet between himself and Zack.

 "Hey," Zack breathed, "You look great!"

 The changes weren't huge. The most noticeable thing was that he was in a different uniform. Gone was the mostly black and white waiter. Instead, he had a handsome black jacket webbed and trimmed in the Honeybee Inn's signature gold. His white shirt had no bowtie, the first few buttons open to show a tasteful flash of his neck and collarbone. His hair was a little different too. It didn't look like his hair had been angrily wrangled into a gelled slick, but instead artfully tousled back by someone who knew how to create a careful intentioned mess.

 Looking even closer, Zack noticed his eyes shined even more than usual. "Are you wearing eyeshadow?" Zack asked slowly.

 "Okay, you can shut up," Cloud said low and fast.

 Zack held up his hands in surrender. "Hey, no judgement! Your eyes look pretty! I legitimately wasn't sure."

 "Are you going to order something?" Cloud snapped, keeping his eyes trained on the table in front of him, where they had been pinned since he sat down.

 "Sure. Why don't you pick whatever you want," Zack suggested. This got Cloud's head popping up, his expression suspicious as he regarded Zack. "My treat," Zack added, in case that wasn't clear.

 "Are you stupid?" Cloud asked, frowning angrily. Not the response that Zack was expecting, but at least he was looking at him. "I could order the most expensive thing on the menu and wouldn't even be in the wrong."

 Zack shrugged. "How expensive could it be?" he asked.

 Cloud's thunderous expression at that told him immediately that he was wrong again. Reaching under the table, Cloud produced a menu on thick expensive looking card paper from some hidden alcove and handed it wordlessly to Zack. Zack skimmed quickly down the menu, his eyebrows rising wordlessly as he got further and further down the menu. As he skimmed down, the prices of some of the drinks were reaching truly astronomical prices. When he finally got to the bottom, he found the last listing of a champagne tower that cost three months of his pay.

 "Uh," Zack hesitated. "Maybe just something sweet for both of us?" Zack asked, handing the menu back to Cloud.

 Cloud's angry frown was gone. His expression was almost sympathetic, but it was hard to tell with him. Cloud dealt almost purely in angry faces. Everything else was just tiny microexpressions that took practice to parse.

 Leah stopped by shortly afterward and Cloud ordered a fuzzy navel for both of them.

 "So, uh," Zack started, searching for something to talk about, since it seemed like Cloud was more interested in staring down at the table again. "Is bartending like an initiation you have to go through before you become a host?"

 "No," Cloud responded. "I'm not cut out to be a host, but Andrea is convinced I should be one. So, I work as a bartender as a compromise. I used to work in the back of the house."

 "The back of the house," Zack prompted.

 Cloud's frown got a little more pointed, but he turned to look at Zack through his eyelashes. "Like, cleaning, washing dishes, that sort of thing.

 Zack nodded. That made sense with what he had seen so far. That was, until a few things started to click together in his head.

 "Uh, how old are you, if you don't mind my asking?" Zack asked slowly.

 "I'm eighteen," Cloud said quickly and firmly, turning to glare fully at Zack, which Zack took as a warning not to challenge him on that even though being just exactly of legal age to work at the Honeybee Inn was suspicious to say the least.

 "And, how long have you been working here?" Zack asked, trying to sound as casual as possible.

 "I don't see how that's any of your business," Cloud responded, squinting at Zack like he was the suspicious one.

 "No, yeah, you're right," Zack agreed quickly, feeling that he got as much of an answer as he was likely to get. He could piece the rest together for himself.

 "Where are you from, by the way?" Zack asked, changing the subject as casually as he could manage. "You have a bit of an accent. Not that I'm judging! I know I have one too, even after living in the city for years."

 "I'm from a small village pretty far north," Cloud answered blankly. So, a safe subject but not a very exciting one, judging from his reaction.

 "Not much action there, I guess," Zack said, stretching a little and allowing himself to sink back into the thick red velvet bench seat. "I feel you there. Back in my village you were either a fisherman or a farmer, take your pick, you know?"

 This teased a wry smile from Cloud and he seemed to relax a bit, turning and leaning one elbow on the table. "Yeah, in Nibelheim a lot of people hunted, a few farmed, and there was like a mechanic and a general store and stuff. But, yeah, not much to do and not much opportunity if your family didn't already have something going you could get in on."

 "How did you end up at the Honeybee Inn?" Zack asked, hoping the question wouldn't put Cloud on guard again but unable to resist his curiosity. "You said you're not cut out to be a host, but it seems like you're pretty committed to staying here."

 Cloud frowned down at Zack's hand where it rested relaxed on the table in front of him. He seemed to really be pondering the question, even though to Zack it seemed like there shouldn't be much to think about.

 "Midgard wasn't what I thought it would be. The posters and newspaper make it sound so straight forward. Come to the city and achieve your dreams or whatever. But, I got here and it seemed like every door got slammed in my face."

 Zack frowned, his empathy already kicking into overdrive. Cloud had to have been young when he first came to Midgard. What had he wanted to do, who did he want to be? Somehow, Zack felt guilty for not being there to help him, like he was somehow responsible for Cloud's experience with Midgard.

 "I don't really want to get into it, but let's just say I didn't handle it well. I ended up in Wall Market, just kind of slinking around with no money and no idea what I should be doing. Andrea found me and offered me a place to stay and a steady job. Everything I am right now, I owe him, you know?" Cloud finished, looking up at Zack with a fire in his gaze that Zack usually only got to see when he had succeeded in well and truly pissing him off.

 Leah chose that moment to return with their drinks, a small tumbler filled with liquor and sweet fruit juice topped with a cherry and a curl of orange peel like a festive twirl of ribbon. They tapped their glasses together and then promptly drank about half the glass in one go.

 "What was it like for you, when you first came to Midgard?" Cloud asked. Zack flattered himself to think that Cloud already looked more relaxed, his shoulders loose and his face a kind of blank that looked more comfortable than forced.

 "Well!" Zack started with a grin. "I can't say I had the troubles you had, but I definitely had problems."

 Zack then launched into the story of his trip at fifteen from Gongaga to Midgard. It had been his first time ever leaving his village and he had traveled three towns over to get on a train (also his first time ever on a train) and had to make three changes in order to get all the way to Midgard. He regaled Cloud with stories of misread tickets, missed trains, some connecting trips on commuter trains full of workers singing obnoxious pop songs from twenty years ago, falling asleep on a bench in an underground garage, accidentally talking loudly to a cute girl on the silent compartment of a commuter train. He really was naive and it seemed like all he did was make faux paus after idiot mistake after honest accident. This story had been a hit with the other SOLDIER guys in the past and it didn't fail him then either, earning a lot of commiseration, empathetic winces and even some honest to gaia chuckles out of Cloud. The whole while they continued to drink, all cocktails, though Cloud would change up their order every couple drinks.

 By the time that Zack was explaining how he had ended up lost in the parking garage while trying to make it to SOLDIER tryouts, he had realized that he was totally blasted. He could tell he was having problems keeping names and locations straight. He also had the feeling that he was probably the funniest person in the world, which usually only happened when he was completely plastered. Even so, Cloud seemed to be permanently smiling, the soft light haloing around his blonde hair and sparkling in his pale blue eyes.

 "I think maybe you've had enough," Cloud said with a smirk as Zack tried and failed to remember his inspector's name, even though he was sure he had said what it was earlier in the story.

 "You're probably right," Zack slurred. He felt hot, could feel sweat beading at his temples. He leaned back and pulled at the collar of his sweater.

 "You know, you'd probably make a better host than me," Cloud said, casually sliding Zack's half empty glass away from him and toward the end of the table.

 "Do you really think so?" Zack asked with interest, tipping his head toward Cloud. He regretted it as soon as he did it, the room seeming to tip with him and keep going.

 "Definitely," Cloud said with a smile. "You've got great stories, you're fun and you'd be a heartthrob with a little cleaning up."

 Zack looked down at himself, already forgetting how the room had swung around when he last moved his head. He had forgotten what he was wearing. Looking down he saw he was still wearing his uniform top, but had switched out his pants for black well fitting jeans and sneakers.

 "This shirt makes my arms look great," Zack pouted at Cloud.

 Cloud's smile grew sharp and he gave an obvious look at said arms. "You're not wrong," Cloud said, his scratchy voice deepening in a way that sent a thrill through Zack.

 "You know," Zack said, dropping his own voice to just above a whisper and leaning toward Cloud, "I think you're probably the prettiest boy I've ever seen. Have I told you that?"

 Cloud immediately flushed, a bright pink lighting up across his nose and cheeks. It was probably the first time that Zack had ever seen Cloud blush and it was incredibly charming.

 "I think you've mentioned that, but never so," Cloud stumbled, turning away to stir his drink with the small red straw still stuck in it. Zack watched him do so until he felt he should help Cloud finish his sentence.

 "Bluntly?" he suggested with a lopsided smile.

 Cloud wrinkled his brow as he frowned at Zack, the flush already gone from his face. "Yeah, that," he agreed.

 "It's true, though! And, if you were just pretty, I probably wouldn't have fallen for you, you know? Like, someone this pretty who's also nice and friendly, that's a trap, right?"

 Cloud was still frowning at him, but now he looked more confused. Zack realized that he wasn't making much sense, that Cloud was probably not sure if he was complimenting him or insulting him.

 "I mean," Zack scrubbed a hand through his hair, trying to order his thoughts better through the haze of alcohol. He was so fucking hot. Why did he have so much hair? He needed to cut his hair, he was so hot. "What I'm trying to say is, you're not just pretty, you're wicked sharp and you take your job seriously, even though a lot of other people probably wouldn't! Even though I'm SOLDIER, you never give me any slack, you keep me walking straight and call me on my bullshit. Like, I know I have a type, but it's like someone shoved a pair of pliers in my brain and just plucked you out of it, like wow!" Zack laughed.

 He stopped pretty quickly when he saw that Cloud looked even more stuck than before. His brow was so furrowed that his eyes had to narrow and his mouth was open a little like he didn't know what to say to that. Eventually, Cloud knocked back the rest of his cold fruity drink and that seemed to brace him a little.

 "You have a type, huh?" Cloud asked, watching Zack from the corner of his eye, sizing him up, which Zack found pretty silly because it wasn't like they hadn't seen each other a million times before. What did Cloud expect to see then that he hadn't before?

 "Yep, uh huh," Zack agreed happily, still smiling big at Cloud.

 "Care to explain exactly what that type is?" Cloud asked with an impatient tilt of his head.

 "Generally, someone pretty who can and will kick my ass," Zack answered easily, nodding his head to agree with his own statement. Sure, he had only ever dated Aerith prior to then, but everyone he had ever had a crush on fit that description.

 "You think I can kick your ass?" Cloud asked, again with the suspicious squint.

 "Yeah. Don't you?" Zack asked, returning Cloud's squint with one of his own.

 They stared at each other for a long while like that until Cloud finally broke the silence.

 "Do you want me? To fight you?" he asked, letting his suspicion collapse into confusion again.

 "Uh..." Zack trailed off, confused himself. He was way too drunk to navigate this conversation with any kind of grace. He felt like it was getting away from him, but couldn't figure out where and when it had happened. "No?" he finally responded with an upward lilt at the end like he wasn't sure. "I'd rather date you, but I guess if that's off the table, I'd take a few love taps."

 "Are you serious about that? Dating me?" Cloud asked, frowning thunderously again.

 What was Zack doing? Where had he gone wrong in this conversation? Regardless, he felt like he couldn't back out of it.

 "Well, yeah. I mean, that's what I've been saying for months, right? I'm kind of completely fucked up over you," Zack said with his own confused frown still firmly in place.

 There was that blush again. What were the chances of causing that twice in one night and so close together too? Zack's eyebrows climbed his forehead at the sight, but Cloud didn't seem to notice.

 "You're SOLDIER. First Class, no less. You could date anyone," he said fiercely. Zack wondered if Cloud would end up fighting him before the night was out. He seemed angry enough at that moment. Zack wasn't a masochist, but getting stepped on by Cloud felt a little enticing. Just a little bit.

 "I don't know about that," Zack frowned. He could easily name a boatload of people who'd probably rather jump from a three story building than go on a date with him, but it probably wasn't worth it to argue that point. "Besides, even if everyone in the world lost their mind and wanted to date me tomorrow, I would still only want to date you."

 They were stuck frowning at one another again. Had Zack not been clear about wanting to date Cloud? He felt like he had been, but his head was still so muddled it was hard for him to be sure. He tried to think back to previous visits to the Honeybee Inn and previous pick up lines he had used on Cloud. He could remember complimenting him, telling him he was attractive, things like that. Cloud had to know he had been interested? Or, had he thought he was just messing with him? Zack was so confused.

 Eventually, Cloud huffed and turned away from Zack to rustle in the little hidden compartment under the table where he had pulled out the menus. He came out with a felt tip pen which he uncapped. He held out his hand expectedly.

 "Uh?" Zack said intelligently.

 "Your hand," Cloud clarified, wiggling his fingers in a 'give me' gesture.

 Zack obediently placed his right hand in Cloud's left and Cloud turned it over to bare his wrist. The tip of the pen tickled as Cloud quickly wrote something over it. When he let go and capped the pen, Zack pulled his hand back to see a number. A simple ten digit number inked on his arm.

 "Holy shit," Zack breathed.

 "You can't tell anyone," Cloud said fiercely. "If Andrea finds out, I could get in big trouble. Hosts aren't supposed to meet with clients outside the club. I could get fired," he whispered.

 Not that Zack could really feel it. He was still staring at the numbers on his arm, trying to imprint them in his memory, on his fucking soul.

 "I think I'm gonna cry," Zack said in a hoarse voice.

 "What the fuck," Cloud deadpanned.

 "Are you for real?" Zack asked, finally looking up at Cloud with naked desperation.

 Cloud glanced away again, fiddled with the pen still in his hands. "Are you for real?" he asked in a much lower voice.

 "About dating you?" Zack asked. "Hell yes. Are you kidding me? I don't think I've ever been more for real about anything! I am the for realest!"

 "Okay, okay! Keep it down!" Cloud hissed through clenched teeth.

 "Sorry. Fuck, sorry," Zack whispered, rubbing a rough hand over his face, realizing he had gotten pretty loud for a second. He felt a little out of control and wasn't sure what to do about it.

 "I'm not promising anything," Cloud said firmly. "Just a date. Nothing more."

 "Yeah, yes! Of course!" Zack agreed significantly more quietly, if with as much vigor.

 "If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out. And, if you're an asshole, I will kick your ass," Cloud added.

 "Absolutely, I am completely on board with all of that," Zack agreed again.

 Cloud held eye contact for a long moment afterward and Zack held his end of it, even if he did sway a little to the left and right.

 "Okay," Cloud sighed, seeming to find what he was looking for in Zack's expression.

 "Okay," Zack echoed back happily.

 Cloud signalled down Leah again, but instead of ordering more drinks he asked her if they had any rooms available.

 "Oh?" she responded with a lascivious smile and a raised eyebrow.

 "      Just     a room," Cloud responded sulkily.

 "Oh," Leah said, turning her disappointed look on Zack. "Well, yeah, I suppose he could probably use one. I'll go check."

 "A room?" Zack asked blearily. He was starting to get really tired as the adrenaline of finally landing a date with the perpetually unavailable bartender of his dreams finally started to wear off.

 "Dude, you're smashed. There's no way you're making it back to Shinra tower," Cloud said blankly.

 Zack pouted at him, but it seemed to have no effect.

 Leah came back in short order.

 "We sure do, hon," she smiled at Cloud and then at Zack. "Mr. Fair, why don't I help you to a room. We couldn't let such a good customer get lost on his way home! We'll keep you nice and cozy and safe here tonight," Leah sang, firmly taking Zack by the upper arm and guiding him stumbling and swaying out of the booth.

 "Cloud," Zack said as he was led out of the room. Cloud had just gotten out of the booth himself and had paused by the table. "Thanks a lot! I had a great time!"

 Cloud frowned that small doubtful frown again, but it cleared off his face so quickly that Zack almost thought he had imagined it. With a small wave, Cloud acknowledged Zack before turning and disappearing through another door.

 The next morning when Zack awoke, he was tempted to consider the whole of the previous night a dream. He would have if not for the fact that he had woken up in a small back room of the Honeybee Inn and still had the slightly smudged numbers written on his arm. That number was both terrifying and exhilarating. Zack wasn't sure if he could measure up to whatever expectations Cloud had, but he had never backed down from a challenge before and he wasn't about to start then.

#ff7 #clack #cloud/zack #fanfiction #andrea rhodea #host clubs #alcohol #kittywrites

[guideoftime]

▴ — @tsxrugi ;; Sheik & Ronin. ‘ One has to admit you can answer questions without using many words. ’

   “No, what you are doing is not answering questions, it’s distracting me.” His merchant boyfriend likes to visit the Castle Library when Sheik is working. Since the incident where he thought someone was flirting with Sheik, he seems to show up more often. He also takes it upon himself to fix anything wrong in the library that would require Sheik to do very difficult climbing and movements. Apparently, he doesn’t like when Sheik climbs into the ceiling and then just drops back down. 

   But the conversation here came from when Sheik asked Ronin what he had been doing before he came here. Because he was curious, about him, considering he doesn’t tell Sheik much. How a Merchant has so much time to be here, rather than out selling things, had drawn Sheik’s attention. He wanted to know what it was he spent his time doing, where he went and where he came from. He wanted to know what he did, where he lived when he wasn’t with Sheik. Did he have a house in Hateno? So he tried to ask questions, while sorting through a few books in the library. 

   Ronin, apparently, didn’t like being put on the spot and asked so many questions. Sheik realized this because he found himself shoved up against the bookshelf and the other’s mouth heatedly distracting his own. Any thought, any question that was rushing through his mind was quickly forgotten with how hard the other was claiming Sheik and running his hands through his hair. He knows the braid has already been knocked out, he can feel his hair falling out of it and down his back. 

   He can’t help the moan that slips from his lips, wanting and needy. 

   Then Ronin is pulling back, saying that, and Sheik doesn’t really care. He wants him back against him, pressed against him, lips moving on his own. Ronin could be out there murdering people and right now Sheik really wouldn’t mind. He was so good at shutting him up, he’s starting to think Ronin likes it when he rambles just so he can do that. 

#▴ — path / royal archivist #tsxrugi #▴ — the eye of truth / asks. #long post cw

[subtletruamadumping]

Random Bits; A Game of Hearts (4)

______________________________________________________________

The first book in the series based on board games was actually based on Hearts. So, technically not a board game, but the title fits really well. "A Game of Hearts" takes place during the brothers' teenage years, when they fell in love, learned to work together, and experienced a lot of heavy emotions for the first time.

TW: Fantasy Violence

Written at some point in middle/high school.

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♠♡♣♢ Round Four ♢♣♡♠

First hand

“Mother?” Cian called in an airy voice, waltzing into the room.

“Yes, dear?” She asked, dismissing the servants. They scurried to an exit as Cian drew closer. Q♡ continued her sewing until he sat in the chair next to her. She paused when she saw that he was wearing a slight smile. What mischief had the boy caused, now?

“Where’s Father?” He asked lightly, running his hands over the table.

“He left just a few moments before you came in. What do you need him for?” If he had done anything to upset the forced peace with the Maldrons, she would be very upset with him. She put down her sewing and crossed her arms.

“I have something to ask him.” He answered vaguely, looking away.

“Well, he’ll be back later. You can wait.”

“But I want to ask him now.”

“Why?”

“It’s important.”

“Then, ask me.”

“Oh. Mother...”

“What is it, Cian?” He sighed heavily, then looked back at her.

“I want to begin courting Kry.” He finally blurted out. She blinked in astonishment and, for the first time in her life, she saw the boy begin to blush. This was probably the most absurd thing she had ever heard.

“I see.” She said, biting back a laugh. It didn’t help any, though. He still noticed.

“Mother, this is no laughing matter.” He said, crossing his arms, but his cheeks grew redder.

“No, no, it’s very important.” She giggled “It’s just... I never expected... you and Kry...”

“Mother.” He groaned.

“And where did this sudden decision for you two to be married come from?”

“Oh, you know...” He said with shrug, looking away again.

“Cian,” She scolded lightly “it’s no use trying to lie to your mother.” 

“Well, she... she kissed me.” He spat out, his whole face burning. The queen choked back another laugh. She had never seen him in such a state.

“And?” She prompted.

“And nothing.” He said heatedly, standing and beginning to pace “Do you know how long it took before she would even acknowledge my existence, let alone talk to me? It took me ages just to find out if she was the older or younger sister.”

“You could have just asked Arwen for that.” He scoffed and waved off the comment.

“And, last night, she kissed me.” He continued “She spent months ignoring me and then she kisses me...”

“I doubt many others have had such luck.” She joked “However, I think you might be getting a little ahead of yourself.” He crossed his arms and frowned.

“How’s that?”

“Well, there are many things you seem to have ignored considering.”

“Like what?”

“Well, first off and most important to your father, Kean has not formally declared his intentions to court either of them.”

“Oh, he’ll court Arwen.” Cian said dismissively “They act as if they are married already and he hates being in the same room as Kry.”

“That may be what you think,” the queen said “but if you begin to court Kry before Kean has made his decision, it might seem to ♣K that we are planning something against his kingdom.”

“That doesn’t make sense.” Cian groaned.

“That’s just how it is.” Q♡ said gently “You seem to have also forgotten that Kry ignored you for months.”

“She doesn’t ignore me now.”

“That’s my point. There might be a reason she is suddenly very open to you.”

“What do you mean?” He suddenly looked very concerned and she realized that he had been very serious about this. 

“Cian, she was taken away from her family with no warning and brought here.” She tried to explain “Our customs, food, and dress are very different from what she’s used to.”

“You think she kissed me because... she’s homesick?”

“I think that she is feeling a lot of different things and you were the only one who has made her feel a little better.”

“Is that not a good thing?”

“No, no, it is. However, she might not feel the same way about you as you do about her.”

“I... I don’t understand.” Cian said, his face falling “If she doesn’t care for my, why--”

“Cian, you are still young.” She interrupted “There is still much you don’t understand. Also, you are a man and men will most likely never truly understand women. I suggest you wait until Kean has publicly declared his decision. Then, we may reassess your feelings for Kry. If you are just as sure about courting her, we will speak to your father and ♣K about it. However, you must remember, the ultimate choice is for Kry to accept you or not.”

“I see.” He said weakly, looking down at his shoes “And, do you think Father and ♣K will even allow me to attempt?”

“I cannot see the future, Cian.” She said gently. They both jumped as the door to the room flew open.

“My goodness, it had been a long day.” K♡ sighed as he walked into the room “Cian, what are you doing here? Helping your mother with her sewing?”

“Something like that.” Cian replied dully.

“Is something wrong? You seem upset.”

“I’m fine.” He said stiffly “I’m actually heading to the library.” He walked past his father and left the room, closing the door softly behind him.

“He hasn’t been up to more mischief, has he?” K♡ asked, taking the chair next to Q♡. 

“Not that I’m aware of.” She said, picking up her work again “He just hasn’t been feeling well, lately.”

“You don’t think he’s becoming ill, do you?”

“No, I’m sure he’ll be over it in a few days. Either that, or learn to cope.”

“Did you hear that Kerian found him on his roof last night?”

“Kerian?”

“Yes.”

“How did he get all the way up there?”

“Well, I assume he climbed it.”

“Silly boy. He could have died.”

“Yes, Kerian tells me he need a bit of help getting down. He brought him in through the window, then made him promise to take the stairs down.”

#writing #my writing #writers on tumblr #middle school #old work #random bits

[worldismyne]

Warrior Boys Don't Dance Part 2/2

Previous Chapter

Date of Origin: 12/22/10

Author: AnihyrMoonstar

Rated: T (Suggestive)

Summary: The night of the ball arrives, and Finn may have done a better job teaching Harv than he'd like.

"Oooh, Harvey, you're sooo cuuuuute…" Finn cooed venomously to no one as he scowled, sitting perched on the lip of a fountain outside the ballroom and making a flower sway back and forth on his knee in time with his scornful imitation.  "Will you daaance with me?"  he continued, fluttering his eyelashes for emphasis, and then quickly turned his attention to a stick in the other hand.   "Oh, sure!" he answered himself, dropping his voice to a lower octave and attempting to sound robust and heroic as he waggled the stick back and forth.  "I'll dance with you, because everybody knows that stupid pretty palace girls in their stupid pretty dresses are waaaaay more fun than boring people like my adorable and charming best friend Finn…" "Oh," Finn re-donned his icky-sweet 'girl' voice, "…okay, Harvey, hee hee hee, you're soooo funny…"  After less than five seconds of allowing twig Harv and flower palace girl to twirl around in a makeshift dance, though, Finn snorted, irritated with his own game, and heatedly chucked them together into the fountain.  "Stupid…dancing…" Finn shut his eyes, drawing one knee up to his chest and folding his arms around it as he propped his chin up.  In the distance, the muffled hum of music from the ballroom provided a soft, melodic backdrop to the more immediate sounds of night, and he sighed, shivering as a chilly night breeze teased over his skin and biting his lip. Who needed Harv anyway? Stupid Harv. Just because he wanted to waste his night spinning around with dumb girls in frills didn't mean he should get to ruin Finn's night, too.  Stupid, stupid, stupid. Finn glanced back to the fountain pool, moonlight dancing over the ripples, glittering over the twig and flower as they rocked together.   He didn't need Harv.  But he reached out anyway. Carefully, he retrieved the twig from the surface and—because he could get away with it—stuck his tongue briefly out at the flower.  Droplets glistened over the surface of the wood, caught like dew or teardrops in the rivulets even after he shook it off once.  He sighed at it. "Well," he said in his own voice, taking on a lightly admonishing tone, "…what did I tell you about palace girls?"  He dabbed the corner of his tunic over the wet spots on the twig.   "They're evil tricksters, Harv, and they do mean things like…" He turned the makeshift Harvey, looking to see that he'd dried it completely, "…shove nice, innocent peasant boys that don't know any better into fountains for no reaso-" "Finn…?" Finn jerked up in his seat, hastily tossing wooden Harvey behind him as if it might betray his every secret in a moment's notice.  The rustling of footsteps approached, and he rearranged himself, dropping both feet to the ground and putting his hands in his lap in an attempt to look as bored, composed, and not-lonely as possible. "Finn, is that—hey, it is you," Harv greeted, smiling.  "I thought I saw you come out here.  What are you…" He glanced about the otherwise empty garden and to the fountain—where twig and flower bobbed again together—and frowned, puzzled, "…doing?" Finn opened his mouth.  Then, considering that "Using twig and flower 'dolls' to mock palace girls who were dancing with you because I'm bored and not angry or jealous at all, not even a little bit," didn't sound very good, he shut it again. "Aren't you cold out here?" Harv asked.  "And isn't it…boring?" Finn huffed.  "Well, maybe if I'd had someone to talk to…" he hinted none too discreetly, but quickly trailed off, not looking Harv in the eye.   "Did you have fun dancing?" There was pause. "Finn…if you were lonely-" "I'm not lonely," Finn clipped, turning his nose up a fraction higher for pride's sake.  "I was just…bored.  Anyway, it looked like you were having plenty of fun with all your girl friends, you didn't need me getting in your way…" Harv sighed, and moved in.  When the warmth of another body settled in beside him, Finn's eyes blinked open, and, startled momentarily out of his huff, he glanced over.   "You're right," Harv said as he watched, "…there were a lot of

girls tonight.  I don't think I've ever seen so many in one place all at the same time before…" After a pause, he frowned, and then added as an afterthought, "…except maybe at market, but I don't think that counts in the same way.  This was a lot more…pretty and stressful." Finn's eyebrows quirked up of their own accord as he parroted, "Stressful?" and Harvey glanced his way. "Well, yeah," he said.  "It's like…everyone looks so nice, and they all know exactly what they're doing, and they have all their manners and rules and fancy clothes, but-" "I got you nice clothes-" "-I still felt like an outsider on the inside, you know?" Finn considered a moment.  Then, "No," he said flatly. Harv pursed his lips, propping his chin in his hands.  "Yeah, well…you're used to it, I guess.  It's really different for me…the food was really good, though." Finn eyed his friend, his frown thoughtful.  "So, you…weren't having fun?" Harv shrugged.  "I mean…it wasn't bad, I just felt kind of…awkward and out of place…especially when it came to the dancing," he emphasized.  "I think I worried more about not stepping on someone's foot than I did about the music or even keeping the beat…" "But I taught you the moves," Finn insisted, "…and you got…well, okay at them, after a while." Harv glanced over.  "Well, yeah, but that's with you," he said.  "It's different." "It…is?" "Yeah," Harv pressed.  "You're my friend, and a guy, so it doesn't count.  When it's a girl…it's like all I can think is that I'm gonna mess up and make a fool of myself."  Apparently, Finn's look gave something away, because Harv tilted his head, pinning him with a flat stare.  "You can't tell me girls don't make you at least a little nervous…" Finn frowned.  "Why would girls make me nervous?" Harv blinked, as if that was the farthest thing from what he'd expected, and was he blushing?  "Uhhh…I don't…know," he answered finally.  "I mean…'cause you want them to, like…like you and stuff?" he said.  "And you don't want them to think you're…an idiot?  I mean, I think…I thought it was natural…like all guys are like that…" "But…everyone already likes me," Finn said.  "Why would it make me nervous?" Harv turned his eyes skyward.  "Umm…yeah."  He shut them.  "It's…" After taking a full breath, he released it slowly, and let his head drop back down.  "It's just different." "But…" Finn persisted after another second of confused silence, "…you weren't nervous when you danced with me.  You don't care whether I like you or not?" Harv's eyes stayed shut.  "It's not that…I just already know you like me," he said, "…and anyway, like I said, that's a totally different kind of 'like'…you're a guy, so it doesn't count." "Sometimes you don't make any sense, Harv," Finn professed evenly, and Harvey spared him a glance.  After a long moment, he appeared to come to a decision, and turned more fully to Finn. "Okay," he said.  "Think of it like this…of all the girls at the ball tonight, which one did you think was the prettiest?" Finn took a moment, listing off the girls he knew in his head: Issabella—bleck, her sense of color was god awful, and her shoes looked like something a hobbit would wear; Anita—eww, her hair looked like bleached straw no matter how many oils she used, and her voice sounded like a cricket; Prudence—uh, no, gag, her clothes were almost as pink as Hevvin's horn and that was not a good thing. Finn grimaced.  "Do we have to keep talking about girls?"  Harv dropped his face in his hands.  "Okay," Finn went on the defensive, "…it's not my fault they're all-" "Come on, Finn, there has to be at least one you thought was a little cute?" Harvey entreated, and at last, a thought occurring to him, Finn snickered. "Yeah, actually, now that you mention it…" He thought of Emet, awkward beyond repair in formal male getup, trying her absolute best the entire night to act suave only to nearly fall apart blushing when it came time to dance and she found herself surrounded by a small horde of giggling girls.  "Emet looked adorable toni—uhh, I mean-" He realized his

mistake too late, and it showed plainly in Harv's face.  "Finn…Emet's a guy-" "Em…Emma!" Finn corrected.  "Did I say Emet?  I meant Emma.  Emma is, uhh…" He cleared his throat, thinking rapidly, "…Emet's…twin…sister!" Understandably, Harv looked skeptical.  "I didn't know he had a sister…" "Yeah!  You probably didn't see her, actually," Finn elaborated.  "She, ummm…she doesn't get out much, you know…shy…and she was only here for a little bit…" "Okay…but…why would Emet's sister be here if his family's not noble and she didn't participate in the tournamen-" "Oh, look at the stars!" Finn cut in dramatically, reminding himself to mention 'Emma' to Emet later, just in case.  "Aren't they beautiful tonight?" Harv sighed.  "And you said I was difficult to understand…" he grumbled, but thankfully enough, he consented to let the subject drop. As silence settled over them, the sounds of the night filled in—along with the distant, tremulous melody from the ballroom—and while Finn felt as though he ought to say something, purely out of habit if for no other reason, for once, he consented to let the quiet dominate.  The fountain trickled behind them, gentle as a babbling brook, the wind stirred the trees in light gusts like spirits travelling through under the cloak of night, and beside him, Harvey's steady, rhythmic breathing was almost too hushed to hear over the crickets.   Passively, Finn wondered how things would be different if he were one of those girls, clicking around in tight heels and a multi-layered dress, tittering out a giggle when Harvey took his hand and kissed his knuckles.   Would Harvey like him more that way?  Would he like him 'differently?'  Would he like like him, the way he supposedly liked the other girls? Finn worried his lip, nibbling, thinking- "Finn…?" His eyes darted open, as if caught in some grave crime, his thoughts being broadcasted in flashing letters above his head—then again, Harv couldn't read very well.  Finn shook his head, banishing the thoughts and folding his arms over his chest, more for warmth than anything else.  "What?" he asked. "You're shivering…" Harv said.  "If you're cold, we should go insi-" "There's nothing to do inside," Finn cut off the rest of the statement, '…and I don't want to watch you dance with anyone else.' "You know…" Harv said patiently, "…you could dance too.  You were so excited about it earlier…"  Finn held his pose, pout and crossed arms securely in place.  "You could dance with Emet." Finn's head whipped around.  "Uh, no!  Just because I said-" "Come to think of it, he didn't look very comfortable dancing with girls either…" Harv observed, suddenly considerate, and Finn found himself hard pressed not to roll his eyes. "Look, Harv, if I was going to dance with a guy, it would be you, not Emet, and I'm not 'uncomfortable' dancing with girls, I just don't want to, and I don't see what the big deal is, so you can just go on your own if you want, but I'm staying out here until this is over because I'm not…interest…ed…" Gradually, Finn's words slowed out of existence, because somewhere in the midst of his mini tirade, Harv had found the time to stand up, move before him, and extend a hand, which now beckoned him to take it like a vow to jump off the edge of the world together.  "Umm…" Finn started finally, "…Harv, what—?" "If you just sit still out here, you'll only get colder," Harv said, "…and the whole reason I came out here was 'cause I felt awkward and bored without you in there, so…why don't we just dance here?  I mean, if you do the girl's bit…it can't be any harder than it was when we were practicing…" Finn's eyes flit—from Harv's hand, to the soft glow of light at door that would lead back into the ballroom, and back.  Harv was right, it wouldn't be any different than practice, not really, and Harv obviously didn't mean for it to be any different, meaning he shouldn't take it any different… …so why was it suddenly harder to breathe? "I…" Cursing his abrupt and unwelcome bout of nerves, Finn swallowed, as if to force down his own

rebellious pulse, and gathered himself together.  "Alright," he said, notching his chin up primly, "…but if I'm the girl, you better show some more impressive manners than that before you ask me to dance…what kind of standards would I be showing if I accepted the hand of a guy who doesn't even know how to bow?" Harv held his stare, and for a moment, Finn thought he'd refuse.  Then, he gave half an eye roll, and folded his arms in place just above his waist, fisted, and bent. "Back straight…" Finn critiqued, and Harvey adjusted, "…left hand a bit higher, yes, but keep your head down…there you go." When Harvey lifted, he made a noticeably more exaggerated show of offering his hand.  "Oh, fairest lady that mine eyes have ever seen…honour this humble peasant with a dance?" Oh, he was lucky he looked cute in that outfit.  Otherwise, he could not have gotten away with that.  As it was, Finn's cheeks warmed, and he huffed, reaching out.   Had Harv's hands always been so much larger than his?   "More beautiful than my mother?" Finn asked, trying his best to ignore the way his skin prickled to attention when Harvey drew him in, the heat of his body a sharp contrast to the cool night air, though not an unpleasant one.   "Umm…yeah, definitely," Harv answered.  His eyes looked darker blue this way, as if they changed with the sky to match it.  "I'm sure the, uhh…stars are jealous?" Finn felt the corners of his lips tugging into a smile in spite of himself.  "And the moon?" he pressed. "Pale by comparison," Harv said, fitting his hand to Finn's waist.  Yeah, Finn's heart definitely did not need to beat this fast to function properly.  Maybe he was getting sick? "You actually read those books I gave you…" Finn said, more to distract himself than anything else, and Harv took the lead without being told.  He was getting better at this. "I read…part of one," Harv admitted, his eyes down, watching their feet as if, if he let them out of his sight, they might misbehave or run away.  "Do girls really think those sort of lines are romantic?" Finn snorted.  "Why are you asking me?" "Well…" Harv stepped back, leading Finn into a spin—which he took, "…I just thought…" When he drew Finn back, their chests nearly collided, their noses coming within inches of each other, and Finn felt the fluttering in his chest clench with—anticipation?  Anticipation of what?  "You're closest thing to a girl I know without being a girl, so…" Okay, mystery mood broken. Finn glowered. "What?" Harv asked. "Just because I bathe," Finn snapped, "doesn't mean-" "Finn, you smell like flowers-" "I smell like lavender," Finn cut in, "…and do you want to know why?  It's because that's what I bathe wit-" "It's girly." "It's not!" At some point, they'd quit dancing, but for some reason hadn't quite let go of each other yet. "You smell better than most of girls in there-" "Yeah?" Finn retorted.  "Well, you…you smell…" He hesitated, because Harv actually didn't smell like goats or other various farm animals for once.  "You smell…better," he admitted warily after a bit, "…than you…usually do.  Sort of like…hay and…fresh…grass…"   It was kind of nice.  In a poor, common-folk sort of way. Finn blushed, and looked away, scowling at nothing, and irritated with himself for reasons he couldn't pin down.   "Finn…?" "What."  It was a flat statement and needed no question intonation. "You know, I didn't mean it in a bad way…I mean, it would be…sort of weird, if you didn't smell like you usually do…" Reluctantly, Finn released a sigh and turned back, his scowl—more of a pout now than anything—lingering at half power as he came to face Harv.  "It's just…everyone thinks I'm so 'girly,' and people who don't know me think I'm a girl, and it…gets…frustrating." "Sorry," Harv said.  "I know you're not a girl…" "BuwouyouliemeberifIwas?" Finn muttered beneath his breath, and Harv blinked. "Would I…what?" he asked after a moment, clearly confused. "I said," Finn repeated, "…would you like me…better, if I…if I was…" Face hot, he glowered suddenly at his puzzled

friend and shook his head.  "Actually, never…just nevermind," he grumped.  "It's stupid." "Finn…" Harv's thumbs, still at his waist, were drawing nervous, absent-minded circles there as if they had nothing better to do; it made Finn's pulse spike back up, "…I'm glad you're not a girl…" "You…" Finn's anger with himself dissipated in the face of surprise, "…are?" "Well, yeah," Harv said honestly.  "I mean, I like you…for some reason…just like you are, and I don't want you to be different.  You wouldn't be you if you weren't…you?" Ineloquent word choice aside, something in the meaning alone made it uncharacteristically difficult for Finn to figure out what to say.  Then, a gust came through, tossing loose a lock of blonde.  Just as he reached to shove it back in place, though, Harv's hand lifted with the same mission, bringing their fingers back in contact, and Finn shivered—because of the breeze, not because Harv's finger's were gentle on his, or because his breath warm was warm against Finn's lips, or because his body was close enough to feel the radiant heat, or- It was that moment, with their hands barely touching and their bodies inches apart, that Finn realized with sharp, terrifying clarity that—more than he wanted new shoes, more than he wanted an endless supply of free lavender scented body oils, and even more desperately than he wanted never to see Hevvin again in his life—he wanted Harv to catch his chin, tilt it up, and lean forward those last few inches that it would take to bring their lips… His stomach lurched with panic the instant he finished the thought. His body tensed, going straight and rigid as a board, and he jerked his hands to Harv's chest, meaning to push him away but never quite getting that far. "Finn?" "I—I-I think I'm…sick," Finn stuttered, and swallowed hard, because despite being only fourteen and relatively innocent to the various ways of the world, he knew that at least in some sense, what he wanted was very, very, very, very wrong, and the only logical explanation was that something was fundamentally wrong with him.  Maybe he'd been cursed?   Was it something he'd eaten?   No, he'd felt a lot like this around Harv before; the curse must have been placed on him long ago. Perhaps he ought to consult his mother? No, she'd probably make him drink some awful potion, or turn him into a frog…or turn Harv into a frog- "You do look a little flushed," Harv agreed, utterly oblivious to Finn's internal rant, his expression growing quickly concerned, and he lifted a hand to Finn's forehead; that didn't help.  At all. "Nnn…" Finn scrunched his eyes shut and for once in his life wanted to be as far away from Harv as possible.  What if Harv found out?  Oh, he'd hate him…he'd…probably never want to talk to him again, or even be near him.  He'd almost surely be disgusted, Finn realized, and his shoulders sank.  "I…think I should…" "You are a bit warm," Harv said, "…but not too bad.  Do you want me to drive you home?" 'Relax,' Finn chastised himself silently.  'He doesn't know…so just act normal, and this will probably pass.  I'll find a girl I like some day…and Harv and I can just be friends and…he won't ever have to…hate me.  Yeah.'  "Um…yeah," he said aloud.  "I don't feel so-" There was a loud creak, and a clatter, and shuffled scuffle of feet followed by another noisy clack behind them, and they both turned just in time to spot… …Emet, out of breath, visibly pink in the face even from a distance with her fingers practically clinging to the wall.  Clearly, this was an escape of some sort.  Then, she spotted them, and straightened immediately. "Hey!" she barked accusingly, as if they had barged in on her.  "What are you two doing out here?  This is garden is my hiding spot and you're…"  She frowned.  "Are you guys cuddling?" Finn tensed, eyes widening, and jerked back, giving enough of a shove to Harvey to ensure that he put a good foot or two of space between them as he snapped, "No!" instantly defensive.  "We're doing…normal…manly things…that aren't even a little bit girly

or…ungodly." Emet gave him an odd look.  "Uh…huh." "What are you doing?" Finn retorted by way of self defense.  It worked; Emet fidgeted. "Nothing!" she defended herself.  "You know…normal, manly things," she emphasized, and as Finn rolled his eyes, Harv sighed, the barest spark of irritation present. "Come on, Finn," he grumbled, catching Finn's hand to lead him off, "…let's go…" and as they departed, Finn might have wondered why Harv was irritated except for the Harv-was-holding-his-hand-willingly part, making him wonder if that was okay (because he really liked holding Harv's hand, and they had done that before after all, though usually never initiated by Harv as far as he remembered), but… Finn decided to let the debate go, too. Clearly, this whole situation would take a lot of thinking to work out to completion, but he didn't have to figure it all out tonight, and Harv's fingers felt nice in his, so he let them stay.  He could worry about everything else tomorrow. Or later. Or…never? Fin.

#Warrior U #WU Fanfic Archive #HarvFinn #little finnharv things #alt summary: you can't catch me gay thoughts